Etsy Interview with Elizabeth's Zakka Store

Hi! This is Elizabeth! Welcome to Elizabeth's Zakka Store on Esty! I graduated from San Francisco State University in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineer. Since college I have been fascinated in handmade jewelry. Currently I work as a Mechanical Engineer in an energy efficiency consulting firm. However, working on such a practical job does not stop me from my artistic hobbits. I try to spend as much time as I can creating my own jewelry. Also, I do acrylic paintings and I like taking pictures.

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

What triggered my interest in actually making jewelry was that I felt I had ideals in my head about pieces I wanted to make, but did not know how to so I decided to learn. I bought many jewelry making instruction books and read many online tutorials. I started my handmade jewelry adventure by first buying a set of tools and wires. After learning the basics, such as jump rings, head and eye pins, hook and eye clasp makings, etc, I started to create my own designs. Making wire jewelry is really fun! Also, I like vintage concepts. As you seen from my most recent work, I started making vintage-style jewelry. The vintage concept can open people's heart to their well-protected memories.

I started making jewelry when I was in college. I have liked drawing since I was a kid. I started acrylic painting in 2008 after taking my first class in City College of San Francisco. I started photography a long time ago. I started my Zakka Store in Esty in March 2009.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I was looking for an online store to help me sell my handmade pieces. I found Etsy by searching Google. Finally, Elizabeth's Zakka Store was created!

I opened my Esty online shop in March 2010, and named it as Elizabeth's Zakka Store. Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'（雑貨）or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and appearance.

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

Etsy itself is really unique because of the unique handcrafted pieces that people sell through the store. Etsy has made many people's dream come true: artists have a place to showcase their handmade pieces, customers can find unique designs that otherwise they may not even know about. Etsy opens the handcrafted world to the public. In regards to my shop, what I like the most of Etsy is the well-developed engine for item listing, as well as the cool access to explore other people's art work.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

My wire handmade jewelry is inspired by the natural materials I find. I like all kinds of natural materials, such as shells, mother-of-pearls, fresh water pearls, crystals, bones, horns and gemstones. My creations are also inspired by the vintage concepts, memories, and a touch of Victorian styles.

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

My favorite piece I've created is the Princess Crown Bracelet. The entire bracelet, including the chain and hook, is handmade with wire. It was also my very first creation. My friend's Mom really liked it a lot when she saw me wear it. She ordered a customized size made by sterling silver and became my first customer. Just like the name says, the bracelet design is just like a crown. I wish all the ladies that wear it will turn into gorgeous princesses!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I hope the online shop can help me promote (and sell) my work. And I hope people who purchase my jewelry will like and enjoy wearing it.

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

I am working on making resin jewelry. Resin jewelry is really nice and it can be used to store pictures/memories. Shoppers can expect to see my new creations of resin necklace, bracelet, rings and earrings.

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

Readers can find out about more information regarding my jewelry and other creations and possible special offers from my:

Blog: http://blog.milkyandcoffee.com

ebay Shop: http://stores.ebay.com/Elizabeths-Zakka-Store

Dawanda: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/milkyandcoffee

Website: http://milkyandcoffee.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/milkyandcoffee

Do you share the same interests as me or are interested in my handmade pieces? Please feel free to contact me at milkyandcoffee@gmail.com.