Etsy Interview with SilverMoth Design

As well as being the creator of SilverMoth Design on Etsy, I am also an educator at a college. I love creating and learning and have taken classes in life drawing, stain glass, and painting. I am also an avid orchid grower (it's all about the humidity - so good for the plants, not so good for the hair).

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

I've always been crafty but never really gave much thought to actually making a living at it. Then, about 8 years ago I went to a gem show and came across a little pink bead. It wasn't even a fancy bead but that was it. Something clicked in me and I thought "I could make a pendant out of this". And that started me on my present journey. At first, I started by taking jewelry making classes wherever and whenever I could, learning different techniques and styles. Then, I was able to go back to school part time to get a degree in jewelry design and continue to take additional classes to improve my skills. I feel like I can never learn enough and will continue to improve my skills forever. I'm really proud of the pieces I have on SilverMoth Design. There were much thought and care that went in to each design and I hope people enjoy wearing them.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

Actually I found it through a friend about 6 years ago. He was buying these interesting pictures from an artist on the site and introduced me to it. At the time, I had just started to learn jewelry making, so I wasn't ready to sell my pieces but I definitely kept Etsy in the back of my mind. And, when I finished my degree in jewelry design and was ready to sell my own jewelry, Etsy was a natural venue to go to and so, I opened SilverMoth Design.

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

One of the things I really appreciate about Etsy is how much support you get as a seller. For someone like me who doesn't have much, if any, experience regarding the business side of things, Etsy makes it easy for a newbie like me to learn about things like shipping and such.

Another thing I love about Etsy is that it allows sellers to connect with the buyers on a personal level. When I make my pieces, it's a part of me that I put out there. I'm sure this is how everyone feels about their creations. And when someone purchases a piece of jewelry from me, they are connecting to me through that piece. Etsy provides a platform for me to get direct feedback from my buyers and other sellers, and I find that to be a great way of doing business.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I can't really pinpoint one thing as my inspiration. I'm inspired by many things. Nature, of course, but I'm also inspired by books, human relationships and emotions, colors and everything that's around me. My Life I and Life II pieces were inspired by a button. Stylistically, I really like Art Deco and Art Nouveau. I also like subtle and figurative pieces better than literal.

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

Hmm... It's hard to choose my favorite piece. My favorite piece tends to be the ones I just finished. There is something very satisfying about the fruition of an idea that's been in your head. My last pieces Life I and Life II are currently my favorites. I love how the pieces are subtle and yet very primordial, kind of Art Nouveau. I am really excited about exploring the many possibilities with the design.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like for SilverMoth Design to be a place where I can showcase my work and share them with the others. I'm just beginning on this Etsy adventure, and right now I'm just seeing where it would lead me. But of course, I would love it to grow into a thriving business that not only would allow me to make a living as an artist, but also allow me to support some worthy causes.

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

I'm working on exploring the life motif to its fullest possibilities. It's such a cool design. I'm really excited about the design and the possibilities and combinations I could work on. It may be one of those instances where I'm indulging myself, but I'm hoping in the end people will see the beauty in the design and the beauty in the pieces.

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

Right now, Etsy is the only place. I don't 'have too many pieces on SilverMoth Design yet and so have been focusing on working on new pieces. But later, when I do have time to explore new venues, I will announce them on my Etsy shop.