Saturday Sparkle: Elle Jule

Who Sparkled This Saturday?

Danielle from Elle Jule

Today's featured Saturday Sparkle piece is this designer paper pendant titled Fall Fruits, from Elle Jule. Elle Jule is based in Calgary, Alberta and run by owner Danielle Stirling. In addition to a great selection of designer paper pendants, Danielle designs and creates a wide variety of beaded and metal jewelry for men, women, children. She also has a stunning selection of bridal and wedding jewelry available on her website.

I had an opportunity to interview Danielle about her designs and company this week, and here is what she shared with us.

Danielle, how did you get your start in jewelry design?

I started making jewelry in grade school, it began with friendship bracelets, moved into seed beads, which evolved into loomed bracelets and polymer clay....and so on! I have always loved shiny things and had the drive to learn how to make them.

What inspired you to turn your love for making jewelry into a business?

After I had my third child, it was important for me to be able to stay at home with them, yet we needed to supplement our income, so it was just natural for me to dive into Elle Jule Jewelry Design. It gives me a great creative outlet while allowing me to be with my children whenever they need me, who could ask for a better job!

When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?

My top 3 sources for inspiration when I am designing are -

Fairies-I have always been fascinated by folklore and fairy stories and have taken that influence to many of my designs.

Nature-I am in awe of nature, the transition of the seasons, all of the wonderful colors and shapes available to all of us, and love to bring even a little of that into my designs.

Randomness-I pick up inspiration from everywhere, it depends on the day, my mood, the season etc. Sometimes I will notica a fabulous pattern on a skirt and rush home to record ideas, other times it might be an especially yummy dinner that gets my creative flow going. I never really know where it will come from next, which keeps things really interesting for me!

Who in your life has provided you with the most support for your business?

I'd have to say my mom has been my biggest supporter. She has often come to help me with large trade shows, get orders together for wholesale customers, and is always honest and open. I am really blessed with a wonderful support system though, my dad and my husband are always really there to cheer me on as well.

If you had any advice for someone who wanted to make the leap from making jewelry as a hobby to selling as a business, what would it be?

I'd have to say, don't expect to list your items and sell out the first day! This is a very fulfilling and wonderful job for me, but I spend more time working than I would at a full time out-of-the-house job, so do your research, and get ready for an interesting ride;)

Thanks for sharing your story with us today on Saturday Sparkle Danielle! And readers, be sure to visit Danielle's website at:

http://www.ellejule.com

Happy Saturday and Keep Sparkling!