Spotlight On: Debbie Di Justo of Crafty Moose

First up in our Spotlight On series is Debbie DiJusto from Crafty Moose.    Dee/Willow Glass has known Debbie for decades back from when they were following the same craft show circuit in the beautiful lower Hudson Valley region of New York.   It was pure serendipity that connected them again on Etsy (at Studio Synergy, we're big on serendipity :)  and hope you enjoy a glimpse into her creative life!

How did you get your start and when did you first become interested in your craft?

When I was young, my Mom used to take me to our local hobby store & let me pick out something to make.  She bought me my first beaded flower making kit and I have made french beaded flowers off and on (now mostly on) since then. I have tried most crafts and still enjoy most as well as painting.

Describe your work process to us.

Seed beads are strung on wire, each individual flower component is formed, and then put together to make flowers and arrangements.

What do you like best about what you do?

I never tire of seeing beads turned into works of art. I have many more ideas than there are hours in a day. I wake up early thinking of my next project.

What do you find most challenging about your work?

Forcing myself to step away from the beads occasionally so I don't "wear out" my hands! This also helps keep my ideas fresh.  I also find it very hard to promote myself or toot my own horn. It is hard for me to feel comfortable calling myself an artist.

What inspires you? How are your inspirations expressed in your work?

Mother Nature inspires me most. I try to present my flowers in fun and sometimes unusual ways.  I also love to travel & am always picking up new ideas.

What are your 3 favorite things in your studio?

My huge supply of beads, my Bose CD/Radio, and many pieces of art that were made by other artists.

Tell us 3 things that no one would ever guess about you.

A beaded creation by Debbie Di Justo

I'm basically a shy person.  I have a hard time parting with anything I make. Yes, this is going to sound like a contradiction to my last comment, but...I love thinking about all the places where my art is being enjoyed.

Where can we see your work?
 
My Etsy Shop - http://craftymoose.etsy.com
My Website -  http://craftymoose.weebly.com is just up and still a work in progress!

Debbie Di Justo AKA Crafty Moose

Debbie's Workspace