First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Paula and I am the designer/creator of Pacific Jewelry Designs and I must say I love what I do. I am able to work from home being creative and that is a huge part of my life. I have been drawing and painting since I was very young and paper dolls were my favorite because I could design endless outfits (of course with all the glamourous accessories included). For many years I designed and made a good part of my own wardrobe and it just seemed a natural progression to make my own accessories too. I love oil painting and my paintings and prints are in various locations in the U.S., Canada and Europe. At one point I did the artwork for tee shirts for the Leon Russell and Edgar Winter tour, (now THAT was exciting) so for most of my life I have been creative in one way or another and I come from a very creative family.
How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?
My first experience with beads was actually years ago when the seed beaded chandelier earrings were such a craze, boy did I have a lot of those! A more serious venture into beading and jewelry started about 9 years ago and I love where this journey has taken me and where I have yet to go. I am constantly trying to push the envelope at Pacific Jewelry Designs, I love trying new things and learning new techniques.
When and how did you originally find Etsy?
I found Etsy browsing around the internet, joined in 2007, listed a few items but didn’t have much success and now looking back I realize it was because I didn’t devote enough time to my shop. This year I have approached it in a different way and I am having more success.
What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?
I love the community and the fact that so many really talented artisans of all kinds can come together and create such a vibrant marketplace. Etsy makes it very easy to share the designs from Pacific Jewelry Designs with people from around the world. What I like about Etsy in regards to my shop is that I can do whatever I need or want to do when it’s convenient for me in regards to new listings, changes, promotions, etc.
What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?
Many times it is the gemstones or the beads themselves or sometimes a color or a combination of colors that begins the design process. Nature is a great inspiration and there is so much in nature to see. Inspiration can, and does, come from so many different things.
What is your favorite piece you’ve created and why?
It would be hard to pick just one piece as a favorite. I love the freeform peyote bracelets because they allow me to make a piece of jewelry that is wearable artwork. Sometimes my favorite piece is the one I am currently making but even more often it is the one I am seeing in my mind that is just begging to come to life.
What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?
Most of all I want my customers’ to have an easy and pleasant shopping experience with Pacific Jewelry Designs. I am always happy to answer questions and I am very convo friendly so stop in and say hello! I also want my customers to love their jewelry from the second they see it, without a happy buyer the sale means nothing.
Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?
There are always new creations in the works in my studio, usually more than one at a time, and I will be offering more freeform peyote and more intricate beadweaving pieces. You can also expect to see many new arrivals in the beautiful colors of fall very soon.
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 website and there you can sign up for my mailing list if you would like to receive information regarding new jewelry or upcoming sales. My facebook fan page is at www.facebook.com/pacificjewelrydesigns
