Etsy Interview with Chele Ann Creations

My name is Michele and I work on my jewelry for Chele Ann Creations at home in Hoffman Estates, IL. By day I teach 4th grade and by night I make handmade jewelry. I have been teaching in the northwest suburbs of Chicago for 10 years. I absolutely love teaching and couldn't imagine doing anything else full time. However, I do need a creative outlet when I am not at work and that is where creating handmade jewelry comes in. I consider myself an accidental artist. I have had no formal art training. Other than taking a couple of beading classes, most of what I have learned comes from asking lots of questions and being willing to make a lot of mistakes. It is a philosophy that I teach my students as well.

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

I have always enjoyed creating handmade items. I have made everything from painted t-shirts to scrapbooks, though I have enjoyed making jewelry the most. I never considered selling my jewelry until a friend invited me to showcase my work at a garden/craft show. The positive feedback I received sparked my interest in selling my jewelry online. It is rewarding to see someone wear and enjoy one of my handmade items.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

One of my coworkers introduced me to the site last June when we were looking for thank you gifts for our classroom volunteers.

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

Etsy is a great platform to bring artists together to share ideas and inspirations. People who have never visited Etsy are surprised to hear how supportive everyone is and how willing people are to give newbies like me advice to grow my shop and brand name.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I love to work with Swarovski crystals, silver, and semi-precious stones. My inspiration comes from sitting at my work table with my beads spread out in front of me. I just let the designs come to me. Very rarely do my finished pieces look like the vision I originally had in mind. I also get inspired by looking at other artists' beautiful work.

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

Since I spend so much time with each piece, I get very attached to it. It would be difficult for me to pick a favorite. It is like asking a mom, "Who is your favorite child?" Each piece means something special to me. For instance, I love any of my Swarovski crystal pieces, especially the Amethyst Swarovski Crystal Necklace on Sterling Silver Wire. What girl doesn't like a little bling? I also love my Pink Freshwater Pearl and Hematite Necklace. I like the contrast between the feminine pearls and the industrial hematite.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

It's a great way to share my work with people who appreciate handmade items. It makes me happy to see someone wearing a Chele Ann Creations piece.

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

I keep eyeing the Swarovski pearls, so I imagine I will break down and buy some soon. I love the beautiful colors and uniformity they offer. I have been working on ideas to combine them with my Swarovski crystals. I also found some semi-precious stones that I will be working into new pieces.

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 just started a twitter page. I post when new items are added to my Etsy shop. Of course, any special requests can be e-mailed to me at cheleanncreations@comcast.net.