Meet Liz Colver

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liz Colver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Liz, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Does one ever really overcome this?! I have struggled with imposter syndrome in most every aspect of my life, but as a metalsmith, I found a serious gift in the fact that no two things made by hands can be the same – not even my own! With the realization that handmade means unique, I have tried to be diligent in allowing myself to be inspired by others work and not comparing mine to theirs. I’m still finding my own voice as a maker and an artist, but I know that comparison is the thief of joy, and when I’m head down at my bench working on something new, I can’t help but feel alive and inspired by my own creativity and willingness to claim that I, too, am an artist.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I started Crowded Table Designs as a way to connect my love of community and creativity to my daily life. I’ve always felt drawn to artists, makers, and handmade creations, and have dipped my fingers into most every craft there is – from paper crafts, to fiber art, to sewing. But when I took a class in silversmithing I felt like a real live artist! The way I could manipulate metal to become a talisman for someone – a wearable, useable, memorable piece of every day art, I was hooked!

Crowded Table Designs is primarily a maker owned and operated metalsmith business, but it also hosts a vision for community and relationships between artist and customer. Inclusivity is my primary value. I relish the opportunity to be a means to help ALL people – inclusive of gender identity and expression, shape, size, age, or stage of life – to partner in the ways they want jewelry to help them express their most true self and capture memories.

Crowded Table Designs makes versatile handcrafted jewelry that nurtures creativity, confidence, and community for every body.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Don’t. Stop. Making.
In the beginning, I was trying SO hard to make things like those who had been smithing for YEARS, and I would get so discouraged that my seams were visible, or my lines weren’t straight, that I would put down my saw and leave my bench for DAYS. What a waste of learning time! I know leaving my frustration for hours or a day is healthy, but it took me SO much longer to get to the skill level I wanted to get to because I kept walking away for long periods of time. No matter what your craft is, practice makes you better!
2) Keep your focus small.
Im metal smithing, I can make rings, and bracelets, and earrings and pendants, and I can saw pierce things, and set stones, and enamel pieces for color, and embellish and etch and, and, and, and…. While it’s SUPER fun to learn all the things, it’s also beneficial to have a collection or set of pieces that you make consistently and well. You have all the time to play and experiment with new things, but honing your skill on a smaller focus is a great way to feel confident, grow your capacity, and trust your creative process!
3) Don’t expect your business to take flight to the moon your first launch!
With algorithms, and the World Wide Web (it’s so big!), and so many markets and shops and other artists, building a business and a brand is a real challenge. Take it slow. Trust your gut. And stay out of debt as much as you possibly can. Sometimes it takes YEARS to feel seen on the scene (see what I did there?!), and while it may seem that your best customers are your family and friends, taking it slow and honing your skill and capacity prepares you for the launch that CAN take you where you want to go 🙂

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I am an artist who needs other artists and creatives around me to bounce ideas off of and externally process all the things! I mean, I need this in my whole life, too ;-). I have found that the makers community has been SUCH a lovely community to become a part of, and the connections, reflections, wonderings, and support have been invaluable. Aubrey of Northwoman Design is my best friend and excellent collaborative conversation partner. Sam of Samantha Slater Studio is a rad silversmith from Seattle who is a phenomanal teacher, brilliant businesswoman, and keen listener/reflector who gives insight and advice that I cherish. And Sarah of Making Local is a small business support guru and market host whom I could NOT have had half of the success I do without her willingness to listen, teach, share, and curate community with all of these PNW makers!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @crowded.table.designs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559154508354