The first seller is SaJoMo.
Please leave comments and give her visit at her store on Etsy.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Sally and I am British goldsmith/jewellery designer living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I studied my Degree in the UK and have been making ever since! I worked for various companies as a Jewellery consultant and also for myself for many years. My job has taken me all over the world and I am now even closer to the trade fairs in Asia!I have won design awards and also awards for finished items and also taken part in major exhibitions and fairs worldwide.
What is your Etsy shop address and name?
My shop address is http://www.sajomo.etsy.com/ and the name itself is SaJoMo (made up from the first two letters of my first, middle and last name)
Do you have a blog (and what is its address)?
Nope no Blog, but I do have a website with two other artists. http://www.diversegallery.com/
What is your favorite color combination?
Oooo this is a hard one as my love of colour is why I got so hooked on precious and semi precious stones and beads! I will have to choose one of my latest combos by saying Green and Gold as I recently made and listed an Opal necklace with those colours.
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?
I had a fabulous art teacher growing up in Kenya and I remember making a crepe paper palm tree in one of my first art classes.
How and why did you make it?
We all had to make one and I think I won a prize for mine so it stuck in my memory. We made it by rolling up the paper and then slicing up the leaves with scissors and pulling it into shape! I haven't stopped making stuff since!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything around me. I love all aspects of design so it could be a shape I see in Architecture or simply a flower or leaf I have picked up off the street
Where do your ideas come from?
They come through playing with the material in my workshop. I spend a lot of time starting again and again just to be sure of the right combination! Perfectionist tendencies can be a good and bad thing though!
Does the atmosphere affect your creativity?
Very much so, I need to be in a bright space ...always with some good music on in the background and all my tools to hand! If it is too messy I can't concentrate.
Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park?
I have turned our spare bedroom into a fully functioning workshop with tumblers, polishers and mills etc ...everything I could need!
What are your favorite materials?
Silver, Gold and Semi-Precious stones/beads.
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I like making Jewellery first and foremost but I also like to paint and draw - sketchbooks are a great thing to have to hand.
Why should people buy handmade?
Because I believe there is a certain life lost by the material if it is mass produced, it loses some warmth. Also there is nothing like owning a handmade item that has had time and effort poured into it. Unique and special is the way forward! Especially if you are commissioned to make something and work on ideas with the buyer.
Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?
Be truthful about your materials and make what you enjoy making and others will appreciate your efforts. We cannot cater for EVERY taste so don’t try to - make what you want to make. Keep your prices fair to yourself and the customer.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Ermmmmmm, it is what I do...what I am qualified for so I would have to say socialise and other extra curricular activities like swimming etc
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy? To be full with descriptions!! Also to communicate well!
Read any good books lately?
"Talent is never enough" John Maxwell - half way through it but good so far!
Any other links or information you want to share? Nope - just check out my Etsy shop if you have some time free!
In ten years I'd like to be...running my own Gallery/shop selling studio Jewellery and interesting applied arts such as ceramics, glass, textiles and also some Painting, mixed media arts. Also to have a café on the premises so it loses that sometimes uncomfortable Gallery feel! Comfort and Craft! Also to do some more teaching as I enjoy passing on techniques and inspiring new talent.
Here are some items in Sajomo (Sally's) Shop:
Opal and Gold Necklace
