Where We Create: Designed by Val's Space

I am Val Swanson, jewelry designer for Designed by Val. I have an online shop and I am located at Holly Springs, NC. I design one-of-a-kind jewelry using precious gems, semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, lampworked beads, and more.
How would I describe the space in which I create?
I have a wonderful set up in our bonus room. The workstation is made out of a desk, credenza, table, and two cabinets. In addition, I have 2 boxes, 1 bin, and a sewing basket. I primarily design on the desk using a variety of beadboards. I use the table for overflow. The cabinets were built by my fabulous husband. One cabinet has all precious gems, semi-precious gems, and Swarovski crystals. The other cabinet has all of my metal beads and findings. My space is organized in a giant circle so I can sit in my chair and reach everything except for the metal beads and findings. Periodically, I have to stop and dig out from under a mess and clean off my work space.

What is my favorite thing about my space?
My favorite piece in my area, after the cabinets built by my husband, is my sewing basket. In the sewing basket I keep all of my stringing wire, metal chain, and overflow tools. I also recently just obtained a complete set of the Wubbers specialty pliers which I highly recommend. I have seven lamps surrounding my work area which gives me many different options in ambient light.
How do I keep my space organized?
My metals are all organized by type – so all sterling silver beads and findings are together, same for gold filled, vermeil, etc. My stones are all organized by color and so are my Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, and lampwork beads. All stringing materials are kept in the sewing box. Chains are bagged together by metal type. I have a separate box for all wire which is bagged by metal type. It’s important to be able to lay your hands on your materials quickly; this also makes it easier to make a supply order because you can quickly determine what is missing.

Do I have inspiration pieces in my space?
I have a notebook full of techniques, color lessons, and jewelry from the trade magazines. When I am stumped, I open the notebook and flip through it looking for a color scheme or feeling to strike me. Once a feeling grabs hold, I close the notebook and start to create.
In addition to my etsy shop, you may find me on facebook, on Twitter @DesignedbyVal, and on Linkedin at Valerie Swanson. Facebook fans receive a special monthly coupon code to use on any item. I also run a Featured Item of the Day which will be one special item highlighted in my shop and on sale for 24 hours.

NC Triangle Team members who wish to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Local Featured Seller: Designed by Val

I am Val Swanson, jewelry designer for Designed by Val, and I am located in Holly Springs, NC. I design one-of-a-kind (OOAK) jewelry using precious gems, semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, lampworked beads, and more. My favorite place in the Triangle area is the Rare Earth Beads shop in Durham, North Carolina. It has excellent gems and findings, great staff, and caters to jewelry designers.
When did I start creating?

Approximately seven years ago, my best friend Ann took me to a local bead store. I was convinced it would be a total disaster but, to my amazement, I was quite good at making my necklace and bracelet. This led to my making jewelry to give to friends and family which eventually led to my Etsy shop.


What is my most cherished handmade item?

My favorite necklaces I have created are in what I call the “private collection,” in other words, I kept the necklaces. First, a ruby necklace I made to coordinate with a ring my husband gave me and second, a blue opal, London blue topaz, and sapphire necklace I made to wear at my brother’s wedding. I did make a derivative of the blue opal necklace which is available in my shop.
Why did I choose my medium?

As a young girl I would play in both of my grandmothers’ jewelry boxes. I loved the crystals and diamond rings. I thought the jewelry was very glamorous. I still have and wear my one grandmother’s diamond ring. This play gave me a love for anything sparkly and beautiful. When I became older my boyfriend, who became my husband, liked to give me jewelry on holidays. Through these gifts I developed a love for gemstones. There are so many naturally created gemstones; only a small fraction of gemstones appear in a “mall” jewelry store.

Where do I create?

I create my jewelry at my studio in my house. I have a wonderful work center created by a desk, credenza, table, and two cabinets. My fabulous husband constructed the cabinets for me; one contains gemstones and the other contains my metals.
What do I do when I’m not creating?

When I am not creating new designs, I am taking pictures of my jewelry (I have a mini photo studio set-up in my library), listing new jewelry items for sale, working on SEO (search engine optimization), and finding other ways to promote my Etsy shop – such as this blog.

In addition to my shop on Etsy you may find me on facebook, on Twitter @DesignedbyVal, and on Linkedin at Valerie Swanson. Facebook fans receive a special monthly coupon code to use on any item. Starting October 4 is the Featured Item of the Day which will be one special item highlighted in my shop and on sale for 24 hours.

NC Triangle Team members who wish to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.