Happy Valentines day!

Finally as promised, my interview with Alison Da Silva of Tesouro. Which is quite perfect really as she has these lovely heart earrings in her Folksy shop and we can never have too many hearts on Valentines day.



I always find it interesting to talk to other crafters who make things that are really foreign to me and jewelery definitely falls into that category, I wouldn't know where to start. So Alison shares a little insight here.

Tell me how you got into jewelery making.
I have always dabbled in a bit of jewellery making and other crafts but I really got into jewellery making when I was getting married and I wanted to do as much of the planning and prepartions myself. I started by making some hair pins from pearls and crystals and I just kept going!

How did you learn your craft?
I have learned mostly through trial and error, a few good jewellery techniques books and teaching myself form magazines and online tutorials

What inspires your designs?
I am inspired by bright colours, gorgeous beads and all things girly! When I see something I love (maybe a bead, maybe a top, maybe even just a really cool poster or advertisement) I start thinking of how I can make that into a peice of jewellery.

How do you promote your business?
Most of my pormotion is word of mouth. Almost all of my friends and family have received my jewellery as gifts and they always promote me when they are asked about a piece thay are wearing. I also post links to my shop on my blogs and facebook - anywhere I can!

Where do you see your craft taking you in the next few years?
Over the next few years I'd like to see my shop become somewhere i can make regular sales, I'd also like to learn new skills and techniques, like silver smithing or working with precious metal clay.

Lastly, what's your most favorite thing in your shop?
My most favourite theimg in my shop is the Hearts and Flowers Charm bracelet. I have made a few charm bracelets for friends and family and I love how unique they are. Every individual charm is a little bit different from the others, I use up lots of one of a kind beads and I personalise each bracelet for the person I'm making it for. they are so much fun to make and I love to see my friends wearing them!



Be sure to check out her shop the next time you are looking for something girly and pretty!