Hi! Thanks for stopping by. Here's a little bit of info as to how I got started in this wonderfully creative business of jewelry making. I love it because it's always been so flexible being able to control my schedule, and it fulfills my overwhelming need for creativity!
My studio workspace has changed a lot over the years. We've been in four different houses and each one offered a different sized space. My first was in a tiny breakfast room off of the kitchen in a darling little house built in 1927. Everything was kept in little boxes and cases because there was not a lot of space to spread out. I only sold jewelry to friends back then as I had one baby to take care of.
Our next house was quite large with lots of space in the Master bedroom. I set up shop in there. Still on a small scale though, since I had 3 very small boys and not a lot of time to do anything but chase them.
The third house had seven bedrooms and I had one all to myself. Woohoo! That's when I really started having fun. Because of course, more space = more supplies. I started expanding and I was getting so much business that I started having jewelry parties at the requests of my friends. But then it started to get a little overwhelming when all three kids were into sports. Time to pare back.
In our current house, we turned the dining room into an office. Three desks for three boys and now I have a ten foot wall full of Elfa shelving that my best friend gave me when she moved to a different house. It goes all the way to the ceiling. I have to say, vertical is definitely the way to go. Of course, there are still worktables and rolling carts stuffed in as well.
I've pared down to making more specific types of jewelry. Instead of everything my "creatively crazy" mind comes up with, I try to stick to a few types. My Family Tree and Birthstone jewelry that I sell here on Etsy and a rotating seasonal mix that I sell through local shops and salons.
The one thing that I love the most about my business is being able to create personalized jewelry for my customers. Since I don't work in the "Real World" anymore, I miss that contact I had being around lots of people. Designing jewelry with someone can be a very personal experience. I learn a little bit about my customers when we work together on a piece of jewelry that is special to them.
I have many people who come back to order other pieces for their friends and family. Sometimes, it's the same style of necklace going to five different sisters, or a bunch of friends celebrating a mile-stone birthday. I've also had many orders for matching bridesmaid jewelry that is special just between them and the bride.
There are so many different ways to think of personalized jewelry as a gift from your heart when you take the time to have it specially made.
I think that is what people are looking for now. Why get a mass-produced piece of jewelry as a gift when you can have a little piece of art created just for you? Now that's special.
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