Etsy Interview with Metal Botany

Hi! My name is Tara Phillips and I'm the creator of Metal Botany. I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. As long as I can remember, I have loved making things. The person who influenced me the most growing up was my grandmother, Grace. She taught me how to bake cookies, sew pillows, make dolls, and love all things handmade.

Even though my love has always been with the arts, I ended up majoring in psychology and later I got my masters degree in elementary education. I teach first graders at, strangely enough, the same school that I attended as a child. Teaching is something that has challenged me, but can also be very stressful. When I come home I can't wait to unwind and make jewelry. It helps me relax and meditate on my day. This summer I was lucky enough to make jewelry and design almost every day. I am so lucky that I have this outlet for my creativity and a wonderful husband who has supported me throughout the set-up.

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

I have been making jewelry since childhood. I used to carry a coffee can around that was filled with beads. Whenever I had a chance I would spill the beads out on my bedroom floor and spend hours sorting through them. I just loved looking at the colors and shapes. I made my first pair of earrings out of straight pins from my mom's sewing basket when I was seven.

My love for jewelry making was ignited again, when I was in high school and signed up for three semesters of metal smith classes. Since then I have participated in craft fairs throughout the city of Denver.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

Etsy was introduced to me when I was reading the magazine, Creative Jewelry. There was an article about a graphic designer who began a website on etsy called, Thompson Designs. This was in March of 2010. Just weeks after reading the article, I started thinking about making my own website on etsy. (p.s. Thompson Designs created the web banner and avatars for Metal Botany.) The first time I went to etsy I spent hours looking through all of the items. I couldn't get enough of it!

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

Etsy is wonderful for so many reasons. I love it because I feel like I'm part of a community of craftsmen. One of my favorite features is the "heart/favorites" section. It's one of the first things I check in the morning. Metal Botany has been up and running for about two weeks now and it is one of the most exciting things to see that someone hearts my shop or an item I've made.

What inspires you the most?

To say that I am obsessed with weddings is an understatement. I got married last summer, but I still buy all of the newest bridal magazines. I absolutely love perusing through the latest wedding magazines for ideas and inspirations. Just looking at a bouquet of flowers could inspire the colors or design of a number of pieces. The "Garden Wedding" section of Metal Botany is definitely my favorite.

As the name, Metal Botany, indicates, I also have a thing for botany. The shapes and colors of plants are a major source of my ideas. I have a few books on botanical illustration that I am constantly referencing. Sometimes I get stuck on color combinations and it helps me to look at nature for possibilities.

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

The Mother of Pearl and Green Amethyst Earrings on Metal Botany are my favorite creation so far. I was recently shopping in an antique store when I glimpsed the floral mother of pearl pieces in a showcase. When I held them for the first time, they had posts glued to the back and were covered in a yellowed glue. After cleaning up the pieces and removing the posts, I added the green amethyst which I think is the perfect color match. I know that these are my favorite because I would have worn them at my own wedding.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

More than anything, I just want to have a place to display my creations. It has given a purpose to my hobby. I would absolutely love to make jewelry for bridal boutiques and stores. It would be great to have boutique owners see my pieces on Metal Botany.

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

I am hoping to incorporate more nature inspired pieces into the collection. I plan on adding jewelry with leaves, twigs, birds, and flowers into the mix soon. Colorful gemstone mixes will also be a part of Metal Botany's shop.