My precious Georgie meets her hammy brothers Bacchus and Bromius!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Spotlight on Jen's Tangled Threads
Today we meet Jen of Jen’s Tangled Threads. She makes all sorts of things from crocheting but she makes one thing that is so cool, you’ll be scrambling to her shop to get your own! But more on that later..
I give you:
(Doctor Who epicness!!!!!!)
I'm a single mom, with the sweetest son any mom could want. He's a dancer, which led me to my Flip-Furs.More on that later. I'm a paralegal by day, which can be very stressful.
After my divorce, I moved back home. I was always the type who couldn't just sit in front of the tv or at the movies. I have to be doing something with my hands. I learned how to cross-stitch, but I'm not enough of an artist to be able to make my own patterns.
I learned to crochet because of a book series. I'm one of the biggest geeks you will ever meet. I read this one series, The Wheel of Time. The women in this series have these elaborate shawls, vine and leaf and flower embroidered. I wanted one, but I didn't have the patience to learn to sew from my mom. So, I learned to crochet and within a few weeks I was making my first lace shawl.
After my divorce, I moved back home. I was always the type who couldn't just sit in front of the tv or at the movies. I have to be doing something with my hands. I learned how to cross-stitch, but I'm not enough of an artist to be able to make my own patterns.
I learned to crochet because of a book series. I'm one of the biggest geeks you will ever meet. I read this one series, The Wheel of Time. The women in this series have these elaborate shawls, vine and leaf and flower embroidered. I wanted one, but I didn't have the patience to learn to sew from my mom. So, I learned to crochet and within a few weeks I was making my first lace shawl.
(My boyfriend and I love that series! I love this shawl too!)
I opened my Etsy shop to sell these shawls, which was a bad idea. They are geared towards a very specific clientele, which wasn't going to help me sell them. So I left the shop for a long time. I kept crocheting, finding different things to make.
As I said before, my son is a dancer. He has been competing for 4 years, and will start his 5th year in the fall. We go to these competitions at different venues and I see these girls walking around these arenas and schools with little to nothing on their feet. They go into the bathrooms this way. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this just makes me ill. The girls my son dances with often have half-ballet shoes on (leaving the heels bare) or have full-footed tights, so thong flip-flops are out of the question. I thought about the sandals a lot of the baseball players or soccer players wear so they don't ruin their cleats. And the girls wouldn't wear them unless they were 'girlie"
I opened my Etsy shop to sell these shawls, which was a bad idea. They are geared towards a very specific clientele, which wasn't going to help me sell them. So I left the shop for a long time. I kept crocheting, finding different things to make.
As I said before, my son is a dancer. He has been competing for 4 years, and will start his 5th year in the fall. We go to these competitions at different venues and I see these girls walking around these arenas and schools with little to nothing on their feet. They go into the bathrooms this way. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this just makes me ill. The girls my son dances with often have half-ballet shoes on (leaving the heels bare) or have full-footed tights, so thong flip-flops are out of the question. I thought about the sandals a lot of the baseball players or soccer players wear so they don't ruin their cleats. And the girls wouldn't wear them unless they were 'girlie"
(I competed before my hip injury, I can atest to this. I wish I had had something cute to wear over my lyrical shoes, or foot thongs as we called them)
So, I created the Flip-Fur, which is the love child between a slipper and a flip-flop. They are an indoor shoe, but they are furry and fun. The Flip-Fur is completely customizable, from the colors, to the size to what gets put on the bottom. I use a super secret product (puffy paint) to make them non-slippery, because we can't have dancers having accidents with them on.
So, I created the Flip-Fur, which is the love child between a slipper and a flip-flop. They are an indoor shoe, but they are furry and fun. The Flip-Fur is completely customizable, from the colors, to the size to what gets put on the bottom. I use a super secret product (puffy paint) to make them non-slippery, because we can't have dancers having accidents with them on.
(Aren't these AWESOME!!!!!!)
What inspires my creative process? Need. I started making the Flip-Furs in the colors of my son's dance studio, then started making them in other colors. Whatever looks good. I will be working this fall on NFL team inspired Flip-Furs and Hockey, and Baseball. Any team, I can make a color palette for them.
My favorite thing I have made. I will have to wait until I get home to send you the image for this. I made a shawl for the book series that I have hanging in my apartment. Also, my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers, so I was rather proud to make a color scheme for them.
Advice for other Etsians? If you don't know how to do something, either ask someone how to do it, or pay someone to do it. I'm not a graphic designer by any means. I had an idea for my shop banner, and I paid someone to do it here on Etsy. I didn't know or understand how to do SEO and product descriptions that would bring me traffic, so I paid someone to do 5 product descriptions for me. I use those 5 in nearly every product I have. But, do your research. Look for those sellers who have the experience and who have positive feedback.
Etsy is changing. Sellers are frustrated because their products aren't being found. Find something you can make really well. Something unique. Yes, you can find a lot of crocheted and knitted and felted slippers out there. But mine have eyelash yarn, and you can have your name written on the bottom. They are inexpensive for a custom made product. If I can find the color you want, I will make your Flip-furs.
Don't sell yourself short just to get sales. Use good quality materials, and make sure you charge for your time. Your time is important. I will never be able to quit my day job and just make flip-furs. Not unless I charge $100 a pair and sell at least 2 pairs a day. But people aren't going to buy them for $100 a pair unless I use baby alpaca yarn (which is very expensive) and have gel insoles (which are also expensive). So I compromised, but I made sure my time is paid for. I'm happy with the price I have now. If I get very popular, I might raise the price again.
Have fun. If you aren't having fun crafting or making things, why are you doing it?
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Jen and her fabulous Flip-Furs! Want a pair of your own now, I thought you would! Here’s the link to her shop, go get them! =)
I want these so bad! But in purple and black, lol! =)
Friday, March 29, 2013
Spotlight on TEEsox by Teri
Today’s spotlight is on a very creative woman by the name of Teri. She’s new to Etsy but I know she will go far! Teri makes the cutest quirky animals from recycling, you guessed it, socks and tee shirts. Bunnies, cats, horses and mice, all with a funky, colorful spin!
There are really no words to describe her adorable creations so this will be a very short intro. Here are the TEEsox!
What did I tell you? Words can’t begin to describe the cuteness!
From the creator:
I just started my "TEEsox" business this year and am having so much fun with it. TEEsox are hand stitched animals made from all vintage and recycled materials. The bodies are made primarily from socks and t-shirts. The clothes are made from vintage, antique and up-cycled clothing. My best sellers are the super-heros! They are all one of a kind and made to be imperfect and whimsical--that is what gives them so much personality!
(The grey mouse is my favorite!!)
I was initially inspired by my daughter's friend, who made herself a primitive sock monkey. It looked so fun, I made my own version initially making them as gifts. With the encouragement of friends, it quickly blossomed into a small business. I am now selling them on Etsy, have had them in several shops and have participated in shows. My favorite thing to do is special orders. I have done client's favorite baseball players, super heroes with their initial on the front, or animals dressed in heirloom lace and linens.
I worked for many years as a Medical Social Worker, until both my daughters and I started getting symptomatic from what was eventually diagnosed as Lyme Disease. It has been a long battle these last 8 years, so this new business has been a blessing. I am doing something I love, from the comfort of my home, when I feel good enough to do it. Art is very therapeutic to me and doing something that others enjoy so much is an added benefit.
They are truly art for all ages!
Such an inspirational story, and precious animals anyone is sure to love! They would make great gifts, if you could bear to part with them after holding them and seeing their adorable faces!
Check out her shop, maybe order your own superhero!
The goth one makes me smile! And as a ballerina I really want the kitty! =)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Spotlight on Kim Gilbert
People who work with wood have always impressed me. Today we spotlight Kim Gilbert, a master (or mistress, rather) of the humorous wooden sign! Fun and funky colors, sweet sentiments and side-splitting satire, you will find all of these things in Kim’s shop.
I hope you will find this interview as fun and entertaining as I did!
Give us a short bio
I am an only child. Spoiled…yes, Rotten…not so much! When I was young I was always making things, creating and writing stories. I used to write little plays and perform them for the neighborhood kids. Then I grew up, got married and started a family. I took a painting class and the rest is history! It really is a passion and I love the whole process. I even enjoy going to the hardware store to get supplies!
I am an only child. Spoiled…yes, Rotten…not so much! When I was young I was always making things, creating and writing stories. I used to write little plays and perform them for the neighborhood kids. Then I grew up, got married and started a family. I took a painting class and the rest is history! It really is a passion and I love the whole process. I even enjoy going to the hardware store to get supplies!
(I hope you get this reference! I LOVE this book, my grandma used to read it to me.)
What inspired you to start your business?
I was taking a “painting class” with a friend. The class was really a social group where we would meet once a week and work on a project. After the project we would go out to lunch and maybe do a little shopping; it was an all day event. My friend and I got the idea of doing a local craft show and we had a great time. During the show a woman who owned a local gift/craft shop asked if I would like to consign my items in her shop. I put a few things in the store and was thrilled when they sold. So before long, I was in three shops and had a full time job!
What inspires your creative process?
Over the years I painted on everything imaginable. Wood, glass, candles, tile, palm fronds, and just about anything that was stationary I had to give a try. After all that experimentation, I focused in on signs, Holiday items and ornaments. When it comes to signs I am drawn to sayings and quotes that are funny. I guess I have a quirky sense of humor and I love to laugh. When I see or hear something that is funny I always think “hmm…I wonder if I could make that into a sign!” I also have a VERY supportive family that shares things they’ve seen and heard that might be sign potential.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was taking a “painting class” with a friend. The class was really a social group where we would meet once a week and work on a project. After the project we would go out to lunch and maybe do a little shopping; it was an all day event. My friend and I got the idea of doing a local craft show and we had a great time. During the show a woman who owned a local gift/craft shop asked if I would like to consign my items in her shop. I put a few things in the store and was thrilled when they sold. So before long, I was in three shops and had a full time job!
What inspires your creative process?
Over the years I painted on everything imaginable. Wood, glass, candles, tile, palm fronds, and just about anything that was stationary I had to give a try. After all that experimentation, I focused in on signs, Holiday items and ornaments. When it comes to signs I am drawn to sayings and quotes that are funny. I guess I have a quirky sense of humor and I love to laugh. When I see or hear something that is funny I always think “hmm…I wonder if I could make that into a sign!” I also have a VERY supportive family that shares things they’ve seen and heard that might be sign potential.
(I LOVE this one! One of my personal favorites!!)
Another and very important thing that gives me inspiration is positive feedback and sales. I am very motivated, but having people like and comment on something I have made is very rewarding. Even after 20 years, I still feel the same sense of joy when something sells as I did when I participated in my first craft show.
What is your favorite thing you’ve made and why?
This is an easy question to answer. For the simple reason that this heart shaped sign represents such a happy day for our family.
www.etsy.com/listing/103061488/hand-painted-wooden-personalized
What advice do you have for other people who want to start or grow their Etsy shop?
There are several important things. The first is your pictures which I don’t think can be emphasized enough. The expression “You only have one chance to make a first impression” is so true with your Etsy shop. Clear pictures taken in natural light is my goal and it is important that the background not compete with what you are trying to sell. The other thing to keep in mind is how your picture looks in a search. Sometimes the picture only shows part of the item so I recommend doing an Etsy search and looking at the pictures that come up on several pages. Take note to what items draw your attention. You want shoppers to like what they see from that first glimpse so that they want to click on your item.
Second, read what is being said in the forums, look at other shops and then jump in full steam! After I had my shop open for awhile I read that it was good to have a critique team member evaluate your shop, which I highly recommend. I was given such great suggestions on how to improve my shop, one of which was to improve on some of my pictures. It was great to have someone look things over and give me some insight.
So to sum it up, pictures, forums, critiques and last but not least- Enjoy!
What advice do you have for other people who want to start or grow their Etsy shop?
There are several important things. The first is your pictures which I don’t think can be emphasized enough. The expression “You only have one chance to make a first impression” is so true with your Etsy shop. Clear pictures taken in natural light is my goal and it is important that the background not compete with what you are trying to sell. The other thing to keep in mind is how your picture looks in a search. Sometimes the picture only shows part of the item so I recommend doing an Etsy search and looking at the pictures that come up on several pages. Take note to what items draw your attention. You want shoppers to like what they see from that first glimpse so that they want to click on your item.
Second, read what is being said in the forums, look at other shops and then jump in full steam! After I had my shop open for awhile I read that it was good to have a critique team member evaluate your shop, which I highly recommend. I was given such great suggestions on how to improve my shop, one of which was to improve on some of my pictures. It was great to have someone look things over and give me some insight.
So to sum it up, pictures, forums, critiques and last but not least- Enjoy!
Thanks so much Kim for sharing your story and your fabulous work with us! Go visit her shop to see more and get one of her fun signs for your very own!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Spotlight on Homespun Hoard
Todays spotlight is on a family of knitters and “hoarders” that have used their obsession with crafting to make people smile! When looking through their shop animals are everywhere; turtles, pigs, octopuses and mice! All handmade (along with some supplies here and there).
Without further ado, I give you The Homespun Hoard:
I LOVE the dunce Octopus so much I couldn’t resist so I bought him!!! He looks so sad you just wanna cuddle him!!
Jenn was kind enough to share with me the story of how H.H. came to be:
Give us a short bio:
Well, my shop consists of my mom, my sister, and I.. Our products are what we make up after a bit of back and forth harassment/motivation. We are just the kind of family that would go to craft fairs and artisan booths and be like "we can make that.." Often we'd have our own ideas on how to improve things. My mom has a part time job, I have a full time one, and my sister is disabled... so coordinating 'craft time' gets difficult sometimes; usually items are co-created, with my mom or sister making the parts of an Item, and me cobbling them together.
The very start of it all was my mother's desire to 'save' old vintage patterns and supplies. The collection grew over the years... to sheer massive-ness, and I figured we might as well use them. Since I'm a thrift store and estate picker for fun, I started looking for craft supplies and the rest is history.
Well, my shop consists of my mom, my sister, and I.. Our products are what we make up after a bit of back and forth harassment/motivation. We are just the kind of family that would go to craft fairs and artisan booths and be like "we can make that.." Often we'd have our own ideas on how to improve things. My mom has a part time job, I have a full time one, and my sister is disabled... so coordinating 'craft time' gets difficult sometimes; usually items are co-created, with my mom or sister making the parts of an Item, and me cobbling them together.
The very start of it all was my mother's desire to 'save' old vintage patterns and supplies. The collection grew over the years... to sheer massive-ness, and I figured we might as well use them. Since I'm a thrift store and estate picker for fun, I started looking for craft supplies and the rest is history.
What inspired you to start your business?
There just comes a time when your pile of Crafted items and Art becomes so massive that you sit back and stare at it and think... "Wow, I could TOTALLY have my own shop!" The gears started turning, so I started researching. (Another of my pastimes) I checked out the many auction, and sale sites, comparing them side by side for ease of use and fees (FEES are always important to consider) and decided on Etsy. I was already shopping here and getting inspired so it seemed the perfect fit. Then picture taking started, figuring out SEO's and other oddness of the online retail environment... Then launch :)
What inspires your creative process?
Pretty much everything... I know that's a little cliche', but it's still true. The top inspirations are vintage craft books and Etsy itself. Crafting from the 30's-50's was all about reusing things and making do with what you already had. PERFECT for today's eco-friendly mentality! There is literally TONS of cute ideas and projects that you can't find anywhere, long since forgotten and waiting to be picked up again by adventurous readers. Inspiration from Etsy is really more of finding out what people are looking for and interested in. As I've previously stated, people are very much into the re-use it revolution, and I honestly wouldn't have known how much so without being able to browse around Etsy.
What is your favorite thing you’ve made and why?
Well, because there is more than one person crafting I'll give you more than one answer: I'll start with my mom. The item (or Items) she's most proud of are our line of ODD Pets. Mainly because they were are first made stuffed toys, and my mom had her doubts about them. I had to cheerlead for her to make them, buy all the vintage patterns and NAG until I turned blue in the face. My mom is the Crochet lady of our team, so to get those more complicated items done I need my mommy! :) She does all of the base parts, and I put them together and do the faces and eyes... giving them personality. When our first one sold 'DOOF', my mom sent me the happiest text message. (Oh ye of little faith.<3)
(DOOF himself! =D)
I'm personally most proud of my FUZZ HEADS, with a special spot in my heart for my first completed, Shy Blue baby one. I just kept seeing fur scraps for sale, and I WANTED to do something with them. My first thought was to make bags/purses with them, but when my first bag of scraps came in I just stared at it and started envisioning toys. Then I went to my local GoodWill and found BAGS of potato head parts for sale... :) and the idea took off. My pride comes from the fact that NO ONE understood what I was doing when I first started hand sewing and attaching things (Figuring out how to attach parts was an adventure).. Then when they are finished and sewn up they look like big fuzzy messes. I have to brush them strategically and trim excess hair to give them 'personality'. After all the trial and error and work, getting an adorable outcome made my week.
I'm personally most proud of my FUZZ HEADS, with a special spot in my heart for my first completed, Shy Blue baby one. I just kept seeing fur scraps for sale, and I WANTED to do something with them. My first thought was to make bags/purses with them, but when my first bag of scraps came in I just stared at it and started envisioning toys. Then I went to my local GoodWill and found BAGS of potato head parts for sale... :) and the idea took off. My pride comes from the fact that NO ONE understood what I was doing when I first started hand sewing and attaching things (Figuring out how to attach parts was an adventure).. Then when they are finished and sewn up they look like big fuzzy messes. I have to brush them strategically and trim excess hair to give them 'personality'. After all the trial and error and work, getting an adorable outcome made my week.
(Inventive and adorable!!!! One of a kind toys, you’re sure to treasure!)
What advice do you have for other people who want to start or grow their Etsy shop?
Patience.. Patience.. Patience. Like all things worthwhile, it takes work. Unless you've magically stumbled on the 'IT' product of the century things will be slow at first. You'll have to spend money to make it, and promote the heck out of yourself.
Join teams and be ACTIVE... Having other people around the world view and fav your items exposes you to their circles, and so on. It's a ripple in the pond, but it works! (Go teams! I love you!) Also, consider BNR and BNS (Buy and replace and buy and stay) participation. Don't go so crazy you spend more than you make, but it's another great way to get yourself out there to the Etsy masses.
Editors tip: Also, I find that unless you see something you absolutely HAVE to have, if you buy supplies to get into a BNR/S then you come out on top in the end.
Thank you so much Jenn for sharing with us! I think a lot of us Etsians can relate to your story. Many of us are just old crafters whose creation have amassed to the point where we don’t have a storage space big enough to hold them all, lol! And several of us, myself included, are unable to work a “normal” job and Etsy helps pay the bills that don’t care that you are stuck in bed, lol!
Please visit The Homespun Hoard and browse their adorable and unique pieces!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Spotlight on... The Tiny Fig
Todays featured artist makes jewelry, journals and tee-shirts that will make you smile, giggle and are sure to brighten your day! Cute, funny, colorful and inspired are just a few words to describe the work of Connie from The Tiny Fig.
Lions and monsters and toast, oh my! =D
The rainy cloud necklace is my favorite! Made from hand-crafted clay sealed in resin.
Lets hear from the brilliant designer herself:
Give us a short bio:
My name is Connie, I'm a self taught designer from Vancouver, BC. I sell online and do craft shows full time. Aside from that, I enjoy cooking and baking and all things cute. I love my gadgets. You'll usually find me attached to my phone, ipad or laptop. When I'm not illustrating or making products, I spend most of my days working on prototypes for my new collection called Sweet Figments.
What inspired you to start your business?
It started off as a hobby and just grew into something I loved to do so I stuck with it.
My name is Connie, I'm a self taught designer from Vancouver, BC. I sell online and do craft shows full time. Aside from that, I enjoy cooking and baking and all things cute. I love my gadgets. You'll usually find me attached to my phone, ipad or laptop. When I'm not illustrating or making products, I spend most of my days working on prototypes for my new collection called Sweet Figments.
What inspired you to start your business?
It started off as a hobby and just grew into something I loved to do so I stuck with it.
What inspires your creative process?
I live in a beautiful city with delicious food and wonderful things to do. Just the process of living life every day and people I meet inspires me.
What is your favorite thing you’ve made and why?
I'm not sure I could pick one favorite thing haha. I do love the response I get from these earrings though www.etsy.com/listing/62537707/french-toast-earrings-sterling-silver people just can't seem to get enough of them.
They giggle and laugh and crack up when they see them. It puts a huge smile on my face.
(It’s “french” toast! Get it, lol! Makes me happy!)
What advice do you have for other people who want to start or grow their Etsy shop?
There's no such thing as perfect. Keep working.
What advice do you have for other people who want to start or grow their Etsy shop?
There's no such thing as perfect. Keep working.
Thank you so much Connie for agreeing to share with us. I encourage all of you to visit The Tiny Fig on Etsy and I dare you not to find something to make your day or the day of a friend! Her products would make a fantastic gift for anyone young at heart!
Thanks for visiting my blog! Please visit all of these fabulous artisans and support people who desire to live their dreams!
New Year! I'm Back!
Hello followers! I know, it's been a while. Health and family stuff has been taking precedent.
My sister got married!! I thought I'd share the picture of the wedding party!!
Was a beautiful wedding, great weekend!! I made the jewelry, very proud of how it all turned out!
So I'm back! I've got several spotlights to do, many beautiful shops to share, so lets get to it!! =D
My sister got married!! I thought I'd share the picture of the wedding party!!
Was a beautiful wedding, great weekend!! I made the jewelry, very proud of how it all turned out!
So I'm back! I've got several spotlights to do, many beautiful shops to share, so lets get to it!! =D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)