Interview with Elena Terp

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ELENA TERP Handmade jewelry by Elena

http://elenabeads.com

Elena is one of our prominent member who has tried her hands on many crafts and now she specializes in beaded jewelry and polymer clay jewelries. Even though she is a self taught crafter/designer all her works excel in perfection. We would like you to know more about this brilliant artist.

What is your background and when and why did you decide to start your own small business?

I am a handmade jewelry artist, completely self-taught who learn everything from books and the Internet. Unfortunately I've never had an opportunity to take any classes or to get an education in art or design. I have two technical educations: an engineer in optic and an X-rays technician. My grandma showed me how to knit when I was around 6 years old. Since then I learned mainly by myself how to crochet, to embroider and sew. My favorite crafts were knitting of baby clothes and crocheting doilies. Then in 2006 our family moved to Qatar and I discovered a new kind of hobby – jewelry beading.

QatART handmade community

March 2016

I always liked to wear jewelry, but I've never thought that handmade jewelry can look so beautiful! Five years later I began to use a new material for jewelry – polymer clay. In the beginning I made jewelry only for myself or my friends and family. But I couldn't even dream about selling my creations! It was not in my mind. But with time more and more people began to ask me why I don't sell my work. At the same time I realized that I have way too many jewelry pieces that one person needs. So I decided to begin to sell them, other way I would have to stop making new jewelry.

What sort of products do you market?

Basically I work with all kind of beads and polymer clay. I make different kinds of jewelry and jewelry sets which include pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I also make some small accessories as hair clips and hairbands, charms, pins and bookmarks. I make also some small crochet accessories for children.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

In my creations I try to achieve harmony of shapes and colors. I love colors, but I prefer slightly muted color combinations. The same principle I follow choosing the shape and the size of my jewelry.

How do you stay inspired?

How I get ideas for my jewelry? It can be very different. In the beginning when I was learning, the "girly" principle worked best: I saw a piece of jewelry that I liked, I wanted the same for myself and I made it (in my own interpretation of course). But very soon I became more interested in creating my own designs, my own jewelry pieces. Sometimes an interesting shape, color combination surrounding me, a movie I watch or a book I read can give an idea, a wish to create something; to put the colors together and see if there can come anything beautiful out of it.

Where do you buy your supplies?

This is a serious challenge for me – to find the right materials for my projects. Unfortunately there are no enough craft and hobby stores in Doha, the choice of materials are very limited. More than 90 percent of the supply I have to buy online.

How does your creating process work?

It can be very different. Sometimes I just need to make “something pretty in pink” that will suit my new blouse. So I take out my materials in this color range and follow my own taste trying not to go too wild. But sometimes I feel like I need to express my feelings and thoughts after watching a movie or reading a book for example. Then the process can take many days when I’m just thinking about it, making some sketches, trying to find the right shape and to choose the most suitable colors for the new piece.

What's the best thing about setting up your own brand?

For me that is an ability to express my vision and understanding of beauty, the ability to make exclusive pieces that are unique and maybe even recognizable.

Who are your customers and where do you sell your work?

When I've just begun to sell my jewelry practically all of them were made for adults. But very soon I realized that there are plenty of children among the buyers and many of them also are interested in my work. Now I have a couple of jewelry lines designed for children - small size beaded bracelets and sweet fairy pendants and flower headbands for girls. I sell my jewelry at different markets and craft fairs here in Doha. I have also a small experience selling my jewelry online on Etsy.

Why do you like being a crafter and a designer in 10 words or less?

Because I consider myself being lucky to be able to create beautiful and absolutely unique things.

Name something you do in your spare time.

I love gardening and everything about beautiful flowers; I like to read good books and watch good movies. I also like to spend some time on the Internet.

Where would you like to travel to next?

This summer we will travel home to Denmark, where I haven’t been in three years.

Any exciting news to share?

Maybe they are not so exciting. I’m just looking forward to return back and begin to pay more attention to my beadwork jewelry.

What recent project have you enjoyed doing?

I have recently again began to make jewelry with natural gemstones beads and really enjoy viewing my beautiful supply.

What do you love about being a QatART Member?

I like to be a part of a big community which includes people with similar interests; people who always can understand and support each other.

Do you feel QatART helped your business to grow and in which way?

I think Qatar helped me to learn more about marketing and about customizing my products. It helped me to make some corrections in the range of my work and make it more attractive for customers.

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself.

Organized, creative, emotional, responsible, empathetic QatART handmade community

March 2016

Do you have a motto?

I wouldn't call it a motto, but there are a couple of principles I’m trying to follow: § Be true to yourself and make things YOU love § Make high quality product § Learn new things

What are your 5 favorite products from our last market at Katara? (photos on the next page) 1. Crochet girl handmade card by AC Mania 2. Quilt by Larysa Hnativ Pramberger Quilts 3. Camels glass painting by Glassy Dreamz 4. Wisteria ribbon embroidery by JSP Craft Land 5. Framed wall art by My Arts Stuff

QatART handmade community

February 2016

QatART handmade community

February 2016