Name: Meltem Semizoglu
Website Link: www.meltemsem.etsy.com
Where are you located? Istanbul, Turkey
Tell us a bit about yourself: After 18 years of being a lawyer I have started beading as a hobby 5 years ago and I have been trained as a traditional jeweler for the last 3 years. Right now I continue my works with silver, gold and semi precious stones. I live in Istanbul with my husband, son and my cat.
When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I have been interested in crafting since my childhood because my mom used to be an artist also. I have started beading as a hobby 5 years ago. I have found the escape from the stress of being a lawyer with the colorful beads. After studying with beads for about 2 years, I have realized that it wasn’t enough for me to work with ready made materials. So I started to design my own works and learned to do metal work.
What do you make? Necklace, bracelet, ring, earrings, brooch are what I have been producing right now. I also want make hairclips, barrettes and bangles out of silver and gold.
What materials and methods do you use? Silver and gold plate, wires, semi precious stones, freshwater pearls
Where do your design inspirations come from? I am inspired from nature and environment. I also impress that I read a book, watch a movie.
What is your best working environment/where is your studio? My studio is where my old office used to be. But inspiration might come anywhere that’s why I have my sketch book with me all the time. I sketch anything that comes up to my mind.
Where can your products be seen? Etsy, Artfire, Blog, Ecrater
Who are you a fan of? Women from any age group who is elegant, stylish , has modern and classic style.
Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: My rose collection. It’s because it’s my favorite flower and I was impressed by a quote of the great Anatolian philosopher, mystic poet Mevlana “You consist of thought. The rest remaining is the flesh and bone. You become rose garden if you think of rose, you become thorn patch if you think of thorn”
Anything else you wish to add: I keep doing and learning this job I started 4 years ago with passion. When I was create a jewelry silver or gold, stones and tools accompany me on this exciting journey. I believe that this good spirit and energy is also recorded and stored in the jewelry and in its stone. You may feel this positive energy while having the jewelry on you. I believe that jewelry is a way to complete the dress and express a woman ideas. I hope you enjoy to wear my jewelry.
9 Comments
April 22, 2009 at 9:04 am
Her work is awesome, it is always a pleasure to see what she will come up with next!
April 22, 2009 at 9:04 am
Thank you so much! It was very interesting to read
April 22, 2009 at 9:09 am
She is a great artist and I love her all designs
April 22, 2009 at 9:10 am
oooh, you make beautiful designs, so interesting to read about your passion!
April 22, 2009 at 9:15 am
She really have a chic taste . Love her work and wish her the best….
April 22, 2009 at 9:15 am
Meltem designs are always very chic and stylish. She is one of my favie jewelers.
Great feature and thanks for sharing with us!
April 22, 2009 at 9:43 am
I just love Meltem’s Work, specially fund of the Rose collection. Her jewelery is absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST crafts(wo)men ship that I have seen. I highly recommend this artisan and her collections.
April 22, 2009 at 11:37 am
Meltem is one of the best jewelers on Etsy and in Turkey. Please note that. She is a great artist. I ma very proud of her! Go, meltem!
April 22, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Great work. I particularly like the first ring in this page! Nice interview!