Mini interview: Heather from laurel treasures

Tell us a little about yourself and your shop.
My name is Heather and I have been making jewelry for about 9 years. I opened my shop a couple of years ago, but really didn’t do much with it, until this year. I decided as part of my game plan for the year, I would put an effort into my etsy shop, really try to make it work. It has been quite a bit of work, but good this year so far! I really love metal, wire and gemstones. I love the warmth of copper and beauty of silver. Also, a little bling is always nice. My jewelry is always changing, so I am curious to see what is next.

How did you come up with your name? 
We have a cabin in the Laurel Highlands, I like the name Laurel (I only had a son at the time), so I figured I would call my business “Laurel Treasures”.

When did you first become interested in your craft?
We had just moved, I left my job as a graphic designer, I had a small child, and my husband was tired of me painting and redecorating the house. We decided I needed a hobby. I have always loved going to craft fairs and seeing all the unusual items. I saw a beaded safety pin and some bracelets someone was selling at a craft show and thought to myself “I can do that.” My Mom was always crafty and I loved all things Martha Stewart. And so I began my foray into jewelry making.

What inspires you?
I am truly inspired by nature. Our cabin is surrounded by beautiful trees. I look out the window and just stare at all the branches and colors. In the fall, I walk around and pick up leaves. I have a rolling mill that I plan on whipping out soon. Whenever I am shopping, whether it be clothing or even flowers, I always pay attention to color combinations that I like.

What is your work space like?
I have a small room in our basement and my torch is in or garage. My room is a mess. A total mess. One of those places where you close the door and pray that no one looks in. My husband hyperventilates every time he walks in. I know where everything is at, so I say leave it alone. I have about ten things just laying around that aren’t finished yet. They just aren’t quite right, so I am waiting until I have an epiphany. They are little cluster of beads everywhere that I have laying around just because I like the colors and I’m waiting to find the right fit for them.

Any tips or advice for anyone wanting to be in your shoes? 
Sit down and make a business plan and get to work. I have a toddler and an older son, some mornings I get up at the crack of dawn to get a few things done before everyone is up. Keep on trying. Some things are going to flop, be ready to move on. When that one person picks up your item and tells you how much they love it, that makes all the hard work worth it. Good pictures are a must as well.

If you had to pick any item from your store to be your favorites which would it be?
One of my newest necklaces that I made out of silver, freshwater keshi pearls, and labradorite is my favorite for now.