Etsy Interview with Jacaranda Designs

My name is Jane and I'm the owner of Jacaranda Designs. I'm a Mom of two young boys. I live on Canada, although I spent most of my childhood in South Africa and moved to Canada when I was 21. I've always dabbled in creative ventures. I used to do a lot of dressmaking but since having children I seem to sew more Halloween outfits than anything else! At the moment, making jewelry is my full time career.

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

I worked in the IT business for years but finally had enough of the rat race a few years ago when I became ill. Within a few months of finishing work, I was looking for a hobby. I started beading and just fell in love with it.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I started making jewelry and loved it so much, I got extremely carried away. My sister, who was one of the initial sellers on Etsy, suggested I open an Etsy store and actually make some money from my creations. I opened Jacaranda Designs at the end of 2007. It's been quite a challenge and I've had to really improve my photographic skills but it's been fun and I've learned so much.

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

I love the shop banner for Jacaranda Designs. My sister designed it for me and it really does reflect my passion for flowers and for jewelry.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?
-Color
There's color all around us and yet sometimes, I think we fail to see it. Sometimes though, I'll look at a color and it will arouse certain emotions in me....love, anger, warmth, energy, creativity to name just a few. I love looking at various color combinations in fabrics, in nature, even in what other people choose to wear. Color not only affects my mood but I think the mood of other people around me also.

-Nature

I love plants and flowers. I look forward to spring and summer so much, just to see the glorious plants that Mother Nature has to offer. If you look closely at flowers and even leaves, you'll see beautiful textures and color combinations. Even the smell of certain plants can be intoxicating. There's nothing quite as relaxing as taking a stroll around a gorgeous garden and just observing the plants and insects. I take tons of photos during the spring and summer and often refer back to them when I'm making jewelry as they are full of inspiration.

-My Children

There's something about the innocence and simplicity of the way children look at things that can be very inspirational. Sometimes they comment on or get enjoyment out of those things we find so "everyday" and yet if you really listen closely, it's those details that can be very enlightening provide a different way of looking at things.

-Music

As much as I love a quiet, silent home at times, most of the time I love to listen to music. I find it very relaxing to work while I listening to certain music. If I had to choose a favourite, I love Cuban music...not too slow that it makes me want to put my feet up and do nothing, and not too loud that I'm prevented from concentrating.

-Other Artists

I'm constantly awed by the talent displayed by other artists. If I'm ever feeling in a blah mood and not very creative, I just check out some of the wonderful artwork created by others. That's usually all it takes to inspire me to get started on a new project!

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

I have a few but I think my absolute favorite piece of jewelry in the Jacaranda Designs shop is my Silver Love Knot Bracelet. It's made from Japanese Miyuki beads and it's just a very elegant piece. I haven't seen anything else like it on Etsy either so it's very unique.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

Ultimately, I'd like my shop to become a huge success where customers are so pleased with their purchases that they tell their friends to shop at Jacaranda Designs too.

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

I'm busy making a lot of stock for the holiday season. I've started making posy rings to compliment my posy bracelets and posy necklaces and I'll be posting them soon. They're very colorful and whimsical, just like my bracelets.

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

You can find Jacaranda Designs at:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/jacarandadesigns
Twitter - twitter.com/jacarandagal
BLOG - www.jacarandagal.blogspot.com

I often post specials on Facebook and my BLOG so stayed posted.