Etsy Interview with RioRita

I began handcrafting my silver and gold jewelry about 17 years ago. My home is in Haifa, Israel, and I design and handcraft my jewelry in a workshop , in a small artists "colony" in a kibbutz in Israel, not far away from where I live - Kibbutz Ein Carmel, near Haifa . All my jewelry is now designed and handcrafted at my shop known as RioRita.
In the past, I was very enthusiastic about knitted and crocheted items, and I would handcraft anything from small doilies to large tablecloths. I also sewed all my own and my daughter's clothes, But as soon as I discovered the world of jewelry making, all I have been wanting to do is design and create my own ideas of jewelry.

Twenty years before, I had been a legal secretary in a big oil company. I hated it. Once, during lunch hour, I went out to get myself something to eat, and on my way I passed by a silversmith's shop. When I looked at his window, it occurred to me: "This is what I want to do!"

That very same year, I began my studies at the External Department in Wizo Art school in Haifa.

Where and how did you originally find Etsy?

My sister called me on the phone one evening and told me she read in the papers about this wonderful Etsy shop, where people sell their own handmade items. I looked it up in Google.

When I first heard of Etsy At the beginning of January 2008, I entered the Etsy site and felt a surge of creative energy! I spent a few evenings in collecting my jewelry and photographing it, then working on the descriptions, prices.. etc. It took me some time to prepare. On January 28th I opened my Etsy shop.

It has been about two years and 8 months ago, but I still feel that I have found myself a wonderful place where I can promote and sell my jewelry. And that's how RioRita began!

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

I think that no other handcrafted items site on the net equals Etsy.

The easy accessibility, the way one is able to add new items and advertise them right away, the "favorites" section which enables you to see what your colleages do, and make them know you like it, which enables new connections in a fast and easy way, the wonderful forums, where you can express your opinions or your problems and immediately receive help and responses from other Etsians, the treasuries ....in short - I feel like I am part of a large loving and accommodating community there. I think I love the Storque blogs, and the forums best.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

There are two main things which inspire me most:
The first My impressions from Nature and Organic finds. My workshop is surrounded with beautiful trees flowers and cute animals, many of my items are inspired by them. Examples:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/26574367/small-flower-dangle-earrings-gold-plated

http://www.etsy.com/listing/13482198/spring-sterling-silver-flower-necklace

I also like to create free form jewelry from pieces of glass, shells etc.,

I also am inspired by ancient and historical forms such an ancient Egyptian, or Babylonian shapes from thousands of years ago:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52732931/small-earrings-sterling-silver-domes

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53188470/sterling-silver-hoops-and-turquoise

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

Here is one of my many favorites!

A few years ago I participated in an exhibition of glass sculpture and jewelry. I thought of sea glass combined with sterling silver and started creating pieces which I thought would suit. I sculpted the silver pieces and linked them together and combined them with sea glass pieces I found on the beach near my workshop. I made a whole collection and this item is part of it.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I guess I would like people to know my art, buy it and remember it. I know I am one of a a few hundred thousands shop in Etsy, and the competition is very strong, but when people write to me that they like my stuff, even when they do not buy, I feel grateful for the recognition.

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

8 Reply: I mind is at search for new ideas all the time. A friend of mine has returned from a visit to Miami Beach, Florida, a few years ago, and handed me a bag full of shells she collected. I put it aside, but then my friend had passed away recently, and I set one of the beautiful shells in a pendant for her daughter...Last Friday I listed a new sterling silver ring with a shell set in it!

Lately I've been adding new items to my shop every week. Now I am creating a free form organic glass shell collection. People can come and visit my shop every once in a while and find the new stuff (including in the "sold items" section). As I make many custom orders, people are welcome to visit and send me requests and will try to follow.

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

Beside my shop RioRita on Etsy, I have the following sites:

My blog site: http://www.jewelry-ir.com

A Flash site where one can view many more of my designs:
http://www.irithbzjewelry.net

My twitter:
http://rioritas.twitter.com