A New Feature - Interviewing International Etsy!

We periodically post an interview with a member of the INCrowd (and we will be doing more of that), but I saw the most recent thread for the European Etsy Street Team (see here) and got a load of how many countries they represent, I figured it was time to do a little reaching out across the sea. How do Etsyers from other parts of the world see their art, online shopping, and so forth? I asked darerca, an Irish lass (don't blame me for a wee bias in favor of my ancestral home) to give us her perspective on her own work and on Etsy:

Where were you born & raised?
Born and raised in what used to be a sleepy little village on the Dublin, north Wicklow border but is now part of the urban sprawl that is modern Ireland.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I live in a beautiful rural area near Greystones in Co. Wicklow not all that far from where I grew up! I love the mountains and the sea and couldn't imagine living anywhere else!

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop(s)?
Mainly necklaces or bracelets of silver, gemstones or Swarovski crystal but I also use other material like copper and vermeil. My current obsession is wire crochet with various gemstones or freshwater pearls.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I completed a year of an IT degree course but quit that to specialise in web design as I found it more creatively satisfying.

How'd you get started creating?
Jewellery has always been a passion - one of my first memories was at the age of four or maybe five trying to make earrings from the long red petals I picked off a fuchsia bush in the garden. It took me quite a while after that to get serious about it though! My next attempt was not very successful either - this was before the internet and the limited material that was available had to be bought by mail order from the U.K. which made it very expensive. Third attempt was about 18 months ago just before Christmas 2006 when I decided it was now or never. I bought some beads on Ebay and beginners tools and got to work. It was slow going though as some techniques are best learned from another person so I signed up for a night class in jewellery making. I joined Etsy in April 2007 but did not in fact start selling until September 2007. I needed that time to perfect my craft before I considered it good enough to sell.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why?
I'm a member of the European Street Team! I do wish I had more time to join others but I never seem to have enough free time that I'm not working, jewellery making, cooking, sleeping....

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
The community feeling! The forums!

What are your three fave pieces, of your own work?

Blue Lace Agate Crocheted Wire Necklace














Beautiful Lampwork and Freshwater Pearl bracelet with adjustable clasp
















Ceramic, Freshwater Pearls and Copper


Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.

boonepottery - gorgeous pottery pendants
opheliax - fabulous creations with Swarovski crystal
tanyabond - love her prints, especially the kitties
humblebeads - very inspiring creations
simonewalsh - beautiful silver etched pendants

Anything else to add? Go for it!
Thank you for choosing me as your first International interview! I am so flattered! I was in the middle of packing as I'm heading to the airport early tomorrow and I could not believe it when I read your mail!