Featured Etsy Shop: Simply Sophia

Featured Etsy Shop: Simply Sophia

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
My shop is named Simply Sophia and it specialized in handmade hair clips, tutu's and accessories for the baby in your life.

2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.simplysophia.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
http://www.simplysophiababy.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I started in December 2006 with my friend. We had a mishmash of great items, but I decided to open my own shop with just baby items in July 2007.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love searching for items for sale. I just love all of the wonderful items that are out there. I love buying things from my daughter.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I love knowing that parents can enjoy my products. There is nothing better than buying something for your child and seeing the expression on their face when they see it. I try to think of that when I create my items.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Right now, it's my newest item. It's completely different from anything I've ever done before but I think that it came out fantastic! Its a Forest Fun Car Mat / Felt Board.

The car mat features a forest scene, complete with a lake, cozy cabin, a parking lot, and trees. When they get tired of car play, take out your felt pieces and flip the mat over for lots of open ended learning activities.

8. What teams do you belong to?
None right now.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I love having people show me their shops on the forums. I enjoy looking at everything. If someone stops by my shop, great! If not, I still enjoyed taking a peek in a shop that I may never have known about.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I had bought a pair of Baby Leggings by MonkeyLegs and I love them! I bought them in February for my then 9 month old and they still fit her at 17 months. She loves wearing them too.

I also adore the Dichroic Pendants by Luv2Have. They are just gorgeous! I drool over them.

11. What do you do in your spare time?
I either craft or I spend time with my daughter. I'm introducing her to the fascinating world of crafting. Right now we're just coloring, finger painting and making making play dough but she's learning a lot.

12. What blogs do you follow?
It's not an Etsy blog, but it's a blog about art activities for young children. It's very detailed and easy to follow. I highly recommend it!
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I would like to share my website:
http://simplysophia.biz/
and
http://www.myspace.com/simplysophiababy

My Favorite Things...

My Favorite Things... KandyKettleKitchen!

This is something new I'm going to do from time to time when I find a shop or artist that I absolutely adore! Even better yet, anyone who purchases from one of my favorite shops and comments on the blog will be entered into a drawing for a free candle just before Christmas!

I am very excited about my first, "My Favorite Things," article!

I ordered Peanut Butter/Chocolate Fudge in a moment of weakness from a scrumptious shop called KandyKettleKitchen. I wasn't sure what to expect. I have not ordered a lot of food items from Etsy and I pondered how it was even possible to ship fudge but hey...I figured I would wait and see!

My order arrived in good time, via Priority Mail (not "snail mail" :)), in delightful and professional kraft packaging! You can be assured that the fudge is outstanding, the packaging is definitely more than worthy of gift giving this holiday season, and the service you will receive is top notch.

I highly recommend this wonderful Etsian! Check out the shop now at: http://kandykettlekitchen.etsy.com/. If you buy something, comment on this post with your Etsy Shop name and/or email address and I will enter you in a drawing for a free candle just in time for Christmas!

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Artist: Debra Linker

Featured Etsy Artist: Debra Linker

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Debra Linker - Living In Full Color

2. What is your shop URL?
debralinker.etsy.com

3. What is your blog URL?
debralinker.blogspot.com

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
March 08

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The community! (Most) people are so helpful on the forums, I've participated in an amazing BNR (More Meaningful Gifts BNR), and the fun of treasuries! I also proudly participate in teams: EtsyRain (Seattle local team); Interior Design Team and a high end art team: Gallery United.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Actually doing the original painting is my #1 favorite thing in the world to do. I have a great deal of fun making those paintings in to greeting cards, too!

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
The original painting from which my avatar is made is my favorite item (right now) in my shop. It seems to represent everything about art that I love - COLOR, sensual shape, simplistic yet somehow sophisticated composition, and - worth mentioning again - COLOR!
8. What teams do you belong to?

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Right now, it is the More Meaningful Gifts BNR started by Dorana (http://dorana.etsy.com/)

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Oh. This is a long list:
Any candles by http://madhatterspottery.etsy.com/ Any pottery by http://studioelan.etsy.com/ Any of the flower photography by http://flandersfield.etsy.com/ Any of the cashmere scarves by http://hautegoat.etsy.com/ Any of the bath and body products by http://shopredleaf.etsy.com/ Any of the jewelry by http://artisanimpact.etsy.com/ Any of the art by http://amberalexander.etsy.com/

Literally - I know these shop addresses by heart! I love their shops, and the shop owners are EXACTLY the reason I love Etsy.

11. What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? I play Texas Hold'em tournaments, help other people with their Etsy shops, and mentor artistic women using Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" as a guide.

12. What blogs do you follow?

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I think the most important aspect of my art is the support I get from my husband, Bruce. He gives me much space and time to paint, but he also encourages my Etsy participation, is interested in hearing about the amazing people I meet, and is excited when an Etsy order comes in. He has even made purchases for himself from Etsy! Without his encouragement, I may not have started painting at all - and I certainly would not be trying to sell my paintings! He's the best cheerleader in the world!

I Made the Etsy Gift Guide!

I made the Etsy Gift Guide! Woo Hoo!!! Check me Out.

http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/entertaining-and-decor/78?&page=2

-Suzanne

Featured Etsy Artist: Whynott Sewn

Featured Etsy Artist: WhyNottSewn

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is Whynott Sewn, a play on my last name, Whynott. I mainly sell baby blankets, but will hopefully be expanding the inventory sometime soon.

2. What is your shop URL? The address is whynottsewn.etsy.com

3. What is your blog URL? whynottsewn.blogspot.com. However, you won't see a whole lot when you visit the site because I just made it the other day!

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? April 2008

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Continuously finding new and incredible handcrafted items that I have just got to have. I know "thing" means one thing, but I suppose the fact that Etsy has provided a forum for me to sell my items is also a definite favorite thing.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? That's easy, the fabric! The blankets are largely a way to showcase my love of fabric.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? That's a hard one because I love them all, but I would say that my favorite would probably be the "Hotty Dotty". The reason being would be because this fabric holds a special place in my heart. My first purchase on Etsy had been a patchwork pillow from stitchindye.etsy.com, which had small pieces of this fabric worked in. To make a long story short I loved these little bits of fabric, had to have it, researched the heck out of fabric on the web and found it, which all began my love and obsession of fabric.

8. What teams do you belong to? Etsy Montana and on the waiting list for Etsy Kids.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I always find it fun to tell people about my shop, or simply tell them that I make and sell baby blankets. I think it tends to be unexpected, so I like seeing people's reactions.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? There are just so many, which I come across all the time. One of my recent favorites, which I ended up purchasing was this... http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=10896613. On my blog is also a preview of some of my many favorite items on Etsy.

11. What do you do in your spare time? Aside from sewing, searching Etsy, and browsing sites for fabric..... not a whole lot else...... well also cooking, walking, biking, and hanging out with my sweetie.

12. What blogs do you follow? The only one I really follow is Angry Chicken, I absolutely love this blog.

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?In addition to including more handcrafted items in my shop I also plan on one day selling some of the fabric I use by the yard. So if anyone shares my love of fabric, and likes what I use, check back periodically to see if I have begun this (though I imagine it will be a little while). And finally, I would like to thank you for featuring me in your blog!

Free 10 oz Jar Contest!

Bath, Body, Candle is sponsoring a giveaway for one of my Premium 10 oz Jars. To enter, all you have to do is read the article, visit one of my websites, and list your favorite! Check it out here:

http://bathbodycandle.blogspot.com/2008/10/10-oz-soy-candle-by-bliss-soybean.html

Have fun! Suzanne

Featured Etsy Artist: Bellflower Textiles

Etsy Artist Feature: Bellflower Textiles

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
My shop is BellflowerTextiles, and I sell embellished toddler and baby clothing, felt floral hairclips, burpcloths and baby accessories, wall quilts, and home accents. All of my items incorporate gorgeous, high-quality quilting fabric and traditional quilting elements into unique, modern designs.

2. What is your shop URL?
http://bellflowertextiles.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
http://growingnotes.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I joined in September, 2008, so I'm brand new! So far business is going great.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love how simple Etsy makes it to set up a professional looking shop, and also how easy it is to connect with a fantastic community of talented crafters.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Getting to play creatively with beautiful colored fabric and then share it with other people. I love the excitement of posting a new item and watching to see how many views it get or who marks it as a favorite. And I love the sense of playfulness in many of my items, such as my toddler dragon tees or my rubber duck onesies.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I love my sea monster toddler tee: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15681900. It's fun and playful and the colors are great. I make these in all sizes and colors!

8. What teams do you belong to?
I'm a proud member of the Seattle EtsyRain team, and a member of Team Etsybaby and Team Etsymom.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I love promoting in flickr -- I try to add my products regularly to a bunch of appropriate groups so they get a lot of views. My flickr site is http://www.flickr.com/photos/bellflowertextiles/.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Here are a few of my current favorites:

Pretty little doll quilt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15930153
Platypus placemats: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15502573
Tabby cat travel pillows: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13876364
Black and white quilt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5253063

11. What do you do in your spare time?
I have a toddler so I have very little free time, but when I'm not parenting, sewing, crafting, photographing new items, processing photos, or blogging I like to read, garden, and cook. I'm an obsessive tomato grower and make a killer homemade tomato sauce. I try to read a book a week.

12. What blogs do you follow?
Way too many!! A few of my current favorites are Crazy Mom Quilts (http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/), Cool Mom Picks (http://www.coolmompicks.com/), Sew Mama Sew (http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/), and Sweet Figments (http://sweetfigments.blogspot.com/).

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Thank you so much for featuring me!

Featured Etsy Shop: Have It Confections

Featured Etsy Shop: Have It Confections

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Have It Confections is our name and homemade, old-fashioned caramels are our game.

2. What is your shop URL? http://www.haveitconfections.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL? I don't have one. What with being a mom to a four year old, being a full time student and running Have It, I don't have time to blog just yet. I do hope to in the future though.

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? On September 2nd 2008

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love the amazing things that you find. I also love the camaraderie. It is just such a great pace to be. There is always someone ready to help you out when you have a question. There is always the perfect gift for yourself or someone else. It is just a great place to be and an amazing place to sell your wares.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? That we make gourmet candy that uses the very best ingredients, that are often local and organic. Ad that we're still able to sell it for a very affordable price. Also, I'm not just saying this because it's my business, but our caramels are beyond amazing. I can't stop eating them. Oh well occupational hazard I guess.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite right now is the Belgian Dark Chocolate caramel. It tastes like little chewy brownies. They are amazing.

8. What teams do you belong to? I belong to EEAT, Etsy's Edible Arts Team. It is great to be in a group with other such talented food artists.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? We send out samples randomly. If I see that some one is having a bad day (in the Etsy forums) I may convo them and ask if they'd like some caramels. I don's want anything in return, it just makes me happy to make others happy. I also swap samples with other sellers and we send out each others samples in our packages.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Oh geez, we could be here for a while. I am a B&B fanatic, my favorite sellers are BathLife, BeSemNaturalScents, Savor and Haunt. There soaps are good enough to eat. I also really like the jewlery I buy, cricketapollo, easternsky, blake, polarity, and sophiesbeads makes the most amazing little book charms, if you send her book covers she'll custom make them for you. They're amazing. sewsewsuckyourtoe makes adorable little felt acorns and mushrooms with gnomes in them. kmknits, make the most amazing fingerless gloves to order and Euniceneedlecraft has brilliant cloche hats. I have had the best lick on Etsy. I love each and every purchase I have made so far. Also, bdoodlez makes these gifttags that are like no other. I didn't even buy them to put on gifts, I bought them because they were awesome and I the christmas ones are going on my tree.

11. What do you do in your spare time? I study and spend time with my daughter. I'm a full time student. I'm getting my degree in Art History which is my passion. I get a thrill from renaissance art that I get from nothing else. My daughter and I have such a great time together. SHe is very lucky her mom is a big kid. We make up games, like the mystery hunt. I hide things around the house. I tell her a story about why the toys have gone missing. I give her my magnifying glass and she goes to find everything. It keeps her busy and she loves it.

12. What blogs do you follow? I like ohsolovely, and I think you just sold me on following your's

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I just wanted to say that I appreciate you featuring us, Suzanne. We appreciate it so much. My husband and I work really hard, and have for the past four years, to bring the freshest, most heavenly caramels to everyone. Whether they have a lot of extra money or not that much. We will always try to accomadate any request, we may not always be able too, but I try very hard to make every customer feel like my one and only. We love what we do and it comes through in our product. We try to be new and innovative with our flavors and we try never to go more than a month without a new flavor option. We hope you come by and take a look. You'll be happy you did. Remember at Have It Confections, one bite and you'll be hooked.

Featured Etsy Artist: My Mother's Garden

Featured Etsy Artist: My Mother's Garden

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My shop is called "My Mother's Garden" ~ I sell handmade one-of-a-kind ceramic treasures for the home and garden.

2. What is your shop URL?

http://www.mymothersgarden.etsy.com/

Website-
http://www.mymothersgarden.net/

3. What is your blog URL?

http://mymothersgardens.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?

I opened up the doors to my shop in May 2008.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

I love the endless creativity that can be found on etsy, along with the sense of community and ease of use.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

I love to hear how it makes people feel when they see it. When I show at the craft shows I like to watch how people react when they see my ceramic art, most of the time it seems to bring a smile to their face, which of course brings a smile to mine.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

My favorite piece right now is the "Hanging Ivy Birdhouse." I love the way any of the round birdhouses look hanging in the garden, they add whimsy and texture to any garden.

8. What teams do you belong to?

I am a proud member of three teams:
Etsy Mud Team / EMT
Design Style Guide aka Interior Design Team Etsy Artists of Color / EAOC

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

Hm... This is something I need to do more of, any ideas? I would love to hear what anyone has to share.
I'm really enjoying the blog experience, I try to post new garden art and garden photos often.
I like to give a little extra surprise gift with my etsy orders when I can.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

Crown Chakra Tile... By Strawberry Curls
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14233998

Birds of a Feather.... By Maria Greene
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10218681

The Withering Room... By Ava Haney
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11397148

11. What do you do in your spare time?

I love to garden, we just planted our tomatoes and peppers today.
12. What blogs do you follow?

http://solysombracreations.blogspot.com/
http://compostinmyshoe.blogspot.com/2008/09/angels-come-to-dinner.html
http://gardenbrae.blogspot.com/2008/09/infamous-datura-plant-of-zombies-and.html

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

~Come wander through the garden with me~

Thank you, Suzanne!
I feel quite honored and grateful that you chose to feature "My Mother's Garden."

Featured Etsy Artist: LoriMirabelli

Featured Etsy Artist: LoriMirabelli

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My Shop name is LoriMirabelli (Mirabelli's Gallery). I sell contemporary abstract paintings.

2. What is your shop URL?

http://www.lorimirabelli.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?

I'm currently not blogging at this time.

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?

I first joined Etsy on January 16, 2008, but I didn't really list anything until January 28, 2008. I spent the first two weeks looking around and getting to know the site. Within two weeks I sold my first painting, and I can't even begin to express my excitement. Within in the next few weeks, I sold a few more and at present I'm selling 3 to 5 paintings a week. It has been an amazing experience and a busy one too. I've sold 157 paintings to date. Some times I pinch myself just to see if it's all been a dream!

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

Etsy is an amazing site. It is unlike any other site that I have found. Both the sellers and the customers are amazing. It is such a warm and friendly place to sell and buy. I've had so many emails from other sellers welcoming me to Etsy and wishing me the best of success. From that point on I was hooked. Every time I glaze at other sellers stores, I feel like I just took a stroll down a street at dust in the most beautiful quaint little artsy town.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

I love art and everything about it. I'm particularly drawn to painting and the use of acrylics. It never ceases to amaze me when I lay that first brush stroke on the canvas. The bright crisp colors gently placed on the canvas eventually develop into a work of art and before I know it hours have passed me by.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

The new series that I'm currently working is called Across the Nation. I have to say that this is my favorite series to date. It symbolizes my desire to travel and explore art in other countries. Currently I'm saving for a trip to Europe and plan on traveling in the late spring of next year.

8. What teams do you belong to?

I currently belong to Design Style Guide and Mesty.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

I'm not sure I can say promoting is fun at this time.. lol It's a lot of hard work and late nights. I try to promote my shop every where I go. I post on Flickr.com and EBSQ. I'm currently working on my first art exhibit; it's scheduled for Oct 9 - Nov 3 at Loplops Gallery in Sault Ste. Marie. It's been tuff working on show pieces as well as ensuring I still have new and fresh pieces of work at my shop. It's definitely been all worth it and I owe it to many of the Etsians out there who sent me their encouraging words. Thank you so much!

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

Oh Gosh!!!! Where do I even begin.there are so many.

There are two that stand out in my mind one is called sprucehome.etsy.com Their shop is filled with retro furniture. I just love there taste and style. One day I might just be able to afford a piece from their shop!

The other is RozArt.etsy.com. She has a series called Leap LOVE IT!!!


11. What do you do in your spare time?

Currently I have very little spare time. I work full time at Chid Protective Service and paint nearly every night and weekend. But when I need to take a break from it all, I get together with friends. I also have an English Mastiff that I hang with as often as possible. He's my side kick and every where I go, he goes. Literally lol.

12. What blogs do you follow?

I'm currently following the Interiordesignteam blog. It's very informative and they are great at helping promote Etsy. Thanks Team!!

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

It's taking me 37 years!!! But I'm finally living my dream. Thanks Etsy!!

Bliss Features - I'm So Excited!

I am so excited! I got two different convos today on Etsy from other artists letting me know that my work has been featured - once in a blog and once in a Storque article! Check it out - here are the links:

Storque Article: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/featured-buyer-ez-of-creature-comforts-2675/

Blog Feature: http://designsbycori.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-feature-bliss-candles.html

Don't forget to keep an eye on my website and my Etsy shop! Take a peek at the stores my candles are in on the Stores page. I am now in Grand Haven, Pennsylvania, California, and Canada!

http://www.blisscandles.com/

http://blisscandles.etsy.com/

Suzanne

Featured Etsy Artist: CuddleBabyBoutique

Featured Etsy Shop: CuddleBaby Boutique

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
CuddleBaby Boutique - I sell handmade baby blankets, onesies, bibs, burp cloths, hair clips and holders and more!

2. What is your shop URL?
http://cuddlebaby.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
http://cuddlebabyblankets.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I started at the beginning of August 2007

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I really enjoy reading about the Featured Artists! There are so many incredibly talented people on etsy!

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Having a baby is such a wonderful experience and I like the thought that I'm contributing to the expectant parents happiness.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My Early Spring Quilt is one of my favorites! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9753165 It turned out so beautifully and was a lot of fun to make. I'm only sad it hasn't sold yet. I've also started making double-sided Minky blankets with appliques on them and I'm pretty excited about how they have turned out. They are so soft!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14817945
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15787527

8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to the Etsybaby Team, Etsymom, Etsykids and UtahEtsy!

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I love being able to hand out my business cards. It's fun to be able to talk to someone about my shop and invite them to take a look!

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Wow, I don't even know where to being. I love the Bath and Body Section of Etsy! Country Heart Gifts is my favorite! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8901 Check out my Favorites on my shop page to see what other Etsy finds I love! There are so many awesome things on Etsy!

11. What do you do in your spare time?
I have 2 kids, Myra (3) and Alexys (1) and an amazing husband, Chad, so I don't really have much spare time. My favorite thing is spending time with my family. And if there is any time left over, I like to Read, play the piano and be outdoors.

12. What blogs do you follow?
I follow personal blogs for many of my friends and family.

Featured Etsy Shop: Homemade Caramels (Rachelle's Caramels)

Featured Etsy Shop: Homemade Caramels (Rachelle's Caramels)

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

Currently my shop is named "Homemade Caramels," it will soon be "Rachelle's Caramels" though. I sell artisan caramels in five flavors: vanilla, chocolate, pomegranate, pumpkin pie, and black licorice (anise).

2. What is your shop URL?

http://earcmra.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?

I do not have a blog.

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?

I've been selling on etsy since May 2008.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

I love etsy and its community feel! I enjoy being able to support other people in their creative endeavors and being able to find unique things for myself and my friends as well.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

I love being able to bring happiness into other people's lives through my caramels. They are frequently sent as gifts and I love packing them up and writing on a handmade card and then imagining how much the recipient will enjoy it.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

I'm partial to the pumpkin pie caramels currently because the recipe is my own creation.

8. What teams do you belong to?

I belong to Team EEAT--Etsy's Edible Arts Team. It's a lovely group of edibles sellers who host regular bake sales, giveaways, etc. Team EEAT is great!

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

I love telling people about my shop--it always throws them for a loop when I say I run an online caramel business.

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

Here's a few things I love!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15206600
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14658931
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13698340

11. What do you do in your spare time?

I love to read, especially classic books and those by P.G. Wodehouse. I enjoy listening to music by Feist, Regina Spektor, and Badly Drawn Boy. Cooking is another one of my passions.

12. What blogs do you follow?

I don't regularly follow any blogs. Can you tell I'm not "into" the blogsphere yet? :o)

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

I'm a university student who is studying nursing and public health education. I love etsy!

Featured Etsy Artist: Tagisa

Featured Etsy Artist: Tagisa

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
I would have liked to have a fancy name, but came up with "tagisa" many years ago and just kept it. I sell a variety of items such as jewelry frames, jewelry, magnets, push pins, decorative pens and hair accessories...at the moment!

2. What is your shop URL?
http://tagisa.etsy.com/

3. What is your blog URL?
http://tagisatalks.blogspot.com/

4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
Well, I registered on Etsy in January '08 and believe I only listed one item at that time. Surprisingly to me, nine days later it sold! That gave me a bit of hope so I kept at it, listing just one item, which was an earring frame, until it sold. It wasn't until June that I started listing more items, more often.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
That's a tough one. I'd have to say (one of) my favorite things about Etsy is seeing all of the talent out there! It is amazing to see so many beautiful handmade items all in one place.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I enjoy brining happiness to others and also fun and functional items. I've always loved jewelry and office supplies, so naturally, that is what I gravitate to!

The earring frames were created out of necessity for myself. Now see what I have and can select accessories right away. My friends who have these also love them and their functionality, which makes me happy.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Really? Just one? I'm not sure I have a favorite item. However, I will tell you that I recently took an item off because I decided to keep it for myself! It is an earring frame decorated with pink and clear rhinestones, glitter and the word "beautiful" across the bottom also in rhinestones.

8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to only one team (so far) which is the UtahEtsy Street Team.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Honestly, I haven't done much promoting. I feel like I still have a lot to learn, but blogging is fun and I really enjoy flickr! It's nice to see pictures from others, join groups and share photos in them. - http://www.flickr.com/photos/tagisa

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Oh, there are soooo many! I bought a strawberry charm from Amanda at http://migotochou.etsy.com/ who makes such cuteness that you might accidentally want to eat it!

Another is Elaina of ThumperFantasy, her site is: http://thumperfantasy.etsy.com/ I bought a lovely pendant from her before discovereing she was on Etsy. Her work is beautiful!

One more is Nikki of aurella27. She is another great artist on Etsy. Her site is: http://aurella27.etsy.com/

11. What do you do in your spare time?
Besides my "real" job and etsy, there isn't much spare time. I enjoy keeping myself busy by shopping (craft supplies, rebates & deals), festivals and doing outdoor things. Bellydancing is a love of mine which I need to make time for again!

12. What blogs do you follow?
I have a long list of blogs that I look at occasionally, but none that I follow regularly. Most are from people on Etsy.

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Don't be surprised if you see me making earrings one day and cutting wood the next! I love doing it all!

Thank you, Suzanne, for featuring me in your blog, I really appreciate it!

Featured Etsy Artist: Elizabeth Graf Fine Art

Featured Etsy Artist: Elizabeth Graf Fine Art

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Elizabeth Graf Fine Art. I sell original oil paintings on canvas

2. What is your shop URL? http://www.elizabethgraf.etsy.com/ ORhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5629664

3. What is your blog URL? http://www.elizabethgraf.blogspot.com/(Note: this blog is brand new and I still have to learn how to set it up and actually use it)

4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I started setting up my site on Feb. 17, 2008 and it took me several months to figure it all out, including designing the banner and putting my work on the site. This was during the economic downturn when things were a lot slower (especially sales). I also during this time learned all about treasuries and now do lots of them continuously. My actual first SALE occurred on Sept. 11, 2008.

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Besides designing and posting treasuries and networking through them, the wonderful support I have gotten from other artists and the conviction that I want to make my Etsy selling experience work, so I don't have to leave my studio! I love supporting other artists and when you are networking back and forth and making other artists happy (by putting them in treasuries), there is an excitement to being an "Etsian". It is a very special place and I am glad I found it! I also sometimes send a screenshot of the front page to an artist I recognize or who's work I admire -- just because AND I heart a lot of artists' work and shops, sometimes an artist who hasn't sold yet just to boost them up. I believe in mutual support!Also, what I have learned by looking at other artists' work -- it is priceless! (I sometimes take out old paintings and finish them with new vision).

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My love of color, the texture of the paint and the joy I get while painting them. There is always a new painting on my easel -- I have a huge body of work.

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? The painting "Plumeria the Beautiful" -- it pops out, it is complete and it is colorful and has wonderful texture.

8. What teams do you belong to? The Design Style Guide (search for interiordesignteam), VAST (Visual Artists Street Team) and Gallery United

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Treasuries

10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Painted palm fronds by http://www.srallsmith.etsy.com/ (very unique -- her name is Suzanne too), paintings by Debra Linker, Amy Giacomelli, etc., etc. (the list is very long -- I won't list them all here and if you are not mentioned, don't fret, I like your work too), work by ImagineStudio, painted gourds, all mosaics

11. What do you do in your spare time? Besides work in my studio and read the internet, I garden and for 2 1/2 years have been helping my husband renovate our house -- I do a lot of "men's" work other women would not consider doing.

12. What blogs do you follow? I am not a blog person -- I comment on team forum threads and that is about it. This doesn't mean I won't be one in the future, it is just that I would rather work on another painting rather than deal with blogs BUT I spend a considerable amount of time on Etsy almost every day -- convo'ing people, working on treasuries, putting up new work and adding new pictures to my site, renewing items, etc. I have to admit that I don't understand blogs...I need a crash course.

13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I have been an artist all my life since I could hold a crayon and I am very persistent in creating my work -- I have never stopped painting! I am always so inspired and it just keeps getting more so -- I feel that I walk around with a glow in my face and eyes because of this.I am very grateful to be an artist because I always have something wonderful to do. Being one also inspires me to collect beautiful objects that appeal to me (right now I am painting a TY brand stuffed red cardinal on light blue cloth that I will put on Etsy in the next day or so). I hope very much that I sell MANY paintings through Etsy -- I have quite a collection and I am always ready to make a deal! Thank you for reading this.