I'm a jewelry-maker living in Austin, TX; I'd like to say it's my full-time job, but alas, I'm struggling just like everyone else. But it helps that I happen to work at a bead store, and that I've had years of experience working for a couple of different local designers: Anthony Nak and Tracy Tenpenny.

I'm inspired by a variety of things: ancient cultures and mythology, Victorian/Goth fashions and burlesque troupes, medieval and Renaissance costumes, and anything else that strikes my fancy.

I often encourage friends of mine to model for me, so you'll probably see a lot of the same faces in my gallery. They include my friend and fellow jewelry-maker, Leah Smoot (who has her own Etsy page: VelocityRaeDesigns.etsy.com), as well as a co-worker at the bead store, Alena Armstrong, and then various local models and actresses: Jennifer Blair, Catherine Burke, Stacey Glazer, Christine Hall, Lily Parrish, Keli Wolfe, and Big Star Burlesque member, "Sugar Von Tassel." Even my Mom has modeled for me!

Most of the time, I take my own photos, but a couple of friends/photographers have been kind enough to shoot some of my stuff and have given me permission to post them online; in which case, I give them due credit: Jessica Cargill and Harris O'Malley.

Check out the links below for more information:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/astraeadesigns

Blog: astraeadesigns.blogspot.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/astraeadesigns

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/astraeadesigns