Etsy is THE venue for so many wonderful and talented people that standing out from the crowd can be an excruciatingly difficult task.
Entering the TimeMachine or Treasury is like getting on some type of cool crafty rollercoaster. You’re immediately slapped in the face with all this fantastic stuff and there really is just no end to the talent. The problem is that you start drooling over everything and can’t really focus on any one thing.
Basically, it takes something really special to draw you out of sensory overload, just stop you dead in your tracks and absorb your attention. Here are a few of the stores that get my undivided attention:
http://gobuggy.etsy.com/ GoBuggy is a very obvious choice for me because the product itself just so great! The items in this store are interesting, fun, imaginative and very well made. You look and this shop and become really quite convinced that you do need everything in it!
http://christinegant.etsy.com/ ChristineGant sells wonderful bath and beauty products. All fabulous, original choices here and everything looks so edible too!
http://cottonbirddesigns.etsy.com Cottonbirddesigns hand stitched little paper and fabric birds are just delightful. A really great idea and each one begs you to take it home! !
Labels: artists, bestof, etsy, feature, featured
posted @ 8:50 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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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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Ya
y! another great Etsyian, another great interview!Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your name, label, location, & whatnot?My name is Sharon Lipps and I live in the Raleigh NC area. I am a full time working mom, with a wonderful husband and two beautiful little boys (2 ½ and 1 ½). I started knitting as a way to relax in the evenings, I started with baby blankets and moved on to other projects that did not take quite so long and I enjoyed doing it. I originally made a purse for my niece. I enjoyed doing it so much I made another one then another one and so on. I loved how they turned out so I decided to see if they would sell, plus I had a number of people say how great they looked. Therefore, Spare Time Satchels was born!!!
When did you start crafting?
I started crafting (knitting) in 2003. Primarily as something to keep my hands occupied to stop smoking!!! I do have knitting in the blood though!! Both grandmothers and my mother all knit and I originally learned from them about the age of 7 or so.
Describe your craft in one word:
RELAXING!!!!
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:
Primarily my craft is my SANITY!!! With two boys, born within a year, you need something for that!!!!…LOL… I just enjoy making beautiful things. Also, my purses are very unique and I like the fact they are highly functional, washable and different than those you can find anywhere.
What makes you different than other sellers?
I feel my purses are different than most purse makers just for the fact they are all unique!!! Sure, I can follow a pattern but they will all be handmade, handcrafted and especially with felting a purse no two will EVER be the same. Felting is a process which definitely makes each purse unique.Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.
As far as a mentor goes, that would be both of my grandmothers. I remember vividly as a child both of them just knitting, knitting and knitting. They made so many extraordinary things such as, mittens, hats scarves, sweaters, Christmas ornaments, dolls, doilies etc….
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Enjoy what you do would be my best piece of advice.
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
In the future I would just like to continue making great purses!! I would eventually like to do more patterns in them but hey…I am relatively new at this as well and I am constantly learning new things.
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work:
You can see what I make, you can purchase a purse, bag, wristlet or pouches on my website at www.sparetimesatchels.com (this links right to my ETSY website). I will also be very happy to custom make one for you, just let me know what you want and I will do it.
Some fabulous items from Spare Time Satchels……
Labels: artists, bags, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, felt, indie, interviews, knit, purses, seller, sellers
posted @ 3:57 AM
2 comments
I’m so glad that I decided to interview other etysians through my blog if only because I discovered this great etsyian! If you want to support an indie artist, protect the environment and wildlife, look fabulous and swipe yourself a great deal too, then you’ll definitely want to visit bottledupdesigns! The other thing that I’ll say is that if you do want to grab yourself a bottledupdesign of your own, do it fast! This is definitely set to become one of the hottest shops on etsy: http://bottledupdesigns.etsy.com
Images used in collage are w/ permission bottledupdesigns © 2007
When did you start crafting?
Well, having two young children, I guess I am always crafting! But as for this specific product, it evolved over the last year. Where I live is all wooded behind me. There are numerous old bottle dumps and all through the woods are broken pieces of glass. As we walk through the woods, I would pick up a piece and tell my children how old it is and what is was from. Each piece is like a little history lesson. When I think of the times the country was going through as I describe some of the old glass! As an avid bottle collector, through the years I have picked up many bottles and collected them for display. One day, one of my dogs feet was cut badly on the broken glass and I started rethinking just letting the pieces lay. I became concerned for the wildlife, the deer, foxes, squirrels, and thousands of others becoming injured as well on this glass, and decided to do something better with it. Without really know what I was going to do, my k ids help pick some up. We carefully washed it, and I commented it was as pretty as gems. That's how the idea was born. I came up with a way to carefully ensure the edges were smooth, taught myself how to drill the glass, and made notes on the history of each piece I was worked with. What we have now is "Bottled Up Designs", jewelry made from the glass of antique bottles. With each piece, I include the "Story of the Glass" which notes what the glass came from, and how old the glass is. In some cases, well over 100 years old!
Describe your craft in one word:
I guess I would have to say - unique! I can guarantee no one else has anything like this!
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:
I am very passionate about old glass and the history behind it. Our way of living, the times our country and the world is going through, is reflected on these old pieces. I feel with what I am doing, I can bring a little bit of this history to people, and help clean up the environment at the same time.
What makes you different than other sellers?
I think the product itself sets me apart. Many people are using new products which takes vast amounts of oil, energy, natural resources, and manpower to create the pieces to make these. With mine, I am simply reclaiming something was already used, many, many years ago and making them beautiful again. Something with a true story behind it you can share as you wear them.
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor?
I would have to say no. What I am creating has come out of my love the glass, and my desire to make the environment a little better. The product evolved by trying different things and seeking opinions and advise from many people.
Do you have a favorite piece or signature piece?
I would have to say I do not. I am always amazed as I dig the glass out of the dirt, caked under years of leaves, and moss, how the beauty is preserved and how truly beautiful this historical glass is.
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http://bottledupdesigns.etsy.com
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Labels: artists, bottledupdesign, community, environmentally, etsy, etsyian, featured, friendly, green, indie, interview, interviews, recycled, seller, sellers, upcycled, wildlife
posted @ 12:42 PM
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I've decided to interview a different etsy artist here every week. I will be featuring artists from various categories not just jewelry. The indie community can use all the support it can get and this is something that I've been thinking about doing for a while. I've thought about it and finally decided that these are the 10 questions that I will ask each artist to answer:
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Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your name, label, location, & whatnot?
When did you start crafting?
Describe your craft in one word:
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:
What makes you different than other sellers?
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.
Do you have a favourite product or a signature piece? Show us.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work:
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Labels: artists, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, indie, interviews, seller, sellers
posted @ 6:54 AM
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