Friday, February 26, 2010

Feature Friday, nightlady

1) Tell us about yourself, your shop and what brought you to the Etsy community.
My name is Lynda and I married to a great guy now going on 8 yrs. I always like to tell our story which is really fun, we met online back in 1998 online gaming, then 2 years later he moved out from Maine to Ohio and we been together ever since.  When I first come to Etsy I was looking for something to create, some focus. And like so many others I wanted to make and do everything I saw.  As long as I can remember I've been creative.  And funny enough I watched Rob White on Martha Stewart talking about Etsy and you know what… I got online went straight there book marked it to come back another day!  As you see I came back, I knew it was the perfect place for me to share my love of creativity with others who was just as or even more so creative then me.
2) Walk us through a typical day in your life.
I wake up every day to either dogs barking (need to go potty) or cats knocking stuff over in the house (well because they're cats!).  So starts my day!  My husband has a nice job, nice enough where it allows me to create and of course take care of our home.  First off I answer emails, check orders then start creating. Around 3-4 I make my last run of the day to the post office.  Then somewhere around 10pm I get out my sketch pad to dot thoughts down. And usually work on a few new items to post. I do most of my work for my Shop at night. It's one of the very reasons I named my Etsy shop Nightlady, I'm diffidently a night owl.  Night time is so peaceful for me it allows my creativity to bloom.   
3) Name your top 3:
-Books
-Music
-Movies OR TV shows
-Websites

I have a love for all things Paranormal Romance. I'm an avid reader. I love movies, going to them or renting. I love playing Mahjong.  My older brother and I go over to our parents on Thursday every week to play Yuker, family is an important aspect of my life.  One of my all time favorites I'd have to say is Reality shows, I'm addicted.  And I need to throw one more in there, I love Music, I been playing Piano by ear since early 80's.  Over 20 years now,  so Music is always special to me.  When I was in my early teens, my mom, older brother and myself made a "tape" (that was equivalent to a CD today).  And in no way am I telling you this to be cool… because it is not cool!! It is so hilarious, we thought we were good!  Turns out it's something we treasure since my brother’s death in 08'. 
4) Where do you hope your shop will be in 1 year?
Uhm, never really given it much thought.  I do know I want to grow as an artist and expand my shop.  I would like to possibly even go to trade shows, craft shows.  If I keep buying supplies like I am now I just might be opening another shop for destashing!  I do want to start writing in my blog.  Though it might not that big of a deal to some. (my husband has 2, and calls me a chicken)  I'm terrified!  Who knows maybe one day!

5) What is one of your favorite shops on Etsy?

Favorite shops...I have so many!  But I do love shops that feature animal felting and anything clay.  One that I visit often that just makes me laugh and smile so much, (I even bought my husband some Ninja's for Christmas from her!) is boltsandbots.etsy.com. Just adorable.
6) What projects are you currently working on?
I been working on something with my flower brooches that add some more texture and uniqueness...let's just say it involves power tools!!





7) If you could have 1 super power, what would it be and why?
Only 1 super power… invisibility!  I secretly always wanted to be a spy! 

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: seventytwostitches

Hi hi all! This Thursday we're talking about Lisa of seventytwostitches, another wonderful member in the Spring Giveaway!


 

What is your craft and how long?I create crocheted toys for just about anyone. I've been crocheting for about 3 or 4 years. I recently quit my day job, and my Etsy shop is my full time hobby. :)

Where are you located and how do you spend your free time?
I live in Michigan. I spend most of my time crocheting. :) If I'm not crocheting I like to read, I also knit every now and then, but I'm still learning. I just can't get the hang of 2 needles. I might have to stick with one hook. :)

What is she giving away?
Her adorable Gray Elephant!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wishlist Wednesday - Bree from thecheekyprincess!

Hi Labrats :) Happy Wednesday!! 


Today's Wishlist Wednesday was picked by the fabulous Bree from thecheekyprincess.


"As a perputually pregnant momma, I'm always on the lookout for non-maternity pieces that will work before, during and after my pregnancy.  The Evolution Long Skirt is perfect because it's simple and has the perfect amount of stretch.  I could wear it as a maxi dress this spring, or a skirt under my belly this summer and even with boots after the baby in the fall!


I don't wear much jewelry as a busy mom with little ones around but rings are pretty harmless.  I love these puzzle rings!  They look like a great conversation starter and I bet they'd help me keep my 5 yr old busy at the doctors office!





I think I love this swim suit... can't you just see my giant baby belly peeking out from under this little number?  I probably won't be able to pull it off as a dress or with fire engine red heels but I just love the ruffles and could totally work it in some red flip flops!





So my house is a constant work in progress and with 4 little ones I'm always looking for fun ways to store all their toys and books and whatnots.  I have this empty space in my living room that NEEDS this colorful set of vintage suitcases!  One could store toys, another for books and crayons and I'd still have one left for my giant stash of magazines.





I. Love. This. Robe.  It just looks so chic, so sexy, so Hollywood!  It would be perfect for those hot summer mornings in Texas.  Uh that is of course before the kids wake up and bring my fantasy world to a grinding halt!"





Thank you so much Bree from thecheekyprincess. Have a great week everyone!!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: MichMade

A new week brings another mini-feature for our Spring Giveaway! Today our spotlight shines on Michelle of MichMade.


Your name & shop(s) name(s).
1. My name: Michelle Shop name: MichMade

Whatis your craft and how long?2. I create necklaces, earrings, bracelets and I've now become obsessed with sewing so who knows what the future holds ;) I've been doing for a year and a half and started my Etsy shop in November 2008. 

Where are you located, how do you enjoy spending free time?3. I am located in Miami, FL and I love to search for new crafts, inspiration for new pieces, and looking up recipes.
 
What is she giving away?
 A $25 gift certificate for her shop!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Feature Friday, EmptyNestEgg

1)      Tell us about yourself, your shop and what brought you to the Etsy community.
   I come from a family that has always crafted. Knitting, sewing, tatting, beading and such.  I first started Beading in 1969 when I spent 4 months in total bed rest due to arthritis in my knees. It turned out to be Lyme disease and I am fine now the arthritis went away. The beading has stayed with me all these years.
I thought about Etsy for about a year before listing. I always wondered what people were talking about when they praised their teams. Teams are the best part of Etsy. 
2) Walk us through a typical day in your life.
   I do most of my beading at night while watching TV a plastic dish full of beads and tools is always at hand. I don’t have a studio or assigned space. My finished jewelry is all in tackle boxes and my projects are ready to take on the road if I want. Beading is so portable I often bead on road trips while my husband drives.
3) Name your top 3:
-Books
 I am sorry to hear that my favorite author Dick Francis died this week. After that it is just about any mystery.
-Music
  No real favorites just what comes over the radio.
-Movies OR TV shows
  Any Red Sox Game is the best thing on, after that Lost still holds my interest.
-Websites
 Facebook and Twitter
4) Where do you hope your shop will be in 1 year?
  Like everyone else I hope to be a successful shop. I am always working on new items and colors.

5) What is one of your favorite shops on Etsy?
 I don’t have any favorites as the choices are too many.  As I search for items for treasuries I am continually amazed by the talent and wide variety of the crafters of Etsy. It is like a great small gift shop with endless shelves of perfect gifts. 
6) What projects are you currently working on?
  My next project is to start a line on wedding jewelry. I start with items that catch my eye and then test different stitches and forms till I have something I like. After that I have items that caught my eye and I am still wondering what I will do with them.
  7) If you could have 1 super power, what would it be and why?
  I would wish to be with my customers when they open their package so I could see their reaction.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: jellybeans

Today, our mini-spotlight shines on the very talented and successfull, Angie of jellybeans!


Your name & shop(s) name(s).
Angie - shop name: Jellybeans
 
Whatis your craft and how long?
I paint - I've been doing it all my life since I could. But more recently, I have been selling on Etsy since 2007 - almost going on 3 years!

Esty is part time - I was lucky enough to do it full time during the summer. I'm a full time student studying Medical Radiation Technology - and I start my clinical placement (full time work without pay hehe) in January. I will do that for a year, and then I write my examinations and then I can work.

Etsy has been great - at first it was just to provide money for more art supplies, but now it's paying for my school and living costs, in addition to the supplies.
 
Where are you located, how do you enjoy spending free time?
I just moved to Orillia Ontario. Since it's winter, I enjoy snowboarding. In the summer I bike a lot. I read tons...and I paint in my free time. It's sort of coincidental: if I wasn't selling my paintings, I'd still be painting. It's a good thing really - because then I never view it as work


What is she giving away?
 Any 8x10 print - YOUR choice!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: BethanyLorelle

The first installment of our Spring Giveaway Feature Artists! We have 8 shops who will be giving something away, and 4 weeks for mini-features. First up is Bethany of bethanylorelle!



What is your name and your shop's name?
My shop (and real) name is Bethany Lorelle.

What is your craft?
Since 2001 If have been making hair accessories and wedding jewelry, and since Fall of 2008, have been doing so full time.

Where do you live and how to you spend your free time?
I live in beautiful downtown St. Paul MN with my wonderful and supportive husband Kyle.
I love spending my free time reading, going to the theater (Stage and movies), eating out at unique resturaunts, and playing scrabble.

What will she be giving away?
Her Isadora headband - a top seller and absolutely gorgeous!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Feature Friday, funkisockmunki

Today's great Friday Feature shop is funkisockmunki


1.) Tell us about yourself, your shop and what brought you to the Etsy community.

I have always had too many crafty hobbies and had been pondering opening my own Etsy shop for at least 4 years before finally getting around to it. I've been working as a freelance graphic designer for about a year and a half now, which gives me plenty of time to run an Etsy shop on the side. When I was working FT as a designer, there was no time or headspace for such things.

2.) Walk us through a typical day in your life.


I get up with my husband and see him off to work, eat some breakfast, spiff up the house a bit, feed the bunnies their daily chow, and then settle in to check email and fulfill any orders that came in overnight. Typically I have 1-4 freelance projects going on, and in between design revisions, I work on crafty stuff and home projects while waiting for client feedback. I try to reserve knitting for evening when we are sitting around watching the tube.  During the day, I often have volunteer duties to fill time. (I'm a Master Gardener 2nd year intern, volunteer for PlantAmnesty, and occasionally work with CityFruit.org). 

3) Name your top 3 Books

 - Steve Solomen's Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades (he's the guy who started Territorial seed)

 - anything by Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Survivor, Haunted, Choke)
 - Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far, Stefan Sagmeister  (thingsihavelearnedinmylife.com)


-Music

- Ella Fitzgerald (or any female jazz singer)
- Deerhoof
- Flaming Lips


-Movies OR TV shows

- Wes Anderson blows me away with his genius
- Arrested Development (Heyyyyy brother!)
- Father Ted (old BBC show about 3 irish priests, feckin' hilarious)


-Websites

- myFolia - gardening
- ravelry - knitting
- Flickr
4) Where do you hope your shop will be in 1 year?
- I hope it will be about the same. My items are pretty one-of-a-kind, so I never expected to sell a whole bunch or have consistent sales. Right now the chaos of moving houses is keeping me from spending the upkeep time I would like to on the shop. I have a concept for a second shop, but again, no time right now to develop it. Three months from now I hope to step up my game in producing regularly and promoting more frequently to drive sales. I broke even last year 2 days before the end of year, which was REALLY exciting. I now have enough supplies and finished objects to sell quite a bit more, and that will all be profit. Most of my motivation though is about being part of the community and having a creative outlet that sort of pays for itself.  
5) What is one of your favorite shops on Etsy?
   - The shop that brought me to Etsy in the first place is still my favorite. Sadly, I see she has nothing listed right now (Gooseflesh.etsy.com). But you can see her very lovely crocheted seaforms and other objects d' art on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellejorgensen/

I can't wear metal (allergic) and she has crocheted soft sculpture jewelry. She is the inspiration for my soft sculpture 'wristwatch'. My first Etsy purchase was one of her flotsam bracelets, like this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellejorgensen/559286562/in/set-72157602120733607/

My second purchase unfortunately was a disaster (a really horrible experience as a buyer) which put me off from Etsy for over a year and delayed my shop opening. grumble grumble. hehe.

6) What projects are you currently working on?
- Organizing and downsizing my stash to move! I also just finished a pair of knitted gloves for my mom from an absoltely stunning book on knitted gloves - all you knitters MUST check this one out - Knitting new mittens and gloves, by Robin Melanson. (I made the Blackthorns.) 
7) If you could have 1 super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to teleport myself and my husband to Maui instantly. To scuba, beachcomb, snorkel, visit my neice, drink pineapple wine, and eat laulau pork and haupia. 

Pets - Nuggit and Ella are my bunny companions. She is a big white (crazy) lop, and he is a little netherland dwarf Hotot (Hoe-toe). They are free-range house bunnies during the day and have a fabulous condo to retreat to in the evening.  

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wishlist Wednesday - Elizabeth from elizabethnormand!

Happy Wednesday! This week our Wishlist Wednesday was picked by the lovely and talented Elizabeth from elizabethnormand.

"These adorable cards are from thecraftpantry. They are my very favorite Valentine's cards this year. I just love the vintage style and the pop of colorful hearts. I would love for my boy to show up on his bike with these heart balloons, but I'd be just as happy settling for these lovelies!




If you haven't been to
vintageconfection's shop, you haven't lived. Everything there is on my wishlist, but my current fave is the set of honey marshmallows. I mean, come on, honey, marshmallow, peanut butter... where could you go wrong?? I'll take an order of these pronto!




MissesBird's slim cuffs are a simple, beautiful way to send your message. Whether you're telling someone how much you care, telling a joke, or telling your favorite lyric, you can't deny that it would look positively perfect on this bracelet.


To go with those yummy marshmallows, I'd be so proud to own one of these monogram mugs from
BerdandBee. They are so classy, and would be an adorable holder for some delicious cocoa and, of course, the 'mallows.





Adorable, handmade, warm, comfy, eco friendly...
I MUST have these! The colors have me thinking of a rainy spring day... a glorious rainy spring day, when I can wear these little shoes in the house while I drink my cocoa from a monogram cup with honey/peanut butter marshmallows, while I wear my slim bracelet.. and read my love letter!




Seriously, these shoes look so cute and well made. I can't say no!"



Thank you so much Elizabeth from elizabethnormand. Have a fabulous week everyone!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Feature Friday, DzyMsyLizzy


1) Tell us about yourself, your shop and what brought you to the Etsy community...
 I'm a "Jill-of-all-trades," have never been able to find just a single thing to pursue..call it short attention span; call it a hunger for many new experiences. I write poetry and essays,  I have done stage-managing for community theater, produced & hosted my own cable-access TV show, written, produced, and hosted a video documentary about a slice of California history, and acted with a comedy improvisation troupe.
 I have an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts--(that's the 'dabbler's' degree for people who can't make up their minds!), and I hold a certificate in landscaping and in general TV broadcasting.     Here I am, staring down 62 years, and still trying to decide 'what I want to be when I grow up.'  I like the t-shirt slogan:  "Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional."
Tell us about your shop and what brought you to the Etsy community...
Well, long story.  Nutshell version:  I was trying to sell for a couple of years on E-Bay.  I made several sales, but nothing worth bragging about.  My initial focus was on 'garage sale' type items, trying to clear some items I was no longer using to gain space in my house, and get a bit of extra cash in the process.  In that mix were some items from my parent's estate--a wide ranging mix of things from costume jewelry to anitque cameras and glassware.  Some sold, most did not.  Then, when E-Bay decided to change to "Fee-Bay," I began searching for a more cost-effictive venue, and found Etsy.
My shop on Etsy is still pretty much a "virtual department store," with many of those same item types, but I now also offer my ceramic items, which are simply chosen from among the things we are pouring anyway for our wholesale bisque business, and which I paint and offer as finished goods.

2) Walk us through a typical day in your life.
Ummm... that's a tough one.  I am very "allergic" to rigid schedules, and pretty much never do anything twice at the same time or in the same sequence.  We do work on our wholesale ceramics Mon.-Thurs. with our joint venture partners, and are finished about noon.  Then, I can tend to listing, promoting, blogging, household chores, errands, or whatever with the rest of my day.  I tend to be a night owl;  pretty much don't get anything useful done before noon...
(At the risk of angering those who work at 9-5 jobs, I pretty much do what I want, when and if I want...supposedly one of the 'benefits' of being self-employed.  To me, it matters not if I work on something at 9 a.m. or 9 p.m. or midnight...as long as it is finished on time is all that matters.)  
    Lately, I'm spending an inordinate amount of time in front of the computer, trying very hard to work at promoting my shop in various online venues.  That takes extra time, of course, as I am careful to include 'social' content as well, so I'm not "spamming" the venue with exclusively "come to my shop and buy stuff" types of posts (there are 2 or 3 of those types in my Twitter feed..and I find them annoying, so I don't want to emulate that practice!)
   I also write 3 public blogs, and one on a membership site (free to join).  In addition, I do proof reading and editing.  My current project is re-writing a student handbook for the dojo at which I am studying self-defense. 
3) Name your top 3:  
Books...
Hmm... hard to narrow it down that far...I love all kinds of books, but of all time fave books, I'd have to say The Source by James Michener; and from there, I have to go to genres rather than specific books.  I enjoy historical novels in general, (of which the above is one); mysteries and" who-dunnits," a la Arthur Upfield's ("Detective Napoleon Bonaparte" series --set in 1930' -40's Australia) and Lillian Jackson Braun's ("The Cat Who..." series), and fantasy such as Piers Anthony's "Xanth" series, and Anne McCaffrey's"Dragons of Pern" series.  There are oh, so many more.  I've loved reading since childhood.  
Movies OR TV shows...
As for TV shows, again, it's types rather than specific, or there would be such a long list!  Hubby and I like SciFi (we are big-time Trekkies!), History, Paranormal ("Ghost Hunters--T.A.P.S", e.g.) and Discovery Channel shows..such as Mythbusters.  My all-time favorite movie, for its fascinating blend of drama, romance, and a bit of paranormal and sci-fi has to be "Somewhere In Time" with Christopher Reeve.

4) Where do you hope your shop will be in 1 year?
(Well, hoping actually, for sooner than that!)...My husband is disabled, and for the past 10 years, I have been running smack-dab into (so-called illegal and non-existent) age discrimination in trying to find work outside the home, so our income is pretty limited.  Therefore, I would love to be able to make a much more significant income with my Etsy shop as the source.

5) What is one of your favorite shops on Etsy?
Wow.. another tough-choice question.  There are sooooo many from which to choose....  ummm.. can I get back to you on that???  ;-)    Lets see--how about 2?  CarriersCozyCottage, and ChatNoir77 -- (but I don't believe/am unsure if they are "Rats" ... is that a requirement?)

6) What projects are you currently working on? 
Let me see... Trying to find my desk under the stacks of papers. .... Seriously, though...that's an ongoing task...  LOL.  I guess I need to focus on products for ..what's next up?? Easter??  (Valentines Day, at this point, is 'over with' sales-wise, I think..it's too near to be making more items.)  I intensely dislike the commercial 'rushing-of-the-seasons' seen in the brick & mortar stores, so I always find myself scrambling at the 11th hour to make things to offer for any given holiday...or find existing items that could be made to fit the category.
   I suppose my next current 'project' is the need to re-do some of my photos, as they are old, and taken with the old camera I used to have, and the backgrounds are not so hot, either.  Now, I have a better set-up, and can do more uniform backdrops.  So....since I write photo how-to articles in my blog, it would behoove me to have my shop photos look as if I know what I'm talking about. 
7) If you could have 1 super power, what would it be and why?
At last--an easy question!  I would hypnotize all the world's populations into eternal peaceful co-existence, and forever end all wars, and to go along with that, an even distribution of wealth, that would be unable to go out of balance, so there would be no more poverty and struggling anywhere, and everyone could simply go about their lives, and focus on whatever life path they might choose, be it philosophy, mathematics, craftsmanship, geological, archeological or space exploration,and so forth.