{Custom Designing}

Remember yesterday when I mentioned that some of the things I’ve been working on is custom designs? Well, my good friend Alicia of FatDaddySweets asked me to design some packaging labels for her new cupcake line. If you haven’t tried FatDaddySweets yummylicious chocolates yet, you MUST! And now she has cupcakes WITH her chocolates in the center! OMGracious they are yummy!!

XOXO,

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Feature Friday - Kathy Panton

This weeks feature is another amazing, talented artist. Her name is Kathy Panton. Read on to get to know Kathy a little better and as always, click on banner/pics to be taken to her shop/products.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an artist living in Brisbane, Australia. I currently work part time as a special education teacher, but what I really want to do, and am aiming for, is to be a full time artist. I have two cats. I'm a little bit quirky, I think I'm the stereotypical "artist type". I love chocolate, second hand shops, reading about peoples lives, philosophy, road trips, film, and collecting odd books from the 50s - 80s.

How did you get started in your current craft?

I returned from overseas (London) after doing some courses at St Martins School Of Art. I was really inspired there, and discovered some new techniques. On return, I was searching for some paper that would give me some of the painterly effects I was after. Although I wasn't really sure what I was after. The sales assistant at the art shop said "why not try this" and gave me this paper, which normally would not be used in the way I use it. I use gouache and watercolour on it, and got the effects you see in my work.From that I started doing collages of famous musicians, and over a few years, when I got familiar with the effects I could achieve using the paint, I moved towards the sort of work you see on http://www.kathypanton.etsy.com/I do have another style I use, which are super realistic 2metre X 2metre portraits of faces using graphite pencil. But because of the size, I don't have this work on etsy.

Where do you get inspiration for your artwork?

The inspiration is from colour itself. The process and technique dictates the work. I see things in the patterns and make things based on that. It can be quite a "busy" technique, and it has taken a while to develop a style, and because of the busy-ness of the patterns, I have to be quiet minimalistic, and usually use a white background. Recently, I have started to incorporate some of the vintage papers I have collected- like old music sheets, notebooks with handwriting, and other things.I do get a lot of indirect inspiration from looking at other peoples art, and regularly schedule an afternoon at Borders to absorb all the art magazines. I treat it like a library, and I think everyone else does too! Not my fault they have lounge chairs!

Tell us a little about your workspace.

Its a nest of cut up paper!!! Luckily I have a whole room for it, which consists of my computer, and a really large work table. I also have a cabinet of huge horizontal sliding drawers where I store the large sheets of paper before they are cut up. I really need several of those cabinets. It can get quite crazy in here. I have lots of "filing systems" for cut up bits of paper.I store finished artworks in another room, far away from the chaos in here. The other room is my library, where I have all my books on tall shelves, and store art materials. I also use this room for "Packing and Shipping".

Other than Etsy, where can we find you and/or your products ?

Etsy is my main site however I am on Threadless.com, a t-shirt company. http://www.threadless.com/profile/935453/kathypYou submit a design, and if it gets printed on a t-shirt you get paid! I recently joined, and currently have 1 design up for scoring http://www.threadless.com/submission/207139/Musical_ButterflySome of my earlier work can be seen on http://www.thestylefile.com/show.php?illustrator_id=163 This site is on the Australian Society Of Authors site.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I have some Pocket mirrors coming soon to my shop, and they should be cute!!

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Feature Friday - Cherry Red Studio

Kathleen of Cherry Red Studio makes fun kitchy jewelry that takes me back to childhood when those plastic charm necklaces and bracelets were so popular. Remember those? I loved them and had a huge collection of charms. Read on to learn a little more about Kathleen and show her some love by visiting her shop! Click on pics to view/purchase.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kathleen, and I am currently a full time college student in Murfreesboro, TN majoring in Child Development and Family Services. I fill almost every second of free time crafting and making art. I love to craft, and I try to make it a part of every day, whether it be jewelry making, collaging, cooking, or tending to my tiny window herb and veggie garden.


How did you get started in your current craft?

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember, but I began jewelry making when I noticed how difficult it was for me to find affordable unique jewelry that fit with my interests and style(s). I started to make my own, and got many compliments, and often people would ask if I would make a custom piece, or tell me that I should sell my jewelry to others.

Where do you get inspiration for your jewelry?

I get inspiration from many things, especially unique fashion and color combinations that I see, vintage images, retro pin up style, dancers, and interesting works of art such as altered books and collages. I have many different interests, and my jewelry often reflects many different areas of inspiration.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

My workspace consists of a special space in my apartment that I have stocked with all of my art supplies. I have stacks and stacks of inspirational books and images, along with drawers full of the necessities, plus many inspirational bits and pieces of ephemera and vintage jewelry bits. I often travel and craft, though, so many times my workspace is wherever I currently am sitting!

Other than Etsy, where can we find you and/or your products?

I have a display at Sugaree's Boutique in Murfreesboro, TN, and also occasionally sell some items at the Curious Heart Emporium in Nashville, TN.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

Currently, I am having a Buy One Get One Half Off Sale on everything in the Etsy shop! You may buy any item, and receive a second item of equal or lesser value for half price.
Just write "buy one get one" in the notes to seller box.
I also love to do custom orders, so if there is something you would love to have, just ask!

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Feature Friday - Get Noticed

Hello! It's Feature Friday once again! This week we will get to know Natalie and Jessa from GetNoticed Designs (aren't they the cutest?!).

Banner and product pictures link to their shop/products.

Tell us a little about yourself.

We are two close sisters/best friends who share a love of jewelry-making. There is a 2.5 year age difference between us but you would never know it. People often ask us if we are twins. We grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI and we both still live in WI. Natalie lives in West Allis, and Jessa lives in Sturgeon Bay.

We’ve been making jewelry since we were young. It started with our mom taking us to garage sales to search for old jewelry to take apart and make new. We still love searching for vintage jewelry to mix with modern beads, metal and wire. Our pieces are unique. We have very different designs from each other which help make our shop appeal to many people. Each piece is designed as something we would wear ourselves. It’s trendy, yet classic, and dressy…you will GetNoticed!

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

Our first memories of being crafty are going through our dad’s workshop and picking through the wood scraps left from his projects. We would put the pieces together, sand them and make gifts for our elementary school teachers. Both of our parents encouraged us to be creative and gave us the opportunity to do so.

Where do you get inspiration for your jewelry?

Creativity is in our blood. We grew up in a home where sawdust and craft paints were a common and comforting aroma. Our dad would plan and execute the woodwork while our mom sat at the kitchen table, diligently painting every detail on their prized and respected crafted creations until dawn. It was their ambition and drive imprinted on us early on that have inspired us to think analytically and make one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

Both of our workspaces are similar. They involve the couch, a table and a big mess when we get everything out. Hopefully some day we will be able to have a room dedicated just to jewelry-making.

Other than Etsy, where can we find your products?

Our products can be found in a Milwaukee boutique called SweetKicks. They can also be found at bridal shows in the Milwaukee area.

What is your best marketing advice?

Word of mouth is the best marketing. We started by telling all of our friends about our shop, and asked them to spread the word on to their friends. This initial word of mouth marketing really helped us out. We keep our customers, friends and family up to date by sending out one page newsletters that feature some of our latest designs. We also have a group on Facebook that has grown a lot and is a good way for us to get messages out about new products and updates on promotions.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

We offer free shipping on all of our items in the continental United States. The cost of shipping is so small, that we decided that our customers shouldn’t have to pay for it. We also donate $1 of every item sold to the American Cancer Society in memory of our mother and other loved ones lost.

Custom orders are always encouraged and accepted, so if you see something you like but want a different color, or combined designs, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.

It is our mission to offer one-of-a-kind jewelry at reasonable prices while raising money for a good cause. We promise you will GetNoticed!

While preparing this feature, I browsed Natalie and Jessa's shop for quite a while. I loved looking at all of their creations. They are definitely hip and trendy pieces . . . I was instantly hooked and didn't leave the shop until I had purchased this for myself!

What are you waiting for?! You must run, not walk, over to their shop and pick out a little piece (or two) so you yourself can Get Noticed!

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Feature Friday - Stimples and Strummels

This weeks feature interview is with Valerie of Stimples and Strummels. She has the most amazing photos, photo art and baby art in her shop. Keep reading to learn a little more about Valerie. (Click on the pics to view/purchase)

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Valerie and I am a stay-at-home mom of a 6 year old boy and a 21 month old girl, living in beautiful Winter Park, FL. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Florida, and was a professional graphic designer, art director and illustrator in advertising for 15 years before I had my son.

I have always loved art and design, but never really loved advertising. I always wanted to create art on a less commercial, more intimate level. I am thrilled that the internet gives me the opportunity to do exactly what I want.

My current creative pursuits are, "Welcome Baby" art, sweet personalized paintings and drawings for nurseries; and altered art photographs, in which I capture images of the world around us digitally and then manipulate them for a more painterly, expressive feel.

What is your first memory of being craftsy/artsy?

Hard to say . . . pretty much coincides with my first memories of anything! I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. My mom recorded in my baby book that when I was two-and-a-half years old, I had a special name for patterns like dots, checks, etc, -- stimples and strummels. That silly phrase became the name for my online shops. I love the creative, free-spirited, funny, originality of it.

Where do you get inspiration for your art?

Everywhere I go, from everything I see! The forms and shapes of every day objects and events as they occur have a natural and spontaneous beauty that is often overlooked, and that I lvoe. The world is full of amazing images! I enjoy the challenge of capturing the most interesting composition within the confines of the two-dimensional fram. My photographic images are almost never arranged or staged compositions, as traditional still lifes would be.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

If I had one, I'd show it to you! In my not-so-large house, it's wherever I can carve out a niche. When my daughter was born, we had to give up the computer room, so I got relocated to a converted coat closet. For painting and crafts, my favorite space is actually the laundry room -- great light in there and I've taken over the utility closet with art supplies. I also installed track lighting in the garage so that I can do larger paintings. I'm not one to let lack of space stop me from creating, but good light is key.

Where can we find your products?

Online I'm on Etsy, 1000Markets, Facebook and Flickr. My shop name is Stimples and Strummels.

What is your best marketing advice?

Get yourself out there! Nothing beats it. Get your name on every website and blog you can. Enter art/craft contests. Join groups like Etsy teams and Yahoo groups. Donate your merchandise to charity and school auctions. Make as many contacts as you possibly can. People like to buy from merchants they are familiar with.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

Stay tuned and check my shop often . . . I do hold sales pretty regularly. I also love to chat, so feel free to drop me a line anytime!

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Feature Friday - EllaParry

This weeks feature is Ella of Ella Parry. Ella paints charming and whimsical pictures. My favorites are this one from her "The Dreamworld Collection" and this one called, "Love is like a flower". If you haven't seen Ella's work, what are you waiting for? (Click on the banner above to be taken to her shop.)

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Cambodia and grew up in Hong Kong. I have always had a strong passion for art ever since I was able to pick up my first pencil as a child. I developed my artistic skills mainly through self-teaching and through studying Commercial Design at the First Institute of Art and Design. After graduation I studied Graphic Design at the Hong Kong Technical College in 1998. Since completing my studies I worked as Graphic Designer for five years, which helped to further develop my graphic design skills. By 1999 I moved to London with the intention to study Visual Art at Camberwell College of Art but due to family circumstances I was unable to complete my study, although this did not deter me from continuing drawing for my own self-enjoyment. Now I work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and of course I open my online art-shop on Etsy last year.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

My first memory of being artsy was when I was in primary school, I drew a big red apple in my art class. I won first prize and it was posted in the school hall for a whole month.

Where do you get inspiration for your art?

My inspiration comes from everyday life, for example the inspiration of “ Pink tree” was from the beautiful tree which is next to the bus stop near my flat and the “little Curly” is the image of my myself when was a little girl.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

I don’t have my own studio at the moment; my workspace is my bed in my bedroom, kitchen and the dinning table in the sitting room.

Where can we find your products?

You can find my products at my shop: http://ellaparry.etsy.com/

What is your best marketing advice?

Let people know what you are doing—talk about your work and have a postcard or business card with you all the time. Sign up for different social web sites to promote you shop. If you have budget buy some advertising space or showcase every now again.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I am offering free shipping (including international) for all the greeting cards in my shop from March to May 2009.

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Feature Friday - Shup (G)

A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E is all I have to say about this weeks feature. Lydia of Shup (G) has the cutest shop! She has a little bit of whimsy and a little bit of vintage. Mix them together and you have amazing options! If you haven't seen her shop, what are you waiting for?! Get over there and get shopping!!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name's Lydia and I live in the sunny (sometimes sorching and humid) island of Singapore in South East Asia. I spend most of the day teaching violin and the rest of the time, I spend with my family, my little jack russell terrier (or I like to call him, terror-ier) and at my work table dreaming up new ideas. I'm a quiet person, and have no problem being alone, in fact most of the time I prefer it, there are just too many ideas and thoughts filling my mind, or sometimes I just pray silently, so my inner-world is pretty exciting enough.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

One of the first books without pictures I read was by Enid Blyton, and that really got me going. After that I used to dream of christmas stockings and all the fun things my toys would be doing at night :) And one of the first things I made I think were christmas stockings for me and my brothers out of paper bags! They were pretty squarish but still fun nevertheless!

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

Well, actually I think most of my inspiration is from God, I don't think I could have thought of any of my products on my own. Indirectly I suppose I draw ideas especially from my bus rides! I take public transport most of the time because I don't drive (or rather, I choose not to...I can't park for nuts!) and I especially love it on a rainy day, and I'm sitting in the bus wrapped warmly in my scarf and with my headphones one, listening to jazz, cuban or classical music and looking at the world zip past like my very own movie! Even if it's the same route everyday,you still see different people, different events, under different lights, at different times of day. And I marvel at what I see when I look up, I think oftentimes we walk and don't see much because we're used to looking at eyelevel, but occasionally look up and you'll be amazed at what you see, or down and see what a dog or child's point-of-view would be.

(click on pic to be taken straight to item)

Tell us a little about your workspace.

Oh gosh, my workspace is actually rather messy right now! And materials are piling up faster than I can use them :) But I'm a little of an organised-mess person. If the place's empty, I can't think, but when I have all my materials strewn around, I can look at them and ideas just form in my head. Yes, a lot of times I can't find what I want or I forget I have things, so I make it a point to do a weekly run through of all my things just to refresh my memory of what I can work with.

Other than Etsy, where can we find your products?

I also sell on Dawanda and and in the process of setting up my bigcartel shop, and I've registered my own website http://www.shupg.com/ but that's in a long building process :) hehe. But i promise I'll get it up and running soon (or as soon as I can!) . Locally I sell at craft shows/bazaars occasionally and also have some of my products at a shop in a shopping mall (that'd be inqbox at B1-40 of Raffles City Shopping Centre).

(click on pic to be taken straight to item)

What is your best marketing advice?

I think to wear your items and talk about them. I say that, but I'm actually really bad at it! Even bazaars freak me out sometimes because I'm not too good at sales and am also rather shy about lauding my products. I try to wear them as much as I can, though I think most of my friends wouldn't associate my products with me 'cos outwardly I'm like a aloof, black/white person.... but hey, that's why I love that I can create these products because they reflect my inner-world, a little secret side of myself, a side people can't really see straight off.


Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I'm actually doing a recession-reduction-run in my shop at the moment, the prices having gone down about 20%.

Just for your readers, I'd like to offer a further discount:-
- A 5% for any purchase totalling $20 - $49.90 (excluding shipping)
- A 10% for any purchase totalling $50 - 79.90 (excluding shipping)
- A 15% for any purchase totalling $80 - $99.90 (excluding shipping)
- And big buyers any purchase totalling $100(excluding shipping) and above will get 20% off!

All offers valid till 30 April 2009 They just have to convo me before or after buying and quote ASD09, tell me what they're buying and I can either adjust the listing for them or refund them vial paypal! :)

Even more incentive to go visit Shup (G)! Thanks Lydia!! Pin It

Feature Friday - Three Seventeen

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kristin, I'm almost 24 years old and I'm a single mother of two girls. (3 and 1) I've been making crafts for my entire life and started selling at local craft shows for 10 years. I learned from my mom, who always made little Christmas ornaments to sell at my school craft shows!! She taught me how to be crafty and thrifty! My dream of owning my own design business has been a long goal for me. I hope for it to be coming true now. I attended Moore College of Art and Design on a full scholarship and loved every moment of it. I believe that I am an artist in the truest sense of the word. If I was able to, I'd spend all day painting, making jewelry, sketching, etc... Art, in any form, is the way I express myself and feelings.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

I've been crafty and artsy for as long as I can remember, though I recently found papers that my mom gave me that were pictures I drew when I was 3 or 4 years old. They weren't normal kid pictures, they were actually beginnings of real art. I don't remember being that talented at such a young age, but apparently I was! I would always be crafty with my mom when she would make things, or I'd sit in my room and just paint or sketch whatever came to my mind at that time. I loved anything art for as far back as I could think!

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

Honestly, the designs just come to me. Usually at night or when I'm working out of the house. I always keep a notepad on me to jot down and sketch new ideas. Sometimes I get inspiration from seeing something in nature, or seeing a bunch of vintage items that I believe I could make better by combining many elements of favorite pieces. Sometimes I just mess around with something until I come up with something I love.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

I have a studio. Though, right now it has a lot of furniture that we were moving around, so it isn't accessible. At this point, I work at my dining room table. I'm working to get the furniture we don't need in my studio out to the garbage so I can actually make use of that space soon! My dining room table is a mess with my beads, soaps, cards, glitter, so I will spare you the eyesore of seeing that! :)

Where can we find your products?

Currently, you can find them at http://threeseventeen.etsy.com/ and also you can see my products and upcoming projects at my blog. http://three-seventeen.blogspot.com/. I am in talks with one little local boutique to possibly feature some of my jewelry and also am working to book some craft shows to sell at! All dates and locations will be posted on my blog!

My mom and I also have two shops together. Our soap and "cute stuff" shop is http://ohmycupcake.etsy.com/ and our baked goods shop is http://sugardustconfections.etsy.com/ where my mom and I have a great shop full of yummy chocolates and other baked goods! My mom is licensed for food handling and bakes the best things!!

What methods do you find best bring traffic to your shop?

I believe that the Etsy message boards are a very helpful place for me to get some publicity. Otherwise, the facebook fan page or local ads that I've placed at art stores and also at local stores.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

Currently, at my facebook fan page I am hosting a giveaway. On April 1st I will pick one fan of my Facebook page and they will receive a free swarovski crystal bracelet of their color choosing, a full size bar of any scent soap you'd like and a sampler pack of SugarDust Confections chocolates (of your choosing). You can find my facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/THREEseventeen/58576877648 You can only win if you're a fan of our page. I am also going to soon host a giveaway at my blog (http://three-seventeen.blogspot.com) so keep checking there or follow us there for details! We're excited to share our products with our customers. :)

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Feature Friday - Neat Things

This week's feature is Neat Things. Her shop is filled with fun and snarky cards and other paper goods.

Tells us a little about yourself.
Just a little? I'm human most of the time. And I breathe. The rest is pretty boring.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?In Girl Scouts, there was an art contest. I drew a picture of a bear sliding down a rainbow to a pot of gold. I stole the idea from Lauren, a friend of mine, who'd had such a doodle in one of her notebooks. I won the prize. Years later, she attended one of the most prestigious art schools in the nation. I did not.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?I see, hear, and say the most ridiculous things. Sometimes, they end up in my store.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

It's a little cramped in this cardboard box... Honestly, all I really need to work is a computer and I could outsource the rest. But I do have a home office that I use for both my primary business and this one. I'm in the process of painting each wall a different color, purchasing a credenza to store things like cutters and scorers, and installing an area expressly for creative thinking and inspiration.

Where can we find your products?http://neatthings.etsy.com/

I also have http://neatbrand.etsy.com/.

What methods do you find best bring traffic to your shop?Being annoying seems to work.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?I would like them to know that peanut butter can't climb trees.

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Feature Friday - The Laughing Mouse

Yes, I know it's Tuesday but I missed the Friday Feature for last week so I'm making up for it today. Bessie over at The Laughing Mouse is this week's feature. Bessie makes the lovliest pouches, clutches and totes. If you haven't already checked out her shop, you're missing out on a wonderful shopping experience!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi !My name is Bessie and I'm 24 years old. I'm a mother of 2 hyper active little boys and we currently reside in Houston TX.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

My first memory of being "artsy" would have to be in high school. My parent's wouldn't buy me flare jeans so I took my regular jeans, cut them up and made them into bell bottoms ! My mom had a fit ! lol.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

My kids inspire me. Things they do, things they see. We actually sit together in a big pile of scrap fabrics and just start putting things together. The color combo they pick out are amazing !

Tell us a little about your workspace.

O no. You don't want to see my work space lol. My mother is actually in the drapery business and we have a workshop in the garage with a HUGE work table. We have 3 sewing machines, 1 serger, and a couple of other machines that I have no idea what they are for. We are surrounded by huge bolts of fabric everywhere. It's actually kind of like a booby trap if you don't know where to go.

Where can we find your products?

You can find me @ http://www.thelaughingmouse.etsy.com/

What methods do you find best bring traffic to your shop?

I would have to say listing and renewing has worked best for me. Not only does it bring you closer to the front of your category but sometime I make it on the front page. Admins create "just listed" or "newly listed in time machine" front page treasuries, and I have found some of my pieces make it on there. Also list and relist at different time of the day.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I am currently working on my blog and plan on having lots of promotions and giveaways. http://thelaughingmouse.blogspot.com/

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Feature Friday - Jacaranda Designs

This week's feature is Jacaranda Designs. Jane makes the most wonderful jewelry and her posy bracelets are a must have. Read a little bit about her, check out her special discount for my blog readers and then get on over there and pick out a little something for yourself.

Tells us a little about yourself.

I am married with two very energetic boys. We live just west of Toronto, Canada. I was in the IT industry for twenty years before packing it in and pursuing my passion, making jewelry. I've always been quite creative, dabbling in sewing, embroidery, painting, drawing etc. but for a long time, these hobbies were left on the back burner. Like most moms, my life is fairly hectic but very rewarding.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

I remember making a church with stained glass windows at school when I was about six years old. The windows were made of tissue paper. When my parents came to the open house I was so excited to show them my wonderful creation but someone had taken a pencil and broken every window! Boo hoo!

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

Mainly from nature. I love gardening and draw inspiration from plants and flowers around me. Even a lot of my color combinations come from my garden.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

My workspace is not particularly fancy. I'm lucky that we do have a large office at home that I share with my husband. One of my goals for this year is to revamp my space. All my beads are organized by color in see through containers but that's about it. My light box moves around the house depending on where I can find free space to take photos.

Where can we find your products?

You can find my products on my website at http://jacarandadesigns.etsy.com/.

What methods do you find best bring traffic to your shop?

Networking, networking. I have a blog that brings traffic in and I comment on other peoples blogs. I advertise on Facebook, have a Flickr page and belong so several other networking sites and I WEAR my jewelry. I always have business cards handy. You never know when you might meet a prospective customer. I am constantly looking for new ways to promote traffic to my site.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

You can visit me at my blog... http://jacarandagal.blogspot.com/. I will be starting a weekly giveaway in the next few weeks.

Mention "ascrappydesign" in message to me when you purchase from my website and you will receive a 15% discount. **

**Jane will be offering the 15% discount for two weeks so be sure that you don't miss out on this generous offer!

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Feature Friday - Londi Creations

Welcome to this week's feature! Our feature today is Londi of Londi's Creations. Londi makes beautiful jewelry that are little pieces of art.



Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Londi, I was born in the U.S and I'm now living in France.


What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?
I was lucky to be born in to a family full of talented artist! I started crafting and creating when I was very young. I'm a 3rd generation jeweler, I grew up with a jewelry shop and a potter shop in my home! The feeling of melting or manipulating metal, touching stones, or having my hands dirty with clay has always stuck with me!


Where do you get inspiration for your products?
I love working with color, texture, in every way shape and form! I'm inspired by nature, lighting, flowers, anything from a rock to a grain of sand.... A piece of gold, to a piece of glitter! (You will see what I mean at X-mas!)




Tell us a little about your workspace.
My work space is in my home and its always a wreck, but the worst at X-mas!


Where can we find your products?I've been selling on line in France for 1 yr. with success, I'm their # 1 seller! I do a lot of art and craft shows, our business is new so I have not yet started a site, blog , or Facebook, flicker, but it will come around soon!


What methods do you find best bring traffic to your shop?
I've only been with Etsy for about 3 weeks! So far the forums have been a great way to bring traffic to my shop! I've met a lot of great people, like you Heather!!!


Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
I've had a great time with Etsy, a lot of fun promos as well! If you haven't seen my Zipper line "Zip It's" Take a look because most of this line will be gone of to NY. on display in a gallery/boutique by the middle of march!

Thanks Londie for sharing with us today!

Be sure to go check out Londie's shop for a beautiful and romantic experience. You will definitely find that her products are truly one of a kind pieces of art.

http://londicreations.etsy.com/

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And the winner is . . .

Me!

Check out these adorable hand-painted bottle cap push pins that I won from Circles are Forever! If you like these (you know you do) you should head on over to her shop and pick up some for yourself!

P.S. Don't forget the Tuesday Teaser, which will be announced right here at midnight tonight!

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Feature Friday Issue #1

Welcome to my first Feature Friday! Today's feature is FriedOkra, owned by Adrian. Adrian makes adorable little sock monkeys and the coolest little pouches you will find.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Well :) I'm Adrian and I just turned 30, yikes! I am married (11yrs now) with 3 kids, two boys and a girl. We stay super busy with school, band, scouts, and friends. So, like most I'm sure, I stay up late late and squeeze time in The Green Room making all sorts of fun things for FriedOkra. I am also eternally grateful to Warner Brothers for the creation of Scooby Doo, who my 3 yr old is currently obsessed with :) Although I always have to be Velma, humph.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?
All the ladies in my family are super creative, no way around it! Mom taught me to sew, making Barbie clothes of course probably around age 8. I didn't get my own machine till I was 18 and out of the house (couldn't borrow mom's anymore!). Growing up I experimented with just about every craft out there, coming back full circle to the sewing machine :) I still have the queen sized bedspread I tie-dyed in high school (old school on the stove style), RIT dye baby.

Where do you get inspiration for your products?There are just too many cute socks out there! They beg and plead with me to save them from a life in a drawer, they want to be sewn and stuffed and given a life of love and squeezes :) My pouches are a combination of my many many many interests. I love quilting, I just don't have the attention span for it! Love the piecing, getting to use all these amazing fabrics at the same time. Embroidery and knitting are other crafts I really enjoy but I guess I had made just about all the scarves my family needed! had to find another outlet for my yarn obsession :)

Tell us a little about your workspace.My workspace is called The Green Room, because... well... it's a big green room :) Lots of windows, 3 big bookcases, 2 dressers, 1 hutch, a squishy bed, and a giant table perfect for laying out projects.

Where can we find your products?
On Etsy! Currently that's the only place you'll find me :) Oh, if you go to Deluxe in May I'll be there too!

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
Sure! Mention "ascrappydesign" in the notes to seller and get free shipping!

You can find Fried Okra products at http://www.friedokra.etsy.com/

View more of her work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fried_okra/

Read her fabulous blog at http://invisiblespray.blogspot.com/

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