Etsy Seller : Acornbeach

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a 31 year old, married Florida native who has recently been transplanted to Boston. Before settling down as a Jewelry Designer slash Research Attorney (that's my day job), I attended college in Atlanta, lived on sailboat in Greece, and then wound up in law school. Also I finally learned how to ride a bicycle last year – it wasn't pretty, lots of flailing about and cursing – but I did it. Whoo-hoo!

What are your interests?

I adore spending time at the beach, any beach, but especially the Gulf of Mexico's laid back shore. Travel is very important to me and I am happy to say I have visited several countries, most recently Japan. I also enjoy reading, interior design and architecture. I am trying to talk myself into liking jogging, but it's not going so well.

How did you find out about Etsy?

I read about etsy on a blog titled http://www.dooce.com/ – from then on I was 100% hooked. Well, hooked as a voyeur. It took a few weeks before I had to time (and, okay, courage) to join up and start selling my wares.

Please describe your creative process

My inspiration always comes from nature and it only takes a little something, whether the shape of a shell, or the color of the water, to send me running to my sketch pad. Once I rough out a few ideas for new pieces I will list the components that I need, check my supplies, and place an order with my vendors. Sometimes I use repurposed or vintage materials – but 99% of the time my pieces are compromised of brand new supplies. I enjoy working with sterling silver, gemstones and shells. Each item is handmade in my smoke-free home studio/office. There are times where I will make exactly what I had planned and other instances where the design morphs during assembly – it is not unusual for me to rework a piece several times before I think it is "good enough" for sale. Most often I only create one or two of each piece, which helps my little brain stay fresh. However I have made custom orders wherein I'll produce several of one design for a particular client. Once an item has been purchased, I carefully gift wrap the jewelry and mail it out in a padded mailer with – of course – a handwritten thank you note.

How do you promote your work?

Within etsy I list new pieces frequently, relist older items at least once a week, and actively participate in the forums. Outside of etsy I sell my work to a (wonderful!) store in St. Petersburg Florida, Paper Presence, and plan on approaching more shops here in Boston. I have also posted my work on cs.artjewelrymag.com, and been featured on solsisters.blogspot.com at solsisters.blogspot.com/2008/07/monkey-love.html.

Would you please tell us about 5 etsy stores that you most like?

(1) Annie's Powder Room at http://www.www.anniepoo.etsy.com , a beautiful shop with precious animal-shaped soaps.

(2) Small Impressions Paintings at http://www.smallimpressions.etsy.com , a "gotta have it" kind of shop that sells affordable, lovely landscapes

(3) Lucky Kaaeru Fabric at http://www.luckykaerufabric.etsy.com a funky shop that makes me wish I could sew

(4) LaWoodstock at http://www.LaWood.etsy.com , an adorable shop that sells adorable crochet frogs that I want to buy and sit all over my desk

(5) http://www.lululalaland.etsy.com , a top-selling jewelry supply shop with amazingly low prices