Independent Designer Friday - Design Options

The Independent Designer of the Week is Designoptions- a jewelery shop on Etsy featuring kiln-fired enamels, "high contrast" pieces.

Here is my favorite item from Designoptions- fleur de lis choker. I love French "things" and I am REALLY into red right now! Thiswould match my new red patent leather pumps perfectly!!

I asked Lynda a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

I would describe my etsy shop as always ready for summer: fun, exciting and hot!

How did you get started?

I started making jewelry about ten years ago. I took an intro class at my community college and was hooked. After a year there, and many workshops later, I ended up at the maryland institute's art jewelry program in baltimore for four years.

How long have you been crafting?

I have been making and selling things since I was about 6 and I carried a box of stones I had painted door to door to sell to my neighbors. For some reason, they bought them.

What is your inspiration?

My inspiration for working with my hands came from my father who was a professional photographer back in the day, and could also draw and draft. My mom was really into fashion and read vogue and mccall's and loved twiggy so I did too. She made a lot of clothes to help make ends meet. I loved the mother/daughter matching dresses with coordinating coats! My mom's mom sold her incredibly chic knitted dresses and suits to high end department stores on the west coast. She taught me to knit and crochet, while my dad's mom taught me to hand sew and make lace (tatting). I learned how to embroider from my great grandmother who made amazing crazy quilts.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My favorite piece is any one of my "lucky" pendants. They are reversible and fun and perfect for taking away for the weekend.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

The first and most major thing I have done is join Etsy and open my shop. Etsy's design is clean and modern; its super simple to manage and navigate. You can't beat having a convenient shopping cart! I have tried to read all of the marketing advise Etsy has available and implemented some of their suggestions. I load and reload my work several times a day. I try to make a treasury whenever I can stay up that late. I have been fortunate to be featured in treasuries somewhat regularly and that seems to have kept my exposure on the sight up. I have joined several social networking sites such as indiepublic, we love etsy, and facebook to meet and mingle with as many like-minded artist and regular people as possible. I love to shop and do all of my shopping on line, so social shopping sites like stylehive and stylefeeder are perfect for me to bookmark my favorite finds and showcase my own work for no cost. I met the wonderful ladies from diycitymag.com recently on stylehive and they will be featuring my fleur de lis pieces in an article on New Orleans. So, its already working!

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Yes - as a general rule in life, do what you believe in, and try to have fun doing it.

Lynda, thanks so much for your thoughtful and open answers and advice! Good luck and I hope you go FAR!!

I am featured on Handbag Designer 101!!

How exciting it is to be recognized!! I was featured on the Handbag Designer 101!!!! This website is fabulous for not only handbag designers but also handbag enthusiasts - of which I am both!!! It has wonderful references on handbag trends, celebrity handbag sightings, handbag events and highlights of handbag designers!!!

Check out my interview - how proud I am of myself - I am absolutely swelling :> Well, enough gushing!

Have a wonderful evening.......

Independent Designer Friday on Monday!! - Made by Melissa

The Independent Designer of the Week is Made by Melissa- an eclectic shop on Etsy featuring jewelry, crochet work and craft supplies.

Here is my favorite item from Made by Melissa - Live Laugh Love Shop Bottle Cap Magnet. Wht a delightful way to be reminded about the important things in life!

I asked Melissa a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

My jewelry is simple but I try to make it unique at the same time, mostly traditional, although I do follow some trends. My baby blankets and washcloths are traditional for the most part while still being one of a kind.

How did you get started?

Friends told me I should try to sell my jewelry and my good friend and Etsy seller AliV found Etsy and here I am!

How long have you been crafting?

Forever! Even at 5 years old I was taking apart costume jewelry and restringing the beads every morning to match my outfit. I had the best accessories of all my kindergarten class! My sister and I used to spend our summers crafting. Right after school ended my mother would take us to the craft store and get us whatever supplies we wanted for our summer crafts. I started off making braided friendship bracelets from embroidery floss for everyone I knew (even my dad wound up wearing a few) and somewhere along the line I discovered beads.

What is your inspiration?

I just like to make things that look good - whether they are traditional, trendy, one of a kind or easily replicated. I am inspired by looking at my beads sitting in there storage caddy and picturing them in a necklace, or braclet or earrings.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

This bracelet made with purple glass hearts and amethyst crystals is my favorite jewelry piece:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7339102 And this classic rainbow zigzag blanket is my favorite crocheted piece. I made a blanket in the same pattern for my son and I use it all the time in his car seat. He was fascinated with all the colors on this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8796014

How do you market/advertise your wares?

I do a lot of little things, I am street teams, I hang out in the Etsy forums, I've been in some buy and replace treasuries, I spam my friends and family and I have a blog that I update as regularly as life allows. (http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/)

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Don't give up!! It takes a while to get started and make a name for yourself. Keep listing things and relisting expired items, promote yourself and make things that you like. Don't sell anything that you aren't completely proud of. Its easy to promote things if you truly love them, and if you love them, then there is certainly someone else out there who will love them as much as you do.

Thanks Melissa for your interview! We all wish you continued crafting success :>

Independent Designer Friday - Girl Party Tutus

The Independent Designer of the Week is Girl Party Tutus- an adorable shop on Etsy specializing in beautiful little girl tutus.

Here is my favorite tutu from Girl Party Tutus - Meadow Rose Ribbon Wrapped Tutu. What a delicious and darling pink and green tutu! Oh, if only I could be 3 again - I would DEFINETLY wear this :>

I asked Kim from Girl Party Tutus a few questions about the craft business!

1. How would you describe your crafts/Etsy Shop -

I would describe my crafts and my shop as a celebration and an embracing of the inner little diva in myself, that quality that both my daughters, many little girls in fact happily show the world.

2.How did I get started -

During a play date my oldest daughter and her friend were playing ballerinas, I thought wouldn't they be cute in tutus. I knew I could buy them, but decided to give it a whirl on my own, after many trial and errors I came up with the design that I love and decided okay lets take it to the next step, discovered Etsy and here we are.

3.How long have I been crafting -

I think I really got going when I became a SAHM, I always had a desire, but me in my 20's, ugh don't get me started, I just didn't have the focus, when my priorities changed so did my desire to really find my creative energy.

4.What is my inspiration -

So many things, but mainly nature. Nature really comes up with some pretty creative and amazing color combinations; flowers, birds, the sky at dusk,endless inspiration.

5.What is your favorite piece in your shop today -

My favorite piece today, I think is my Pastel Rainbow Satin Wrapped TuTus, it is just so incredibly girly and adorable!

6.How do I market/advertise - I am just getting started so my focus has been 1st, word of mouth, thankfully I have a large family and group of friends who have done an amazing job helping me spread the word and handing out business cards. 2nd I have joined networking groups like Designing Swanky Moms, IndiePublic, Posh Mamas and the Mom Pack. These amazing moms, designers, crafters, entrepreneurs have been a huge resource and have helped get my name and tutus out there as well as providing a wealth of information and support to help me move my business forward!

7. Any advice for fledgling crafters/entrepreneurs -

Since I still consider myself a fledging, the best thing I can offer is find something you love to make and or sell, believe in yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help and support and seek out any and all resources.

Thanks Kim!! You have adorable tutus! :> The world would be a much prettier place if every little girl could twirl in a Girl Party Tutu!!

Independent Designer Friday - Dinner Time Chimes

The Independent Designer of the Week is Dinner Time Chimes - an enchanting shop on Etsy specializing in recycled dinner ware wind chimes to felt flower bookmarks.

Here is my favorite piece from Dinner Time Chimes- Ready for the Beach - Shell Spoon Windchime. I can imagine sitting on my deck enjoying the tranquil sound as I dine al fresco. Ahhhhh.....summer!!!

I asked Erin of Dinner Time Chimes a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

We like to think that our shop is filled with unique gifts, that just happen to be created from things that other’s no longer have use for.

How did you get started?

The windchimes started out as a way of having something fun to make with my dad when I was in middle school and to also give me something to hunt for at flea markets. Over the years, it's turned into 'what can I make out of these?' thrift hunts for silverplate and anything that I think will work as a bird house. Now that I’m married and have convinced my husband that this is fun, the work continues.

How long have you been crafting?

I’ve been making crafts for as long as I can remember, I must have something to do at all times.

What is your inspiration?

Since almost everything in our shop is created from other’s trash, I guess that I’d have to say that I’m inspired by estate sales and thrift store finds. The reason that I continue to make wind chimes after so many years is that I love the look on people’s faces at shows when they realize that it’s real forks and spoons making that beautiful song they’ve been hearing as they’ve strolled along.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

This one goblet windchime ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=673386 ) is my current favorite, mainly because I think that the picture turned out great. Getting a perfect shot of the windchime, when the wind’s not blowing and it can be cropped to a square for Etsy and still look impressive has proven to the more difficult that I would’ve thought. My second favorite is the boot birdhouse, mainly because it’s so unique and people browsing the shop can’t help but click to see what it is.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Since this business is a hobby for us, we rely heavily on word of mouth advertising. The local free online advertising has worked out great, mainly because the items that we create are so unique. The local NCTriangle Etsy Street Team (http://nctriangle.blogspot.com/ ) has really started working together to support each other through Etsy and local shows, and soon we hope to start doing some advertising both locally and nationally to find shoppers. In addition to selling online via Etsy and our own website, we have windchimes in a couple local antiques stores.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Follow your dreams and do what you enjoy. Crafting and selling what you make should be fun and exciting; otherwise you should ask yourself if it’s worth it. Ask questions if you need help with anything, the crafting community tends to be very giving and friendly.

Thanks Erin!! I admire your effort to find pieces to recycle to make into beautiful music and to make ou planet a little greener in the process!!! CHEERS :>

Independent Designer Friday - Butercups And Buterflies

The Independent Designer of the Week is Buttercups And Butterfiles- a fun and whimsical Etsy shop specializing in everything from stone pendant necklaces to crocheted baby booties.

!Here is my favorite piece from Buttercups And Butterfiles - Blue Couch Tissue Box Cover. What a fun way to liven up any room in your house. This is truly a conversation piece :>

I asked Buttercups And Butterflies a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

I have a little bit of everything, Its simple and the items are so useful and unique. Our crafts are made by my daughter and I and we love working together to make people happy with our products.

How did you get started?

I was told by a friend through myspace about etsy. So I checked it out. I sold items at local fleamarkets and shows. But never thought of the idea of selling online till now. I love it, its great.

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was 8 Years old, I was young when I started. I'm 28 now and still going strong with it all. I dont think I'll ever stop crafting. Its so rewarding.

What is your inspiration?

My mother was the most inspiring person in my life. Now she still is even though she has passed on. Now my daughter gives me all the inspriation I need.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My Favorite piece would be the little blue sofa tissue box cover. Its a bright blue and its so adorable.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Business cards, word of mouth, friends and family.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Keep your chin up and stay positive, if a sale doesn't come today it will come the next day. Staying positive about things is what makes great products and if you have great products, you have happy customers. : )

I COMPLETELY agree with your last bit of advice. We all have good days and bad days. As long as we are true to ourselves, love what we do and put our heart in our work - we can make our businesses thrive!

Thanks so much for your advice and keep up with your adorable crafting!!

Independent Designer Friday - Beach Haus Designs

The Independent Designer of the Week is Beach Haus Designs - a fantastic Etsy shop specializing in limited edition jewelery that sparkles and shines!

Here is my favorite piece from Beach Haus Designs - The Jenny Necklace - from the website - http://www.beachhausdesigns.com/. What a delicious raspberry shade - a very FRESH addition to your spring wardrobe.

I asked June of Beach Haus Designs a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?
It is an extentison of our website with a few beautiful pieces of jewerly on it. We are looking forward to expanding our collection on Etsy in the near future.

How did you get started?
I was creating jewelry as a hobby & as gifts for friends and family when people started asking to buy my jewelry. My first sale was a sparkly shamrock bracelet!

How long have you been crafting?
Honestly, all my life! My mother was a huge crafter and really made it fun for myself & my sisters. So for me to be creating jewelry is such a natural thing........I have been creating jewelry specifically for about 10 years now.

What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by my two beautiful daughters & supportive husband. I love to travel pretty much everywhere as well as we spend a lot of time at the beach in Florida and in Northern Michigan. The sand, the water & the sunsets are huge sources of inspiration everyday! Being a southern girl I love feminine, girly, fun things and that reflects a lot in what I design.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?
In the etsy shop- I love the Rosie Posie Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9725646
At our online store- I love the Olive Necklace http://beachhausdesigns.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=175

How do you market/advertise your wares?
We advertise in some regional magazines as well as we do quite a bit of web marketing, newsletters, postcards as well as we have our web address on everything we send or give out. Really helps to get the store name & website out to customers.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Don't give up. If you feel this is your calling in life then go for it! Sometimes it is learning a better way of doing things, marketing it differently, trying different shows, etc....I found that once I try something & it doesn't work then we try something else and try not to keep repeating the same mistakes. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from others that are being successful. Mentors are a great thing!

Thanks June - for your information and a bit of sparkle and bling!!