Saturday Artisan: charmeddesign1012

Introducing our Saturday Artisan this week, meet Lori the artist behind Charmeddesign1012.

A great story behind her shop. So touching and it's real. And that's one of so many things that differentiate between handmade and mass-produced products.
It turns out that my favorite is hers as well.
Find out which one as you read the interview below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I am a 42 Atlanta,GA native that is now living in New Haven, CT. I have lived here a little over two years now. About a year ago, I became ill from an infection that was a side effect of a routine tooth extraction. I came very close to dying, had several life saving surgeries, and am blessed to be here today. My first bracelets came into being as something constructive and positive to do while recovering from this sudden and life threatening illness.

I sell charm jewelry, mostly wrap bracelets made from leather, satin and silk. I use charms that inspire me and make me smile and stones I find beautiful. My jewelry is all about feeling good.


Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
I love seeing the final product and how my vision is now a reality.

What is your favourite item in your shop?
My favorite item is a silk wrap bracelet.

What is your best seller?
So far, my sales have been varied. I have a lot of pieces in my shop, and I have only been on etsy three months, so I am not surprised I do not yet have a best seller. I do a lot of custom pieces as well.

What inspires you?
Although I lost my job, home, and life as I knew it, surviving such a near death experience has made me feel and believe that I am indeed - CHARMED. My jewelry reflects my experience and love for life. I am inspired by signs and symbols that are all around us and that, if we let them, can uplift and guide us. It can be something as simple as a leaf falling from a tree.


Holiday season is fast approaching. Give us a scoop on your prep. What are you exciting to offer for 2010 holiday season?
This is my first holiday season so I do not know what to expect. I am trying to build up my inventory and I have stocked up on shipping supplies. I am considering whether to offer holiday discounts.

How do you promote your shop?
I am constantly looking for new ways to market my shop I designed a logo, banner, business cards, wrapping that are all cohesive as a brand. I seek out opportunities, like this, to expose my craft to new audiences. I now have a blog and a facebook page. I make treasuries. But, my most important marketing tool is amazing customer service. I try to return emails within an hour, mail items the same day they are bought, wrap them nicely, make changes to pieces for free, anything reasonable that makes my customers happy. I already have had a few sales that were referrals from past customers.


Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway! You don't want to miss out.

For current's handmade giveaway, enter here.