Getting to Know UpCycledSimplicity

SaraJ of is a wife and mother of two balancing family life, a full time job, and her newest venture, UpcycledSimplicity where she creates stylish, eco friendly cuff bracelets. It all got started when she couldn't find this accessory in a style she liked for a reasonable cost and researched how to make her own. Now that she has perfected the process, from searching for the right belt to upcycle through creation, she's offering them to you!

On finding the right piece - When I am out hunting the second hand stores looking for materials I've gone through a lot of trial and error. I look for a belt that is good enough shape to provide 3 cuffs with a unique look - that could be texture, cut outs, embellishments, or a color. I try to step out side of my own comfort zone and think of customers and what they might like for a look or feel or even what type of an outfit it could be work with. It can't be new, I'm interested in rescuing somebody else's cast off and turning it into something of beauty again. 

Her eclectic style - I have a lot of different styles, shapes, sizes of cuffs as an offering in my shop. My personal style is just a varied as the variety you see. I have love a classic 1950's look, but can just as easily slid into a Ramones or Social Distortion old school punk rock look. On the flip side of that I understand and want to be able to blend just as easily in a polished corporate environment. 

A hint at things to come - With the onslaught of winter we had, I have jumped into the mitten making market - strictly personal so far. I am using UpCycled Wool Sweaters to make mittens and fingerless mittens. I plan to put them into my shop in Fall 2014 when I have built up my skill set. I am also looking into two or three other projects right now - key fobs with the upcycled belts, shoulder bags, and coffee cozies from the upcycled sweaters. 

Home Sweet Home - The Best thing about West Michigan is Lake Michigan. But to me West Michigan is the most beautiful place in the world. Where else can you find all 4 seasons, clean blue waters, diversity, the room to grow your family and your passions (one craft at a time). Even if it is cold for a few weeks every year. 

Getting to Know WhatCirca

   

For 5 years WhatCirca has been on Etsy selling an eclectic mix of vintage clothing and accessories as well as wedding accessories like personalized hangers for wedding gowns, hair accessories, and belts and sashes. She started her shop on Etsy because of her passion for vintage items and it remains as the bulk of her shop.

About her style - Eclectic. I like anything that I have not seen before and I am sucker for anything with lace.

Her other gig - I am the main contributor for another local blog for September's Bride, a Bridal Boutique in Downtown Holland. I write the blog for our vintage couture collection. We restyle heirloom gowns for brides and also have an inventory of our own that are available in the boutique for purchase.

Favorite thing about West Michigan - The change of the four seasons. Just when I am getting a little tiresome of one, it changes! 

Getting to Know BarbarasQuilts

Children's Quilt Purple with Bright Fun Squares by BarbarasQuilts

You guessed it - we're meeting Barbara from Barbara's Quilts today. Barbara has been quilting for over 18 years and it shows through the beauties in her shop. In addition to her Etsy shop, Barbara has a brick-and-mortar store in Cedar Springs called Garden Path Quilts offering quilting supplies, classes, and products from local artisans.

About her products - I hand make lap-size quilts, baby quilts, and quilted wall hangings. Some of the wall hangings are miniatures!  I love to make all kinds of quilt designs. You'll find bold colors, muted colors, simple designs, and appliques.  

Her top favorite anything - My family! Which includes dh, daughter and hubby, son, and two miniatures doxies - Duke and Emma.

More craftiness - Since I own a quilt store and do a lot of sewing and teaching classes, I need my own down-time.  Scrapbooking is my down-time. A different way of being creative!

Getting to Know First Fruits LLC

Pick any 12 jars of Jam, Jelly, or Butter from First Fruits

It's time to meet Bonnie from First Fruits LLC. Bonnie keeps plenty busy in the kitchen making treats like cookies, homemade marshmallows, and canned goods and selling at several markets through the year. You can find all of these in her shop along with a few other crafted items.

About her kitchen - I love being in the kitchen. My craft area is actually a part of my regular kitchen. To me it is the center of the home.

Her favorites - Chocolate, Fruit, Baking. (Not too surprising, right?)

Besides creating - I love spending time with my family. Taking walks, camping, reading, having fun.

Locally you can find Bonnie in the winter at The Mercato in Building 50 in Traverse City on Saturdays from 10am-2pm or in Homespun Antiques & Crafts in Gaylord.  In the summer she is at the Gaylord Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Bellaire Farmer's Market on Fridays and on Thursdays at the Mancelona Farmer's Market.

Getting to Know Mom N Mia Quilts

Boutique Burp Cloth and Bib Gift Set by Mom N Mia Quilts

Maria from Mom N Mia Quilts is the woman behind the sewing machine. After the day job, time with her family, and rooting on the Spartans, Maria finds time to put into her business making high quality, affordable baby items, gifts, and more for modern moms and kids. She creates a wide variety of items for the kiddos in great fabrics. She also designs and makes custom quilts and bedding.

On her start - I've been sewing since I was young, and taught myself how to quilt. Many of the items you'll find for sale in the store were inspired by my own children or my many nieces and nephews. All of my items are handmade from the highest quality materials, and are made with care and love.

Her favorite anythings - Pretty fabric, reading and sunny days.

Around the world - I've only been selling on Etsy since March of 2008, but my products appear in over a dozen high-end boutiques across the US and around the world.  Currently at 15 high-end boutiques across the US, in Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and more!

Loving what she does -  I love creating quilts and great baby gifts, and I especially love being able to share my creations with others.

Getting to Know 2 Crafty Chix

Elephants in Purple and Green Flannel Rag Edge Quilt

Janice is the powerhouse behind 2 Crafty Chix based out of Holland. In her shop you can find her specialty flannel rag edge quilts, but at her shows you'll find a wide range of items including crayon rolls, pacifier clips, chair covers, and bibs. Janice works extremely hard on her business and is happy to call it her full-time job. Janice was kind enough to answer a few questions, so let's hear from her!

On her start - My business started when I wanted to do shows with the person who was formerly my bestest friend. Some where along the way she decided she did not want to do shows together. I kept on doing shows with my mom. I kept the name since I had come up with it. People know my chicken logo and know my product. I have a nice following at craft shows around Michigan.

Some of her favorites - Casablanca, Zoolander, Survivor, House, NCIS, Castle, Green Eggs and Ham, Franny and Zooey, Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, JD Salinger, Elizabeth George, Sue Grafton, U2, and lots of others

About herself -  I am somewhat crazy. I am a single lady - I love to have fun. My quilts and other stuff are my full time source of income. I love to do it. I am a hard worker. I like being my own boss and making my way in this world. I love being me - that is what I enjoy most.

Some of her advice - Don't under price your stuff. Your time and materials are worth something. Remember you are NOT A BIG BOX STORE you CANNOT compete with them nor should you want to. Treat your shop like the business it is. It is no longer a hobby when you are putting yourself out there. Read a book about the craft business - there are plenty of them on the market. Go into Barnes and Noble or look on Amazon. Educate yourself in the business aspects of well - running a business.

Getting to Know Y Knot Shop

Light Blue Polka Dot Tube Hot/Cold Therapy Pad by YKnotShop

When you meet and talk with Jenn from YKnotShop you can tell what's important to her. It's her family and that's what actually got her into making her therapy pads. Jenn's shop is filled with therapy pads for all needs and accessories made with satin cord. Here's more about Jenn and YKnotShop in her own words...

On how she got started - I actually started out on Etsy as MondrysYknotShop for the fleece hats and scarves that I was making. Then my husband at the time was in need of some therapy and I started making my heating pads for him and decided that it would great to help others in pain as well.

What she's working on - Right now I am working on hand warmers and eye masks. I am also working on starting up a line of hand bags. My creativity is all over the place in my mind.

What she enjoys most in life and in West Michigan - My children. My family. They are truly all that keeps me in this place.

Her best advice - Never give up, never stop creating and no matter what anyone says know you ARE the best you can be.

You can find Jenn on Etsy, Twitter, Facebook and at her blog. 

Getting to Know Designs By LaShelle

For anyone that has met LaShelle, in person and on Etsy, you know that she is a wonderful and memorable person. She's upbeat and can always make you smile! You can find LaShelle on Etsy and on her Facebook Fan Page. So here's a little more about her and her shop here on Etsy in her own words.

On her crafting mania - I love to add sparkle to anything I create so I use a lot of crystals in my jewelry. Wedding pomanders are so fun, pretty to look at, and so I added those as well. I've also recycled ceramic rocks from my shop and called them 'vibe rock pendants' and, well, you'll really find a mix of just about everything from vintage jewelry to bookmarks. My mania shows.

On her latest project - I've begun making beaded pictures and placing them in shadow boxes. I love my beaded pictures.

What's important to her - My daughters, grandsons, and my sweet husband.

A tip for teammates - Be yourself. Don't worry about what people think of you, because if you're fake they'll know it anyway.

And some thanks - I have appreciated my team so much, and all the help, friendship and support they've given me over the last 3 years.

Getting to Know MariaSoleil

Christmas Gift Tags in Pomegranate from MariaSoleil

MariaSoleil is an Etsy shop filled with paper goodies like cards and gift tags with a style self described as happy and whimsical, yet functional. Locally, you'll be able to visit her next weekend at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Rockford, MI on November 20th. We asked Celene to answer a few questions - so let's hear from the artist herself!

On her craft and supplies - I love to frequent scrapbooking stores (but don't scrapbook!)  I am a paper and rubber stamp addict.  If I never bought another supply I could keep my shop alive for years.

Her current project - I am getting Christmas tags and cards ready to put into my shop.  I also have a nice stock of small altered clipboards that need to get photographed and added.

Outside of Etsy - I love going to the beach in the summer and hibernating in the winter. Some might say that I have an addiction to Disneyworld.  I love being a mom and trying to keep up with all that comes with that.

A few words of advice for teammates - Come chat in the team forum with us!  Just jump in there and make some noise so we can get to know you.  I have learned a lot of tips there, especially about shows and general etsy information.  I think to get something out of being on a team you need to participate.  Plus, it's fun!

And a random factoid - I was born left handed, on Sweetest Day to 2 crazy hippies back in the '70s.  I have evolved from macrame, latch hooked rugs, and batik to where I am now.

ArtPrize with Silvine Photography

ArtPrize is such a large platform that I definitely knew I wanted my art to convey a message, and an important one. It started with a trip around the world. I lived in Europe, Asia and Africa for almost three years and when I came home I was a different person; I had a new perspective on life. A lot of what I saw was beautiful and some of it was harsh, but the overwhelming message was that we are all the same beneath the surface. We have different lifestyles, different cultures, different religions, but we are all human beings. We need to understand that we are all just a small part of a larger whole and we need to learn to live together peacefully. That’s why at the heart of my art piece there is the message of “Coexist”. It blends together different religious symbols and those of peace and love. The rest of the photographs show different religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism) and different lifestyles (nomadic, rural, urban). I included a photograph of Grand Rapids to show that we too need to be a part in spreading this important message of world peace and tolerance, we can’t simply let others do the work for us. So if you are able, please come to Grand Rapids and check out all the art in this year’s ArtPrize. Each piece is a work of love and labor by the artists and knowing that people are seeing their art and hearing their message is an absolutely amazing experience. You can see my piece, “Coexistence”, at the Ottawa Tavern along with a lot of other great artists.


Find more of Michelle's work on her website and in her Etsy shops.

ArtPrize with Yellow Horse Art Studio

As a busy mom of 2 kids, ages 2 and 3, I have a long wish list of things to do for myself. This year ArtPrize has offered me one wish off that list. There is nothing that I love more than to work with my hands, whether it is in my shop with my tools, in my studio with my paints, or in my craft room with my sewing machine. My ArtPrize entry is a beautiful mesh of all my loves. It combines my love of woodworking with my love of paining and my afinity for finding God in the lonely places outside. "Febuary" is a 18" wide 48" tall woodcut overlaid with paint and textile that reflects on finding hope in seaons of trial and waiting. It's a deeply personal entry for me since I have often found myself waiting and waiting and waiting. I know the outcome will be good - when it finally gets here, but until then the waiting is lonley, cold and seems eternal. Everyone I know seems to have been in that place, that waiting place. We all know that there's an end, just like spring is just around the corner in Febuary, but here in Michigan that is still 2 to 3 months away. I hope that my piece reflects not only the trying feeling of that waiting time, but also the hope that shines just around the corner. You can view photos of the work in progress as well as the finished piece via my yellowhorseartstudio facebook page - under the ARTPRIZE photo gallery. Photos don't do it justice though - there are so many layers of transparent paint and metallic touches that you really should go down and see it in person at Lena Meijer Heart Center!

Find more of Anneke's work in her Etsy shop.

Members Monday: Kavali8

Welcome our new featured seller, Cassi from Kavali8!

  

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

I am a mother of a 3-year-old and I work from home. I mostly love to create abstract and floral canvas paintings. I also love photography and creating greeting cards. 

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on a new Poppies Painting.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?

In my free time I usually spend it with family and friends.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?

I would like to sell more of my paintings and maybe have them featured in local galleries or coffee shops. 

Where can we find you online and/or locally?

You can find me at Kavali8.etsy.com and sometimes I am at the Fulton Street Artisans Market.

Members Monday: Silvine Photography

Time for a new featured member! This week it's Michelle from Silvine Photography.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.
I took many of my photographs while living in and traveling through Europe, Asia and Africa. I loved the different kinds of people I met and the various cultures I experienced. Each one of my photographs is like a candid shot of someone's life in another country. Through my photography I want to erase borders that may exist because of distance, language or misunderstanding. My shop allows me to share different cultures and my experiences with others.

What are you currently working on?
I'm developing a new line of photo greeting cards and travel journals.

   

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
I usually spend my free time brushing up on my languages, cooking or playing tennis.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
In a year, I'd like to see my clientele grow and be able to enter more events so that I can share my art with a wider range of people.

Where can we find you online and/or locally?
My website is www.silvinedesigns.com. Otherwise you can find me on Facebook or  Twitter. Locally I'll be at the Fulton Street Artisan's Market every Sunday this summer, and in late September I'll be exhibiting at Ottawa Tavern in downtown Grand Rapids for ArtPrize 2010.

Michelle also has a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy in addition to her photography.

Members Monday: katskrafts

Katrina from Kat's Krafts is our new featured seller!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

My name is Katrina and I'm from Holland, MI. I am wife to my darling hubby, Greg, and mother to a rambunctious 10 month old, Caden. When I'm not busying myself in those roles, I am busy with my etsy shop, Kat's Krafts. When I started my shop I was selling handmade cards, scrapbook embellishments, etc. but after I started offering custom cootie catchers 2 years ago, I haven't had time for anything else! So, now my shop is devoted to my cooties and although it's been a bit hard to adjust myself to a different kind of creative outlet, I am excited at the success I've had.

What are you currently working on?
Summer is hyper busy for me - wedding season is in high gear and so am I! My product line has expanded from cootie catcher favors to menus and programs and place cards. Even brochures and invites! I've got a lot of other ideas clanging around up there, too, but it's so hard to find the time to bring those ideas to fruition, photograph them, come up with pricing and list them in my shop right now. So I'm saving them up for fall and winter when things are less hectic. :)

   

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
I like to spend time with my family. My husband is my best friend, we have so much fun together and my son Caden is just a joy to be around. At 10 months, he keeps us smiling- we are definitely smitten! Aside from my family, I LOVE getting some Starbuck's with my best friend Trish (who has an awesome etsy shop, too- daisysanddots) and shopping or just talking. And my other love is scrapbooking or creating something! I love to lose myself in making something, but those times are so few and far between now as a mommy and business owner.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
I would love for my product line to have expanded with some of the ideas I've got right now. I would love to have my business model for wholesale of my designs set in stone and partnerships made with the many vendors who have inquired about offering my products, but that I've put off for the time being and I would love to have an employee to help me with the day to day shop maintenance stuff so that I could be more free to create.

    

Where can we find you online and/or locally?

You can find me on Etsy or on my blog. I don't have a facebook account, mainly because my life is already too occupied with being on the computer and I do have a twitter account, but I never use it. In fact, I only signed up because everyone was all "a-twitter" (pardon the pun, haha) about how good it would be for business. My first and only tweet was, "I can't believe I broke down and signed up for this!"

If you're in Holland, you will probably find me at Fris. I believe in shopping locally and proud to say that I purchase all of my supplies there. I have formed some great relationships with the staff there and they have helped make my business grow by offering quality products at very reasonable prices! If I'm not at Fris shopping for cootie supplies, I'm probably at Starbuck's or browsing the scrapbook aisles at Hobby Lobby.

    

Members Monday: YellowHorseArtStudio

Welcome our new featured seller, Anneke from Yellow Horse Art Studio!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.
I am a mom of 2 under 3; my kids are 18 months apart and keep me on my toes. I am home with them all day and then switch off w/ my husband and go to work at a hardware store as their PM kitchen designer a couple of nights a week and usually Saturdays. My shop is newer on Etsy, but I hope that it will reflect the diverse nature of the products that we can produce. I started by listing my stuffed animals, because I have gotten such good feedback on them. We design our own patterns for everything we post on Etsy, since I have yet to find any pre-fab ones that I like (without alterations) from anywhere. We also plan on adding my wood- and linoleum-cut stamp cards and possibly some of my photography from around the country.

What are you currently working on?
We are working on expanding our shop and our product line. We started at Christmas with only our "Herd" dangle ponies, which aren't even listed on our Etsy page (only our Facebook page), and moved on to "Blue" ponies and "Jack" rabbits (with feedback from our friends), and then the tag-alongs ("suggested" by my daughter). Our newest animal, "Max" the frog, was actually a custom request from a friend, but when 3 other people asked for one, he was added to our prodcut list. Outside the shop, I will soon be starting to work on a wood-cut piece for ArtPrize this fall - I am a registered artist currently in search of a venue.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
Free time? Where did that go? I love to garden in our small yard with our kids and just be outside - take walks and hike. I used to do a lot more solo hiking, before the kids came along, in some very rustic places - Point Reyes, CA and the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC, just to name a couple - but now with 2 in tow, we stick to paved trails (read as: playgrounds).

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
We are hoping to get into a few craft shows before and during the ArtPrize contest to help promote our piece and link our sales of other product with that. By next year, I would like be able to do several spring and fall craft shows with multiple around the holidays. We are just starting to get together lists of local shows, and would welcome any suggestions. I feel like my business is on "simmer" right now with my kids being still at home all day, but it's still very important to keep stirring until I can move it to a more powerful burner - hopefully in 3-4 yrs.

  

Where can we find you online and/or locally?
Right now we are planning to be at the West Michigan Moms Sale at the DeltaPlex in September, and Christmas Through Lowell in November. We are looking to pick up another show possibly in August or October to fill in the gaps. Online you can find Yellow Horse Art Studio here:

• Yellow Horse Art Studio Web Site
• Twitter @1yellowhorse
• Yellow Horse Art Studio on Facebook
• Yellow Horse Art Studio on Etsy

Members Monday: Turnadaisy

This week we'll be learning more about Mark and Suzanne from Turnadaisy, our new featured shop!

     

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.
Turnadaisy was created by Mark & Suzanne Vainner. We have been together 21 years and are always elbow deep in multiple projects, usually with recycled or upcycled items. We love finding creative ways to make life easier and more fun. Turnadaisy is a rotating table company. We provide a dizzying array of sizes and styles of rotating tables, all material is recycled or upcycled. Our largest tables are 42" which is 19 cubic feet ea. of attractive, durable, recycled material no longer going into our landfills! "Lazy Susan" has never worked so hard or been so Green. Turnadaisy is also a member of the Design Style Guide an amazing group of artists specializing in supplying professional interior designers, home stagers and more with quality handmade art.

Large scale, user-friendly, touchable garden sculpture is another passion for us. We were thrilled to be chosen by The B.O.B. during the inaugural year of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Mi. to display our Turnadaisy Flowering Garden bench. Suzanne is also a balloon artist. We were fortunate enough to work with Larry Moss, Kelly Cheatle and Cathy Adams on their ArtPrize entry "Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus" made entirely out of balloons. See Suzanne's balloon portfolio here.

What are you currently working on?
We are working on a number of things. We are busy finalizing the new member of the Turnadaisy family, the Turnadaisy Juiced. The Juiced is a 42" Original Turnadiasy with 3 electrical outlets spaced around the edge. These outlets give you the power to plug-in just about anything you want and still spin the table freely. We are very excited about this new item, the uses are endless. People with disabilities can have a lamp, laptop computer, a phone, ipod charger - whatever they need plugged in. Horticultural types can plug-in lights or hydroponic pumps. Crafters can plug-in glue guns, work lights, dremel tools etc. Entertainment types can plug-in lights, food warmers, crockpots and more.

The website is in the middle of an exciting "reboot" by Andrea & Jason Rigler at webmanna.com. Our logo has just received a makeover by Jennifer McDonald and we are re-shooting product stills and video for the new website with Elizabeth (stills)and Jamie(video)Klueck at ElizabethKphotographic.com.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
Suzanne loves to garden and take pictures of the various flowers in the garden. Mark has spent years using upcycled and recycled material to transform our home into a cool place to work and live. We also have an indoor pond with Koi, Butterfly Koi, a Rayukin, a Goldfish and a cool little fish with unknown parentage, named Mutt.

Art, vintage and antique hunting are a big part of our lives as well. We also have a beautiful American Pit Bull Terrier, Emma. Emma was abandoned in our yard in early March of 09 and has added a lot of fun & excitement to our once quiet house. Emma goes to school with Ron Watson & Apryl Lea at Pawsitive Vybe, an amazing world-class dog training studio, located in Rockford, Mi. Apryl is also a staff trainer at Paws with a Cause. We have learned so much about positive dog training, met the best trainers out there and had a lot of fun. We are grateful to live close enough to train there multiple times a week.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
We would really like to see Turnadaisy contribute even more to this great community by adding a couple of people to the payroll. We also look forward to folks being able to see a Turnadaisy in action for themselves at more retail locations.

How was your experience participating in Art Prize last year & do you plan on entering again this year?
ArtPrize was amazing. We learned so much and proved to ourselves we could in the matter of a few short months design, build, attract a venue with our portfolio, successfully install a large-scale sculpture and have people, media & photographers alike, really enjoy it. The chance to discuss our work with the public and other artists and see their reactions was just priceless. The first time someone said it belonged at Meijer Gardens was more than we could have dreamed of and then we heard it enough times I lost track, making all the work worth every minute.

We were planning to enter the sculpture again this year. We wanted to try to secure a more open and green space. It was difficult to appreciate the shadows this sculpture throws where it was. Unfortunately, ArtPrize has chosen to not allow a piece previously entered. It is disappointing, but it's their event. We loved it and will always be grateful for the chance to participate. We have decided to focus on the Turnadaisy tables (new website & logo, video etc. soon) and looking for a place the Turnadaisy Flowering Garden Bench can call home. 2011 might be a different story - we will participate whenever we can.

Where can we find you online and/or locally?
Locally Turnadaisy is currently found at Growco at 1042 Michigan St. N.E in Grand Rapids. Growco has a beautiful selection of Bonsai as well as a knowledgable staff who will help you with just about anything you could ever want to know about growing plants, under lights, in hydroponic environments and more.
Turnadaisy can also be found in several places online.

• Turnadaisy Web Site
• Twitter @Turnadaisy
• Design Style Guide Portfolio
• Turnadaisy on Etsy
• Turnadaisy Facebook Page

       

Members Monday: lhsblack

Welcome back to your regularly scheduled Members Monday! This week our featured EtsyWMI member is Kara from lhsblack. 

     

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.
I am a mother of two young boys and I have managed to stay at home with them to raise them. Since the birth of my first son, I quit my job as an elementary music teacher and just worked a couple evenings part time as an early childhood music teacher. I still teach these classes, though now that my kids are both in school full time I have been trying to teach more during the day and less in the evenings. I started a shop on Etsy two years ago and thought it would be an excellent way to express my creativity in my jewelry making AND make a little money to help support my addiction and possibly bring a little help to our family financially. Jewelry is a very competitive genre on Etsy and it was very hard to get noticed and become successful. I had another little addiction of collecting stones every time I went to the beach and I had an extensive collection. I started making jewelry with beach stones in them and them I decided to offer the drilled stones to the Etsy community. I started my beach stones supply shop one year ago, and I LOVE it!!! I get to beach comb, get creative with how I put my listings together, and make a little money doing it.

What are you currently working on?
I am excited about warmer weather because I will be heading back to the beaches to restock. I am currently trying to list three new things per day and fill up my categories that are empty right now such as connectors and earring pairs.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
In my free time, I enjoy being outside with my family, cookouts with our friends, and bonfires. In the summer we are at the beach a lot swimming (and looking for stones), boating, and fishing (we don't enjoy fishing, but our kids do). I have a horse and I enjoy going out on trail rides with some of my friends from the barn.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
In a year, I would like to see my shop consistently stocked at about 100-120 listings, and have a solid customer base. Everyone has been very happy with their stones, and I am steadily growing my repeat customers.

Where can we find you online and/or locally? 
You can also check out my jewelry at 1000 Markets, www.elysiumjewelry.1000markets.com.

          

Members Monday: SewManyFreckles

The first Monday of April belongs to our new featured seller, Amanda from SewManyFreckles!

     

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.
I am 23, married to a wonderful husband who loves the fact that I sew, and we have a crazy 8 mo old puppy named Pickle. I learned how to sew about 12 years ago and became an avid quilter. About two years ago I was in school for interior design and was taking a sewing class. Since I could practically teach the class myself, I decided to take on a challenge by making my little sister a flower girl dress for our upcoming wedding. After that, I started making some very simple children's clothing items like sun dresses. I decided that I wanted to try my hand at some craft shows with a friend of mine and got crazy making more kids items. This is also when Freckles came into the making. The main items that I was comfortable with were appliqued shirts, etc. The applique was just like the things I did in my quilts so it was an easy transition. I sold items at a few craft shows, but the shows didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. In the last six months, I've decided to step away from the applique as my main interest and I have started working on dresses, skirts, etc. I have now included "baby" in my business name in order to better represent my items. Freckles and Freckles Baby, are one in the same - a childresn's boutique. I am making anything from custom appliqued items to burp cloths to dresses and hair clips.

What are you currently working on?
This month I am very excited! I have just purchased the fabric for my upcoming 4th of July items. I will be making halter dresses, peasant shirts, hair clips and neckties for the upcoming holiday! I hope to have samples ready for pre-orders very soon. I am also working on an addition to my blog that will show all of my available items with sizes and prices.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
I sew on a daily basis and I haven't been quilting much since I started my business. With that in mind I would say that in my free time, I like to spend time with my husband and my puppy. My husband and I like to watch movies, and visit with friends. Our puppy also keeps us very busy!

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?
In a year, I would love to see my business supporting itself. I currently work full time in addition to Freckles. I am hoping that within a year my husband will have a teaching job and then I won't have to work full time. I don't plan to make millions - just enough to come out ahead. I love that I am able to sew and make things for others while still making some money. I am also looking forward to adding bags, jackets, and more items for boys.

Where can we find you online and/or locally? 
You can find Freckles online in the following locations:

• My Etsy Shop
• My Blog - SewnByFreckles
• Freckles Facebook Fan Page
• Twitter @Frecklesbaby

I will also be at some local craft shows. You can find updated information for times and locations on my blog.

Thanks so much, Amanda! I loved learning about how your business started and am excited to see where it goes in the future. 

Mildy Late Members Monday: DelightedHands3113

The alliteration remains and we welcome Kendra from DelightedHands3113!

     

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop. 
I live out in the country north of Cedar Springs, where the bears and coyotes roam. I have a physics degree, work in a law office, and love to play with yarn. I recently added a pattern section to my shop. I have half a dozen patterns listed now, and plan to write more this spring and summer.

What are you currently working on? 
I just finished a sweet, fuzzy little pair of pink baby booties for my hubby's coworker. Now I am designing a knit version of my modular drawer organizer pattern. There is also a left mitten with an awesome cabled pattern waiting for its mate, but since our snow recently exited the scene, it may have a long wait.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?
My family is very close; we love to work on projects, play games, garden, and be silly together. I also play classical guitar in my church's worship team, and love to read.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year? 
I plan to focus on developing and adding new patterns, and perhaps make some of my reclaimed yarn available in my shop.

Where can we find you online and/or locally? 
In addition to my Etsy shop,www.DelightedHands3113.etsy.com, you can find me on Ravelry as ThirtyOneThirteen. Come visit!

Thanks, Kendra! You can also read more about Kendra here (scroll down) and have a chance to win one of her unique patterns.

Members Monday: BellaJoy

Time to welcome a new featured seller - Heidi from Bella Joy Pottery!

     

Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

I'm a full time clay artist and can actually buy my own health insurance. :) I also teach ceramics part time at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. I live in Plainwell, MI and have two cats and a dog. I like reading, swimming, being outside, tomatoes, gardening, taking naps, and going fishing with my boyfriend Joe.

What are you currently working on?

I currently working on expanding my lace line. I knit lace and dip in porcelain slip to create vases, teapots, and cups. I'm trying to teach myself how to crochet because people keep telling me it's faster and easier than knitting.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of your business?

What's free time? I like to go out to eat, watch movies, run, and take Hunter (my dog) for walks.

Where would you like to see your shop and business in a year?

I would like to see enough sales on my shop so that I can cut out some more retails shows in the summer. I also hope to do more wholesale. I don't like working weekends in the summer.

Where can we find you online and/or locally?
Oh man. I have a website http://www.bellajoypottery.com. I have a Facebook Fan page - http://www.facebook.com/HeidiMCF. I have a Twitter account - http://twitter.com/HeidiMCF.
I have a blog - http://www.heidifahrenbacherbellajoy.blogspot.com.

My work can be found at:

• Ann Arbor Art Center - Ann Arbor, MI
• Art Center of Battle Creek - Battle Creek, MI
• Brandy's Boutique - Plainwell, MI
• Gallery on Main - Bay Harbor, MI
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts - Kalamazoo, MI
• Khnemu Gallery - Fennville, MI
• Pewabic Pottery - Detroit, MI
• Craft and Folk Art Museum - Los Angeles, CA
• Water Street Coffee Joint - Kalamazoo, MI

For art fairs this summer I'll be in the East Lansing show, the KIA Bronson Park Show, Highland Park Fine Craft Fair (suburb of Chicago), Krasl Art Fair on the Bluffs, the State Street Art Fair in Ann Arbor, and Bay Harbor Art Fair.

Wow! Thanks so much, Heidi. This girl is everywhere so be sure to check out her work in person and in this weeks Featured Seller sidebar.

          

Introducing another batch of new EtsyWMI team members - ThePursery, jesseelin, and ChellasCollection.