Attention jewelry lovers! Meet Şebnem Erçelik of Shibu Design. Şebnem designs creative pieces that capture the vitality, culture and spirit of Istanbul. To see her unique work, check out her website, or you can like her Facebook page to get updates on new pieces. In the meantime, read on to find out a little bit more about this fabulous lady.
How did you start making jewelry?
It was about 9 years ago and I had quit a job that I was totally stressed at. I decided to take a few months off from finding another job. I needed something to occupy me and to help me find balance again. I started working with glass and making glass beads. For hours I would be at the table concentrating on the glass. It helped me to gain stability and calmness and focus. I always had a “thing” for fashion jewelry and used to take my mom’s necklaces as a child and play around with them. So after the work with glass beads I decided that I wanted to start making jewelry but realised I wasn’t good enough with glass works so I started researching into semi-precious stones and was amazed with their healing powers and then decided to focus on them, and Shibu was born.
How would you describe your style?
I like using my Turkish heritage and love the Ottoman style so I try to combine Ottoman designs with more updated styles. I have a “Kaftan” series which is a series of different sized kaftans filled with silk. Some hang on ropes and some on beaded strands. They really are eye-catchers and some of my most sought after pieces.
What makes your work unique?
Each piece is unique. I do not create a piece twice. Sometimes a client will beg for a copy of a previously sold piece but I have not to this day made a second copy of any of the pieces I make. I might make a similar one but something about it will be different. To create the jewelry I use beautiful semi-precious stones and very high quality metal fixtures. I do try to keep up with trends, but I always stick to my own style.
Which collections have been the most popular?
I think it differs from country to country. Europeans tend to more outgoing and like the long bold necklaces, whereas North Americans prefer simpler shorter necklaces. Middle Eastern clients prefer shiny gold tones so it really depends on where that person is from. However, I can say that the Kaftan collection gets the most attention.
How can people buy your jewelry?
Since each piece is unique the pieces on the website are sold rather quickly. When someone contacts me about a piece I usually send them a list of the items I have on hand. Additionally, I hold private Shibu trunk shows which have become quite popular amongst the ladies. I also ship all over the world, so location is never a problem. My most current pieces are usually put up on my Facebook page and Instagram.
Shibu is quite an interesting name, how did you come up with it?
I was after a name that was simple and different, but that also stood out. I wanted to integrate my name into it but wasn’t sure how. People close to me call me Şebo (pronounced Shebo) for short. My half Turkish and half French niece Melissa who visits me in the summer time has an accent and as a child just couldn’t quite say my nickname right, but would say Shibu instead. I thought that was the perfect name.
Is there anything else you would like to tell Yabangee readers?
I try to make each piece personal. They are all dear to my heart. I don’t think I could sell something that I didn’t enjoy making. For example, I am not fond of the color yellow so it’s very rare that I use it. I tend to go for lighter stones and styles in summer and the deeper richer colours in winter. My earrings and ring collections also reflect the necklaces so they complement them but are not a match; I do not making matching sets, again so that each piece is unique. Though most pieces are different from each other I do often get someone looking at a piece I’m wearing and ask, “Is that a Shibu?” so they do see the similarities.
I have contacts in foreign countries who are happily spreading the Shibu joy. Sales in the USA are quite successful as are they in the Middle East and Europe. I have now taken my first steps towards the Far East which I’m sure will be another fabulous adventure! When I retire from working full-time this is what I will be doing from my little retreat in Bodrum, Turkey.
