T.E.S.T. Interview: Darling Adornment

We hope to introduce you to all the great Etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 65^th in our series with Michelle of DarlingAdornment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your shop.

I am a 20 year-old performing artist from New Brunswick, and I recently moved to the GTA to pursue my dreams! I have always been a huge fan of all kinds of art, and I am forever making DIY projects, knitting, or bedazzling my belongings. My friends developed an interest in what I was creating, so Etsy seemed like a perfect place to display what I have been working on and to facilitate transactions!

How do you balance your performing arts career with your craft business?

When I'm not singing or acting, I am usually being artistic in other ways, such as working on my crafts. For me it is a time to relax and still be doing what I love, while managing to earn a few extra dollars.

What inspires your work?

Recently I've been mostly doing custom orders, so the inspiration comes from others. When beginning a new craft, I am inspired greatly by the feminine touch (bows, rhinestones and girly colour schemes). That is how I came up with the name "Darling Adornment", because the items I make are perfect for the "Darling" in your life, and the items themselves are "Darling" as well!

You love to bedazzle. What would be a dream item that you’d bedazzle if you could get your hands on it?

I love bedazzling picture frames, jewellery boxes, and other items that could use a little sparkle to accent a room. I would love to bedazzle a musical instrument like a ukulele, or a microphone! The possibilities are endless when it comes to bedazzling!

What does being a part of the Etsy community add to your life or work?

Being a part of the Etsy community, especially the Toronto team, has made my transition into the big city a lot easier because I realize how many artists share my interests. Crafting has always been a hobby that makes me happy, so Etsy has been an amazing outlet for me.

And what are some of your favourite Etsy shops?

A couple of my friends have Etsy shops that I love. My friend Alex has a handmade jewelry store, and another friend makes crochet accessories. I love browsing people's Etsy shops in my spare time, especially handmade arts and crafts!

Check out the other items available from Michelle in her Etsy shop! You can find more of her work on Twitter and follow her performing arts career on Facebook.

Interviewed by Una of Whistle+Work in December 2013 in Toronto.