Who are you?
Barbara Moore, jewelry and jazz junkie! I've been making jewelry since some one put a saw, hammer and metal in my hands in high school, and listening to jazz since I was born!

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since 2008

What made you decide to open up shop?
I sold my jewelry exclusively wholesale for many years. I thought I could sell directly to the customers and bring them beautiful creations at good prices.

How did you decide on your shop name?
I've had a small shop since 2002 selling hand crafted gifts, in Trenton the capital of New Jersey.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? 

This is a difficult question to answer because I would not have anything in my shop that I do not like. Currently, my favorite is the Turquoise Plateau Ring. Part of my fascination with metal smithing is the transformation of the initial objects. The casting on this ring started as something quite different.

What are some of your favorite stores from other sellers on Etsy?
It's hard to choose favorites, there are so many wonderful shops! The real allure of Etsy for me is the community. I belong to the EtsyNJ team and the JET team (Jewelry on Etsy). We give each other a great deal of support. I am quite fascinated by glass creations because they is something I have no idea how to make. I love the wealth of original handmade supplies on Etsy, especially Ellen Dooley's beads!

How did you get started making jewelry?
I was the kid who spent all their extra class time in the art room. We had a jewelry making class and that was it for me. I think the real fascination for me is to be able to perform some magic: change the raw material into something special. I went on to study at the School for American Craftsmen. After graduating there, I continued my design studies at FIT.

Tell us a little bit about your jewelry.  What sorts of pieces do you specialize in?
Jewelry is a very personal expression of our personality. I really enjoy making a variety of different items, a bit of something for everyone. It's challenging to try combine materials in interesting ways, or design something that's just a bit out of the ordinary. There is very little that is really “new” in the world of jewelry.

Where do you get your inspiration? 
I try to keep an open mind and be observant of the world around me. Usually, I keep some sort of sketchbook with me at all times because you never know when you might have that flash of ideas. Sometimes I have to spend some quite time at my bench with beads, or sketching away in a comfy chair with music.

Do you have any tips or advice for someone just getting started with her/his own store?
As everyone else will tell you, do something that you love. Learn as much as you can on the subject and be prepared to share your knowledge with your customers. I think that shoppers really appreciate a shop keepers who is communicative and can talk about the products they sell.

Do you have any websites, blogs, or other markets we can find you on?

Craft/gifts: www.capitalcitycraftstudio.com

Esty: http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com

Artfire: http://capitaclcitycraftstudio.artfire.com

Fun blog: http://njfunstuff.blogspot.com

Gift blog: http://capitalcitycraftstudio.blogspot.com

Facebook: Barbara Moore AND Capital City Craft Studio
follow me on Twitter: capcitycrafts