Etsy Spotlight: Dvora from Dvora Schleffer Designs
Today’s Etsy Spotlight post features Dvora from Dvora Schleffer Designs. This Etsy store is a great find for petite and plus sized women everywhere, because everything is designed with you in mind. That said, these designs are near and dear to my heart because I’m a fairly small person myself, and it’s always been difficult to find jewelry that really fits well. (My fiance can attest to that – my size 3 engagement ring was a surprise to us both!)
As a special gift for ShopHappens readers, Dvora has graciously provided a discount code. Use code shophappens at checkout to save 15% on your order of $20 or more!
How long have you been selling on Etsy? How did you become interested in creating your own handmade products?
I’ve been creating jewelry ever since I can remember myself. When I was a teenager I found a box of tools and some supplies that were left from a jewelry course my mom once took. I started playing with that and never stopped. Later I took classes, read books and also learned a lot by experimenting and trying out ideas.
Twig ring, Sterling silver branch ring, Unique silver ring, nature inspired twig jewelry by Dvora Schleffer Designs
When I decided to turn my hobby into a full time thing I tried a lot of venues. I did craft shows, sold to stores and even had my own store for 3 years. Then I discovered the wonderful world of online selling and especially Etsy. This was perfect for me. I love the direct contact with my clients. I also love that I can work in my small studio and sell my jewelry all over the world. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and It’s just perfect for me.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything around me. Places I visit, other art forms, people I meet. But the greatest inspiration for me is nature with it’s endless possibilities of color, shape, texture etc. For the past 5 years I’ve been living in a beautiful village in the north of Israel. There’s a big olive orchard right in front of my house and a lot of other beautiful nature spots all around me. So it’s impossible not to be inspired from all this.
What are some of your favorite colors/patterns/design aesthetics? How do you incorporate them into your work?
My favorite colors are purple and green. My design aesthetic is very delicate, modern and subtle. I think this also describes my work. My own designs are also very delicate, small jewelry that add a touch to your look but don’t take over it. This is why my jewelry are perfect for every day or for work. As for color, I use gemstones to add colors to my designs. Amethyst is my favorite stone.
Delicate filigree dangle earrings with an Aqua Blue briolette stone, birthday gift for mom, sister, girlfriend, wife, by Dvora Schleffer Designs
Who are some of your favorite celebrities? Whose style would match up with what’s available in your store?
I don’t have a favorite celebrity. If I had to think of a celebrity who I think my jewelry would fit, I’d go with, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow.
What is your workroom like? What conditions lead you to create the best work?
I have a small studio located inside my house. The studio has several working areas, each for a different type of work (a desk for drawing designs, a jewelers bench for making the designs, etc). There are also several storage units for all the supplies. I am always trying to organize better and throw away things I don’t need, but it’s a work in progress.
I actually don’t need any special conditions to create. I just need to have some quiet time to think and try out my sketches and ideas. I do find that a vacation always re-charges my energy and creative juices. So a lot of times new collections are born after I’ve been traveling to some nice place.
Stacking bangle bracelet, Silver jewelry, Thin dragonfly stackable bangle in sterling silver by Dvora Schleffer Designs
How long does it take to design and create each piece?
Each piece is different. Some designs can come to me quickly and be ready on the same day I thought of them. Other designs might take longer. I basically have a little notebook where I sketch my ideas. Later I start working on these ideas in metal. Some may turn out exactly like the drawing, others will change and evolve along the way and there are also some that are “cancelled” because I’m not happy with the result. Occasionally I can get back to a “cancelled” design in a later date and think of a way to make it work.
What is your favorite product so far?
That is a difficult question. It changes all the time, as I make new designs I fall in love with new things I’ve created. If I had to choose I’d go with my black rose ring. I just love flowers and roses in particular and I find this ring to be timeless and so versatile. I have people buying it as an engagement ring as well for everyday use.
Rose engagement ring, Black rose ring in sterling silver, stackable ring, by Dvora Schleffer Designs
What is the most interesting request you’ve received from a customer?
Customer requests are a sort of dialogue where I can learn what they need and think of a way to make that happen, so I’m always happy to hear from people. For example, during the holiday season I had a lot of people who wanted to buy rings as a gift for someone but did not know the size that person wears. So at first I just gave suggestion on how they can find out the size, but than I thought I should also offer a solution for cases where it wasn’t possible. I had a very popular ring at the time, the leaf ring, and I simply designed a new ring that was open and adjustable with a leaf at each end. Today this is one of my most popular rings that is constantly selling out. I just love how a customer request can set me on to something I just didn’t think of so that I can improve and offer a better product for them.
What makes your Etsy store different from others?
leaf hoop earrings, Sterling Silver leaf earrings, nature inspired jewelry by Dvora Schleffer Designs
My focus is perfect fit jewelry. As I hand make my jewelry, I am able to adjust and customize my designs to my buyers’ exact needs. So if someone is looking for a ring, I don’t just offer a selection of sizes, I offer any size, half size and even quarter size you want. Same with bracelets, necklaces etc. No compromises, you can get exactly the jewelry that is perfect for you.
This is why a lot of my clients are plus size or petite who have a hard time finding jewelry that fits them.
Also, my designs are very dainty and classic so you can wear them every day and for many years since they don’t go out of style.
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Thank you so much Dvora for the interview! Please follow Dvora on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her blog! (And of course don’t forget to use code shophappens for all purchases over $20 to save 15%!!)
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