Fabulous Friday with Meadowland Designs

I have to admit, I have been on a bit of a spending spree recently. Booking flights here, committing to long (and expensive) weekends. Its been all about fun recently and there is more fun to be had! I just hope my pocket book doesn't dry up before the end of summer. 

(hint hint Etsy store... start rockin and rollin!) Ok, I guess I am the one that needs a kick in the butt, not Etsy..... whatever 

Anyways, with all the fun to be had, I am searching for all the best deals because I simply can't spend enough! 

When I met Catherine from Meadowland Designs, and saw all her fabulous jewelry, I knew that I could look stellar at all my upcoming functions without spending the last bit of my pathetic savings. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

 I’m Catherine and I create just outside of the Kansas City Metro Area. I make unique jewelry that usually is very feminine and sweet although some of my designs come out on the whimsical and fun side. 


When did you first discover etsy? 


 Truth be told, I can’t positively say how I found Etsy. I think that it was either in a book or possibly a link to someone’s shop on Etsy. I wanted to sell on Etsy because it has lots of viewers {even though jewelry is saturated with sellers} and is simple and easy to use. 

Apart from creating things, what do you do? 

I am a college student who loves to be making things whether it’s singing and piano playing, knitting, cooking or just a mess! Oh, and books & chocolate go great together!

What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world?

Aside from selling at the occasional craft /art show and by word of mouth in my area, Etsy is the only place I can be found online. 

What steps do you take in your creative process? 


My designs come in several different ways: 
Sometimes I start with a handful beads or a certain technique and go from there  I’ve been doing more adventurous combinations by using a color scheme or colors taken from one of my photographs. Others are planned out before I even have all the materials on hand and then I make any necessary changes along the way. 

What is your favorite item in your shop? 

Frost Flower in Blue would have to be my favorite. I love the wirework flower, it’s just so simple & sweet!

Where does your inspiration come from? 

Often the materials themselves start a design idea, color schemes from pictures or fabric and I do designs based on a particular friend or relative’s style. 

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today?


My family and a close friend have been so helpful with giving me feedback and tips on whatever I’m been experimenting with lately. 

Who is your most influential Etsian?


 I would say Kelly of LilStuff. She doesn’t sell jewelry, but is a friend of mine who had been on Etsy for awhile & has been a great help with questions and lots of encouragement. 

How do you get out of your creative ruts?


 I don’t have them very often, when it does happen I go do something else like play the piano, read or go for a walk. My brain continues to work on the problem and usually I have a couple possible solutions by that time. 

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why? 


Do your absolute best in all the parts of selling, from making your product to getting it out there. Learn how to manage all the technical parts of the Etsy system {like good photography, writing and customer service} or else find excellent help for those areas. Join a team! Having people to bounce ideas off of and ask for input {bias free} is great.

Everyone who signs up for my monthly email newsletter gets 15% off in my Etsy Shop: Send me an email asking to be signed up! MeadowlandDesigns@yahoo.com