Introducing a new full feature I will be doing on etsy sellers! A feature complete will a full interview. :) My first feature is Lorelei from Handmade Jewelry by Lorelei. Check out our interview below!Please tell us a little bit more about the artist behind Handmade Jewelry by Lorelei? I am a thirty something, married with one cat, tall but not so thin, creative and busy, beader who is addicted to all things beads. No, seriously. I can't surf etsy without finding some cool new handmade bead that I just gotta have. It's a real sickness. I work full time in an art museum in Upstate NY. My jewelry designs are created in the evenings between dinner and bedtime, needless to say- I don't hang out with said husband often enough. I do try to make up for it on the weekends by doing fun non-beady things- we enjoy going antiquing, or working in the flower gardens, and cooking is always a fun project together.
When did you first discover jewelry design and when did you first start selling on Etsy? At Christmas, of 2006, I decided I wanted to try to create my own gifts. I picked up a Stringing magazine, and taught myself all of basic techniques. I created so much jewelry and was blowing money on beads left and right that my husband suggested I try selling some of it so that I could support my own bead purchases. I found Etsy in February, signed up the same day, and started selling a few months later in July.
What are your favorite materials to work with? There are SO many, but definitely Art Beads of any type. Then broken down into categories it would be, Ceramics, Lampwork glass, wood, Mixed media, Chain, metal, Polyclay, and all natural beads like seeds.
What are some of the things that most inspire you? I am always inspired by nature. My jewelry tends to have an earthy feel to it. I love earth tones like green, pale blue, rust colors. I am often inspired by other jewelry I see, and peruse Etsy and online stores often.
How do you promote your work? So that I don't get overwhelmed with the amount of different social medias, I keep it simple. I blog, Facebook, and Twitter all new listings. That's pretty much all I can keep up with. I keep a regular blog, and update it on a daily basis. The blog is my favorite way to keep customers informed of new listings, plus the connection formed between me and them is priceless.
What are a few things you have learned since you began selling on etsy? My favorite thing about selling handmade goods to people who long handmade goods, is the connection I feel to each buyer. I also purchase a large majority of my supplies on Etsy so I have created long lasting friendships with many sellers as well. I am quite loyal and tend to buy a lot from the same sellers over and over.
I have learned that I wish Etsy had an easier, mainstreamed checkout system; that some sellers don't get it- that customer service is even more important in an online shopping venue than in person, that I don't always get the courtesy that I deserve. But which just makes me a better seller/buyer. That's just the tip of the iceberg. I could talk about my issues with Etsy til the cows come home.
Any tips or words for those out there who may be new to crafting or selling? Be patient!! It takes a long time to get started. Patience is KEY. PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE!! List new things DAILY!! Thank each buyer when selling something. Let them know when the piece ships!! Always trust your first instinct, when creating.
Places You Can Find Lorelei:
Blog: http://Lorelei1141.blogspot.com
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/Lorelei1141
Website: http://www.wix.com/loreleieurto/lorelei
