Bunny B!
Congratulations!
Thanks everyone for playing and be sure to check back on Wednesday when we start a new Giveaway!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
6
Timestamp: 2008-04-28 18:25:12 UTC
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Spotlight On....
StormeeJean!
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie,grand-auntie, sister, niece, cousin, sister-friend, friend. I love being all that and that is what makes me who I am, these are the people in me, they have all made it possible for me to be the artist that I am, they have never seen me as anything else and have always encouraged me to keep doing it. They have love my artwork, even the things I messed up. What have I been doing up to this point? Sewing. I have always had jobs working in sewing factories and tailoring and alterations businesses.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
Praising God! This is not a fantasy for me, I am able to work on my art full time. I love participating in art fairs and exhibiting in galleries. I sometimes put my work on consignment in boutiques. I mainly stick to one-of-a-kind items because I am not into mass-producing my work. I love doing what I do. I put a price on it, if it sells, I am happy.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer one-of-a-kind items, that are not done on an assembly line. I also offer custom designs. You will see jackets, coats, fabric boxes, scarves, hats, cloth bags, pillows. But what I really like to do is the coats and jackets, so you will see a lot of those. I have always been intrigued by little boxes so you will also see some of the boxes that I love to make. As a matter of fact, everything in my shop is thing I love to make.
4. Where do you create?
I have turned our master bedroom into my studio, it is a big room and I love the light that comes in the window during the daytime. But really, the whole house is my studio.
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from God, I meditate and pray and ask His guidance every time I start a new project. Sometimes I just dream the colors and then the piece becomes vivid when I start to put the different colors together. I love music, sometimes I’ll get into some good sounds like one of my coats I made was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in The Key Of Life”. I also was inspired by the way that the slaves were transported in the slave ships, they laid side by side, chained together, all different tribes, when I see pictures of how they were transported, I see beautiful, wonderful colors all sewn together to make a beautiful garment.
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I learned from my mother and my grandmother, my grandmother was a quilter and I used to sit with her and learn how to make quilts. My mother always made our clothes and when I was about 10 I made my first pair of pants, I have been sewing since then. Growing up my mother’s motto was “if you learn something you can do with your hands (such as sewing, doing hair, gardening, etc), you will never be broke” I have found that statement to be very true. My mother sewed and she did hair.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I have been doing art fairs, jazz festivals, wearable art festivals, conferences, and I also had an exhibit in The Blandon Art Museum in Fort Dodge, IA. Lately I have been working more with my websites and my Etsy store. Whenever I update any of them, I send out a mass email. Promotion is not one of my strong points this is my year for more promotion. These are my websites:
http://www.stormeejean.etsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stormeejean/
http://www.stormeeultimatedesigns.com
http://stormeesewgoods.blogspot.com/
And then of course my EAOC Team Blog
http://etsyaoc.ning.com/profile/stormee
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Not selling myself short. And saying no to jobs that I know is going to be a problem.
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Don’t give up on your art. Even if it seems that it is not selling, there is a market for all our art or else God would not have put it in us to do. He has a plan for every piece we do, as long as we don’t give up. Don’t mark it down because it doesn’t sell right away, don’t think it won’t sell, if God put it in you to make, it is going to sell at the price you put on it you just have to be patient and make some other stuff. Don’t let anyone tell you that your prices are too high.
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
My list is long, but here are a couple:
Wsir Arts
Blue Chair
Marcia Palmer
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie,grand-auntie, sister, niece, cousin, sister-friend, friend. I love being all that and that is what makes me who I am, these are the people in me, they have all made it possible for me to be the artist that I am, they have never seen me as anything else and have always encouraged me to keep doing it. They have love my artwork, even the things I messed up. What have I been doing up to this point? Sewing. I have always had jobs working in sewing factories and tailoring and alterations businesses.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
Praising God! This is not a fantasy for me, I am able to work on my art full time. I love participating in art fairs and exhibiting in galleries. I sometimes put my work on consignment in boutiques. I mainly stick to one-of-a-kind items because I am not into mass-producing my work. I love doing what I do. I put a price on it, if it sells, I am happy.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer one-of-a-kind items, that are not done on an assembly line. I also offer custom designs. You will see jackets, coats, fabric boxes, scarves, hats, cloth bags, pillows. But what I really like to do is the coats and jackets, so you will see a lot of those. I have always been intrigued by little boxes so you will also see some of the boxes that I love to make. As a matter of fact, everything in my shop is thing I love to make.
4. Where do you create?
I have turned our master bedroom into my studio, it is a big room and I love the light that comes in the window during the daytime. But really, the whole house is my studio.
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from God, I meditate and pray and ask His guidance every time I start a new project. Sometimes I just dream the colors and then the piece becomes vivid when I start to put the different colors together. I love music, sometimes I’ll get into some good sounds like one of my coats I made was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in The Key Of Life”. I also was inspired by the way that the slaves were transported in the slave ships, they laid side by side, chained together, all different tribes, when I see pictures of how they were transported, I see beautiful, wonderful colors all sewn together to make a beautiful garment.
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I learned from my mother and my grandmother, my grandmother was a quilter and I used to sit with her and learn how to make quilts. My mother always made our clothes and when I was about 10 I made my first pair of pants, I have been sewing since then. Growing up my mother’s motto was “if you learn something you can do with your hands (such as sewing, doing hair, gardening, etc), you will never be broke” I have found that statement to be very true. My mother sewed and she did hair.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I have been doing art fairs, jazz festivals, wearable art festivals, conferences, and I also had an exhibit in The Blandon Art Museum in Fort Dodge, IA. Lately I have been working more with my websites and my Etsy store. Whenever I update any of them, I send out a mass email. Promotion is not one of my strong points this is my year for more promotion. These are my websites:
http://www.stormeejean.etsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stormeejean/
http://www.stormeeultimatedesigns.com
http://stormeesewgoods.blogspot.com/
And then of course my EAOC Team Blog
http://etsyaoc.ning.com/profile/stormee
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Not selling myself short. And saying no to jobs that I know is going to be a problem.
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Don’t give up on your art. Even if it seems that it is not selling, there is a market for all our art or else God would not have put it in us to do. He has a plan for every piece we do, as long as we don’t give up. Don’t mark it down because it doesn’t sell right away, don’t think it won’t sell, if God put it in you to make, it is going to sell at the price you put on it you just have to be patient and make some other stuff. Don’t let anyone tell you that your prices are too high.
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
My list is long, but here are a couple:
Wsir Arts
Blue Chair
Marcia Palmer
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Weekly Giveaway - Earrings and Necklace
Sponsored by Marcia Palmer! These are beautifully handcrafted and are surprisingly lightweight! They would make a lovely, unique addition to your own jewelry collection or perhaps would make a great Mother's Day gift (if you can part with them!).
How to Enter
No purchase is necessary to win. You simply have to go to Marcia's shop and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person, duplicate entries will be discarded.
Your comment should include:
Your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be Anonymous!)
The name of your favorite item in the shop or the URL to it
The contest ends on Saturday, April 26th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.
How to Enter
No purchase is necessary to win. You simply have to go to Marcia's shop and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person, duplicate entries will be discarded.
Your comment should include:
Your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be Anonymous!)
The name of your favorite item in the shop or the URL to it
The contest ends on Saturday, April 26th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
And the WINNER is.....
Mature Natural!
Thanks everyone for playing! Please check back Wednesday when we start a new giveaway!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
10
Timestamp: 2008-04-21 00:04:34 UTC
Thanks everyone for playing! Please check back Wednesday when we start a new giveaway!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
10
Timestamp: 2008-04-21 00:04:34 UTC
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Spotlight on .....
Roseline of African Fashions!
Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time?
Hi, my name is Roseline and I have been a custom seamstress since 1984. I own two professtional sewing machines, a Singer CG500C, which can do straight, decorative and flex stitching, and a Kenmore differental feed with 4 spools. I learned my trade in Nairobi, Kenya and now live in Charlotte, NC
Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I work as a nurse in an old folks home, am married and have a daughter in Kenya. Trying to get her a visa to come here. So far no luck.
What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I can create any style of clothing, not just afrocentric. I am an expert seamstress. I can design and sew what ever you want, and not just women's clothing either, but also men's clothing and children's clothing. I craft my own designs or I can copy a design of your choosing. I am so adept that from the scantiest of information, like a picture or sketch, I can sew for you the fashions you desire. We are happy to quote you a price.
I also have a number of items already made. Kaftans (13) Dresses (8) Blouse and Pant Sets (14) Blouse and Skirt Sets (12) Elegance (2) Blouses (1) Skirts (1) Menswear (2) Childrens(2) Just look in my shop www.africanfashions.etsy.com
Where do you create?
I work at home in a smoke free and pet free enviroment.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Years of experience, custom orders, fashion magazines, TV shows.
How did you learn how to do your craft?
Trade school in Nairobi and practice.
How do you promote your wares?
Word of Mouth, this blog, business cards, referrals.
What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Be nice to others and they will be nice to you. Also, quality is always the cheapest.
Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
You know how to get to Carnigie Hall?
Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
All of the EAOCers, check out their shops, they all do wonderful work.
Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time?
Hi, my name is Roseline and I have been a custom seamstress since 1984. I own two professtional sewing machines, a Singer CG500C, which can do straight, decorative and flex stitching, and a Kenmore differental feed with 4 spools. I learned my trade in Nairobi, Kenya and now live in Charlotte, NC
Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I work as a nurse in an old folks home, am married and have a daughter in Kenya. Trying to get her a visa to come here. So far no luck.
What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I can create any style of clothing, not just afrocentric. I am an expert seamstress. I can design and sew what ever you want, and not just women's clothing either, but also men's clothing and children's clothing. I craft my own designs or I can copy a design of your choosing. I am so adept that from the scantiest of information, like a picture or sketch, I can sew for you the fashions you desire. We are happy to quote you a price.
I also have a number of items already made. Kaftans (13) Dresses (8) Blouse and Pant Sets (14) Blouse and Skirt Sets (12) Elegance (2) Blouses (1) Skirts (1) Menswear (2) Childrens(2) Just look in my shop www.africanfashions.etsy.com
Where do you create?
I work at home in a smoke free and pet free enviroment.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Years of experience, custom orders, fashion magazines, TV shows.
How did you learn how to do your craft?
Trade school in Nairobi and practice.
How do you promote your wares?
Word of Mouth, this blog, business cards, referrals.
What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Be nice to others and they will be nice to you. Also, quality is always the cheapest.
Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
You know how to get to Carnigie Hall?
Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
All of the EAOCers, check out their shops, they all do wonderful work.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Weekly Giveaway - Kiwi Soap and Satin Cream
This week's giveaway is sponsored by The Ivory Magnolia! You can win these wonderfully scented bath & body products by following the entry rules below. The soap is beautifully shaped like a magnolia blossom and almost seems a shame to use! But once you smell it, you won't think twice - you'll want to covered in that fabulous scent :)
How to Enter
No purchase is necessary to win. You simply have to go to Dee's shop and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person, duplicate entries will be discarded.
Your comment should include:
Your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be Anonymous!)
The name of your favorite item in the shop or the URL to it
The contest ends on Saturday, April 19th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.
How to Enter
No purchase is necessary to win. You simply have to go to Dee's shop and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person, duplicate entries will be discarded.
Your comment should include:
Your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be Anonymous!)
The name of your favorite item in the shop or the URL to it
The contest ends on Saturday, April 19th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
And the WINNER is.....
Susan!
Congratulations on winning the set of 4 handcrafted greeting cards!
Thanks to all who played!
Please check back on Wednesday when we start a NEW Weekly Giveaway!
Congratulations on winning the set of 4 handcrafted greeting cards!
Thanks to all who played!
Please check back on Wednesday when we start a NEW Weekly Giveaway!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
4
Timestamp: 2008-04-13 19:52:58 UTC
Friday, April 11, 2008
Spotlight On....
Terri Collins of Callidora!
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a homeschooling mom of 4 wonderful children. In my former life, I was a seamstress, a daycare provider, a Human Resources Manager, a Trainer, and an all around office lackey.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
I teach classes at a homeschool co-op - mostly crafty classes, Knitting, Crochet, and Sewing; but also Word Roots and Computer keyboarding. I also currently take care of two daycare kids along with my own. I'm getting geared up to teach textile arts in week long summer camps.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I have my handcrafted aprons, handbags, purse organizers, and reversible No Hurt Headbands in my shop. Through our Team Shop, I offer exclusively my new Callidora Home line. Right now, it's just bed pocket organizers and pillows, but soon I will be offering custom window valances, placemats & napkins, and whatever other design pops into my head!
4. Where do you create?
Right now, I create at my dining room table. But the room is sort of becoming overrun (imagine that!), so I am just beyond the planning stage of converting my classroom into a dedicated craft room. (New flooring, craft table, etc. I'm so excited!) It should be ready by late May.
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
From the fabric itself most times. It "tells" what it wants to be :) Also, I get inspired by feelings. I want to invoke a sensation or mood with my work. I want people to feel Spring-y, light and airy; or sometimes my piece says "Be wild! Shake your hair loose and flaunt it baby!"
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
Sewing I learned from a class I took when I was 13, then my mom taught me some and the rest I learned from reading. Crochet I learned when I was 5 from my grandmother. Knitting, I'm completely self-taught.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote through my blog, TLC Says, Indiepublic, very minimally on MySpace and Flickr, and by word of mouth. I have recently just started offering giveaways on my own blog and I'm offering an item a week on other blogs. That is really getting the word out. Giving away samples is a great way to get people interested in your work.
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Sadly, it's not all about creating your pieces. There's a lot of business know-how needed and you have to stay on top of marketing every day. If you take a week off, it really shows in your sales. Perseverance is key. And most importantly, we artists tend to get dejected easily because our hearts are in our work - so it's important to remember that business is cyclical and don't get down in the slow periods.
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Keep your chin up, keep creating, and network as much you can!
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I do have a few, besides the wonderful artists here on this team. I love Heidi's Handmades and Two Rivers Soap. Dippy LuLu has funny stuff. Fabriclicious for fabrics, Tea Noir for the BEST loose teas, and Four Seasons Fragrance for perfumes.
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a homeschooling mom of 4 wonderful children. In my former life, I was a seamstress, a daycare provider, a Human Resources Manager, a Trainer, and an all around office lackey.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
I teach classes at a homeschool co-op - mostly crafty classes, Knitting, Crochet, and Sewing; but also Word Roots and Computer keyboarding. I also currently take care of two daycare kids along with my own. I'm getting geared up to teach textile arts in week long summer camps.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I have my handcrafted aprons, handbags, purse organizers, and reversible No Hurt Headbands in my shop. Through our Team Shop, I offer exclusively my new Callidora Home line. Right now, it's just bed pocket organizers and pillows, but soon I will be offering custom window valances, placemats & napkins, and whatever other design pops into my head!
4. Where do you create?
Right now, I create at my dining room table. But the room is sort of becoming overrun (imagine that!), so I am just beyond the planning stage of converting my classroom into a dedicated craft room. (New flooring, craft table, etc. I'm so excited!) It should be ready by late May.
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
From the fabric itself most times. It "tells" what it wants to be :) Also, I get inspired by feelings. I want to invoke a sensation or mood with my work. I want people to feel Spring-y, light and airy; or sometimes my piece says "Be wild! Shake your hair loose and flaunt it baby!"
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
Sewing I learned from a class I took when I was 13, then my mom taught me some and the rest I learned from reading. Crochet I learned when I was 5 from my grandmother. Knitting, I'm completely self-taught.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote through my blog, TLC Says, Indiepublic, very minimally on MySpace and Flickr, and by word of mouth. I have recently just started offering giveaways on my own blog and I'm offering an item a week on other blogs. That is really getting the word out. Giving away samples is a great way to get people interested in your work.
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Sadly, it's not all about creating your pieces. There's a lot of business know-how needed and you have to stay on top of marketing every day. If you take a week off, it really shows in your sales. Perseverance is key. And most importantly, we artists tend to get dejected easily because our hearts are in our work - so it's important to remember that business is cyclical and don't get down in the slow periods.
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Keep your chin up, keep creating, and network as much you can!
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I do have a few, besides the wonderful artists here on this team. I love Heidi's Handmades and Two Rivers Soap. Dippy LuLu has funny stuff. Fabriclicious for fabrics, Tea Noir for the BEST loose teas, and Four Seasons Fragrance for perfumes.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Weekly Giveaway - Set of Handcrafted Greeting Cards!
This Giveaway is now CLOSED!
These beautiful, very noteworthy cards are from Handcrafted by LaMar! The winner of this giveaway will receive the set of four. Elegantly embellished on the outside and blank on the inside - add your thoughts to these keepsake cards.
How to Enter
No purchase is necessary to win. You simply have to go to LaMar's shop and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person, duplicate entries will be discarded.
Your comment should include:
Your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be Anonymous!)
The name of your favorite item in the shop or the URL to it
The contest ends on Saturday, April 12th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Introducing Callidora Home in our Team Shop!
by Terri Collins of Callidora
I am happy to introduce an expansion of the Callidora line into Home Decor! Currently, these items will be sold exclusively through the Etsy Artists of Color Team Shop. I have one set of Bedside Pocket Organizers listed right now and will be adding more in the very near future. My mind is buzzing with new designs!
All items can be customized and are available for wholesale. Please feel free to contact me if you have an idea for an item and would like me to help you bring it to fruition.
Callidora Home available here.
I am happy to introduce an expansion of the Callidora line into Home Decor! Currently, these items will be sold exclusively through the Etsy Artists of Color Team Shop. I have one set of Bedside Pocket Organizers listed right now and will be adding more in the very near future. My mind is buzzing with new designs!
All items can be customized and are available for wholesale. Please feel free to contact me if you have an idea for an item and would like me to help you bring it to fruition.
Callidora Home available here.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Healthy Crafting
Crafting and artistic pursuits have been known to be relaxing and even therapeutic value. But Harvard University’s world-renowned mind/body expert, Herbert Benson, MD, says that repetitive and rhythmic crafts such as knitting may even evoke what he calls the relaxation response—a feeling of bodily and mental calm that’s been scientifically proven to enhance health and reduce the risk of heart disease, anxiety and depression.
Here are a few EAOC we can check with:
Ladies They Talk About
LS Krochet
Urbanknt
Raghouse International
Feille
InkblotKelly
BklynMoMos.etsy. com
Here are a few EAOC we can check with:
Ladies They Talk About
LS Krochet
Urbanknt
Raghouse International
Feille
InkblotKelly
BklynMoMos.etsy. com
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Spotlight on ....
LaMar Lynch of Handcrafted by LaMar!
Note from the interviewer: I, personally, have grown to know LaMar over the last few months and find him to be quite an inspiration! His cards are amazingly beautiful and just have to be seen to be believed. They are keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is La-Mar D Lynch and I reside in New York. I started out with poetry (my first love) and always thought I would love to be the man named after Langston Hughes. That never really panned out, found out I may be just a bit too shy for open mic. So I thought, where and/or how else can I get my poetry out there? A book, maybe but publishers are too picky. Then it hit me, how about in a card? Figured I could draw, been doing since I was a teenager (not that I am any good) and add my poetry... I first began with the name DAJaHSI (pronounced: DA-JaH-SI) greetings, the problem with that was it made no money. SO one day when I was feeling down I made what I thought was my last cards and sold them to family members. All of a sudden, I got the energy to chase the dream one last time. I talked to a local store and put the same card designs in there for Christmas. They did okay. A few days later, I remembered I joined this online store thing (which happened to be Etsy). So January 10th I posted what designs I had and sure enough a few days later the sales began to roll in. Though it wasn't how it went in my dreams (you know when you became rich from your craft) it was a sign that said do not give up yet, and so here I still stand.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I was laid off from work back in November of 2007 and since then I have dedicated my everyday to my craft and building my business. So I pretty much do nothing. Oh, I am a stay at home dad and my son is my number one partner, he keeps me on my toes at the tender age of 20 months.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer handcrafted greeting cards for every occasion and moment in life. I do FREE personalization and I am open to custom orders (custom orders have to be at least 1 month in advance).
4. Where do you create?
Well I haven't gotten rich yet so I do all my work in my home. One of the corners of my bedroom looks like the aftermath of a craft war-zone. My wife hates it!
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I really get inspiration from all over, but there was a statement I read back when I was doing my business plan that had these words in it: "...inspire social expression..." From that moment and statement I said I don't want to inspire, but I want to ...'Inspire and improve social expression and change!'
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
Well I started with drawing the images for my cards at first. Then as I did my business plan and research into my craft/field I saw a lot of handcrafted cards and said "I can do that. Man they should have done that... No that doesn't look right they should... " Then I realized I was creating cards in my mind. So as I have been taught everything is born mentally, then physically, and so that is what I did.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote by word of mouth. My group EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color), I have another shop (online), I have done EBay (and will do again), forums, craft shows, promos for others doing craft shows, FREE classified ads, FREE ads all together, Flickr, Myspace, Indiepublic...basically every where I can get in and not pay or not pay too much!
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Most important lesson? I would have to say that it is much harder then it seems, but if you want something you have to put yourself into it and try to make it happen. Don't go crazy but do all you can (some time in your life you have to chase just 1 dream or you will get old and regret if you didn't).
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Stay positive and always believe in yourself first. If you can get with a group, always remember two things:
1- TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
2-YOU NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH! (think about it)
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I have so many can't name them all and don't want to name a few and leave any out.
But I will say this the members of EAOC (Etsy Artist of Color) have some REALLY nice stuff. Don't tell them I said so!
Note from the interviewer: I, personally, have grown to know LaMar over the last few months and find him to be quite an inspiration! His cards are amazingly beautiful and just have to be seen to be believed. They are keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is La-Mar D Lynch and I reside in New York. I started out with poetry (my first love) and always thought I would love to be the man named after Langston Hughes. That never really panned out, found out I may be just a bit too shy for open mic. So I thought, where and/or how else can I get my poetry out there? A book, maybe but publishers are too picky. Then it hit me, how about in a card? Figured I could draw, been doing since I was a teenager (not that I am any good) and add my poetry... I first began with the name DAJaHSI (pronounced: DA-JaH-SI) greetings, the problem with that was it made no money. SO one day when I was feeling down I made what I thought was my last cards and sold them to family members. All of a sudden, I got the energy to chase the dream one last time. I talked to a local store and put the same card designs in there for Christmas. They did okay. A few days later, I remembered I joined this online store thing (which happened to be Etsy). So January 10th I posted what designs I had and sure enough a few days later the sales began to roll in. Though it wasn't how it went in my dreams (you know when you became rich from your craft) it was a sign that said do not give up yet, and so here I still stand.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I was laid off from work back in November of 2007 and since then I have dedicated my everyday to my craft and building my business. So I pretty much do nothing. Oh, I am a stay at home dad and my son is my number one partner, he keeps me on my toes at the tender age of 20 months.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer handcrafted greeting cards for every occasion and moment in life. I do FREE personalization and I am open to custom orders (custom orders have to be at least 1 month in advance).
4. Where do you create?
Well I haven't gotten rich yet so I do all my work in my home. One of the corners of my bedroom looks like the aftermath of a craft war-zone. My wife hates it!
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I really get inspiration from all over, but there was a statement I read back when I was doing my business plan that had these words in it: "...inspire social expression..." From that moment and statement I said I don't want to inspire, but I want to ...'Inspire and improve social expression and change!'
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
Well I started with drawing the images for my cards at first. Then as I did my business plan and research into my craft/field I saw a lot of handcrafted cards and said "I can do that. Man they should have done that... No that doesn't look right they should... " Then I realized I was creating cards in my mind. So as I have been taught everything is born mentally, then physically, and so that is what I did.
7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote by word of mouth. My group EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color), I have another shop (online), I have done EBay (and will do again), forums, craft shows, promos for others doing craft shows, FREE classified ads, FREE ads all together, Flickr, Myspace, Indiepublic...basically every where I can get in and not pay or not pay too much!
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Most important lesson? I would have to say that it is much harder then it seems, but if you want something you have to put yourself into it and try to make it happen. Don't go crazy but do all you can (some time in your life you have to chase just 1 dream or you will get old and regret if you didn't).
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Stay positive and always believe in yourself first. If you can get with a group, always remember two things:
1- TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
2-YOU NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH! (think about it)
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I have so many can't name them all and don't want to name a few and leave any out.
But I will say this the members of EAOC (Etsy Artist of Color) have some REALLY nice stuff. Don't tell them I said so!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
FREE Comment Contest Give-a-way!
Today the members of EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color) would like to give its readers something for FREE.
I was doing some research for a contest where I would like to offer a giveaway to our blog readers. So, along with other members, I came up with the 'Comment Contest!' The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate redeemable from one from one of our members shop- http://callidora.etsy.com
Rules & Regulations:
-Readers would need to Callidora's Shop and look around.
-Find an item you would love to win as a prize and then come leave a comment here on our blog. -In your comment tell us which item you would choose as a prize and why.
-This Comment Contest ends at midnight ET on Saturday, April 5th.
From the comment entries, one comment will be randomly selected and that person will receive a $25 gift certificate to Callidora's Shop. The certificate can be used on any item or combination of items, toward shipping or toward a custom order (but has no cash value).
If you leave a comment on her blog, TLCSays, you have a bonus chance to win.
So come on into Callidora's Shop, browse, find the item you would like to have as a winning prize and come back here and tell us what you think and why you would rather that particular item!
Please be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if your comment is not automatically linked to an email address or anything where we can contact you and tell you, you are the winner!
Come play and have fun!
I was doing some research for a contest where I would like to offer a giveaway to our blog readers. So, along with other members, I came up with the 'Comment Contest!' The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate redeemable from one from one of our members shop- http://callidora.etsy.com
Rules & Regulations:
-Readers would need to Callidora's Shop and look around.
-Find an item you would love to win as a prize and then come leave a comment here on our blog. -In your comment tell us which item you would choose as a prize and why.
-This Comment Contest ends at midnight ET on Saturday, April 5th.
From the comment entries, one comment will be randomly selected and that person will receive a $25 gift certificate to Callidora's Shop. The certificate can be used on any item or combination of items, toward shipping or toward a custom order (but has no cash value).
If you leave a comment on her blog, TLCSays, you have a bonus chance to win.
So come on into Callidora's Shop, browse, find the item you would like to have as a winning prize and come back here and tell us what you think and why you would rather that particular item!
Please be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if your comment is not automatically linked to an email address or anything where we can contact you and tell you, you are the winner!
Come play and have fun!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
How Many Hours do You Spend on the Job?
This is an interesting piece that came swooping across my computer screen. Never really tallied the hours I spend crafting, but then this wouldn't be America if someone did not study the time spent crafting...
'On average, a crafter spends 7.5 hours a week engaged in his/her craft.'
This statistic comes from the Craft and Hobby Association.
Does this statistic ring true with you?
Leave us a comment and let us know how much time do you spend crafting.
I think I spend at least 10 hours a week physically crafting and 10 hours mentally creating.
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