Meet Kathy from Sweet Bird Designs

Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Kathy, the designer behind Sweet Bird Designs. I live in Northeast Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie. I remember starting crafting at a young age when I was in girl scouts. We would sit as a group creating with yarn, sticks, beads, glue – whatever was around! How fun it was to create something and present it as a gift! I still get that thrill today when I create something new! My mom loves to crochet and work on stamped-cross stich linens. My dad and brother are both woodworkers, so my house if filled with handmade treasures.

During the day I work as an insurance analyst. When I’m not working or creating jewelry, I can often be found in my gardens or hiking through our local parks. My husband and I love to travel around the country, especially to national parks. We also like to escape the real world and head to Vegas a couple times a year!

Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I’ve been making jewelry for many years. I started selling when people asked me where I got my jewelry. I stumbled across Etsy a couple years ago and never left! The Etsy community is great. I belong to a fabulous team of Northeast Ohio artisans and crafters (Cleveland Handmade).

How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
I love birds, simple as that. So when I had to name my shop, I decided on Sweet Bird Designs.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
Oh gosh, the answer to this probably changes daily! I really like the starfish necklace. It reminds me of a family vacation to Sanibel Island. Plus it has pretty blue chalcedony stones, which are my favorite gemstones.


Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
I am thrilled any time I am contacted by a bride-to-be. It’s flattering to know that someone is wearing my jewelry on one of the most important days of their life. I especially enjoy working with a bride to create a custom piece. Often a bride will contact me after their wedding to thank me. That makes it all worthwhile!

Why should people buy homemade?

There are so many benefits of buying handmade. It’s a great way to support local artisans and the community. Often these items are one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found in department stores. I love to give handmade gifts and shop often from other Etsy shops. I’ve found great gifts – handmade soap, granola, purses, and much more! I’m always amazed when I browse through Etsy – the creativity and talent of Etsians is inspiring!

Any works in progress?
I just listed some new charms to wear on Pandora bracelets. I’ve received positive feedback on these, so I’m working on new designs and themes for the charms. I’d also like to experiment with leather cord. I love the look of sterling silver and leather.

Do you have plans for expansion?
I am planning to expand my bridal and special occasion jewelry to offer more designs and colors. My goal is to give brides more options for their wedding day jewelry. I would also like to pursue wholesale or consignment orders.

Any other sites you can be found on?
I only sell on Etsy and at local art and craft shows, but I’d love to have you visit me on my blog, where I share new designs and chat about gardening, cooking and other fun topics: www.birdychat.blogspot.com

**Please take a moment to visit Sweet Bird Designs.  If you comeback here and leave a comment with your favorite item you can have a total of five extra entries to leave on any or a combination of my current giveaways.  You must leave the comments for the extra entries on the giveaways you would like to be entered into.  This offer ends on  7/26 at midnight.