Etsy Interview with JLW Products

Hi! My name is Jamie and I am a busy stay at home mom with one amazing little boy who is almost one. I have been crafting for as long as I remember. I tend to see things and then have to try it. That would be why my etsy shop jlwproducts carries everything from handmade jewelry to candles and soaps. I went to school for an art degree with specialization in museum/ gallery work. I have minors in Business Marketing and French.

I don't have a favorite medium to work in and I like to jump all over the place so one day I will be making jewelry and the next hair clips. It all depends on how much free time I have. (Which since having my son has drastically been reduced. Especially since I still try to keep up my volunteer work with the local historical society and museum.) This tended to be my downfall with art school since I hated to work in series. So I just enjoy doing things for myself and Etsy lets me create a variety of items.

I believe everyone should be able to afford original pieces and handmade products. So therefore I strive to have my shop filled with many options that are all affordable. I would be making these products either way. So it makes me even happier if I can share them with other people.

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

I started making art with my mom when I was younger. Then when I was in college I started making jewelry after I took a class on beading. I have been reading books and trying new techniques with soaps, candles and more since about that time.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I heard about Etsy in a magazine I was reading. There was a little article about a website for selling handmade goods. I took a look at it and instantly fell in love with the community and Etsy in general. Etsy seemed like a way to get more traffic than my personal website was achieving so I took my name JLW Products and started a shop.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop? I thought that it seemed like a better and more reasonable venue for my particular products than Ebay. The fact that products stay up for four months for only twenty cents was a great deal. Plus at the time it offered more picture and description options than other sites I had come across. I had done a few craft shows but wanted something that was a bit more permanent and far reaching and that is definitely Etsy. I love how they have tools to help you too like a banner creator. The teams are also one of my favorites. I currently belong to three teams: team wist (Wisconsin), Etsy Beagles, and Etsy mom team. They are great resources to help promote work, get support and get suggestions from.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I love trying new things. My inspiration comes from all over. Be it current trends or a photo I see. Sometimes it is just an idea I get in my head when I am browsing through products. I love being creative and I love experimenting. That is why my JLW Products shop on Etsy has themed items as well as some far out there or funky items like my guitar pick earrings.

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

That is far too hard I love all my pieces. I first and foremost create for myself. I wouldn't create something that wouldn't interest me. So I can't really choose something in particular. Though I love seeing how my work has changed over time as my handling of the different mediums has become more skillful.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I want to bring people products that they can fall in love with. From there I want them to be able to bring what they love home with them and not just have to admire it from afar because it is out of their price range. I love my products and am happy when I can share them with someone who loves them just as much.

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

I always have new creations in the works. Currently I am working on two pieces for a charity auction for America Scores. Plus a set of three paintings and a sketch book for Art House Co-op.

I always try to add between three to five new pieces to my JLW Products shop on Etsy every week. Sometimes it is more sometimes less but I try to keep my page updated.

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

First and foremost check jamjam216.etsy.com it will have a wide selection of products and gets the most updating. My personal website also showcases a variety of my work. We also have a facebook page!

I will give 10 percent off any purchase to anyone who mentions the word INTERVIEW in the notes section during checkout on Etsy.