bstudio

Meet Brenda, she's the artist behind bstudio on Etsy, and a few other places as you will see. One of her beautiful rings caught my eye, so I decided to see if she' like to share a little bit about herself.

As you will read Brenda loves what she does and she's very good at it. I was quite excited to see that her CD of choice is also one of my favorites. Read the interview and be sure to go by any of her pages and say hello. Let her know you met her on Yarn Obsession

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
My name is Brenda and I’m a former interior designer and urban dweller now transplanted to the countryside in Ontario, Canada. I live in the midst of 120 secluded acres complete with four ponds, woods and fields, lots of wildlife and no neighbours or road traffic. In the winter we can skate on our frozen ponds or go cross-country skiing and in the summer we can go for long walks or go swimming. On clear nights we can see a ton of stars and on some nights we can watch meteor showers or the International Space Station orbit past.

What was the first item you ever made for your shop? The first item I made and listed for my shop was my Snowflakes Pillow Cover. It sold 18 days later on my birthday! It was my first sale and a great birthday present!

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I have been selling my items since I opened my Etsy shop in November of 2007. I worked full-time before that and being in interior design satisfied my outlet for creativity. When I retired early, I still needed to be creative and was fascinated by silk ribbon embroidery and that became my passion. I picked up the stitches and techniques from books and magazines but I like to do my own thing when it comes to my designs.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
Only one book or CD? Wow, that’s a hard choice! The CD would probably be Norah Jones, ‘Come Away With Me’. I love her voice and singing style.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
I’ve travelled quite a lot, been to Australia twice, New Zealand, into a lot of the US and some parts of Canada, Cuba and other Caribbean islands, Great Britain, France and Italy. I think Italy was the most interesting place so far there are so many different regions. Venice was fascinating and so different than anything else I’d seen!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?

There’s no easy answer for this one, there are so many things I would love to try! I would love to design a complete line of home décor items, furniture, accessories, fabrics, rugs, etc. that way it encompasses all types of design skills and mediums.

You can find Brenda online:
blog
facebook
big cartel
cargoh
guest writer

Brenda is offering readers of this blog 10% off when they use the coupon code 'Yarn10' at her Etsy shop.

New Hope Beading

Delicate and sweet, that is how I can describe the items in the New Hope Beading shop that belongs to Caroline at Etsy. Just as most shops on Etsy, I'm not sure how I found her, but something caught my eye and I "hearted" one of her items. That led to her being a featured artist for the day and now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to New Hope Beading and Caroline.

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
Hi I am Caroline. I grew up just outside of NYC which I loved. I now live in Hunterdon County NJ which I also love. Hunterdon County is like stepping back in time or like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting… all cute Main Street and rolling hills. And yet we can be in Manhattan in about an hour. It’s the best of both worlds

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I opened my Etsy shop officially on February 21, 2009 shortly after my daughter’s diagnosis with epilepsy. You can read more about how New Hope Beading got started and got its name here in my shop profile.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be? Oh you’re killin’ me! I am a book junkie… just one? Really? Well I guess if I am stranded on an island then we might as well go with Lord of the Flies OR we could go with Life of Pi. I think either book would be appropriate LOL

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
I went with my sister to Morocco when she was just out of college and I was still in high school. That was a trip (no pun intended). It really was another world… beautiful and exotic. On another trip we visited Crete and Athens where my brother-in-law grew up. It was just as beautiful as you’d imagine!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
Sing! But you’ve never heard me sing (trust me it isn’t pretty tee hee)

You can find Caroline online:
Etsy shop
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Ring of Wire

Melissa is the artist behind Ring of Wire a lovely little Etsy shop opened in July of this year! I found out about her shop because someone at work was so excited about her items they had to share . . . Oh, did I mention we work at the same company, but in different offices. She's down south and I'm in New England. That, however, has not hindered our communication. When I saw the awesome work she was doing, I asked if she wanted to take a moment and be part of my blog. As you can see, the answer was yes, and you get the great benefit of meeting this lovely artist!!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Melissa and I am originally from western PA, but currently living in Raleigh, NC with my husband, two cats and a bird (the cats and bird surprisingly do get along). As far back as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed making things or at least giving numerous projects a try, so many of my family members and friends have received numerous handmade crafts from me throughout the years. I started making jewelry about 8 years ago and set it to the side when my ‘work world’ became busier, but pulled everything out this year with a goal of getting back to something I truly enjoyed. So far so good!

2. Which of your items is your favorite and why?
My current favorite in my shop (and that does change frequently) is the Ceramic Lentil Bead Ring, I really love the colors in this bead. When I saw the beads I almost didn’t buy them as my shopping basket was a little fuller than planned, but I just could not pass them up. I am so glad I didn't becasue the ring came out beautifully and the colors are perfect for Fall/Winter…my favorite seasons.

3. What is your favorite book, why?
A very hard question to answer since I LOVE to read. However, I think I would have to go with The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde. I love anything creative and this book was such a neat idea and written so well that it was really hard to put down. I have read pretty much all of his books and continue to be amazed at his originality in coming up with such fun storylines.

4. What is your favorite food, why?
I really love food so, again, another hard one to answer. My sweet tooth can get out of control, but a good staple for me and always a standby when I am just not sure what I am hungry for would be a grilled cheese. I’ve never had a bad one, but none will ever taste as good as my moms.

5. If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I would definitely leave my regular day job and be a professional crafter/maker. It is really something I like doing so I don’t consider it to be “work” but more of an honor to do so - making things for other people makes me feel pretty good inside. I would then balance my time doing that with volunteering at the local SPCA where there are so many great animals just waiting for a home. I adopted a cat from there 3 years ago and it has been a joy having her in our home. I wish I had the space to add more!

Melissa is offering a 10% off all purchases with the code BLOGREADER10. Go over and give her a visit! Let her know I sent you becasue I'm sure she'll be happy to give you the code discount!

You can find Melissa
on Etsy
on Facebook

Yarn Obsession is on sale!

With no time to maintain an Etsy shop and my real estate career, I've put everything in my store on sale! You won't find a single item in the shop on sale for more than $29.99!! That means lots of the great items you've been looking at and coveting at higher price points are not just $29.99 or less! Hurry! Once an item is sold, I won't be re-listing and once everything is gone, the shop will close! It's a winning situation all around!!!

Etsy Buy Handmade sedruola

Broad Street

Broad Street is bold and beautiful! I was riveted by Sara's items and I think you will be too! Read the article then leave a comment with the answers to three (3) easy questions at the end of the post for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a self-employed artist, born and bred in southeastern Michigan. I moved to Chicago a few years ago to "become famous", build my business of salvaging vintage jewelry and reach broader audiences with my craft. I decidedly named my custom collection of jewelry Broad Street after the many versions that my last name has taken on over the past hundreds of years. I enjoy the bustle of the city, the never ending list of things to do and see and quite moments at Lake Michigan.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I am inspired by the vintage pieces themselves. They are each unique time-capsules from days when jewelry was synonymous with status and women were breaking out of their cookie cutter shells and living a bit..being bold and sparkly. I like to pick up on themes, nature inspired floral pieces, repetition of shapes or colors, contradictions and strong compositions.

How do you promote your items?
Promotions come and go..on the necks of beautiful, eclectic women I call my "broads in the streets". My clients are as unique as my jewelry, one of a kind beauties that share my nostalgic feelings for old world glamour and cherish the stories within each piece that graces their presence. I make statement jewelry for women who are not shy to boldness and enjoy the conversations that arise within enamored strangers for their beautiful jewels.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Live it, day to day. Breath in your art, completely submerge yourself in your craft..live, eat, create.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I plan on attending graduate school to further my studies of traditional Metalsmithing and incorporate forged metal replications of vintage findings into my collection. I want my jewelry to be exhibited in galleries, museums and collected by powerful women across the globe.

What are some of your favorite things?
vintage cowgirl boots, silk scarves and stockings, Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago", gallery openings and wine tastings, snow days and rosy cheeks, cooking elaborate meals and eating with good friends.

What is your favorite quote?
I'm not much into quotes, but this one is one I have always cherished.."Dreams give wings, dare to soar".

Contest Questions:
1 - Where and when is Broad Street's next showing?
2 - What is your favorite item in Broad Street's shop?
3 - What struck you most in this interview?

Leave a comment with the answers to these questions for a chance to win a special prize from Broad Street's shop. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be announced here on Thursday, January 22, 2009!

zJayne's Shop

I've decided to put a spin on my "Friendly Friday's" shop profiles. Instead of just having you read about the shop and the artist I've put something in it for you! From now on each featured artist will offer something from their shop as a prize to one lucky winner, all you have to do is leave a comment with the answers to three (3) easy questions at the end of the post. So let's get started!

I don't think I need to tell you why I was attracted to zJayne's shop, but I will anyway. I love that she upcycles to such useful items. That's all. Please get to know her here, visit her shop, answer the questions at the bottom and put yourself in the running for a special prize!

Tell us a little bit about yourself
Jane Pierce, that’s my name and I find myself comfortable being called “z” or zJayne too. I have an enthusiastic desire to create with found objects and long forgotten jewels. Certain pieces inspire me to mix them together in a newfound way and create a treasured heirloom.

Then there’s the recycled aspect. Most of my altered art fits into that mode and all of my market bags, lunch sacks, basic and embellished pouches do too. It seems for me that once I began renewing T-Shirts into market bags, my art and upcycling became one. If there’s such a thing as a recycle artist, I’d fit in that category.


What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
Making a difference with art keeps me inspired. There’s something more that has been taking place, there’s a purpose to what I’m creating. My art speaks to me and for me and I have been blessed to have others share the same. Recycling has made a difference in my own thinking, consuming, and rubs off on friends and family as well. I’m much more aware of positive things that I can do a little at a time.

How do you promote your work?
I use my market bags for shopping and carry my cards with me for any double takes, smiles, or just plain questions about what kind of bags are those.

My pouches, well it borders on an addiction to everything in a pouch these days. Cell, camera, cash, glasses, jewelry, it’s endless what I store in them. They are so useful, it just takes one to see what I mean. So I have several in my purse and when I open one, I quickly explain – ‘look, this is a sleeve!’

I guess what I’m saying is wear, carry and talk about what you create. And carry business cards so you can offer a place to find you.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Be in the moment when you are creating. Don’t think about what this or that might sell for or if this makes sense or the entire mumble jumble that our thoughts bring up to distract us from being in the moment. When I’m aware of being in the moment, and practice it, my creative spirit brings me ideas and more that I didn’t know I had in me.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I feel that everything I am learning about online shops, picture taking and the whole ball of wax that having your own business entails will make a difference and ultimately enhance my retirement.

What are some of your favorite things?
Coincidences that show me what I need to see, where I need to be, what I need to do. My grandson’s voice. My guy’s dedication and humor with my tangents. Music. Chocolate. Books that I thought I’d alter, but read instead, and then they lead me to other art. Family love. Friends caring. Peace and Understanding.

What is your favorite quote?
“Enough, is as good as a feast”



Contest Questions:
1 - What street team is zJayne a part of?
2 - What do you hope the prize from zJayne's shop will be? (what is your favorite item)
3 - What is one thing zJayne said that helped you?

Leave a comment with the answers to these questions for a chance to win a very special gift from zJayne's shop. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be announced right here on Thursday, January 15, 2009!
Let zJayne know that "Sedie" sent you when you visit or purchase from her shop!

Monday Treasures

It's time to showcase the shops that I put in my treasury last week. I'm sure you'll see something here that can be used as a holiday gift!

Shop handmade!

Shacara
Replicca
Wild Woman Jewelry
Originals By Lynette
Crystalyn Kae
Amanda Sainsbury
Katrina Kaye
Tijusai
Rohmer
Heart and Dart
Sea Colour
Boutique Pink Designs
Arts Farm
Green Trike Press
Tlwoldc
Home Couture

These lovely shop owners thought my items were nice enough for their treasuries!

Meet Me in the Parlor at 8. . . Curated by Spongetta



Enjoy! Curated by Mehran

Favorites from my favorites

Today is "Friendly Fridays" on my blog and I usually have a shop profile up, but today, I decided to showcase some of my favorite items from my favorite shops. Stop by and let them know I sent you, they'll be confused. . . LOL


This amazing woven shawl is from Skiing Weaver



This great looking knitting needles case is from Sarah Kincheloe



This amazing silk scarf is from Morgan Silk

Customer Service - How to start

A business cannot survive, let along thrive, without great customer service! This isn't a new concept, but it is one that sellers sometimes forget. However, in forgetting they send the signal that their customers aren't that important and therefore lose sales.

As someone who is on both ends of the commerce table, I'd like to take a minute and talk about what great customer service is, in relation to cyber-selling. I could talk about "brick & mortar" sales, but because I think they involve different things, I'm going to stick with Cyber Customer Service.

The best way to help your buyer, is to put yourself in their shoes. If you were to go to your online shop what would you expect from yourself? Here are a few tips (that may be Etsy specific) that will help your business:

- Welcome your customers. It's as simple as saying "Welcome to My Store". Why is this important? Because everyone wants to feel they are valued from the start. Saying welcome gives your customer the feeling that you've thought about and appreciate anyone that comes to your shop.

- Make the experience easy. When a customer comes to your shop they don't want to have a hard time finding the information or items they're looking for. Make it as easy as possible by using your sections and your shop announcements areas wisely. If you have a sale going on, put it in your shop announcements. If you sell several types of items, break them out into the sections so if someone is looking for "scarves" they can go directly to that section and not have to scroll. Most customers don't get past the second page of your shop. If you use your sections they are more likely to search through the pages in a specific section than to search all the pages from the main shop to find the one item they're looking for.

Because you are not there physically to show them to what they want, the sections are the best thing in cyberspace to direct them.

- Make your policies plain and clear. If you have shop policies as they relate to custom orders, returns, payments etc. Spell them out clearly in your "policies" section, and stick to them. It's ok to change your policies as you need to, but it's important that you honor the policies you have written down. No one likes to be "blindsided" by an "unwritten" policy. If you forget to change your policy prior to a customer ordering from you, honor the old policy, make the change and move forward. It is better to make that customer happy than to lose them because of a policy "mistake" you made.

- Answer questions. If you receive an inquiry from a customer and don't answer it as soon as you can, it's like ignoring a customer that has come to your brick and mortar shop and is tapping you on the shoulder. All cyber-buyers understand that shop owners are not at their computers 24/7 to answer questions so they expect delays. But, if you're waiting more than 24-hours to reply, you are not giving your customer the proper service.

- Communicate with your customers. This goes hand-in-hand with the answering of questions. Always keep the lines of communication open. Once you've made the sale, make sure that a thank you is sent with shipping information. Don't leave your customer wondering if the item has been shipped or when it will get there. Send them a message! Because I usually use Paypal to send my packages, I rely on the automated shipping notice to let my customers know that the item has been shipped, the tracking number and the approximate day of delivery. If I don't use Paypal then I send an email with that information. When I purchase something I love to know when it's on the way.

- Always be professional. In your policies, sections, communications and descriptions, always be professional. Being cordial, accommodating (as much as possible), and kind will go a long way to making a sale, and keeping a customer. Read, and re-read your communications to make sure you are saying what you want to say in the way you'd like your customer to receive it. Being professional means being respectful. Your shop may be flirty, serious, stuffy etc. and your communications may fall into those areas, but your communications can be all those things while still being respectful and professional.

- Be flexible. Sometimes things will happen that you didn't anticipate. Be open and flexible to the customer's point of view. You never know, it may open a whole new avenue for your business.

There are so many aspects to great customer service, but if you start with the above and work from there, I don't think you can go wrong. It's the simple idea that if you treat someone the way you'd want to be treated, they are going to have a great experience and welcome business with you over and over again.

I'd love to hear your additional ideas on the subject. Please leave me a comment on something I might have missed, or on your customer service experience, or just to let me know you were here and if this article has helped you.

Cara Taylor

Recycling is one of the things I am truly excited about. Although I slip sometimes, I do hope that the little I do every day can make a difference. Cara Taylor is surely making a difference with her artistry. I'm not sure how I fond Cara's shop, but it is part of my favorites and there it will stay until, as she says, there is no longer a need for her services.

Cara takes "useless" plastic bags and turnes them into "useful" items we can all appreciate. It's good for us and for the environment. Read the interview then visit her shop to see how you can do your part for the environment!

Tell us about yourself
My name is Cara Taylor, I am originally from Western Pennsylvania but I currently live in lovely Western Massachusetts. I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember - my mother taught me to crochet and my fondest memories are of the two of us watching movies while working on projects together.

I began experimenting with plastic bags about 8 or 9 years ago in undergrad - I would cut them up in different ways and reconfigure them to make sculptures. Making bags seemed really obvious to me and I resisted those forms for awhile but once I crocheted one I was hooked (no pun intended!) on making more. I love the transformation of material!

What inspires you to your craft?
I am inspired by fashion, function, color, material. I really just love trying new things and experimenting with process.

How do you promote your shop?
I sell my crocheted bags and accessories on Etsy and at several shops around the country. I am currently a full time art teacher with no intention of leaving teaching to become a full time crafter. I actually hope to stop making bags from plastic bags in the next 5-10 years in hopes that plastic bags will be just too hard to come by! Eventually they won't be such a problem for our environment and I will have moved on to some other medium.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
My advice to new artists would be to make what you love, and make it well! Craftsmanship is so important. Also, don't undersell yourself!

What are some of your favorite things?
dinner parties, snow days, shoes, magazines, soup, crocheting and knitting of course...

What is your favorite quote?
I definitely don't have one. Nothing comes to mind, I can never remember them and I never write them down.

Hot Flash Glass

So it's "Friendly Friday" again so you get to meet a new shop owner from Etsy. As I've been browsing thru Etsy, I am still in awe of the many amazing thing the shops have to offer. Hot Flash Glass is on my "hearted" list because her pieces are really cute. Read the brief interview then make sure to visit her shop. I'm sure she'd be happy to see you.

Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Maria and I live North of Boston with my husband and our two kids (dogs) Bruschi and Brandi. I work during the day as an Administrative Assistant. When I get home, I get in comfortable clothes and go straight to my studio to work with my glass.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I get very inspired by fusing the glass because it's so amazing when you're ready to open your kiln and see what you've created and of course as you're watching it fuse together through the little window. I've always been a crafty person keeping myself busy, but I am totally into fusing glass.

How do you promote your items?
I promote mostly through the Etsy forums, business cards, and work.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Keep at it - and live your dream!

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Hopefully retired from my full-time job and able to put all my time and energy into my glass fusing business full-time.

What are some of your favorite things?
Going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, the colors black and purple.

What is your favorite quote?
Live life to the fullest

You can find Maria at her Etsy Shop

Monday Treasures

I've decided that if I've had the opportunity to put together a treasury the previous week, it will be featured on my blog the following Monday! There are so many talented artists/crafters on Etsy that it's a shame every treasury doesn't make it to the front page. However, if I can prolong the exposure I will.

Last week I was able to create a treasury entitiled "Not my favorite. . . " inferring, as you can see in the subtitle, that although pink is not necessarily my favorite color, it can and is beautiful. . .


Featured shops:

Tengis
Melissa Melange
BL Soaps
Juicy Glass Jewels
Nat N Kat
Miranda Girl Designs
Two Seaside Babes
Prince Design UK
Pretty Little
Corinne Elaina
The Funky Felter
Beaded Socks
Herrera Macal
Arizona Dreams
Zygopsyche
Decorate The Diva

Please visit these shops, I'm sure they'd love your company.

Finished Objects (or projects)

Look -----------> in the sidebar under the heading "what I'm working on" and see all the lovely colors where there was only grey! Yes, I've been a busy girl working on and finishing projects. . . Now, if I could only take photos so you can see them!?

As the days turn cooler and shorten, I find it more difficult to catch "daylight" for my photos. That means, all photography has to be done on the weekend, and weekends, especially this time of year, get REALLY busy! I will, however, get these photos done because they are imperative to my business growth.

But, until that happens, I'll keep a colorful bar section, add more projects and stay busy in the background.

Don't forget to also take a look at the shop, there are some great gifts available, and on sale!

Holiday Sale!

Holiday shopping time is here!!! I don't know about you, but now is when I start to think about what I need to get for the holidays in order not to miss anyone or any sales. . . speaking of sales, I'm having one!!!

From now until November 15, 2008 I'm offering the following discounts in my shop:

Get 15% off any item prices up to $39 - use code hs101515*
Get 20% off any item priced $40 or more - use code hs101520*
Get 25% off any custom items priced $55 or more - use code hs101525*

Simply process your order as usual, put the appropriate code in the message section, process your payment and I'll refund you the difference after payment (or you can request a revised invoice prior to payment)

This is your chance to get a beautiful unique item for a discount. Custom orders will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. There is a limited capacity, so if you have a project you'd like to have prices, please contact me ASAP!

Yarn Obsession is where the sale is! Come by and order for that long list of giftees you have!
*These offers cannot be combined with any other offers or coupons

Stitch Diva Studios

Stitch Diva Studios is a site I found while searching for random crochet hats. Sometimes I just think of a string to search and when I put it into the Blingo search engine really fun stuff comes up!

At Stitch Diva you can get patterns for both knitting and crochet as well as tools, kits, classes and gift certificates. Besides the lovely pattern you see <--- over there, there are incredibly cool hats, vests, tops, slippers, dresses and even a skirt!

If you're looking for fun patterns to follow, I'd suggest taking a look at their offerings. Fun and stylish is where I'd categorize them.