Etsy Interview with Jewels of the Round Table

I could start with my name but that's unoriginal so that will come at the end of this mini-biography! However,my shop on Etsy is "brokeondown" and I am aware that that may not be the best name for a jewelry shop, considering the word "broke" is in the name! Shoppers generally don't like to associate that word with jewelry! As for me, I am a thirty-something mother of one spitfire pistol of a grown-up wanna be 10 year old daughter! I work a 9-5 to pay the bills and I make jewelry to keep me sane! I have a love for old people and fast cars and I live on a 250 acre farm right in the middle of NC. I fish as often as I can and I am not afraid to say I love the Lord! By the way, my name is Rhiana, pronounced Ree-Anna with a twang, not like the singer!

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

My best friend got married 4 years ago and her soon-to-be step-daughter showed up with beaded watch bands that she made and I thought, hmmmm, I can do that and do it better. So on my way home I swerved off the highway into a super-craft store, dropped $100 and the love affair with jewelry began!

That love affair spawned off many other crafty ideas and I started decorating glue-on fingernails, clear glass Christmas ornaments and whatever else I could find a way to alter!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I found Etsy from a Facebook friend who had "liked" another shop on Etsy so I clicked on that shop's link and I swear, the Angels started singing "Hallelujah"! I thought to myself, this is only 20 cents to post 5 pictures of my jewelry? Awwwwww Yeahhhh! I created my account that day and that was all she wrote! I was hooked!

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

Etsy is unique because there is such a diverse crowd of sellers. It's the only place I can think of where you can buy handmade stained glass suncatchers as well as handmade furniture! The best part for my shop personally is being able to add, change and delete whatever I so choose with just a click of the mouse! All of my transactions are right there and I cannot say enough about the forums. They offer a vast array of information, some of which you need and some of which you could go the rest of your life without! For the most part, everyone is very helpful and willing to give advice on whatever you ask!

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Color. Simply stated, color is my biggest inspiration. I literally crave that first look of my brain putting colors together and they end up looking like a million bucks! Whatever I make, it can't be common or like everything else. I like to be original and make my items stick out. I wish my shop name, "brokeondown," could be in blinking neon lights that sprawl across the shop banner! Love the color!

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

My favorite piece was a genuine turquoise necklace I made for my aunt. There were 25 or so oval robin's egg blue beads, with the most perfect oval shape and hints here and there of sterling silver ridged beads. I even splurged on a sterling silver toggle with Swarovski crystals on the ends of the toggle's bar. She's an old school hippie and turquoise is her favorite stone. I spent waaaaay too much money on the supplies, but when she opened that box and her face lit up like a Christmas tree, I knew it was well worth it!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

World Peace of course! That would be awesome, but in all seriousness, I have accomplished what I have hoped for up to this point and that was posting some items online and selling just one! So, yay me! I did that! My next accomplishment may be a little more lofty, but it hasn't struck me yet but I will let you know what it is and when I get it! Just check back to "brokeondown" and see what I have posted in my biography!

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

Hehehe, yes I do and It's a secret and I am so stoked about adding these! I have made them for years and I have a feeling they will do very well for me, as well as for gifts! Check my shop out anytime, but mid-October is when these babies will be added! Also keep and eye out for some updated pendant with a twist! I know they will be colorful, but that's all I will say!

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 have a Facebook fanpage for "Jewels of the Round Table," which is my business name. Other than that, all I have is my Etsy shop, "brokeondown," and this wonderful jewel here with you :)