Friday, October 3, 2008

Featured Etsy Shop: Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions

Featured Etsy Shop: Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions



What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My shop name is Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions. I began designing embroidered felt rings and cuffs a little over a year ago, so that is what I'm selling in my shop currently. But, I love all textiles and eventually there will be an array of other creations including quilts.

What is your shop URL?

http://www.waterrose.etsy.com/

What is your blog URL?

http://waterrosez.blogspot.com/

and my website is http://www.waterrosedesign.com/


When did you start selling on Etsy?

The first shop I opened was in October 2006. When I began, just like many other Etsians I didn't realize that it was impossible to rename your shop. I debated about opening a new shop until March of 2008 and then opened Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions. The other shop is still open and I hope to add vintage items sometime in the near future.

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

Hmmmm, that is difficult to answer since I love so much about Etsy. But, I do have to say that I really enjoy making treasuries, since it leads me to some interesting finds. I also like meeting so many talented people and interacting with them.

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

Embroidery, in the past, has been seen as something to decorate pillowcases and kitchen towels. I created embroidery designs to influence thoughts in a more positive way and so that people didn't think of it as an old fashion art.

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

That changes with each cuff that I design. For a long time my favorite item was my wedding cuff, however, since creating the steampunk cuff that has now taken first place. When I first saw steampunk creations, I was won over. As I made many of my other cuffs the thought of a steampunk cuff kept popping into my mind. So, I broke apart an old watch and started building a design that would work with embroidery and wool felt.

What teams do you belong to?

I belong to "Old World Shops" and "Quilt and Heirlooms."

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

Blog. I enjoy coming up with topics and taking pictures to entertain my blog visitor's. Currently I get between 300 and 500 visitors each day! I am so amazed that people take time out of their busy days to read and comment on my blog. I don't ever want it to stop!

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

There are so many exceptional artists and designers on Etsy. But to answer your questions here are a few of my favorites:

Beyond the Rocks –such beautiful eye-candy jewelry creations and this is currently my favorite in their shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14767779

The Haunted Hollow Tree – eerie and beautiful
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15377032

Blue Sky Pottery –I have a set of bowls from this designer and I love them!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12284028


What do you do in your spare time?

My spare time is filled with creating since I own another business and that keeps me busy most of the time. I also love to read and watch movies. I've also become a fan of Project Runway. We have an off-road vehicle, a Toyota FJ, and we love to go out and explore remote areas of Arizona.

What blogs do you follow?

Here are just a few of my favorites --visit my blog to see the rest:

A Fanciful Twist: http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/
Gilfling Design's: http://gilflingsdesigns.typepad.com/gilflings_designs/
Needle Tatting and Other Nonsense: http://totusmel.blogspot.com/
Sass and Veracity: http://sassandveracity.typepad.com/sass_veracity/


Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Two things, to those that are unsure of how well they are doing on etsy, take chances. Contact that magazine that you enjoy reading and present your creations to them –you never know, they may like what they see and feature your designs.

Secondly, thank you for inviting me to be featured on your blog.

No comments: