Oh, Etsy sellers. If you missed this post in the forums, here is your chance to find it and read it. And laugh. Because you have to laugh, it’s simply so infuriating.
What if Etsy were a grocery store?
Once again, I find myself glued to the television on Sunday evenings. 8pm central is sacrosanct in my house. Both the hubs and the kiddo know not to disturb the Mommy while I am glued to the small screen in my bedroom.
Team Edward? No.
Team the wolf kid? Uh, no thank you.
Team Eric. Totally Team Eric.
By the way, did you hear Eric tell Lafayette “let’s go RuPaul” in last week’s episode? I laughed out loud.
Have you picked out your very own True Blood mug? Etsy’s Maid of Clay has some awesome choices.
I’m a little partial to the ‘nom nom nom’ mug. LOL
I created my first Treasury East on Etsy earlier this week. You can click on the image to be taken to the treasury if you’d like to visit the artists or read more about each item.
I don’t ‘get’ the new treasury format. I think I read that there are over 40,000 treasuries right now on etsy. 4ok!?? I”m wondering what purpose could possibly be intended? I don’t have much hope of mine ever appearing on Etsy’s front page. Selection to that hallowed space seems reserved for either Etsy admin or a favored few. The rest of the minions are relegated to the treasury cattle car is seems. (Minions is my word for the day. PetitPoulailler used it in the forums today and it stuck with me. Kinda slides right off your tongue doesn’t it? LOL)
Pretty though, huh?
New treasury on Etsy, featuring bright spring colored items. You can click on the image to link to leave comments.
From time to time, I profile etsy and artfire artisans. Today’s profile belongs to Maurice from Sewelson Woodcrafts. Maurice makes the most amazing turned bowls and vessels. Honestly, ‘craft’ doesn’t even come close to describing the artistry in these vessels. They are stunning in their duality: both intracate as well as simple. My birthday is in November for all of you reading this. hint hint.
Etsy shop name: Sewelsonwoodcraft
Website: www.sewelsondesigns.com
Location: Sebring, Florida
Your first name: Maurice
Why wood turning?
I love wood. As a material it is unmatched in its warmth and variety. I also have always admired vessels of all types. With wood turning one can be involved with woodworki9ng in a spontaneous manner. Not as much planning is involved with this craft. It also can be calming experience, almost hypnotic.
Where did you start.
Growing up on Long Island, N.Y, my first job was in commercial marquetry (inlay with wood). There I learned many techniques to incorporate into my current work. I am self taught in all my endeavors.
What are your favorite products.
Most of all enjoy making lidded turnings and boxes. Open pieces somehow always seem unfinished to me.
What was your favorite.
The most rewarding project I remember was making matching urns for the entire family. They were to contain a family members ashes.
What inspires you.
Nature and ancient Asian artifacts. But I was first inspired to try wood turning after seeing the works of Mel Lindquist at the American Craft Museum in New York.
What was your biggest oops.
I’ve been very lucky with no major “oops”. Sometimes piece can fly off the lathe and do a heavy damage and thin walls or the vessel crack and split as wood dries.
How do you spend time.
Wood turning is my hobby. I am a vocational teacher. I work with mentally challenged young adults, teaching them woodworking. When I relax I like to play a guitar, watch a good movie and help my wife rescue feral cats.
Thanks Maurice!
From time to time, I profile etsy and artfire artisans. Today’s profile belongs to Bev from La Paperie & Cozy. Bev makes leatherbound handmade journals, among other things. There is just something warm, tactile and wonderful about her creations.
Artfire Studio Name: http://lapaperie.artfire.com
Etsy shop name: http://lapaperie.etsy.com
Website: La Paperie & Cozy
Where else can we find you and your work? http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lapaperie
Blog: http://lapaperie.wordpress.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Your first name: Beverly
Bev says “La Paperie & Cozy is a small one-woman bindery by the sea in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. Each book is unique and completely handmade, and often surrounded by cups of tea, three happy cats, and BBC dramas – so all my books are infused with lots of love and felicity! I spend a lot of time selecting beautiful leathers (often times left-over pieces, given a new lease on life) and creating original style combinations to make journal “haute couture.” My books pay homage to favourite authors and classic literary greats, perfect for any enthusiastic literati. ”
Why journals?
This love of creativity has always been with me, and I’ve nurtured it over the years. My love of books started at an early age. After reading The Diary Ann Frank at the age of 10, I started keeping journals (as I’m sure a lot of little girls did), which I’ve done every year of my life since. I’ve always believed that “journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” I remember collecting and obsessing over journals. And guess what? I still do! In my quest for the ‘perfect’ journal over the years, I decided to create my own, and share my love of the blank-book with others. Leather journals have always been my diary of choice, and so I engaged in a self-study of the craft. After a few custom orders from family and friends, and at the suggestion of many, I decided to give my handbound books a wider wing-span, and offer them on my Etsy shop. In 2007, with the support of my husband, I quit my day job at a local newspaper and my little shop, La Paperie & Cozy, was born!
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
I hit the books! Yes. I read books to learn how to make books. Rather fitting, non? So yes, I’m self-taught. I have always wanted to make my own journals (due to going through journals at the speed of lightening with my insane writing habits) and so for over the course of a year, whenever I had spare time, I had my nose stuck in a book learning the ins and outs of bookbinding.
What was your favorite custom project for a buyer?
I love working with different closures, so I’d have to say my favorite custom projects are ones where I am asked to come up with a unique closure for a book. An example is my original mother-of-pearl shell peg closure – I came up with this one when a customer sent me a shell peg and asked if I could make a journal closure out of it. I did and now I incorporate it in my shop as a regular feature…it’s one of my favorite closures!
What inspires you? Any artists that influence you?
Many things inspire me! With my journals I’d have to say it’s my favourite classic authors and my great ardor for books in general. I can almost imagine literary greats of centuries past writing in handmade journals like these… Jane Austen writing notes as she walks in the pretty wilderness behind her house, annotating her next great work, Pride & Prejudice. Or a young Charles Dickens reminds himself in his journal to incorporate the comic villainy of Mr. Jingle in his first novel, The Pickwick Papers. Inspired by these literary masterminds, my journals’ first pages pay homage to these outstanding writers and some of their best quotes! When it comes to my art, I’m inspired by the simplistic beauty that is in everyday objects and situations.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
When I’m not making books, I can be found with my nose stuck in a good book (most likely a well-loved classic), volunteering in the community, spending time with family and friends, wandering about nature on foot or by canoe or kayak with camera in hand, painting and drawing, wilderness camping, viewing my multitudinous BBC period drama collection, blogging, strumming my guitar, singing back-up for a local recording studio, and writing in a journal of course! My husband and I also love working on our home, which we purchased back in 2006. It needed a lot of TLC, and it’s been a pleasure slowly turning it into the home of our dreams.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
If you are looking to start selling your craft as a sole source of income, it’s very important to do your homework. Research everything! A hobby is one thing, but if you are counting on it as a source of income, it’s important to get all your ducks in a row before starting. It’s hard work but can also be very rewarding. Tell others about what you do, because enthusiasm for your product really goes a long way and it’s contagious. Most importantly, have fun with it! Good clear photos and good descriptions are a major advantage, due to the fact visual impact is so important when it comes to selling/buying online.
Where have you been published or profiled?
I have had the privilege of being featured on my many blogs on handmade and eco-friendly items. Also, my business was featured in a full-page newspaper article in Dec. ’08, which was a rewarding experience (see article here: http://www.novanewsnow.com/
Thanks Bev!
From time to time, I profile fellow artisans from Artfire and etsy. Today’s artisan profile belongs to Gail from Melissa Meman Designs. Melissa is a fellow member on the Starving Artists Jewelry forum. If you’d like to chat with like minded, seriously talented artists, join us.
Etsy shop link: http://melissamemandesigns.etsy.com and http://melismaticrosaries.etsy.com
Name: Melissa Meman
Where else can we find you and your work?
http://melissameman.com
http://www.1000markets.com/melissamemandesigns
http://www.artfire.com/melissamemandesigns
Blog: http://pinkzinnias.typepad.com
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/pinkzinnias
Location: Frederick, MD
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
self-taught…fell in love with ornate glass earrings they use to sell at Pier1 Imports in the early ’90s…found a bead store and started making them! After many different phases, styles, settled in on my current style based on wire-wrapped links and other wire coiling, weaving and wrapping techniques.
What are your favorite materials?
sterling, copper, and bronze wire, gemstones, vintage and czech glass, artisan lampwork
What are your favorite pieces to create?
I love creating earrings, usually because they are quicker. I can create a design, then move on to something else faster! I also love creating my rosaries.
What inspires you?
Patterns in vintage fabric, colors in nature, swirly wrought-iron architecture, lots of talented jewelry designers
How do you describe your design style?
Eclectic. I try to incorporate lots of different style elements.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
Eni Oken, Iza Malczyk, Sharilyn Miller and many more wire and metal artists.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Having fun with my hubby and 8 year old son, singing, gardening, cooking, reading, working a 9-5 job as a project administrator for an environmental engineering firm.
SPECIAL FOR SIMPLY SHINY READERS: Melissa is offering a 20% disount on a purchase from her shop. Just enter “Shiny” at checkout (on www.melissameman.com) or contact her for revised invoice on Etsy or Artfire.
Thanks Melissa!
From time to time, I profile etsy and artfire artisans. Today’s profile belongs to Jean Ann from Little Pig Pottery. I love artisan pottery, and have purchased quite a bit over the years. I was browsing items on etsy when I stumbled across her shop. Her art is FANTASTIC and well worth sharing with you. I’d highly encourage you to take some time to browse her shop and blog.
Etsy shop name: Littlepigpottery.etsy.com
Website: http://www.Littlepigpottery.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LittlePigPotter
Blog: http://littlepigpottery.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlepigpottery/
Facebook: Little Pig Pottery on Facebook
TeaChat thread
Location: Studio in Middletown Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati)
Your first name: Jean Ann
Jean Ann says “welcome to Little Pig Pottery where you will find dragonfly painted pottery, wobbly cups & stilted vases. It is now summer and things are heating up. Someone is knocking on my door. “Little pig! Little pig! What have you got in the kiln?” Why a few new dragonflies dear Wolfie, some yarn holders and as always more mugs. ”
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today? Why pottery?
It was a 20 cubic foot gas kiln that snared me—one that was approaching 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. It was September 1997 when I rounded the corner of the darkened kiln room. A low rumbling shook the place. There on the floor I saw Will, my first ceramic instructor, on his knees peering into the flame. It was too much. I turned and fled. From that moment I was hooked. I was found in that studio working as much as allowed. A year later I returned to school & earned another bachelors degree, this in in Fine Arts ceramic studio—of course. I am also pleased to report that you can now find me on my knees in front of similar flaming hot kilns.
What are your favorite products to make?
Perhaps it is my masks (found on my web site http://www.littlepigpottery.com) . Each is an individual and I let the process of throwing the slab dictate the face in the making.
What was your favorite custom project for buyer?
It has to be a special buyer and I have only a couple of those. They give me general wishes & let me take care of the rest. “make me three mugs…and surprise me.”
What inspires you?
I love to look at all kinds of forms–the forms of birds, of fish, trees, of humans. Also, I love structures–bridges, dams, boats, and fire hydrants. I take pictures and sketch those things that I find striking. Beyond looking I like to take clay and explore the spirit and personality of these forms. It is that conversation between the beloved form, my hands and the clay which proceeds to the making of my art.
Any artists that influence you?
Love the work from Old Europe 6500-3500 BC, the geometrical abstractions of pre-European America, and African masks of all types. More recently: Glimt, Khalo, Schiele, Rouault. . .
What was your biggest handmade oops?
I’m not sure how some low fire clay got into my supply but it did. I made a couple masks, a pig and, well I am not sure what else, because they turned into kiln puddles and took out a few other pieces with them.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
In my garden, walking/hiking, like to watch birds and about any wild thing in my vicinity.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started selling online?
I still view myself as starting out but think from what I know the best advice is: Get good photos. The investment in lighting and background and learning photo techniques is worth it. The best advice I received was from the programmer helping my start my web page. “Think Geek and Google often”
Do you have a newsletter for potential customers to join?
Yes, Sign up as customer at http://www.Littlepigpottery.com and make sure the sign me up for newsletter box is checked. I try and send one out quarterly. Around Easter this year I started a yearly giveaway for my newsletter and blog followers. I am planning on doing it again next Easter. I also have monthly discounts at http://www.Littlepigpottery.com, found in the Specials category.
Thanks Jean Ann!
From time to time, I profile fellow artisans from Artfire and etsy. Today’s artisan profile belongs to Cindy from Jewelry Tales. Cindy is also a fellow member on the Starving Artists Jewelry forum. If you’d like to chat with like minded, seriously talented artists, join us.
Etsy shop link: Jewelry Tales
Name: Cynthia Newcomer Daniel of Jewelry Tales
Blog: Jewelry Tales: http://jewelrytales.blogspot.com/
Behind the Scenes at Jewelry Tales: http://cindydaniel.blogspot.com/
Author of SATeam Blog: http://starvingartiststeam.blogspot.com/
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
I began making jewelry at a very young age; honestly, I cannot remember ever not making jewelry! Both my my parents were lapidaries and jewelry makers; they used to let me do some of the rough work for them, and, as a special treat, I would be given a bit of casting wax to carve, or a few stones to use in my own “designs.” We had a hug box full of bits and pieces; beads, settings that hadn’t worked out, pieces of wire; you name it, and it was in there. I was always allowed to use anything I liked from that box, and I liked a lot!
What are your favorite materials?
I’ve had so many different favorites! These days, I’m very interested in using seed beads, but I like to combine them with other media. I have an amazing collection of lampwork beads; I can’t resist them. I also like using metals: gold, silver, and lately, I’ve been drawn to brass.
What are your favorite pieces to create?
I love to make big, over the top pieces; the more ornate, the better. But in between making that sort of thing, I’ll often find myself drawn to making things with simple, clean lines. I look at it as a way of “cleaning my palate” between courses.
What’s been your biggest handmade/creative oops?
I don’t believe in oopsies. If something isn’t going the way I thought it would, it’s time for me to change what I’m thinking. I was blessed to have a very creative grandmother; one of my earliest memories of working under her tutelage was of her telling me that if I didn’t like the way it was going, the problem was mine, not the work. The work was fine; I was the one who needed an attitude adjustment! I’ve never forgotten that, and I find that the things that go “wrong” are often my best pieces; all I have to do is relax and go where they want to go. That’s when real creativity happens!
What inspires you?
Everything. Ideas come from things I see, things I hear, and things that I would like to see. I have more ideas than time; I tried to keep a notebook once, but I quickly realized that I would never go back to it, so it was a waste of time for me. Once an idea is discharged in a sketch, I’m done with it. I work on the fly, letting inspiration happen during the whole process. I never know what something will look like before I start.
How do you describe your design style?
Insane. I get a general idea: sea, time, ornate; and then I go to my closet and pull things out. Everything that appeals to me at that moment, and might possibly fit my theme, comes out and goes into as many trays as I need. Then I start. Sometimes I start with the focal, and other times I may start with the body of the piece. Wherever I start, I build outwards from there. I don’t have a plan, I let things develop organically. Sometimes I have to set things down and wait a bit before I know what to do next; I’ve learned never to rush my process. When I’m working on one of my big pieces, I often “bead through” and make several smaller pieces before the big one is done. The worst part about this sort of process is getting everything put away when I’m done. I have learned the hard way that if I don’t put it all back immediately, I lose things!
What artists have influenced you, and how?
Monet, with his use of color and inference; Picasso, because he’s just so much fun; Dali, because he’s crazier than I am; G.H. Rothe, with her strength and use of line and movement; and pretty much everything from the Art Nouveau period, with its lushness, line, and sensuality.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started selling online?
Play. Don’t take yourself, or your art, seriously. Don’t try to be an artist; try to be a child. Enjoy your materials, enjoy using them, have fun. If it isn’t fun, set it aside and do something else. Art must be loved. If you don’t love it, take it apart immediately.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Gardening, wandering, and reading. I love to do things that have possibilities and uncertainties. I like not knowing how things will turn out, and am at my happiest when I have no clue what will happen next.
Thanks Cindy!
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From time to time, I profile fellow artisans from Artfire and etsy. Today’s artisan profile belongs to Ginger from MsBelle. I adore Ginger… she’s just about the nicest person on the planet. And her jewelry is drool worthy. Her entire shop’s contents really need to live in my house. Really. (Ginger is offering a discount to Simply Shiny Readers… see the blurb near the end of the profile. )
Ginger says “my goal is to bring you affordable, high quality jewelry. I don’t believe it should cost an arm and a leg to own a beautiful piece of jewelry with nice quality stones that you can keep and wear for years. I try to use the highest quality stones, beads and findings I can in order to bring you good quality, affordable elegance. I love simple pieces that flow and move. And of course, I love shiny, sparkly, glittery things! I hope you enjoy my jewelry as much as I love making it.”
Etsy shop link: msbelle.etsy.com
Artfire shop link: msbelle.artfire.com
Name: Ginger Wagner
Blog: msbelle.blogspot.com
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/msbelle/
Location: Charlotte, NC
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
I began making wire wrapped jewelry just prior to Christmas of 2005 after seeing a necklace on my sister. It used wire wrapped briolettes on chain and I thought it was so pretty that I wanted to make one for myself. I searched online and found a tutorial on how to make wrapped loops. Then I discovered other tutorials and realized just how much there was to learn about wire wrapping and jewelry making in general for that matter. That Christmas I made earrings as gifts for my mom and three sisters. That’s how I began.
What are your favorite materials?
I love gemstones first and foremost. Pearls are right up there too. I use a lot of wire and chain as well and am just getting started in metal work, but it’s the gems for me.
What are your favorite pieces to create?
I love to create wire wrapped pieces. Wrapped briolettes are my favorite. There’s something about them that I just love. It’s very satisfying to wrap a beautiful briolette. It’s almost a zen thing.
What was your favorite custom project for buyer?
I was asked to make a necklace to go with a pair of earrings that had been given as a gift. The recipient wanted a necklace to match. It consisted of gorgeous high quality polished nuggets of citrine, amethyst and smoky quartz. It’s still one of my favorite pieces.
What’s been your biggest handmade/creative oops?
Gosh, I’ve had so many I don’t know if I could pick just one! My most frustrating so far was a pair of solid 18K gold earwires I was making. I had already them formed and hammered them, and was filing the ends smooth when I dropped one of them. In looking for it, I ran over it with the wheel of my chair and squashed it. Had to scrap it and start over. A few choice words were said that day!
What inspires you?
I’d have to say I’m inspired by the gemstones themselves. They give us endless color combinations, shapes and textures that are always inspiring. I find myself going to sleep thinking of gemstones and what I’m going to make with them. Many days I wake up the same way!
How do you describe your design style?
I make more simplistic, timeless pieces that are not overpowering or overdone. That’s my taste so that’s usually what I end up making. Sometimes people like nothing more than a pair of gorgeous gemstone earrings or a glittering solitaire necklace that catches the eye and embodies simple elegance. Sometimes that’s all you need.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
When I was first starting out and was looking at different wire artisans online, I came across “A Pretty Rock”, Sky Dreams, and also found Marie Wu. I was fascinated by their wire wrapping choice of gemstones. Always high quality, gorgeous pieces. They inspired me to learn to wrap briolettes and to always pick the nicest stones.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Create a high quality product that you can stand behind and be proud of, and treat your customers they way you would want to be treated. If you do both of those things, chances are your customers will return to you.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started selling online?
Invest in as good a camera as you can afford. Pictures really are worth a thousand words.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Most of my time is spent with my 7 year old son. I also like photography and like to take pictures of everything from my son to ordinary, everyday objects as well as jewelry. We love visiting the NC mountains where I’m originally from. I can find a multitude of things to photograph there. Aside from that, I like to listen to music, bluegrass especially. Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas and Alison Krauss are some of my favorites.
Do you have a giveaway/discount/special you would like to offer readers?
I’d be delighted to offer your readers a 10% discount off their entire purchase by entering the code “SHINY10” in the message to seller upon checkout. I’d love to have them stop by!
Thanks Ginger!
