Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. I’m recently retired, so now I can devote as much time as I please to my creative pursuits. Almost as far back as I can remember I’ve enjoyed making things – starting with paper dolls when I was a kid. Then I made my first dress when I was 12. After I became an adult (and it’s debatable as to whether I really am) I became a quilter, a miniaturist, and now a jewelry designer. I love things that are colorful and unique.
Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I wanted a place to sell my jewelry and other things during the cold weather months when the local market where I have a stand every Saturday isn’t open.
How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
Calico Jewels is the name I used when I was still into quilting. I works well with my jewelry so I kept it.
What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I don’t have a specific favorite but these 5 are among of my favorites:
This bracelet because it’s one of the first original patterns I designed
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63993260/dna-bracelet-essence-of-life
These earrings because I made the beads myself
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64321368/earrings-galaxy-swirl
This necklace because it’s exotic and colorful
http://www.etsy.com/listing/67654471/brass-filigree-necklace-purple-teal-ooak
These earrings because I made something unique and interesting from beads that were leftovers
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64320292/earrings-shimmer
And this miniature tapestry because it won a blue ribbon
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65071014/medieval-tapestry-miniature-112-scale
Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
None of my current pieces do, but two things that were sold last year have stories. One is a necklace I called Boudicca’s Torc. I think she’s one of the more fascinating women in history. The other is a bracelet depicting the White Horse of Uffington, which is a 3,000 year old hill carving in England that can only be viewed from above. No one knows for certain who made it or why.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Not really a message, but I do believe that people should pursue something that they’re passionate about.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I got involved in jewelry design almost by accident. Several years ago I worked as an alterations seamstress in a bridal shop. A few weeks after the store/chain went out of business unexpectedly, I returned there to pick up some of my personal sewing items that had been left behind.
Now, bridal and formal wear gowns that are decorated with beads usually come with little packets of extra beads that are used to fill in places when the alterations leave a area of bare fabric. These bead packets were all saved to be used as needed on other gowns. On the day that I showed up to get my stuff, the representative from the bank that was selling off the store’s assets was getting ready to toss them in the dumpster. I was given permission to take them. As it turned out, those particular beads weren’t really good for jewelry making, but it ignited the spark.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I’d probably get back into making dollhouse miniatures. The ones I have in my shop now are all from 20 or more years ago and, up until recently, have been packed away for most of that time.
Why should people buy handmade?
So much of what we buy and use is mass produced today. I think it’s important to support those who have the artistry and skill to create things by hand.
Any advice on selling things handmade?
Do the best work that you can and never stop learning.
Apart from creating beautiful pieces, what else do you do?
I’m a bookworm, and I like a few computer games such as Civilization IV and some RPGs.
Do you have plans for expansion?
No, because one person can only make so much on their own.
Any other sites you can be found on?
I have a Facebook fan page: Calico Jewels by Linda Sweigart, but that’s all.
Anything else you would like us to know?
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. I’m having mine now. J
