Grace Atieno

Good afternoon all! Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!  I'm havin' a lazy Sunday, ha.  Just finished watching Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.  I've heard some negative things about this movie, but I have to say I liked it.  The determination of the young boy & the heartbreaking flashbacks of the day his father was killed on 9/11, but enough about the movie. :)  I'm changing up how I do Etsy features instead of my usuale Q & A setup.  It will take a little longer & the postings might be a little longer, but I want to do features a little differently :)

Today I'm featuring a bright shop [literally] from La Crosse, Wisconsin: Grace Atieno.  The first thing that stands out to me is the bright pinks and greens that fill this shop.  I'm a sucker for bright colors, especially pinks and greens.  My most favorite item is the Red Anchor Women's Batik T-Shirt.  A personal favorite from the shop owner is the Green Lizard Batik Tote.  Pretty green color!

Judith [shop owner] tells me that her family has a tradition of giving children two middle names.  Her two middle names are Grace and Atieno.  She says she might not be a particularly graceful person, but as her dad has said before, "grace is just getting stuff that you've done nothing to deserve".  I really like that.  Her second name, Atieno, is kind of her dad's tribute to Kenya, where he lived and worked for a few years when he was younger.  When he was living there, he was with the Luo tribe and Atieno is a traditional Luo name that means girl born in the night time.  What a wonderful shop name [or names I should say] with such a unique meaning!

GraceAtieno items are currently only sold online through Etsy & are inspired by music, God, the goodness in people, & intelligent conversations.  Judith tells me that the hardest part of her shop is to keep going & not lose faith.  To other shop owners, she says: "Just do it.  Expect it to be something that will be difficult, but if it's something you love, it's something you should do."  I couldn't agree more.  Owning a shop is difficult [don't expect it to be easy!].  Getting the perfect photo for your items, getting your name out there, promoting your shop & items, etc...  But, like Judith said, if you love, do it!

Aside from Etsy, Judith is studying music and linguistics at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN.  She also works for the costume shop at Macalester's theatre department and as a Choral Scholar (a section leader) at a local Lutheran church.  While attending college, she's in the process of figuring out how to continue to add items to the shop.  She tells me there will be more totes like the Hipster Lion [adorable!] & more upcycled garments in the future.

If you like her items, be sure to use the coupon code blogfeature for 10% off your purchase!  How nice of her! :)

I can't say when I'll have another shop feature [I have around 11 shops currently lined up] due to being busy with school, my craft shop, & preparing for a arts/craft festivle for next month, but I do promise to have another one soon :)

Butterfly Sundries

Good morning!  Hope everyone had a great weekend & a wonderful Labor Day.  I spent my day doing some summer cleaning and part of my evening/night listing some Halloween/zombie prints and other Halloween items in my craft shop. :)  Halloween will be here before you know it.  It's my absolute favorite time of the year!  Hope you all enjoyed getting to know some great shops last month.  I am still featuring shops, but will not be promoting it as much since I will be spending this month getting everything ready for a festival next month.  Today's shop comes from Butterfly Sundries from Moses Lake, WA.  Be sure to check out the Abundance Necklace & Earring set.  Very pretty!

How did you come up with your shop name?
I knew I wanted something involving butterflies, to represent the ability to transform and grow wings... especially from beginnings which can be seen as more humble. But, I didn't want to limit myself to any one product- especially as I want to branch out into also offering handmade soaps, lotions, etc. I ran a number of ideas that simply didn't quite work by my partner, and was given in return "Sundries" (it means: "miscellaneous unspecified items"). It felt right (and I just love the sound of the word), so I kept it.

Do you only sell on Etsy?
Etsy is only one of my venues for sales. I sell on Artfire (www.butterflysundries.artfire.com) and I also do private work and sales. I'm looking into some new consignment shops, and I'm vending in Tacoma for Maritme Fest this weekend (Aug. 25 & 26th).

What inspires you?
My life- and everything around me. I keep a sketch book in my purse at all times. A couple of months ago I got a design idea (which I'm still playing around with) from a very beautiful and graceful woman in line at Starbucks. She just had this way of moving that I wanted to capture. I get design ideas from textures, colors, images, flowers....  But, as far as what inspires me in my business model- I am very grateful for all the opportunities I've had in my life, and I want to share what success I've had (which I could not have had without the support of others) and support others in their endeavors- especially those who do good work to support education, social justice, communities, etc. I want to help make the world better and more beautiful with more than beautiful pieces of jewelry- I want to make things that make a difference on a larger scale. That's why it's so important to me that I always have a featured charity and donate, at least, 10% of all my monthly profits to that charity.

What is the hardest part of what you do?
Juggling all the hats I wear. I do customer service, contracts, jewelry design, jewelry construction.... I love every minute, and I love being able to vary my activities... but sometimes I lose track of which hat I'm supposed to be wearing at a given moment.

What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
I have to say one of my recent favorites is Copper Naval Knot & Shell Earrings. I was researching nautical knots while I was working on some of my wire-wrapped shipwreck coin pieces; I wanted to see if I could add anything else into my designs which was more thematic. Some of the knots I found were just gorgeous! So, I started incorporating them into designs and clasps. Once I got more comfortable with the skill, I wanted to make a set of earrings and this is what I came up with. I still love them!

What made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
I actually use Artfire, at least for the moment. I chose Etsy because it has the brand recognition; most of the people I know who shop for handcrafted items look on Etsy first. I also have an Artfire shop, and so I'm able to keep two different inventories in each store.  I've never heard of MadeItMySelf.... I'll have to go check that out!

Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
Butterfly Sundries is my full-time job; my hobby is volunteering for a local nonprofit... between those two things, I lead a very full life.

Are you attending any art shows in the future?
Not really. This weekend (Aug. 25-26th) I'm vending at Maritime Fest- but in general I shy away from art shows. I have a couple of auditory disabilities that make it very difficult for me to be in environments with background noise- normal everyday sounds are both painful and exhausting.

Any future projects?
Tons! I'm currently developing a whole "inspired" line of jewelry for my next Featured Charity (September-November 2012) which will involve lotus flowers. I feel really excited about these new projects- not only because of how beautiful they are- but also because I'm branching out into doing some casting of original pendants and metal etching.  Also, my current featured charity has given me an opportunity to develop some custom pendants using an imprint from a real medieval seal matrix.... I feel all excited and tingly just thinking about it!

What would you say to someone just starting out in the handmade world?
I'd say, learn your craft- do it well- and show pride in your work. Whatever you make, make it an expression of your own artistic vision- make it your own. Also, visit you local library- you can get a ton of books on just about any skill you might want to learn!

Heartfelt by MsMegas

Today is brought to you by the letter H.  H for Heartfelt.  This shop has a warming name.  One of my favorite items is Pierre & Penelopea French Peas in a Pod pillow .  It is just too cute!

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: My shop’s moniker has two sources. ‘Heartfelt’ comes from my love of and use of felt for most of my items. The second part, ‘MsMegas’, comes from my nickname Megas. At my shop’s conception, I thought the name was so cute and clever, but, after spying several shops with the word ‘heartfelt’ in them, I realize that it is not very unique. Oh well. lol

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: Currently, I only sell online because I’m just starting off, still learning how to run a business, and am a crazy busy college student. I look forward with great anticipation to selling at craft fairs and small shops after I graduate and no longer have the demands of homework.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Cuteness is my muse. If it exists, it can be cutified! My little felt creations are inspired by everyday objects and animals that I sketch into cute little characters. For my embroidery hoop wall hangings, I'm inspired by the fun fabrics I find. I have about a million different fabric swatches sitting there waiting to be made into wall hangings, and I can picture different characters on each one! I'm also inspired by my love of geekery so you'll find several items in my shops with glasses and mustaches.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: Keeping my creativity under control is one of the most difficult aspects. I’m always finding more fabrics and sketching more ideas than I can create! The hardest thing by far though is figuring out how to run a business. There are so many factors that have to be taken care of for each item and sale, and it’s a constant learning process.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: That's so hard to choose! My Indian elephant embroidery hoop is one of my favorite items, but, surprisingly, it's one of my least popular items. I think he's just so cute, and I love his little details.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: Etsy is not the only site I sell on. I also sell on Bonanza. I decided to sell on there too because it doesn't charge listing fees, so it was a safe way for me to branch out without taking any financial risk. I’ve definitely had more success on Etsy though, so it remains my main focus.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: My shop is a little side job for me. I've only had 9 sales, so it's definitely not enough to support me full-time. It's been extra income while I've been a student and worked a couple other part-time jobs. I'd love to get to the point though where Etsy is my main source of income. Working at home doing something I love would be fantastic!

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: I'm not attending any art shows any time soon.

Q: Any future projects?
A: I'm really excited about the holiday season coming up! I have a few projects in mind. Hopefully, soon you'll be able to find cute felt gift bags and party decorations in my shop. I'm also hoping to start working on a Christmas advent calendar.

"Plan and be organized!!! I began as an ambitious, over-excited dreamer who thought I could build a successful shop overnight. I wasn't really prepared for how much goes into a shop, especially the business aspect." -Megan

Joie Joelle Creations

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  Today I'd like to introduce you to a shop all about smell - candles that is.  One of my favorite items from Joie Joelle Creations is Say It With Love Pink & Blue Spell Mini Candles Set .

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I have used the name Joelle for years to do my psychic readings. The name Joelle was given to me by my French teacher in high school. My real name is Joyce and the meaning behind it is joy so I decided to research a word in French that meant Joy and I found Joie. When I put both names together it sounded very good. I added creations at the end because I will expanding my shop among other things after I have done I finished doing the candles and oils.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I was encouraged by my friends and family to open my business. At that time, I was just making my candles as gifts but they inspired me to try a shop online as they felt what I was creating was unique. I also get my creations from my spirit guides. The idea just comes to me and often it’s my guides that give a title of my products. I truly feel blessed that I am able to work with them.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: Dressing the candle takes a lot of work. Everyone’s intentions are different and when you order a personalized candle for yourself I need the time to decide what oils herbs and stones I am going to be putting in your candle. No candle is made exactly the same for each person. I take the time to read the person’s energy and feel out what herbs ,oils and stones that works best for them. A lot of research goes in my work as I do have to reference back and forth to make sure the energies feel right. I also record the candles I make on Excel. This way if the customer wants the same exact candle, I can make it for them again because I have recorded it.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: I love the Money Success candle. Every time I light this candle, my business picks up and I make more money. I use it to draw in more money whether its from my doing my psychic readings or getting more business to my store.

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, I have opened my shop at other websites but so far lal my sales are coming from Etsy

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: I work as psychic reader full time so doing this shop is a side job of mine. I have been open for only a few months but I plan on making my shop grow more in future with my own website which should be up this year. I close to having it done.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: I thought about doing metaphysical shows in the future but I want to create more products first before attempting to be part of any shows.

Q: Any future projects?
A:  I am going to be making bath salts, and incense later after I am done with candle making in my shop.

"Have patience and take the time to venture out there to research how to grow your business. Every sale you make is a blessing and a step in the right direction." -Joelle Chan

Groovy Garbage

Groovy Garbage, what a catchy name.  Before I checked out their shop, the name drew me to them.  This shop is from North Myrtle Beach, SC.  One of my favorite items Groovy Garbage is the Blue Sky Clutch.  Let's get to know this groovy shop & happy Friday!

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: We were originally RubberRevival, That was when we were using only inner tubes. Back in 2007, I went to purchase the domain name and it was taken! I researched it and it is a mountain hiking shoe retreader! Sooooo back before Facebook had pages, we had a Rubber Revival group. I made a post, explained about the name and asked for suggestions! I really cannot remember who came up with it, but it stuck and it has opened our market from just rubber to include anything saved from the landfill

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: We are primarily on Etsy, but we do some Earth Friendly/Green events. We don't do so well at the average run of the mill show-we have found that events geared towards recycling are a better match for us.

Q: What inspires you?
A: It all started in 2007 when I purchased a mass produced recycled inner tube handbag for my wife Jane. I decided that I could do this, but with my own twist. I would say that Jane was the initial inspiration. She still inspires me! Now we as a team are inspired my the amount of trash that we as Americans throw away. We love to be imaginative and find new ways to use stuff!

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: The hardest part of what we do is juggling our home life with the Groovy Garbage. We operate out of our home in a spare bedroom.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: One of my favorite items in our shop right now is the Woven bicycle inner tube/garden faucet coat rack.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: We are only on Etsy at this point. I have listed early in the game, a few things on Ebay. Etsy seemed Easy and economical.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Jane works full time as a Dental Hygienist, I was employed full time until February as a Cardiovascular Technologist. I was laid off due to lack of volume. I am still currently seeking full time employment. I wish Groovy Garbage on Etsy was enough to make the bills-it is not!! We are trying!!

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: We will be attending the Annual Artisans Fair and Show at the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia. SC on November 10, 2012.

Q: Any future projects?
A: We are always looking for ways to help the community! We may donate some items for an auction for the Florida Surfing Championship in October.

"If you LOVE it DO it! It is hard work, and sometimes not very profitable!" -Spencer

Love Simply Designs

Today's shop is Love Simply Designs.  This is a very inspiring shop.  One of my favorite items is the Faith, Love, Hope Candle Holder.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I came up with my name because I wanted to share God's love through my talent. I came up with a tag line first which was "hand painted ceramics sharing God's love simply" because my painting style is pretty simple. So I took the last 2 words of the tag line and added "designs" to come up with Love Simply Designs.

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: I sell hand painted porcelain and ceramic items including bowls, mugs, and ring/trinket dishes.

Q: What inspires you?
A: My family inspires me. My faith in God inspires me. Bright, fun colors in nature inspire me.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: The hardest part of what I do is making the balance between my family and Love Simply Designs.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: One of my favorite items is my "You are beautiful" ring dishes. Every girl needs to know the she is beautiful and cherished.

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, I only sell on Etsy. Honestly, I didn't even know about the other sites until I joined Etsy.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Etsy isn't my main job. I only started it to raise funds for our upcoming adoption. I am a wife and mom to my husband and three children. THAT is my full time job.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: I will be showing at Mistletoe Market in November in Wake Forest, NC

Q: Any future projects?
A: No future projects that I can foresee, but I would love to add many more items to my shop.

"Starting out in the handmade world is scary and fun at the same time. Believe in yourself more than anything! Have a great support system behind you when it gets tough. NEVER GIVE UP!" -Stacey

Chatter Blossom

I hope everyone's day is going swell.  Here is shop #2 of the day: Chatter Blossom.  I've never heard of this shop until now, but their name automatically makes me want to check 'em out!  One of my favorite items is the Aqua Flower Hair Clip

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I wanted something related to flowers and stories. I laid in bed one night wide awake tossing around synonyms for those words until I found something that clicked. ChatterBlossom? Yeah!

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: As of now, I only sell online. I just recently started my business and I'm still trying to get my feet wet and get the word out. I would love to have some face to face time someday though!

Q: What inspires you?
A: Inspiration? Mixes of vintage clothing, bygone eras, english countryside, flowers and flowers, gardens, tea and scones, outrageous hats, romantic classics, my grandmother – and many more add to my cloud of inspiration.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: The hardest part, I think, is just starting from scratch and trying to get noticed. Creating is easy and loving doing it is even easier

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: One of my favs is Art Deco Fascinator, Feather Flower Hair Accessory  I love art deco and this was my twist on that era.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: Currently, I only sell on Etsy. I chose that because I was already a buyer on etsy and love the venue's feel. I'm not a whiz with technology, so I didn't hunt around a lot for other venues at first. I may check out other sites in addition to etsy in the future. Please let me know in the comments if anyone has some good tips or sites they like.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: ChatterBlossom is my full time baby. I plan on starting a small flower farm one day that will be also be under that same name. I am so excited for that possibility that will hopefully be realized in a year or two.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: No art shows on the docket. I'm a recent transplant to North Carolina and am trying to get my grounding here. My current plan is to create and stock up for the holidays.

Q: Any future projects?
A: Yes, future projects are in works! And I'm so excited about them! I had to take a cross-country drive recently and was able to find some amazing vintage pieces (mainly beautiful buttons). My brain is a buzzin' with all the fun to come!

"Stay patient and positive. Try your best and continually improve. There is always room to grow." -Jamie Lee

Digital Soaps

Happy hump day!  Today we have two features.  The first feature is one of my favorite shops on Etsy: Digital Soaps.  I absolutely love her stuff!  It's hard to pick just one item because the shop is filled with tons of awesome items, but I really love the PS3 Controller Soap.  In fact, I purchased some last year & everyone that I gave one to, loved it.  Plus, they smell fab!  However, I'm currently loving the Xbox Experimental Gadgetry Design Soap.  Not because it's Xbox (I'm a PS3 chick!), but it's soooo cool looking.  If only there was a PS3 one :)  Okay, enough of my chit-chatting, let's get to know this awesome shop.  By the way, check back at 12pm EST to see our second feature.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: The name "DigitalSoaps" was created right on the spot, when I opened my shop. It had a ring to it and just seemed to fit.

Q: Do you only sell online?
A:  I sell my products primarily online, but they are also sold in a few shops. I also have started bringing them to gamer conventions.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Nostalgia. I have an affinity for the older systems like NES and SEGA Genesis. Overall, my favorite inventions are the ones that either challenge me (like the Portal Companion Cube), or bring me back to childhood.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: Once I have a design down, there's a repetitive nature to making multiple bars of soap. Inventing new designs takes away from the potential monotony. I am always excited when I introduce new designs.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: My favorite is the NES controller soap. That system took up a lot of my childhood -- in a good way.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I actually used to buy handmade soap on Etsy, and so when I decided to make soap it was the only site that came to mind. It was only later that I learned about other sites. I don't actively sell on them yet, primarily because it takes time to set up new listings. I'm pretty busy on Etsy. I do have some listings up on Broodr.com though.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Etsy right now is my full-time job. It's been my primary source of income since 2009, and it's growing. Last year I wrote articles on the side for eHow and LiveStrong. This year, I haven't had the need to find a side job. Some major challenges have come up for sure, but I've survived.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: I am planning to sell at Seattle Retro Gaming Expo, Sakura-Con, GeekGirlCon, Pax, and Norwestcon in 2013. This will be a huge expansion into gaming conventions.

Q: Any future projects?
A: I make some soda-scented liquid products like bath gel and shampoo, and I expanded into hand sanitizer. The next step for that is a room spray or body spray -- Eu de Dew. I am also working on a Pokeball with a Pokemon in the center of each one.

Words of Advice from Digital Soaps: Jump right in! Make sure your product is quality, but don't let imperfections hold you back. If I'd waited until my products were perfect before bringing them to market, I might not be the inventor of game controller and gadget soap.        

Jennuine Design

Happy Tuesday!  Today we're featuring Jennuine Design from Bay City, MI.  One of my favorite items is the Nautical Signal Flag Pillow.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I wanted a name that would allow me the flexibility to change what I made and sold over time. My sister in law Jean used to use the nickname "Jeanious" and I thought that was very clever and came up with a similar play on my name Jennifer with "Jennuine".

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: So far, but I've thought about reaching out to local boutiques and have a long-term goal of opening a brick and mortar shop of my own.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I read a ton of crafting blogs. I've competed in a couple of blog competitions which is where my most successful product - custom nautical signal flag banners - was first created. And I have a minor Pinterest addiction!

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: Trying to juggle completing orders with spending time with my two young daughters while trying to keep the house from falling to shambles.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: My pinafores were my first product offered, so I have a soft spot for those, plus I think little girls just look adorable in them - we always get compliments when my girls wear theirs. Making the nautical signal flag banners really fill something within me. There's a bit of math/geometry involved and precision which appeals to the accountant in me, and the creative/sewing aspect satisfies my creative side.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy? If yes, what made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I mostly sell on Etsy, but I have also sold through One Kings Lane. They approached me to do a wholesale order to be featured on their site. I really like the handmade community of Etsy and like feeling like I'm part of a greater whole even when I'm just sewing away in my little home studio (ahem - dining room).

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Accountant by day, wannabe artisan by night! I work three days a week at my day job and then I get a four-day weekend with my girls and my sewing machine.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: Eventually I'd like to do art shows but I'd have to expand my product offerings and figure out a way to make the nautical flag thing work for an art show.

Q: Any future projects?
A: I'd really like to create some sewing patterns for sale, but right now I'm pretty busy just keeping up with the status quo.

Words of Advice from Jennuine Design: Read. Look at your favorite shops and see how they present their listings. Experiment. Tweak things. Just try stuff. I listed the nautical flag banners in my shop on a whim because I loved how they turned out. I never expected them to become so successful. Practice. Photography can make such a big impact and you don't have to have a fancy DSLR to take good photos - use natural light, a simple backdrop and get close -- wait I need to go back and re-do some of my older photos now!

Gomi Construction

Our third & final shop of the day comes from Marion, North Carolina: Gomi Constructions.  One of my favorite items is the Vintage Sequin Sleeveless Shift Party Dress.  Love it.  Sooo pretty!

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: When I was 2-6 years old, my parents taught English in Japan, where I learned of Gomi Piles: vast collections of unwanted items. The piles seemed huge and adventurous to my young and short self, and that is how we decorated our home... by rescuing and repurposing. I used to line a room with all the interesting objects, creating relationships between the items and making stories for them. Since this is how I do my art... by saving great items and up-cycling just about anything, the name seemed fitting... I construct and rehabilitate unwanted and unused stuff that become... Gomi Constructions.

Q: Do you only sell online?
A: I sell only my vintage items online. My hand-made and up-cycled items also sell out of a small booth in an Art Walk downtown, which I have done for about 10 years now. There I sell mostly my block print tees and hand sewn home decor and accessories.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Since I'm so well traveled, I'd say a little bit of everything. Nature certainly always amazes me, and I'm always into pattern and color. But mostly it's the materials that inspire me, imagining how they might find new life... I don't think I ever got over my Velveteen Rabbit days of believing in the individuality of inanimate objects.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: It's a toss up between switching from creative to business mind-set or letting go of my finds and new "friends." Sometimes it's like being a foster parent and you're glad to see something get a forever home, but you just invested so much that it's a happy/sad day to see a piece sell.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: Currently it's an up-cycled and Vintage copper candle snuffer. I once heard that a sailor dies every time you blow out a candle, so this should save a few lives! Ask me tomorrow, my answer will be different!

Q: What made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I do only sell online on Etsy. When I learned of Etsy, I didn't know about Artfire or MadeItMyself, not that it would have made a difference. Etsy is established and professional with excellent presentation, and I like that. I don't need more than one shop to stay on top of... not yet anyway!

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Etsy is one of many "jobs," besides my booth downtown. I work as a part time freelance Graphic Designer, for which I'm degreed. I also clean large vacation rental homes on some weekends for extra moolah. And I'm remodeling an old farmhouse, which doesn't pay me directly, but it is a full time job and has it's rewards.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: Nope. I used to help my mom do art shows when I was a kid, so I know how much work and strategizing they require, and I just don't see my array working in that setting at this time. It's something to revisit at a later date.

Q: Any future projects?
A: Yes! And always. I usually have ten or better projects going. I have some pottery lids that are clamoring to become wind-chimes, and some lightbulbs that want to be porch ornaments, and I really want to make a slew of dish towels and pot holders out of my organic fabric scraps... just to start with!

"Do something that you love! It's easy to focus on sales, but the love is what will keep you coming back and moving forward. Also, if you can, do what I couldn't do, and edit yourself to focus on one area that you love to do so you don't overwhelm yourself or your customer... A lesson I learned too late!" -Lael

Hailey Allen Designs

Our second shop comes from Greensboro, North Carolina: Hailey Allen Designs.  One of my favorite items is the Burgundy and White Glass Pearl Alternating Pattern Bracelet on Silver Chain with Lobster Claw Hook.  It's very pretty.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?
A: I simply took my name and added “Designs” at the end. Simple and possibly not very creative but I wanted to brand myself as a designer and expand from there.

Q: Do you only sell on Etsy?
A: I sell through quite a few venues, both online and in person. Most of my sales, so far, have been through people I know but I have my jewelry up on a few other websites such as MadeItMyself, Zibbet, and Bonanza. Though, I originally began selling on Etsy.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I am most inspired by architecture and all forms of design. I have an interior architecture background so I naturally look at the aspects of design within structures and interiors. I look at the principals and elements of design – line, color, shape, texture, form, unity, balance, hierarchy, scale, and rhythm – and apply them to my work.

Q: What is the hardest part of what you do?
A: I have the most difficulty with advertising. I can make jewelry for hours but, when it comes to getting out and selling it, I lack patience.

Q: What is one of your favorite items from your shop?
A: I adore the black and white lace inspired necklace. As soon as I made it I fell in love. It has pattern, texture, and shine while being elegant.

Q: What made you decide to use Etsy instead of sites like ArtFire and MadeItMySelf?
A: I think Etsy is the most popular so I began with it. I knew other people who were selling and doing well so I thought I would join in.

Q: Is Etsy your only "job", or is it something you do on the side?
A: Currently, it is my only job and I am working hard to make sure it stays that way.

Q: Are you attending any art shows in the future?
A: I plan to. It is on my “to do” list. My city holds an indie market on the first Friday of every month so I plan to sign up for the October event. There is also a huge craft event that takes place after Thanksgiving that I’m looking into if it isn’t too expensive.

Q: Any future projects?
A: I have quite a few planned actually. I just started a crowd funding campaign to raise funds for these new projects. I’m hoping to start a line of custom hand stamped metal jewelry that is a bit different from the rest that I’ve seen. I have quite a few designs brewing for that. I also have a line of ornaments that will be up in the shop in the next couple weeks for the holidays. 20% of profits from the ornaments will be donated to Camp Carefree, a summer camp for children with disabilities.  If you would like to help me reach my goal and help an amazing charity, check out these links!
Hailey Allen Designs : Jewelry for all Occasions (igg.me/p/200341?a=995178)
Camp Carefree (www.campcarefree.org/)

"Getting sales take time so be patient. You may spend a lot of money on the way to that point but if you stay confidant you will begin to see sales and growth." - Hailey

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