1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Cotton Seed ~ I design wearable treasures and gifts, pretty packaging, and jewelry findings.
2.What are your shops URL? http://heatherweathers.etsy.com and http://cottonseed.etsy.com
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? July 2008.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing about etsy is the friendly, helpful, community of people. And the very high level of integrity in workmanship and business ethics. Etsy allows people like myself to share with the world what I love to do and am all about!
5.What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My favorite aspect about what I sell is the shear creativity to make a one of a kind wearable treasure, and know that someone will take it home and love and enjoy it!
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite item in my shop is my vintage silver spoon handle bracelets. The idea of taking something old and well used and loved, and giving it a new beautiful purpose gives me great joy. I get compliments every time I wear mine!
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to team ETSYWMI ~ ETSYWWWG.
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Talk TALK taLK taLK ~ network on line and off.
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Banners - clothes - jewelry - friends - soap.
10. What do you do in your spare time? I am a grandmother, I love to garden , ride my bicycle, walk with my husband, my family, read, I am active in my church, make quilts for the Red Cross in our county, mend clothes for seniors in our town, and talk!
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Thanks so much for letting me share! Being an older person, not schooled on computers from day one, I have learned so much about this world of technology. And every day I find caring, knowledgeable, sharing, and most of all funny people , all on the internet!!! Mostly through Etsy. I wish all of you "the best" in your business endeavors.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Trunk Show at Gymnastiks Unlimited in Hudsonville
Mark your calendars! We have a Trunk Show on September 27th (the last Saturday of the month). Ten of our own Etsy West Michigan Artists are participating.
A Window Into Whimsy: Hand Sewn Purses, Totes and Handbags with a whimsical flair. Key Fobs and other small sewn items will also be available. Great for the gift giver, prices range from $5 to $35.
Elysium: I will be selling high quality sterling silver jewelry with semiprecious stones lampwork beads, and Swarovski crystals. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. In addition to that I will have beaded bookmarks, cell phone charms, wine glass charms, purse bling, and zipper pulls. My items range in price from $5.00 to $75.00.
Just Jaynes Add something special to your jewelry creations using sterling silver charms with an artistic flair!
Lilypie Designs: I will have unique hair accessories including no-slip clips, headbands, and ponytail holders for infants, toddlers, and girls. I will also have great gift items such as jumbo paper clip bookmarks, tutu tanks for little girls, and a few other new products
Lydia Layne Simple yet stunning sterling silver necklaces and earrings.
Mondry’s Yknot Shop: I will bring my scrunchies, knot hair ties, turks head knot bracelets & knot necklaces.
Perennial Piecer: I will be bringing my Raggy Chic jackets for Ladies, girls and 18" dolls along with a variety of sweatshirt jackets and quilted bookmarks.
Racermann: Everything that is listed in my store and and other crochet items that I have not listed yet. Polymer Clay Pendants, Radio-active Dust Bunnys, Sock Monkey Purses, can cozy's and dish clothes.
Sweet Surrender Candles: candles, tarts, tea lights, tart warmers, reed diffusers, and some bath & body items such as some lotions, bath fizzers and bath confetti
That Is So C.U.T.E.: Hand knit and felted cozies, ornaments, bowls, coaster and pet beds; beaded book thongs. Prices range from $5 to $50.
The Monkey Shop: I will be bringing my sock monkeys, neck cozy's, some sock monkey cards.
A Window Into Whimsy: Hand Sewn Purses, Totes and Handbags with a whimsical flair. Key Fobs and other small sewn items will also be available. Great for the gift giver, prices range from $5 to $35.
Elysium: I will be selling high quality sterling silver jewelry with semiprecious stones lampwork beads, and Swarovski crystals. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. In addition to that I will have beaded bookmarks, cell phone charms, wine glass charms, purse bling, and zipper pulls. My items range in price from $5.00 to $75.00.
Just Jaynes Add something special to your jewelry creations using sterling silver charms with an artistic flair!
Lilypie Designs: I will have unique hair accessories including no-slip clips, headbands, and ponytail holders for infants, toddlers, and girls. I will also have great gift items such as jumbo paper clip bookmarks, tutu tanks for little girls, and a few other new products
Lydia Layne Simple yet stunning sterling silver necklaces and earrings.
Mondry’s Yknot Shop: I will bring my scrunchies, knot hair ties, turks head knot bracelets & knot necklaces.
Perennial Piecer: I will be bringing my Raggy Chic jackets for Ladies, girls and 18" dolls along with a variety of sweatshirt jackets and quilted bookmarks.
Racermann: Everything that is listed in my store and and other crochet items that I have not listed yet. Polymer Clay Pendants, Radio-active Dust Bunnys, Sock Monkey Purses, can cozy's and dish clothes.
Sweet Surrender Candles: candles, tarts, tea lights, tart warmers, reed diffusers, and some bath & body items such as some lotions, bath fizzers and bath confetti
That Is So C.U.T.E.: Hand knit and felted cozies, ornaments, bowls, coaster and pet beds; beaded book thongs. Prices range from $5 to $50.
The Monkey Shop: I will be bringing my sock monkeys, neck cozy's, some sock monkey cards.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Feature Artist: Bliss Soybean Candles
What is your shop name and what do you sell? I have two Etsy shops! My main shop is Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts which sells high end, decorative soy candles in jars, teas, gift sets, and the occasional votive. My other shop, Posies for Lewis, sells photography.
What is your shop URL? http://blisscandles.etsy.com http://posiesforlewis.etsy.com
When did you start selling on Etsy? Back in 2007. I actually gave up after a few months in 2007 and then came back in 2008, learned the “tricks of the trade,” and began to do very well. Posies for Lewis opened in 2008.
What is your favorite thing about Etsy? There are so many! Etsy has such a wonderful range of artists. Where else can you go and buy a $2 item or a $2000 item, both of which are fantastic?! I love turning people on to Etsy. From the seller side of things, the buyers are high caliber. I have sold on other sites as well and I just find the experience with Etsy buyers to be top notch! I also love the teams I am on. People are so wonderful and supportive. It is fun to create treasuries, network, blog, and all of that good stuff.
What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I have to admit I am one of my biggest fans. I have always been a candle addict – especially soy because it is just so much healthier and performs so much better than other waxes. I often tell people if you can’t afford to buy from me, at least promise me you will buy soy. I am so proud of my items because I know the quality is top notch and I love almost every single one of my 140+ fragrances! Sorry…I just can’t stand Patchouli and Clove…not my thingJ I’m all about the food, Fall, and Christmas fragrances making this my favorite time of year! I love to put fun gift sets together and am always keeping my eyes open to see if my suppliers have added any new jars or lids.
What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Oh dear! That’s tough. I LOVE my bigger jars. The Premium 16 oz jars are my fave because of the rusty lids. However, being a candle addict, a girl needs more candle than that so I make the 26 oz for myself! My favorite fragrances are Pumpkin Souffle, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin, Cozy Home, Cinnamon Buns, Cinnamon Spice, Cool Citrus Basil, Spiced Apple Pecan, Energy, Coconut Bay (new!), Caramelized Pralines, Victorian Christmas, Twigs of Spruce, Balsam and Spice, and Pumpkin Pie. I have several more but those are ones I can’t do without!
What teams do you belong to? Etsy West Michigan, Interior Design Team/Design Style Guide, Cruelty Free Etsy, MICE, and Cottage Style. All are wonderful teams!
What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I do so many things. I love to comment in Treasuries and create them. I am just never home any more when they open up! I like to talk in the Forums. My new favorite is doing Etsy Shop features on my blog (http://blisscandles.blogspot.com) and MySpace page. I am always developing promotional materials. I have the best time with this because I create my own stuff and send it off to VistaPrint and it looks like I paid big bucks – too cool! Yes, I am a computer nerd.
What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have so many! I love Serendipity’s stuff – always have: http://anneball.etsy.com. I found a handbag shop that is way cool: http://daphnenen.etsy.com. Dennis Anderson is very inspirational and has wonderful products. He has been so successful on Etsy that he quit his job!: http://dennisanderson.etsy.com.
What do you do in your spare time? Ha! I don’t have spare time. I have been making time to go to the beach lately though and it is time to start thinking about raking leaves and cleaning up the yard.11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I highly encourage people to shop and sell on Etsy. The sellers and buyers are wonderful and the products are outstanding. If you are a seller, don’t give up. Learn the tricks and eventually it will pay off!
What is your shop URL? http://blisscandles.etsy.com http://posiesforlewis.etsy.com
When did you start selling on Etsy? Back in 2007. I actually gave up after a few months in 2007 and then came back in 2008, learned the “tricks of the trade,” and began to do very well. Posies for Lewis opened in 2008.
What is your favorite thing about Etsy? There are so many! Etsy has such a wonderful range of artists. Where else can you go and buy a $2 item or a $2000 item, both of which are fantastic?! I love turning people on to Etsy. From the seller side of things, the buyers are high caliber. I have sold on other sites as well and I just find the experience with Etsy buyers to be top notch! I also love the teams I am on. People are so wonderful and supportive. It is fun to create treasuries, network, blog, and all of that good stuff.
What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I have to admit I am one of my biggest fans. I have always been a candle addict – especially soy because it is just so much healthier and performs so much better than other waxes. I often tell people if you can’t afford to buy from me, at least promise me you will buy soy. I am so proud of my items because I know the quality is top notch and I love almost every single one of my 140+ fragrances! Sorry…I just can’t stand Patchouli and Clove…not my thingJ I’m all about the food, Fall, and Christmas fragrances making this my favorite time of year! I love to put fun gift sets together and am always keeping my eyes open to see if my suppliers have added any new jars or lids.
What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Oh dear! That’s tough. I LOVE my bigger jars. The Premium 16 oz jars are my fave because of the rusty lids. However, being a candle addict, a girl needs more candle than that so I make the 26 oz for myself! My favorite fragrances are Pumpkin Souffle, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin, Cozy Home, Cinnamon Buns, Cinnamon Spice, Cool Citrus Basil, Spiced Apple Pecan, Energy, Coconut Bay (new!), Caramelized Pralines, Victorian Christmas, Twigs of Spruce, Balsam and Spice, and Pumpkin Pie. I have several more but those are ones I can’t do without!
What teams do you belong to? Etsy West Michigan, Interior Design Team/Design Style Guide, Cruelty Free Etsy, MICE, and Cottage Style. All are wonderful teams!
What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I do so many things. I love to comment in Treasuries and create them. I am just never home any more when they open up! I like to talk in the Forums. My new favorite is doing Etsy Shop features on my blog (http://blisscandles.blogspot.com) and MySpace page. I am always developing promotional materials. I have the best time with this because I create my own stuff and send it off to VistaPrint and it looks like I paid big bucks – too cool! Yes, I am a computer nerd.
What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have so many! I love Serendipity’s stuff – always have: http://anneball.etsy.com. I found a handbag shop that is way cool: http://daphnenen.etsy.com. Dennis Anderson is very inspirational and has wonderful products. He has been so successful on Etsy that he quit his job!: http://dennisanderson.etsy.com.
What do you do in your spare time? Ha! I don’t have spare time. I have been making time to go to the beach lately though and it is time to start thinking about raking leaves and cleaning up the yard.11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I highly encourage people to shop and sell on Etsy. The sellers and buyers are wonderful and the products are outstanding. If you are a seller, don’t give up. Learn the tricks and eventually it will pay off!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Feature Artist: Zeba
What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is Zeba and I sell one of a kind unique jewelry designed by me.
What is your shop URL? http://zeba.etsy.com
When did you start selling on Etsy? I have been making jewelry for more than two years, but I opened my shop on June 23, 2008 and posted my first listing on July 1, 2008.
What is your favorite thing about Etsy? With all the shops on Etsy, I was expecting a cut throat competitive environment. Instead I found a friendly environment where you truly feel at home. Everyone is eager to help and share their lessons learned. On Etsy, you find people that are passionate about their craft and their main goal is to share their creation not to make a killing profit.
What is your favorite thing about what you sell? There are three things that I love about making jewelry.
1) I don't like to make the same thing twice. The journey for me is the creative process. To be able to create something new every time. With so many materials and methods available for making jewelry, I feel I can create a unique item for the rest of my life.
2) I enjoy showing off my creations. It is easy to show off your jewelry, it does not require a gallery; all you have to do is wear it. Every time, someone asks me `Where did you buy that', I get a great joy from saying `I made it myself'.
3) Last but not least favorite, is being able to express myself in many ways. I can be serious, funky, colorful, contemporary, classic or just playful.
What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? I feel like they are all my children and I love them all. But if I have to pick a favorite, then I say the Sterling Silver Flower bracelet at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14400432.
People often ask me "how did you think of this or that idea". They often say, they can not sit down and come up with a design. Oddly enough, my answer is "neither can I". This bracelet is a perfect example of my response. I had made the chain and I needed to attach it to a focal point, but I had no idea what. Then one day I was sitting at my desk and was playing with a couple of wire coils that I had made. And all of a sudden I saw the flower pattern emerging. So, I rushed to my workshop, and started creating the flower pattern. It took a few tries and made changes due to the fact that wire and fire have a mind of their own. But I have to say I am proud of the end result and I can say `I made that'.
What teams do you belong to? Etsy west Michigan, Michigan Indie Crafters of Etsy and Jewelry Design Shops on Etsy
What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Participate in my team activities and sharing my pictures with other groups on flicker.
What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
~ I really like the `rise and shine' Necklace by `BethMillner's shop'. The piece is well made with simple well composed design.
~ I found the `Garden Party' by cottonseed's shop very clever and original. The colors and the composition are stunning. ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14109423)
~ The `For The Love Of Peace' by willowmoonspirit's shop is intriguing. The color combination is very nice, and the bird is such a unique addition.
~ The `Amethyst necklace' by twistedlolly's shop. A woven piece very nicely done. It is a sophisticated design, and is done with my favorite stone, amethyst.
What do you do in your spare time? Making jewelry takes up most of my spare time. The rest I help my husband with our kitchen renovation. He is making the cabinets and I am making the stained glass inserts for the doors. Although, lately making jewelry has taken up most of my time.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Just one thing for everyone to remember "Find what you love to do and do it"
What is your shop URL? http://zeba.etsy.com
When did you start selling on Etsy? I have been making jewelry for more than two years, but I opened my shop on June 23, 2008 and posted my first listing on July 1, 2008.
What is your favorite thing about Etsy? With all the shops on Etsy, I was expecting a cut throat competitive environment. Instead I found a friendly environment where you truly feel at home. Everyone is eager to help and share their lessons learned. On Etsy, you find people that are passionate about their craft and their main goal is to share their creation not to make a killing profit.
What is your favorite thing about what you sell? There are three things that I love about making jewelry.
1) I don't like to make the same thing twice. The journey for me is the creative process. To be able to create something new every time. With so many materials and methods available for making jewelry, I feel I can create a unique item for the rest of my life.
2) I enjoy showing off my creations. It is easy to show off your jewelry, it does not require a gallery; all you have to do is wear it. Every time, someone asks me `Where did you buy that', I get a great joy from saying `I made it myself'.
3) Last but not least favorite, is being able to express myself in many ways. I can be serious, funky, colorful, contemporary, classic or just playful.
What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? I feel like they are all my children and I love them all. But if I have to pick a favorite, then I say the Sterling Silver Flower bracelet at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14400432.
People often ask me "how did you think of this or that idea". They often say, they can not sit down and come up with a design. Oddly enough, my answer is "neither can I". This bracelet is a perfect example of my response. I had made the chain and I needed to attach it to a focal point, but I had no idea what. Then one day I was sitting at my desk and was playing with a couple of wire coils that I had made. And all of a sudden I saw the flower pattern emerging. So, I rushed to my workshop, and started creating the flower pattern. It took a few tries and made changes due to the fact that wire and fire have a mind of their own. But I have to say I am proud of the end result and I can say `I made that'.
What teams do you belong to? Etsy west Michigan, Michigan Indie Crafters of Etsy and Jewelry Design Shops on Etsy
What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Participate in my team activities and sharing my pictures with other groups on flicker.
What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
~ I really like the `rise and shine' Necklace by `BethMillner's shop'. The piece is well made with simple well composed design.
~ I found the `Garden Party' by cottonseed's shop very clever and original. The colors and the composition are stunning. ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14109423)
~ The `For The Love Of Peace' by willowmoonspirit's shop is intriguing. The color combination is very nice, and the bird is such a unique addition.
~ The `Amethyst necklace' by twistedlolly's shop. A woven piece very nicely done. It is a sophisticated design, and is done with my favorite stone, amethyst.
What do you do in your spare time? Making jewelry takes up most of my spare time. The rest I help my husband with our kitchen renovation. He is making the cabinets and I am making the stained glass inserts for the doors. Although, lately making jewelry has taken up most of my time.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Just one thing for everyone to remember "Find what you love to do and do it"
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Come on over and check us ous!
Wondering who the Etsy West Michigan Team is? There are several ways to check us out...
1) click on the links to our stores over to the right
2) go to http://www.etsy.com and do a search by tags for etsywmi
1) click on the links to our stores over to the right
2) go to http://www.etsy.com and do a search by tags for etsywmi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)