Guest this week: Zsazsazsu1963 + Giveaway

A new Etsy seller is with us today: Zsazsazsu1963 from Belgium, Europe. She makes unique jewelry with all types of material that she finds during her travels... and she was kind enough to giveaway to my readers a handmade necklace valued at $55, "Les doux et durs Mediterranean sea necklace".

you can participate in the giveaway, right after this interview:

  

Tell us something about yourself 

Hi I am Sandra, 47 and in real life a travelagent.  I got the beadingbug about 5 years ago.  I saw somebody with a very nice (green which is my favorite color) necklace and asked her where she bought it.  She made it herself … I wanted to learn that too, so I started looking for a workshop where I could learn this (crocheting with beads).   The lady in the shop told me she didn’t give workshops anymore but she would explain it to me and I could start.  I thought I would never understand it as it looked much more complicated then it was.  But I started and never ever stopped again with beading.

When did you start to create your original jewelry? How would you describe your style?
To me it’s a challenge to learn techniques, surch for materials and combine all of these in my collection.  I can’t really describe my style as I like too many things, I often take a 360 ° switch to something totally  different.  Now with Les Doux & Durs I think I found my unique style.  A combination of crocheting which is one of the things I like the best with a mix of beads from all around the world.  As for my job I have to travel a lot, it’s nice to be able to bring home beads from every destination.  I like to work with materials that can be recycled such as bike inner tubes (my Tube cuties), beach and riverstones (Stone beauties) which both I reuse in a ring collection.

Tell us some secret or the creative process ...
I have a little notebook in my purse where I can write down my ideas. But most of the time I get the best ideas when I am beading.  Working on one item surrounded by my materials, my eye falls on something and the new idea pops up.  It’s like hopping from one thing to another. 

What advice would you give to a new seller?
Don’t get disappointed when you don’t sell.  It’s difficult to be notified between all the others that sell  jewelry on etsy.  List and relist daily, make good pictures and discriptions.  Network all the time.
But this all takes a lot of effort and time.  So make up your mind first if you want this to be a hobby or a business.   If it’s a hobby you will be happy with every sale you make, even if it is only one a month !

What are your favorite shops or blogs?
Well most of the people that have a blog have a shop and vice versa.  I admire one of my teachers, she is the crochetqueen to me : www.nevousinstallezpas.be/blog  incredible what she makes with only one stitch.  I like my daily read at www.artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com , Mitsy has a wonderful blog and I love her ceramic work. I learned to know Juanita from www.juanitatortilla.blogspot.com and I love her sense of humour.

anything else you want to share with us
Wel I give workshops too, but I give them at peoples homes. This is a very nice formula to pass on Knowledge and have fun. It’s like a homebeadingparty. It’s much nicer then a Tupperware evening  ! I like to pass on the beadingbug !

Giveaway Time:

Win "Les doux et durs Mediterranean sea Necklace"

 

to participate in this Giveaway, simply make One or All of the following rules:
(each dot is a chance to win, every one must be made in a separate comment - leave a link where I can contact you)

• Become my Follower: Facebook - Blog - Twitter (leave a comment letting me know which site you follow)

• Spread the Word: Twitter, facebook or Blog about this giveaway and leave a link

• Love zsazsazsu1963's Etsy shop: put it in your favorites (leave the link in the comments of your etsy account)

• Become Zsazsazsu1963's Blog Follower

(to be considered as a possible winner must have made at least one of these rules)
The giveaway is open worldwide!

ends Monday, October 24, so check back to see if you are the winner!

Good luck!