iCraft puts on a "sellers bootcamp" several times a year. This is the first I have heard of it and I am willing to give it a go. I am behind several assignments but I am going to start here. Day one was simple introductions... I have already done that in this blog so I will get to the second assignment. I found out about this from Callidora's Closet on twitter so a shout out to her. Here is a link to her Etsy store as well.
If any of you reading this are also participating in the bootcamp let me know. I would love to feature you on my blog. The purpose of this assignment is to have this all on hand if someone asks you for an interview or wants to feature you somehow. Here is mine and I do not mind a feature :)
Assignment #2: Answer these questions:
Q:Tell us about yourself …bio 150-200 words.
A: I am Sarah Dible a wife, Mother, a sister, a dog owner, a physical therapist a NAET practitioner, a friend to many, a philanthropist, a missionary's kid whose heart has a special place for Rwanda, Africa and a jewelry designer and artist that finds inspiration for her designs just before dozing off to sleep at night. I love spending time teaching my hands new skills. I am a perfectionist who manifest my neurotic tendencies in the details of my creations. I love being a Mom and wife most in my life but art and creating things with my hands feeds my soul.
I am not an academic who craves school but I am very proud to have finished an academically challenging degree like physical therapy. What I learned most from my traditional schooling is that determination and dedication is the key to achieving your goals. However I am a creative mind that learns kin esthetically and I have always gravitated toward things that I can create in my minds eye and then figure out how to make them a reality using my hands.
As a child growing up in Kigali, Rwanda I used to climb over my fence to go to my neighbors house to sit and watch Jutta, a truly gifted artist, create her magic. She painted water color, made dolls, and created beautiful beaded jewelry from local ivory and malachite. Looking back at the situation I probably drove her nuts. She had two sons my age and my older brother played with them... but I just liked to hang out with her and was just in awe of her talents. When we moved away she gave me one of her dolls as a gift. I still have it and it still amazes and inspires me.
Jutta's Doll: She made everything. Outfit, shoes, painted the face etc..
I wake up every day and can't wait to see what I can learn. I love YouTube for ideas. I have been teaching myself to crotchet lately and who knows... maybe some of the techniques will end up in a jewelry design.
I started making jewelry in 1998 when I saw some earrings for sale and thought to myself "I can make those". I went home and taught myself to wirewrap. I figured it all out on my own. I may not have done everything right but I was able to create it and I took off from there. Even though I would like to, I have not taken any jewelry making classes. I am sure I will eventually take one but I have not had the time and have not maxed out my own creative leaning yet.
Since the birth of my daughter a little over two years ago my life has been beyond busy. I find that I have to make an effort to take the time to be creative in order to feel a connection and balance to my life. My style is always evolving and I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.
Q: Tell us about your shop.
A: I sell my wonderful jewelry creations at www.loopsdesigns.etsy.com
Q: How did you get started?
A: I have made jewelry on and off since 1998. Some of my physical therapy patients started asking where I got my jewelry and I started making some for them. I sold a little in stores locally but I tend to be a little shy so going out there face to face with store owners to get wholesale orders was very hard for me. I decided to try selling online. I tried ebay for about a week but the venue did not suit me and I looked elsewhere and immediately found Etsy. I have been very happy with the aesthetic and ease of use. I have worked with other selling venues and thus far Etsy is my place. I am open to trying other venues as well.
Q: What is your favorite item in you shop (attach link please)
A: Little Fiddlehead Earrings in Oxidized Silver
A: Tough question. I like the the thrill of making something new for the very first time. Plucking it out of my mind and into reality is my favorite moment.
Q: Whats you most memorable sale.
A: My first sale on Etsy... I remember doing a big happy dance and thinking "somebody likes my creation".
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A: I find a lot of inspiration in geometry and in nature.
Q: Tell us about a favorite designer.
A: Marie-Helene de Taillac she is a French Princess. Her work is usually 24k gold with gemstones in it.
Q: What's your favorite color.
A: I think it is easier to think of colors I don't like. There is a retro shade of mustard that makes me feel ill. My husband has a T-shirt the exact color and I swear he wears it to test my commitment to him.
Q: What's your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?
A: My living/dining/kitchen area... it is all one big perfect living area.
Q: Do you have a (your product) tip you'd like to share with readers?
A: Hmmm... Not sure I can think of any right off hand.
Q: What are your (upto 5) favorite blogs or website? (outside yours or icraft)?
A: Etsy, Perez Hilton yes I sneak a peek all the time...
Q:What are your (upto 5) favorite magazine(s), and or book(s).
A: Well I loved Domino magazine but it is no more. I am still crying over that one. Food and Wine is also a favorite.
Q:What do you do to relax and unwind?
A: Make jewelry. Yes I am being serious. I also like cycling but the my little ones have slowed me down a bit on that one.
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