Feature Artist: Zeba

What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is Zeba and I sell one of a kind unique jewelry designed by me.

What is your shop URL? http://zeba.etsy.com

When did you start selling on Etsy? I have been making jewelry for more than two years, but I opened my shop on June 23, 2008 and posted my first listing on July 1, 2008.

What is your favorite thing about Etsy? With all the shops on Etsy, I was expecting a cut throat competitive environment. Instead I found a friendly environment where you truly feel at home. Everyone is eager to help and share their lessons learned. On Etsy, you find people that are passionate about their craft and their main goal is to share their creation not to make a killing profit.

What is your favorite thing about what you sell? There are three things that I love about making jewelry.
1) I don't like to make the same thing twice. The journey for me is the creative process. To be able to create something new every time. With so many materials and methods available for making jewelry, I feel I can create a unique item for the rest of my life.
2) I enjoy showing off my creations. It is easy to show off your jewelry, it does not require a gallery; all you have to do is wear it. Every time, someone asks me `Where did you buy that', I get a great joy from saying `I made it myself'.
3) Last but not least favorite, is being able to express myself in many ways. I can be serious, funky, colorful, contemporary, classic or just playful.

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? I feel like they are all my children and I love them all. But if I have to pick a favorite, then I say the Sterling Silver Flower bracelet at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14400432.
People often ask me "how did you think of this or that idea". They often say, they can not sit down and come up with a design. Oddly enough, my answer is "neither can I". This bracelet is a perfect example of my response. I had made the chain and I needed to attach it to a focal point, but I had no idea what. Then one day I was sitting at my desk and was playing with a couple of wire coils that I had made. And all of a sudden I saw the flower pattern emerging. So, I rushed to my workshop, and started creating the flower pattern. It took a few tries and made changes due to the fact that wire and fire have a mind of their own. But I have to say I am proud of the end result and I can say `I made that'.

What teams do you belong to? Etsy west Michigan, Michigan Indie Crafters of Etsy and Jewelry Design Shops on Etsy

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Participate in my team activities and sharing my pictures with other groups on flicker.

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
~ I really like the `rise and shine' Necklace by `BethMillner's shop'. The piece is well made with simple well composed design.
~ I found the `Garden Party' by cottonseed's shop very clever and original. The colors and the composition are stunning. ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14109423)
~ The `For The Love Of Peace' by willowmoonspirit's shop is intriguing. The color combination is very nice, and the bird is such a unique addition.
~ The `Amethyst necklace' by twistedlolly's shop. A woven piece very nicely done. It is a sophisticated design, and is done with my favorite stone, amethyst.

What do you do in your spare time? Making jewelry takes up most of my spare time. The rest I help my husband with our kitchen renovation. He is making the cabinets and I am making the stained glass inserts for the doors. Although, lately making jewelry has taken up most of my time.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Just one thing for everyone to remember "Find what you love to do and do it"