Every few months or so, my sister and I try to feature an Etsy Artisan that is also a student. We're always amazed at how industrious young people are nowadays, especially when they're able to balance both their schoolwork and their side businesses.
This month's Featured Etsy Artisan is Emily Spada of The Jewelry Sheller – and yes, she's also a Long Islander, just like us! Emily's jewelry makes you crave summer and brings an overwhelming sense of nostalgia to my sister and I – as kids, we loved curly-shell anklets!
This month's winner will receive 3 anklets (yes THREE) of their choosing! Each handcrafted anklet is $10.00, which makes our Giveaway a lovely $30 value.
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Emily, your work is just lovely. It really speaks to us as Long Islanders! How did you get started in jewlery making?
Thank you! My adventures into jewelry making started when I was probably about ten years old. My aunt bought me a craft kit by the Klutz company that taught me how to make beaded rings. I was obsessed with it for a few months, then dropped it for a year and picked it up again. My family saw a talent in me, I guess, and encouraged me to try selling my rings.
Can you tell us a little bit about your Etsy store, The Jewelry Sheller?
My Etsy shop just had its first birthday in January 2012! I had been selling online for a couple of years already, and finally decided to take the plunge and join Etsy. I had been finding that most people I talked to about my online business had never heard of the sites I was selling on at the time, but they knew of Etsy.
I sell mostly jewelry, but over the summer I got into making headbands because of a custom order I received. I still have a few available. My jewelry is very casual. I sell a lot of anklets, but I also have many other designs and pieces that are great for work or a casual party.
What else besides the beach inspires you?
Jewelry that I see on other people greatly inspires me. I see something that I like, and that I know I'd be able to make myself, but I put my own spin on it. I really like wrap bracelets, lots of layers of beads and long necklaces with decorative pendants on the end.
Coming from a family where our parents named all of us kids with "D" names – we're always interested in how and why people name things (and people) the way they do. So tell us, how did you came up with the name The Jewelry Sheller?
It was an accident, really. I was a senior in high school when I came up with the name. I was applying for a Young Entrepreneur scholarship through the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which I later received, and the form I was filling out required a business name. I wasn't selling online at that point and I had only done a few craft fairs. Most of my business was from selling on the beach. I don't know where it came from, but it just popped into my head. I ended up using it because I thought it was funny and different.
So, what do you do when you're not making jewelry?
Well, I just graduated from Hunter College (part of CUNY) with a BA in Media Studies and a minor in Art History. While attending Hunter, I lived with a friend in an apartment in the city. I was also a campus tour guide and represented the school at various special events — and had the time of my life.
What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I love the community! Through various other forms of social media, I've been able to meet other Etsy sellers who are just so incredibly talented, friendly, and generous. A lot of people there are willing to help critique shops, give advice and tips, and just welcome new sellers to the massive crowd that is Etsy.
Where can we find you?
You can find me almost anywhere. I love doing craft fairs, and can usually be found at Sayville Summerfest, Babylon Country Fair and one other in the beginning of the summer. I also write a blog called If it's the Beaches and I'm on Tumblr, Twitter: @emilyspada, Pinterest, and Facebook (but it's severely neglected and in need of fans).
Want to win 3 beach-inspired ankle bracelets from The Jewelry Sheller?
You can purchase these lovely pieces directly from The Jewelry Sheller , or you can enter our contest below to WIN!!
Here’s how the Giveaway Contest works:
1.) Like Us on Facebook.
2.) Help Us Spread the Word:
Tweet this: Summer-Themed #Giveaway Contest from @WeKnowStuff_US – Win 3 beach-inspired ankle bracelets from @emilyspada http://bit.ly/L6a4xN #jewelry
OR
Post it to Facebook: Check out https://www.facebook.com/WeKnowStuff.US and Win 3 beach-inspired ankle bracelets from @emilyspada
3.) Leave us ONE comment below and let us know what you've done (please include a link so we can see how you helped us spread the word).
The winner will be selected on June 30th at 4:00 PM EST. USA residents only, 18+ or older.
Good luck,
Denine & Daniele
April Nantz says
I am already a facebook fan. Like your page as April N Raymond Nantz.
Shared on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/raymond.nantz/posts/459128187439666
Shared on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nantz24/status/219524756175732736
Becky says
Shared on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/beckymarie621
Becky Marie says
Liked on facebook
Erinn S says
FB follower Erinn Arena Sluka and tweeted: https://twitter.com/3sonshavei/status/219216506255454208
Michelle Foster says
I like your facebook page and tweeted!
https://twitter.com/trendycosmomom/status/219206145867390978
Mandy Kauffman says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/SuperGrover83/status/219152793611681792
Mandy Kauffman says
“Like” you on FB (Mandy Peters Kauffman).
Abby Kraynick says
I am your FB fan. My FB name is Abby Kraynick Sovko.
Here is the link to the Tweet I sent out:
https://twitter.com/AbbySovko/status/219125501598511104
Thank you for the chance ♥♥
Madeline says
I “like” your Facebook page (FB name: Madeline Brubaker). Here’s my tweet – https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/219049591230824448
G Bailey says
like on fb
https://twitter.com/emptynesterintx/status/219014554242392065
Sarah says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/SarahParm/status/218881574425473025
I liked on facebook
Facebook Name: Sarah Louise
sparmeland(at)optonline(dot)net
Ashley K says
Good evening! I am now following on FB and I posted the link:
Check out http://www.facebook.com/walksaloneatnight/posts/500028383347161
Thank you!
Michelle Roberts says
Liked you on Facebook and linked on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/chellbelle3
Ilyssa Ilori says
I liked you on facebook and posted on facebook and twitter. : )
http://www.facebook.com/gfjyjnhgv
https://twitter.com/IlyssaIlori
Marcia Raziano says
I liked you on FB and posted your link on my FB, too. Love the bracelets!
Michele Pace says
I liked you on FB and posted on Fb. These anklets are really beautiful! and “we know stuff” is so cool… I’ve got to try those s’mores things…
Anne Johns says
Beautiful pieces!
I liked you on FB and reposted on FB (although I embarrassed that it took me two tries….).
Jennifer Griffin says
beautiful jewelry and great webpage!! Funny and inspirational
Jennifer Griffin says
I liked you on FB and posted on facebook at Jennifer Ganiaris Griffin
lauren knott says
Tweeted and liked as lauren davies knottLauren Knott
@LaurKnotter
Summer-Themed #Giveaway Contest from @WeKnowStuff_US – Win 3 beach-inspired ankle bracelets from @emilyspada http://bit.ly/L6a4xN #jewelry
Patricia Lipari says
Hi Denine, I tweeted the info but honestly I don’t know how to give you the link. My twitter handle is @patricialipari.
I’ve been looking for a beach glass pendant. LMK if you happen to see any. I scanned through etsy last week but didn’t find anything i loved (except for the one piece that was $$$!) I’ll check out The Jewelry Sheller now.
Thanks!
Lnb1191 says
Like Us on Facebook.
as Leah Baird
tweeted
https://twitter.com/lnb1191/status/218700788116103168
email: lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com
Krista says
I like you on FB and tweeted my twitter is @bookblogmama
https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.weknowstuf
email address bookreviewclubblog@aol.com
Thanks
Samantha K says
I like you on FB as Samantha Czerpak and tweeted here
https://twitter.com/SweepinSammy/status/218576009212084224
Megan Ross says
Facebook
Facebook.com/mcasada
Nicole says
I liked you on FB as Nicole Krebs Balogh and tweeted:
https://twitter.com/maybaby522/status/218466789208768512
Jasanna says
I liked you on Facebook and wrote the status!
MunchTalk
http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/
KHBride says
I liked on facebook (KHBride)
and tweeted: https://twitter.com/KHBride/statuses/218248672490696704
Mary says
Liked on facebook, username is Mary Lizzie
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MaryEli55283510/status/218160225096712192
marymichelotti@gmail.com
Amy Lee says
I like you on facebook!
sheila foley says
LOVELY pieces!
I liked you on fb under sheila tf, tweeted the giveaway message under @celticrn
https://twitter.com/CELTICRN/status/210528626809114625
*also posted on my fb page under sheila tf
Thanks!!
SHEILATF52 AT YAHOO DOT COM
leann s says
Posted to facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=16507594