Etsy Interview with Does it Sparkle

My name is Grace and I am originally from Pennsylvania. As a child I was always coloring and doodling, until one Christmas I drew an illustration of a Teenage Mutant Turtle, only to be scolded by my father for coloring in my brothers books. My mother intervened and explained that I had actually created the picture. From that moment on, I was hooked on art. It took many years to figure out what to do with my skills. I began learning from other artist and friends and eventually ended up in Las Vegas. I thought Las Vegas would be great for the art scene and believed that there would be lots of opportunities here. I began my education at the Art Institute of Las Vegas, and eventually received my Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design. Although I am not currently working in the Graphic Design field, I believe that with the skills I have gained over the years have allowed me to create unique items, be it jewelry, illustrations, paintings, figures or design work. I continue to look forward and experiment
hoping that I can bring a little SPARKLE to any ones life.

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

Its odd how we come across things in life and ponder the hows and whys of things! My husband and I went to a Tattoo convention because of my interest in arts. As we walked around the convention, observing the different art forms and the unique jewelry for body art, we came across a booth that had some beautiful jewelry. I couldn't help but be amazed. We walked passed it multiple times, and although I never did purchase anything from the stand, it caused a curiosity in my mind. Two months passed and I was still thinking about the beautiful pendant I had passed up. Suffering buyers remorse (for not purchasing it), I ended up at a local craft store. Although I had originally went to the store for paints, I started deconstructing the pendant in my mind, and picked up items similar to the example in my mind. I went home that day and began my interest in crafting and the art of making jewelry. Although none of my pendants are the same style or of the same subject matter as the original example I saw, it has continued to inspire me to push my designs and find new ways of making unique jewelry for all.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

After my shaking beginnings of making jewelry, I decided to create necklaces for my family for Christmas. I sent them off to my sister-in-laws and found that everyone really liked them. Becca, my sister-in-law, began to tell me about ETSY - a website that she had been using to sell items she had made. I looked at Beccas site more than once (BIRDS HAVE FLOWERS) and continued to explore the other shops. Although there was many different shops on ETSY, I couldn't find any pendants that looked like mine. After some consideration and encouragement from my family, I opened DOES IT SPARKLE on June 27th, 2010.

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

I love Etsy. The community that Etsy builds is so wonderful and unique to me. DOES IT SPARKLE would not exist if not for Etsy. I love all of the options Etsy gives its users, including the ability to link with facebook, create banners, and allows for multiple photographs of items. I enjoy everything about Etsy's site and am thankful for having this opportunity to sell my jewelry to a community that enjoys handmade items!

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Everything! I look everywhere for new items to include in my creations - antique, second hand items, from many different shops - I am always looking from something a little different. Having my shop (DOES IT SPARKLE) on ETSY, allows me to look at many other peoples creations and take inspiration from them also. I love seeing what other people are creating and wondering how and why and what about them.

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

Its so hard to say that one piece is your favorite! Its a tie! I will always love the original pendant I created. Its a mirrored back pendant featuring a dove surrounded by red and silver Swarovski Crystals. I love it! It was the first and the only piece that I have kept for myself. Because it was my 'trial' piece, I know it has flaws and isn't as organized as most of my pieces, but I still wear it all the time. It makes me happy to know I could create something beautiful and original! My other favorite piece was my first sale. I'm so glad it found its way into someone heart. It was a beautiful octopus pendant.

My favorite illustration is 'Red Dominates the Wolf'. Its a monochromatic pen and ink piece 11"x14". It was my first illustration in a series of three concerning a twist on fairy tales. I was inspired by the Brothers Grimm and a book call "Grimms Grimmest". This piece is beautiful and highly detailed. It continues to be a favorite to everyone I know

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

DOES IT SPARKLE allows me to share my jewelry with the world! Its so much fun creating beautiful pendants and seeing them make others happy. Not only does it make me happy to create for others, but creating is second nature to me.

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

Of course! I am currently working on a few more 'sparkly' pendants that should be posted at DOES IT SPARKLE sometime in the next week. I am currently working on a beautiful turtle pendant, a monochromatic skull pendant, and a Mexican inspired cross pendant. I am also excited to announce that I will be soon trying a new method to my jewelry making - and although I don't want to give away too many details, it will include some of my original art work in them!

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

This is my first interview regarding my jewelry, although I have been interviewed in years before regarding some of my illustrations. Unfortunately I don't have a blog or website yet with information regarding these pendants, although its something I am beginning to believe I should create. I have a traditional website regarding my Graphic Design and I do posses a facebook page, although it doesn't always have jewelry related items on it. I will have to keep you posted on my further development on web sites that have my creations on it!