To anyone who’s ever found him or herself on the not-quite-right path, and then another not-quite-right path, and maybe even another one after that, let Mariaela Turkoniak’s story give you heart. Ela, as she prefers to be called, spent time studying construction, and then social work, before starting a career working with troubled teens — but she never touched on anything in those pursuits that pleased her nearly as much as making the clay jewelry she designed in her spare time and gave away to friends.
“From when I was a little girl until now, my creations have always been a way to release my energy,” Ela says. “It’s like therapy to me, and I’m happy I found this way to express myself. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else in life.”
Discovering that she could actually make a living selling her nature-inspired jewelry was the ultimate turning point. Now, working from her home in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, with her husband Piotr and their two daughters by her side, Ela is quite literally living her dream, and her line, Mariaela, has gained supporters all around the world. “My shop has a rising number of fans, and it is incredible to see how it has grown,” she says. “I think about the future all the time; I know what I would like to do in the next six months and even over the next year. I thank my lucky stars that I can do what I love.”
Go behind the scenes in Ela’s design studio and shop the Mariaela collection.
Tell us about your creative background: Were you always interested in art and design?
Ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed handicrafts; I remember I always loved playing outdoors, touching the soil, brushing the grass, digging out clay, and most of all, creating ‘secrets’ — making plant compositions inside glass jars. I used to spend all my days in the wild garden surrounding my home.
After I finished primary school, I started my education in a school of construction, but I didn’t enjoy it at all; I was an outsider, a ‘hippie,’ as others called me. After school I would paint, listen to music, and make bangles and clay beads — it healed me and helped me to relax. Later, I went on to a school for social studies, and after three years I started working with young people in difficult situations. Once again, I found that my choice wasn’t in line with my personality. I preferred my own company, and it was too hard for me to take other people’s problems on myself. This time was very constructive for me, though. I produced loads of bangles, giving them away or even selling them to other students, which helped support my tiny budget a bit.
When I met Piotr and we moved in together, we started going to music and film festivals and selling my handmade ceramic necklaces from the stand we’d created. That was it. Having all this positive feedback from people gave me the energy to create new jewelry. That was the moment when I knew I was going to do this for living.
What happened next?
The Internet started evolving around that time, too, and I realized that an online shop would give me the opportunity to reach new clients. I learned how to take photographs of my work (and how to model the pieces). I also bought a glass kiln and attended a glass fusing workshop, which allowed me to design and create my own glass for a different style of rings and necklaces. I learned about stained glass techniques and started creating all kinds of jewelry using this new ability.
In 2012 I joined Etsy, hoping that my work could also be appreciated abroad. I’ve been on the site four years now, and I have to say it gives me a lot of freedom and peace. My mind is constantly inventing new designs; I create about 10 new pieces each day, all one of a kind. I feel like I have an endless creative source, and that feels great.

Your designs have quite a wide range of styles, from the tough, raw crystal pieces to the ones with tiny, delicate flowers. Is there one style that resonates with you more personally?
Both the delicate flowers and the heavy stones are incredibly personal to me. They equally represent the two distinct sides of my personality and complement each other very well.
Since your work has so many natural elements, do you find that your designs change with the seasons?
Yes, of course. During the summer holiday, I use a lot of sand and other elements in my pieces. And in the autumn, I use more flowers, as they are perfectly dried from the summer blooms and ready for use.
Do you have a favorite type of item to make or a favorite material to work with?
I enjoy the electroforming method the most. It is a very intuitive, instinctive technique, which utilizes electricity; I can never predict the final effect. It is also an unknown technique in my country — there are no courses or classes for it. I had to work hard and make many mistakes to learn it, but I didn’t give up. The final effect is really satisfying.
What is your design process like? Or is it different every time?
I always start with a hands-on approach to my materials. It may come as a shock, but I have never made any rough sketches; my ideas appear during the creative process. For example, I take a piece of stone into my hand, and in that moment decide if it will become a bracelet, a necklace, or a ring. The stones make their own decisions.
What’s the most popular item in your shop, and how did that design come into being?
The glass necklaces with natural flowers are in great demand. For example, the dandelion flower holds great meaning: It has an evanescence, an ability to vanish or fade away. With my necklaces, I am able to capture this fleeting moment and create a mysterious window into nature that lasts forever.
What do you love most about your work?
I love everything about my job, but recently I’ve had to hire some new employees to help with customer service, photography, and with packaging and sending orders. I always liked to do all of that myself, as I think every action in your business is very important and you have to be involved in everything. But my focus will now be primarily on marketing and management, with two hours set aside each day to focus on new creations.
What are your goals for the future of your shop?
I am very open-minded about Mariaela’s future. From the beginning, I trusted that Etsy could provide me a great opportunity for success, but it doesn’t come easy. My dedication, hard work, and ability to listen to and anticipate my customers’ needs have proved invaluable. I am very proud that my store offers one-of-a-kind products which are all handmade. I will continue to look for new jewelry making techniques and trust that my products will be embraced by customers all over the world.
Follow MARIAELA on Instagram.
Photographs by Ula Koska.
Shop MARIAELA
78 comments
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Gorgeous shop!!! Congrats on the feature.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
Beautiful!! Love all you items!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry - congrats on the feature!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
My God, your jewelry is AMAZING ! so beautiful ! So glad that you are featured - your shop is amazing !
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
The glass pendants made the difference. Beautiful shop and story. Congrats and more blessings!
Lemonada Designs from LemonadaDesigns said 4 years ago
Beautiful creations and very unique. Thanks for the inspiration. Congrats!
Miss B from HeyThatsMyJam said 4 years ago
Beautiful! The fern necklace is my favorite. Congratulations on your feature
AJ Smith from WillYouMarryMeStudio said 4 years ago
Serdeczne gratulacje! An inspiring, soulful shop - and itsounds like Ela and Piotr are on an exciting journey! A well-deserved feature!
Kim from Negitoros said 4 years ago
So beautiful!!!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I got to try that electroforming method. And I really like that creating ‘secrets’ childhood experience. Congratulations on the feature!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
Beautiful, unique jewelry collection. Congratulations Ela of shop Mariaela.
Kfir from KinArtBoutique said 4 years ago
This is amazing! What a great process :)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
R. Anne from LnRworks said 4 years ago
Amazing items! Congrats on the feature <3
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Your shop is absolutely gorgeous! I love it all, especially the rough stone rings and the real flower necklaces. Congrats on your success and best wishes for continued growth and happiness! :)
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Thank you for sharing! : )
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Lovely work, congrats on the feature!
LOVEnLAVISH from LOVEnLAVISH said 4 years ago
CONGRATS! Your store is beautiful with some very interesting pieces. I loved reading your feature.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 4 years ago
Beautiful pieces and great photography! Congrats on the feature and success of your shop!
mj gm from artprintscanada said 4 years ago
Love your jewelry!
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 4 years ago
YEE! Congratulations! Your jewelry is just incredibly stunning--I've been a big admirer for a long while now. There's something just so beautifully nostalgic about the pieces you create--it's breath-taking.
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Your shop is amazing!!! Congratulations on the feature :)
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 4 years ago
Wow, you have some gorgeous pieces. I can see why the flower/glass necklaces are so popular! Congrats on all of your success
LYLINE brand from lylinebrand said 4 years ago
Gorgeous and unique pieces. Congrats on the feature!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 4 years ago
Great feature and your jewelry is so beautiful. Isn't it wonderful to finally find yourself doing the work that is your life's passion! Congratulations and much continued success!!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 4 years ago
Awesome shop! Congrats on the feature! :)
Loribeth from MomentsOfArt said 4 years ago
I think my favorite is the pendant with the fern in it. It reminds me of my childhood.
Suzanne Rorick from SRorickArt said 4 years ago
You have a beautiful shop Mariaela and very unique jewelry. I love the terrarium heart pendants! Congrats on the feature! Your story was very interesting to read.
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 4 years ago
Lovely shop, thanks for sharing!
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 4 years ago
Your persistence is inspiring! So happy you found a creative career you love. Your unique designs are beautiful. Best wishes in 2016 and beyond!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
I love your raw stone necklaces! You have a great shop, congrats!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Beautiful inside and out ~ Love your style !
Ashley Elizabeth from OxcartArt said 4 years ago
Lovely designs!
Sukran Kirtis from SukranKirtisJewelry said 4 years ago
You are featured!! A Great job!! I like the way of expressing your style..Congratulations
Jovita from alabatis said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
Chen Xiaojun from SamgharamaStudio said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
Jem and Wanda Gohler from JemCircles said 4 years ago
We are totally impressed...your shop is wonderful...your designs are amazing!
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
มีเอกลักษณ์มากๆ
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Ela for sharing your inspiring journey, blessed arts and wonderful designs with us. - Peace.
Agata from ResinSun said 4 years ago
Beautiful, unique jewelry collection. Congratulations Ela:)
Unforgotten Dreams from Unforgottendreams said 4 years ago
Gorgeous!!
April Armistead from AprilNicoleArt said 4 years ago
Gorgeous work! Your aesthetic is thrilling ♥ Congrats on the feature!
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
wow, this is all so beautiful! congrats on the feature, thanks for sharing :)
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop and much success :)
Ralitza Boneva from bonboneva said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, Mariaela! Well-deserved one!
Denise Langston from HerPrettyLilThings said 4 years ago
Congrats on being featured! Your pieces are gorgeous!
DreamNDesign from DreamNDesign said 4 years ago
Beautiful Shop such a cool product! Congrats on the Feature ! Such an Inspiration!
Avianti Jewelry from AviantiJewelry said 4 years ago
These are beautiful!! and congratulations on the feature!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
Very nice! Your items are really pretty!
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 4 years ago
Great work and lovely shop! Congratulations!!
Sandra Ankleknits from Ankleknits said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Very unique and inspirational.
Cher Ward from ArtistChersSpace said 4 years ago
very nice good luck
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature, I have been a fan of your shop!!! I enjoyed reading about your creative journey, I wish you continued success! Love the flowers!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Beautiful story and shop!!! Congratulations on the feature!
Sudarat Sungkaew from mudyomthai said 4 years ago
I have characterized a unique syncretic your store. สวยค่ะ
Hairbow Co from HairbowSuppliesCo said 4 years ago
beautiful work!
FluffyFlowers from FluffyFlowers said 4 years ago
So glad you discovered your passion that led to the creation of such beautiful jewelry.
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 4 years ago
Very beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Tanya from TanyaToys said 4 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, nice designs
Nicole from CopperAlchemyCo said 4 years ago
Lovely feature. Love seeing another electroformer getting featured :)
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 4 years ago
Lovely items!:)
Barbara from picturing said 4 years ago
Congrats, Mariaela!!! I always loved your work!
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 4 years ago
great shop, inspirational story. congrats on the feature! :)
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
pretty jewelry...love the little daisy floral inside the pendant...a sweet way to hold on to a piece of nature...congrats on your feature!!
RollingRock Dolls from RollingRockDolls said 4 years ago
they're so pretty
deardear from deardearArt said 4 years ago
Beautiful! great shop
merav gitelzon from PapersStuffCom said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!
serenber5 said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop
Beryl Thompson from TheGiftBoxColumbus said 4 years ago
Very creative. Congrats!
Charlene Hughes from CraftsbyCharlene said 4 years ago
Great work! You rock!!!
lakesuperiorwaves from SimplyEarthy said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!
Rebeca from SecretDiamonds said 4 years ago
beautiful!
VT from HandmadeTrend said 4 years ago
Truly one of a kind jewelry. Congratulations on your beautiful feature.
Ashlee Alvis from WindyMoonByAshlee said 4 years ago
Lovely pieces and so fresh. I love the fact that you take natural, perishable plants and preserve them by making them into beautiful jewelry. Great job!
James and Melissa from PressedWishes said 2 years ago
Absolutely love you work and story! it is such an inspiration :)