Five Questions: Etsy Shop Jillian Rene Decor

Etsy is a vibrant community - one that is constantly changing + growing.  It's an amazing marketplace that is filled with talent + creative people.  But sometimes, it's a bit challenging to navigate the crowded corridors to find those products that you're looking for.  We've often heard people say they love Etsy, but feel like they must be doing something wrong because they are never able to find what they are looking for.  Our main goal here is to help people find shops they love - present a curated selection of what's new + fresh inside Etsy.  We know Etsy from the inside - we're all shop owners + we're constantly browsing about for favorite items to share. 

To put it another way, our goal is to make shopping on Etsy easy!  As part of this process, we've started a series called Five Questions to help you get to know some of our favorite shops!  Aren't you curious to know the real people just behind that computer screen?  We're using the same set of questions + it's so fun to read each shop owners responses.  They're simple questions, but they really open up a doorway into that person's life.  Today we'd like to welcome Jillian of JillianReneDecor.  Jillian's natural enthusiasm shines through in her feature + we know you'll enjoy meeting her!    

1. Why did you open an Etsy shop?

When attending art school, I had a professor that introduced me to Etsy while working on a sculpture project. In the summer of 2008, I initially opened my shop with my framed wire woven button designs. In 2009, I began adding basic pillows as a result of client requests. It wasn’t until the summer of 2011 that I began converting my shop from a hobby to my design vision of home décor accessories. 


2. What do you think makes your product unique?

I utilize many of the same design philosophies in my products that I incorporate in Interior Design. There is a sculptural aspect to each of my designs, each pattern is designed by me from scratch and incorporates manipulated materials to create each piece. Nature also plays a strong roll in my designs (its textures, patters and colors), in addition to all things Mid Century Modern and fashion. A combination of these influences can often be seen in the inspiration of what I create. 


3. Describe your studio / creative space.

My studio is located in my home, divided between two adjoining rooms. One space, which I refer to as the “cave,” houses my computer desk, drafting table and sewing table. This is where the sketching and ideas begin. Three of the four walls are covered in cork so that I can pin up sketches, magazine clippings and materials as I let ideas evolve and come to fruition. 

The other space is where things get messy. :) Two walls have floor to ceiling bookshelves and cabinets to store books, tools, fabrics and other materials. Two bookshelves that I designed and handcrafted display some of my sculpture work and models. There is a small closet with custom built shelves to store finished work and a work table in the center of the room, which is about to be replaced with one that I designed! If you couldn’t already tell, I love my studio!


4. What are your goals for your Etsy shop in 2012?

I have two big goals for my shop this year. One is to expand my product line. This is in the works and I hope to begin debuting additional home décor accessories in the Summer. The other goal I have is to expand my knowledge of social networking and media. 


5. What does a day away from the studio look like?

I’m in the studio A LOT, but when I have the chance to get away you will find me playing with my new puppy! He just might be the most adorable little yellow lab you’ve ever seen! In the Spring and Summer I enjoy gardening – I grow my own fresh herbs and small vegetables. I also enjoy cooking, entraining and spending time with friends, family and my amazingly supportive fiancé! Did I mention shoe shopping? ;)