Shining the Spotlight On: Susan Olivio Jewelry and Supplies

Someday I hope to make my own headpins and earwires. Until that time, I like to buy handmade finding on Etsy ~ I just think they add a little something special to my own jewelry creations.

A few months back, I first discovered Susan Olivio’s handmade creations, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her seller name is “Solivio”. Susan creates lovely earwires and other findings with copper, brass and sterling silver. She also offers beautiful gemstone beads at reasonable prices. You can even purchase one of her jewelry tutorials and learn some of the techniques that Susan has perfected. I’ve actually got my eye on these fabulous “Chloe” earrings and wouldn’t mind learning to make a pair like them for myself.

I love Susan’s unique style ~ I recently learned more about what a dynamic person she is, including her very interesting hobbies aside from Etsy. Read on to learn more about Solivio:

Tell us a little about *you*:

My name is Susan Olivio. I live in the Tampa, FL area with my husband Jim and two children. I have always been a crafter since I can remember. My father dabbled in painting but found his true calling with leather work. I guess we have an artistic family. My sister likes to paint and sew. My daughter is a fantastic artist, much more experimental than I am. Besides jewelry, I love to work in Photoshop and am trying to learn Corel Painter. I just purchased a very good polymer clay pendant tutorial from Etsy shop Naftali. I highly recommend it! The pieces I made were fun and actually came out wearable. I used the soldered rings I have available in my shop as the frames. The large for a pendant and two smaller ones for earrings.

Tell us about your craft ~ How did you get started? What keeps you motivated and inspired?

I’m not sure how I stumbled into jewelry making. I’ve tried many other art forms prior to making jewelry, but never stuck to one thing for very long, until I discovered jewelry. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I started in wire, and moved to metalsmithing. I worked in this medium for probably 8 years before I came across Eni Oken's work and re-discovered wire once again. Her work opened my eyes to the possibilities of wire. I stay inspired by looking at other artists work which helps spark ideas of my own. My favorite artists are Iza Malczyk, Eni Oken, and fellow Etsyians – Magdalena, SuzyQJewelry, AnandaKhalsa, TigerBurningBright, and Julidadesigns.

How did you first hear about Etsy?

I found Etsy by accident through Google. While searching for handmade jewelry for ideas, I came across the site.

What is the best piece of advice that you could give to a new Etsy seller?

Take clear pictures and list often. Create things that are unique.

Time to toot your own horn ~ tell us about your proudest crafting achievement (either on or off Etsy)

I don’t really have a proudest crafting achievement. Each piece that I make becomes my proudest crafting achievement replaced by the next thing I make.

Tell us about your featured shop item:

I was playing with wire one night and it dawned on me that there really wasn’t anything different available besides the standard ear wires. I came up with several designs that night and have continued to add to my line since then. The featured design “Hayley” (pictured) is a newer design and is available in several formats; a hook style, a circular hoop, posts, headpins or charms.

We all know there is Life outside of Etsy ~ what do you like to do in your “spare” time?

Besides spending time with my family, I am an avid reader. I’ve been stuck on vampire stories; my favorite series is The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine.

My newest hobby is brewing beer. My dad used to brew beer and I love micro brews so I thought I would try it myself. I’m on my third batch. It’s a lot of fun to wait and see how each batch is going to come out.

Thanks for letting us get to know you, Susan. Be sure to check out her shop!