Saturday Sparkle: AliBaliJewelry

Who Sparkled this Saturday?

Alison from AliBaliJewellry


This week, we travel along the virtual highway to Edinburgh, Scotland to meet indie jewelry designer, Alison, who own the Ali Bali Jewellery on Etsy. Every piece in Alison's collection of distinctive designs has been carefully handcrafted in her home studio.

Alison uses a variety of precious metals, pearls, and glass materials in her designs, as well as Silver Art Clay which is an innovative Japanese recycled product that mixes tiny particles of reclaimed silver with clay that's very hot on the indie jewelry scene. When molded and then fired, the clay burns away allowing the artist to create stunning jewelry components made from .999 silver (like the tasteful and modern rectagular frame shown in today's featured piece, Silver and Pearl Pendant, which is accented with Swarovski pearls and crystals).

I had a chance to interview Alison for Saturday Sparkle this week, and here is what she shared with us.

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

I was always interested in design from school. I completed a couple of years of an architecture degree after school before transferring to a communications degree. Since then, I spent 12 years working in HR with little outlet for creativity! A year and a half ago I finally signed up for a silver smith course, then did a short art clay silver course and haven't looked back since!

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

The girls at work!! They started commenting on the jewellery I was wearing, then they started asking me to make pieces for them. I put my toe in the water of trying this out as a business in Feb/March this year with a series of jewellery parties, before getting the confidence to launch online and attend craft fairs. I also wanted to ensure that Iwas technically sound in terms of my skill before attracting paying customers!!

When creating a design, please describe your top three sources of inspiration...

Number one has to be colour!! I started out thinking I would create this range of stunning but simple silver statement pieces. I was naive. I adore colour and very quickly it started creeping into my designs!

Shape and form is number two. I love pieces that have some structure to them, thus my current passion for cuffs. I love how they look, even before they are worn.

Number three has to be shopping!!! If I buy anything new to wear, my first thoughts are what can I make to compliment this...

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

Aside from my family, this has to be my best friend Rebecca. We've been friends since pre-school and she provides the most loyal support as well as taking on the official role as 'neck model' for shots of necklaces and pendants.

If you had any advice for a newbie to jewelry making and selling, what would it be?

Just go for it! It's hard work trying to get established, but persevere, keep creating and improving and you will start to make headway. If you are launching on Etsy - use the forums for advice, I've found these a fantastic soure of information about selling on the internet.

Allison, thanks so much for sharing your story with us on this week's Saturday Sparkle! And readers, be sure to see more of Allison's creations by visiting her shop at:

www.alibalijewellery.etsy.com

And readers, let Alison know how you like her creations and leave a comment. Until next week--Happy Saturday and keep sparkling!