So look for this new feature, and look for me on Etsy, too, under lollieshopping. Let’s join each other’s Circles!

LS: You describe yourself as a self-taught designer. Can you explain more what you mean by that?
AW: I started just by reconstructing band t-shirts in junior high. Then my mom bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I started learning from tutorials on websites like craftster.org and reading sewing books. I did eventually take one sewing class at a community college.

LS: What inspired you to get into designing?
AW: Just wanting to wear something different from everyone else. The largest quantity I’ve ever made of the same thing is five.

LS: Describe ways that it’s more challenging to get into design when you are self-taught, as opposed to those who go to school to study it.
AW: When you are self-taught, you have to do everything else yourself, too, if you want to make it a career. Someone with a degree could get a job designing for an existing company. I’m trying to start my own, which is definitely more challenging.

LS: In general, what inspires you? What is the inspiration behind your current line?
AW: Fabric inspires me. I usually go to the fashion district in LA to get fabric. I’ll see something and instantly have ideas of what I want to make with it. My collection right now is very fall/nerdy chic.

LS: What advice do you have for those who want to go into fashion design?
AW: Be patient and don’t give up!

LS: Where would you like to see yourself and your line five years from now?
AW: Everywhere!

LS: I’m on a mission to prove that fashion DOES exist in Las Vegas. What do you think about the Vegas fashion, style and shopping scene and do you have any advice for me as I try to put us on the fashion map?
AW: I think Vegas has a lot of potential. I’m still new here, but I love seeing that First Fridays and little boutiques like the Gypsy Den exist here.

Purchase Makeshift Apparel fashion at www.makeshiftapparel.etsy.com.

I first discovered Edwards at a First Friday event. Her jewelry caught my eye because her pieces are so unique. The designs are very earthy and organic while maintaining a very modern and feminine style. While Edwards’ pieces have a certain Boho sense to them (many of her pieces are re-purposed and eco-friendly), they’re not what I would label as “granola.” Hey, I’m all for saving the earth, but I don’t hug trees and wear Birkenstocks. So while I can appreciate upcycled fashion, I certainly want to remain chic. And I can do that as I wear jewelery from Ashleigh Edwards Designs.

Edwards describes her line as “global glamour.” She finds the process of jewelry design to be therapeutic. And while Edwards has been designing for over six years, influenced by her mother’s passion and her father’s insistence that she can accomplish anything, she has been selling her pieces in Las Vegas for just the past three months. “I can’t keep up,” says Edwards. “I didn’t expect for it to be like this in just three months,” she adds, referring to the momentum of her sales.

“I was thrilled to have Ashleigh join us,” says Gaia Flowers Head of Marketing Heidi Kyser. “I like that fact that she has some pieces that are upcycled and repurposed. That’s a big part of Gaia, being eco-friendly.”

Prices are comfortably affordable, with some necklaces priced as low as $20. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind, but they all look beautiful when layered together. So when purchasing an Ashleigh Edwards Designs piece, considering purchasing two or three at a time for a hip, fashionable layered look.

Edwards will have a booth where she will be selling her jewelry at this coming First Friday, which is this Friday. Look for her near The Gypsy Den at 213 East Colorado on August 6 between 6 pm and 9 pm. During First Friday, visit Gaia Flowers at 4 East Charleston, where you can find an Ashleigh Edwards Designs collection sold exclusively at this shop. If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, visit Edwards’ Etsy boutique at www.etsy.com/shop/Ashleighedwards.

WIN ASHLEIGH EDWARDS DESIGNS
You can win this fabulous braided bracelet with a floral design. Wear now or in the Fall. Just leave a comment below letting me know what you think of Ashleigh Edwards Designs or tweet me at www.twitter.com/lollieshopping.  Receive one entry for a blog post comment and an additional entry for a Twitter reply, for a limit of two entries per person. Giveaway offer ends August 31, 2010.

Other Jewelry Designs from Ashleigh Edwards Designs:

This piece is my favorite. I tried it on, and it felt so good, laying flat against my neck. The stones felt so cool and comforting.

These two necklaces are sold separately, but look how great they look layered.

I adore these earrings Ashleigh Edwards gave me as a "thank you" for this blog post. I wear them all the time and I find women staring.

The artist Ashleigh Edwards wearing one of her own designs.

Now that I’m growing my hair out, I may have to get these vintage hair combs for myself. $10.

I love modern and contemporary design. This art glass would look great in my home. $39.

My absolute favorite pick is this luxurious vintage alligator clutch from the 1930s. Isn’t is just yummy? $295.