Image of Emily
By Emily

July 27th, 2010

Today I bring to you Elizabeth from Peacock beads on etsy. In her words…

University of Alabama team colored earrings

University of Alabama team colored earrings

I’m the brains, beauty and brawn (?!?) behind Peacockbeads shop on ETSY. I started out making jewelry when I went back to grad school and needed a creative outlet (and I had no energy or desire to do any additional reading on my “off” time so I needed another hobby). It also allowed my inner peacock to come out – hence the store’s name – and I was able to make coordinating jewelry for all my outfits. The control freak/fashionista in me loved that!

My new ability also allowed me to give well made personalized gifts for friends and family. After I received another compliments from friends and strangers I gained the confidence to start selling pieces. I played around on eBay and ETSY and some local craft gatherings but after a change in work circumstance (I was recently laid off) I have now decided to put more energy into my work on ETSY.

Long navy and purple frosted glass and wood necklace

Long navy and purple frosted glass and wood necklace

I really love the creative aspects of the jewelry making and learning the marketing skills necessary to really make a good shop and strong online presence. However, I really want to learn to take better photos to convey the beauty of the pieces. I have the camera and I just made a “light box” so I am getting ready for a re-shoot process and would love feedback on that aspect of my shop, too.

As I’ve been thinking more about my jewelry as a cohesive brand verses just making pieces that I would want I’ve realized that one little niche of jewelry that is still hard to find is good quality sports’ team inspired pieces.

Whirly Girl Earrings with available matching necklace

Whirly Girl Earrings with available matching necklace

When I worked in Wisconsin all the guys wore their Green Bay Packer ties to work on the Mondays when the Packers were on Mondays but there were few nice scarves or pieces of jewelry that I could wear that were “work appropriate.” And it wasn’t just a shortage of nice jewelry in Wisconsin. When I went to grad school at LSU (and my dress code was much more casual) I still couldn’t find cool purple and gold jewelry I would want to wear – so I fixed the problem and made my own. Now its time to share with all the other female fans who have a strong sense of fashion.

Now I’m branching out from teams I pull for to those Alma Maters of my friends and other professional teams so more of us with the peacock gene can find good quality, fun jewelry to wear to work or to games. They also are cool gifts for mothers of little leaguers! They can be bought in junior and high school colors for sport’s moms, teachers, cheerleaders or anyone with school spirit. I’ll be adding new team colors and am happy to take requests!

I’ve been chatting back and forth with Elizabeth and she’s very polite and is very open to feedback and suggestions, so if there’s anything you would like to ask her about or talk to her about there’s no need to hesitate – she’d love to hear from you. 🙂

Buy it: You can purchase from Peacockbeads on etsy here

Win it: Elizabeth has generously offered to give one lucky winner their choice of earrings from her store!

To enter: MANDATORY: Visit peacock beads and tell me what your favorite item in her store is. Be sure to leave your email address!

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will end August 13th. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 2 days to reply and claim their prize before a new winner will be selected.

Disclaimer – I was not compensated for this post in any way.

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