1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is ShadySideFarm, and I sell wool yarns, rovings and other wool products from our farm. We have upwards of 100 sheep on the farm with two different breeds. We're always looking for new and creative ways to market their wool. I also sell handwoven rag rugs (I've been weaving for over 10 years). We also offer hand-cranked socks made by my husband on his antique circular sock knitting machine.
2. What is your shop URL? http://shadysidefarm.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I opened my shop in November 2007.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love that we can have an on-line presence without a website designer. Etsy is a great way to get started in online selling without a huge investment of either time or money.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I'm proud of the fact that everything in our Etsy store is either handmade by someone in our family, or comes directly from the wool from our sheep.
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Hard to choose! But I think the one item I'd keep for myself is the Country Mix Handwoven Rag Rug--http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9992513
7. What teams do you belong to? Besides EtsyWMI, I also belong to the SHEteam (Schooling at Home Etsians).
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I'm not really a great promoter. I guess I would have to say my blog is the most fun. You can find it at http://shadysidefarm.blogspot.com
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? My favorite jewelry maker is Linda at http://mompotter.etsy.com, and I'm very proud of my two daughters at http://farmgirldesigns.etsy.com.
10. What do you do in your spare time? What is spare time? I homeschool my 3 of my 4 kids (the oldest is in college), and I am the bookkeeper and hired hand on the farm. I run a mom-based taxi service, am chief cook and bottlewasher, I blog and play with etsy.
I don't get to weave nearly enough to suit me, and often joke that it's my "therapy."
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
October Challenge: "Michigan Autumn"
Hold on to your mittens! We have decided on a different theme for our first etsywmi challenge. The theme is "Michigan Autumn." After much discussion in the forums, it was the general consensus that our first challenge should be more of a general theme, making it easier for everyone to participate in their own medium, if desired.
In answer to some of your questions:
1. What is a challenge? Is it a contest? No, it isn't a contest. It is meant to spark ideas and to provide inspiration. And to be fun!
2. Will we list the items we create? If you want to, I think most people probably will. I guess it depends on how the projects turn out, at least for me!!!
3. What are the rules? There really are no rules. In the case of the first challenge, just create something that represents Michigan Autumn to you. Create as many items as you want! You may want to include "Michigan Autumn" in your title(or tags), in case anyone is inspired to make a treasury.
4. What do we do with our creations when they are finished? Still working on that one. Hopefully, this can be a regular section of our team blog, with links to your etsy shops. I will provide more information when I get that part worked out.
5. Will there be more challenges? I'm hoping we can do one a month. I would like to get something set upat least for November and December so people can start dreaming. TENTATIVELY, I'm thinking of "Bundle up, Michigan" for November. That way, anyone who had their hearts set on mittens can use them for the November challenge. I'm hoping for suggestions, though.
So, what do you think? Any further questions or suggestions? Let's get started!
~ Sarah
In answer to some of your questions:
1. What is a challenge? Is it a contest? No, it isn't a contest. It is meant to spark ideas and to provide inspiration. And to be fun!
2. Will we list the items we create? If you want to, I think most people probably will. I guess it depends on how the projects turn out, at least for me!!!
3. What are the rules? There really are no rules. In the case of the first challenge, just create something that represents Michigan Autumn to you. Create as many items as you want! You may want to include "Michigan Autumn" in your title(or tags), in case anyone is inspired to make a treasury.
4. What do we do with our creations when they are finished? Still working on that one. Hopefully, this can be a regular section of our team blog, with links to your etsy shops. I will provide more information when I get that part worked out.
5. Will there be more challenges? I'm hoping we can do one a month. I would like to get something set upat least for November and December so people can start dreaming. TENTATIVELY, I'm thinking of "Bundle up, Michigan" for November. That way, anyone who had their hearts set on mittens can use them for the November challenge. I'm hoping for suggestions, though.
So, what do you think? Any further questions or suggestions? Let's get started!
~ Sarah
Monday, September 15, 2008
Feature Artist: Claw Tree Design/Raid My Stash
1 & 2 What is your shop name and what do you sell? What is your shop URL? I have two Etsy shops. The first is is Claw Tree Design. Here I sell fiber art scarves and handbags as well as handmade jewelry in different styles. My other store Raid My Stash- a little supply shop where I sell small quantities of beads for those who want to try something new without a large investment. I have lots of little bits of beads left over, and people seem to like being able to buy small amounts.
3 When did you start selling on Etsy? I started selling on Etsy this summer, and am actually still stocking the Claw Tree Design store and plan to “launch” it this fall. I’m still figuring out how to do that. I expect it will happen in early October.
4 When did you start selling on Etsy? My favorite thing about Etsy is the creativity of the community. I can just browse for hours, amazed at the work that I see.
5 What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love that I sell items that are actually used and worn and enjoyed by people, I love to hear someone tell me how much they still like a piece of jewelry years after they bought it.
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Currently the favorite item in my shop would be either the shell bracelet with seed beads and pearls “I found Another Shell” or the highly textured nuno felted scarf “Fall Fiesta” Both were so much fun to make, both are unique and beautiful in their own way.
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to the West Michigan Etsy team. I am new to Etsy and therefore new to this team, but I have enjoyed meeting members of the team and am impressed by how congenial and supportive they are.
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I haven’t yet promoted my shop, but I will do so this fall. I appreciate suggestions… I did participate in Etsy day at the Fulton Street Artisans Market, and that was fun.
9.What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have a list of favorite items that grows daily. I lately have been looking at nature photography, ceramics, and some copper metal work jewelry. All things that I do not make, but love to have…
10.What do you do in your spare time? My art is my spare time lately. I love to read, to hang out at the lake with the kids. I enjoy knitting and crochet, I like to walk and in the winter I ski when I can.
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? The only other thing I could share is the inspiration for the name of my shop – Claw Tree Design. A claw tree – as I call it - is a tree that for some reason has roots exposed that appear to be reaching for or clinging to the ground. I see these trees as a metaphor. They all started out as seedlings in a place that should have given them the nutrients to grow, but for some reason the ground underneath them changed, shifted, eroded, went away. Some trees then just die, but the claw tree extends its roots as far as they need to go in order to hang on to what it needs to stay alive and growing. It is a symbol of perseverance and faith. My avatar is a sketch I made years ago when learning how to draw. A claw tree was a difficult subject given my lack of experience but it turned out well. That was the first time I thought that I may just be able to create. It gave me the encouragement to continue drawing and eventually to pursue my creative urges into different mediums.
3 When did you start selling on Etsy? I started selling on Etsy this summer, and am actually still stocking the Claw Tree Design store and plan to “launch” it this fall. I’m still figuring out how to do that. I expect it will happen in early October.
4 When did you start selling on Etsy? My favorite thing about Etsy is the creativity of the community. I can just browse for hours, amazed at the work that I see.
5 What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love that I sell items that are actually used and worn and enjoyed by people, I love to hear someone tell me how much they still like a piece of jewelry years after they bought it.
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Currently the favorite item in my shop would be either the shell bracelet with seed beads and pearls “I found Another Shell” or the highly textured nuno felted scarf “Fall Fiesta” Both were so much fun to make, both are unique and beautiful in their own way.
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to the West Michigan Etsy team. I am new to Etsy and therefore new to this team, but I have enjoyed meeting members of the team and am impressed by how congenial and supportive they are.
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I haven’t yet promoted my shop, but I will do so this fall. I appreciate suggestions… I did participate in Etsy day at the Fulton Street Artisans Market, and that was fun.
9.What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have a list of favorite items that grows daily. I lately have been looking at nature photography, ceramics, and some copper metal work jewelry. All things that I do not make, but love to have…
10.What do you do in your spare time? My art is my spare time lately. I love to read, to hang out at the lake with the kids. I enjoy knitting and crochet, I like to walk and in the winter I ski when I can.
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? The only other thing I could share is the inspiration for the name of my shop – Claw Tree Design. A claw tree – as I call it - is a tree that for some reason has roots exposed that appear to be reaching for or clinging to the ground. I see these trees as a metaphor. They all started out as seedlings in a place that should have given them the nutrients to grow, but for some reason the ground underneath them changed, shifted, eroded, went away. Some trees then just die, but the claw tree extends its roots as far as they need to go in order to hang on to what it needs to stay alive and growing. It is a symbol of perseverance and faith. My avatar is a sketch I made years ago when learning how to draw. A claw tree was a difficult subject given my lack of experience but it turned out well. That was the first time I thought that I may just be able to create. It gave me the encouragement to continue drawing and eventually to pursue my creative urges into different mediums.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Feature Artist: Heather's Crafts
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop is Heather's Crafts and I sell hand crafted dolls, pillows,small art quilts.
2. What is your shop URL? http://heatherweathers.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I "took the plunge" and quit my super stressful day job in December and I started selling on Etsy in July.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Meeting new people and seeing the lovely goodies they make. I love collaboration and sharing ideas and advice. I haven't been able to do that since I left school.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love the fact that I can make whatever I want. I sell items that have the strongest personalities...and every single thing is different and unique.
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Right now, my favorite item in my shop is the Portly Gentleman Deady Bearhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13490794. I love how sweet he looks at me from my desk. It will be hard to part with that little guy.
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to EstyWMI, Etsy DollArtisans, and Etsy Dark Side Street Team
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Going to shows is really the most fun for me. I love meeting everyone and getting to know the regulars around town and I'm really building a great customer base that way. I keep hearing, "I need to know where you will be next!"
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? My ultimate favorite things I've found on Etsy are these beautiful headbands:whichgoose.etsy.com I'm also a sucker for innovative illustrations (as that was my major in college). Some of my favorites are: abstractheart.etsy.com,MiaMiBox.etsy.com, and a local girl deadbird.etsy.com
10. What do you do in your spare time? I don't consider myself as having spare time. I sew, paint, and draw constantly. Then I check Etsy and email with breakfast. It's great doing what I love all day long!
2. What is your shop URL? http://heatherweathers.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I "took the plunge" and quit my super stressful day job in December and I started selling on Etsy in July.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Meeting new people and seeing the lovely goodies they make. I love collaboration and sharing ideas and advice. I haven't been able to do that since I left school.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I love the fact that I can make whatever I want. I sell items that have the strongest personalities...and every single thing is different and unique.
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Right now, my favorite item in my shop is the Portly Gentleman Deady Bearhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13490794. I love how sweet he looks at me from my desk. It will be hard to part with that little guy.
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to EstyWMI, Etsy DollArtisans, and Etsy Dark Side Street Team
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Going to shows is really the most fun for me. I love meeting everyone and getting to know the regulars around town and I'm really building a great customer base that way. I keep hearing, "I need to know where you will be next!"
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? My ultimate favorite things I've found on Etsy are these beautiful headbands:whichgoose.etsy.com I'm also a sucker for innovative illustrations (as that was my major in college). Some of my favorites are: abstractheart.etsy.com,MiaMiBox.etsy.com, and a local girl deadbird.etsy.com
10. What do you do in your spare time? I don't consider myself as having spare time. I sew, paint, and draw constantly. Then I check Etsy and email with breakfast. It's great doing what I love all day long!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Feature Artist: Poppy Glass
1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? The name is Poppy Glass and I sell stained glass art and jewelry. Actually I just started adding the jewelry part as of late and it kinda seems to be taking over my shop which I am not so sure I like that much so I guess I need to get my butt busy on my panels again soon!
2. What is your shop URL? http://poppyglass.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? Ummm lets see…I think it was March 15th of this year.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I LOVE all the art! I cannot get enough of it. My favorites list is out of control.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I like that my stuff has a bit of a twist from your typical stained glass you see around. I try to create different things and keep it funky!
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite piece at the moment is my “Jubilence” piece just because I love color and this piece is like a big burst of color to hang up!
7. What teams do you belong to? Well Etsy West Michigan of course. I am really not that good about participating though. I really like being connected to local artsit though.
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Hmmmm….I am not that good at promoting either I am afraid. I recently had a custom stamp made though with my shop name and url and I am going to being using it to make my own earring cards for my first show. Kinda like having them hang on my own business cards.
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? OMG there are so many! But one of the first things I ever bought on Etsy is still my favorite. I bought a couple of ACEO’s from Norway based artist Carambatack Design (www.carambatack.etsy.com) and I absolutely LOVE them and all of her work. It is so sweet and wonderful I plan on buying more and getting them framed for around my house.
10. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? I have no spare time! LOL Seriously there is not alot of spare time in my life. I have a 4yr old daughter and a 1yr old son, a house to run, a business to run, I have been volunteering at the Obama Campaign, I try my hardest to find some ME time. And usually if I do I am kicked back with a beer and just vegging out in front of the TV or the computer.
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I kinda feel like I am finally coming into my own since I have started here on Etsy. I have always been an artsy person, but just dabbled here and there and never really made any money doing it. And now that people are actually paying for MY work I feel like it finally has a purpose and some meaning to it. I guess that’s kinda silly to equate money with meaning, but it became more than just for me once I started selling things. Now I feel like I can do what I love and contribute to the family income and I don’t have to feel guilty about spending the crazy money I do on my supplies. I finally feel like a real artist!!!
2. What is your shop URL? http://poppyglass.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? Ummm lets see…I think it was March 15th of this year.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I LOVE all the art! I cannot get enough of it. My favorites list is out of control.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I like that my stuff has a bit of a twist from your typical stained glass you see around. I try to create different things and keep it funky!
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite piece at the moment is my “Jubilence” piece just because I love color and this piece is like a big burst of color to hang up!
7. What teams do you belong to? Well Etsy West Michigan of course. I am really not that good about participating though. I really like being connected to local artsit though.
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Hmmmm….I am not that good at promoting either I am afraid. I recently had a custom stamp made though with my shop name and url and I am going to being using it to make my own earring cards for my first show. Kinda like having them hang on my own business cards.
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? OMG there are so many! But one of the first things I ever bought on Etsy is still my favorite. I bought a couple of ACEO’s from Norway based artist Carambatack Design (www.carambatack.etsy.com) and I absolutely LOVE them and all of her work. It is so sweet and wonderful I plan on buying more and getting them framed for around my house.
10. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? I have no spare time! LOL Seriously there is not alot of spare time in my life. I have a 4yr old daughter and a 1yr old son, a house to run, a business to run, I have been volunteering at the Obama Campaign, I try my hardest to find some ME time. And usually if I do I am kicked back with a beer and just vegging out in front of the TV or the computer.
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I kinda feel like I am finally coming into my own since I have started here on Etsy. I have always been an artsy person, but just dabbled here and there and never really made any money doing it. And now that people are actually paying for MY work I feel like it finally has a purpose and some meaning to it. I guess that’s kinda silly to equate money with meaning, but it became more than just for me once I started selling things. Now I feel like I can do what I love and contribute to the family income and I don’t have to feel guilty about spending the crazy money I do on my supplies. I finally feel like a real artist!!!
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