Etsy Interview with Designs by Dunk

I have been married to my best friend Scott for 32 years. We have three wonderful children and five perfect grandchildren. We also have two furry cat children, Suzie-Q and L.B. Life has been a wonderful journey so far and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trip. I like myself so much more now (in my fifties) than I ever did before. Once I realized I'd spent half a century living life the way I "thought" it should be lived, I finally decided to be true to myself and live "my" life. There is such blissful freedom in giving yourself permission to truly realize, willingly accept and fully embrace your true person which is what I've done and now there's no turning back,.

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

I actually stumbled into making jewelry in April of this year when I decided to repair some purchased jewelry items and realized there was nothing holding me back from making my own jewelry. When I wore some of my creations to work my co-workers noticed asking where I had purchased them. Through their interest, encouragement, and when they began to purchase some of the items, I gained more confidence and attempted new and different things. Eventually, I fell head over heels for stones, beads, buttons, clay, wire and the pieces created from them and now I'm hooked. I started my Etsy store, Designs by Dunk, and gave the address to my friends and co-workers an anyone that has a positive comment about my jewelry.The more I learn the more I want to learn and the more I do the more I want to do!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I had never heard of Etsy until a Facebook posting from my friend/sister, Patricia, on her site. I clicked on the photo of her newest creation and was instantly transported to the Magical World of Etsy lost in amazement. Patricia has been handcrafting jewelry for over 35 years and is a wonderful artist.

My dear half sister, Ramona has a half sister Patricia and the three of us love to create jewelry together and learn new techniques. We recently spent a fun and informative weekend at Ramona's home learning from the master, Patricia. She is a wonderful teacher who seems to bring out the artist in anyone who is fortunate enough to spend some time with her. I am truly blessed to be included in their sister time.

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

I love the idea that so many of the items are handmade. It is great to get a little glimpse into the creative minds of these talented individuals and see their imagination come to life with their one-of-a-kind creations. Etsy is a friendly website that's easily navigated and it just reels you in. I love how the newly listed items pop up and you can be instantly transported into the artist's world of creation through a click of the mouse. I appreciate the fact that I have a unique web address all my own and now I tell everyone about Etsy and Designs by Dunk and have have had a tremendous response.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

It's difficult to say... sometimes I dump all the beads and pendants out and see what strikes me. Quite often, a name of a piece will come to me and then I figure out what colors and types of beads to use. Sometimes I see something in nature ( a color combination or pattern) that sparks my interest. I keep a notebook handy and jot down thoughts as they come to me so the method is different all the time.

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

My favorite would have to be my Champagne and Roses necklace. I had purchased a hand made pendant from an artist overseas and fell in love with it. Upon closer examination, I realized that the back of the pendant still had remnants of the artist's fingerprints, indelible proof that someone hand formed the pendant with their own fingers. Still unsure if I would create something to sell, I came across my unakite beads with beautiful colors of pistachio green and salmon pink and it was a marriage made in heaven. When I added the champagne shimmer crystal beads and some vivid green lampwork hearts the Champagne and Roses necklace was born. Deciding it must be shared with others, I listed it on Designs by Dunk in my "one-of-a-kind" section. Thus, the whole process of creating this unique necklace took several weeks and it was the epitomy of creative processing. This necklace is near and dear to my heart because I know the love and energy I've put into it.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like to create some interest in my items and of course to make many, many sales especially since I was laid off work a couple of weeks ago and could use the income. It makes me feel wonderful when someone favorites an item or my store Designs by Dunk. I've received some comments from people in other countries and have enjoyed corresponding with them and love making new friends on Etsy. I will continue to create and hone my craft therefore hopefully increasing interest and sales.

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

Recently, I had a detailed one-on-one lesson in wire wrapping and creating hammered metal pieces. I am excited about this venture and can't wait to do more. I have envisioned some designs that I'm excited to see actualized. I will be utilizing copper a lot more in my designs since I love the look and the feel of working with this beautiful metal. I've also been searching thrift stores, garage sales, etc. for old jewelry to repurpose the beads into creations of my own. Using jewelry pieces that have had a former life thrills me and energizes my creativity knowing that I'm giving new life to something that has been around awhile and isn't currently being used or worn. Please keep checking Designs by Dunk for more new items.

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 would welcome any comments or questions on Etsy. I have started a Facebook page (search for Designs By Dunk) for my company, but it still needs a lot of work. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions on that site