HEADLINE: Chatting with EclatDesigns, a shop on Etsy

Q: What is your store’s name and what do you sell (and anything else that you wanna share about it)?


---My store is Éclat Designs. Éclat means “brilliant” in French, and I always think of sparkling jewels when I think of that word, hence the name. I sell mainly jewelry, but I’ve also listed some art photography.


Q: How long had you been crafting for yourself before you decided to share your designs with other?


---I’d been making jewelry only for a few months… this time. It’s actually something I’ve done on and off for years; I probably started when I was around 13. I’d never sold it before; however, shortly after picking it back up, I got orders for 4 pairs of earrings from people who liked a pair I’d made for myself. My friends all told me to get an Etsy shop, and I finally listened!

Photography has been a life-long passion for me. I have this intense urge to document my life, and I am constantly flipping through old photo albums. In my early teens, I began to get interested in art photography, and I’ve been doing it ever since. My house is decorated with my work. Is that shallow?


Q: Where do you get your inspiration?


---Everywhere, really. I take pictures of things that catch my eye. Sometimes, those things seem weird to other people; more than once I’ve had someone question why I was taking a picture only to have them appreciate the final project. With jewelry, I just go to supply stores and walk around. I buy what I like, and then I sit down at home with all of my supplies in front of me and start experimenting.


Q: Is there a funny story where you accidentally screwed something up, but it turned out better than you planned?


---Sadly, no. That’s not to say I haven’t screwed up; it just usually doesn’t end well.


Q: How do you see yourself down the road?


---Winning the lottery? Seriously, I can see myself continuing to do this a long time as long as I have customers. I don’t know if it will ever be more than a hobby, but I do enjoy it.





Q: Do you do this for fun or for serious business?


---Right now, it’s for fun. If I could do it as a serious business, that would be wonderful, but I’ve got a long way to go.


Q: Do you ever get a creative block? If yes, how frustrating is it and how do you deal with that?


---Yes, and it makes me insane! I find jewelry relaxing, unless I can’t think of what to make, and then I go insane. If it lasts more than a day or 2, I just start trying combinations of things over and over until I hit upon a winner.


Q: What is one favorite thing that you made and felt bad selling it - only because you liked it so much?


---So far, nothing has broken my heart, but I did make one pair of earrings that my boyfriend loved. He wanted me to make a pair for myself, but when I went back to get more supplies, they were out of the pendants. He’s still bummed about that. 




Q: What is a normal day like for you?


--Insane. Right now, my day job is crazy. Frenetic. Frantic. Stressful. I make jewelry to unwind when I get home.


Q: What else interests you besides your craft?


---Wedding planning. It’s my other passion. Right now, it’s a hobby; I’ve done weddings for a few friends. I may be biased, but I think they turned out great.


Q: Is there something you would like to say as the end of the talk?


---Thank you to everyone who has looked at my shop (and especially those who have made a purchase!). I think Etsy is a really fantastic site and encourage people to shop there as often as possible. Handmade is the way to go!