Calling All Artisans!!!

Hey EAOC'ers!

Would you like to be profiled on our blog? Let the world know who you are and what you do! If you're interested, please comment on this post, and I'll be in contact with you shortly regarding your feature.

Spotlight On ...

Paula Bidwell of Native Talisman Art!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am an American Indian artist and jeweler. I am also considered an Indigenous Healer and spent many years on the reservation learning. I combine both worlds into my art. I draw, paint and illustrate the visions, dreams and mystical experiences I’ve had. This work is so gratifying because it resonates with so many other people. I also believe strongly that we are all related and there is very little separation between us. When making jewelry or creating traditional crafts I use materials and symbols that have meaning and substance in a spiritual sense.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
I love to cook and consider this a creative endeavor that fits nicely with my artist jeweler life
I’m working on a new cook book called “Hard Times—Fast and Decadent Comfort Foods" with recipes that are fast, easy and inexpensive.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
My Etsy shop “Native talisman Art” has art prints (from my dreams, visions and experiences), hand painted leather medicine bags, Native Amercian cookbooks, and a new line of Native American Bone (Hair Pipe) Chokers, necklaces and earrings.

4. Where do you create?
Everywhere...kitchen, studio, and many times lying prone on the sofa!

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration usually comes to me around 4:00 a.m. when the world is quiet and still. I think at this time, I can reach out and capture the more mystical and magical elements of the world around me. I also spend quite a bit of time thinking about new designs. If I’m especially excited about something, I can stay focused for hours and sometimes days. The process of designing in my mind is a pleasurable one for me and has been really successful. It’s almost like I tap into some sort of creative mystical zone where everything is possible. The materials I use are so varied. I’ll try anything and everything to achieve the design. I don’t believe much in limits.

6. How did you learn your craft?
When I was very young, my father who was an artist, recognized some sort of talent in me and on my tenth birthday presented me with a full set of oil paints, canvases, brushes and easel. He gently guided me with paints, pen and ink and charcoal. The jewelry came later. My uncle showed me how to solder silver. Then a brother showed me how to cut and stamp. The beaded jewelry started when I was a teenager and various relatives and friends showed me different techniques along the way.

7. How do you promote your wares?
Since most of my sales are from my internet stores, I really research keywords and read everything I can about Search Engine Optimization. I also belong to several networking groups such as Flickr and IndiePublic. When I list an item on Etsy, I upload the photos and descriptions to these sites. On my e-mail signature I add a “clickable” URL for my stores. And most of all, I am a member of Etsy Artist of Color.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
To do what I love and to love doing it.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
List or renew items frequently and in the early evening when most people are home from work and have the time to browse. Read Storque articles, network with other Etsy artists through Etsy groups and forums, have lots of items in your store at least 2 dozen and take really good pictures, include everything you can think of in your description.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Foret—Emporium of the Unique, Indigenous Art—Ornaments and Prints , The Lote tree—Hand made with Love, and Native Beads .

Spotlight On ...

Lily of LilyPoh!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a Singaporean Peranakan Chinese living in a small and relatively modern country, Singapore. Peranakans refer to the descendants of the early Chinese community who settled in the Malay Archipelago from the 17th century. The Peranakan culture is a rich blend of the Chinese and Malay cultures with some influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Thai, Indian and Indonesian cultures as well. Singapore consists of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European immigrants, the culture of Singapore expresses the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another.I have a strong desire for handmade products as it allows me to be creative with my hands. My Peranakan cultural background provides a rich blend in style for my products. I sincerely hope that my handmade products would bring joy to you and your love ones.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
It seems like I can't get away from creative life as I am a Graphic Designer in the day. Designing printed materials, like brochures, catalogues, calendars, business cards, invitation cards...etc. Besides doing all the designing works, I also love to bake cookies.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I love cute and personalized products that will personalize my cell phone, gadgets and handbags, making it truly mine. As such, I would also like others to have such personalized products too. Therefore, I offer the following in my Etsy Shop:

1) Appointment Diary with Personalized Initials

2) Note Pad with Personalized Name

3) Limited Phone/Bag Charms/KeyChains

4) Jewellery

5) Pouch Gift Sets

6) Business Cards Case/CDs Case

4. Where do you create?
All my products are created in my study room. I would sketch my thoughts and ideas on a sketch book and then convert it into a detailed blue-print. With this blue-print, I would then create it into a final product.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from almost anywhere. Example, a cute image from a t-shirt, wrapping papers, cloths, cartoon, children’s story books, plates, cups...etc.

6. How did you learn your craft?
Self-taught from crafted books especially those felt charms (I should thank God for giving me this creative gift). As for printed products such as appointment diary, note pads, namecards..etc, they are taught by my aunties. They taught me how to bound the pads and do those printing layouts.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I have printed postcards and business cards that I take with me everywhere I go. I also have a portfolio on linkreferral, facebooks, Dawanda, eCrater, a blog, flickr, Smidge, I love Etsy (unofficial website)and a personal website (desire2.com). I also give out samples of my products in trade shows from US, UK, Germany for their goodies bags.My philosophy of my product is that even if it is sitting in a shop somewhere untouched, someone will see it and remember it and would eventually find it’s way to a right buyer.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Go for an extra mile when serving a customer, even though the product may cost less than $5.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Be passionate about your work! This passion will stay motivated even if your sales are low. Meet other members in the Etsy community, participate in the forums and chat rooms as these are great places to post questions and find help. Take good pictures of your work and provide many angles of shots so that your product speaks for itself. In my opinion the customer is the most important part of a successful Etsy business. Treat your customers like they are valued, give them a little gift, throw in a little discount whenever possible, ship your product promptly and hopefully the word about your site will spread through positive recommendations.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Yes, definitely! There are many favorite Etsy artists I like and they are: 1) SaNaHandmadeSoap.etsy.com. This Etsy seller has a range of soaps that are suitable for sensitive skin. 2) HipBone.etsy.com .This soaps seller's philosophy is that if the customer like the product it will be worth the customer paying the shipping cost in the future. 3) Athenasolivetree.etsy.com. This seller can give good advice on her products which best suit your skin and also will not push to sell her products to you. 4) HOST.etsy.com. The seller is friendly and help etsy artists who need helps. Of course there are also more others that I love to work with and I truly appreciate and enjoy their good service.

Spotlight On ...

Ella of EllaParry!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I'm not very good at descriptions, especially about myself. Hmmm!!Hmmm!! Firstly, I can tell you that I love art, I love to create art. I have always had a strong passion for art ever since I was able to pick up my first pencil as a child. I'm a Chinese born artist but because of the color of my skin plus my curly hair, Chinese people don’t think I am Chinese, but I am Chinese! I am originally from Cambodia, lived in Thailand and Laos as a child and spent most of my teens to mid twenties growing up in Hong Kong. I now live in the London with my lovely musician husband and my cat. I have been here in London for 10 years. I am a freelance illustrator and graphic designer and have been mainly focusing on creating my own products, such as greeting cards to market to major companies.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
Art and all the surrounding aspects of art take up the majority of my time. If I’m not drawing, painting or thinking up ideas for my next project, I’m 0n the net promoting myself through companies such as Etsy, naturally. When I’m not doing that, I’m normally “Doing that” or maybe feeding my cat, Summer, she is forever hungry.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
My Etsy shop offer happiness to the people, I aim to make people feel relaxed, smile and forget all the worries they have in the real world and bring them into an Ella Parry fantasy---through my paintings and my greetings card collections.

4. Where do you create?
I don’t have my own studio so I work at home at the moment. If you want want to buy me a studio I won't refuse, I promise!

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
The main inspiration for my work is the hope and happiness of life. I truly believe we all are searching for happiness for our life everyday; my work is an expression of my feeling and my view on life and others.

6. How did you learn your craft?
It kind of came natural for me to draw and paint. I learned graphic design through Art College and that did help me to transfer my artwork into what it is now.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I have signed up to different web sites, such as facebook, myspace, blog, flicker and twitter to promote on line and let everyone about my Etsy shop wherever I go. I will always add my cards to any wall space or chat room that will let me!!!!! Give me more, give me more!!!!!!!

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Don’t be shy to tell people what I’m doing. Observe everything around me where ever I may be and Communicate with people I meet from all walks of “Real life” as well as the life we know as “Virtual!!

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself and go for it, never give up no matter how hard and how long it takes Do it from your soul!

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
To be honest, there are so many great artists in Etsy, “Lauren Alexander” is the first Etsy artist I added on my Favourites seller box. I love the style!!!!

Spotlight On ...

M.Todd of MCT Jeweler!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a husband, a parent of two great children and a man who loves creating beautiful pieces of jewelry from simple bars of precious metal and created a business MCT Jeweler to share that enthusiasm with others.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
Currently I work for a 75 person jewelry manufacturer company whom I have worked for over 35 years.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
Offer unique handmade jewelry made of 14kt yellow gold, 14kt white gold, and 925 pure silver and genuine stones. I have a collection of jewelry pieces such as cufflinks, rings, bracelets and earrings which can be seen and sold at mct43 [!at] etsy.com or on my official website http://www.mctjeweler.com/.

4. Where do you create?
I create most of my jewelry pieces from my home.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
The catalyst of the jewelry pieces I create is from my childhood experiences in my native island of Trinidad. Secretly I wish I was steel pan players who are amazing musicians who create the style of music known as calypso and soca to create rhythmic and melodic music from old oil drums. Inspired by this instrument I began to generate a series of jewelry pieces to reflect the character of this instrument. Usually when I am creating these jewelry pieces I am listening to the music.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
A family friend, who owned a jewelry store in Port of Spain Trinidad, taught me the jewelry trade. I began learning in 1962 how to assemble, solder, mount diamonds and various gemstones, cutting and molding various metals.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote my product by doing various tradeshows and expositions in the New York are and other states in the U.S.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
It is very hard to run your own business and a small one at that; however this experience has allowed me to keep the faith and push on through in sharing my products with the world. In the end I truly enjoy seeing people enjoy my pieces.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Take baby steps to get your business going. There is a lot to learn in whatever trade you are venturing in but as you progress you will keep learning and growing.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I like to say thank you to everyone who has welcomed me to in the Etsy and the EAOC community. I greatly appreciate the support and interest. However three who I like to acknowledge are Three Muses, Sedruola Maruska and Urban Knit.

Spotlight On ...

Sedruola of Sedruola Maruska's Yarn Obsession!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a First generation, Haitian-American Black woman who is a daughter, wife, mother and friend (among other things). My "day job" is as an Executive Assistant, however, my work is to be my own boss. My life has been filled with a big extended family that I love dearly and the simple things in life. I love a friend or family gathering. I love reading (when I can). I love traveling and learning about other cultures and I love ever improving on the woman I've become.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
Besides working with my yarn and expanding into craft shows, consignments and wholesale, I'm working to raise $40,000 for the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation (http://www.haitihealth.org) in honor of my 40th birthday on Sept. 25th of this year. I have been blessed with so much in my life, that I feel if there is something I can do to share that blessing, I will do my best to do it. Right now, those two things take up most of the "extra", if I can call it that, time I have in my life.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer knit and crochet accessories as well as vintage buttons. I love to play with yarn and having the shop and doing shows gives me a reason and an opportunity to play with yarn as much as I'd like.

4. Where do you create?
Wherever I am. Because my craft is so portable, I only think of what project I want to carry and wherever I have a few moments I pull out my work and create. My dream is to have a home where I have a room or space where all my supplies are gathered and I have a cushy chair to work in. Until then, I do what I do, wherever I can.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?
Fashion. I look around and all types of fashions and I get inspiration all the time. Unfortunately, my mind and hands can't keep up with my inspiration, but steady as we go, I know I'll soon be offering more than accessories in my shop and around the world.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I met my husband's grandmother in 2001. She was in her late 70's then and she knits, crochets, paints, quilts, beads and makes jewelry. After meeting her I told my husband (then my boyfriend) that we needed to stop at a craft store so I could buy some yarn, a hook and a book because if his 70+ year old grandma can do all those crafts and she raised 8 children, I can certainly learn one. I learned to crochet that year, then in 2002 I decided to learn to knit. I've been doing both ever since!

7. How do you promote your wares?
I'm still a novice, but I have started taking advantage of gift bags that other artists have advertised and sending business cards, I have a blog yarnobsession-2.blogspot.com, I've recently purchase bookmarks that I've created crochet tassles for and will be giving those away at shows, I'm part of two really great street teams, EAOC and Boston Handmade and I talk about what I do as much as I can. Slowly, I think friends, family and those I meet are getting the message.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
To be true to yourself. As in all things that you do, I've learned that in making an item, it's better to start over as many times as necessary to make it just the way you want it to be, rather than send shabby work. It will always show. Make sure you have integrity when working and giving your word to others and beleive that your work is worth your energy.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
I can only say that information gathering, whether it be reading, talking, or sharing is the best way to gain more resources, information and positive motivation to get through.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I have a lot of Etsy artists that I truly admire so it is very difficult to promote only one. For that very reason I work on promoting one Etsy artist a week on my blog.

Spotlight On ...

Tamra of Ag Jewelry Design & Hair Thingys!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am and have always been something of a Renaissance woman. I’m into a little bit of everything. I love science, I love art, and I’ve had an active hand in both. I have a bachelors degree in physics, and I was trained as a classical pianist. But, I also sew, I’m an amateur/hobbyist photographer and an amateur astronomer. It was a huge struggle for me to choose between pursuing a career in science vs. one in the arts. I’ve learned to live with both.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
I work part time for a small performing arts organization—primarily for the purpose of covering my business expenses.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
Well, as of yesterday, my Etsy shops are in transition. In my Ag Jewelry Design Etsy shop I offer handcrafted jewelry made primarily from precious metals and gemstones. I don’t have any of my stone pieces up at the moment but I plan to soon.

As for my HairThingys Etsy shop, this store will be undergoing a major transformation over the next few weeks. Currently, I offer a variety of handmade ponytail holders and other hair accessories. They were originally intended for people with thicker, locked hair, but I’ve started customizing the width of the elastics, so they’re also good for people whose hair isn’t as thick. I also have several precious metals pieces that I plan to make available for sale.

4. Where do you create?
I have my own studio space. But, I actually create wherever I feel I have to go to plan or execute an idea—dining room table, kitchen bar area, my home office, cafe—just, wherever I need to get a job done.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?
Some things come to me spontaneously, others are sparked as the result of my reading and personal study of art, art history and jewelry history.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I am primarily self-taught. I took a couple of workshops with Revere Academy (East), but outside of that I’ve found, given my academic background, I do better when I teach myself. Having a science background definitely helps with both the science of metalcraft and with the analytical process.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I have my jewelry website, http://www.agjewelrydesign.com/; my Etsy sites: http://hairthingys.etsy.com/ and http://agjewelrydesign.etsy.com/; and now my Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/gentrydesigncompany/ I also promote my stuff through my blog http://www.gentrydesignco.typepad.com/, and I’m starting to get into the gallery/boutique scene.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
I’ve learned the hard way that just because you have what you think is a fabulous product doesn’t mean that people will want to buy it. That is to say, I know what I like making, but I’ve found that I must take into consideration the needs and desires of my target audience. Also, find your voice in your area *before* you start selling. I’ve been trying to “find my voice” as I go along and I’ve found it to be quite frustrating-- and perhaps a little confusing for any potential customers because they don’t know what to expect next from me from one batch of product postings to the next (but, that’s just the way I work ;-).

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
I’d have to refer people back to the previous question. If I had been aware of those things from the beginning, I think it would have really helped.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I have way too many favorites! But, ones that come to mind immediately are Paulus Fine Furniture , Metal Bludger, the Builder’s Studio, and Etta Mae.

Spotlight On ...

Marcus Kwame!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I'm an artist, musician and poet, who was born in Kingston Jamaica and raised in upstate New York. I've been making art since I can remember. My mother was very supportive and instrumental in me becoming an artist.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
Right now I'm preparing for the birth of my first child, which I'm really excited about. She's due in August. I have a lot going on right now but that is the big thing!

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer my paintings, drawings and prints in my Etsy Shop.

4. Where do you create?
I mostly create at home, but I've been known to create art anywhere I can get my hands on a piece of paper when inspiration strikes.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?
I find inspiration in many places. Music is a big source of inspiration for me. A lot of my paintings are somehow related to music. My wife inspires me. People who have passed through my life inspire me.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I've had some great art teachers but I learned the most by just "doing." I drew all the time when I was growing up. I'm always trying to grow as an artist and do new things.

7. How do you promote your wares?
Through my website http://www.marcuskwame.com/, etsy, word of mouth (handing out a lot of cards!)

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
The most important lesson I've learned since I began selling is that the amount you sell does not determine the true worth of your work. So if things are slow I don't doubt myself or my work.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Like I said, don't let money define your work. If you create what is true to you then in the long run I believe you will be successful.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Lark Calderon Gomez, The Pairabirds, Three Muses Art, Alkemystic88

Spotlight On ...

Rhena of Lars and Addie!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I grew up in Washington DC before moving to Madison, WI to go to college. After living there for six years, I moved around a bit. I've lived in London, a few towns in Thailand, and New York City. I've finally settled in Minneapolis with my husband almost two years ago. We just bought a new house a few minutes away from my sister and her family. It's nice to be near family and settled enough to own a sewing machine or two!

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
When I'm not sewing and knitting, I'm a writer.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
My tagline is "Bags and such. But mostly bags." That pretty much says it all. My bags are fabric with some sort of appliqué on them. My knitted bags are felted and I'm getting into adding needle felting to them. When I say "and such" I mean things for the home like coasters and napkins. I'm going to be expanding this section in the months to come.

4. Where do you create?
I used to work on the dining room table in our tiny apartment. In our new home, my husband and I set up a space in one of the extra rooms for me to work in. Even though we're having work done on our house, my husband made sure that space for me to work was one of the first things we got finished. It's great to have an area separate from where I write so that one creativity doesn't distract me from the other.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspiration from other artists like those who create fabrics and yarns. I also spend a lot of time looking at other art, photographs, and the natural world around me. I also get a lot of inspiration from the learning process. I'll often pick up a new pattern or project not because I'm going to sell it, but because I can learn a new technique that I can incorporate into my designs.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I've taken two sewing classes a number of years ago. Otherwise, I'm pretty much self-taught. The internet is such a great resource!

7. How do you promote your wares?
I just opened on Etsy, so I'm just getting starting with the promoting. I maintain a regular blog and try to visit other blogs and to comment there. I also keep photos -- both handmade items and other topics -- on flickr. I carry business cards with me at all times and send a few of them with each order. I definitely have to do some more, but in the meantime, fortunately, my friends, family, and customers are great champions of my work!

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Promoting on and off Etsy is super important, but the bottom line is that if I'm not creating and if I'm not creating items that I love and am happy with, it's all for naught. I have to make sure that I always leave time to actually make things and not just promote. I have to create items, not only to keep my stock up but also to keep my sanity.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
For an on-line store, photography is the single most important element of your shop (aside from having a great product). Your customer can't touch and hold your product, so you have to compensate for that by taking great pictures. Don't use a flash, use natural light, use all five photos spots, and edit your photos before you post.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Luna Feliz is a fellow Minneapolitan who sells really cute Chinese take-out boxes. Sinister Bags are also here in Minneapolis. She makes great vinyl bags (a material I would never have the guts to work with!). My Handbound Books makes great journals, which as someone who can't work with paper at all and who is, ironically, a writer, I respect a great deal. Orange Moon Toys makes these great shadow puppet toys, which I will definitely buy if we have kids one day... or maybe even if we don't have kids! I have to give a shout out to Studio Wonjun. She's from Thailand, living in NYC and has one bag that's been on the front page about a zillion times -- but also has a bunch of other crocheted items that are really cute:

Spotlight On ...

Maia of Astrida Naturals and Media Move!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Maia of Astrida Naturals and Media Move. I'm 24, and currently live in the suburbs just outside of Chicago. I went to undergrad for New Media Design but before I finished, I knew I wanted to work for myself. After I earned my BFA, I went back to school and earned an MBA so that I could start my own business. During this time I was also working with my father, selling African American books online. Now we have a store, and I am fully pursuing my dreams of self employment by selling shea butter products and providing graphic, web, and flash design services.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I own a bookstore! In November, 2007 I opened a bookstore with my father, we actually earned out MBAs at the same time and used our store, Azizi Books, as our final business plan project. I'm here at Azizi Books all the time, even as I write this. We also continue to sell books online at http://www.blackbooksdirect.com/.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
At AstridaNaturals.etsy.com, I sell unrefined shea butter products and African black soap. MediaMove.etsy.com is my new shop. I currently offer premade banners and custom banner designs, but I would ultimately like to offer dynamic advertising and marketing solutions, such as video and interactive flash movies and banners and websites, for other merchants.

4. Where do you create?
I've completely taken over the kitchen for my shea butter creations!

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my family when creating new products. My shea butter business originally started because I wanted to create natural skin care solutions for myself and my family. They pretty much tell me what I need to create next.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I did a lot of research before I started the shea butter business. Owning a bookstore gives me lots of access to great books, so I read as much as I could about skin care and all the ingredients that I could to use to create a line. I also did a lot of experimenting on my family and friends before I started selling.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I have a blog, astridanaturals.blogspot.com where I talk about my products and share my knowledge about skin care. I also promote a lot on Etsy. You can find me on the forums almost daily. Even if I only have time for one post, I think that it has helped. I don't really promote my design services too much. Word of mouth usually gives me enough design work and new media jobs to keep busy.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
I've learned not to get too distracted by what other sellers are doing in my category. I used to compare, and it was driving me nuts, so I don't anymore. I've also learned that great communications leads to happy customers.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Do your research! Try not to get distracted but what others are doing in your category. Stay true to your goals and remember why you started selling in the first place. If getting hundreds of sales is your goal then you have got to promote like a street fighter. Also take great pictures.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Why, yes, I do have some favorites! I love, the Adinkra pendents from CreativeArtandSoul.etsy.com, the journals from Kreativlink.etsy.com, needle tatting from TotusMel.etsy.com, and soaps from dennisanderson.etsy.com.

Spotlight On ...

Stephanie Vance-Patience of Stephani Vance and My Philosopea!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I am a woman who has had my hand in art — in one form or another — my entire life. Both of my parents appreciate and created art, and still, to this day, encourage me to stretch beyond my self-imposed limits and create what I want. I am very proud of my 3 children: one is returning to school to be an RN, one is planning to finish college in graphic design, and one is studying 2D animation. I also have 2 more children. I recently married a wonderful, supportive man who is 100% in my corner. Our blended family is a major part of my life.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I am in my 19th year as a full-time graphic designer, and intend to "retire" within the next 2 years to be a full-time creative person! I read a lot, and, besides my love for and of God, am growing spiritually. I desire to make my world a place filled with love, peace, joy, and gratitude.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
Etsy offers me a place to showcase and [hopefully] sell my fine art and miscellaneous creations. I sell signed, numbered prints, some originals, ACEOs, and now, beautiful handmade journals (completely handmade!) I also love working with polymer clay, and have created beads and a few dolls! I am not sure where the clay-thing is going, but I am open to what the universe has in store!

4. Where do you create?
I turned my son's bedroom into my studio during his second year of college! He's moving to the West Coast to finish earning his Bachelors degree. His old room/my new studio is a very calm sanctuary for me.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from looking at others' work (paintings, sculptures, etc.) and a very private place within my soul.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I was raised in a home that encouraged creativity. I studied all forms of art at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA throughout middle and high school (every weekend, and 5 days a week during my summer vacations... back in the ’70s!) Even though I chose a different route as an adult, I always appreciated art and never stopped creating. I find it easy to read a book or watch a DVD and learn how to, for example, make journals. Then I add my personal flavor to the technical part and am creating beautiful items!

7. How do you promote your wares?
Although I am in advertising 40-hours each week, I don't spend much time promoting my own art (I need a personal assistant, or two of me!) Most people who know me appreciate and buy my art. I have participated in a few art and/or craft shows over the past year. This is only my 3rd year of focusing on art as my full-time ambition, so this is the year that I intend to step out and participate more, hand out more marketing materials, and get more involved in showing my work.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
I've learned that there is a difference in the quality of my art when I base my work on selling it as opposed to basing it on the process of creating. I absolutely LOVE the process, and find joy in my finished pieces. And IF I sell it, that's good, too!

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Focus on your vision, and never base your creations on what other people are doing. You'll be a happier, satisfied artisan!

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Wow... I have a few hundred favorite sellers on Esty right now! I always spend at least 3 to 4 hours each week looking at and appreciating others' work! Let's see (in no particular order)... birdandflower, Kreativlink, AgJewelry, polpetteclay, belleandboo, TheIntuitiveGarden, kerijoy, fancykstudio, lakeillustration, LouAnnsdesigns, marciapalmer, sweetsassyboutique, lyoungstudio, to name a few!

Spotlight On ...

Nicole Lee of Nicole Lee Designs!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Nicole Lee of Nicole Lee Designs. I have been crafting and DIYing since I could hold a lump of Play-doh. Although I like to dabble in all sorts of crafts, my heart remains in design and textiles.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
I am trying to write a novel and I write a blog called Style Conspiracy, styleconspiracy.blogspot.com, that features independent designers, artists and business owners of color. I also enjoy digging through flea markets and antique store for lost treasures.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
Clothing in a wide range of sizes, handbags and other accessories.

4. Where do you create?
In my home studio (formally a third bedroom) that tends to migrate into the dining room. So, I sometime end up occupying 2 rooms with all my on going craft projects.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspiration from all over, fabric, color, flowers, music, art, etc. I've always loved the colors of traditional heritage clothing of Africa, India and Tibet. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns and the bright reds, oranges, yellows get me every time.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I have a Bachelor of Science in fashion design.

7. How do you promote your wares?
Through my own website nicoleleedesigns.com, and blog nicoleleedesigns.com/blog, vending at craft shows and participating in promo swaps with other indie businesses to reach cities and customers that I'm not able to reach otherwise. I also promote though involvement in collaborative networking groups like, the Richmond Craft Mafia (I'm a founding member), being a member of the Etsy Artists of Color and Richmond(VA) Etsy Street Teams.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Be determined, creating is only 50% (and sometime less!) of what you will spend your time doing, the rest is the un-creative, mundane, frustrating, time consuming "business" side.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Believe in what you are doing and don't be afraid if it takes awhile to find your niche. An old professor I had told his students this, "If you mind can conceive it, and your heart can believe it, then your hands can achieve it" I always thought the quote was a little corny, but its true.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
OMG! There are so many! Other than the fab artists of the EAOC and my girls of the Richmond Craft Mafia, I'll just list with some favorite artists I have recently discovered:

Marcia's Passions - marciapalmer.etsy.com
Boogie Babee - boogiebabee.etsy.com (I have a owl!)
Treehouse 28 - treehouse28.etsy.com
Cicada Studio - cicadastudio.etsy.com (I love these, I hope to someday have my own textile design line)

Spotlight On ...

Naturalezanica!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Marlon Obando Solano, of Naturaleza al Descubierto natural jewelry. I grew up in a small rural community in Nicaragua. During most of my childhood a civil war was raging. Alongside my parents, I learned to farm and explore the countryside, where my attention to nature’s details developed. I have been an environmental activist for many years. I studied archaeology, learning more about the traditional uses of materials for tools and adornment. My art brings together these interests. I started making and selling jewelry when I was living in Managua, Nicaragua. I gave my work to my friends and started selling through fair trade vendors to get a fair and sustainable price for my work. I moved to Kentucky with my wife (who I met in Nicaragua) and we’ve been working together to sell my jewelry at art fairs and on Etsy.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I work as an archaeologist “shovel bum” doing digs throughout the Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio area. I am a musician, I play the guitar and write songs with my group Appalatin. I also enjoy gardening and cooking.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
Jewelry handmade with sustainable organic materials I collect myself in Nicaragua and Kentucky. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and made to honor the earth. I love to do custom orders and designs.

4. Where do you create?
I have a wonderful spot in my garage, just feet away from the vegetable garden in the Germantown Neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature, but I’m also drawn to symbology and archaeology. I like simple lines, balance, and form.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I’ve never taken a single art class. I love experimenting with different materials and techniques. Growing up in the countryside taught me ingenuity – to invent my own tools and use unique materials. Every day I try something new.

7. How do you promote your wares?
Until recently, most of my sales have been through local juried art fairs. Etsy has been a wonderful way to reach more people who appreciate sustainable organic art. We promote via Etsy, Flickr www.flickr.com/naturalezanica and we have a website: http://www.martierrasol.com/.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Keep evolving and stay excited!

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Good pictures and networking make a world of difference.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
So many great sellers – Etsy is a wonderful community!

• If it wasn’t for our friend Wendy we might not have found Etsy:http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100813


• To narrow it down the Snot Pot from LaPella Pottery changed my life: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=49275


• And it was great to meet Gaia Creations at the LEAF Festival in North Carolina:http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5381559

Spotlight On ...

The Pairabirds!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Tabitha Bianca Brown. I'm a twenty-something illustrator who loves to glue things together and paint things up. My nails are usually covered with the stuff.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are you doing currently?
Thrift store shopping, organizing the playlists on my Mp3 player, trying to enjoy the summer sun.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I currently offer original paintings, mixed media work, and drawings. I may add prints in the future.

4. Where do you create?
My initial sketches can occur at any moment. I keep a sketchbook in my purse and on my nightstand. Finish work is done on my drawing table (after I remove other unfinished work and clutter from the table).

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Music is usually my inspiration. I listen to quite a bit of 70s Jazz and Funk. The colors and moods of those two genres are reflected in my work.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I studied illustration at the American Academy of Art in Chicago in 2001-2005 (I graduated in '05).

7. How do you promote your wares?
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/people/thepairabirds/
DeviantArt http://tabithabianca.deviantart.com/
My website http://www.thepairabirds.com/
and my blog http://coverthatmother.blogspot.com/

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
The most important thing I learned was to create what I love. Making something that I don't like, just for the sake of a few sales, gets old fast.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Take good pictures of your work. If you're selling online, people don't have the opportunity to touch and feel your work. You have to show the beauty through pictures. Advice on Etsy: promote outside of Etsy and directly to your niche.

10. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
This is so hard for me. I have a ton of favorites. But, two of my current favorites are: Shop 66 (great vintage kitsch) http://shop66.etsy.com/ and Tonya Engel (beautiful dream-like illustrations) http://tonyaengel.etsy.com/.

Spotlight On...

Danielle Green of Collective Elements!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Danielle. I'm a 35 year old single mom of my darling six year old daughter. I've always been artistic in some way. I write poetry and I have a B.A. in Music. (I'm a soul singer.)I've been crafting since I was a child. I have a love affair with paper and stationery. I had a serious addiction to book stores and art stores. (Have to spend at least $100 a visit.)

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I work as an office manager for a college scholarship program for students from high risk areas.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer a collection of stationery, crochet goodies, and other novelties.

4. Where do you create?
LOL. Wherever I can. Primarily at home but I do crochet during my commute to work.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Music is a big inspiration to me. Sometimes as I'm jamming to my MP3 player, ideas pop in my mind. Sometimes its from things around me in everyday life.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
Papercrafting I learned from my various grammar school art teachers. (Keep art education in schools) Crochet from my mommy. And every other craft is self-taught.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote through sites like Indie Shopping, Indie Coupons, updating my blog, SEO, business cards, word of mouth, etc. You can't be afraid to be your own PR rep.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Keep alot of inventory. Originally, I began my business as a consignment shop so I always had products handy. Now that I have switched over to doing my own products I have to keep my production standards up to keep my shop updated. Customers are not impressed with empty shops.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Be flexible. Sometimes the big idea you start out with needs revamping or retooling. Things don't always go according to your business plan so you have to stay limber to navigate changes.

10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Wow I have so many. There's so much talent on Etsy. I would say any artist in the street teams I belong to: EAOC, EtsyNJ, NewNewEtsy, Etsy Hookers, Etsy Paper, Etsy Greetings. They're all fabulous and diverse.

Spotlight On...

Gaetana of Satin Doll Company!

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I'm a Native New Yorker living in Florida and before starting my own business and moving down south I was a successful Freelance Designer for 3 years. It's true what they say, that if you can make it there then you can make it anywhere. I love designing apparel but accessories are my true love and passion.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I'm currently designing and making pieces for my first collection for this Fall/Winter '08-'09 called "Tragic Romance", which will be sold on my official shop/website this coming September. I'm also gearing up to start selling in the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop in the last weekend of May and every weekend following.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
As of right now I currently offer one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and accessories, which include handbag charms, cellphone charms, belts, and hair accessories. In the coming weeks, I hope to add an array of different handbags, totes, clutches, passport covers and much more.

4. Where do you create?
I work from home and sometimes flip-flop from the living room to the dining room table.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime. It could be a newspaper article, a television show, a photograph, a single bead or even a swatch of fabric. I'm inspired by life itself.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I'm actually as self-taught jewelry designer. When I was back in college in my last quarter of school I talked about designing jewelry and handbags but I actually started making pieces a year or so after graduating. I learned to sew from my mother, still to this day I can still remember all the dresses she made for me in kindergarten. If you look in my new shop, Paradise International (http://paradiseint.etsy.com) all the backpacks are sewn by her.

7. How do you promote your wares?
I promote my shop(s) any which way I can. Business cards, postcards, flyers, word-of-mouth, newsletters, blogs, mailing lists, Myspace, Facebook, IndiePublic, WeLoveEtsy, Craigslist and many more.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Never giving up is the most important lesson I've learned. There were times when I truly doubted myself and was ready to throw in the towel but I soon realized that I was just having a bad patch. I picked myself up and worked even harder.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
A business plan is key when deciding to start your own business. I wrote mine 4 years ago when I was just out of college. I go back to it time-to-time to make sure I'm still on the right path. Also great customer service and packaging are also key elements; they can make or break any business.

10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
I have tons. Of course all my EAOC members, Stoopidgirl, Morganstreet, Oktak and so many more.

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

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.

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.

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!