It’s been a while since I’ve featured an Etsy seller, and I’m happy to be starting up again. The first seller in my renewed series is Alison Kelley Designs, who sells handcrafted limited edition jewelry in a wide range of styles.
Blue Blossom Jade Earrings – Blue Jade Briolette, Bali Sterling Silver Flower Ear Wires
“My designs are eclectic, this is because I like so many different styles myself that I like to also offer a wide range of styles to my customers as well.”
How did you get started making jewelry?
I started tinkering with jewelry making back in High School. I used to wear these great big hoop earrings and with my long curly hair getting tangled in them I tore my ear piercing to a point were I could no longer wear french hooks, I was stuck wearing posts. Posts were very hard to find so came the need for me to make my own earrings. I have been making jewelry for over 17 years now, mostly off and on for family and friends. It wasn’t until the Summer of 2006 that I was inspired once again to start making jewelry. While visiting my mom we went shopping. We can across some pretty beads and my mom asked me if I could make her a necklace to match a top she had. I was so happy to make her something and I immediately fell in love once again with making jewelry. I began making piece after piece and with my great and supportive friends those pieces quickly sold, thus the start of Alison Kelley Designs.
What other types of art do you make for fun?
I enjoy all sorts of crafts, I like to sew, and paint, I love building things and working with tools. Give me a tool any day over any other kind of gift.
What inspires you in your work?
Everything around me in an inspiration, the garden, my swimming pool, the walk to my kids school, I see something that sparks a design or color combination. Color plays a huge part of my designs, I live to be surrounded by vibrant colors. Colors make me happy and I try to have a bit of every color under the rainbow in my jewelry. Something for everyone. After all wearing color with color is the best style advice I give.
What is your day job?
I am a business owner, a wife and I am a stay at home mom. I’ve got three sons ages 11, 9, and 5. They keep me quite busy but I am ever so thankful to have an outlet/business that I can do from home so I can still take care of my family’s needs.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own small business selling handmade goods?
Be true to yourself. Do and make what you like, if you don’t enjoy doing it then why bother. Have a business plan or some kind. Think of where you see yourself in say, 5 years. It’s good to visualize your goals and dreams, they are more likely to come true.
Lovely Red and Turquoise Necklace – Red Sponge Coral Tear Drops and Beads, Turquoise Heishe Beads, Sterling Silver
You can find Alison Kelley Designs online at http://alisonkelleydesigns.etsy.com, in a local boutique called Elegant Corner (San Jose, CA) and at the occasional craft fair.
micheledodge
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