Diane M. Zielinski

Tell us your story.

I was surfing the net about 5-6 years ago and came upon Preston's jewelry making programs. I was enthralled by the beauty of the pieces! So I bought the beginners program. My intention was to really just make jewelry for myself. After I had a made a few pieces I asked a friend of mine to take some pictures for me. When I showed him what I made he kept asking me over and over "YOU made this stuff?". Almost like he didn't' believe I could do something like this! He said to me "why aren't you selling it?" and I thought hmmmmmmmm so I signed up for a craft show and I've been doing it ever since!

Where do you sell your jewelry? Do you have any tips on selling there?

I go around to local art/craft shows and am also in a store in New Hope, PA. My advice would be to have as much inventory as possible in all different price ranges and colors. There's always something somebody wants! Before signing up for a show I ask a lot of questions i.e. how many years as the show been running, how many jewelry makers do you usually have, do you limit the number of jewelry makers, size of space, tables provided or not? ...things like that.

What's your biggest selling piece and why?

Thats a tough question and I don't really know the answer to it. I am always changing what I make and how I make it. In 6 years I have sold a lot of things and it seems what is the most popular changes with the times.

What one piece of advice can you give to other aspiring jewelry makers?

Just have fun and make what you love.

Have you quit your day job yet? Can you give us any idea how much income your jewelry is making?

I have not quit my day job yet. I make about $6000.00-$10,000.00. Thats some really nice extra spending money!

What would you say to someone that might be hesitant to invest in Preston's course?

Go for it! You'll love it! I just love the courses Preston offers. I recently bought the name writing course. I have some big ideas for it and can't wait to learn it.

Has jewelry making changed your life in any way?

It has changed my life a lot! I have met and made friends with some incredible people being in the craft/art show industry. It is such an incredible feeling when someone buys something that I made and they are very excited about it. It has made me more confident in the fact that if I want to learn something I can! I now get a lot of repeat customers which is really neat!

Do you sell any of your work on line or on Ebay? Do you do well there?

I have sold a few things on Ebay. I don't use it too terribly often to sell my things though due to lack of time.

What's your plan for the future?

I want to keep learning and producing. That is what I love about this art - there is always something new to learn and try and perfect.