Etsy Interview with Allure Creations

I grew up in a small town in the Okanagan Valley - the southern interior of British Columbia. When I was 26 I travelled solo in Europe and the Middle East. That was probably the most defining two months of my life. From Rome to Athens, Jerusalem to Amman - there were so many new things I saw and experienced. Soon after returning home I met my husband and moved to Vancouver to be with him. That was four years ago and we have been inseparable ever since. He's very supportive of Allure Creations. I can always count on him for good advice and constructive feedback.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I've always experimented with jewelry. I would buy a necklace or bracelet and then change it to make it a little different. And I've always loved working with wire! I just never knew what to do with it. One year I decided to make a wire bunny for Easter, and it ended up being a six foot tall monster wire rabbit. My wirework is still a running joke in the family. I only started to seriously create jewelry this past spring. One day I was home sick from work and decided to string a bracelet together. Soon after that, Allure Creations was born!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I found out about Etsy at the beginning of 2010. A friend had some custom drapes made for her nursery. I was amazed at the variety of items available, and they were all handmade! This was before I was making jewelry, so it didn't occur to me that one day I might have my own Etsy shop.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

I love how Etsy is a community. Everyone is so supportive and helpful. There are so many creative, talented people out there. I was really surprised at how easy it was to start Allure Creations on Etsy. The step by step process makes it so simple. One of the features I like best is that I can rearrange the order that my items are viewed. I like to be able to have that control.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Craft and supply stores really get my creativity going. I could spend hours and hours in them. I also leave all my supplies spread out on my workspace. I love to see everything at once. I tend to get good ideas from this. I might have a vague idea in mind when I start, but most of my inspiration comes from experimenting with color and texture combinations.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

Even though Allure Creations is fairly new, I've created quite a few pieces. They haven't all made it to my Etsy shop, though. Many failed experiments! So far, my favorite piece has been a charm type bracelet and earrings set I created using silver Art Clay. It was my first attempt with the clay and I just love how they turned out. My mom recently bought the bracelet and it makes me happy to see her wear it.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would love to be creating and selling jewelry full time. Allure Creations on Etsy is the first step in that direction.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

I'm currently working on a fall line of jewelry. Fall is my favorite season. Gold, cranberry, cinnamon, pumpkin - the colors of the season are so inspiring! I hope to create a line that reflects the warmth that autumn brings.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I don't do as much as I'd like to with social media but I do have a Facebook page, Twitter account (@allurecreation) and a Flickr account. My website is www.allurecreations.ca.

One of the things I'm really excited about is a monthly newsletter I'm creating to announce new designs, promotions, etc. Sign up by sending me an email at jodie@allurecreations.ca. I hope to send out the first newsletter in September - just in time for my new fall line!