Etsy Spotlight: Michelle from fixations

I’m so happy to introduce our first Etsy Spotlight of 2014 – actually, come to think of it you’ve already met her! Michelle is a contributor to ShopHappens, and the two of us went to the Hello Etsy event in DC a few years ago. Michelle has been wearing her gorgeous handmade brooches for years now, so I was super excited for the fixations Etsy store to officially launch a few months ago! She’s always had such an eye for creative accessories and design, so this is a natural fit.

Michelle has offered a great promotion to ShopHappens readers – be sure to use coupon code SHOPHAPPENS for a special 10% discount on any purchase! And while you’re at it, go follow @fixationsjewelry on Twitter too!

As always, click on a photo to learn more or purchase any of the featured items. Now on with the show…

The Winter Crescent: pin with curved hammered silver cylinder, sapphire and copper beads, gold chain by fixations

How long have you been selling on Etsy? How did you become interested in creating your own handmade products?

I have been selling on Etsy since July 2013, but I have been a buyer on Etsy since 2009. I loved the connection that I felt to the seller and to the item I purchased; that connection made the purchase feel that much more special. When I decided to turn my hobby into a business, Etsy seemed like the natural place to start.

I have always liked vintage style, and brooches had become a favorite accessory. I combined that idea with a vintage men’s pocket watch. It wasn’t even really a hobby, just something I did for myself. I love combining masculine and feminine elements to discover something new.

The Big Top Clown: pin with red and blue hoops, multi-colored beads, gold chain by fixations

What inspires you?

The flair of the 20s, 30s, and 40s is probably my greatest inspiration, as well as several contemporary designers. Inspiration can come from anywhere, though. I find a lot of inspiration in sunlight and how it reflects on objects, water, lots of things. Other people and their personal styles and personalities are also great inspirations, because of course, I want to make things that people will be excited to wear.

What are some of your favorite colors/patterns/design aesthetics? How do you incorporate them into your work?

I love color! It’s a great friend of mine. You’ll tend to find a lot of blue in my pieces. It’s my favorite color. I also like to mix in wood and metals. Recently, I’ve gotten into paper elements. Plus, I like anything that reflects light, so you’ll see a lot of faceted beads in my work. I’m not a big fan of symmetry, so I like to keep things slightly off balance.

Who are some of your favorite celebrities? Whose style would match up with what’s available in your store?

Carey Mulligan is a fantastic actress, and a fascinating person to watch. I’m also a huge fan of Kerry Washington. Her wardrobe is to die for. If either of those women wore my pins, I would pass out!

The Carnival Kid in Silver: pin with white mesh bead, silver chain by fixations

What is your workroom like? What conditions lead you to create the best work?

I have a pretty cramped space, so I actually tend to create at the kitchen table. It’s good open space and I can interact with others while I create if I want. It’s good for instant feedback! I tend to get my best ideas when I am daydreaming. Sometimes things just pop into your head, and usually when I am not thinking very hard about a design, a great idea pops into my head.

How long does it take to design and create each piece?

It varies. Some pieces I puzzle over for days before a solid idea comes along and others just come together in minutes. Usually, if I am working with a set of materials, I try to identify a theme that can direct my thoughts. But I find sometimes that the unformulated thought it is the one that is the most cohesive and quickest to develop!

What is your favorite product so far?

Probably “Grass and the Water Droplet.” It is so versatile. It fits into so many outfits. I find it is a go-to piece for me. But it changes everyday!

Grass and the Water Droplet: pin with ocean, sky blue, and gold and green-tone glass beads, gold chain by fixations

What is the most interesting request you’ve received from a customer?

Brides are very fun to work for because they are often looking for something that they want to have as part of their special day or that their good friends will enjoy. It’s nice to create something for events like that because they are such seminal moments in people’s lives.

What makes your Etsy store different from others?

A lot of Etsy sellers make vintage inspired jewelry, but not many make pins and brooches. Bringing masculine and feminine elements together takes it a step further. I use all kinds of materials in my pieces; I’m designing some pieces now using paper beads made by women’s groups in Uganda. The possibilities are endless!

The Sand Dollar: pin with rainbow Agate, shells, gold chain by fixations

Thank you again Michelle for the interview! And readers, don’t forget to use code SHOPHAPPENS at checkout for a special discount!

What’s your favorite item in the fixations Etsy store?

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