Stellar Seller: CraftyKathleen

This week's Stellar Seller is CraftyKathleen. She's one busy lady, read the interview to learn about her various shops and how she got there, and also check out her blog FussyGussy





Tell us and the Etsy world a bit about you, anything you'd like to share...

My name is Meagan, and I am the owner of not one but three Etsy shops: craftykathleen, fussygussy and paintedpretties I've been collecting fabric for many years now and decided about 2 years ago to give up the day job and go to work for myself. I sell super kitschy fabrics and notions, as well as handmade pot-holders, aprons, curtains, and other goodies. I received my BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2001, and have been painting away ever since. I'm currently working on a series of portraits based on the idea of doppelgangers. Needless to say, I'm one very busy lady!!!

How did you meet Etsy? Was it love at first sight?
I was introduced to Etsy by a vendor at the SOWA Open Market in Boston (of which I am now an active participant). She liked the tote bag I was carrying and when I told her I'd made it, she said "Well...you HAVE to try out Etsy! It's the best!!!" And so it has been. I love Etsy and all that it has to offer.

How are you inspired to create?
I grew up in a creative household and have always been an aesthetically driven person. My father was a painter and my mother is (and always has been) very fashionable yet classic, both in her personal style and in the home. Basically, I can't help myself but be creative. It's in my bones, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Describe yourself in 1 word: Sincere.

Do you have a favorite:

word or saying?: I love the French word "gateau". I love the sound of it, and what it means (cake!!!)

dessert: Dunkan Hines chocolate cupcakes with pink tinted vanilla frosting.

book and/or author?: I have TOO many, but here are a few: Wuthering Heights, The Master and Margarita, A Drowned Maiden's Hair, Dracula, Doctor Zhivago, most books/stories by Stephen King, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Daphne DuMaurier.

vacation spot?: Any seaside town.

Etsy seller?: Again, TOO many to name. I would, though, like to give kudos to my sister's shop simplydaisy, as she makes beautiful things and has been such a support to me. Thank you also to squarejane for nominating me!!!

Burrowing Owls: Walls

We've been building this list for a while, because it's been an effort to find the right collection of prints and paintings. I met some of these people in the Etsy chats the other night and they shared their paintings with me. These items are all ready to find a new home on your walls. Bring some owls into your life, will ya?







Featured artists and items:


http://susanrodio.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19584027


http://kacchan.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13707358


http://polygnome.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22480408


http://tamarhammer.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20422068


http://swipxa.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23393715


http://thelonebeader.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15660959

Stellar Seller: LemonTreeStudio

This week's Stellar Seller is lemontreestudio. She was nominated by blackcatmima who had a wonderful shopping experience with her and wanted to share it with the world! Check out her interview and then visit her shop to see just why she's so Stellar!


*Tell us and the Etsy world a bit about you, anything you'd like to share

Hi owl lovers! My name is Shelly and I am a lucky wife to a wonderful hubby and stay at home mom to my darling Lilyana. I heart paper, fabric, sewing, crocheting, jewelry making, graphic design and love dreaming up new crafty creations (which usally take place in the wee hours of the night)! I have a passion for collecting vintage, traveling, the outdoors and decorating. Most of my inspiration comes from different textiles, vintage emphemera and other incredibly talented crafters!

*How did you meet Etsy? Was it love at first sight?

I discovered Etsy while searching online for a little girls pinafore tutorial. I had every intention of sewing one myself, until I ran into Etsy and all the fabulous sellers. I ended up BUYING several for my daughter instead of making one! It was definitely love at first sight. I opened up a shop within a month of discovering Etsy and haven't looked back.

*How did you get into making what you make?

I can remember being a tomboy at 6, making little houses and villages for worms, frogs and other various critters....all elaborate and functional, LOL! I loved seeing creations come to life and have been going ever since.

*Describe yourself in 1 word: scatter-brained

*Do you have a favorite:

word or saying? BLOOM
dessert? Puppy Chow (and not the kind for dogs)
book and/or author? I am more of a magazine kind of girl
vacation spot (real or dream!) love Vegas, Hawaii, New York.....would LOVE to visit Australia
Etsy seller? Ooooh, too many to list...there are so many talented artists on etsy....I am amazed everday! I especially love http://prettylilthings.etsy.com/ (and many, many more!)

Owls find Cherry Blossoms!

One of the best signs of Spring...In your hair, on your hand, or in your kitchen -- Cherry Blossoms look beautiful everywhere!

lalala08 has put together this gorgeous, Spring-inspired owlfinds list of cherry blossom items. This, like almost everything you could search on Etsy, just scratches the surface of the items that are out there inspired by or featuring cherry blossoms. Check these awesome items out on Etsy, and be sure to check out our list curator too! Thanks lalala!




Featured artists and items:

Cherry Blossom Girl Print by jkldesign
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22173119

Red Cherry Blossom Ring by tigerlillyshop
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22765437

Red Blossoms Bobby Pins by MGMart
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23015272

Cherry Blossom Laptop Sleeve by janinekingdesigns
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23244413

Red Cherry Blossoms Hand Painted Serving Set by HeatherRLange
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21282039

Sakura Necklace by jorgensenstudio
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23502601

Stellar Seller: ChopstixWaits

Tell us and the Etsy world a bit about you, anything you'd like to share...

My name is Chopstix Waits. I live in rochester ny with my great dane Angus and my hairless cat Chicken. I grew up here, traveled a bit when i was younger , and ended up buying a house a few years ago.I am a self taught seamstress and fiber artist. I sew,spin,felt and crochet full time, and spend most of my days in my attic studio. In my free time I west african dance, contra dance, and am currently learning russian, i also enjoy the occasional late night and slightly intoxicated dance party. When i can find the time, I love to travel for inspiration and textiles.

How did you meet Etsy? Was it love at first sight?

Etsy and i met at just the right time! I had quit my part time job bartending, and although i was doing some bridal , and costuming work, there is just not much of a market for my work in the city where i live. A friend of mine had an etsy shop, and i decided to check it out. I was lucky to have a small customer base that came with me and really got the ball rolling on etsy for me. I now work almost full time on etsy, and love how easy it is to use, and that i can reach a global market of customers.

How did you get into making what you make?

I have been sewing for as long as i can remember. Most of my family are artist and craftsman, and i grew up around a lot of creativity. When i was younger, i started making my own clothes because i could never find what i wanted. I love the color, history, and integrity of traditional clothing from India, Asia, and Africa, and i take constant inspiration from this.

Describe yourself in 1 word: wonderlust

Do you have a favorite:

favorite word or saying: As of late i am obsessed with this line from Pablo Nerudas Ode to sadness: "I will sweep the bits and pieces of your carcass to the four corners of the wind" . Its not really a saying, but beautiful in context

favorite color: bright
Favorite author: too many to choose just one, right now i am reading The hunter, the hammer and heaven by Robert Young Pelton.I also swear by lonely planet guide books.
Favorite holiday: I celebrate at random
Favorite etsy seller:I have a couple of favorites i have to mention, these ladies have their own sense of style, and a color aesthetic that i love:katwise eviegreenpixie

Burrowing Owls: Necklaces

One of our newer Owls, IckyDogCreations went burrowing through the jewelry catagory and came back with some precious owl necklaces that have been listed within the last three days or so. Be sure to check out all of the latest owl necklaces on Etsy!



Featured shops and item links:

http://dinks207.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23370831

http://birdznbeez.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23493632

http://girlygirlstudios.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23218191

http://alternativeartstudio.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21969861

http://dayslonggone.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19336335

http://giftbird.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23071566

Owls Find Monsters!!

There are some of the cutest monsters ever on Etsy. Okay, everyone knows there are some of the cutest *insert noun here* on Etsy, Etsy has some very cool stuff!
But anyway, one of our members, squarejane paints some precious monsters and one of them was featured in a treasury full of other cute monsters! In honor of that, we're featuring some of those monsters and more here in this owlfinds post! Check out that treasury before it expires (Sunday morning) and also follow this link for more precious monsters on Etsy!



Featured shops and item links:

http://emandsprout.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21686590

http://befriendmantic.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23478729

http://katiekylie.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10349258

http://spiderbite.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20354544

http://adoptanalien.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23439462


http://kitlane.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23051514


http://beastlies.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23249281


http://thehookery.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21774499

Burrowing Owls: Pouches & Bags

These are some of the cutest owl pouches and bags on Etsy! This only scraps the surface of the owlie cuteness out there! These were all listed within the last three days, so you know there are a ton more out there! Go find them!



Featured shops and links:

http://deadworry.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23393845

http://smeeta.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23131053

http://soshesews.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23374035

http://rainbowswirlz.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23207006

http://needlings.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20972358

http://mehran.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23051719

Owls find candy!

Oh, what a sweet tooth we've got today! Well, more accurately, luckytwentyone has one, because she chose this owlfinds list! Get ready to drool a little!




Featured shops and item links:

http://acrylicana.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23146869


http://copperinc.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17016703



http://anitacraftycreations.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23395329



http://papertreats.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23400437



http://migotochou.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17165676



http://julieshobbyhut.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23316613

Stellar Seller: Belle and Boo

This week's Stellar Seller is Belle and Boo. She was nominated by CorkysCookies who bought some precious prints from her shop for her daughter's room! We contacted Mandy of Belle and Boo and requested she share her stellarness with the Etsy community. Here she is, enjoy!

Tell us and the Etsy world a bit about you, anything you'd like to share...

My name is Mandy, I live in North London with my partner Russ, who is an incredibly talented animator (& my tech support!) We own a lovely one bed garden flat & recently had a HUGE studio built in the garden. It takes me 8 seconds to get to work, so its a blessing I have to go the post office so often & interact with the outside world!
I run the business with my friend Kate, we make a great team, she is very business minded allowing me to be the flaky arty one !
I have a naughty expensive habit of buying a decaf latte from the Italian cafe almost everyday & I never miss an episode of the Archers.

How did you meet Etsy? Was it love at first sight?

I was first introduced to Etsy by a friend I was staying with in Sydney, she had recently opened a shop peepbags & had also bought a lot of really cool stuff.I was immediately hooked & started planning what I would sell. Once I had returned home to London, I spent a week sketching out ideas and in Nov 07 uploaded my first illustration 'Serenity Blue' I actually thought I had done it wrong as it quickly disappeared, after a frantic 20 mins or so I realised it had sold & that was he beginning of my Etsy story.

How did you get into making what you make?

I studied illustration at Leeds University & my final show was a collection of paintings of children. I went on the exhibit in small galleries, illustrated a number of children's books & worked a lot in the greetings card industry. The wonderful response to my etsy shop gave me the confidence to draw from my heart, I feel lucky everyday that this is my job.

Describe yourself in 1 word: nostalgic

Do you have a favorite:
word or saying? hug
color? red
book and/or author?Milly-Molly-Mandy
holiday?a long one !
Etsy seller? mrseliotbooks

Owl Spotlight, Jbirkemeierphoto

What Etsy seller isn't inspired by (yet totally envious of) the sellers featured on The Storque's Quit Your Day Job series? I know I'm not the only one who used to read those stories on the computer AT the day job I wanted to quit, either. Well, five weeks ago, I did just that--I QUIT my day job in the hopes of crafting for a living. Now, I have to interject here. If you're anything like me, when you read these stories you immediately go to the person's shop to see how many sales he or she has made. Don't bother going to my shop--I've only had 13 sales. Unimpressive, I know. I'm fairly new to the industry and my sales are made from craft shows, so I don't think I'm totally wasting my time trying to be an independent artist here. I also have to say that I left my job at a commercial studio as a full time assistant and digital retoucher to pursue freelance assisting in studios around town...aaaaand I shoot weddings. What I'm saying is that I left my day job not expecting only to make an income from crafting.

Aside from reading the Quit Your Day Job and Featured Seller Articles, my eye was caught yesterday by a post in The Storque called Get Your Career in Gear, posted by Vanessa, an Etsy Admin. The article didn't really give advice, but it showed fun office items as a shout out to those sellers still stuck at the job they don't love. The topic got me to think, though, about the things I need to do to get more serious about staying self employed. This isn't a complete list but it includes:

1. See a CPA to get my accounts in order--http://www.cpadirectory.com/
2. Get my business name licensed--http://www.myownbusiness.org/business_permits_license/
3. Apply for more Craft Shows--I've never been able to find a great website for this. I've found out about shows through a couple local craft groups, so I would suggest making connections with the crafters in your area.
4. Find a marketing plan that works for me--http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/tags/seller-handbook/ (Basically read the Seller Handbook from start to finish).
5. Keep creating new items to post!

If anyone has other suggestions to build up their business that have worked well for them, please leave a comment.

Follow more of Julie's adventures at being her own boss by reading her blog http://jbirkemeierphoto.blogspot.com Also, be sure to visit her shop. Her photography's beautiful!

Burrowing Owls: Something Shiny

This post features some of the shiniest owls out there!

Featured are:

http://domestikate.etsy.com/ http://asphaltqueen.etsy.com/

http://mfvintage.etsy.com/ http://silverbeyondordinary.etsy.com/

Owl Reads

Owl Reads is a segment where we share some worthy blog moments from other blogs, good articles, giveaways, etc.

This past week we featured lillyella as our Stellar Seller and she returned the favor by linking to her interview from her blog! Her interview is great, be sure and read it, and also check out her blog. It's a very great read! (it's at http://lillyella.blogspot.com/ )

Also, Allie of Monkeys On The Bed contacted us about promoting her 100th blog post giveaway, so here we are! She's promoting some new sellers with few or no sales and they are giving away some gorgeous handmade items! Visit her blog to see the details and enter! Congrats Allie on your 100th blog post!

Also, to promote a fellow team, the Etsy Supply Street Team is having their monthly First Weekend Shopping Extravaganza this weekend. You can check out the sales or join in the fun by clicking here. Sales end Sunday, so hurry!

Owls Spotlight, LuckyTwentyOne

Luckytwentyone has been on Etsy for almost two months and we are hooked. As the general "shopkeep", I (Andrea) do the research, promotion and any other business portion of running the store. Justin is the main artist, creating the items and concepts. Together, we are luckytwentyone. Though we are new to Etsy, I feel like we have already gone through different "chapters" of evolution as artists selling their fare.

We sell on and off Etsy, but our Etsy store has been our main avenue for sales. We hope to transform our shop into a full-time business for Justin. It's been his life dream to be an artist for a living. At this time we sell ink drawings and both acrylic and oil paintings but we hope to expand very soon. Our store is almost exactly a 50/50 ratio of drawings and paintings. Custom requests are always welcome - I feel like we are always working on something for someone and it is a lot of fun!

We will be adding sculptures, ink drawing notecard sets and ACEOs in the near future, so watch for that! We will offer anyone who makes a purchase after reading this blog FREE shipping (domestic OR international) on any item in the store by just mentioning you saw us in this article.

LuckyTwentyOne is a first for us as a team, they are 50% male! Though Andrea's really the active member of our team, Justin's part of the gang too! Be sure to check out their shop for more of their great artwork, the items pictured in this article are just the beginning!!!

Stellar Seller, lillyella

This week's Stellar Seller is lillyella. Not only is she a Stellar Seller, she's also an inspiration to any of us Etsy sellers who have pipe dreams of crafting full-time. Last year, she managed to successfully quit her day job and switch to all Etsy, all the time! Check out her Storque feature on the process and read her interview below! Also, fall in love with her blog at http://lillyella.blogspot.com/

Thanks Nicole for being Stellar!!!

Tell us and the Etsy world a bit about you, anything you'd like to share...

My name is Nicole and I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where I currently live with my fiance, Tyler, and our menagerie of furry and feathered friends. For me, life before Etsy was 10 years as a graphic designer and photographer (and part-time dance instructor, which I still do today). About five years into my career, I began dreaming of having my own design business. Five years later, I finally decided to do it. Etsy was going to be a way to make some extra money in case business was slow. Little did I know that a few months later, it would take over my life.

How did you meet Etsy? Was it love at first sight?

My best friend, Kara (CharmantShop.etsy.com), told me about Etsy one day. I believe a friend in her neighborhood turned her on and when she told me about it she said, 'We could totally do this'. Well, I'm not sure if she used the word totally - that's something I would say - but you know what I mean :) Since I had always been crafty and had been making jewelry my entire life, I decided to give it a go. We both opened shops shortly thereafter.

How did you get into jewelry making?

I can't even remember when it first started. I've always been into anything I can do with my hands and everything artistic. From the time i was old enough, I remember walking up to the local craft store and picking a new project every week and through the years I've dabbled in just about everything including, candle making, soap making, paper crafts, crocheting, sewing, woodworking, ceramics and on and on. Jewelry was one thing that always stuck (along with drawing and photography). My style always changed and my skill level along with it as I got older, but it was always my primary love. I was thrilled to find such an awesome outlet for me to be able to share my creations with others.

How have you done so well in only a bit over one year on Etsy? Any secrets to your success that you'd like to share? ;)

Oh boy, I wish I did have a secret that I could share but honestly, I guess my Dad was right when he told me that hard work pays off. I'm intensely dedicated to everything I do - in my personal life and my professional life. It, of course, helps that I have a great passion for it. When you love what you do, it shows. But it certainly hasn't been easy. I have sacrificed a lot if my personal life, especially when it comes to time for pleasure, and sleep :) I work about 13- 16 hours a day and sleep about 4. One year in and I still see no hope of ever finding a balance, but I do strive for it everyday. The few things that I think have helped me - a quality product, of course, good customer service, being active in the Etsy community - in the way of making Treasuries, attending Virtual Labs, joining a team etc. Also, having a blog and working really hard to make it something people want to read. These days I put almost as much time into my blog as I do on my shop. Finally, you have to stay on top of your game, ahead of the pack. There is so much competition out there, especially in my craft. When you get really busy, the last thing you have time for is working on new designs, but situations I've had the unfortunate experience of dealing with, have made me realize how important it is to stay on top of it and make time for new pieces.

Describe yourself in 1 word: supercharged.

Do you have a favorite:

word or saying?

does a quote count? If so - "Happiness is a moral obligation" Aside from that - I've been know to overuse the word "random"... so people say

type of food?

mexican
blog or website you frequent on a regular basis?
I cant really think of anything for this one!
holiday?
two are definitely tied:Fourth of July - Love the fireworks! Thanksgiving - Love the food! If I could have Thanksgiving dinner while sitting on a rocker watching fireworks - I'd be one happy gal.
Etsy seller?
xenotees!

Owls find plum!

Plum is the new black ;) Thanks to lovealisa for putting together this owlfinds list!






http://tqbdesigns.etsy.com/ http://jume.etsy.com/ http://thesnootypoodle.etsy.com/

http://hopevenessa.etsy.com/ http://twistedcrystals.etsy.com/ http://trollop.etsy.com/

http://tortillagirl.etsy.com/ http://badcatjewelry.etsy.com/

Owls Find TWILIGHT!

Okay, so I'm going on the record to say I'm NOT a Twilight fan. Really. I'm not. But I keep seeing all of these commercials for the movie, and everyone's talking about it, so I thought I might check and see how much Twilight stuff is out there on Etsy. Turns out there's quite a bit. This Owlfinds is just the tip of the interesting stuff. Okay Fangirls, let the crazy screaming begin!



Featured: http://countryworkshop.etsy.com/ http://conversationstarter.etsy.com/ http://iheartglitter.etsy.com/ http://flutterknits.etsy.com/ http://creativerampage.etsy.com/ http://kristinaellis.etsy.com/

Burrowing Owls: The cutest little fiber owls EVER

How very, very precious are these owls? We just think they are adorable! Look below the photos for links to the items featured and check them all out! The artists featured are demonsterative, sewsewsuckurtoe, woolcrazy, buttercupbloom, sqrlbee, and Handwork Naturals Owlie love :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20698850
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21893434
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22551933
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21776093
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21834653
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15785080

Owls Find Kokeshi!

I recently discovered Takara (see pictured below top left) from Beladonna and fell in love. I entered to win her at Beladonna's blog but I never win anything. I had never heard of Kokeshi dolls before, so after falling in love with her I had to see what else Etsy had to offer in the line of Kokeshi themed items. I found enough to easily fill a treasury, the ones in this owlfinds list are some of my favorites. Shop links are listed below in order of pictured from top to bottom. Enjoy!

http://beladonna.etsy.com/ http://retroattack.etsy.com/ http://myverybutton.etsy.com/

http://stephaniefizer.etsy.com/ http://isabellsumbrella.etsy.com/ http://purpledaisies.etsy.com/

http://bamboobaby.etsy.com/ http://temple7e.etsy.com/

Owls Find Drama!

As I'm sure most of you know, ladies love their drama, and we're no exception! This owlfinds list was currated by RaynaE and is some examples of Etsy Drama at it's finest! Enjoy!

Shops featured: http://kyeliza.etsy.com/ http://throwmeabone.etsy.com/ http://farouche.etsy.com/ http://themidnightorange.etsy.com/ http://franticmeerkat.etsy.com/ http://jmaccknit.etsy.com/ http://miamiamia.etsy.com/ http://kimazier.etsy.com/