For Virginia-based jewelry designer Cindy Liebel, the inspiration to make jewelry struck sometime around 2007, while she was expecting her first daughter. “When I found out we were having a girl, something kind of clicked,” she explains. “It was like, ‘We’re having a girl! This is going to be great. I need to make jewelry now.'”
Cindy followed that impulse, stringing and beading her own jewelry designs for years. Then one day, she enrolled in a metalsmithing class at her local bead store, completely unaware that it would change the course of her life forever. “Once I learned how to solder pieces together, I was hooked. I took another course, and I haven’t looked back,” she says.
Since then, Cindy’s passion for jewelry-making has evolved into a fully fledged business, with a focus on designing and making sterling silver jewelry in many forms: geometric hoops soldered by hand, personalized necklaces, minimal rings, and an assortment of beautiful bracelets and cuffs.
“I kind of wish I had started doing this when I was younger,” Cindy says. “I’m forty-something and just now starting my own business. But it’s never too late. I’m a big dreamer, and the idea of being able to put this dream into the world and run with it has been a great, emotional ride for me.”
Learn more about Cindy in our interview with her, below.

You have a background in photography and fine arts. Will you tell us more about that?
My grandfather inspired me to get into photography. Growing up, over years of military travel with my family, I would snap pictures of our journeys driving from coast to coast. That really sparked my joy for photography all through high school, and I went on to study photography and fine art at a community college in Virginia Beach. Today, I really love portraiture; I snap photos of my children all the time. I’ve also been scrapbooking for 15 years now. I like to express my photography skills through memory keeping.
So, what sparks your creativity? Where does your desire to take pictures, design jewelry, and make scrapbooks come from?
It’s gratifying. To me, photography is a way of documenting memories that will last a lifetime. That plays a big part in my jewelry designs as well. I am inspired by my surroundings – from shapes and colors and facial expressions to a person’s hands, which is where my addiction to rings comes from. I could be watching television and then something that somebody’s wearing or something that they say makes me think, ‘Oh, I need to go create that.’ Once inspiration strikes, I sketch everything out; when I sit down to create the design, I let the material take its own course. My designs don’t always turn out the way I had planned, but the end result is great in most cases.


Do you have your own studio? What is your workspace like?
Last summer my husband built me a she-shed. It’s 10′ x 8′, and it’s my backyard studio: It has a jeweler’s bench where I work and another desk where I sit down and piece everything together. I started out working in our laundry room, metalsmithing on this little flea market desk. When my husband kicked me out into the garage, I said, “You’re going to have to build something for me!” So he did. He’s handy and crafty like that – he designed and built my she-shed from scratch.
How did making jewelry go from a hobby to a business?
I started out making jewelry pieces for my friends. One day, after reading more and more about metalsmithing, I joined some jewelry groups online. From that point on, I started getting a lot more into it, and as I started receiving more orders, it hit me: I think this is really it, this is what I want to do. A couple years ago, I received my first wholesale order through Etsy Wholesale. When I got the email that there was a store in Minnesota that wanted to buy my jewelry, I was mind-boggled, but excited, too. Ever since then, I’ve been like, “Okay, I really need to take this further.”


How has your line evolved since you started out?
Technique! My line has really expanded to a point where it looks so much more well put-together. I started out working with beads, and then I got into soldering. Understanding the process of how the raw materials are made, and having them be recyclable and sustainable has become very, very important to me over the years. I really try to reuse what I have, and to create something new in that way. I hope that’s reflected in my work.
Can you tell us a little more about the recycled materials you work with?
In terms of sourcing, I make sure that I purchase my raw materials from places that recycle. If I’m in the studio and I need something like a sheet or wire, and I don’t have it, then I will melt it down and roll it out myself. I have a rolling mill, so I basically take my metal scraps, melt them down, and roll out a flat sheet or wire in whatever thickness I need. It’s so fun!


What’s the most popular piece in your shop?
My most popular pieces are definitely from my Love Eternity collection. I really enjoy making those pieces because they’re personalized; there’s a lot of meaning behind each heart, whether it’s a child, brother, sister, or friend. I actually started out hand-sawing each heart when I first launched that collection; then during the 2014 holiday season, I got so busy that I said to myself, “I need to find someone who can make me a heart punch.” Luckily, I found a supplier on Etsy who makes custom stamps and cutters, so I invested in one right away. It’s been a lifesaver ever since!
Do you have a specific person in mind when you design?
I design for someone who’s kind of casual, laid-back – maybe she’s even a mom, like myself. Someone who may not always get to dress up on a day-to-day basis, but loves to put on a piece of jewelry and feel pretty. I focus on bringing out her inner beauty and confidence. I try t0 make sure the jewelry isn’t too overpowering, but kind of minimal. I think the materials really help with that – sterling silver is very simple, it’s clean. I also like to throw in a bit of brass, bronze, or gold fill to add a pop of natural, neutral color to the mix.


Are you experimenting with any other materials?
Yes. I’m currently taking metal clay classes. Learning and understanding precious metal clay is very interesting; when you create with it, the look is completely different. I like the way you can form clay, compared to sheet and wire. It’s more pliable, though not necessarily that easy to work with, because you have to really shape your creation before it dries out.
What are some of your goals for the future?
I want to continue to grow, but not too big. I enjoy being small, but I would love to have someone here to assist me. I also want to expand on my materials and techniques. In addition to learning about metal clay, I’m taking casting classes for the next six straight weeks. That’s why I love metalsmithing: There’s so much more to it than just making jewelry. You’re always learning something new, always expanding your knowledge. That’s my ultimate goal – to expand my knowledge.
Follow Cindy Liebel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
All photographs by Cindy Liebel.
Shop Cindy Liebel
145 comments
Cathy from CCXStitch said 4 years ago
Lovely designs! Congratulations on the feature
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 4 years ago
Love your shop, great story!
BlueCaterpillar from LabelStickers said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature ! What a gorgeous shop !
DecadesOfVintage from DecadesOfVintage said 4 years ago
How lovely to be inspired by the thought of an expectant child. Your designs are fabulous.
Diana from LeSeForYou said 4 years ago
Lovely shop! ☆CONGRATULATIONS☆
Quality Handmade Items from WhisperingOak said 4 years ago
Wonderful pictures of your work space and process
Aga from AgasJourney said 4 years ago
Beautiful work! Huge congrats and best wishes
Nerantzoula from NeroliHandbags said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
LOVE your line & your AMAZING work space!!! Congratulations on the feature & many blessings for your continued success!!! :D
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 4 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
Iyabo Dedmon from PromiseBeads said 4 years ago
Phenomenal designs! Congratulations on your feature. Enjoyed the story of your journey!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 4 years ago
Beautiful items. Congrats!
Elizabeth Jones from StrangersAndPilgrims said 4 years ago
Great work, thank you for sharing.
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 4 years ago
Amazing work!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! I love your minimal statement ring! Congrats on the feature!
Alaskalisky from AlaskaGoldRush said 4 years ago
Absolutely Beautiful Handcrafted Jewelry! Great Feature!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Very Beautiful designs! Congratulations on the feature!
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 4 years ago
Lovely work, congratulations on the feature
carol meckling from CarolMecklingceramic said 4 years ago
Beautiful pieces, lovely shop!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Wish you a great day and happy sales!:)))
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 4 years ago
Love your pieces, so beautiful!! 'She-shed' - great term! All the best, Cindy.
Lynn Heigh from VineAndBranchStudio said 4 years ago
Beautiful, simple lines--wonderful pieces and story! Congratulations on being featured!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
Love your shop..beautiful!!
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Adrienne from DabAndDabble said 4 years ago
Stunning Jewels, Love ♥
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 4 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature and much success ♥
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 4 years ago
Right on, your husband must have a lot of faith in your business to build you a shed ; ) Congrats on the feature! your pieces are really great, and you really educated me re: how recyclable metals are
Theres from MoonyWool said 4 years ago
Adorable pieces of art. Congratulations on your great feature!
Rachel Peavy from PeavyPieces said 4 years ago
Love this :)
EnigmaChic from EnigmaChic said 4 years ago
Congratulations Cindy beautiful design love the mottled turquoise!
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Beautiful design! Congratulations!
Helen Harwood from FatBerry said 4 years ago
Stunning workspace, beautiful minimalistic designs. Congratulations on the feature!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 4 years ago
GREAT feature!!!! Congratulations, Cindy! Your work and story are inspiring!
Ana R. from ongoodroads said 4 years ago
You do beautiful work! Love your story!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Beautiful work and studio! Congratulations on the feature!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Such beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
HydrangeaJewelry from HydrangeaJewelry said 4 years ago
I love that modern wide band ring! Beautiful designs! congrats!
Jen and Family from GlowBugGallery said 4 years ago
Your work is very pretty, simple and elegant. Congrats on being featured. Wishing you all the best!
ACR from IntoTheBluePaintShop said 4 years ago
LOVE your designs.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 4 years ago
Lovely designs! Congrats!
Tempy from UrbanGreyWhale said 4 years ago
Beautiful simple jewelry, well done!!! :0)
Melissa from adorablyimperfect said 4 years ago
I love that when your husband pushed you out he built you a she-shed. He's a good guy! Love your jewelry! Congrats on the article.
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 4 years ago
Bravo Cindy!!! J'adore your tres chic designs!!! Congrats on being featured!! And, here's to beaucoup more success!!! Pugs & kisses
Adriana Soto from AdrianaSoto said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations !!!
Heather from PixiePlunders said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Very simple and elegant pieces in your shop :)
Dyan Smith from JoDeePetites said 4 years ago
Your designs are so unique. Congrats on the feature!
Allison Andrews from ClayGallerie said 4 years ago
Love the Kenza Ring...Congrats on the feature!!!
PeaceStitchStudio from PeaceStitchStudio said 4 years ago
gorgeous work! Yup, Never ever too old! Like ever. :) blessings and much success!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
It's amazing that a hobby become a successful business. Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
patricia gillum from patsbackintime said 4 years ago
wonderful and unique.congrats.
Rebi Ustun from MySilverMyGoldMyWork said 4 years ago
Love your shop, great story!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
Great designs! Congrats!
BonTons from BonTons said 4 years ago
Lovely designs! Congratulations on the Feature!
John and Robbyn Runyon from frivoloustendencies said 4 years ago
Wow! What a great and organized shop! I am so envious!
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
Beautiful works! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, and congratulations on the feature. You have a beautiful studio space, also :)
Holly Havnaer from apaperaffaire said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature! What gorgeous jewelry you make! :)
Ginta Amaranti Alzieu from ParisJavaDolls said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Inspiring! Congratulations on the feature.
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 4 years ago
Your designs are beautiful. I love the minimalist style. Congrats on your success!
Lucretia Donahue-Reed from InspiredSage said 4 years ago
I also am in my late 40's and just getting into making jewelry mainly with stone and wire. I almost have the tools I need for soldering. Am teaching myself since I am not seeing classes in my area. Your story is inspiring to me. Your jewelry looks very nice!
Stef Bauer from oneeyedgirls said 4 years ago
Beautiful pieces and story:))) Congrats on the feature, Cindy!!
Yarn shop from PetiteWool said 4 years ago
Delicate unusual work! Congratulations on the feature !
Carolyn from EuLeeMe said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing; you're very inspirational and your pieces are beautiful! Also, love the idea of working in a she-shed! Continued blessings!
Chen Xiaojun from SamgharamaStudio said 4 years ago
wonderful designs! Congratulations on the feature
Michelle from aPinkButterfly said 4 years ago
Congratulations Cindy! I love your jewelry! I have 2 of her pieces and they are beautiful and made so well! She is very talented!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 4 years ago
Congratulations!!! Beautiful jewelry!
Connie Lea from LeaMade said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature! Great story and designs!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Cindy for sharing your amazing journey, inspiring enthusiasm, and beautiful art with us. Peace.
Nancy from Soapbirds said 4 years ago
Absolutely beautiful story and work! Drool worthy rings!
Jan Dumas from OjoyDesigns said 4 years ago
I really enjoyed reading about your idea & progress to making it all happen! Good Job!!!!!!!!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 4 years ago
Wonderful designs and beautiful jewellery! An interesting interview and nice to see your workspace - much tidier than mine! :o)
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Great story and work, congrats on the feature!
Maggie Skinner from DaisyChainsOriginals said 4 years ago
Wonderful story and beautiful jewellery, thank you for sharing. Congrats on your feature. I now need to ask my husband for a she shed...
Seipelo kele from seipeloart said 4 years ago
wow great ! beautiful designs, i love them! keep up the good work :)
Susie from ShoesbySusie said 4 years ago
Very pretty designs! I love your work! I wish you all the best!
Sarah Milligan from iHeartStitchArt said 4 years ago
Beautiful work, very unique! Congrats on the feature! :)
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Congrats on the feature!
Vera Tempelmans Plat from ItsVera said 4 years ago
Lovely work. How wonderful to have a new She-Shed. Lovely story and wish you great success.
Tosha from SweetPeasStuff said 4 years ago
Very nice! I love how simple, yet elegant the designs are.
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahSpaulding said 4 years ago
Great story, good work! Best for the future.
Usa from PurePalette said 4 years ago
That is awesome! Congrats..
Jema Watts from BadgeShack said 4 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous items. Congrats on the feature!
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 4 years ago
Wonderful Post!! Great designs!! Congratulations of the Feature!!
Jessica Dennison from VIRGOecojewelry said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry designs! I'd love to learn metal working in the future. (:
Sheila Johnson from SJTreasuries said 4 years ago
Beautiful designs! Congrats.
Julie Garland from juliegarland said 4 years ago
I love your work! Congrats on the feature!
CHIC FLAG from ChicFlag said 4 years ago
Hello Neighbor, Great pieces love the vision! Congrats on your success!
Cindy Liebel from CindyLiebel said 4 years ago
Thanks everyone for your kinds words, I appreciate it so much!!!
Christine from ChristineBathandBody said 4 years ago
I love your work and your story! Congrats :)
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 4 years ago
What a lovely shop you have! Congratulations on the feature!
Dianna Kasper from DesignsbyDAC said 4 years ago
I love your story. It's very encouraging and uplifting. Keep up the good work.
ArcanaAntiquities from ArcanaAntiquities said 4 years ago
beautiful work, congrats!
Natalia Snemis from expressyourself said 4 years ago
Love jewelry with hearts!
Galina Ruseva from GalleeValley said 4 years ago
Love it! Congratulations on the feature!
sarantos from SARANTOS said 4 years ago
What a great work space your husband created for you. Love your story. :)
Lisa from REBELbyFATE said 4 years ago
Beautiful work, original + inspiring! Congrats on your feature + continued success.
Portia from SoftJewelrybyPortia said 4 years ago
I love the sleek simplicity of your designs. Congrats on your feature!
T P from Funkyhour said 4 years ago
lovely jewelry ! lovely space! congrats and keep on ...
Nadia Bauer from NadiaKnittedCreation said 4 years ago
Amazing jewelry ! Your designs are inspiring!
Gaily Murphy from JazzNGailJewelry said 4 years ago
Loved your story and how you gave life to the details of how pieces are created. Congratulations! I had to forward your story to my sister Deb Jen on FB. She is a photographer. Maybe she will migrate toward helping me with my jewelry! LOL! God Bless.
Ann Marie Gambino from AnnMariesCharms said 4 years ago
Very Inspiring!
Grace Darling from NaturallyByGrace said 4 years ago
Great inspirational story! It is everything that I love about the Etsy community and shop owners. Congratulations on your growing success!
lynn zou from WELOULK said 4 years ago
Lovely shop!
Aparna David from HandyStar said 4 years ago
Pretty Pretty Pretty. Congratulations on the feature. :)
Yulia from 2FunnyBirds said 4 years ago
Beautiful items!!!!!
Yulia from 2FunnyBirds said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!!!!
Kati from Craftfolly said 4 years ago
Congrats ! Your story is fab and inspiring. Love your designs <3
Ann Smyth from AnnSmythStainedGlass said 4 years ago
Beautiful story and beautiful work!
Alba Castellano from QuePinQuePanMagnets said 4 years ago
Very nice! Congrats!!!
Richard from LeedsRadio said 4 years ago
Beautiful Etsy shop and your work space is so neat and tidy. How do you do it. My place is always a mess.
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 4 years ago
Congrats! What a fun shop!
Printable Nature from printablenature said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Congrats!
Sunita from VintageGatorShop said 4 years ago
Great work! Congratulations!
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 4 years ago
very inspiring. love your work!
Zalooza from Zalooza said 4 years ago
Awesome story! Congrats and love your stackable rings! : )
LunaSangre from LunaSangre said 4 years ago
Nice work space, and congrats on your feature!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
I love your feather earrings! Congrats!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
Love your designs !
Shauna S from Daydreamdecorations said 4 years ago
Love the style. Inspiring story.
Adriana Blake from HappyMomentsGiftShop said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, Cindy! Fantastic she-shed work space made for you by your husband and kept in tip top shape by you! Lovely geometric designs :)
Brianna Peterson from MrsPetersonPottery said 4 years ago
Great work! Love how organised your tools are!!
Brenda from TeenysSweetSoaps said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature and thank you for sharing. Your work is simply beautiful. Best of luck to you.
Dora Didora from JewelleryWorkshop said 4 years ago
Grrat story and gorgeous pieces. Thanks for sharing! Love Dora
Daniela Maldarizzi Casalino from dadavinylsanddesigns said 4 years ago
Really nice! :)
Mary from SumabatCreations said 4 years ago
Wow inspiring story! Me too, I wished I started earlier in my life. I could have been doing way better than what I'm doing now. But your story inspired me! It is never too late to start a dream! Congratulations Cindy! :)
Michaelann from AnAbundanceOfArt said 4 years ago
WOW, extremely talented AND a good business woman...I think you're great!♥
Nan Bennett from HandStampedJewelry55 said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!
Jayne Elizabeth Crafts from JayneElizabethCrafts said 4 years ago
So many lovely pieces. An inspiring story. All the best
EndeavourToys from EndeavourToys said 4 years ago
Very nice feature. Congratulations to Cindy and wishes for continued success!
Carrie Paquette from Artbycarriepaquette said 4 years ago
such beautiful work! Congrats!
Tas and C from TasandC said 4 years ago
I'm so happy you are pursuing your dreams. I'm currently at a cross road in life with work and trying to push my etsy dreams forward. It gives me hope and inspiration to keep at my own dreams. Thank you for sharing.
Yoriko from FibreArtStudio said 4 years ago
Love your design! Congratulations on the feature.
Maxine Adjei from sparkles4life said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewellery and such an inspiration.
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature your jewelry is so beautiful. Much continued success!!
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
Cindy from RockAndHardware said 4 years ago
Stunning jewelry! Loved reading the interview. Best wishes for continued success!!!
Anna from ZuSWA said 4 years ago
Very very inspiring success story and workspace Style of shop very delicate and unique
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 4 years ago
Unique and beautiful shop. Congrats on the feature :)
UmmNiyatiJewelry from UmmNiyatiJewelry said 4 years ago
Beautiful items. Congratulations on the feature.
Bybee Vintage from BYBEEVINTAGE said 4 years ago
Lovely!!!!!!!!!!
Soap Sista Peters from CHEROKEEWEAH said 4 years ago
Your work is AWESOME!
SevenBeads from SevenBeads said 4 years ago
Love your shop, great story!
Katy Allgeyer from ArtBarn said 4 years ago
Your studio is so organized and pretty! Brava to you for being featured and doing such lovely design work.
Megan McCurdy from OldSoulExpressions said 4 years ago
Oh my goodness, your work is just beautiful! And your she-shed rocks! :) Loved reading your story Cindy! Congrats on the feature!
Jasmina from MinaMiyaki said 4 years ago
Wow you are working with your engagement ring on.. haha i already take mine off. At any rate your work is beautiful! Congrats on the article! Best of luck!