Featured This Week

I'm currently featured in two spots on the web this week--featured sponsor at The Very Best Housewife blog:
http://verybesthousewife.blogspot.com/2010/07/crafty-gal-free-shipping.html

and again on the CutCardstock blog:
www.cutcardstock.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Friday's Featured Etsy Artist--SocialButterflies!

This week's Friday's Featured Etsy Artist is another Spotted Box team member--Social Butterflies! My daughter has one of her clips and loves it. I love it because it actually stays in her fine hair and looks cute in the process. Want to try some of these clips for your own hair or your child's hair? She's currently running a sale--buy 4 items and get 1 free!! AND.....she's offering a giveaway for my blog readers! More details on the giveaway coming soon!

What is your shop name and URL?
Social Butterflies http://www.socialbutterflies.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
I’m a former swimwear designer turned footwear marketing executive and mom to a two year old little girl. I have an obsession with accessories and all things sparkly and colorful.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
Gorgeous silk flower hair clips, unique scrabble pendants, and sweet hair clips for infants and toddlers. I will soon be adding feather headbands and a collection of wish necklaces.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
The Spotted Box

-What inspires your creations?
Everything around me. If I find a cool button or piece of ribbon, I immediately think of a dozen things to make with them.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I’m 100% self taught. I’ve always been a crafty person, so my creative mind is always running. I can spend hours in a craft store. My husband likes to refer to them as the Bermuda Triangle, because he never knows when I will return from my weekly trips there. LOL

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
Most definitely my magnolia hair clip.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=15827873
I made them for my bridesmaids to wear and guests were wanting to place orders for them at my wedding... from that day Social Butterflies was born.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Dedicated, Fashionable and Silly :)

-What do you like about Etsy?
It is a fabulous community of so many wonderfully talented people. I can spend hours every day looking at shops.

-What makes your shop unique?
My goal is offer chic & playful accessories at an affordable price.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
Love what you do and it is reflected in your final product!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
N/A

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Alphabulous!

Here's another Spotted Box and EtsyMom team member featured this week. Her work is so cute and perfect to wear for playgroup, etc. , and her name canvas art would look great in the playroom or nursery. I love the fact that she wants her shop to look like a "bowl of jelly beans," and she has work in a local shop here in Columbus! Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?
http://www.alphabulous.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
My two most favorite things to do are to be with my fun family and get inspired to create more fun things!

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell hand made patches, appliques, games, and gifts. I want it to be unique so I am always looking for new ideas.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
FAM team, Team EtsyBaby, Team Etsykids, Team EtsyMoms, The Spotted Box

-What inspires your creations?
my kids and the things around them

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I am self taught in my patch and applique creations. I am willing to create anything my customer wants (within reason). I have found more freedom in saying "I'll give it a try" and then be pleased with the outcome.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
I would have to say my "name canvas". There so many ways to make this your own. I have worked with Moms who have made these into memory boards after their kids have grown. I love to add personal details and different fabrics. Once they're done, they are your very own "one of a kind".-

Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
One example is "Monkey See"http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17047263-

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Open, humorous, friendly

-What do you like about Etsy?
I love it all. I think Etsy is the best thing out there. It makes your dream of having a shop come true and they provide great tools for success.

-What makes your shop unique?
I wanted my shop to resemble a bowl of jelly beans. Bright, sweet, inviting and you just can't stop at one.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
Just have fun. Join teams, reach out to other shops. Make friends. It's a wonderful community of artisans.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)? http://www.thedizzydaisy.com/

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller and Team Member--Goose Hill Designs!

I met this seller through Twitter, and she's now a Spotted Box member (and on the EtsyMoms team, too)! She has amazing party favors for children and for baby showers or new parents. She's getting ready to celebrate her one year Etsy-versary on April 1st and is offering all of my blog readers a 10% discount on their orders in her shop for the entire month of April! Use the code "tscrapper" in the notes to seller when purchasing. Happy browsing and shopping!

-What is your shop name and URL?

Goose Hill Designs, http://www.goosehilldesigns.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

My husband and I were married in 2001 after dating for just over two months. We then moved four times in three years before he left the Navy. Now we are in my home state of NY where I am a stay at home Mom to our 3.5 yr old son Noah. Fortunately my husband is supportive of my addiction to all things crafty and has even given up his half of our home office so that I could expand my studio.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Right now I sell primarily molded crayons. I have many different shapes and sets available; and specialize in creating custom favors for birthday parties and holidays. I also create scrabble tile pendants, and baby washcloth gift sets. I have several new products in the works and I really look forward to adding many of those items as time allows.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

EtsyMom & The Spotted Box

-What inspires your creations?

My inspiration has always come from my family. Everything I make is the product of a need or desire of myself or my son. Having a vision of something and being able to create it for yourself is extremely satisfying!

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I have always been a creative person but never really put any time into a craft. In March 2008 I ordered a shopping cart cover on ebay. When it arrived I was so dissappointed by the quality. Suddenly I had a light bulb moment and I knew I could do better. Within a matter of days I purchased my first sewing machine and Goose Hill Designs was born! I literally watched the DVD it came with which taught me how to thread my machine and sew a few basic stitches. I sold my first cart cover on Ebay one week later. Nine months and 105 cart covers after that I retired to pursue a few new crafts. Everything I do is self-taught. If I see something that I would like to use, or that I would like to buy for my son I know it will be worthwhile to create. Having the freedom to create whatever you want is not always a good thing though. These days I walk into the craft store and I think "Oh I could make that!" and " I can make that!". Sometimes it's tough to remember what I went in for!

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I love my alphabet crayon set.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

It is such a fun, unique gift for kids and I think it sets me apart from other shops. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21768002

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Driven, Creative, Devoted

-What do you like about Etsy?

I love the community. Between the forums, the treasuries and the teams, Etsy does a great job of getting everyone to interact with eachother. I also love the support. Setting up your shop and maintaining everything is very user-friendly!

-What makes your shop unique?

I have really tried to create a pleasant visual experience in my shop. I work hard creating crisp pictures and detailed decriptions. I think when you put a lot of time and energy into something it will show.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

The best advice I can give to anyone is to stay fresh and get yourself out there! Continually adding new items to your shop will challenge your creativity and keep you excited. Get on the forums, network whenever you can. If you love your shop and love what you are doing your customers can't help but be attracted to you. Also if you want to be more creative just start refering to your workspace as your "studio". It works! :o)

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

Visit my website http://www.goosehilldesigns.com/. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all the latest updates!

Friday's Featured Seller--Jewelry by Desiree!

I can't believe that it's Friday already, but I have another featured team member from The Spotted Box team! Meet Desiree of Jewelry by Desiree. It was so nice to get to know someone with successful shops on other selling venues--Artfire and Shop Handmade!

What is your shop name and URL?

My shop name is Jewelry by Desiree. I actually have 2 shops the first on Artfire http://jewelrybydesiree.artfire.com/ and the other is on Shop Handmade http://jewelrybydesiree.shophandmade.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

Lets see, well my full time job is as an architect with a multi-national architecture firm headquartered in Atlanta. I've been living in Georgia since 2005. We relocated down here from New Jersey where both my husband and I grew up. Besides jewelry design one of my passions is soccer. I played for 10 years before a knee injury convinced me that I'd be better off watching instead of playing. I have coached for a local soccer club in my county for the past three years.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I don't have an Etsy shop but I'll tell you what's in my Artfire studio. I design, make and sell jewelry and wine charms. I'm hoping to expand into keychains and cell phone laynards sometime in the near future.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

Again no Etsy but I belong to Artfire Guilds. I am the Guild Master of Georgia Artisans. I am also a member of Blogfire, We Love Artfire, Artfire Jewelry Design & Jewelry Supply and Artisan Jeweler Guild.

-What inspires your creations?

Anything and everything. Maybe it's a cool bead, color combination, painting, drawing or anything else.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I am completely self-taught. I have learned by scowering the internet for various tutorials of I've come up with my own way of doing something. I have written a few tutorials on my blog as well as http://byhand.me/ and ArtDaily on Artfire. I always keep a notebook on me in case inspiration strikes. The last time it did I was in a project team meeting at my day job.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

My favorite item in my shop is my Painter's Canvas Set. It's a bracelet and pair of earrings. You can see it here: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=72954

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

When I found these beads I wasn't even looking for them. I was on my way out of the isle at the store and had to wait for someone to pass before I could make my way out of the isle and there they were. The beads emind me of the painter Jackson Pollack's works.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

compasionate, outgoing, creative

-What do you like about Etsy?

I don't but I love Artfire's admin. They are always on twitter or in the forums to help you out whenever you need it. I'm not quite sure when they sleep!

-What makes your shop unique?

Jewelry is by and far the largest category of handmade selling venue. Each artisan that creates jewelry is unique and all of their creations are in turn unique. This is due to the fact that no two of us are the same or have the same personalities or styles.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

For the sellers out there the best advice that I can give is to ask lots of questions and to promote like crazy. All of the Artisans on Artfire are a great bunch. You need only to post a question on the forums and there's always someone that is willing to try to help you out. For buyers my best advice is to read the seller's policies before making a purchase.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

My blog http://jewelrybydesiree.blogspot.com/ My flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/JewelrybyDesiree My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=54904712 My MySpace http://www.myspace.com/rerun42 Twitter http://www.twitter.com/JewelrybyDesire and Indie Public http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/JewelrybyDesiree

Friday's Featured Seller--Fairycakes and Pixiebows!

I'm so excited to feature another team member from The Spotted Box! Meet Pamela of Fairycakes and Pixiebows. She makes everything from basic hair bows to korker bows to faux cakes and cookies. It's an adorable shop on hyena cart! Please be sure to check it out.

-What is your shop name and URL?
Fairycakes and Pixiebows www.hyenacart.com/fairycakesandpixiebows

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
I am a work at home, homeschooling mom of 2 and love all kinds of crafts

-What do you sell in your Hyena cart shop?
Currently I am selling Faux Pastries and Boutique Hairbows I will be adding crotchet item, tote bags, clothing and tutu sets (tutu bows, magic wand, tutu skirt) soon

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
None

-What inspires your creations?
My children

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I learned to do what I do by searching on the internet for new and unusual items to create and that's where I start. I love making hairbows to match all of my daughters outfits and that is where I get most of my ideas. The seasons as well usually inspire my creations.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
My favorite item right now is my standard sized faux cupcakes

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
They are my favorite because they look so completely real

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Crafty, Nurturing, Whimsical

-What do you like about Hyena cart?
I love getting together with fellow crafters

-What makes your shop unique?
I think my products make my shop unique

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Hyena Cart?
It is the place to go for handmade WAHM items. I always shop here first

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
www.hyenacart.com/fairycakesandpixiebows
www.hyenacart.com/theenchantedglen
http://www.thespottedbox.com/

Friday's Featured Seller--Glorybeherbals!!

I'm so happy to feature another team member from The Spotted Box team! Glorybeherbals is another Etsy seller that features amazing herbal items in her shop including zit killer, soy aroma candles, cold cream, and more. Always wanted to learn more about making your own herbal products for your home? She even has "how-to" kits where you can learn about herbs and oils and introduction to aromatherapy kits! How cool is that? She also offers one-on-one phone and email consultations to solve all of your herbal and aromatherapy questions and concerns.

-What is your shop name and URL?
My shop name is Glory Be Herbals and I have shops on etsy and hyena cart
http://www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com/
www.hyenacart.com/glorybeherbals

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
I am a Postal Worker with a husband, teenage daughter, and a poodle. I grow as many of my own herbs as possible and hope to someday have lots of land to raise more. I also love to crochet and knit but herbs and aromatherapy are my first love. I teach classes for my job and I love it so I would love teach herbal and aromatherapy classes. I also blend my own perfumes.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell herbal and aromatherapy products. I love working with customers on custom orders.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
I belong to 2 street teams-The Spotted Box and the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team (B.E.S.T)

-What inspires your creations?
I'm never sure where inspiration comes from. I think it cooks in the back of my brain. A particular herb or oil will grab my attention and I'll play with it until I have a new creation. I am always trying to find new ways to incorporate herbs and essential oils into daily life. I hate the thought of having harmful chemicals everywhere and the herbs and oils are much more pleasant.
-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
This is not an easy question. I guess a good example would be last summer when I harvested my German Chamomile flowers and made an infused oil with them. When the oil was finished I decided to make a cold cream with it. It came out so nice that I put it up for sale. So far it has been my best seller. I usually just think about what I want my finished product to do and use herbs and essential oils that will have a synergistic effect. Sometimes I create a masterpiece the first try, sometimes I have to tweak it for weeks, sometimes I have to abandon a project completely.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
I just listed an aromatherapy training program. I also love my hypericum cream and sleep balm.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21240702
It has samples of 13 essential oils, salve bases, carrier oils, clays, salts, and lots of empty containers. I wanted to have a complete program where you can learn about the oils and use them immediately. When I started learning I had mail order most of my oils a little at a time.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, Hard working and loving in all that I do, I hope.

-What do you like about Etsy?
I like etsy because it really is easy and economical to get started. I also love the fact that you can see how often each item is being viewed.

-What makes your shop unique?
There are lots of similar shops that do what I do. But I think my personal style shows in my offerings. Plus I will NOT use fragrance oils. I think I am one of the few who don't.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
For anyone buying on etsy..I would say don't be afraid to ask questions. Anyone who is willing to take your money should not be afraid to explain their products. For sellers, it has been my experience that most people are shopping near a major holiday and on weekends. I try to list new products on Thursdays or Fridays so they will get more attention right away. Also, the spotted box has gotten me much more exposure and I have at least one customer who found me that way. And she has ordered from me twice already.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
http://www.glorybeherbals.blogspot.com/
I blog about my spotted boxes and other projects.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER BLOG FOR A GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK, TOO!!!

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller (and a Giveaway!) --MonkeyTreeCreations!!

I've decided to change up my Friday's Featured Sellers segment a bit and interview some of my teammates for awhile. I'd love to get to know them better, as well as other selling venues besides just Etsy. This first new interview comes from The Spotted Box team member, MonkeyTreeCreations. She has some amazing herbal products in her shop that were developed to help her own family, and she has generously offered a Stress Balm giveaway for one lucky reader! More details after the interview...

-What is your shop name and URL?

My shop name is MonkeyTree Creations

The URL is http://www.monkeytreecreations.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

I am a working mama with an amazing husband, two silly puppies and a sweet little boy. I’ve been crafting since I can remember, and am passionate about anything crafty.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Mostly herbal items, but occasionally, I’ll list a baby or bride related project that I really liked, or a set of greeting cards.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

I am a member of the Spotted Box street team.

-What inspires your creations?

My family inspires my creations. Everything in my shop was blended based on a need my family had. My skin care tea bath was blended because the little guy had a horrible chin rash from teething drool and my stress balm was blended to help me transition back to work.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I credit my mom with my love of all things crafty, as she always had something hands on for us to do. I’ve been paper and fabric crafting since I was very small. I have been interested in herbs for a very long time, and began learning in a direct way, early in my pregnancy. I am finding that the more I learn, the more I want to know and am hoping to do a full herbal apprenticeship this spring and summer!

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

My favorite current item is the stress balm.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

When I went back to work, I was pretty anxious and really stressed. One of my friends recommended wearing some St. John’s Wort infused oil, which I did for a few days. I found that it really helped to calm me down, but it smelled awful! So I headed off to the kitchen and blended up the mixture that is currently available. I love it! I wear it to work instead of perfume every day. A few of my co-workers have started wearing it too!

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Passionate, crafty, busy

-What do you like about Etsy?

I am hooked on treasuries right now~ I think it’s a great way to find sellers that I wouldn’t have found on my own.

-What makes your shop unique?

The passion I have for my craft is really reflected in what I make. I exclusively use high quality ingredients and supplies and certified organic herbs. I feel that this yields a better product that you can feel good about using on yourself or your baby.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Don’t be shy about reaching out and “talking” to people by convo or by using the custom or alchemy feature.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

I have a craft blog that I try to update weekly. I’m planning to do some giveaways in the month of April, so please drop by! http://www.monkeytreecreations.blogspot.com/

Now more about the giveaway:

1. Giveaway will be open for comments for one week and will close at 12am on Friday, March 6th. Winner will be drawn by random number generator on the morning of Friday, March 6th.

2.You can earn 1 entry in the giveaway by visiting http://www.monkeytreecreations.etsy.com/ then coming back here and telling us your favorite item in the shop.

3. You can earn additional entries by: following my blog; posting/ linking back to my blog through Twitter, your own blog, or another social networking site (please post the link to the post in your comments); or ordering from monkeytreecreations. Please post a new comment for each new entry you qualify for.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED TO ENTRIES. CONGRATS KAT C!

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--South Paw Studios!!

This week's featured Etsy seller is another Ohioan--yay! that just happens to make beautiful jewelry and even has a wholesale bridal jewelry line that sells nationally. Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?
South Paw Studios
http://www.southpawstudios.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
We are a military family. My husband was active duty Army for 6 years, and now he is a full time member of the Air National Guard.
My father has been a glass blower for the past 29 years.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell unique and chic, jewelry designed and handmade by me.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
None at the moment, but I have a petition pending for membership in JET (Jewelry Etsy’s Team)

-What inspires your creations?
I get inspiration from everything from a shower curtain, to sunsets. I know that sounds cliché, but really there are great color combinations in sunsets.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

Early on, I dabbled in almost every medium from ceramics, batiking, silk dying, watercolor, and sewing to photography, but it was in jewelry design that I found a good niche. When my father, a glass blower, gave me a book on jewelry design, I delved further into the art. I have been active in the jewelry trade for ten years. My collections have grown to include custom bridal jewelry, a wholesale line that I sell nationally, and numerous one-of-a-kind pieces. I am continuously evolving and staying up to date on the fashion trends and new ideas in the industry. I am the sole artist behind South Paw Studios- there are no production lines or kits used in my work. I use only the finest materials such as Swarovski Austrian Crystals, imported Venetian glass, precious gems from India, cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls from Hong Kong and sterling silver.
My process is very free; I don’t really sit down with something specific in mind. I just look at my bags of beads and baubles and go from there. It depends on my mood and time. If I have the time, I love making an elaborate one of a kind creation, but other days, I focus on production or marketing.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
My one-of-a-kind Chalcedony Orange faceted Necklace is my favorite at the moment.
Description:
This necklace feature chunky, "onion cut" faceted chalcedony orange drops drape the center of this necklace, accented by fuchsia pink tourmaline 3mm faceted rondelles. Measures 16 inches with an adjustable clasp up to 18 inches. Bright piece, eye catching. This piece is a one of a kind. Great for the summer.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20328981
retail $59.95

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
This piece is my favorite because I love using the more exciting, not so safe colors and shapes. I know this piece is not for everyone. I simply love the chunkiness of it. It has some weight to it, which I personally love. For the summer it matches a lot of the colors that I wear. I have received so many compliments for this necklace, yet it remains unsold. No one to take it home. But again, maybe it is just the universe telling me that it is really mine.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Blessed, collected, a thinker (I am an Aquarius, I can’t help myself)

-What do you like about Etsy?
I love their LOW fees, and that people really DO buy on there. They keep things fun and unexpected for buyers and seller alike. Unlike other sites that just get too stuffy with fees on top of fees, Etsy’s seems to know what they are doing, yet march to their own drum. They think outside the box, offering different ways to search for things, instead of just keywords searches. I believe that keeps things fun and more interactive for the customers. And the treasuries, to me, are sort of a competition. I love them. It really is a fight to get to create one.

-What makes your shop unique?
I feel that I offer functional jewelry that you can wear everyday with jeans and a simple white t-shirt, yet you can wear it to a formal function if preferred. I don’t want my customer to seem pressed on the thought of “I love this necklace, but where am I going to wear it?” I want them to be more, “I love this necklace, and I can wear it with anything”. I want there to be “No Fuss”. Jewelry shouldn’t be complicated, it should be enjoyable. That is why I feel I create jewelry that is much more appealing and affordable to a wider range of woman, from the younger jewelry lover to the seasoned shopper.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
My advice is to have good photography. I invested in a great Nikon SLR camera, and it has been worth every penny. I have been in the jewelry business 10 years and counting, and this camera is one of the best business decisions and money well spent, ever.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
http://www.southpawstudios.etsy.com/
http://www.southpawonline.com/

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Inkpony!

Love, love, love this shop! I'm gradually making the switch to making my own household more organic, and while I started with cleaning supplies, disposable items, etc., I'm starting on clothing now when possible. In their own words, Inkpony "creates stylish, organic goods 'for you and your babe.' " Their shop is pretty amazing (and very affordable for organic wear!), and I love how much I learned about these fellow Moms and sellers through this interview. Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?

inkpony. We are the ponies of ink. Happy ponies, of ink.

URL: http://www.inkpony.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

Erica: I love to travel…have been to 10 (maybe more?) different countries, and have lived all over the us of a. I love yoga…it is my life…it helps me live, breathe, be. I have way cool parents. I hate scary movies…nightmares.

Juliana: That one's a bit hard to narrow down...tsss. Each of us have our own interests + quirks. we're both mothers (Erica's baby girl, Ajna, will be one at the end of this month and Juliana's baby boy, Alasdair, is creeping up on 19 months and she's due with a little lady in April), which always makes life much more interesting. In addition to fueling inkpony, Erica devotes her time to yoga and the djembe. Juliana devotes most of her time to tony chachere's cajun spice. yum.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Juliana: We sell "conscious art for you and your babe," which breaks down to: stylish screenprinted stuff. organic onesies + tshirts, yoga mat bags, tote bags, snuggly rag quilt blankets, changing pads... Have an idea? We'll give it a shot.

Erica: Conscious, wearable art for you and your babe.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

We belong to the naturalkids team. It rocks--all natural, baby.

-What inspires your creations?

Juliana: Our babes, mainly. We were inspired to create stylish duds that were as good for the environment as they were for our own babies. a desire to find more 'urban' kids clothing fused with organic goodness led us to screenprinting + creating our own. Now we love the process, and particularly love getting that goodness out there.

Erica: life, people, situations, suggestions, each other, the heat of the moment

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

Erica: Internet, asking questions, forums (Ju is good at that one), other people, trial and error, fly by the seat of my pants.

Juliana: We learned to "do what we do" through tutorials and imagination. The process of screenprinting is actually quite involved and time consuming. throughout different layers of the process, we had to adapt and learn different things. As you do in any creative process, I suppose. To produce a screen, which produces a print, you first have to create/sit through all of the following: a design, sizing, transfer, frame, screen, emulsion, dry, burn, rinse...it's a beautiful process that has led us to patience and more and more creativity.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

Erica: I have to choose 1! hmmm… yoga bag (active listing) and gray onesie w/ red camera print (sold). That’s 2…I know.

Juliana: Tough call. really. I have a boy and I'm pregnant with a little girl. right now, I'm digging the organic red dandelion onesie. That pops to mind without even viewing the site. I also really love anything seahorse...

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

Erica: I worked really hard on the bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19455279 and that was one of my favorite onesies ever…since I HAD to choose http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11867642

Juliana: It's simple and subtle. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18569824 -

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Juliana: eager, imaginative and easy-going

Erica: strong, innovative, fun-loving

-What do you like about Etsy?

Erica: The community…that everything is handmade…you can get to know the people you buy from.

Juliana: Coming across all the amazing handmade goods + super stylish sellers.

-What makes your shop unique?

Juliana: We're organic. We have color. And we have killer prints. That's unique to the world of babies.

Erica: Hmmmm…again…tough for me to narrow it down…our onesie color selection and screenprint design selection are pretty out of this world…haven’t seen anything like it yet.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Erica: Make your presence known.

Juliana: Sellers: it can take some time to get going. We're still slow-going. Participate in forums and get your name out there using applications like twitter, facebook, etc. (all the silly things). Buyers: keep buying!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?Juliana: We have a (super-duper novice) website. It's basic, but it's us... for now. http://www.inkpony.com/. We have posted a cool movie, and soon you'll be able to see more photos, too. You can also check out what we love and love to do at: http://www.inkpony.wordpress.com/.

Erica: http://www.inkpony.com/

http://grabbagreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/inkpony-giveaway.html

http://etsyitemoftheday.com/sundance-film-festival-clothing/#more-613

Featured Artist of the Week!

If you haven't checked out The Spotted Box blog this week, I have been the Featured Artist for this week. Yippee!!

Right above my post is a giveaway for free lotion. Now you have to go and check it out. :)

www.thespottedbox.com/blog

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--GiDu!!

I'm a few hours late in posting this today, but Friday's Featured Etsy Seller is GiDu! She has really cute cards, wedding invites and save the date cards, pendants, and more. I personally love her Save the Date cards, but don't know of anyone getting married soon. Check out her Friday Happy Hour Special!

SPECIALS - Friday Happy Hour************************************Every Friday, from 4pm to 8pm (Central Time) all items are 20% off! All buyers must write "Happy Hour" in their Notes to Seller at checkout! What a great deal!

What is your shop name and URL?

- My shop's name is GiDu and the URL is http://gidu.etsy.com

Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

- I am an experienced full time graphic designer with a passion for creating arts and crafts. I love trying new crafts and I find myself dabbling in a kinds of things. I am a self taught knitter.

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

- I sell a variety of items - jewelry, paper crafts, designs for wedding invitations.

To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

- I don't belong to any Street Teams at the moment.

What inspires your creations?

- I get inspired by my daily graphic design work, checking out people's blogs, reading craft books. I really love to see what other people are creating. I am always scoping out my surroundings for interesting design.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

- My favorite item in my shop has to be my soldered pendants. They are so customizable and cute, they are my favorites. They can be vintage looking or modern, depending on the style. I have made a few for myself with old photos of my grandmother when she was young, on her wedding day. I love them.

- Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11375979

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

- Fun, Artistic, Determined

What do you like about Etsy?

- I love etsy because I love to be part of a community of artists. I think it's a wonderful way to get your work out online and it's a great resource.

What makes your shop unique?

- My shop is unique because I handmake everything myself. I am not selling mass produced items and I take a lot of care in the creation. I think that customer service is really important in running my shop.

What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

- Have a blog or other website outside of etsy. It's a great way to promote. I have my etsy mini on my website and my blog so that if a customer wants to purchase an item, it goes right to the etsy shop. I also think its good to promote often and relist items as much as possible.

Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

- I have my own website (which I designed myself!): http://ginadust.com and I also have a blog: http://gidudesign.blogspot.com

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Ears!

I love to shop and help a cause, and this Etsy seller is donating 10% of sales through January to The Global Fund (www.theglobalfund.org), which is a nonprofit organization that is working to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria throughout the world. You'll find many earrings and bags, many with an ethnic feel. Make sure you read down below and check out her favorite earrings. They're amazing! Enjoy!

What is your shop name and URL?

EARS, http://www.ears.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

1. I have a degree in art history, but have a terrible memory for dates, names, and facts in general (what was I thinking!). I eventually found myself with a career in museum education, which I LOVE!2. I consider myself to be a traveler, and I've taken a dip in both sides of the Atlantic (from beaches in the US and in Cameroon and Europe), but I've never seen the Pacific, or travelled anywhere in the US that is west of Pittsburgh, PA for that matter. I need to work on this!

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Beautiful things for your EARS! I also have some fun totes that I make, which don't really work with the title, but I'm a craftaholic and just can't stop creating. I’m sure there will be more fun things to come in time.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

None yet. I have been on Etsy since April 2008, but I'm just recently starting to promote and get involved in the Etsy community.

-What inspires your creations?

COLOR. I love bright bold (sometimes obnoxious) colors. Patterns are a big draw for me too. African fabrics encompass both of these things, and I use them a lot for my bags and also use them as design inspiration.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

My mother loves to make jewelry as a hobby, and she is skilled in everything from weaving to basket making to macramé. I sucked it all up when I was younger and always wanted to learn new crafts. I started playing around with her jewelry supply box once and fell in love with making earrings. It seemed so simple to me; make two pretty things out of just about anything, and then stick an earring hook on them! Tada! Necklaces and bracelets always frustrated me with all the hooks and clean finishing of the ends, so I stuck with earrings.The ironic part is that I was always afraid to get my ears pierced, so when I started making earrings about 5 years ago, I didn’t even have pierced ears. My sister took me to get them done on my 21st birthday. When I’m making earrings I will use all kinds of materials. I’ve made earrings out of ribbons, macramé, buttons, and more. Whatever combinations of textures, colors, and patterns appeal to me, that is what becomes an earring.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I have a new pair of earrings that I made with some great metal pieces I got from another Etsy shop, http://www.doubleangeldesings.etsy.com/.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18347568

The textures and the shapes are what I love about these. They are a little more subtle with the only bright color being the turquoise bead, but I just think the shape is fun and the layers are what make them really interesting. Having such flat metal pieces to work with, I was able to layer horizontally, instead of the usual vertical layering that is possible when using a headpin.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Curious, Resourceful, Easygoing

-What do you like about Etsy?

The sharing. It is just such a wonderful community, and so many people are willing to help others.

-What makes your shop unique?

I think that my products have an artistic flair that some other craft items don’t. I was trained in fine art since I was very young, so I approach my work with an understanding of balance and composition and it has always made people look at my products and notice those features. Plus, I am not afraid of color and love to make bold decisions with my work.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Make sure you are a part of the community. It makes the whole process so much more interesting and educational. There are so many people who want to know more about you and teach you more about what they do, so be sure to connect in one way or another.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?http://www.cassielynott.com/ That is my website. It has more information about my printmaking work, which I don’t sell on Etsy, and about my studio, classes I teach, events, etc.