Every Wednesday The Folksy Blog will be finding out a little bit more about one of our sellers in this our ‘Shop Talk’ series. This week we’re talking to Amanda from Folksy shop ‘Gimme that Thing’
“Gimme that Thing! – A sparkly world of bold, beaded jewellery and ceramic creations “
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Folksy shop ‘Gimme that Thing’ is full to the brim of beautifully photographed wire wrapped jewellery. Amanda has really understood how to succesfully display her jewellery to online shoppers, with pieces filling the frame, beautifully in focus and sparkling bright. The pieces are consistantly shot on natural backgrounds which adds interest to each piece and gives depth and interest to Amanda’s shop front.
Could you describe your shop?
My Folksy shop is called Gimme That Thing and is an eclectic mix of quirky jewellery and more conventional designs. I’ve recently started focusing on wire wrapping everything in sight! I concentrate on creating rings and earrings these days as I realise that these are the items that you can always own more of.
Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?
It’s hard to say what my typical customer is like. Selling online means I don’t actually get to meet my customers, but judging from those few people who have come to my shop on recommendations from friends or family they seem to be funky professional women with an eye for something different. I’ve even sold to some jewellery artists whose work I really admire.
Is this your day job?
I’m a self employed part time online copywriter. I am sent briefs each week on a variety of subjects – anything from how to find the best deals in car insurance to reviewing a glamorous holiday location in the Caribbean. So I can write at any time of day, and fit my jewellery making in to my schedule when I have some time. I’m lucky enough to be able to rush off to my creating space and produce something when the inspiration grabs me.
Crafty Chicita is Amanda’s popular blog, where she writes about the “typical working day of a frazzled crafter”.
Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?
Like many sellers on Folksy crafting is and always has been in my blood. I was messing about with real clay before I started school. My mum was a primary school teacher and understood the importance of encouraging creativity in young children. She taught me to knit at the age of five and I was knitting and sewing my own clothes by the age of 11. At secondary school I used to make broderie anglaise blouses and suede hair thongs and sell them to school friends. I studied at art college and I had my own hand knitwear business in my 20s, selling mohair punk jumpers to the wild punksters of Manchester!
Where do you promote and sell your stock?
I feel that life’s too short to tweet. I spend hours each day promoting my stock on Facebook and collecting more fans. I’ve made some really good friends from all over the world this way and we promote each other’s items on our own fan pages as well as great FB pages such as It’s Better Handmade Group. I try to promote as many Folksy shops there as possible. My jewellery sells well at craft fairs and after an experimental first year in 2009 I now select those fairs that have been good for me. I have some jewellery in a couple of shops in Oxfordshire and Kings Langley near Watford, and am just about to send some to a shop in Yorkshire and one in Stockport.
Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?
I’m constantly looking for new ideas. I’ve just started using semi precious stones in my work and now that I’ve got the confidence with wire wrapping I plan to start a range of rings and earrings using sterling silver. I’m also planning to list my hand spun natural dyed yarns in my Folksy shop in September. I learnt to spin a couple of months ago and am now creating weird and wonderful art yarns.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?
I’d say just go for it. What have you got to lose? It’s the only way to find out if your work will sell. Spend time hanging out in the forum and get to know people. Promote yourself at every opportunity. Carry business cards with you wherever you go and make sure your friends and family spread the word about your shop. Folksy is a great place for people who are just starting out as well as those who have established businesses. Those with the experience have a great deal of knowledge to share with newbies.
We’d love to hear your comments!
8 comments
Wow, I’ve seen Amanda’s shop before and agree that her photos are first rate! Your front page really looks like a well presented shop!
Connie
I’d love to have a go at wire wrapping, I get the impression it takes a lot of patience (maybe not for me!)
Beautiful things! Am off to favourite you. :-)
Great interview, good to hear a bit more about you Amanda :)
Great interview with Amanda and I love her wirewrapping!
Hey, thanks for the lovely words, guys! The photography is all down to my gorgeous camera that I treated myself to for my birthday, and the natural background – well, that’s my patio table and huge piece of ammonite, so nothing to do with me!
Wow love the interview i think your stuff is so fab whenever i am down stairs i love to have a look at all the new stuff, keep going,
great interview – great rings – great person, what else is there to say? Amanda and I have become friends on FB and she is very encouraging…lovely! xx
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