Etsy Interview with Gracie Girl Design

My name is Brook, and I am the creator behind Gracie Girl Design. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, around many artists in my family and their friends, and have always identified with people who see their world for its
potential. I have been drawing, crafting, and creating since I can remember - I have done everything from graphic design and assisting in animation to crocheting amigurumi dolls for all my friends.

I have worked with animals in the veterinary industry as my day job for many years, and am now a pet sitter part-time, spending my days walking dogs and visiting kitties. The rest of the time, I am home with my own furry family
members (three dogs and two cats), making pretty, shiny things. I have a sweet and supportive husband as well!

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

I have been making jewelry on and off for almost two decades, since I was 14, when my mother gave me a small collection of seed beads and findings for my birthday. It's been a part of my creative life ever since.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I discovered Etsy by chance a couple of years ago. I had been on eBay for quite a while, and after having found some success there, I was looking into what other artists and crafters were doing and ran across Etsy. I was
enthralled and couldn't stop looking through it to see what so many others were doing there, and decided immediately that was where I eventually wanted to go.

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

It's a wonderful place for every creative outlet, from stay-at-home moms scrap-booking their way to some extra cash and purpose, to fine artists who are displayed in galleries and make their living. Having now opened a shop
there, I really appreciate the finished professional feel to Etsy, which is so often lacking in artistic venues.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Color! I'm an addict. I love all kinds of metal and the shine, silver and textures, but I always come back to whimsical color indulgence. I also plan on writing a blog post about my obsession with pressed glass at some point.

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

Favorite. I know I have a favorite 'piece' every other day, but I suppose I could say that I am just really liking the bracelets I'm making now. Flat beads that lay nicely while at the same time adorned with a whole bunch of smaller beads dangling from them! A lot to look at in one piece, I think it should always be interesting.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I want to be making things that others will enjoy and wear for years to come, get compliments on, and add richness to their lives in some small way. I figured this was where I was going in my entrepreneurial plans. Then, a
couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and was forced to take a break from it.

After taking time to figure out how to manage the new life changes and gain some normalcy back, I decided I needed to make Gracie Girl into something even more important than my passion - my livelihood.

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

I'm hoping to get more bracelets and necklaces up in the shop, as soon as I can stop myself from having too much fun making lots and lots of earrings! I'm also experimenting with more mixed metal in my 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)?

Main website: www.graciegirldesign.com

Art Fire: www.artfire.com/users/graciegirldesign

Blog: graciegirldesign.blogspot.com

Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gracie-Girl-Design-Studio/125905314093679