First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Melania, I am 32 years old and I have been married for just over 6 years. I have always loved to create things, and I also enjoy drawing, painting, and sewing. Pretty much anything that allows me to make something with my own two hands I find interesting. When I see something in a store that I like, rather than buy it, I think, “I can make that!” I love to make my own clothes and Halloween costumes, since I can never seem to find exactly what I want. I was working as a massage therapist when I met my husband and was lucky enough that I didn’t have to work when we got married. I soon found that I was getting a little bored at home, so I began to concentrate more on my jewelry making, and soon GroovyMoon Creations was born.
How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?
I first started making jewelry about 10 years ago. I had bought a necklace made of seed beads that were threaded in the shape of little flowers. I really wanted to know how they made those little flowers, so I bought myself some seed beads and a jewelry making book, and learned how to make them. I found the process to be so fun that I began making more than just the little flowers and soon moved on from seed beads to all kinds of other beads and materials.
When and how did you originally find Etsy?
Actually, it was my mom who found Etsy. She also makes jewelry, and before Etsy we would do craft fairs but weren’t having much luck. She told me about Etsy when she found it and I started groovymooncreations.etsy.com just over 3 years ago.
What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?
I love that Etsy is for handmade goods only, thus supporting and encouraging creativity and art. I think it’s great that starting an Etsy shop is so low-risk, since you only pay per listing rather than paying huge fees for your own website. Being able to tag your items is great, too, so that people can easily find what they’re looking for.
What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?
I get a lot of inspiration from history. I love the Renaissance and Victorian eras, and I love watching period films. I sometimes get so engrossed in the jewelry and costumes that I find I’m no longer paying attention to the dialogue. Instead I’m thinking about the next necklace that I am going to make. I love to make things that you could wear to a Renaissance or Pirate Faire, or just for a night out. I am also inspired by the two sides of my personality. My nature-loving hippie side loves to make bright, colorful things with flowers and butterflies, while my darker Goth side loves to make things with skulls and spiders. Sometimes I am even inspired by the materials themselves. When I started working with resin, a whole new world opened up for me and I was inspired to create so many new things.
What is your favorite piece you’ve created and why?
All of my creations are like my babies and I love them all. Every time I make a new piece, it becomes my new favorite. There are a couple of pieces that stand out, though. One was a Renaissance-inspired necklace with Swarovksi crystals, blue flawed glass stones, and lots of filigree. It was truly regal and sold even before I opened my Etsy shop. Another was a custom order, based on a pair of “Peacock Earrings” that I had made. The customer that bought them wanted a matching necklace and the result was an elegant and colorful beaded necklace that I was quite proud of.
What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?
I would love for GroovyMoon Creations to continue to grow, both in the amount of customers as well as the kinds of products I offer. As my creativity grows, so too should my shop. I would also really like to be successful enough that one day my husband can be the one who doesn’t have to work!
Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?
I am hoping to start collaborating with my husband, who is also an artist, and make pendants that feature his original artwork. Plus, I am always trying new things, so who knows what the future holds?
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 use my personal Facebook page to post new listings and information about any sales or specials.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1655318749
