5 questions: Casual Blings and Things

Before we get started, help me celebrate one whole year on Etsy and enter my giveaway! The deadline to enter is rushing this way, you don't want to miss out.

Have you heard of Mixxmade? it's a social networking site for creative people.

I've recently joined with an eye towards meeting other creative types like me; that's where I came across Jodi of TubbyTabby and her eclectic mix of jewellery made from upcycled game pieces like scrabble tiles and backgammon pieces, not to mention the pendants she makes from American Brick; wooden blocks that were toys in the 1940's.


Tabby's jewelry really lives up to her tag line as casual bling, all her pendants would look fantastic on any day of the week and can even work well for a few not so casual events too.

TubbyTabby's works are unique, colourful and wonderfully designed, which isn't surprising, seeing as she also has a second Etsy shop; TopCatDesign where she sells her graphic design skills. You can follow Jodi on Twitter. As always; if you see something you like, make sure to click on an image for more details.


What got you started?

I really started selling on Etsy purely by accident. My step-daughter was making Scrabble tiles and I saw how cute they were. I happened upon some wooden dominoes one day at a second hand store and started experimenting with those, had fun with it, and realized how much I really missed doing crafts, it just snowballed from there!



Do you have any influences that guide your work?

My only influences are really my mood at the time and my laid back attitude, just whatever happens. I usually have something in mind when I start to create, but without fail, it always, pleasantly or not, goes in a different direction. I guess that's why I consider my jewelry creations very eclectic, ya just never know what I might dream up.



What is your ultimate creator’s block cure?

Usually the best thing is to walk away and come back to it later. I love to laugh, so usually if I'm not creating, I'm not happy about something. The best cure for me is to watch something or talk to someone that makes me laugh, usually takes care of it.


What has surprised you most about selling your creations online?

How much work it takes to get people to notice and purchase. I suppose I just originally thought that everyone would see my wonderful creations and would just HAVE to buy something! I work promoting my sites everyday now, it's hard work! On the design end of it, it's even harder because (no offense to anyone) but graphic design is what I do for a living and I find it hard to compete with the low ball pricing people expect for design work. I feel its the quality of my work that will bring customers in the end, just will take some time.



Rock, Paper or Scissors? Scissors–

I can do a lot with scissors, I even run with them sometimes!