Etsy Interview with Shiny Cat Creations Jewelry

My name is Christina and I live in Maryland with my husband and animals. I'm a stay at home "fur baby" mom and love being home with my animals. I have always loved making crafts and started creating things in my early twenties. I've had many businesses but just couldn't get into them so I stopped. I blame it partly on being Gemini! Shiny Cat Creations Jewelry is the first business that I really wanted to keep doing.

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

I started a few years ago but never went anywhere with it. Looking back at some of the supplies I have kept,
I think I wasn't sure of what I was doing then. I feel more creative and organized now then I did when I was
younger. Besides jewelry, I also love making Christmas crafts like wreaths, ornaments and mini trees.
I really love the jewelry though, it's small and you can make a lot without taking up a lot of space.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I really don't remember, I think I was probably looking for places to sell and read about how Etsy was mainly for handcrafted items. People that search there for items know that also, so you know you are showing your items to a certain target audience that will appreciate the handcrafted nature.

I am on a budget also, so the low fees helped with my decision to open my store Shiny Cat Creations.

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

I like how it caters to the person who makes handcrafted items. When you are on there looking around, you know you will find something that you can use, or something someone else has made and that's about it. Only being able to list those types of things, filters out the rest of the stuff that you don't need. I also love how easy it is to list and relist and the fees can't be beat.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Looking at supplies is probably the number one thing. I find a piece that I love, draw it on paper (attempt to anyway!) and then start going from there for a finished design. There is also many times I think I don't have any supplies left and I will open up all my bead cases and stare at what I have. Sometimes I don't see anything but then the next night I open them all up again and can make 4 things with what I have.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?
It's hard to say, I have a couple really. Pieces that I really wanted to keep for myself defines what my favorite pieces are. I think my number one favorite is my skull and crossbones with a purple Swarovski crystal. I have always loved skulls and anything shiny and purple is my favorite color, so when I created this necklace, I was like "This is ALL me!" My other favorite is this crystal flower necklace. I love how it sparkles and looks like vintage glam!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I love having other people see what I made, having someone purchase something that you created is a real honor. I would love to make money doing this and be able to keep staying home with my animals.

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

I've been sketching all week until wee hours of the morning on my next "line" of items. I don't want to say to much but this will probably the first time I will have some theme to my items. I'm going with big crystals, big rings, and a lot of fall colors. Lot's of shiny stuff!

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 twitter and my personal facebook page.

I had a group and fan page but decided to keep it simple and just post on my personal page. As soon as I list a item on Etsy, I make sure everyone on my Facebook page sees it. I also have a blog, which is where I had advertised my giveaways.