INCrowdteam Interview 7/25/09 - Cathy Colbert, a.k.a. BeadedDetails

Let's just get right to it, shall we, readers? I can hardly wait for you to see the beautiful work of Cathy Colbert, from her Etsy shop BeadedDetails!

Hey, Cathy! Is your last name pronounced "COAL-burt" or "coal-BEAR"? It's pronounced "Coal-burt." I get that a lot, and by the way, my husband's name is Steve.

Where were you born and raised? I was born in Des Plaines, Illinois and my family moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana when I was six months old; that is where I grew up and went to grade school and high school.

Where are you now, and what led you there? I now live in Carmel, Indiana. I moved to Indianapolis after I graduated from Hanover College. Then, I met my husband and after we married we moved up to Carmel!

What's the origin of your shop's name? I think of jewelry as the details that complete your outfit, so that’s why I chose the name “Beaded Details.”

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? The jewelry I sell is made using semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, shell, Swarovski crystals, pearls, and glass, and I like to use sterling silver and 14 karat gold-filled components. I love to wire-wrap and incorporate chain into the pieces that I make. I tend to make jewelry that’s classic in style.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? I have no formal education in jewelry-making; however, I learned how to make jewelry in 2005 when I became a consultant for a company that offered home DIY jewelry-making parties. It was through them that I learned how to wire-wrap, bead string, etc. Although I am not a consultant anymore for the company (they no longer exist), I am grateful for what I learned, and am excited to be selling my jewelry on Etsy now!

What’s your real-world job (shudder)? I am a stay-at-home-mom!

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? My mom likes to paint, and cross stitch, so I think I get my craftiness from her. My sister also has an artistic side. I’m the only one I know of in our family, however, who makes jewelry!

How'd you get started creating? I loved to draw when I was a kid. I just like to create things with my hands. I also love to knit, although I’m a novice. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a piece of jewelry and like how it looks.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Time to myself helps to turn on my creative light. Time to think about what colors, or shapes would look good together.

If you had to choose one gem or stone to describe your personality, what would it be, and why? I suppose pearls (or crystal quartz). Pearls are a classic, and I lean towards a classic style. But, I love crystal quartz too! It’s clear and sparkling (not sure if that describes me, though)!

Do you belong to any Street Teams (other than the INCrowdteam)? If so, which ones and why? I also belong to the Etsy Mom Team, because I’m a mother of three great kids.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? A lot of things. I enjoy interacting with customers and other Etsy sellers. Everyone has been SO nice. It’s a great feeling when I sell a piece of my jewelry to someone, and they tell me how they love it, or how they’re going to wear it to their wedding. Wow, it’s an honor!

Please recommend your five favorite shops from all of Etsy.
1) 9LivesPhotography
2) MadrinPhotography
3) SRSupplies
4) TRPottery
5) PaigeandBrooke

Show us three of your own favorite pieces, from your shop and work.

Ocean Breeze Bracelet – Semi-precious American turquoise, amazonite, pineapple quartz, freshwater pearls, green agate and Swarovski crystal “charms” wire-wrapped to a hammered sterling silver link chain.

Long Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace - Lustrous, 8-9 mm white, oval shaped freshwater pearls are wire-wrapped with sterling silver between sections of sterling silver cable chain to create this classic, 31.75" long necklace. It looks great on its own, or layered with other jewelry! Includes a sterling silver lobster clasp and jump ring closure. You can also double the necklace, and wear at choker length (approximately 16").













Natural Jasper Briolette Necklace – A faceted, wire-wrapped semi-precious jasper briolette hangs from a delicate, sterling silver cable chain along with a single, champagne colored freshwater pearl, and a stamped, hill tribe sterling silver charm. The briolette stone is 11 x 16 mm, and has natural, mixed shades of amber and brown. Pearl and charm are approximately 6 mm. Sterling silver lobster clasp and jump ring closure. Necklace length is 17".













Do you sell on consignment? I don’t sell on consignment currently, but I hope to sometime.

Where else can we find you on the internet? On Facebook.

Anything else to brag on? Yes! I was recently interviewed by a local publication, Carmel Business Leader. The article is on their website.

Do you yourself have certain pieces of jewelry that you always, always wear? Tell us about them. I wear this necklace I made that is pretty simple – sterling silver chain with a Chinese turquoise oval, a sterling silver charm & single white pearl. It goes with everything! I’m usually a minimalist with my jewelry when I’m just running errands & being a mom, but love to wear more detailed jewelry when I get dressed up to go out!

Last question... what’s the best piece of advice you’d give a new Etsy seller (like me)? To get your shop seen more frequently, try to list and renew your items as often as you can. And, I think taking good pictures helps too!

Thanks, Cathy, for the sound advice and for a great interview! I wanted to share one other thing with our readers; I love how in your Etsy shop announcement where you list your Facebook fan page, you tell everyone that fans can receive not only shop updates, but also special "fan only" discounts! I'm taking notes! -- Stockannette