Feature Tuesday!

This Week's Featured Seller is…

GoodWaterCollection

GoodWaterCollection is a fellow crocheter and knitter's shop!  So excited to feature GoodWaterCollection this week as a way to promote other yarn crafters works!

Make sure to read the interview and give her some love!  Enjoy :)

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?
I'm currently going back to school to become an RN. I've been crocheting for about 15 years and love coming up with new ideas. I've been teaching myself how to knit and I also make jewelry. I've been thinking about trying out quilting but I'm not sure my sewing skills are up to it yet.

2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop? 

I've been making different crafts for as long as I can remember. One of my friends actually discovered Etsy and suggested that I open a shop. I've been adding to it ever since.

3.) What is your best seller item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop?
Right now my best sellers are my Rose Bobby Pins. I think my favorite item right now is the Basketweave Purse. I've been playing around with different handles and different fabric linings to coordinate with the color of the yarn used to create the bag.

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?
I think the biggest struggle as an Etsy seller is staying motivated. I know that I haven't had the success on Etsy that I had hoped I would have. It gets discouraging when everyone tells you that they love what you've made but then it never sells. I've recently started doing shows and I've found that helps keeps me motivated to create new items.

5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist?

I really like seeing what started as an idea in my head become something that can be used. There are times when I can hardly wait to get something finished so I can see if it looks as good as I thought it might. Sometimes it's even better than I had imagined.

6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine

I guess the closest thing I have to a routine is I usually try to work on something while watching tv in the evenings. When school starts up for me again in the fall I know I'm not going to have the same kind of time to work on new items. 


7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation, do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?I know that not everyone is going to like everything that I make. My sister doesn't like half of the things that I make. I don't really worry about that since I know not everything is for everyone. Since I do make so many different things I know that somebody is bound to find something that they like. As long as I think it came out the way I wanted it to then I'm happy. When it doesn't I usually pull it all apart and try again.

8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.
I'm addicted to playing Cafe World on FB.

GoodWaterCollection is also offering readers a coupon in her shop!

Use code FEATURE for 15% off in her shop

BONUS Featured seller Friday :)

Today I was feeling a little like I needed to post, but not really sure that to tell you all, so I decided to share an extra shop with you all this week.  So, here is your..          

BONUS FEATURED SELLER!

originallyme!

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?

I love traveling, being outdoors, and being artsy. I’d like to think I have a pretty exciting life. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and the best friends any girl could ask for. 

My day to day life… during the summer, I work for an architecture firm 3 days a week. On my 2 days off I do lots of crafting and other random projects (my to do list never ends) and then I’m traveling most weekends!

During the school year… I’m still a student… lucky me! I’m getting my graduate degree in architecture with takes lots of my time, but I still try to make time to be crafty, go for a run, and spend time with my friends. 

2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop?

I’m slightly obsessed with jewelry and all things fashion! And when I say slightly, I mean you should see the amount of jewelry I have. My jewelry creations began with a Christmas gift for my little sister and who knew that I would eventually be selling my work. I just can’t stop making fun, eclectic, girly things and I happened to think that maybe someone else may like them as much as I do… who knows!

3.) What is your best selling item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop?

I wouldn’t say I really have a best selling item. Most of my items are one of a kind. Styles may be similar, but I can’t remember the last time I made two identical pieces. This happens because of the nature of the materials I use. There’s such a mix that I often don’t have enough of one thing to make identical pieces. 

Right now I think these turquoise leather earrings are my favorite thing in my shopwww.etsy.com/listing/75435098/feathered-turquoise-leather-earrings

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?

I would say the biggest struggle is standing out and being found. Etsy has gotten so huge that it’s easy to just get lost in the mix. I constantly try to make sure that I’m making something different than other sellers, I post new items frequently, and I promote my shop in other ways. 

5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist? 

Everything! I absolutely love having the freedom to be creative, get my hands a little dirty and do what I love! I couldn’t ask for anything different except for maybe to make enough money to not have to have a real job… come to think of it, I’m an artist in my real job too though… lucky me!

6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine?

I’d like to say that I do, but it just kind of happens when it happens. I’m more on a blogging routine than a crafting routine. I try to write a blog post every night and post it in the morning. As for crafting, I just have to be in the mood and then I can sit down for hours and hours and just create. School and work definitely come first for me, so that makes fitting crafting time in a little difficult but I love it so much, I couldn't imagine life without it! 

7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation, do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?

You know that’s a good point to bring up, but I honestly don’t have any fears about creating. I just feel like some people are going to like your work and some may not. That’s just life. You just have to create what you love and not worry about it. There’s no such thing as failure if you’re doing something you love. 

8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.

Hmm, something quirky… I’m a redhead … that’s pretty unique. 

I organize my closet in rainbow order, yet I don’t consider myself a neat freak … I’m weird. I know :)

Stop by and check out her blog
loveoriginallyme.blogspot.com/
or shop
www.etsy.com/shop/originallyme
or facebook
www.facebook.com/pages/Originally-Me-designs/105717738921

ALSO

oringallyme is offering a discount to all of you blog readers!  get 10% off with 

coupon code melissa10 in her shop!

Featured Seller Tuesday!

This Week's Featured Seller is…

PieceTherapy

Where you can find a wide range of the artists creations including quilts, wall hangings, 

wine bottle gift bags, coasters, trivets, pet blankies, and more! 

This is the perfect place to find gifts for hard-to-buy 

friends and family or something perfect for your own home. 

Make sure to read the review and check out this awesome shop!

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?


I'm a big city girl who ended up in a small place and have a love for both ends of the spectrum. I actually have a day job working in IT for the government, but my office is only a five minute drive from my house. I would much prefer to spend my days in my home studio, but I think maybe someday that will become a reality. I have other hobbies that include playing the piano, swimming, golf and I'm a big wine buff.


2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop? 


Actually, this is sort of an interesting story. When my Dad passed away, my family doctor advised me to get a new hobby. I told him I was the LAST person who needed a new hobby, but he told me to go and get one anyway. About that time, a friend gave me an old sewing machine sort of out of the blue. I used to love crafts and sewing when I was younger, so I started tinkering. I suddenly realized one day that I had started quilting without really being aware of it. By that time I was hooked and the rest is history. I opened the shop just to see what people would think of my work and now Etsy has become another aspect to the hobby that I enjoy so very much. 


3.) What is your best selling item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop? 
The baby and pet blankets are really the big seller, but I love the big quilts. I really love the Cityscape Quilt right now. 

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?

Setting shipping prices. The cost to ship has really gone up and I just know everyone wants cheap shipping, but it's really hard to do when you are just a little shop.


5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist? 
That's a really tough question!! There are so many things. I love interacting with other artists and I love surprising myself by being able to meet my own challenges.


6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine?



I devote my Fridays to my studio. I spend as much of the day as possible delving into my various projects and then make time throughout the rest of the week as much as possible. Every Monday I have lunch with other creative friends and we share projects, bounce ideas off one another, etc. 

7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation, do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?

My fear is one of rejection. I just set up at a festival last weekend for the first time and was terrified that I would actually hear strangers talking about my work in front of me. To my surprise, nobody laughed or made fun of my work, so that has given me a new strength to continue on and has even given me a new found confidence. 


8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.

My nickname is Gimbles. My Dad and his friends wanted to name me that before I was born. 

PieceTherapy is offering readers a discount in her shop!  

Use code BLOG4PT for a 15% discount!

Also check out PieceTherapy here:
Twitter
Her blog
Facebook

And the winner is!

And the winner of MsBittyKnacks miniature art is..

SAMANTHA! 

Samantha is now a follow of MsBittyKnacks blog, a follower on twitter, and the entry that won her the prize, her favorite item from MsBittyKnacks' etsy store is Material Girl Original Mixed Media Collage 

Contact information has been sent to the sponsor and the winner will have 48 hours to contact her back to receive their prize! 

Stay tuned for more awesome giveaways to come! :)

Hope you all are having a fabulous Wednesday!

Featured Seller Tuesday!

This week's Featured Seller is…

ACupeOfSparkle

ACupOfSparkle sells sterling silver, gold, Swarovski crystal,

 freshwater pearls and Vintage 

bead Handcrafted Jewelry.

Make sure to click her shop name above and 

check out her work :)

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?

My name is Melike, and I am the creator of ACupOfSparkle jewelry and accessories.  I am originally from Turkey and am currently living in Seattle.

I have a full time job as a laboratory manager at a small biotechnology company in downtown, Seattle. I usually come home in lunch time to take care of my puppy; Aslan. After work, if I am not doing anything with friends, I usually come home, play with my puppy, cook, take care of the house and make jewelry. I also have a blog that I enjoy writing (acupofsparkle.blogspot.com). My other hobbies are kayaking and riding bikes with my husband.

2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop?

Jewelry design and crafting has been always a hobby for me since I was very young. I am a big fan of gemstones, gold and silver. I launched my jewelry line 'A Cup of Sparkle' in December, 2010. I have a treasury of beads and jewelry supplies that I have been collecting for a long time. I like wearing jewelry and have two sisters, so I was mostly making for myself, my friends, and family. I love the business side of things and I thought I should give it a shot and share my jewelry with others out there.  I had a lot of encouragement from my loving husband.

3.) What is your best selling item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop?

My personalized wire bird nest keychains has been quite popular, especially among moms. I customize the nests with the number of kids people have using pearls and different gemstones.  I also add variety of charms like birds, bees, leafs on them that are all inspired from nature.

 

My favorite item in my shop is this bird nest branch necklace which I find very cute and unique. I make it with gold, silver and brass with different color of leaves and pearls.  I own one with Robins blue eggs that I wear a lot. I have made this necklace as a bridesmaid set for a customer, which I truly enjoyed.

 

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?

Lack of time. Balancing a home, a full time job and an Etsy shop is quite hard. Etsy is very
competitive and advertising my shop has been challenging.

5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist?

Creating has always been a great outlet for me from the day to day things I do. My favorite thing is the thought of someone else wearing or using something I designed and made. That is an awesome feeling!

6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine?

I don’t have a routine at all. Whenever I feel like, I go to my studio and start making things. I am doing this as a hobby. That is probably why I feel more relaxed about creating things at a random pace.

7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation; do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?

 I am sure everyone wants to be successful when they start a business. Same goes for me. I believe that setting the right goals is the key especially in the planning stage of any start-up. I had times that I felt discouraged when my sales were slow in the beginning; but, I always reminded myself that I am doing this because I like it. Positivity is really important as well. I actually never feared about people not liking my creations. I am sure some people don’t but; there is something for everyone and that is what makes the arts and the crafts world as versatile and rich as it is.

8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.

I find polishing my nails as the best way to relive stress and relax. I own almost every color of nail polish

Check out her blog here

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Giveaway Reminders :)

Just wanted to remind everyone to enter the giveaways currently on my blog :)

MsBittyKnacks

From MelissaGHollis

Featured Tuesday AND Giveaway!

Today's Featured Seller is…

MsBittyKnacks

Not only is MsBittyKnacks our featured seller, but she has also generously

 donated one of her  pieces for an awesome 
GIVEAWAY! 

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?
I'm 32 years-old. Based in Miami, FL. Work as a Physician's Assistant by day and on my arts at night. However, I have a BA on Sociology/Anthropology/Women Studies; certified as a EMT (emergency medical tech) and BA (behaviour analyst), so as you can see my career road has deviated quite alot. Besides my work and crafts, most of my time is devoted to my 3 boys (boyfriend and 2 schnauzers). My day begins at 645am- go to work up until 6-7pm when I get home. Then is rush-rush (walk the dogs, feed everyone, then pending on the day I either do on-line (socializing, blog, post items) or crafts. The weekends is when I do most of my projects and photographs.

2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop? 

Since I was a kid my mother always encourage me to do and learn crafts. From canvas, ceramics, sewing, jewerly...and the list continues. I personally always liked doing holiday projects and little home decor as gifts for friends. So, after many "you should sell your stuff" or "you are so creative"; I actually began considering it. One day browsing the internet I found Etsy and was hooked. I made a must have at least 5 items and that's when I opened MsBittyKnacks Shop last year.

3.) What is your best seller item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop?

The best sellers are my Day of the Dead Catrinas and the mini holiday clay characters. I belive the Catrinas are just too fun and they can be used through out the year not only Halloween; they are my favorites, but that's because I have a fascination with Day of the Dead festivities. The little clay characters are way cute, they are my original whimsy characters and are a forever part of the orgins and future of my shop.

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?
My biggest is the marketing. I for once do not like to constantly be writing "hey check this out", it's not in my nature. Also, the amount of time it consumes, my time is already very limited. I guess, since I started blogging it feels less like that, but still my biggest challenge. Another, is being up to date on all the social media, I must confess I am a bit of a dinosaur, I began with tweeter at the end of last year, my blog 3-4 mths ago and I still don't have a facebook; so imagine. But little by little, I am still in the learning process.

5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist? 
To be able to create what I want to express in a fun mode, either by a character or a back story to a piece and mostly to being able to share it with people outside my circle. It's so fulfilling for me to look at a picture of a sold art piece and know hey that's at this state or this country an is part of some wonderful new circle, just too cool. 

6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine?
The only routine is to get some work done during the weekend. My week is extremely hectic and sometimes that's the only thing I ask of myself. 

7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation, do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?
I think every begining artist has the fear of some sort of rejection at one point or another. My biggest one is to ship an item and not have it arrive the way it was meant, aka. broken. I know I'm at the begining of a fun and long journey and that I have to get people to know me better. Also, the more I create the better I'm getting so those two are my main motivators to keep me going.

8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.
I always have a notebook with me to make quick sketches whenever something creative pops in. I am an avid reader or fantasy/ sci-fi novels. 

ITEM FOR GIVEAWAY

To win this item, fill out the form at the bottom of this page. 

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THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Another Church Update

Well, I can officially say that I have attended a full church service since my son was born! :)  We started out in the nursery again, but he only lasted about five minutes after we left before he realized that we weren't there.  We found him with one of the nursery workers trying to cuddle him in a rocking chair, he was terrified.  :( 
So, then we went back to the main service and lasted there through all of worship an a little of the actual sermon, which was really the only part of the sermon that I really heard.  I do know that the pastor was talking about a current missions team that is headed to Africa, and something about making yourself uncomfortable in order to be closer to God.  Other than that, I have no idea what the rest of the sermon was about because after we headed to our third room, The Family Room, Milo ran around and played lie crazy and we were just trying to keep up with him :) He did good though compared to the last times he's been there.  He only stole one little girls toy, a helpless little one, not even crawling yet.  I soon exchanged the stolen toy for daddy's keys and gave it back, and other than a little crayon drawing on the table, he was a perfectly happy little guy. 
Now, he is on his way three hours south to his grandparents until Wednesday or Thursday, or until I can't survive with him any longer.  Since he left, I have been yarn shopping, been making a to-do list and am currently at coffee with the hubby while he is on his lunch break from Fred Meyer.  So basically I have been doing anything to avoid going home :) After this, I'm sure I will go home, though and try to keep as busy as I can.  I have to admit that it will be nice to just go home and have no schedule, to be able to work out and shower and clean and knit and crochet without worrying about if Milo will wake up, but I am really sad none the less. 
Will update you all soon on my adventures without my little love bug. :)  Hope you all are having a wonderful Sunday :)

Featured Seller Tuesday!

Today's Featured Seller is…

bwsilver

Bwsilver sells handmade and stamped creations her shop.  

Her work ranges from simple beaded bracelets to custom stamped necklaces.  

Whether your style is simple or abstract, bwsilver seems to have something for everyone :) Read her interview and check out her work!

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your other hobbies, what is day to day life like for you?



-My name is Brittany and I love jewelry! Born into a family of an accessory wearing, jewel sporting, silver loving mother and grandmother, the rest is history on how I became interested in making my own jewelry. Aside from metalsmithing my handmade pieces, I love to sew, paint and be crafty. I was an Apparel Design and Manufacturing major at Texas Tech University, and picked up my love for patternmaking and clothing production. As a part of my minor I took Metalsmithing classes and immediately fell in love with the process. It's become a great hobby turned business over the past few years, and I would love to see it go further someday.

2.) What inspired you to begin creating and open your shop? 


-I'm a Marine wife, so naturally when the husband is deployed, you are lonely, bored and sometimes depressed. Upon my husband’s first deployment after we got married he wanted to be sure I wasn't sad or bored while he was gone. He encouraged me to buy some supplies and start making my own jewelry since I loved it so much in college. I did just that, and thus, BW*SiLvEr was born in Camp Lejeune, NC in 2007. 


3.) What is your best selling item in your shop? What is your favorite item in your shop?

-As far a bestselling I'd have to say I make a lot of customized Military Service Medallions. More than I can count! Each one is personalized with the last name, and service branch of your loved one. It's a perfect thing to wear around your neck to remind you of the one who is fighting for you. I love to make them!
I also sell a lot of wine stoppers tha tI've made from vintage and antique knobs and findings. They have recently become a hot item for me and have been featured all over treasuries as well as the frot page of Etsy!

4.) What is your biggest struggle as a etsy seller?



-I'd have to say exposure. There are millions of items (especially jewelry) for sale on Etsy, it makes you sort of a needle in a haystack when it comes to people finding one of your items. Unless they are looking for something unique that you make, it's difficult to really show everyone out there in Etsy Land what you have to offer. I try to stay current, take good pictures and update listings and tags as much as I can to avoid being a "lost shop". But as the years have gone on, I've gained more customers and more followers so it's becoming a steady business. But as you all know, luxury items are a tough sell these days with the economic downturn. So all you can do is sell what you can to who you can, hopefully someday soon people will be back on the buying market! 

5.) What's your favorite thing about being an artist? 


- Probably the fact that I can create what is in my mind and share it with the world. It's very satisfying to make something you work very hard on, and then sell it to someone who will appreciate your artistry. I also enjoy making custom pieces for people, it feels like a test of my skills and I love to share teh bearings of my talents with others through something they want to express themselves but can't. 


6.) Do you have a crafting "routine"? Are there things in your day to day life (job, family, etc.) that make it difficult to stick to that routine?


- I try to keep up a routine if I can; I'm a busy gal these days so it's important to have one. Lately it's been tough to work outside in my garage (where my studio is) since I'm 6 months pregnant and the heat can be unbearable. I try to work inside mostly or in the mornings when it's not too hot, or in the evenings. I try to take shifts during the day when I'm really busy with orders, that way it's not too bad, and I can get things done in spurts. We will see how things go after the baby comes in early October. Hopefully I can do it all!


7.) I talk a lot about certain fears of creativity, like the fear of failing and fearing that people won't like your creation, do you experience these fears and if so how do you get past them and keep creating?


-It's true, I have fears about whether or not the items I make will sell or if someone will be willing to pay the price for something I worked hard on. It's just hard to know what that target buyer will want and who it will be. I have a lot of items that I've had for years that haven't sold yet. I try to sell them other places besides online, and it helps, but there’s always that possibility that what you make might not sell, and then what? I guess that's why there are always Christmas gifts!


8.) Tell us a little quirky fact about yourself.



- I have a silver toe ring on each foot that I've had on since I was a sophomore in High School! (12 years) They have literally conformed to my foot to the point that when I take them off (which I never hardly do) my toes have an indention! So, I keep them on all the time, I don’t even feel them anymore and I feel naked without them. 

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Get 15% OFF any item in bwsilver's shop 

with code "15OFF" at checkout!