Check out this fabulous Forum Post by Timothy Adam on using Twitter. I'll be reading this carefully over the weekend!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5877230
-Suzanne
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Fragrance Review: Cozy Home
My first fragrance review is on a fragrance that to many is second to no other - Cozy Home.
Cozy Home is a wonderful intermingling of sweet, crisp apple and sweet kitchen spices. The scent throw in my soy candles is simply amazing, fragrancing at least two rooms in my home. This is not one to buy in small quantities. I highly suggest at least a 16 oz jar if not the 26 oz because you will be very disappointed when the candle is gone. This candle is ivory in color to match any decor.
Keep an eye out for upcoming "you choose the color" listings. You will be able to order your favorite fragrance, regardless of what it is, in holiday colors!
Stop by my shop and sniff around a bit! You may have a hard time leaving :)
-Suzanne
Featured Etsy Shop: Sugarskull
Featured Etsy Shop: Sugarskull
*Bliss Note: This artist responded to a Forum post of mine and I was amazed at how someone could make their own stamps. If you have children, you must check out the little monsters...they are way too fun! For you scrapbookers and card makers out there, there is sure to be something that you will enjoy.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love the sense of community and the mind-boggling array of beautiful handcrafted treasures. It's a pleasure to be a part of it all.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love that the stamp itself, being hand-carved, is a piece of art..and you can create art with it as well.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? One of my favorite stamps is the "roots" stamp (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17231332), a sort of free-form tree design. I like the sense of movement it conveys.
8. What teams do you belong to? The Etsy Dark Side Street Team
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I really enjoy posting photos of my work on my Flickr account, as well as maintaining a blog. Also, just trying to have a presence in the forums from time is a fun way to get some exposure and meet other Esty artists at the same time.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I love Terramaya's wrist purses (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17276842), Lizmiera's embroidered day of the dead patches (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15603924), and Susarto's weirdo dolls (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11574437)
11. What do you do in your spare time? Carving stamps IS what I do in my spare time lately. I'm also an avid birdwatcher, hiker and an insatiable reader.
12. What blogs do you follow? MANY, but I've been checking Timothy Adams Designs a lot lately.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Nope. :)
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Sugarskull's Little Shop of Stamps & Stuff. I mainly sell unique hand-carved rubber stamps. I also have a few paintings and other handcrafted items listed, but stamps are the real focal point.
2. What is your shop URL? http://sugarskull7.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://sugarskullzblog.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I opened my shop in February of 2008 and sold paintings. I didn't begin listing rubber stamps until last June.
2. What is your shop URL? http://sugarskull7.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://sugarskullzblog.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I opened my shop in February of 2008 and sold paintings. I didn't begin listing rubber stamps until last June.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love the sense of community and the mind-boggling array of beautiful handcrafted treasures. It's a pleasure to be a part of it all.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love that the stamp itself, being hand-carved, is a piece of art..and you can create art with it as well.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? One of my favorite stamps is the "roots" stamp (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17231332), a sort of free-form tree design. I like the sense of movement it conveys.
8. What teams do you belong to? The Etsy Dark Side Street Team
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I really enjoy posting photos of my work on my Flickr account, as well as maintaining a blog. Also, just trying to have a presence in the forums from time is a fun way to get some exposure and meet other Esty artists at the same time.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I love Terramaya's wrist purses (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17276842), Lizmiera's embroidered day of the dead patches (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15603924), and Susarto's weirdo dolls (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11574437)
11. What do you do in your spare time? Carving stamps IS what I do in my spare time lately. I'm also an avid birdwatcher, hiker and an insatiable reader.
12. What blogs do you follow? MANY, but I've been checking Timothy Adams Designs a lot lately.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Nope. :)
The Economy is Bad ... Really?
I did a craft show yesterday that is usually one of the best in this part of the state. One of those ones where you pray you can even get on the waiting list. This show, typically a $3800 show for me cashed in at $2600 (ugh). I wasn’t alone. Several people reported barely making their booth fee. The reason according to most…”the economy.”
Every time I heard those words, I tried to hide my cringing and started my dissertation as to what really occurred. Why you ask? With a lot of hard work, I am doing just fine in this supposedly horrible economy. As a former English and Education major, I had many things drilled into my brain, one of which being to dig in and look at things from all different angles. I stepped back and looked at the realities of the day to put things into perspective.
1. Number one and most important of all, they changed the location of the show due to construction. Now add to that the fact that the only signage they put up on the old location was something saying “located across the street” – it really was not across the street – and you have your first recipe for disaster. Now throw in a parking lot one quarter of the size of the usual lot and you have people (many elderly) having to walk for several blocks in 30 degree weather – many wouldn’t bother.
2. The annual Santa Clause parade (pretty big deal here) got scheduled on the same day – ouch!
3. Two major college football games were televised that day – we Michiganians love our Spartans and our Wolverines (and also Ohio State for some reasonJ).
So with that, there really wasn’t much chance at record sales that day.
Now, looking at the big picture as a whole, is the economy really that bad? For those with investments and stocks, sure it looks bleak. I can’t imagine losing $20,000 per quarter in my pension (which I am seeing as an HR professional with my employees). While there are reports that unemployment soars well over 9% in Michigan, we forget that means there is 91% EMPLOYMENT! Those people are still buying. And as an Etsian, we have the opportunity to sell to the rest of the country as well – hooray!
So what does it take? It takes hard work. We can’t sit back and wait for the orders to come any more. As someone who works full-time and whose business is booming, I understand “busy.” Here are the things I do that I can fit into my busy schedule that you may consider:
1. List Three Times Per Day – Yep. That’s right. Budget 60 cents per day for your listings. Post one in the AM before you go to work, post another at lunch time, and one more before you go to bed. Those of us on the east coast often forget that when we are heading off to get some zzz’s, the west coast is getting home from work and they want to spend! After you do this for a while, you will find out what your busy days are and you can scale down to listing just on those days. Be patient! You need to get some sales and some feedback before the orders will start rolling in. It will happen.
2. Create Your Own Blog – No I am not able to post daily. However, I blog at least every 3-4 days but usually more frequently than that. I feature other Etsy Artists. I send a set of questions which they answer and then I format it for the blog. Total time commitment – about 15 minutes. Schedule that time in and it will be a breeze for you. I am also getting into doing what I am doing right now – help and advice. Not everyone will be able to do this but I guarantee it is worth it!
3. Blog Comments – Read and comment on other people’s blogs. Don’t make it time consuming. Make yourself a goal of reading two per week and commenting. That is more than manageable.
4. Twitter – I will admit I think Twitter is a little different..probably because of my lack of time. However, it is a fabulous marketing tool. You can go to Twitterfeed.com and have your Etsy listings go up on Twitter and your blog posts! That way people who follow you can see what you are up to. Timothy Adam Designs has great tips and thoughts on Twitter on his blog – http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/.
5. Join Teams – I know some people don’t believe in joining teams but the value I have seen is tremendous. My teams are all incredibly helpful and “nurturing.” Not to mention their promo is out of this world! Find someone who fits your interests. Once accepted, participate at least once every couple of weeks in their forums or on their ING site.
6. Chat it Up in the Forums! - Wow does this make a difference!! Again, make a goal and try not to get addicted. Go in three times per week and make legitimate contributions. Only post all of your links when appropriate. I only add my blog address when I feel there is some value to the readers.
7. Treasuries – Make a treasury or set a goal for commenting. If you only have time to throw a few comments out there, make that goal and stick to it. This gets your avatar out there. I always try to comment on those that are brand new and they have two to three days to go.
8. Follow Timothy Adam Designs’ Blog – This guy is fabulous! He is so tech savvy and has such awesome advice. Make the time where you can to read what he has to offer - http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/ Once you are rolling in the dough, buy something from him:)
There is much more to cover but these are the things that are somewhat quick and easy. You don’t have to take a beating from this supposedly bad economy. Just fight back!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please do me a favor and post a reply to this Forum thread (http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5923350)to keep my thread alive. I think a lot of people will find this info beneficial and I am afraid it will get buried. Thank you!
-Suzanne
Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts
http://blisscandles.etsy.com/
http://www.blisscandles.com/
Every time I heard those words, I tried to hide my cringing and started my dissertation as to what really occurred. Why you ask? With a lot of hard work, I am doing just fine in this supposedly horrible economy. As a former English and Education major, I had many things drilled into my brain, one of which being to dig in and look at things from all different angles. I stepped back and looked at the realities of the day to put things into perspective.
1. Number one and most important of all, they changed the location of the show due to construction. Now add to that the fact that the only signage they put up on the old location was something saying “located across the street” – it really was not across the street – and you have your first recipe for disaster. Now throw in a parking lot one quarter of the size of the usual lot and you have people (many elderly) having to walk for several blocks in 30 degree weather – many wouldn’t bother.
2. The annual Santa Clause parade (pretty big deal here) got scheduled on the same day – ouch!
3. Two major college football games were televised that day – we Michiganians love our Spartans and our Wolverines (and also Ohio State for some reasonJ).
So with that, there really wasn’t much chance at record sales that day.
Now, looking at the big picture as a whole, is the economy really that bad? For those with investments and stocks, sure it looks bleak. I can’t imagine losing $20,000 per quarter in my pension (which I am seeing as an HR professional with my employees). While there are reports that unemployment soars well over 9% in Michigan, we forget that means there is 91% EMPLOYMENT! Those people are still buying. And as an Etsian, we have the opportunity to sell to the rest of the country as well – hooray!
So what does it take? It takes hard work. We can’t sit back and wait for the orders to come any more. As someone who works full-time and whose business is booming, I understand “busy.” Here are the things I do that I can fit into my busy schedule that you may consider:
1. List Three Times Per Day – Yep. That’s right. Budget 60 cents per day for your listings. Post one in the AM before you go to work, post another at lunch time, and one more before you go to bed. Those of us on the east coast often forget that when we are heading off to get some zzz’s, the west coast is getting home from work and they want to spend! After you do this for a while, you will find out what your busy days are and you can scale down to listing just on those days. Be patient! You need to get some sales and some feedback before the orders will start rolling in. It will happen.
2. Create Your Own Blog – No I am not able to post daily. However, I blog at least every 3-4 days but usually more frequently than that. I feature other Etsy Artists. I send a set of questions which they answer and then I format it for the blog. Total time commitment – about 15 minutes. Schedule that time in and it will be a breeze for you. I am also getting into doing what I am doing right now – help and advice. Not everyone will be able to do this but I guarantee it is worth it!
3. Blog Comments – Read and comment on other people’s blogs. Don’t make it time consuming. Make yourself a goal of reading two per week and commenting. That is more than manageable.
4. Twitter – I will admit I think Twitter is a little different..probably because of my lack of time. However, it is a fabulous marketing tool. You can go to Twitterfeed.com and have your Etsy listings go up on Twitter and your blog posts! That way people who follow you can see what you are up to. Timothy Adam Designs has great tips and thoughts on Twitter on his blog – http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/.
5. Join Teams – I know some people don’t believe in joining teams but the value I have seen is tremendous. My teams are all incredibly helpful and “nurturing.” Not to mention their promo is out of this world! Find someone who fits your interests. Once accepted, participate at least once every couple of weeks in their forums or on their ING site.
6. Chat it Up in the Forums! - Wow does this make a difference!! Again, make a goal and try not to get addicted. Go in three times per week and make legitimate contributions. Only post all of your links when appropriate. I only add my blog address when I feel there is some value to the readers.
7. Treasuries – Make a treasury or set a goal for commenting. If you only have time to throw a few comments out there, make that goal and stick to it. This gets your avatar out there. I always try to comment on those that are brand new and they have two to three days to go.
8. Follow Timothy Adam Designs’ Blog – This guy is fabulous! He is so tech savvy and has such awesome advice. Make the time where you can to read what he has to offer - http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/ Once you are rolling in the dough, buy something from him:)
There is much more to cover but these are the things that are somewhat quick and easy. You don’t have to take a beating from this supposedly bad economy. Just fight back!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please do me a favor and post a reply to this Forum thread (http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5923350)to keep my thread alive. I think a lot of people will find this info beneficial and I am afraid it will get buried. Thank you!
-Suzanne
Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts
http://blisscandles.etsy.com/
http://www.blisscandles.com/
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Featured Etsy Artist: Timothy Adam Designs
Featured Etsy Artist: Timothy Adam Designs
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I started selling on etsy in march of 2007
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love the Etsy community, and the fact that anyone can build a business from the ground up!
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
MY favorite thing about what i sell is the fact that there is no one else out there that is doing what i am doing....
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My les paul coffee table is my favorite. Not only do i love playing guitar, but this table sold to Barneys NYC right on Etsy in the spring of 07.
8. What teams do you belong to?
I am not on any street teams
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I have a load of fun writing articles for my blog that help the etsy community.. this in turn helps promote my Etsy shop!
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I love browsing Etsy for cool finds.. i feature sellers all the time on my main blog and this new project of mine>> http://blufuse.com/
11. What do you do in your spare time?
spare time? ok i do have some spare time here and there, and i love playing volley ball, going to movies with my wife and playing Frisbee with my dog.
12. What blogs do you follow?
Oh i follow tons of blogs.... but i love any blog that has to do with modern design like modish and design milk
*Bliss Notes: Anyone who spends any time in the forums knows who Timothy Adam is. Not only is he a very gifted artist but he is also an incredible help to fellow Etsians. Who else actually gets "called out" in the forums? Do a search for his name and he pops up everywhere! His tremendous success is well deserved and I am honored to be able to feature him on my blog.
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Timothy Adam Designs: Modern Metal jewelry, furniture, and art
2. What is your shop URL?
shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5074716
main website:
http://timothyadamdesigns.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
blog:
http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/
2. What is your shop URL?
shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5074716
main website:
http://timothyadamdesigns.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
blog:
http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I started selling on etsy in march of 2007
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love the Etsy community, and the fact that anyone can build a business from the ground up!
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
MY favorite thing about what i sell is the fact that there is no one else out there that is doing what i am doing....
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My les paul coffee table is my favorite. Not only do i love playing guitar, but this table sold to Barneys NYC right on Etsy in the spring of 07.
8. What teams do you belong to?I am not on any street teams
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I have a load of fun writing articles for my blog that help the etsy community.. this in turn helps promote my Etsy shop!
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I love browsing Etsy for cool finds.. i feature sellers all the time on my main blog and this new project of mine>> http://blufuse.com/
11. What do you do in your spare time?
spare time? ok i do have some spare time here and there, and i love playing volley ball, going to movies with my wife and playing Frisbee with my dog.
12. What blogs do you follow?Oh i follow tons of blogs.... but i love any blog that has to do with modern design like modish and design milk
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Featured Etsy Artist: Sugar Village
Featured Etsy Artist: Sugar Village
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Sugar Village. I sell small, original watercolor paintings.
2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.sugarvillage.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://wanderingnancy.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
October 22, 2008
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
That it's a place to find unique, one of a kind, handmade items. The community is also very nice and helpful.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
The process. I love coming up with new ideas and imagining what the creatures of Sugar Village would be doing.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My Giraffe and Flowers piece (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16513239) because it was the painting that made me realize I wanted to continue to make these little paintings and share them with other people. So it was basically the first Sugar Village resident.
8. What teams do you belong to?
None at the moment
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I created my own business cards and I have mailed a few to other Etsy members that offered to promote. I also have Twitter, Myspace, Facebook and Flickr accounts, as well as my personal blog.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Vintage cameras by Domistikate http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5363986
The animal portraits of BerkleyIllustration http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5404421
The feminine necklaces by RachelleD http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5139840
11. What do you do in your spare time?
Photography, bake and spend time with my geeky husband and weird sheltie.
12. What blogs do you follow?
I follow many blogs! Just to name a few favorites are:
http://bread-and-honey.blogspot.com/
http://decor8blog.com/
http://prettyinthecity.blogspot.com/
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Nope, just thank you!
Sugar Village. I sell small, original watercolor paintings.
2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.sugarvillage.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://wanderingnancy.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
October 22, 2008
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
That it's a place to find unique, one of a kind, handmade items. The community is also very nice and helpful.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
The process. I love coming up with new ideas and imagining what the creatures of Sugar Village would be doing.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My Giraffe and Flowers piece (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16513239) because it was the painting that made me realize I wanted to continue to make these little paintings and share them with other people. So it was basically the first Sugar Village resident.
8. What teams do you belong to?
None at the moment
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I created my own business cards and I have mailed a few to other Etsy members that offered to promote. I also have Twitter, Myspace, Facebook and Flickr accounts, as well as my personal blog.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Vintage cameras by Domistikate http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5363986
The animal portraits of BerkleyIllustration http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5404421
The feminine necklaces by RachelleD http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5139840
11. What do you do in your spare time?
Photography, bake and spend time with my geeky husband and weird sheltie.
12. What blogs do you follow?
I follow many blogs! Just to name a few favorites are:
http://bread-and-honey.blogspot.com/
http://decor8blog.com/
http://prettyinthecity.blogspot.com/
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Nope, just thank you!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Featured Etsy Shop: Alloverart
Featured Etsy Shop: Alloverart
2. What is your shop URL? http://www.alloverart.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://www.alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I signed up to sell on August 26th, 2008, and listed my first item at the beginning of September. I got my first sale (and did a happy dance) after three weeks when a wonderful fellow Etsian included me in a Treasury of shops who hadn't made a sale yet.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing is being able to converse and bounce ideas off other like-minded and talented artists and artisans. I really enjoy the forums, and learning about other people's experiences.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My absolute favorite thing is the positive feedback. I love the gracious emails and smiles on the faces of my clients. My greatest satisfaction with what I do is when I deliver my oil paint pet portraits. My clients are always so happy and satisfied that it brings me great joy.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite item is the Custom 11x14 Pet Portrait Oil Painting. I really enjoy the process from when the client gives me a photo to work from, to the big smile on his or her face when I am finished. (I actually blogged about the process: http://alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/2008/11/step-by-step-journey-through-creation.html)
8. What teams do you belong to? I'm a proud member of the NCTriangle Team. We are a local team in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Blogging! I really enjoy posting about anything from my creative processes, to my favorite Etsy sellers, to an interview with our dog Kasey.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I'm a big fan of Christy's Critters (http://www.cbarjcrafts.etsy.com/) and her pet ornaments. I commissioned one from her for my husband. I LOVE it! I also love Decorate the Diva's shop (http://www.decoratethediva.etsy.com/). I love her Diva Wooden Earrings. Scrapping Innovations (http://www.scrappinginnovations.etsy.com/) is another of my favorites. She made a fantastic custom magnetic poetry kit for a gift for my sister's birthday. She absolutely loved it.
11. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? What's that? :) My husband and I enjoy taking our dog Kasey to the dog park and on hikes around the large lake near our house. We were both college athletes and enjoy being active.
12. What blogs do you follow? I follow A LOT of blogs. They are all listed on the sidebar of my blog. A few that I check more often are http://christys-critters.blogspot.com/, http://nctriangle.blogspot.com/, http://sunnydayhappyface.blogspot.com/, and http://evokenc.com/index.php/blog.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I am very grateful that I am able to do what I love full time. I have a very supportive husband who puts up with my work taking over the entire house, and an exceptional rescue dog who has provided me with countless amounts of inspiration. Here's a big thank you to my wonderful family! :)
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is Allover Art. I create one-of-a-kind hand-painted resin pendant necklaces, original oil paintings, pet portraits, fine art reproductions of my work, note card and envelope sets, and more.
2. What is your shop URL? http://www.alloverart.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://www.alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I signed up to sell on August 26th, 2008, and listed my first item at the beginning of September. I got my first sale (and did a happy dance) after three weeks when a wonderful fellow Etsian included me in a Treasury of shops who hadn't made a sale yet.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing is being able to converse and bounce ideas off other like-minded and talented artists and artisans. I really enjoy the forums, and learning about other people's experiences.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My absolute favorite thing is the positive feedback. I love the gracious emails and smiles on the faces of my clients. My greatest satisfaction with what I do is when I deliver my oil paint pet portraits. My clients are always so happy and satisfied that it brings me great joy.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite item is the Custom 11x14 Pet Portrait Oil Painting. I really enjoy the process from when the client gives me a photo to work from, to the big smile on his or her face when I am finished. (I actually blogged about the process: http://alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/2008/11/step-by-step-journey-through-creation.html)
8. What teams do you belong to? I'm a proud member of the NCTriangle Team. We are a local team in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Blogging! I really enjoy posting about anything from my creative processes, to my favorite Etsy sellers, to an interview with our dog Kasey.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I'm a big fan of Christy's Critters (http://www.cbarjcrafts.etsy.com/) and her pet ornaments. I commissioned one from her for my husband. I LOVE it! I also love Decorate the Diva's shop (http://www.decoratethediva.etsy.com/). I love her Diva Wooden Earrings. Scrapping Innovations (http://www.scrappinginnovations.etsy.com/) is another of my favorites. She made a fantastic custom magnetic poetry kit for a gift for my sister's birthday. She absolutely loved it.
11. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? What's that? :) My husband and I enjoy taking our dog Kasey to the dog park and on hikes around the large lake near our house. We were both college athletes and enjoy being active.
12. What blogs do you follow? I follow A LOT of blogs. They are all listed on the sidebar of my blog. A few that I check more often are http://christys-critters.blogspot.com/, http://nctriangle.blogspot.com/, http://sunnydayhappyface.blogspot.com/, and http://evokenc.com/index.php/blog.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I am very grateful that I am able to do what I love full time. I have a very supportive husband who puts up with my work taking over the entire house, and an exceptional rescue dog who has provided me with countless amounts of inspiration. Here's a big thank you to my wonderful family! :)
Another Great Feature and a Treasury!
I have been mentioned again in an awesome blog for one of my teams - DesignStyleGuide!
http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/2008/11/spanish-influence.html
And...I am also in another treasury by one of my favorite teams - EtsyBloggers! Woo hoo!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=33066
-Suzanne
http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/2008/11/spanish-influence.html
And...I am also in another treasury by one of my favorite teams - EtsyBloggers! Woo hoo!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=33066
-Suzanne
Monday, November 17, 2008
Etsy West Michigan Gift Guide
Check out this great gift guide from one of my teams! Search "etsywmi team" for these great goodies. Here's the link to the guide: http://etsywestmichigan.blogspot.com/2008/11/gift-guide.html
-Suzanne
-Suzanne
Featured Etsy Shop: Sun2Create
Featured Etsy Shop: Sun2Create
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I had been on Etsy as a buyer for a couple of months but actually started stocking my store at the end of August, 2008.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
My favorite thing about Etsy is the sense of community. I have learned so much from other Etsy sellers. and I know that there is always a wealth of knowledge and experience available for me as a seller. This helps tremendously in giving new sellers the confidence to get started. There is also a lot of support and encouragement from Etsy members.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I love fabric of all kinds. I love color and texture and pattern. I spend a lot of time looking for unique fabrics that I think would make a great pillow or bag. Throw pillows can very quickly and easily change the look of a room. I like being able to find that special fabric that will really pop in someone's decor.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Typically, my favorite thing is whatever I made last. I always love whatever I am working on. But, if I had to choose, it is probably my Lipstick Safari Bag. It is oversized and has long, comfortable straps. I was recently in New Orleans for the weekend and could certainly have used a bag like this for the all-day walking and shopping we did. And, the true-red and oatmeal-colored animal print is just one of the most fun fabrics I have ever used! I will definitely be making another one of these bags for myself.
8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to the Design Style Guide Team, the Wild, Wise, Witty Grandmas Team, the Southeastern U.S. Team and Team Etsy Mississippi.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I have really started to enjoy my blog and I have made some blog friends, some Etsians, some non-Etsians. I like keeping up with their activities and lives through visiting their blogs. I do a weekly “Best Gifts on Etsy†feature on my blog and it is geared toward a different type of recipient each week. I also have been writing a monthly newsletter for those on my mailing list. I enjoy that as well.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
A jewelry seller named Maddyanne has a bracelet I love called Jolie Bracelet.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16916308
I really love the artwork of Karenfieldsgallery such as her painting called Take Your Time.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16481041
And Pickleberries makes some very pretty fused glass earrings like these called Delicate Nosegay
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13582018
11. What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I play with my four-year-old grandson, cook, read and garden. And of course, browse fabric sites on the web.
12. What blogs do you follow?
I follow TimothyAdamDesigns blog. http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/
And PamperingBeki http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to say that selling my handmade items on Etsy has been a completely positive experience. The community is friendly and supportive, the array of talent there is amazing and the buyers I have dealt with have been wonderful! I love being a part of it all!
1.What is your shop name and what do you sell? Sun2Create
I sell throw pillow covers, market totes/handbags and weekender laundry bags. I am expanding my line of market totes and adding some small accessories such as zip pouches. I also have some wine bottle bags available in my shop.
2. What is your shop URL?
http://sun2create.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://themarygoround.blogspot.com/
I sell throw pillow covers, market totes/handbags and weekender laundry bags. I am expanding my line of market totes and adding some small accessories such as zip pouches. I also have some wine bottle bags available in my shop.
2. What is your shop URL?
http://sun2create.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://themarygoround.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I had been on Etsy as a buyer for a couple of months but actually started stocking my store at the end of August, 2008.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
My favorite thing about Etsy is the sense of community. I have learned so much from other Etsy sellers. and I know that there is always a wealth of knowledge and experience available for me as a seller. This helps tremendously in giving new sellers the confidence to get started. There is also a lot of support and encouragement from Etsy members.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I love fabric of all kinds. I love color and texture and pattern. I spend a lot of time looking for unique fabrics that I think would make a great pillow or bag. Throw pillows can very quickly and easily change the look of a room. I like being able to find that special fabric that will really pop in someone's decor.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
Typically, my favorite thing is whatever I made last. I always love whatever I am working on. But, if I had to choose, it is probably my Lipstick Safari Bag. It is oversized and has long, comfortable straps. I was recently in New Orleans for the weekend and could certainly have used a bag like this for the all-day walking and shopping we did. And, the true-red and oatmeal-colored animal print is just one of the most fun fabrics I have ever used! I will definitely be making another one of these bags for myself.
8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to the Design Style Guide Team, the Wild, Wise, Witty Grandmas Team, the Southeastern U.S. Team and Team Etsy Mississippi.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
I have really started to enjoy my blog and I have made some blog friends, some Etsians, some non-Etsians. I like keeping up with their activities and lives through visiting their blogs. I do a weekly “Best Gifts on Etsy†feature on my blog and it is geared toward a different type of recipient each week. I also have been writing a monthly newsletter for those on my mailing list. I enjoy that as well.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
A jewelry seller named Maddyanne has a bracelet I love called Jolie Bracelet.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16916308
I really love the artwork of Karenfieldsgallery such as her painting called Take Your Time.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16481041
And Pickleberries makes some very pretty fused glass earrings like these called Delicate Nosegay
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13582018
11. What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I play with my four-year-old grandson, cook, read and garden. And of course, browse fabric sites on the web.
12. What blogs do you follow?
I follow TimothyAdamDesigns blog. http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/
And PamperingBeki http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to say that selling my handmade items on Etsy has been a completely positive experience. The community is friendly and supportive, the array of talent there is amazing and the buyers I have dealt with have been wonderful! I love being a part of it all!
Treasury Feature
I have been featured in the cutest little Treasury! Stop by and give her some props and clicks :)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Bliss Featured on TheMaryGoRound Blog!
I have been so fortunate and blessed this week! I have been featured on another wonderful blog. Please stop by and visit! http://themarygoround.blogspot.com/
-Suzanne
Featured Etsy Artist: Alphabet Hill
Featured Etsy Artist: Alphabet Hill
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop is called, The Alphabet Hill. We specialize in custom alphabet photo keepsakes. Photographs are taken of architecture, nature, and everyday life and resemble the letters of the alphabet.
2. What is your shop URL? http://www.thealphabethill.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://www.thealphabethill.blogspot.com/
3. What is your blog URL? http://www.thealphabethill.blogspot.com/4. When did you start selling on Etsy? I started selling on Etsy on Labor Day 2008. Pretty ironic, isn't it?
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing about Etsy are the forums. I have learned so much from talking with and bouncing ideas off of other sellers.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? The best part of what I sell is that it every piece of artwork is customized. I have never created the same piece twice and that makes it so meaningful for me.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite item in my shop is the custom black and white framed alphabet keepsake. I really like the way the framed pieces look the best and the black frame that I use is gorgeous.
8. What teams do you belong to? I have just recently applied to the Etsy Moms..and I am looking for a Michigan team that is a little closer to me in Metro Detroit.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? The best thing I do to promote my shop is to pass out business cards and sell at local craft shows. I love talking to my customers and recommending Etsy to people.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? A few of my favorites are...YUMMYBUBBLEGUM's necklaces, OKTAK'S handbags, and of course Suzanne's BLISS CANDLES, the three-layer jars are on my "want to buy" list.
11. What do you do in your spare time? In my "spare time", I am the mother to three boys, ages 8, 3, and 2. My "real" jobs are a first-grade teacher and volleyball coach.
12. What blogs do you follow? I am pretty new to the blogging world...I still am trying to figure out how to find people out there. Come find me and I will follow you! :)
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Thank you so much for reading! And thanks to Suzanne for featuring me, be sure and visit both of our shops. http://www.blisscandles.etsy.com/ and http://www.thealphabethill.etsy.com/.
Featured Etsy Shop: Michele's Essentials
Featured Etsy Shop: Michele's Essentials
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I actually started selling on Etsy back in April of 2007 in my other shop called 'Earth's Essence LLC' and most recently opened 'Michele's Essentials'
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The people, they are so nice here on Etsy, they are very helpful, kind and very easy to work with! I have truly loved my time here on Etsy so far, even the slow times are good times, I have made a lot of true friends on here who have helped to inspire me through the really tough times.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Meeting new people then hearing how much they like my product. It still sends chills down my spine when someone tells me they love my products. It give me such a boost and a good feeling deep down inside. It is truly my motivation to continue to create!
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I'd say it is my 'Balancing Toner' because I wanted to create something for my sensitive skin that was alcohol free. Most all toners contain large amounts of alcohol in them, and WHY? There is truly no need to use such a harsh chemical on your skin. Sometimes the more natural you are the better you are!
8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to:
Etsy's Military Brats Street Team
and
Pagans of Etsy Street Team
Both of which I am pretty active in on a daily basis, I have meet some very special people through my teams too.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Networking! I love to meet others, I like to meet other sellers because I really like to see what else people are creating, so far I have met so many people I don't even go and buy things at the local stores no more, why should I when I know I can purchase a high quality product directly from a wonderful person, rather than from a store where it's been mass produced.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
hmmm, This is a tough one, what others make is always blowing my mind! So far I think my favorite is not a single one thing but a whole, and that would be some of the sculptors the people who make the miniature items for the doll houses, those teeny tiny cakes, and pies and the likes, those people blow my mind.... I can sculpt but some of what these people are making is just insanely small!
11. What do you do in your spare time?
I read and study, to further my education, my dad once told me, 'the day you stop learning is the day you die!' well I like to continue to learn, and better myself and my product for my customers, I feel it is my duty to offer them the most current and up to date information about their skin care that I possibly can give them. I am currently studying for the next faze on my journey, to become a licensed Aesthetician, so someday I can open my own Spa!
12. What blogs do you follow?
Barefoot Mommies, I am currently working with them on some promo things, I am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate, and next month I will be offering a huge give away for a chance to receive one of everything from my shop!
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Uuummmmm, Only that I hope I have not bored you to death here and that if there is ever anything I can help any of you with, be it skin care a kind of soap you'd like specially made for you bath salts, you name it, please do not hesitate to stop in and ask! I am very convo friendly and I am always looking to challenge myself, my knowledge and my skills, on a daily basis!
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?
My shop name is:
Michele's Essentials
I make and sell, candles and bath products
2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.michelesessentials.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://www.michelesessentials.blogspot.com/
My shop name is:
Michele's Essentials
I make and sell, candles and bath products
2. What is your shop URL?
http://www.michelesessentials.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?
http://www.michelesessentials.blogspot.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?
I actually started selling on Etsy back in April of 2007 in my other shop called 'Earth's Essence LLC' and most recently opened 'Michele's Essentials'
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The people, they are so nice here on Etsy, they are very helpful, kind and very easy to work with! I have truly loved my time here on Etsy so far, even the slow times are good times, I have made a lot of true friends on here who have helped to inspire me through the really tough times.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Meeting new people then hearing how much they like my product. It still sends chills down my spine when someone tells me they love my products. It give me such a boost and a good feeling deep down inside. It is truly my motivation to continue to create!
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I'd say it is my 'Balancing Toner' because I wanted to create something for my sensitive skin that was alcohol free. Most all toners contain large amounts of alcohol in them, and WHY? There is truly no need to use such a harsh chemical on your skin. Sometimes the more natural you are the better you are!
8. What teams do you belong to?
I belong to:
Etsy's Military Brats Street Team
and
Pagans of Etsy Street Team
Both of which I am pretty active in on a daily basis, I have meet some very special people through my teams too.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Networking! I love to meet others, I like to meet other sellers because I really like to see what else people are creating, so far I have met so many people I don't even go and buy things at the local stores no more, why should I when I know I can purchase a high quality product directly from a wonderful person, rather than from a store where it's been mass produced.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
hmmm, This is a tough one, what others make is always blowing my mind! So far I think my favorite is not a single one thing but a whole, and that would be some of the sculptors the people who make the miniature items for the doll houses, those teeny tiny cakes, and pies and the likes, those people blow my mind.... I can sculpt but some of what these people are making is just insanely small!
11. What do you do in your spare time?
I read and study, to further my education, my dad once told me, 'the day you stop learning is the day you die!' well I like to continue to learn, and better myself and my product for my customers, I feel it is my duty to offer them the most current and up to date information about their skin care that I possibly can give them. I am currently studying for the next faze on my journey, to become a licensed Aesthetician, so someday I can open my own Spa!
12. What blogs do you follow?
Barefoot Mommies, I am currently working with them on some promo things, I am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate, and next month I will be offering a huge give away for a chance to receive one of everything from my shop!
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Uuummmmm, Only that I hope I have not bored you to death here and that if there is ever anything I can help any of you with, be it skin care a kind of soap you'd like specially made for you bath salts, you name it, please do not hesitate to stop in and ask! I am very convo friendly and I am always looking to challenge myself, my knowledge and my skills, on a daily basis!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Featured Etsy Shop: Baby Cakes
Featured Etsy Shop: Baby Cakes
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? The relist button..I love that button. Seriously tho, the customers and all of the wonderful people that I have met.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My customers. I love interacting with my customers and hearing what they like and want. If not for them I would not be here.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Thats a hard one to answer, but with the holidays coming up, I would have to say.I'm really digging the Gingerbread w/Orange Frosting. I love them all but right now that one is my class pet.
8. What teams do you belong to? Cafemom Street Team
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Twitter, I love that place, Its like a party every night. I have met some unbelievable and wonderful people there.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Candles, Oh my goodness at some of the candles and also bath and body products.
11. What do you do in your spare time? Spend time with and my kids and family. Looking at different new recipes to try, Reading..I love to read.
12. What blogs do you follow? I really havn't starting doing the blogging yet.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? The whole theme throughout this whole article has been my love and appreciation for my friends, family, customers and community. Without any one of these, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to do what I love nor would I be where I am at today.
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? The name of my shop is BabyCakes. Not just another Cupcake. Homemade Cupcakes.
2. What is your shop URL? http://babycakes1011.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? I do not have a blog at the moment
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? In October of this year.
2. What is your shop URL? http://babycakes1011.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL? I do not have a blog at the moment
4. When did you start selling on Etsy? In October of this year.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? The relist button..I love that button. Seriously tho, the customers and all of the wonderful people that I have met.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My customers. I love interacting with my customers and hearing what they like and want. If not for them I would not be here.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Thats a hard one to answer, but with the holidays coming up, I would have to say.I'm really digging the Gingerbread w/Orange Frosting. I love them all but right now that one is my class pet.
8. What teams do you belong to? Cafemom Street Team
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Twitter, I love that place, Its like a party every night. I have met some unbelievable and wonderful people there.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Candles, Oh my goodness at some of the candles and also bath and body products.
11. What do you do in your spare time? Spend time with and my kids and family. Looking at different new recipes to try, Reading..I love to read.
12. What blogs do you follow? I really havn't starting doing the blogging yet.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? The whole theme throughout this whole article has been my love and appreciation for my friends, family, customers and community. Without any one of these, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to do what I love nor would I be where I am at today.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Featured Etsy Artist: Thinking Mama
Featured Etsy Shop: Thinking Mama
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop is called Thinking Mama and I make things using recycled wool and cashmere sweaters. I make baby hats, coin purses, coffee cup sleeves and water bottle covers. I'm an ecologist by day so many of my items have designs that are inspired by nature.
2. What is your shop URL?http://www.thinkingmama.etsy.com/
3. What is your blog URL?http://www.thinkingmama.wordpress.com/
4. When did you start selling on Etsy?I started selling on etsy just after Christmas last year, so not quite a year.
5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?I love all the great things people sell! It's hard to keep the money that I make because there are so many amazing things I'd love to buy. I also love that it's a community and people are generally really nice and helpful. I don't feel all alone on etsy.
6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?I love taking sweaters that people don't want because they have little holes, or they're really outdated styles, and turning them into fresh, modern creations. I love that most of my things are one-of-a-kind, since my materials are limited, so I get to try new designs and fun color combinations a lot.
7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?Right now my favorite thing that I sell are my water bottle covers. They're for metal bottles like Siggs or Klean Kanteens and I mostly make them as custom orders. I love making designs that the customer will love and it feels good to make it easier for people to use eco-friendly water bottles. Now they have something warm and cozy to add style to their bottle!
8. What teams do you belong to?I belong to the EtsyMoms team and also to a local etsy co-op. It's the Portland Independent Artisans Cooperative, or PDX Indie for short. It a really supportive group and it's been great to connect with other artists in my city.
9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?I use my coffee sleeves! It's a good excuse to go out and get a cup of coffee.
10. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?Since I love science and nature, I really like the slighty nerdy kids things that Electricboogaloo makes. I also bought my daughter a handmade doll for her birthday from WeeFaerieFolk and she's the most beautiful doll!
11. What do you do in your spare time?Spare time? I feel like I don't have much of it! When I do I love to knit and go on walks outside, though not at the same time.
12. What blogs do you follow?I read a lot of knitting/crafting blogs. I love to see what other people in the crafty world are up to.
13. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Nope!
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