Thursday Feature – Finding Starlight

Today we are getting to know Sarah from Finding Starlight, an Etsy shop featuring a wonderful selection of handmade earrings and crocheted headbands.  I especially love Sarah’s headbands as they make a wonderful and versatile accessory!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop. 

I first started crafting as a young girl. My mother was the one who first put a crochet hook in my hand and who bought me my first beading kit. I was seven years old when my mom taught me how to crochet, and I fell in love with it right away. My first ever project was a scarf. My mother taught me how to create my own patterns. She always says, “Why use someone else’s pattern when you can make your own?” When I was nine, she bought me my first “grown-up” beading kit, and I suddenly had a new and wonderful hobby. I spent my time creating bracelets and earrings for everyone I knew. Ever since then, crafting has been a passion of mine.

Many years later, I’m now a poor college student who does this in my spare time to try to make some extra money for necessities. But first and foremost, I do this because I love it. I love having a way to express my creativity. When I first discovered Etsy, I was so excited because up until then I had just been making things for my loved ones. But to have an opportunity to share my passion with the world is truly thrilling.

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

My favorite piece in my shop would have to be my “Something Blue Earrings.” When I look at them I instantly think of walking down a beach on a partly cloudy day (my favorite kind of day). It’s like I can almost feel the mist of the ocean on my skin and the wind blowing my hair in my face. When I was making them, the inspiration for them all started with the ear wires. I loved the seashells on them so much and I knew I had to make something with those. I’ve seriously considered on more than one occasion taking them down and keeping them for myself.

3. What is it that makes your shop unique?

I specialize in making quality handmade jewelry and accessories. But I also do my best to make them affordable as well. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a poor college student, so I understand wanting to be able to buy nice things for myself and as gifts, but not wanting to spend too much. So in addition to trying to keep my prices low, I frequently have coupons also.

I put my whole heart and soul into everything I make. And I never put something up for sale unless it’s something I would proudly wear myself. Also, in most of my listings, I put a quote in the description. And I do that because before I started selling on Etsy, I saw a listing once where someone did that. And it made me smile. And I started thinking that if I smiled from seeing that, then maybe other people do also. So when I opened my shop I started putting quotes in my descriptions as well. Because that’s who I am: I’m the girl who likes to make people smile.

4. What’s next in the pipeline?

Hopefully this summer you’ll start to see some brand new products in my shop. I really want to expand my crochet line that I have. So hopefully soon you’ll start seeing some new headband designs, some scarves, and some crochet flower hair clips.

5. Tell us something about you or your shop that you haven’t previously shared!

I’m going to let you all in on a secret. I’m going to tell you the meaning behind my shop name: Finding Starlight. To me, stars represent something beautiful that seems so close – like if we just reach out a little bit further we could touch them – but when in fact they’re far away. So to me, stars are sort of a metaphor for life. We’re always searching for something. Whether it’s love, friendship, a new career; we’re always on a journey to some sort of end goal. And that’s what Finding Starlight is all about. It’s about that beautiful journey we’re all on to make our dreams our reality. It’s about finding the starlight.

6. And finally, let us know where we can find you.

You can find me on my Etsy shop page at www.FindingStarlight.etsy.com. Or on my Facebook page where you can be the first to hear about coupons, sales, and giveaways! www.facebook.com/FindingStarlight

Sarah has also kindly offered The Candy Tree readers an exclusive 10% off coupon!  Simply use coupon code 10FORSPRING13 at checkout!

Thanks for sharing your shop with us, Sarah – I especially love your explanation of where your shop name came from!  Also, I’ve never been able to master crochet and I just adore your designs – I can’t wait to see your new products!

Thursday Feature – ForEva Designs

Another week, another Etsy shop feature!  This week I bring you Jacqui from ForEva Designs, a shop full of unique handmade modern jewellery.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop. 

Hi everyone, my name is Jacqui. I currently live near the beach in Hilton Head Island with my fiancee and our two cats. I am the mother of one, a wonderfully artistic daughter, Eva. I, myself have always dabbled in art, even attended a fine arts school for my drawing and painting skills, it was not until I had my daughter that I started experimenting with making jewelry and found my true artistic outlet. For years I made jewelry to give as gifts to family members and friends.With a little push and the full support from my fiancee, family and friends, my business ForEva Designs was born.

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

I do not exactly have a favorite piece, I have a favorite design, the sun I designed when I took Metal Smithing classes in college. I have since perfected the design and incorporate it in many of my pieces both in copper and silver. Though I do enjoy creating other designs as well, the sun remains my favorite.

3. What is it that makes your shop unique?

My shop is unique because everything is designed and created by my own hand using the best materials available. Many of my pieces are one of a kind, a person can be confident in knowing that when they purchase one of my original jewelry designs, they will not run into someone wearing one just like it.

4. What’s next in the pipeline?

As my shop is still fairly new, I am still working on implementing my full marketing plan to get the word out there about my jewelry as well as continuing to come up with new designs and jewelry pieces. Once my shop is established, I will look into opening another shop on Etsy that features a different style of jewelry than what can currently be found in my shop.

5. Tell us something about you or your shop that you haven’t previously shared!

My shop ForEva Designs, is actually named after both my daughter and Mother. They have always been big supporters and creative sounding boards for me, that when I was brainstorming on what my business should be called, it just seemed natural to name it after them.

6. And finally, let us know where we can find you.

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ForEvaDesigns
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForEvaDesigns
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ForEvaDesigns
Wanelo: www.wanelo.com/jacquih
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/forevadesigns/

Jacqui is currently running a 10% OFF promotion and is kindly sharing it with The Candy Tree readers.  Just enter Promo Code: FOREVA at checkout. There is always Free Shipping on all US orders.

Thanks for sharing with us Jacqui, you have some truly unique designs and I know you will find lots of success!

Etsy Love – Tanuki Jewelry

Today I am finding out about Vanessa O from Tanuki Jewelry, who sells simple and unique handmade jewellery for everyday wear.  I especially love Vanessa’s raw amethyst pendants, but maybe I’m biased because amethyst is my birthstone!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop. 

I’m from Vancouver, but also spent a year and a half in Dublin and London, and Tokyo for 7 years. I now live in New York, and am inspired by pretty things I see that may be simple or go unnoticed. I also have a love for photography, and hope that I can capture interesting things in unassuming places.

I have always loved crafts and everything DIY, and I think the look of something being handmade is such a special thing. I had always wanted to learn how to make jewelry classes, and New York had so many options available to me. I started with wax carving and soldering, and the birth of Tanuki Jewelry arrived!

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

While I would love to say all my pieces are my favorite pieces, I think my favorite piece is my stud row ring. It is simple enough to wear everyday, isn’t too dainty, and makes a statement without being overly designed. I hope that all my pieces come across this way. I don’t think jewelry needs to be loud to get noticed, and unique simplicity can go a long way.

3. What is it that makes your shop unique?

I genuinely put in 110% effort into every piece I make. I like to think that every piece I make is something that I see worth wearing, and something, that if I wanted to, could be worn everyday whether traveling, at play, or at the office. I think my pieces are unique, simple and edgy pieces that are hard to find.

4. What’s next in the pipeline?

Some people may want the look of sturdy looking pieces at a lower price point. I am currently in the works of making brass items. Stay on the lookout for my new items!

5. Tell us something about you or your shop that you haven’t previously shared!

The name of my shop comes from the Japanese raccoon dog, a mischievous and jolly animal that is shapeshifting.

I am offering free shipping to customers within the US and Canada up until February 14th, 2013. Convo me if you see any pieces (in the store or sold) that you would like to see in different sizes, or metals.

6. And finally, let us know where we can find you.

Etsy Shop: tanukijewelry.etsy.com

Thanks for sharing Vanessa!  Don’t forget to check out Vanessa’s shop – US and Canadian customers will have no postage to pay on orders placed before Valentine’s Day!

Etsy Love – JanJat

Today I caught up with Catherine from Janjat Jewellery who sells eyeglass chains and handmade jewellery including jewellery made using sea glass.  The soft, natural tones of Catherine’s shop have a very calming effect as you browse, and as a nature lover I especially love the sea glass pieces – each pendant is unique and one of a kind!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop. 

I started creating jewelry for fun and for myself. Over time my jewelry collection grew to the point of being ridiculous and all my friends/family were enjoying my work so much that I thought about selling my pieces. To be honest I didn’t know where to start until a friend mentioned Etsy. To me it seemed less frightening than approaching stores so I made the jump with a lot of support from my family.

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

My gemstone stack necklaces have to be one of my favorite pieces. I remember seeing the stones in a store and they just jumped into my hand. I love the soft, pastel colors of the gemstones and they have a lovely sparkle. Also, unlike many stones that are faceted or even rough cut these stones are polished soft which makes them fabulous to handle and fiddle with when you are wearing them. I enjoy the tactile nature and the simple elegance of these pieces.

3. What is it that makes your shop unique?

My store is unique because I refuse to do just one thing! I can see the beauty in very simple, minimalist pieces but I also love bright, bold jewelry so I make both. Also, I am fortunate to live near a beach which offers an endless supply of sea glass that I love working with and creating absolutely one of a kind pieces from.

4. What’s next in the pipeline?

Next in the pipeline… Well, if I had to pick something it would be gemstone earrings and sea glass earrings. I need to hone my skills to wire wrap smaller pieces and I’m really excited for this next adventure.

5. Tell us something about you or your shop that you haven’t previously shared!

I think the best part of my business is when I receive custom orders. I really enjoy working with a customer, getting to know them and creating something for them that is just perfect. I have been very fortunate to work with some absolutely fabulous people and it makes the finished jewelry piece much more memorable to both the client and I.

6. And finally, let us know where we can find you.

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/JanJat
Facebook: www.facebook.com/janjatjewelry
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/janjatjewelry
Pinterest: pinterest.com/janjatjewelry/

Thanks for sharing with us Catherine – it must be wonderful to be able to wander along the beach and pick up supplies for your craft at the same time!  I wonder if the feeling of serenity I get from your shop is from the calming influence of your surroundings.