Ok, I know I haven’t updated here in such a long time. Items in my store fell below 20 due to multiple orders so I had to work hard to put items back in my store. Lots of new items now! Lots of new gemstones too and my Andalusite arrived! Seriously, there are too many new items for me to show you here so I’ll just post a few of my favourites.
I realise that I missed a featured etsyian interview too and I’ll bring those back next Friday. I actually read on the forum on etsy that some people look for payment in the form of freebies and whatnot from people that they feature. I’m so shocked by that. The reason that I run these interviews is because I enjoy doing them, I love reading artists interviews and I’m genuinely interested in other designers work, what they’re trying to do and why. If you have a store on etsy and you want to be featured, it’s completely free so just comment here or send me a convo.
I’m going to have my Wrapped Sunstone Earrings with Hill Tribe Silver, Freshwater Pearl and Peridot
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6811312 featured on
http://www.smidge.ca/. It’s a fantastic looking site and really well laid out. It showcases handmade items created by independent artists and has a different a theme each week. My earrings will be under this weeks theme of Shades of Summer. My favourite theme so far is probably Grassy Green:
http://www.smidge.ca/grassy_green.html, such great items!
Labels: designer, etsy, features, Jewellery, jewelry, new, silver
posted @ 7:39 AM
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Handbag addicts are in for a real treat now! DESIGNED BY DIANA is another great etsyian who sells handmade bags and purses. Diana's line has something for everyone, her work is just really impeccably well made and her designs are exclusive, trendy, stylish and distinctive with affordable price tags. What more could you ask for?..... Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name, label, location, & whatnot?I’m Diana and I live in Miami, Florida. I live with my husband, our cat and our doggie. I work a day job at an international cable network, but my real passion is designed by Diana. I dream and scheme about my bags all day and when I get home the fun starts, making patterns, cutting, sewing and designing.
When did you start crafting?I started crafting before I can remember. The first thing I remember making was painting a receiving blanket with Gonzo for my baby brother when I was six. My mom has always been a crafter and I loved to craft alongside her. My first solo project was a plastic canvas blowfish tissue holder. I loved it and think it may still be floating around my mom’s house.
Describe your craft in one word: Hmmm... just one? Funky
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:I make handbags because I’m a handbag addict. I just love having all sorts of bags, so I started making them to quell my addiction. I love mod and retro fabrics and patterns. I get inspired by so many things, clothing, a trip to the bookstore, an idea can come anywhere at anytime, which is why I always have a little notebook to jot them down in my bag.
What makes you different than other sellers?My bags are unique. I try to get unique fabrics and handles to make my bags true originals.
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.Totally. I consider my grandmother to be my mentor. She has been a seamstress for over 65 years. She learned to sew and make her own patterns in Cuba and brought her craft with her to the US. She’s worked in many factories and even opened a couple of factories of her own. By the time I was born she was doing “costura a la medida” (custom fitted clothing) from her home. I would sit by the sewing machine and help her sometimes. I got the sewing bug from her. I, of course was one of her best customers. She’s made every prom dress and even my wedding dress. Her work is always of the best quality, true craftsmanship. It always looked as if you would have gotten it in a store. I aspire to have my work look as professional as her does.
Do you have a favourite product or a signature piece? Show us.I have to say, though I love all my pieces, my Angela bag has a special place in my heart. It was the first bag I ever made and sold and was basically the beginning of designed by Diana. Here is the latest Angela bag with a cool Alexander Henry Geisha print.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5891482If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?Love what you do, cause in the end, the money may not come, but if you love what you’re doing you will be happy no matter what. And another thing, if you want your craft business to work, you have to treat it like a business. Take it seriously, while still having fun of course, but dedicate time to it and it will get you results.
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?Eventually I’d love to see people walking down the streets in every city with one of my bags. I’ve been dreaming of having 2 designed by Diana lines, one ready-to-wear and one couture-- just like the big fashion designers.
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work: You can learn more about designed by Diana at
www.designedbyDiana.com which links to my etsy store at
http://designedbyDiana.etsy.com
Labels: artists, bags, cat, cat toy, catnip, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, handbags, indie, interviews, purses
posted @ 1:32 PM
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OMG, I’ve just had a major supplies shopping spree. I cleaned out my studio a couple of weeks ago to get rid of all the beads that I had in stock that have been discontinued or because I only dealt with that supplier one time. Anyways, out with the old and in with the new!!…God I’m so broke. Here’s what I bought and will be featuring in my designs shortly. I might actually sell some overstock in these beads on etsy because I had to buy full strands in gross and in some cases I just wont be using them all.
I bought probably about TEN different types of chalcedony briolettes, I love them so much I bought every colour except rose pink because that was sold out, Karen Silver Orchids, flower buds, roses and hammered stations. Lots of Karen Silver, I’m in love with Karen Silver too! I got some different Marquise Briolettes because they seem to be a very popular shape. I also got some more flashy moonstone briolettes because they were such a great hit, gorgeous green amethyst briolettes, beautiful colourful fluorite briolettes, iolite briolettes
and *drum roll* ANDALUSITE briolettes!! I’ve been wanting Andalusite for so long, it’s so so beautiful! I can’t wait to start creating with my new supplies!!
Also, I got 17 new hearts on etsy today? That seems sudden and suspicious. Very weird.
Labels: beads, etsy, gemstones, general, new, shopping, supplies
posted @ 12:31 PM
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It's that time again! This weeks interview is with Shannon & Jess of CraftasticDesigns. Please visit thier shop, they have amazing products in a range of categories so you'll be bound to find something whether your looking for jewelry, original artwork, home decor, something for your baby or something for your pet!
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Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your name, label, location, & whatnot?Our store is named Craftastic Designs. It is run by Shannon & Jess. We have been friends since kindergarten. We are located in Somerset and Fall River, Massachusetts.
When did you start crafting?(Shann) I've been interested in creating art since I was a little girl. Before I can remember.
(Jess) I always loved painting and doing crafts but I didn't get seriously into making jewelry until about 3 years ago after I hurt my back.
Describe your craft in one word:(Shann) I would have to say "practical" Many of my items are used in everyday life.
(Jess) "STYLISH" I want my jewelry to make people feel good and look good when they wear it, and I want my paintings, vases and candle holders to look good in peoples homes. I don't sell anything I wouldn't want for myself.
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:(Shann) I focus mainly on sewing and quilting. I love getting new fabrics and imagining what I can create out of it! I am definitely inspired by colors and patterns in the fabrics I choose.
(Jess) I paint, make jewelry, and make decoupage vases. Usually I am inspired by colors or if I have a certain pendant for a necklace I take my inspiration from that. When I paint I am inspired by the mood I am in.
What makes you different than other sellers?(Shann) We have such a unique collection of items.
(Jess) What she said lol!
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.(Shann) My dad is very artistic. I used to love watching him draw me things when I was younger. He always encouraged me to fulfill my creative side.
(Jess) My high school art teachers taught me so much. I don't think I would be able to do what I do without them.
Do you have a favourite product or a signature piece? Show us.
(Shann) This is my favorite. It is my first quilt and I am really proud of it!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6438915 also these seem to be a hit on Etsy and Craft fairs:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6413376(Jess) This painting is my favorite I put a lot of emotion into my paintings so I get pretty attached to them
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6290757If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?(Shann) Make sure that you really enjoy your craft! Don't do it just to make money. Express yourself and show it off to the world!
(Jess) Wow Shann how can I beat that lol. I would just suggest that you do as many craft fairs as you can to get yourself out there. If you have a bad experience at one craft fair don't give up it just might be the wrong crowd for what you are selling.
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?(Shann) I would love to have my own baby boutique. I've wanted to do that since I was a teenager.
(Jess) I would like to do more custom jobs for weddings and stuff I recently did one for the first time and I loved it. I would also like to have a little art gallery or a craft store.
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work:http://www.craftasticdesigns.etsy.com/Fancy Feline catnip toy set
Pretty Kitty Bib and Burp Cloth Set
Magenta Leaf Candle Holder
Labels: artists, bags, cat, cat toy, catnip, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, indie, interviews, pets, seller, sellers, treat
posted @ 2:51 AM
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A few days ago another seller on Etsy contacted me for advice on photographing work for etsy. This is sort of hilarious if you only knew what a goofus I really am when it comes to photography. Admittedly, I’ve gotten better but a look at my sold items will reveal some very serious photography idiocy of gargantuan cringe-worthiness. Yes. Well, enough about that because I thought that I might as well post what I’ve learned about photographing your work for etsy…..
Taking pictures from different angles and getting down to the same level to take your pictures, not just holding the camera above the piece. e.g.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5710679Using a neutral background is important. I made the mistake of using fussy backgrounds in the beginning and they really only distract from your piece. Mine were REALLY fussy. Before:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5643860 *cringe*Now I use natural fibre handmade paper e.g banana paper, wood etc. Just anything neutral and definitely not on a surface that reflects light. After:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6566074Natural daylight is great and sunlight is better! I live in Ireland and it’s almost always dull, overcast and raining like hell but as soon as the sun comes out you’ll find in my garden taking photographs of my work. I love sunlight (not direct sunlight) and I use the flash too.
Zoom! Showoff the detail of your pieces and bear in mind what it will look like reduced to a thumbnail because that’s what potential buyers will see first.
Set your camera to macro and lock the focus. I have a Canon Powershot and it’s virtually always set to macro. Different cameras have different closeup capabilities but to lock the focus properly, hold the camera at an angle, zoom, position the piece {doesn’t have to be centred*, experiment a bit), press the shutter button down a bit and hold it. Now you have a focused view and you can evaluate and reposition if necessary or if you’re satisfied then push the shutter button down all the way and hold it until the
flash goes off.
Hold your camera steady with both hands otherwise the photo will be blurred. Don’t be tense and rest against something if you have to. {use the tripod, if you have one}
I take lots of different photos at lots of different angles, and distances etc. and out of every 15 photos that I take I choose the best 5.
Images for Etsy must be in a jpeg format and square, at least 1000 pixels wide. *Since photos in etsy are automatically cropped to be square, when you take a photo bear in mind that a strip on each side will be cut off.
I think that you just get better at taking photos through experience and through experimentation.There’s lots more info about taking photos for etsy on the etsywiki too:
http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=PhotosLabels: advice, bright, etsy, jewelry, photographing, photography, photos, selling, tips
posted @ 12:54 PM
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