Helping the Hectic Feature!

Here is the first feature for the "Helping the Hectic" Etsy team!

Nickala Best is a bio-chemistry student using crafting as her stress relief! Her items are wonderful and a great shop to check out for Spring! Here is some insight into a new and wonderful craft shop working studying and crafting 24/7!


1.Where do you get your inspiration from?

Magazines, clothes, the internet, people watching at university/the city (this one is my favorite!)

2. What is your age:

20yrs old

3. What is your shop(S) name:

Acidmousse

4.Do you only sell on etsy or do you go to craft shows as well Only on etsy

5. Is there an item you have made that has significant meaning to you and why.

Anything that I make for Nammar (my grandmother) as she has such an ecclectic and intersting style, I love making crazy combination things for her, and she fully appreciates a one of kind hand made item.

6. How did you first get the idea to make what you are making now?

I have just always made things. Jewellery, clothes, I've even attempted furniture. I don't think I can pinpoint a time when I got the idea.

7. Do you ever change your “craft style”? Example jewelry to ceramics?

I've changed my style over the years, and so my craft has followed that. I used to use a lot of beads when I was younger, now I prefer to use different metals and fabric and ribbon and things that I find.

8. How do you feel about buying and selling handmade items?

Everyone should do it! Not only do you get something awesome and unique, more often than not its of a much higher quality and you are supporting someone who is doing what the love.

9. What is your favorite material to work with?

There is a big variety. Ribbon, metal, fabric, I really love my glue as well. I've also just discovered sculpy, and it's very quickly gaining favour!

10. How long have you been in your craft?

Forever, but only selling on etsy since 2008.

11. What is one message you would like to get out to the world about what you do?

That it is one of a kind, and no one in the whole world will ever have one like it again. That it is something truly unique.

12. Do you have a “day job” and if you do… what is it?

I am a Biochemistry and Chemistry student, moonlighting as a bed linen saleswoman.

13. How has your work developed throughout the years?

I include more materials, and am better at coming up with ingenious solutions to getting something to stay where it should!

14. Did you ever feel like giving up before you got to where you are today?

With etsy, definitely. Between university and work fitting even a small amount of making in is soo difficult, sometimes I just couldn't make it happen.

15. How do you feel when people interpret your work differently than you?

Excited! Makes me wonder 'why didn't I think of that'!

16. What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

The hard work is rewarded when you see someone excited to have something you've made. Totally worth it.

17. Who first inspired you to begin crafting?

All the women in my family, who are the most creative nut jobs I know. Never, ever a dull moment with any of them and you couldn't ask for a better bunch of women.

18. Do you have a space for your work area or do you craft anywhere?

At my desk when I clear up the textbooks. It's in a lovely sunny corner of the house.

19. What are your favorite childhood memory involving arts?

Running around my grandmothers work and looking at the nudes, my Mum making a horse letterbox, and my brother and I sitting down to make trumpets and pirate ships out of toilet rolls and egg cartons. And there are sooo many more...

20. What does your personal style (living space clothing ect…) Reflect anything you make?

My personal style definitely, I don't make anything I would wear/use myself.

21. Do you have any sales coming up?

I'll have a 21st birthday sale! May 16 only, 50% off!

22. What are your favorite shops on Etsy?

Oh, I don't want to pick! Some I love to look at are GothFoxDesigns, TaylorSays, wickedminky, UntamedManagerie

23. Do you have a blog, Twitter, Facebook Fanpage?

I have a recently created facebook! www.facebook.com/Acidmousse, I would love to see everyone there! Thanks very much for the interview!

FEATURE BLOG 4 - SoonerDesigner!!!!!!

I'm so glad to present a great paper crafter!!! Her shop has wonderful offers and great original items!!

SOONERDESIGNER

1. What's your shop name?
soonerdesigner.etsy.com
2. Introduce yourself (name age and a little info).
My name is Kristina, I'm in my 20's & am a student/housewife.
3. Why do you do what you do on etsy?

I love making papercrafts! I used to have way too much trouble looking for cute greeting cards. The handmade cards in my small town were not good quality & were priced too high, so I started making my own. I received lots of compliments & it was suggested that I try selling them so I decided to give it a shot!

4. When and Why did you join etsy?
I actually joined etsy a year before I started selling. I was browsing a shop while looking for wedding supplies & wanted to ask them a question about their product. Since you have to have an account to send a convo, I created one. In April of this year, we were hosting a birthday party at my house & several people suggested I try selling my cards on etsy which is when I first started using my shop.
5. What have you learned about yourself during your business endeavor in selling on etsy?
I've learned that I (like many other people on etsy) have a really hard time pricing my items!
6. What do you do by day when you're not etsy's soonerdesigner?
By day I'm a mild-mannered student/housewife, but by night I'm a card-making superhero! LOL Really though I really spend most of my day making items for my shop, photographing them, & editing my photos in an effort to improve my shop.
7. What are your thoughts about selling on Etsy?
It's tough, but fun nonetheless.
8. Explain your craft and your crafting style.
My favorite cards to make are bright & feminine. I prefer to make cards that can be given for all occasions. I also include a picture with all of my listings showcasing messages that may be added to the cards to make them occasion-specific. This service is free of charge.
9. What are some of your favorite pieces?
I absolutely love my hand bound envelope books! ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/50056554/hand-bound-envelope-book ) I carry one around in my purse for coupons & constantly get compliments about them. As for my cards, my "Vintage Style Clipping" card is definitely my favorite. I love all of the bright colors & the big pink flower. ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/45734115/all-occasion-card-vintage-style-clipping )
10. Is it hard to part with your items once sold?
Not for me because I am just so excited that someone else loves them enough to give them to a loved one. It really makes me proud!
11. Explain how you got started in your craft.
I never could find handmade cards that fit my style, so it was out of necessity in a way.
12. What's your working space like?
Mobile. I keep my supplies in art boxes that I move between my office upstairs & my workspace on the coffee table downstairs. I prefer to work wherever I feel comfortable at the time.
13. Is your craft your job or your hobby? (explain)
I guess you could say it's a hobby that I hope to turn into a profitable job. I truly enjoy making my items & would love to be able to earn a living from them.
14. What's your personality and how does that reflect in your craft?
I'm a bit of a mix. (Aren't we all.) I love the classics that never go out of style (pearls, lace, black); vibrant items that fill you with energy; & just enough trendy things to keep you on the lookout for the next big thing. I think all of these things are showcased in my cards. (Classic: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45732821/weddingall-occasion-card-flower-and-lace ; Vibrant: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49903698/all-occasion-greeting-card-blue ; Trendy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50068440/miniature-card-set-8-modern-designs )
15. Do you do any other crafts?
I do sew a little, but I mostly stick to papercrafting. Some of my crafts that I hope to have listed soon are altered notebooks & handmade notepad covers.
16. Who taught you to do this craft?
I'm self-taught & constantly learning more.
17. What are some of your favorite shops?
There are far too many to name, but I especially enjoy BrixtonStudios.etsy.com & DECAcandle.etsy.com .
18. What else would you like to say about anything and everything including yourself and/or your craft?
If anyone likes the style of my items, but doesn't see a card or book (would you rather have pretty papers instead of envelopes fill the book?) that fits their need please do not hesitate to convo me. I love custom orders! Also, if you buy more than 1 item in my shop any additional cards (including sets) ship free!

SHOP OF THE WEEK THREE!!!! EDNA!!!!

Time for another shop of the week feature... I'd like to present EDNA!!! A crafter I met months ago when she won a set of my eggs without even trying, and a person I'm honored to present to you!!!!

1. Whats your shop name - Ednabelle

2. Introduce yourself (name age and a little info) - I am 78, born and raised in WV

3. Why do you do what you do on etsy? - Because I really like it and it's important to me to stay active.

4. When and Why did you join etsy? - I joined Etsy 6 months ago. Actually a wonderful Etsian, TheLittleGreenButton, purchased from me through another venue (but we're not calling names), told me how friendly and wonderful Etsy was and invited me to come check it out. I very much liked what I found here and it hasn't let me down. It is a wonderful outlet for my creative side.

5. What have you learned about yourself during your business endeavor in selling on etsy? - I've learned that my hobby is a great way to supplement my fixed income.

6. What do you do by day when you're not etsy's turtleXIII? - I'm an old fashioned gal who cooks and cleans for her family. I have 4 children, 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a couple of local doctors who all like to spend some time with me from time to time.

7. What are your thoughts about selling on Etsy? - I'm proud to sell on Etsy where the artistic community makes me feel like I also have something valuable to contribute.

8. Explain your craft and your crafting style. - I have a passion for old things and cringe at the thought of throwing any useful away, even if it does need a little love before it can live again.

9. What are some of your favorite pieces? - My favorite offerings are always the re-purposed pieces made from vintage broken parts, like this necklace made from a lonely earring http://www.etsy.com/listing/44039945/vintage-repurposed-retro-enameled or this necklace and earring set made from a broken bracelet http://www.etsy.com/listing/41077295/ooak-vintage-repurposed-carved-black.

10. Is it hard to part with your items once sold? - I'm attached to everything I sell since they are the pieces I have collected over a lifetime, but quite a few buyers have sent me a personal note telling me how much they love and appreciate the pieces they've purchased, sometimes with stories of the dear loved ones they remind them of which warms my heart and makes it much easier to let go.

11. Explain how you got started in your craft. - My bio says it best: My name is Edna. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia. Having grown up during the Depression with eleven brothers and sisters crafting new items from old ones became a way of life for me. As early as I can remember mother had shown us how to use old feed sacks, discarded sheets and small scraps of wood to make our own toys and later our own clothes. I developed a love of found objects of all kinds for the useful and interesting things they could become. Seems no matter what I see ideas begin popping into my head regarding the new life it could take on.

Ednabelle's shop on Etsy is becoming my creative outlet. It is a place where
I can distribute the items I've collected over a lifetime (after all I need
some work space here) and a place where I can find those who appreciate the
items my mind and hands create from the discarded goodies around me. It is a
passion I share with all three generations who have come behind me. My
daughter helps me with the shop. One of my granddaughters, who is a working
mom and student is creating works of her own to sell in my shop to help her
through school. One of my great granddaughters has modeled for me and she
and her brother have contributed many items that are made by eager hands not
yet talented enough for the public - but their time will come. And many of
the vintage handmade items in the shop were made many years ago with the
help of most all of the grandchildren when they were little.

It does my heart good to know the art of thrift and creativity is being
passed along and appreciated in our family and that so many of you are
taking the time to share them with your own children. My children and grand
children alike tell me that just as I have such wonderful memories with my
own mother some of their fondest memories involve crafting with me when they
were growing up. Such a precious thing to pass along.

I've been out of the work force now for many years so Etsy has filled my
days with much more stucture and activity than I have known for quite some
time since none of the little ones are living nearby. My daughter and I now
spend many hours sorting, creating, photographing and listing with a little
packing and shipping thrown in. While you will find some of our created
items in my shop already, you will also find lots of vintage items which
haven't been altered as I attempt to claim much needed work space. I hope
that you will stop in and help us clear this area, then come back for more
of the crafted treasures to come.

12. What's your working space like? - It's a small portable table set rather permanently in an otherwise unused corner of the house.

13. Is your craft your job or your hobby? (explain) - For me it is my passion. It is the thing which takes my attention each day and keeps me moving and alive.

14. What's your personality and how does that reflect in your craft?

15. Do you do and other crafts? - I can't think of many crafts I haven't at least tried over the years. Needlework, sewing and crochet were my favorites until age began stealing both my eyesight and the steadiness in my hands.

16. Who taught you to do this craft? - I am self taught, always learning through trial and error.

17. What are some of your favorite shops? - I never met a vintage or craft shop I didn't like.

18. What else would you like to say about anything and everything including yourself and/or your craft? I love life and I love to live.

SOTW - TurtleXIII - Blog Feature

EVERYONE - I'd like you to meet this blog's FIRST Shop of the Week!!

TURTLEXIII

Her jewelry is amazing and her personality is even more vibrant! Please read about her and take a look at her amazing shop! There is so much I want to buy from her!

Hi, I’m Elizabeth of Turtlexiii.etsy.com. I am a 29 year old female who works as a physical therapist assistant during the day, and designs and creates jewelry at night and on the weekends.

I chose my shop name because turtles are my favorite animals, thirteen is my favorite number, and my shop sells the results of my favorite hobby. So it’s all about my favorites, and I hope my jewelry will become favorites of others.

My husband has been encouraging me to sell my jewelry for quite awhile, and I finally decided to give it a try on Etsy. I joined on December 27, 2009. Right now it is a way for me to pay for all the beads I love to buy, but I hope to find success and make a living (at least part time) from it one day. I sell my creations because I love being able to bring people a little bit of happiness, and jewelry always fits!!

From this experience I have learned a little bit of self-confidence. I have received many compliments from many people, strangers and friends & family alike. I am learning how to promote my jewelry and myself. I’ve learned that people love having high quality pieces, and they are happy to pay what the items are really worth. I love working with sterling silver, knowing that it is quality and won’t leave people green or with a rash, and I’m glad that there is a market for me.

So far I have only had a few sales on Etsy, but the feeling is amazing! I have no difficulties parting with my items. I love wrapping them up and making them beautiful for the recipient. I love knowing that they will have something beautiful to unwrap and enjoy for years to come. The best part of Etsy for me so far has been the people I have met through the forums. Though I have never met these people I feel great love and support from them. They all help me to gain more confidence and broaden my horizons.

My style tends to be more simple, elegant, feminine design. Understated with a touch of glam and sparkle. Using solid sterling silver components gives me the assurance that my pieces are strong and will last a long time. Wire wrapping not only gives a unique, pretty appearance, it also decreases the likelihood of things breaking. And in the off chance that they do, you won’t lose an entire necklace of beads. I tend to be shy and kind of a wallflower. I think that comes out in my jewelry being understated. But once you get to know me, I am quite outgoing and sarcastic. The outgoing part of my personality plays a part in the sparkle I love to add with the swarovski crystals.

My parents got me jewelry making lessons for one of my birthdays; it was to learn simple bead weaving. I was maybe 12 years old. I made a bunch of earrings and wore them for years. Then I basically stopped making jewelry because I didn’t know what else to do. Later on in college I started making jewelry again. About 5 years ago, my now mother-in-law, taught me to wire wrap. It’s all snowballed from there. I fell in love with making jewelry again and now had enough knowledge to finally make some amazing pieces. And people started noticing and coveting my jewelry.

My workspace is a mess! I have stuff everywhere. Currently I use the guest room as my workspace. So I sit on my futon with a folding table and two shelving units full of goodies. I have quite a few boxes and bins to organize my beads, but I have more beads than room, so they are all over the place! I am also just learning to work with polymer clay and hope to be able to make my own beads soon. And to round out the crafting mess, I collect scrapbooking supplies. I won’t say I’m a scrap booker, since I have only completed 2 pages, but I have all the things I need for 4 albums! Maybe one day. The room also has my exercise bike, so it is a true multipurpose room. I guess if I hit a wall I can just hop on the bike and pedal my frustrations away.

Here are some of my favorite creations:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40222220/wedding-earrings-pearls-sterling-silver
These earrings I made for myself for my wedding, but never wore them. My husband’s grandmother had left some jewelry for “Kareem’s future wife” and one pair matched my dress perfectly, so I wore those instead.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41428518/carrie-silver-earring-with-purple-clay-h
These I made, with my sister in mind. She loves hearts and purple, and I saw these beads and knew she would love them.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44129094/spring-lampwork-bracelet
This bracelet is just bright and happy. It reminds me of all the new flowers blooming in spring.

Here are some of my favorite shops:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/teener1416
Of course this shop! Her eggs are so unique and phenomenal what else can I say?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoIndustriousFerret
Wonderful supply shop, very nice couple, they gave me some great advice and assistance when I was just starting out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyDivineCreation
Amazing desk décor. Wonderful person. Glad I met her!