DaWanda Backstage

Happy Monday everyone,

Today we have the pleasure of meeting the very talented Beth, the designer/creator behind the lovely Arete shop on DaWanda. Beth handcrafts lovingly designed jewellery with an elegant vintage feel. Her pieces use the imagery of birds, flight, travel and time to evoke a sense of freedom and individuality, taking cues from the past but remaining fresh and modern.

Check out the beautiful Arete collection, and then read our interview with the designer herself for a glimpse behind the scenes:

Please, tell us a bit about yourself:
I am a Southern girl by nature…Growing up in a small Mississippi town rich in character and history, I have instinctively been drawn to all things with a past. Ever since I can remember, I have collected (hoarded) treasures from times almost forgotten. It was a happy day for me, when I found a way to channel my obsession with the past into a passion to share with others.

How did you discover that you have creative tendencies?
It has just always been there. As a little girl, I would dream up new outfits for Barbie and my Teddy Bear’s latest adventures. I would sketch them out, make my own patterns and sew them by hand. Come to think of it, I don’t remember anyone ever teaching me how to stitch.

Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around me. I find it in everything! The best are those ‘Happy Accidents’ when pieces that you would never have thought to put together, just happen to be lying next to each other and end up creating the perfect piece!!

Do you have any role models/inspirations in the area of design? If so, who and why?
When it comes to design, I’ve always done my own thing and don’t really use any role models. I do admire the work of Thomas Mann…it’s absolutely amazing!! No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to his gallery.

Which materials do you use to create your products?
Baubles, charms, glass and paper. Lots and lots of paper…vintage photos, maps, old postcards. Some days it’s like walking through a maze in my studio, from all the paper lying around.

What characterises your products/your style?
Poetic charm comes to mind. I once had a customer say that my creations are ‘full of poetry’.

What do you want to achieve in the future as a designer/creative?
I have so many design ideas sketched out in journals and bottled up in my head. So many ideas and so little time. It sure would be nice if we could have 2 more days added to each week.

I would absolutely love to get back into photography and to create a designer t-shirt line. Hopefully, one day soon…

What role does DaWanda play in your daily life?
I love DaWanda. The staff are great and very helpful. DaWanda has helped me to find my niche in a wonderful European market, that I am thankful to have found.

How has life changed since you’ve opened your DaWanda shop?
I have met some wonderful people through Dawanda. Everyone here is so supportive! I love reading the comments that people write about my work. All those messages really inspire me to keep creating!!

Has anything weird or wonderful happened to you on DaWanda?
After being spotted, here on DaWanda, my ‘Photographer for Hire’ necklace was featured in Photo Pro Magazine’s holiday gift guide.

Please give us the names of 3 of your favourite shops on DaWanda:
The Spotted Sparrow
MKLDESIGN
Alicia Bock


P.S. If you’d like to be considered for one of our Monday seller interviews, then please send a filled-out questionnaire to azra[at]dawanda[dot]com