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How I Got Started and Hopefully Will Never Stop!

by Priya.
(United Kingdom)

I’m a jewellery designer / maker and work with many different materials. I have a bespoke range created from sterling silver and also a fashion line for the young and trendy.

I had been designing and making jewellery as a hobby for 2 years, but last year decided to take the plunge and try and make a career of it.

Since I set up my website in January 2009, I have had much interest in my work.

I followed the advice given by other artists who posted comments and stories on this website; such as creating a professional website with good photos, handing out business cards at various events and sending everyone I knew a link to my website site.

However, I found what attracted the most interest were the workshops I carry out with children in schools and art complexes.

During these workshops the children work with beads and create small simple items of jewellery that they can take home.

This allows me to promote my own work for sale or commission with the staff and parents.

This has also helped me to be invited back for their Christmas stalls, and in the UK as each secondary school has various feeder primary schools that it is attached to, I get introduced to more schools and even more business!

The way I started was to send information about my work to all the local schools and friends who are teachers.

I managed to get 1 day, which then lead to many more, and from there have made many contacts.

I found this a fun way not only to promote myself but valuable as the children are so enthusiastic, and you never know you may meet the next big jewellery designer / maker!

Priya
Jewellery by Priya

Comments:

Inspiring Jewelry Networking Story
by: Rena

What a great way to become known as a jewelry artist – while having fun and sharing something you love!

One of the things I enjoy about working with kids is that they nearly always take me in directions I wouldn’t have thought of going otherwise!

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful ideas for networking and growing your “jewelry circle of influence”.

I too have found that once people get to know you as a jewelry artist in a non-sales setting, the opportunities for selling your jewelry start multiplying till you can hardly keep up with them!

Best of luck with the lovely work you’re doing.

Keep up the Good Work!
by: Jo Starre

It’s nice to see other artists taking an interest in providing workshops for jewelry making. I am an art teacher and my hobby is making jewelry using clay. I have set up my own studio in a room at home and hold classes for young kids during the summer vacations. It’s good to see them taking part and I agree it does inspire you with your own designs!

Inspiring the next generation
by: Farah

With education preoccupied with grades, it is nice to see someone allowing creativity to flourish amongst the next generation.