Meet Max (aka Maxine Forward) of whimsyfish, this week's Etsy Twitter Team's Shop of the Week!
Max says "I like the season changes. They remind me to mix things up a bit." And so inventory shows! She creates beautiful jewelry and knitted goods. Her jewelry, both beaded and strung, often from repurposed/recycled objects". "I love to use found objects and am constantly lurking around flea markets and antique shops. " As she lives in New England, that provides her ample opportunity for antiquing!
Her interests extend beyond recycling. I asked her what she would do if she won $1 million and had to give it away; her response, "I would give every penny...to the Nature Conservancy"
She's adept with knitting needles, too, offering a variety of scarves made from the highest quality yarns. She also is very talented with teeny knitting needles, making tiny sweaters and mittens for Christmas tree ornaments!
She says, "My most influential teacher was the immensely talented John Grillo who I had as a painting instructor at UMass all those years ago. He was a sharp critic, but always kind and very generous with his time. I love geometric designs and he helped me develop in the direction. I also want to give a big shout out to the wonderful ladies at my local knitting group. They have really helped me to become a better knitter." She also may be influenced by some of her favorite artists: Botticelli and VanGogh. "I love lots of color!," she says.
Another influence might be travel. Max once took a trip to the Soviet Union for three weeks. "Best thing I saw there - the fantastic Saint Basil's Cathedral in Red Square. You know - the one with the onion domes! It was a pure delight."
Currently 1/3 off the normal price.
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Keep in contact with whimsyfish via
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/whimsyfish
Blog: www.whimsyfish.com
Twitter: @whimsy_fish
Whimsyfish ships internationally. "Some of my jewelry is in the UK right now!"
