Mobile
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Jewelry Talk Charlotte’s multi-tasking gem: Jewelry artist Ginger Wagner
Posted By Samantha Webster on Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 10:30 AM
There is something special about being able to say that something you own is handmade. It instantly possesses a certain quality unattainable by something you just pick up at the local mall, and it certainly is quite unique. It is no surprise that there seems to be a large surge of jewelry artists popping up everywhere, and Charlotte surely has no shortage.
Ginger Wagner knew she was destined for a career in creativity, but who knew that she’d have so many specialties to pick from? From macramé and candle-making, to writing and desktop publishing, and even to music, Wagner had her fingers in everything. She had always been compelled to be creative in some form or other, so when she became a sales associate in an upscale jewelry store, her heart lit up at the possibility of picking up yet another craft. Watching the jewelers as they worked, she quickly picked up on tricks of the trade. With her curiosity sparked, all she needed was the inspiration and motivation to get started. “One day I noticed a necklace my sister was wearing which consisted of wire wrapped briolettes on chain,” Wagner recalls. That was the moment she knew that this was her next creative venture.
Using Internet tutorials, she taught herself the art of wire wrapping in the spare time she picked up with the
While she does appreciate the way designing jewelry makes her feel, the most important and exciting part of making jewelry is pleasing her customers. “The best part of the whole process is making a piece someone really enjoys,” Wagner shares. And her customers are thankful. She says she often receives e-mails from thrilled customers who want to let her know how much they love their handmade jewelry. “It makes my day and gives me the confidence and inspiration to push forward … my goal is to make a quality product. I try to treat my customers the way I want to be treated by giving them a good product, top quality customer service, respect, and honesty.” All things that are quite difficult to find in your average chain jewelry store.
The biggest dilemma when busting into the jewelry world is the same as any artist; it is all about getting your work seen. Wagner turned to the trusty web site dedicated to all things handmade, Etsy.com, where thousands of artists all over the world pedal their wares to the e-public. Despite being lumped in with all of the other jewelry artists on the site, she made herself and her product stand out, and she was recognized as an Etsy Featured Member in the month of March.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/msbelle
Facebook jewelry fan page: http://tinyurl.com/MsBelle
Personal Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/gingerwagner
Speaking of...
-
Pop-up shop sticks around for Valentine's Day shopping
Jan 18, 2010 -
Sale of the day: Handpicked
Oct 29, 2009 -
Sale of the day: Laura James Jewelry
Sep 10, 2009 - More »
Comments (16)
Showing 1-16 of 16
Latest in Klepto Blog
-
Resilient glassmaker Melissa Beard's jewelry line shines
Jan 18, 2013 -
Styleacope: Scorpio
Nov 19, 2012 -
Bowling lanes are made for fashion shows
Nov 9, 2012 - More »
More by Samantha Webster
-
Giving the gift of local bling
Dec 10, 2010 -
Going handmade for the holidays
Nov 24, 2009 -
Review of Silhouettes of a Woman fashion show
Oct 5, 2009 - More »
