AntinaArt "handmade creations that matter"

Recently I attended a ladies craft night hosted by a sweet friend. Crafting at my table was the lovely Christina Ryan, a Nashville 3^rd grade teacher and owner of AntinaArt. Christina runs the company as a team with her husband Anthony, who takes care of all the computer related elements to the business. Christina handcrafts beautiful and charming family jewelry that easily has all the qualities to become heirloom pieces known as AntinaArt. What I found most appealing about these homespun family nest necklaces are that each piece is uniquely crafted to fit your own little treasured family. The necklaces are custom designed and lovingly made to celebrate you and what you hold dear. AntinaArt has a large selection of budget friendly, handcrafted jewelry on their Etsy shop that opened in March of 2012. The family nest necklaces make the perfect gift for so many celebrated occasions Mothers Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers or just a simple I love gift! I love a personalized handcrafted piece of jewelry. Actually, I loved Christina’s Jewelry so much that I ordered my very own with five little family eggs surrounded perfecting by a copper nest. So, I can vouch for the suburb customer service, speedy delivery, and products that are now one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

A Small Selection Of AntinaArt Bird Nest Jewelry

Christina was sweet enough to let me interview her about her jewelry and inspirations behind the business. Take a peek inside AntinaArt with the answers that Christina delivers. Oh and a little tip before we get started with the interview if you visit her etsy shop there is a free shipping code if you order before Mothers Day! Hint Hint!!! Better Hurry! Just click AntinaArt anywhere in the blog for a direct link to her shop.

My Sweet Family Nest Christina Custom Made for Me in the Copper

Interview with AntinaArt’s Christina Ryan

Q: First off you are obliviously very talented. How did you discover the art of jewelry making?

A: I have always loved doing crafty type things, but honestly, always kind of stunk at creating things but tried none the less. So, one day I had some teacher friends over for a craft night and we decided to try to make a pendant “nest” from wire and I kind of had a knack for it. While we sat there messing with wire and drinking wine I actually said “wouldn’t it be so fun to just sit at home and make jewelry all day” (and drink wine, of course) and they all thought I was crazy.  So the next day I went out and bought a bunch of supplies and practiced making anything I could from the wire. After about 20 tries and several “how to” YOUTUBE videos, I created the perfect little “nest” necklace. I made one for my sister and several friends and realized that they were a hit.

Q: You and your husband run the business as a team correct? What roles does each of you play?

A: When we started our little business a few months ago, we knew we wanted to do it together. We are a team in all that we do and this was no different. We are VERY different in almost every aspect. Anthony is a computer nerd so he takes care of all the shipping details, website design and any other computer or number related thing. I make jewelry. J

Q: I noticed have several unique jewelry pieces in your shop. Is the bird nest jewelry the most popular?

A: I have always loved birds. I have a little birdie (peace dove) tattoo on my foot and love the freedom they represent. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? This just reminds me of the trust they have and free spirited, worry free lives they lead. I try to remember to live my life the same way.

Q: The name of your Etsy shop is AntinaArt tell us about the name and where it originated from?

A: Well, my husbands name is Anthony and mine is Christina, so we married the two to get Antina then we just thought Art sounded cool at the end of it.

Q: What or where do you draw the most inspiration from?

A: My obsession with birds really helps. Haha.

Q: Have you been surprised by the response to your jewelry?

A: YES! I had no idea that so many people would love the jewelry as much as I do. Our long term goal is to use the proceeds from our jewelry business to adopt or conceive a baby. We have prayed that God would make a way for us in this area, and I think AntinaArt is a part of His answer. J

Q: What do you want your costumers to know more than anything else?

A: One thing that I want our customers to know is that the piece of jewelry that they order is all about them and their family so we want them to be a part of the whole process and any special requests or ideas they have we will create on their behalf.

Q: I personally love your shops motto “handmade creations that matter”. Can you explain a little more about that and what it means to you?

A: I feel like our jewelry isn’t just something pretty that you throw on to match your outfit that day. Instead it represents your family or grandchildren or something sentimental and symbolic to you. Almost all of our customers order our jewelry for a deeper meaning, whether it is for a wedding gift, a mommy gift or something special they can keep on them throughout the day to represent their children and family.

Q: What is your favorite jewelry creation to date?

A: My favorite piece would have to be the nest necklace that has the mommy, daddy and babies all wrapped up in a nest. I love that it represents the whole family (even the daddy)!

Q: How are some of the ways people are can order or find jewelry?

A: All of our jewelry is displayed on our etsy store just click here on AntinaArt

You can also click here to  find AntinaArt on facebook!