Check out these beads and the artist who created THEM!

I decided that I'm going to feature some of the bead artists and/ or beads that I love to work and would like to work with in the future.

The artist I want to feature is Kandice Seeber. She creates beautiful lampwork beads that are full of color and awe...makes you just want to eat them like candy! She also has a blog called Color Addiction and after you visit he, you'll see why!

Check out her blog above or visit her at her etsy store, either you won't miss out and why would you want to anyway.



Lampwork beads by Kandice Seeber

I just had to make the picture bigger so you could get the full affect!!!

Sygnet Creations...Etsy Weekly Featured Seller

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
My name is Amanda. I currently live in the Panhandle of Florida. I am a mom of 4 children and wife to a military man. I have been a Stay at home mom for the majority of motherhood. I enjoy my children and wanted to give a little more to my family so I decided to start selling a craft I have been doing for friends and family for years. I make blankets and other fabric creations but more importantly I like to take each individual's personality and let it play center stage in each item I make!

What is your etsy shop address and name? http://sygnetcreations.etsy.com/

What is your favorite color combination?
I don't really have a favorite color but I tend to lean towards red, black and blue.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
Oh my favorite was a baby blanket I made for my old neighbor. She was having a baby and really loved the outdoors. I bought some beautiful quilting fabric and made a soft brown and yellowish blanket. When I gave it to her I had no idea that the fabric I had chosen matched her baby's decor almost perfectly. It was a wonderful feeling and she sent me a personal thank you expressing how much it meant to her to have a homemade blanket that had so much heart into every stitch!

What inspires you?

Where do your ideas come from?
My children inspire a lot of what I make. The travel pillows I make came from many long trips with my kids and watching my daughter's neck just flop around. She looked so uncomfortable so I decided to take the boppy concept and shrink it down to a size that could support a child's neck. The ideas for new creations sometimes come from customers wanting something but not knowing how to create it. Those are my favorite to make!

Does the atmosphere affect your creativity?
Yes very much so. If I am having a bad day I don't touch the machine. I can't work when I can't prepare each item with happiness. I know that seems silly but why make a blanket with anger or stress when it can be made with true love and creative spirit.

Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park?
I have a small room off my kitchen that I use to house my fabric and store products I have created. I have a corner nook and use it as my sewing table. It is quite nice if I don't say so myself.

What are your favorite materials?
I do love working with flannel, faux fur and satin. They are just beautiful fabric and make each creation so soft and cozy.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
Gifts. I love to give gifts of items I have made. It is just a great feeling.

Why should people buy handmade?
Someone's hands have tweaked, stitched, threaded, and nurtured a creation until it is so perfect that it has to be shared. Nothing is better than that!

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?
Put your heart into it. If you truly love what you do, Do it well and express it to everyone who sees your work. Not only will they see just how lovely your stuff really is but they feel the goodness in your craft.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Raise 4 beautiful children, run a household, bowl on a league, and get together with other military families to unwind. Just to name a few!

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?
Pictures, pictures, pictures. They are the most important thing you can do to show off your skill. A bad picture can turn off a potential customer and make your items seem of lesser quality.

Read any good books lately?
Not really, I don't have a lot of time to sit down and read a book. I do get a lot of reading from great etsy blogs and forums.

Any other links or information you want to share?
Another Friendly Etsy Shop I just love and want to get the word out because her stuff is just awesome and workmanship is to die for! http://sexyskins.etsy.com/

Do you have any current projects that you want to describe, techniques to share, give picture of?
I recently made an all purpose cloth which is stitched in a tri-fold pattern. Very durable and soft.

In ten years I'd like to be . . . Comfortable. . . I don't want to be rich and famous I just want to keep selling my blankets and crafts. I love making them. I would like to have my own shop inside and old Victorian house. I would want every room to have a theme and invite other artistic people to buy space and sell their goods. This is my ultimate goal in life.

Her are spme Etsy shop item numbers from her store.
6631225, 6638550, 6631546, 6766485

Bottled Up Designs...Etsy Featured Seller

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Laura Bergman, and I live in a very rural wooded area in the Lancaster Amish Country. I am married with 2 kids, three dogs, and two cats.

My Etsy shop is BottledUpDesigns.etsy.com

Do you have a blog?
Currently, I do not, but after seeing the remarkable talent on Etsy, I would like to start something as well to feature some of these remarkable stores.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?

Well, when I was little, my grandmother was very skilled at all things needlework, and had us all making things using crochet and knitting. To this day, I still love to hand crochet lace doilies because it reminds me of being little in that wonderful old house she had.

What inspires you?

When I was taking a walk in the woods one day, there was a baby deer and it's mother laying in the leaves. When they caught my scent, of course, they were off. Where the fawn was laying was the jagged remains of an antique Noxema bottle, as there are numerous old bottle dumps in these old woods. I was devasted thinking of what could be happening to this beautiful wildlife with all the old glass laying around, and simply started picking it up and creating things with it.

Where do you create?

I have an official "studio"! OK, well, really my husband built me a lovely work bench in a corner of our basement that is now covered with all types of antique glass.

What are your favorite materials?

Antique glass of course! I have been an antique bottle collector for 20 years, and can pick up most pieces laying about and tell you what it was and what it was used for. It's wonderful using something with history behind it, instead of something being turned out in a factory that takes a lot of natural resources to produce.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

I am always amazed at how beautiful this antique glass is once I dig it out of the dirt, clean it and work with the pieces. Sometimes I just move the pieces around, and hold them up to the light, and imagine what they could be.

Why should people buy handmade?

Don't you agree in this day and age of mass production the simple knowledge that someone sat down and personally brought that piece or product to be with their special touch and creativity is so special? If anyone has a choice, I think most people would prefer handmade.

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?

It's certainly hard doing the actual selling, when you just love to create. I guess the only wisdom is to try to find what makes your products unique and set apart from the others and go with it.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am an advertising manager for an Equestrian Manager. I have been there for 13 years.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

I guess to believe in your craft, and understand it's real value.

In ten years I'd like to be ... exclusively making a living off of my Bottled Up Designs!

Three of her products that can be found in Laura's Shop, Bottled-Up Designs.

(Pictures of these three items are also listed through this feature,

just click on the picture to be directed to the item)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6813087

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6680397

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6662387

Cassowary Jewelry :: Featured Etsy Seller

Shannon is a fellow etsyBEADer and JET Etsy Street Team member. Here is a bit of information about her shop and it's products.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
I’m Shannon and I’m from Memphis. I go to graduate school to become a licensed counselor, and am enjoying a self employed lifestyle. I’m a member of both etsyBEAD and JET [Jewelry on Etsy Team].


What is your etsy shop address and name?
My shop name is Cassowary Jewelry and the address is http://cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com/


Do you have a blog (and what is its address)?
My business blog is at http://buttonmakersball.blogspot.com/It showcases my soap reviews, business fun and the latest news.


What is your favorite color combination?
Uh…I have no idea.


What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
I have been attempting to sew since I was a child, but I have never been able to learn. I used to make mini magazines when I was a kid, though.


What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
I just like looking at beads and seeing what they want to become. Some beads lend themselves more to certain designs than others.

Etsy Buy Handmade cassowaryjewelry

Does the atmosphere affect your creativity?
No idea.


Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park?
I create on my bed. It’s really relaxing.


What are your favorite materials?
I love all sorts of gemstones, lampwork glass and now, I’m interested in the possibilities of plastic. I’ve loved gemstones since I was a kid and collected rocks from the crafts market every year. I like materials that are cold to the touch and easy to make into a colorful design.


What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
Make earrings. I’m upset.


Why should people buy handmade?
When you buy something that someone has made themselves, you give capital to micro a business. These small one person businesses can get a person through college, give extra money to a woman wanting to stay home with a child, or help people save money for the future.


Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?
Promote, promote, promote.


Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I volunteer with a children’s group.


Read any good books lately?
My list is way way too long!


Any other links or information you want to share?
My website is http://www.cassowarybuttons.com/


In ten years I'd like to be ... a counselor with a bustling jewelry side business.

Etsy Featured Seller :: Roz Petalz Studio

My name is Kathy Swenning. I live in Milford, CT and I am a stay-at-home-mom/polymer clay artist. I have been working with polymer clay for about 15 years & have never gotten tired of it!

My Etsy Shop is Called "Roz Petalz Studio"

http://kathys711.etsy.com/

just created a blog page...

http://rozpetalzstudio-kathys711.blogspot.com/

I love all colors, but my favorite colors for beads are warm, earth tones (brown, gold, orange,green,etc). Fall is my favorite season, that's probably why.

The first thing I made out of polymer clay was beads. I made them, beacuse I was running out of money, so I decided to make my own!

I find inspiration everywhere! Living near the ocean, I get ideas from the water, sand, shells, etc. My kid's cartoons give me ideas for characters, etc. Most of my ideas for color combos come from nature.I am most creative when I am bored (which isn't often). When I have time to think of crazy ideas,etc. The seasons also give me idas.

I create in my basement studio - mostly at night when the house is quiet & everyone else is asleep.

My favorite material, is obviously polymer clay! I also have been experimenting with acrylic paint lately.

My favorite thing to do with my creativity is to create something beautiful to give to a friend or family member as a gift.

People should buy handmade itrems when they want something, one of a kind that comes from within a person's spirit & passion.

Tips & Wisdom for selling handmade...Don't give up! It's so satisfying once you get going! It takes awhile to build a customer base, but if you have a quality product, you will get one.I've gotten a lot of good advice from Etsy people & people on the "other" auction site too regarding advertising and promotion. I have also just made some good connections for sharing ideas, etc.

I'm more of a magazine reader, lately. Bon Appetite & Women's Day are my current subscriptions.

My Space Page...http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=96424486

Ebay Store...http://stores.ebay.com/Roz-Petalz-Studio

Currently I have been focusing on Made to Match items & experimenting with creating OOAK pendants.

In ten years I'd like to be .. running a successful polymer clay business that will allow greater financial freedom for my family. I'd also love to be one of those "recognizable" names when it comes to polymer clay.

Etsy items...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6386619

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6288180

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5921790

Whimsical Jewels :: Etsy Featured Seller

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

Toni Becker located in Winston-Salem, NC. Prior to moving to NC in 1997 I lived in Upstate NY. I moved here on a quest for warm weather and better opportunities. Since moving here I have established myself as an individual, I have married the love of my life (13 years this august) and now have 2 beautiful children who are 5 and 2 years old. I have taken a few classes along the way but am predominantly self-taught. I love to try new things.

What is your etsy shop address and name?

Shop Name: Whimsical Jewels

http://www.whimsicaljewels.etsy.com/

Do you have a blog (and what is its address)?

No but it’s definitely something I need to do.

What is your favorite color combination?

Hmm…this is hard because I like so many. Because I have to narrow it down. I absolutely love purple and silver, purple and black, blue and green together and natural colors together.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

A basket. My mother had signed me up for an arts and crafts class over the summer. I was probably 7 or 8 years old.

What inspires you?

Nature and people

Where do your ideas come from?

I get a lot of my ideas while I am driving down the road, or in my bed trying to sleep. In general my ideas also come from nature, culture, people, music, my children, philosophy and humanity.

Does the atmosphere affect your creativity?

I wish I could say no and that I could create in any atmosphere but it definitely isn’t the case for me. I create best when I am by myself with a stick of nag champa or sandalwood incense burning. Depending on my mood at the time, I am either listening to music or in a completely quiet room. My creative energy flows freely in the morning hours but because of my full time job I am unable to create at that time so I have to make do with creating in the evening hours when my day is unwinding.

Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park?

I create in our spare room (computer/craft/guest bedroom).

What are your favorite materials?

Glass and wire

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

Jewelry, frames and cards

Why should people buy handmade?

So much in this world is mass-produced and quite frankly the quality of merchandise has had a steady decline. It is sad that in our society we have placed a lot of small trades out of business because of our fast paced, mass produced throw it away lifestyle. When you purchase items that are handmade it is someone’s craft that they placed time, love, thought and energy into making.

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?

No but I could use some. J Actually, I believe word of mouth is the best wisdom and gift for selling. If you saw something you liked, purchased or believe in TELL SOMEONE ELSE.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work full time training individuals in the mental health field. I am also a mother of two small wonderful children. Helping others is one of the greatest rewards of my life second to being a mother.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

I haven’t been on etsy for very long, but what I have learned is that this is a great community. A community that supports one another and helps each other out. {Which I support and believe strongly in} It is really important to promote yourself as much as possible via internet as well as in your own community.

Read any good books lately?

I just finished the horse whisper. It was a wonderful book and I found an amazing respect for horses. I have recently read/looked though some craft books: learning to paint, paper crafts, metal craft and various beading techniques.

Do you have any current projects that you want to describe, techniques to share, give picture of?

Along with creating jewelry I am working on some beaded window art. I am also in the process (VERY SLOW) of trying to teach myself how to paint. This may be a long process for me. LOL.

In ten years I'd like to...

learn more crafts: glass blowing, pottery, paint, screen-printing, and working with metals. I would like to have a local store that houses local artists and become financially secure enough to spend more time with my kids. My dream is to live in Asheville instead of Winston-Salem.

Here are some of Toni items listed in her shop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6406699

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6132313

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6123053

The picture is of Toni and her husband, she tells us more...

This is my husband and I taken by our 5 year old. J My husband is such a tremendous support and because of his support, amazing love and individuality it creates balance and aides my creative energy.

Etsy Feature Seller :: Design by Lara Studios

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
My name is Lara Jordan. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have 4 children, 3 boys 1 girl ages 22 thru 17. My husband is very supportive in all my ventures. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and taught Special Education to students with emotional/behavioral challenges for 3 years before taking time off to continue my education.

My story of how I became a jewelry designer/artist is a simple one. I fell in love with the beauty of semi-precious natural stones at the first bead show that I attended. I went to the show with a friend that had been beading for some time. We walked into a room filled with endless tables of stones from nature that cannot be improved on by man made materials. This is why I use semi-precious natural stones in all of my designs. I have increased my knowledge in jewelry design by attending a metal smith class for a year. The ability to add the use of wire and metal to my designs has opened a whole new world of creativity. I enjoy designing and creating beautiful pieces of jewelry for all occasions. I am a jeans and t-shirt girl myself, but occasionally I like to get dressed up for a night out. This is why I design a variety of pieces that can be dressed up or down. I have found that even a pair of old jeans can look great in pearls and semi-precious stones!

What is your etsy shop address and name? Design by Lara Studios ~ http://www.designbylarastudios.etsy.com/

Do you have a blog (and what is its address)? No blog

What is your favorite color combination? I like to mix things up a bit. I find myself throwing different stones and combinations of color into a bowl and discover there are unlimited possibilities.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it? I think the first thing I made was a beaded bracelet. I thought it turned out great. When I look back now I can see that experience has brought my designs to a whole new level. I made the bracelet just to see if I could do it.

What inspires you? I am inspired by all the beautiful colors in the natural stones.




Where do your ideas come from? My ideas come from many sources. Sometimes I find a stone and immediately know what I want to do with it. Other times I actually have dreams about a creation. I wake up first thing in the morning and put it together.

Does the atomsphere affect your creativity?The atmosphere does not affect my creativity. There are times when I just put things aside for a while and others when I’m non stop creating.

Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park? I have a workspace in my home. Thanks to my wonderful husband I have all the tools and supplies I need right at my finger tips.

What are your favorite materials? My favorite materials are natural stones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and solid copper. I will one day add gold.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity? I know many artists draw their designs before making them. I am terrible at sketching so most often I just jump right into making the piece.

Why should people buy handmade?
People should buy homemade because they know they are getting a distinct design. The creation of a piece of jewelry that was from start to finish the concept of one persons vision is a powerful thing.

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff? The biggest lesson I have learned is to wear the jewelry that you make and carry business cards. I have gotten compliments from everywhere; a restaurant, doctors office, grocery store, you never know where a sell can come from.

Apart from creating things, what do you do? I am continuing my education in psychology. I also spend as much time as possible with family and friends. I love riding on the back of my husbands Harley, scuba diving, back yard BBQ’s, and road trips.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?I think my biggest lesson is to list often. Not all at one time, but once or twice a day. I am still working on doing this consistently.

Read any good books lately?I unfortunately have not had the time to read. Right now I am working on art and wine festival supply and I am also working on getting my pieces into some local stores.

Any other links or information you want to share? I have several internet links where people can view my work and keep in contact with me.
Email list link ~ http://designbylara.com/_wsn/page14.html
Photo link ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/designbylara/
MySpace link ~ myspace.com/designbylarastudios
I also have a second Etsy shop where I sell my handcrafted jewelry findings & components Design by Lara ~ http://www.designbylara.etsy.com/

Do you have any current projects that you want to describe, techniques to share, give picture of? I most recent design is a 2” copper cuff with sterling silver cross embellished with a Kingman Turquoise.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designbylara/699493401/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designbylara/699493415/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designbylara/699493427/

I made the cuff using a 6 ½ x 2 inch piece of solid copper. Hand sawed, filed then sanded. I then soldered the handcrafted sterling silver cross and added the Turquoise using a bezel setting. I felt it needed more so I added a sterling silver scroll on each end of the cuff. It was then buffed and polished. The last step was to add color to the copper by heating the cuff with my torch.

In ten years I'd love to have my own studio and retail shop. Not only would I like to be selling my designs to the masses, but I’d also like to teach kids with emotional and behavioral challenges how to make jewelry, start a business, and be successful members of their community. I want to reach these kids in any way I can. Sometimes just having faith in their abilities and helping them to meet their goals will change their lives.

Etsy Feature Seller :: Bonny Jewelry

My name is Bonny and I'm a New Englander at heart. I was born and raised on the Maine
coast near the Canadian border but now live in Manchester NH with my hubby and collie.

My etsy shop - Bonny Jewelry - can be found at http://bonnyjewelry.etsy.com and contains an assortment of affordable beaded jewelry pieces. If you would like more information, I also have a blog which can be found at http://bonnyjewelry.blogspot.com

My favorite color combinations contain blues in monochromatic tones. I love the way they play off each other, especially if I add in greens and a neutral to really make them "pop". Blue is very calming to me and I love working with the various shades.

The first thing I ever made by hand was an embroidered kitten picture that my aunt gave me (besides the grammar school projects of course!). One Christmas I received from her a sewing basket filled with threads and goodies and a stamped picture of a kitten to embroider. She taught me needlework and I still love doing it to this day. People should buy handmade just to know that alot of thought and care went into every single creation - regardless of the art - and that the item is special and unique for that very reason.

My jewelry is inspired by lots of different things - color combinations that
I like, my flower garden, the beach - I'm always trying new ideas. I also love to experiment with different techniques and tend to create according to the mood I'm in. My "workroom" is my kitchen counter. When I am working on new items, it is absolutely covered with boxes filled with different beads and my bead board. I also love to listen to music when I'm making new designs - humming along to a favorite tune and doing something that you love really makes the time fly!

Not sure if this is a bit of wisdom on selling your craft but ... many of
my items are also sold at craft shows. I've found that it's a great way to test the market to see if your items are liked, helps with pricing, and gets your name out
there for others to find you online. I highly recommend trying some just to
get feedback and to see if there is a market for your items!

Current projects include my new anklet line (all sterling silver on marine
quality jewelry wire - you can wear these in the shower and they won't
unravel or fray!). Other things I love to do include playing in my flower beds,cross stitching and other needlework, and reading. My books of choice really depend upon my mood - whether I want to read something "serious" or just relax and enjoy a bubblegum book (nothing substantial - just something to chew). I must admit though, I am looking forward to receiving my copy of the last Harry Potter book!

In ten years I'd like to be ... living in a little coastal town in Maine selling my jewelry to local shops and online via my own website. And I'd love to be a foster home for the Collie Rescue League of New England (website = http://www.crlne.org/)

Etsy Featured Seller :: LLing Designs

My name is Tetty Chousand and my chinese name is Ling Ling. That is where I got my Etsy shop name, LLing designs. Currently, I live in Carrollton, Texas with my husband and my two teenage daughter. I'm a stay at home mom and likes to play online mmorpg games. I've been playing all kinds of online games with my family such as, Asheron's Call and World of Warcraft. For my free time, I like to make more jewelry and browse around etsy.

My shop address is http://www.lling2303.etsy.com/
and my blog is http//:LLingdesigns.blogspot.com

I like yellow + black and red + white for my favorite color combination, but it will change from time to time.


The first thing I made was a small bag I crocheted.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, some time it's just from the beautiful beads I bought or from something around the house. Before I make my jewelry I usually draw and sketch it out.

My atmosphere does not affect my creativity.

I create things in my work space at home.

My favorite materials are gemstones, glass bead, swarovski, sterling silver, gold filled, and polymer clay.

My favorite thing to do with my creativity is play with polymer clay. I often make beads and pendants out of it.

Why people should buy handmade:
It's unique because it's one of a kind. It's also made from people who loves making things out of simple materials.

I am still learning , but I can say that people can promote their stuff and handout business cards and always try create something new.

Other than household chores, I like to play World of Warcraft for fun, like I have mentioned before.

I'm reading Cross by James Patterson.

in ten years I'd like to own a bead shop and sell my handcrafted jewelry.

Items listed in Tetty's etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5996275

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5972827

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6422843

Etsy Feature Seller:: *TagYourIt*

Blog * Feature of the Day * TagYourIt * Etsy Seller

My name is Cathy Clark and I live in the Western Suburbs of Chicago (Downers Grove, IL).
I am a single parent of two kid's, a daughter Courtney who is a Junior at UIC and a son Corey who is a Senior in HS.

My store web address is http://www.tagyourit.etsy.com/ and http://www.catscraps.etsy.com/. I tried blogging but unforunately I'm not computer savy nor do I have the time to commit to a blog.

My favorite color combination would be anything with brown i.e. brown/robin eggs blue, brown/pink, etc.

The first item I ever remember making was Barbie furniture out of match boxes and strawberry crates, etc. Then the infamous hotpads and loop rugs! When I was younger, kids had to use their imagination because either their parents didn't have the money or the things that are available today weren't available then. I remember winning an art contest when I was in 4th grade at a local grocery store and someone else claimed the first prize. My mom marched up there and raised heck with them and eventually they gave me my prize which was a paint set. I have always been interested in some form of art.

What inspires me are a couple of things; a)my mother (who passed away 4 years ago. She was the artistic one in the family! Sewing, museum quality embroidery, knitting, crocheting, anything she tried, she was the best at. She always told me that if you are going to sell anything be consistent and you are your own worst critic. b) my kids; this is my therapy and a reason for me to stay up late at night waiting for them to come home safely.

My ideas come from the paper, the ribbons, the buttons, etc. They set the mood for the perfect card. The atmosphere doesn't affect my work. I work out of my dining room, and there are French doors with alot of lighting. Of course, I like working in the daylight better but unfortunately working full time out of the home doesn't always allow for this.

My favorite materials of course, are paper, ribbons, and buttons. Any embellishment really! I am honored when someone buys my cards!

With all the talented artists at Etsy to chose from, I am honored that someone would chose me, but at the same time I know they are getting a quality keepsake! The same tip that my mother gave me, I give to others; be consistent in your work, believe in your product, never undersell yourself, and good communication with your customers. Treat them the way you wish to be treated.

People should buy handmade because the item they purchase is one that was made with love, and a passion and that is reflected in their art.

I work full-time as an office manager for a high-end cosmetic dental office. Things I have learned from other Etsyians a) promote, promote, promote!

Right now, I am working on my Back to School, Fall, Halloween and Christmas line of paper products! Which seems strange to me because it is 93 degrees outside!

In 10 years, my kids will be finished with college and have their own lives which means, I will have some extra space to finally have the studio that I have been dreaming of. I am hoping by then I will be able to quit my full-time job and concentrate on nothing but scrapping! This is my love and my passion and I love to share it with others! I failed to mention that I have handcrafted greeting cards, gift/hang tags in TagYourIt and paperbag scrapbook albums and other altered art in CatScraps.

Please visit her shop at www.tagyourit.etsy.com

Etsy Seller Feature:: Tiana Madisyn

Another feature Etsy Seller.... Tatiana! She wants to tell you all about her shop!




Hello,my name is Tatiana and I currently live in Hamden,CT. I a first time mom and I have a beautiful 12 month daughter named Madisyn. She is the reason why I have an etsy shop. She's my inspiration.-http://www.tianamadisyn.etsy.com/

No, I do not have a blog.. yet

I'm a girlie girl, so I love pinks and I also love earthy tones.

That would have to be my bridal bouquet. I made it because I wanted to have something that would last and has special meaning. I love flowers. I didn't want to just have pictures of my bouquet. Plus, I'm saving it for my little pumpkin, for her wedding day.

I get ideas from everywhere. Especially when I take little madisyn to the park. There's so many cool colors to look at. I get alot of ideas from the outdoors.

No, the atmosphere does not affect me.

Where- I have a little studio at home and also in my greenhouse.

-Favorite Materials- Of course ANYTHING Swarovski, Love Lampwork beads, Semi precious gemstones.-favorite thing to do is to just create beautiful items.

-Why handmade- it has more meaning, and most likely will be a ooak piece. There is so much mass production of jewelry- it's nice to have something that has meaning and ooak.

-Always keep a positive attitude, remember that everyone has different taste, and promote, promote, promote.-I'm a Medicare Appeals Analyst also studying for my Master's degree in Human Services.

-Patience-Book-Your best life now- joel osteen

-In ten years- I'd like to own a bead shop, full service spa, women's shelter. Be a psychologist, a great mom, and wife.

Here are some items that are in Tiana's store:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6208874

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6208774

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6277300

Please visit her on ETSY!

Appreciation for all things handmade

Every year as the summer months arrive I look foward to attending craft shows as both a spectator, as well as, a vendor. I am amazed at the things people create with their hands. I love the fact that one can imagine something and then make it a reality. Most times it comes out better than the imagination. In my appreciation of those who are creative I have decided to feature an Etsy seller once a week. As you know Etsy is a place where you can buy and sell all things handmade.

The first seller is SaJoMo.

Please leave comments and give her visit at her store on Etsy.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Sally and I am British goldsmith/jewellery designer living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I studied my Degree in the UK and have been making ever since! I worked for various companies as a Jewellery consultant and also for myself for many years. My job has taken me all over the world and I am now even closer to the trade fairs in Asia!I have won design awards and also awards for finished items and also taken part in major exhibitions and fairs worldwide.

What is your Etsy shop address and name?
My shop address is http://www.sajomo.etsy.com/ and the name itself is SaJoMo (made up from the first two letters of my first, middle and last name)

Do you have a blog (and what is its address)?
Nope no Blog, but I do have a website with two other artists. http://www.diversegallery.com/

What is your favorite color combination?
Oooo this is a hard one as my love of colour is why I got so hooked on precious and semi precious stones and beads! I will have to choose one of my latest combos by saying Green and Gold as I recently made and listed an Opal necklace with those colours.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?
I had a fabulous art teacher growing up in Kenya and I remember making a crepe paper palm tree in one of my first art classes.

How and why did you make it?
We all had to make one and I think I won a prize for mine so it stuck in my memory. We made it by rolling up the paper and then slicing up the leaves with scissors and pulling it into shape! I haven't stopped making stuff since!

What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything around me. I love all aspects of design so it could be a shape I see in Architecture or simply a flower or leaf I have picked up off the street

Where do your ideas come from?
They come through playing with the material in my workshop. I spend a lot of time starting again and again just to be sure of the right combination! Perfectionist tendencies can be a good and bad thing though!

Does the atmosphere affect your creativity?
Very much so, I need to be in a bright space ...always with some good music on in the background and all my tools to hand! If it is too messy I can't concentrate.

Where do you create, in a workroom/ studio or in a park?
I have turned our spare bedroom into a fully functioning workshop with tumblers, polishers and mills etc ...everything I could need!

What are your favorite materials?
Silver, Gold and Semi-Precious stones/beads.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I like making Jewellery first and foremost but I also like to paint and draw - sketchbooks are a great thing to have to hand.

Why should people buy handmade?
Because I believe there is a certain life lost by the material if it is mass produced, it loses some warmth. Also there is nothing like owning a handmade item that has had time and effort poured into it. Unique and special is the way forward! Especially if you are commissioned to make something and work on ideas with the buyer.

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?
Be truthful about your materials and make what you enjoy making and others will appreciate your efforts. We cannot cater for EVERY taste so don’t try to - make what you want to make. Keep your prices fair to yourself and the customer.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Ermmmmmm, it is what I do...what I am qualified for so I would have to say socialise and other extra curricular activities like swimming etc

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy? To be full with descriptions!! Also to communicate well!

Read any good books lately?
"Talent is never enough" John Maxwell - half way through it but good so far!

Any other links or information you want to share? Nope - just check out my Etsy shop if you have some time free!

In ten years I'd like to be...running my own Gallery/shop selling studio Jewellery and interesting applied arts such as ceramics, glass, textiles and also some Painting, mixed media arts. Also to have a café on the premises so it loses that sometimes uncomfortable Gallery feel! Comfort and Craft! Also to do some more teaching as I enjoy passing on techniques and inspiring new talent.


Here are some items in Sajomo (Sally's) Shop:

Opal and Gold Necklace

Loopy Petal Earrings

Labradorite and Smokey Quartz Earrings