Etsy Interview with On a Whim

I'm a wife, mother, and elementary school teacher, not in any particular order. I'm also the creator of On a Whim, an Etsy jewelry store. I have a 14-year-old son, four small dogs, and several chickens. We all live in a small house surrounded by flower beds. Our summer season is so short that I need to see things grow when I can. I grew up along the St.Lawrence River in Northern NY State. It's a beautiful place that's full of color and wonderful things of nature. I now live in a small community near an army base. I'm fortunate enough to teach children from all over the world. When I'm not teaching, I like to create lampwork beads and make jewelry.

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

I've always enjoyed crafting. When I was a small child I learned to use my grandmother's sewing machine. She was a quilter. I loved seeing her designs and the earthiness of her pieces. I've always wanted to create. I do not seem to be able to follow a pattern for anything. Everything I've always made, I've made off the cuff. I started making jewelry a few years ago, and you guessed it, I just learned by trial and error. It wasn't long before I was selling my pieces at school to co-workers. I called my business, On a Whim, because that's exactly how it all began, on a whim! Some time after that I felt the urge to create my own beads. I hooked up with a couple who gave lessons to first-time glass workers. I took a two day course with them and then my husband and I created my own studio in our backyard. I work on a minor torch with tanked oxygen and propane. I learned to torch using borosilicate glass, and that's what I use today. I love the colors and the combinations of hues you get when working with 33COE glass. I learn as I go along. Sometimes I like my results and sometimes I don't. I've also learned that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I learned about Etsy from my original glass teachers, Chris and Jackie Rice. I went online and checked it out and was hooked from then on! Originally, I was a purchaser. I oggled, shopped, oggled, and shopped some more! Then I decided to take the plunge and open my own shop. Over time, I've added more and more items. I'm always changing it up now.

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

I love that Etsy has such a wide variety of crafts, art, and handmade items. It seems like a place to share ideas, products, and inspiration. I like being part of that sort of community.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I find inspiration all around me. I love colors and textures so I'm always inspired by nature and artwork. I love seeing what other people are doing with glass. There are so many talented artists in the glass community. I look at their creations with awe and admiration.My grandmother was a collector of red glass pieces. I think it's interesting that I chose to work with glass. She would have loved to have seen my work. That also inspires me to create.

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

I can't pick a favorite piece! It would be like picking a favorite child. My favorite piece is the one that a person picks up and just falls in love with. I love seeing my pieces/beads being worn out in public. It makes me so happy to see someone enjoying something I've made. I think that's why I keep so very few of my own creations.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I think I want to share what I do with others. I want to become a better artist. I love the thought that I have shipped jewelry to the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US. It's so cool to thing that my things are in all of those places!

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

I'm always trying to make more unique glass beads and pieces. I'm inspired to use handmade jewelry components and to mix it up a little using different medias. I love using ceramics and glass and metals together. Now and then I get the urge to do something different and I'm planning on adding some purses to the shop. I'd love to learn some wire wrapping techniques as well. Lampworking lends itself to that craft too.

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

So far, my work is a work in progress. I primarily sell on Etsy. Eventually I'd love to have a fan page on Facebook as well. You can find me at my On a Whim Etsy shop.