I have been following the creation over at Heavy Metalz for about a year now. I have been tempted by several of these amazing pieces, but the timing wasn’t right… until a month or so ago I purchased my first piece and haven’t looked back. I like pieces like this because they are handmade and more unique then the main stream pieces. I have also added on of their purse charms to my collection.
I thought it would be nice for you all to learn a little about Amanda and share with you all her amazing creations. Hope you enjoy the interview. At the bottom you will find a generous discount code (GOOD UNTIL 8/31/15) and a chance to win an amazing Mickey Ballon necklace created by Amanda.
Jill: When did you start Heavy Metalz Studio?
Amanda: Heavy Metalz was born after I became a mom. I traded my position as an elementary school teacher for being a stay-at-home mom after I had my first son. My teacher friends teased me that I would not be able to sit still. I assured them that they were wrong. However, as I settled into being a mommy, I realized I could begin working on some crafty projects again. I experimented with several different styles of jewelry before I settled on hand-stamping sterling silver. In the summer of 2008, we had a booth at an antique & craft market selling other items that my husband and I made. Once I took my jewelry to our booth, we phased out all other items. Within just a few months, I was busy enough making my jewelry to realize that I could secure my position at home as a work-from-home-mommy.
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Jill: I know you sell on FB do you sell anywhere else? Where can we find you?
Amanda: I began my ETSY shop in 2008 and you can find me there at: www.heavymetalzstudio.etsy.com
I also have a stand-alone website which you can view here: www.heavymetalz.com
My Facebook page is Heavy Metalz Studio.
I also can be found on Instagram @heavymetalz.
I recently started a Twitter account, but I need a little more time to figure it out. (You can help me by following me there, pretty please.) @1HeavyMetalz
I love interacting with my followers and fans.
Jill: Do you mostly create Disney themed pieces?
Amanda: I started out mainly creating personalized jewelry for moms, but my line of jewelry has expanded to include many styles and techniques since the beginning. Disney inspired jewelry is one of my favorite themes to create since I’ve had a great love for Disney since I was a small child. Because of my love of Disney, I do have a large collection of Disney inspired jewelry. Inspiration can be found everywhere!
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Jill: What was the craziest piece you ever made?
Amanda: One of the craziest pieces that I was requested to make I was certain was a joke. I received an email requesting me to make a custom pendant including this: Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. After looking it up, I realized it was a genuine request and after I made the first order for her, she came back and ordered more. Side note I grew up going to this lake and locals call it Webster Lake, but growing up we would challenge each other to say and spell it.
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Jill: Do you have a favorite piece?
Amanda: My favorite piece of jewelry I make is ever-changing. My personal favorites at this time are my Mickey Balloon pendants and the Mermaid Tale pendant that I cut and saw by hand. I’m also in love with my new wax seal style letter pendants with the mermaid scales on the back (because it reminds me of Ariel, of course).
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Jill: I think your quality is amazing. What are the different metal options you have?
Amanda: Once I started making jewelry, I would constantly critique what I could do to make it better. My first materials were much thinner than what I use now. As I wanted to upgrade to thicker pieces, it was more difficult to find my supplies. At that point, I planned with my husband to get set up to make our own blanks in shapes and thicknesses that I needed. This allowed me to offer a higher quality of handmade jewelry and the name Heavy Metalz was stamped in silver. My favorite metal is sterling silver, but I also make pieces in 14K gold, fine silver, gold filled, copper, brass, nickel silver, pewter and aluminum.
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Jill: What types of pieces do you have? (I know I have seen necklaces, bracelets, and key rings-but I would like you to describe for the readers)
Amanda: Necklaces are one of the most popular styles I offer. Several different styles of bracelets are available, such as bangle bracelets, charm bracelets and cuff bracelets. Recently I have started making adjustable sterling silver rings. I also make keychains. Some of my favorite keychains are the matching sets, such as my new copper Matching Mickey keychains that are personalized as you wish. I’ve also made golf ball markers, book markers and pocket tokens. Recently someone purchased one of my Star Wars inspired charms to use as a charm for her wedding bouquet.
Disney Inspired purse charms are quite a hot commodity at this time as well and they are a fun way to add some sparkle to your Disney bags. Personalized Christmas ornaments are another favorite item I enjoy creating. We took our first Disney cruise earlier this year, so people in our fish extender group were gifted personalized keychains, necklaces, bracelets and custom Christmas ornaments. It was so fun to share my Disney inspired items by “pixie dusting” many of the cast members on the Disney Dream as well.
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Jill: What future pieces can we see from you?
Amanda: Many great ideas come from my customers. So I look forward to making more new personalized pieces this year. I’m also creating some items to get a head start on the Christmas season this year so keep an eye open for new ornaments soon. I always have a wish list of Disney inspired items that my friends, family and fans request.
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Jill: Do you accept custom orders?
Amanda: Pretty much any item in my shop can be personalized for each buyer. I am always happy to accept custom orders. It’s also fun to help people come up with great ideas help make them happen. The possibilities are endless so if there is something you cannot find in my shop, just ask. It is very likely that I can create something special just for you!
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Jill: How long does it take you to make an average piece?
Amanda: Most of the pieces that I make require multiple steps and processes. When I receive an order, planning is the first step. Blanks must be made and prepared, which can be many steps just to get started. Some techniques must be completed in phases over several days before they are ready to move to the next step. Buyers can generally expect to receive their completed order within 1-2 weeks, earlier whenever possible. I love being able to offer something authentically handmade to my customers and I personally believe that is what intrigues many people and keeps them coming back again after their first purchase
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Jill: What is your favorite Disney park?
Amanda: My favorite Disney park is the Magic Kingdom. It is the first Disney park I had the privilege of knowing and also since my children are still little it is where we have the most fun as a family.
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Jill: Who is your favorite character?
Amanda: My favorite character is Mickey Mouse, but I also love Mary Poppins and Ariel.
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Jill: What is your favorite attraction?
Amanda: It is difficult to choose ONE favorite attraction. At the Magic Kingdom, my favorites are The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. My favorite attraction of ALL the Disney parks is definitely Toy Story Mania.
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Jill: Anything else you would like to tell the readers?
Amanda: I’m so thankful for my family, friends, and all of my customers and fans that have encouraged and supported me through my creative journey.
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Amanda has kindly agreed to give one of our lucky readers a Mickey Balloon Necklace. As seen here. Please use the rafflecopter below to enter and it will be a random selection. She has also agreed to offer 20% off orders of $25 or more using DDL20 through August 31, 2015 code on both of her websites (www.heavymetalz.com and her etsy shop as well at heavymetalzstudio.etsy.com). Thanks for reading and go visit Heavy Metalz and treat yourself. I promise you won’t regret it.
My name Jill Laperle. My first trip to Disney was way back in 1978. I still remember the first glimpse of the Magic Kingdom with my parents. I even still have some of those unused original tickets buried in a box.
I met and married my Prince Charming (Jeff) and we have 2 Princes (Riley and Aidan). Mickey and Minnie were kind enough to pop in at our wedding (thanks to our parents) and we had an amazing Disney honeymoon. Both of the boys had their first haircuts at the Main Street Barber Shop when they were a year old. In 2009 we became proud DVC owners at Baylake Tower. I have graduated from the College of Disney Knowledge and keep up with that training just to help people plan trips. I made it to the second round for Moms Panel after years of applying. I will keep trying knowing one of these years it will be my turn. I was a beta tester for Disney InsidEARS. I may have a small obsession with Disney Dooney and Harvey Seatbelt bags. I also love collecting Disney iPhone cases, Chamilia beads and other jewelry finds. I am always showing a Disney Side in a small way. Anything else you would like to know just ask.
NDM #117
What a wonderful interview of Amanda! I love her work, especially the Mickey head balloon bracelet that she made just for me at my request 😉
I love how her Disney inspired pieces have a sophisticated feel and aren’t too kiddie. I think my favorite is the To Infinity and Beyond necklace.
What a great interview Amanda! I really liked the Star Wars pieces that were made.
Those are very cool pieces, I agree! Good luck, Jamie – may the force be with you 🙂
To Infinity & Beyond is adorable! Best of luck to you, Kimberly!
That is so awesome that you already own a custom piece! Good luck, Denedriane!
Handmade rocks (from one Etsy seller to another)! Oooh, it’s a toss up between the Sorcerer hat necklace and the Mouse Ears…love them all!