Out of the Box Bead Designs
Shimmering Blue Icicles
Holiday parties have begun to fill my calendar and with each RSVP, I find myself searching for the perfect piece of jewelry to highlight my party wear. What better way to be merry than with a sparkly bauble?
That being said, searching for the right distinctive piece can be time-consuming and not so merry, especially during this busy holiday season. Luckily, I have found the perfect shop that is full of sparkle and can be visited online during your lunch hour.
Out of the Box Bead Designs is overflowing with a wide variety of styles for the earring collector. Shop owner Sandy Schwartz creates earrings that can be both dainty and striking. Her "Shimmering Blue Icicles" earrings, in particular, have a definite touch of drama with their Zen inspired stacked silver blue pearls.
With countless styles to choose from, the right complement to your holiday attire is sure to be found at Out of the Box Bead Designs. In fact, an up-do may be in order to highlight your new find.
Sandy Schwartz answered a few questions over email about her work and art.
The Daily Page: When did you open your Etsy shop and what do you sell?
Schwartz: January 21, 2008
I sell mainly earrings. I have an obsession with owning every earring I have ever seen. Being a teacher, I can't afford my passion so I started making earrings. Unfortunately this backfired on me. Now I make hundreds of earrings out of a multitude of materials and colors. My newest obsession is to create as many new designs as possible. In addition I also offer some ID lanyards and waxed linen twined necklaces and wall hangings.
Do you have a day job? Does your shop pay the rent?
I am a special education teacher at LaFollette High School. I make jewelry a couple of hours every night.
I find it very difficult to get enough customers to look at my shop due to the huge number of jewelry vendors on Etsy. It works best when I list new merchandise daily but my job is very stressful and many times I am just too tired to produce and list. So, the answer to the question is no. I have not reached the monthly goals I set for myself...but I won't be giving up trying for quite a while.
What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online store?
You have to constantly hand out business cards with your Etsy shop address and use your Etsy website as your signature for work and personal email. It's all about exposure! It's best also to list new merchandise daily to stay in everyone's sights.
Etsy is an online marketplace whose mission is to "reconnect makers with buyers." These explorations will connect you with the makers in your neighborhood.
