What is your name?
Sarah Schmidt
Where are you located?
The lovely western 'burbs of Chicago.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a mother to three crazy kids and a wife to a wonderful German man, who I somehow convinced to move across the world for me. I love, love, love projects...it could be DIY projects around our old house, fixing up my daughter's room, gardening and, of course, making jewelry.
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| Silver Jumble Necklace |
What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Shoppers will find trendy, handmade jewelry at very affordable prices. There are a few tried and true styles that I keep around and will remake but, most of the time, I am trying to come up with new, original pieces.
How/why did you get started?
Like a lot of people on Etsy, I started making jewelry for fun. A good friend of mine taught me some of the basics and from there I was hooked, mostly because I loved being able to make something exactly the way I would want to wear it. I started selling to friends, then friends of friends, at parties, local craft shows, and then Etsy.
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| Multi-colored Bauble Bracelet |
How long have you been crafting?
I've always loved creating; I can remember trying to sew myself a skirt when I was around 8.... needless to say, it didn't turn out that great! I've also dabbled in photography. But I have been making jewelry for the past 3 years.
What is your favorite thing to make?
Necklaces! There is something so feminine about draping something pretty around your neck. I never tire of trying to make necklaces that really grab attention.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
I really enjoy recreating old jewelry into something new. Many times, clients will bring me sentimental pieces of jewelry that have been inherited, and I will create a brand new piece of jewelry, incorporating those special items. It makes me feel good to know that I've made a wearable memory for someone.
What inspires you to create?
Oh anything and everything! Color, fashion, the right music.
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| Handsewn Linen and Pearl Cuff |
What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
A nice cup of hot tea.
How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
It is an ever-evolving process, isn't it? I set aside a few hours every day for work, usually when at least two out of three kids are in school. Sometimes that means laundry will go unfolded for a little longer but, I figure, the more I treat my jewelry making like a job, the more successful I will become.
What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love checking out vintage shops, not only for interesting pieces of jewelry but also for architectural finds, like old corbels somebody has pulled out of a house. I am a sucker for striking photography, if the item has been photographed well, I may just favorite the item for the sake of the photo alone.
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| Pastel Pearl Bauble Necklace |
When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Probably driving my kids to or from whatever activity they're involved in at the moment!
Where can we find you?
www.shoppinkpaisley.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/PinkPaisleyChicago
What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanFarmgirlAndCo: This shop always has something new to look at and her pictures are gorgeous.
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