Gypsy By The Sea Jewelry

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone had a great weekend.  I've been under the weather so I wasn't able to get any features up over the weekend.  Today we have three features.  Our first feature comes from Beaufort, NC: Gypsy by the Sea.  One of my favorite items is the Jingle & Oyster Shell & Turquoise Necklace.  Let's get to know this beachy shop!

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I've always considered myself a bit of a gypsy and I just moved to the Carolina coast in January out of a love for the ocean. Walking on the shore looking for shells, soaking up the sun, or escaping to an island are my favorite past times, so what better name than Gypsy by the Sea. :)

Q: Do you only sell on online?
A: Yes, my jewelry shop (Gypsy by the Sea jewelry) and our vintage shop (Three Thrifty Gypsies), as of right now. I would love to sell my shell treasures in some of the local shops here in Beaufort.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Nature - the beauty and sounds of the ocean and inlet bodies of water, islands, the sand, wildlife, and shorebirds.  My husband most of all - he encourages me to "do and be" anything I feel led to be or do. and prods me along to my fullest potential and is super supportive.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: This is the first time I have attempted to make jewelry, so the process of letting my creativity guide me is most difficult. I also have a vintage shop, along with my two daughters (Three Thrifty Gypsies) on Etsy and that is challenging in finding great treasures to share in our shop.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: The jingle shell earrings.  I love wearing part of the ocean on my ears. :) It feels natural and organic.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: Yes. Etsy is very user friendly and popular amongst the public and gets a good dose of media attention on TV and in magazines.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Yes it is. I do have a small office cleaning job, but my Etsy jewelry and vintage shops are my personal source of income. I decided to take a leap of faith and make a go of it, in working Etsy full -time. It's great working from home, coffee shops, library, and your phone and being your own boss and planning your own schedule! My husband loves my flexibility too!

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: Yes, I plan to attend a fall "Jumble Sale" in Beaufort, NC in November, at the Beaufort Historical Society grounds in the center of town. I am also looking into a couple of other shows in Morehead City.

Q: Any future projects?
A: The main project right now getting my shop up and running and promoting it. And secondly, creating more jewelry and adding vintage treasures to my shops in gearing up for the fall and holiday season. My goal is to have a 100 items in my jewelry shop and 150 items in my vintage shop before the holidays.

"Be patient, it takes time, but use every opportunity to promote your shop online and in person and love what you do! Let creativity be your guide. Explore Etsy....teams, forums, and treasuries. Start a Facebook Page....share every time you list an item. Announce in a note on your personal Facebook Page about opening up your shop. Start a Pinterest Page....pin items from your shop and invite your personal followers to follow. Talk to everyone you meet about your new endeavor. Let them see your excitement! Enjoy every step of the journey along the way!" -Sher

Catherin Picone

Happy Friday everyone!!!  Hope everyone's excited for the weekend.  No set time to wake up! :)  Today would have to be the earliest I've woken all week; 6:25am O.O  I've got my final exam for my Internet Security class today.  Fingers crossed!  On to better news, we have another Etsy feature :D  CatherinePicone specializes in nautical, tropical, & beach decor.  Did someone say BEACH decor?  I love beachy items, so this is a must check out shop for me.  My favorite item would have to be the Prayer Flag Door Hanger.  Let's get to know Cathy & her shop :)

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: Well, I used to have a shop name that I loved, DiscoBeach, because I am an absolute disco freak, and I love the beach way of life. It was fun, energetic, and you knew right away that a party was going on. Like the beachy, casual stuff that I design, it didn’t take itself too seriously. Upon calling my state’s helpline about taxes, however, I learned that I could get into a wee bit of trouble without filling out a DBA. Since it was the very end of the year, and I was completely freaking out, I just changed it to my name, CatherinePicone. Boring, but legal. I could jump through the state and county hoops now, but my shop is just getting recognized with my name on it. Plus, when it comes to paperwork, I really am pathetically lazy. It’s an ongoing challenge.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy?
A: For the moment, Etsy is my main selling vehicle, but not my only venue. I do a few local craft shows a year, and I dabble in wholesale. My goal for 2013 is to participate in larger shows and to increase my wholesale business. I’ve really spent the last year finding my voice and committing to how I want to represent myself and my work. It’s been a bigger challenge than I had imagined!

Q: What inspires you?
A: My inspiration is the sea, the islands, and every single coastline on the planet. I’m completely in love with all things Caribbean, but the waters and beaches of my home state (North Carolina!) inspire me, too. Old seafaring tales and mermaid lore have always been intriguing to me, and there’s nothing like hearing real fish tales from guys on the pier or in dive bars at the end of the day.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: I hate to admit it, but discipline is really hard to come by some days. Keeping the focus on the current project instead of jumping all over creation can be the hardest thing I do all day.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: You know that’s like asking which child is your favorite, right?? Seriously, my mermaids are my loves because I put so much time and care into making each one. My absolute favorite mermaid just sold, and she was kind of punk folk art. I love that the person who purchased her appreciated her and understood what I was going for.

Q: What made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: Etsy was the site that everyone kept telling me about, so I thought it was the obvious choice for me and for what I make. I had considered Artfire, but Etsy just felt like a better fit. As far as an online presence, Etsy is it for me for now.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: At the moment, my Etsy shop is my full-time job. My husband was kind enough to give me the opportunity to take a year off and see how things went. Well, the year was up about six months ago, so I’m looking for part-time employment or full-time if it’s interesting. Honestly, I’ll probably get just as much done for my Etsy shop when I’m working again. As wonderful as this last year and a half has been, sitting at the sewing machine alone seven days a week has grown very, very old. I really miss people! And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I do kind of miss the structure of a job outside my home. Working in pj’s is great, but I actually am craving a little discipline and a real schedule! Nuts, right?

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: There’s a craft show I’ll probably do in November, because what I do is mostly craft rather than art. I’ve been sketching and making some early patterns for some art dolls, though, and if I can complete some that I consider worthy, I’d love to participate in some juried shows in early 2013. We’ll see!

Q: Any future projects?
A: In addition to the art dolls, I do want to revisit patchwork and art quilts. Now, I’m kicking myself for selling my nine foot cutting/crafting table. (d@#@!!)

Word of Advice: It really is SO much harder than you think it’s going to be. You are going to HAVE to treat it as a business if you want to succeed. Learn all you can about your market, then market you and your product to your target audience (who may be a different segment of the population than you thought). And, learn all you can about the business side of your art—especially local, state, and federal laws and TAXES. Unless you’re fortunate enough to be a CPA or know one intimately, as a newbie, you are going to have to do this yourself unless you have pockets bulging with money. There are so many FREE sources of information—even on Etsy—that you can turn to for guidance. There’s so much more, but to keep it short, I’ll share this last tip—the most important one: don’t undervalue your time and your talent. This was a huge mistake I made, and in some cases, continue to make. If you don’t respect your work, no one else will. You might get some sales with your ten dollar price (that should be thirty), but you really will have gained very little. You will be working harder rather than smarter, and you won’t have the respect of your customers or your fellow artists. - Cathy

In Jamie's Hands

Happy Friday Eve!!!  Today's shop hails from Greenville, SC.  This shop is filled with lots of prettiness.  I had a hard time picking out one item to post as my favorite.  So, I'm picking two: Silver Circle Chain with Light Purple Stones & Pink Agate and Jasper Black Leopardskin Necklace

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I used to be called Lil' Bits of Everything because I make many different items and my mom used to sell with me. I changed my name because I wanted to start fresh. My store name, In Jamie's Hands, is for two reasons: 1. It is what I create with my hands and 2. we were planning a big vacation and I felt it was in my hands to make it happen.

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: No, I am a teacher and I have a lot of friends/co-workers that buy my items. I also am starting to do craft shows again. Online is my main market, though.

Q: What inspires you?
A: My kids and my students inspire me to keep working. Color and things in nature inspire me greatly as well. Also, the talents of other people inspire me to keep going.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: The hardest part is making sales. It requires a lot of work to draw people into your store and gain a customer base. The time factor is hard, especially when you have kids and a full-time job.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: One of my favorite items is my Flower Glass Pendant.  I love my flower pendants - they are so much prettier than the pictures show. My paper supplier does a great job on items for me and they turn out beautiful.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I sell on Etsy and Tophatter. I like Etsy because of the teams and it is a lot of fun to participate in BNSs and BNRs. I also love making treasuries and helping out others to promote.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Etsy is something I do on the side and mainly in the summer. I am a teacher to students with orthopedic and/or health impairments. I am also a mother to two wonderful boys, ages 6 and 8. My son has dyslexia and both are involved in Boy Scouts and sports. The summer is my main time to create and work, but I try to stay as active as I can during the school year.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: Yes, I will be participating in Rabon Creek Farms Fair on September 22nd in Fountain Inn, SC. I will also be participating in Brookwood Church's Christmas Fair in Simpsonville, SC. I believe this is in early December.

Q: Any future projects?
A: I am constantly creating new pieces of jewelry. I do want to try out some leather items such a bracelets.

"Don't give up. There are highs and lows - good weeks and bad weeks. It is a lot of work. You have to promote and draw people to your store, it doesn't just happen." - Jamie

 

The Woodshop's Daughter

Happy hump day!  Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday.  Today we're featuring a shop based out of North Carolina: The Woodshop's Daughter.  This shop specializes in jewelry stands.  My favorite stand from this shop is the Rotating Necklace Jewelry Stand.  You can also get 10% off anything in their shop.  Just use code ETSYLOVE at checkout. :)

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I am not a crazy religious person, but my shop name comes for a mixture from how awesome I think Jesus is and my mother passing away.  Often, I would get sad that I was "motherless" meaning I was long longer a "daughter", but I soon realized that was silly nonsense thinking because I am God's Daughter. So, hopefully my shop's name pays honor to them both. Jesus was a carpenter and working with wood makes me feel closer to him and helps me think about Him (instead of thinking about stressful things I shouldn't be worrying about). So, Jesus had a woodshop and I am his daughter. Hence - The Woodshop's Daughter :)

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: Yes, as of today I only sell online and only on Etsy. I am working on going to small local shows again in the very near future.

Q: What inspires you?
A:  My customers inspire me! Someone will write me asking for something different and it motivates me to find a solution for their need.   Almost my entire shop was built this way!  I love it!  I simply love it!

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: The hardest part is being self motivated when working from home. I have to stay organized, have a set routine, and make lists to keep myself on task. As an artist, I am sometimes easily distracted, or I get too many things going and then cant finish the first project, lol.  I have a little saying "Keep me straight" to get myself back on task.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A:  My favorite item in my shop is my two tier bracelet holder. It's an original design, it's brought me many orders, and I feel like it's uniquely me!

Q: What made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I only sell on Etsy. I researched the heck out of the other sites - I even made an ArtFire account, but didn't sell anything.  So, after 3 months I took it down. It was too much stress trying to handle more than one account. Etsy is easy for me to understand (computers are not my strong suit). I really just like the community aspect of Etsy. Even though some people complain about the fees - I think it's worth it. I am comfortable here. I feel like I fit in - which is sometimes hard for the artist personality type.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: For the first two years of my shop being open I had a full time job. But, just a few months ago I took the plunge into being a full time Etsy seller. I do not have another job and I am happy as can be!

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A:  I just received my "PayPal Pay Here" swiper, so I am ready for the shows! Sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to prepare for shows and keep up with my incoming orders, but you just have to push though it. I do not have any big shows planned, but do I hope to get 15 stands made and meet a friend at the Newport NC Flea Mall next Saturday- August 18th.

Q: Any future projects?
A:  I am working on increasing my "Ooh la la" factory, but adding two new lines to my shop. One line is jewelry stands adorned with feathers, rhinestones and beads (who doesn't want more feathers and beads!) and the second is my Prestige line - where I have braided leather over the the hanging bars of the bracelet stands. (ooh la la!)

"Sometimes it takes a little while to find your niche. When I first opened my Etsy store I made dog bandannas, then I added cross necklaces, and then I added jewelry stands! I was making the cross necklaces and I needed a display stand for the consignment stores- and they just started to sell.  I just left the ads up, my skills improved, I revised my pictures and keywords and they started to sell faster and faster! So, my shop is kind of an unintentional success! You never know what will take off. So, post it all and see what happens.  Finally, just don't give up! It will be tempting. You will have slow times and even dead times! Just keep making things, keep posting ads on Etsy, stay active in your Etsy community forums and teams, let other Etsy'ers inspire you. (But, don't copy them, just absorb the feeling of what they do). If you do decide to go to shows - anticipate going and selling nothing - not one thing. But go out for ice cream afterwards and celebrate anyway because you got your name out there. You did something - and that is worth celebrating! I like to always bring a friend to shows with me to help me set up, watch my table when I need to walk away, and also to share that ice cream!" -Melanie