Today, I'd like to introduce you to Connie from bungalow42 on Etsy. I feel pretty lucky because I have actually won two of Connie's jewelry creations (and I adore them!!) through giveaways hosted on two different websites. What are the odds?
Connie's shop features what she calls "seriously whimsical adornments" and I can't think of a better way to describe her work.
This family of women has been my inspiration, guinea pigs, unfaltering fan club and enthusiastic supporters of this endeavor.
Also, like many others, no doubt, I decided to open my Etsy shop because of their encouragement and belief in me. I can only imagine how many Etsy folks first heard the words “…you could sell these!” from a member of their family. I personally found these words to be humbling, inspiring, exciting and frightening.
If I pretend that I am chatting with a new friend who has expressed interest in my life story I would probably talk about my professional career in the music business. Not the glamorous side mind you… predominantly tech related and project management roles. Next I would imaginably describe my creative endeavors which spanned years but intensified significantly after my mother passed unexpectedly. I found some vintage African white heart beads that I subsequently learned were very old while cleaning out her studio. This was surprising as my mother was a potter but she was always squirreling away odd bits and pieces with the firm belief that she would eventually find a way to use them.
It was shortly after my mother passed that I had an opportunity to seriously focus on jewelry design. My first formal design included those vintage white hearts. Heartened by the support of friends and family and the pure joy derived from this creative process, I decided to seek instruction, research tools and techniques all while working to improve my skills.
I am grateful to my aunt Dianne for constantly reminding me that my mother would be proud of her daughter’s endeavor.
Weight and humor is a major focus in my work. I strive to create lightweight pieces that won't weigh you down but will hopefully make you smile.
An instructor who was reviewing my work summed it up stunningly. She said that the pairing of sterling silver findings with vintage beads, shells, freshwater pearls and plastic chain or linen thread conveyed a “take me seriously” element. I was struck by how easily she succinctly described what I was trying, albeit unknowingly, to achieve.
An instructor who was reviewing my work summed it up stunningly. She said that the pairing of sterling silver findings with vintage beads, shells, freshwater pearls and plastic chain or linen thread conveyed a “take me seriously” element. I was struck by how easily she succinctly described what I was trying, albeit unknowingly, to achieve.
Also known as the “Music Capital of the World”, Austin has a seemingly endless well of gifted musicians whose music ranges widely and delivers daily inspiration. When I am lucky enough to carve out some bench time in my day, music is always playing and much of that soundtrack is peppered with Texas flavor.
Not (previously) a social media maven, I am working to cast a bigger net for that niche group with the aid of social media. Improving my grasp on social media tools is a goal for this and future years.
My dream? Getting the shop open and having total strangers purchase and appreciate my work... well that is pretty much a dream come true already.
My dream? Getting the shop open and having total strangers purchase and appreciate my work... well that is pretty much a dream come true already.
Customer satisfaction is enormously important... being responsive to customer queries and shipping promptly are just as vital as creating well-crafted pieces from quality materials.
My first five star review was such a rush. I can only hope that every purchase will be similarly prized.
My first five star review was such a rush. I can only hope that every purchase will be similarly prized.
Getting the shop open and having total strangers purchase and appreciate my work is my greatest achievement thus far.
After years of stair climbing we moved to a larger space where I was able to carve out a comfortable work area in our shared office and studio.
Having a dedicated work bench, room for photography equipment and ample (for the moment) storage for tools and materials all in the same room on the same floor feels positively lavish by comparison.
Having a dedicated work bench, room for photography equipment and ample (for the moment) storage for tools and materials all in the same room on the same floor feels positively lavish by comparison.
For those who are drawn to and fortunate enough to be able to purchase handmade items, I hope that they are swayed by the unique and well-crafted elements of my work.
Etsy sellers are frequently also Etsy buyers. Look at your favorite shops and think about why you are drawn to those shops. In addition to the products sold, consider the different components of these shop that you find appealing. If you focus on these components when you plan and build your Etsy shop, chances are that you will be pleased with the results.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do to unwind and have fun? Do you have any hobbies?
Spending time with my husband who is also my best friend is my favorite way to unwind.
We love sharing movies, good food and wine, books, politics and time with friends. He's also one of the funniest and kindest people on the planet.
I am a very lucky girl.
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Comments
Those are awesome, I
Those are awesome, I bookmarked it ...... Nuklus
Love it!
Thats amazing :) Thanks for posting spencer
Wow!! I am so excited to go
Wow!! I am so excited to go through this website that describes details regarding the featured artist, Connie. We can photo masking see the images of her valuable collections from here and it looks really nice. I am looking here for more updates on that and keep up the good work.
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