Check out this interview I did recently with Associated Content.

Etsy Interview with Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry
by Rachel Krech

First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Karen Bryant and I live in Thompson's Station with my husband and dog. I am the owner and only jewelry maker for Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry. I sell my jewelry on Etsy and I have some pieces in a few local shops. My style is simple, pretty, everyday pieces. Sometimes I get lucky and find great vintage jewelry and rework into classic pieces that can be passed down to generations.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I became so frustrated one weekend trying to find the right piece of jewelry to wear to a friends wedding and then it just occurred to me, this is crazy, I'm a creative person, I can just make my own jewelry, it can't be that hard, I'll just figure it out. Well, turns out it wasn't that easy, especially when I had to learn on my own. I purchased a few magazines and turned to the internet for more help. I look back on some of the first pieces I made and have to laugh but now I am very confident in my ability and I absolute love making jewelry.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I set up my shop, Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry, in September of 2008. I started wearing some of the jewelry that I made to work and then I started making and selling jewelry to the girls at work. I thought, if I like my jewelry and they like my jewelry then I should try selling online. So I looked on the internet and looked in the jewelry making magazines for an outlet and that's when I decided to sell on Etsy.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

When you look at the handmade items on Etsy versus the items you find in department stores there's just no comparison. Why wouldn't someone want to wear a one of a kind unique item instead of something that everyone else is wearing. What is unique about Etsy is that Etsy IS unique, that's it. What I like about Etsy in regards to my shop, Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry, is that I couldn't set up a website on my own, it just wasn't cost effective. Etsy is simple and easy to use and maintain.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I would have to say the vintage pieces that I find inspire me the most. I look at the piece of jewelry and wonder what is the story behind it and how did it find it's way to this antique store. I love turning a pin into a pendant for a necklace.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

This is my favorite piece. I love the color and sparkle of the antique pin I used for this necklace. I don't know, it just spoke to me. There's something regal about this pin. I love how the Swarovski crystals and pearls match so perfectly.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like to continue to grow Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry. I'm so happy each time I sell a piece of jewelry, someone likes what I have created and that just makes me want to keep going. Along with new customers, I also want to have repeat customers and to have those customers tell their friends to shop Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

My aunt just gave me some great vintage pieces from her husbands family, some are 100+ years old, so I have been working to get them ready for a new design. I have lots of ideas in my head as I'm cutting off the pins on the back of the brooches and getting them cleaned up. I'm excited to see what a fabulous necklace or bracelet these great vintage pieces will become. Also I've been thinking of starting a men's line of jewelry. My nephew recently asked if I would make a necklace for him and if that's goes well I will begin to add some men's jewelry to my Etsy shop.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I have a facebook page and my website address is www.corinnaelle.com.