At Artfire, our focus is on the artisans that make up our site. To celebrate our growing community, we have decided to feature a special spotlight dedicated to one of very first members and verified Artisans, Mischelle Martell. Mischelle works on a column for Art Daily, and was kind enough to agree to an interview.

Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

Although my name is Mischelle Martell, I've been known and referred to for the past 33 years as "Mzz Thang". My husband Larry, is the most caring, hard working, honest and sexy man in the world (sorry ladies, but it's true -- and he's taken!). Larry and I have 4 adults (as they hate being called "children"), two grand children, and one grandchild on the way! :)

When did you start crafting?

I began making jewelry a little over a year ago. My mother had worn-thin and broken the engagement ring out of her set, and didn't want to spend a fortune trying to repair it. Here I was, trying to create as best as I could, a new ring that would complement the antique 1931 wedding ring that my grandmother had once worn, and that my father had placed on my motherÂ’s finger 53 years ago. I purchased a new setting and several tiny diamonds -- carefully hand setting each one. That small accomplishment and the look in my motherÂ’s eyes when my father presented her with it, was the beginning of a new life for me.

How did you come to selling your crafts with us?

Growing up, I had always been encompassed in the arts -- in fact I had spent 12 years as a graphic designer and 32 years as a professional musician prior to my development in designing jewelry. But due to becoming disabled, I was no longer able to play live music and I became "unemployable" to the general work world as well; So I decided that if I was going to have to stay home, I'd set up a studio so I could enjoy crafting.

I found Artfire online, and although I already have a website, I thought that the concept was fantastic; a community for artists to showcase their work, as well as a centralized "shopping mall" for the buyer. With all of the features available on this site, I can't imagine anyone not wanting to be a part of this community!

What Inspires You to create art?

Inspiration comes in many forms for me. The melody of a song, the look on a person face, something someone says, a stroll on the beach, or seeing an elderly couple who still hold hands and are still so very much in love -- even after 53 years of marriage.

Can you give any advice for aspiring artisans?

The best advice anyone has ever given me is not to get caught up in only one vein. Look at the world with your heart. Find the beauty in the ugliest of things. Let your imagination be your guide.

You don't have to be a professional artist to produce beautiful art.