OKEtsy Featured Seller: TessaYvonne

Hi Tessa. Please introduce yourself. 
My name is Tessa Hamilton and I live in McAlester.  I enjoy many different types of crafts but above all else, I enjoy making jewelry.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes right from the items I use in my jewelry.  I start with a stone, bead, crystal, etc. and the ideas of how I want a piece to look just come to me from there.  I especially love making custom pieces because my customers help focus my creativity by giving me some ideas about what they like. However, I don't just get inspiration from the materials I use, I also get inspiration from things around me.  A change in seasons may direct my attention to different color choices or a fashion trend my challenge me to try different materials.

What is your favorite media to work with?
I would have to say that sterling silver has been my favorite media to work with so far.  Sterling silver isn't as expensive as gold and I presonally wear more silver than gold.  I love cutting, bending, and soldering sterling silver.  The feeling of working with the tools and manipulating something in my hands to make something new and beautiful is truely gratifying.

 Where would you like to see yourself 5/10 years from now in this project?
In five years I would like to offer a larger selection of jewelry and as I currently only sell my pieces within the United States I would also like to be selling internationally.  In ten years I would like to expand my shop offerings to a full line of woman's accessories such as scarves, bags, and hair accessories.

What is one of your keys to success?
The key to success for me this far has been to keep finding new ways to get noticed.  I talk about TessaYvonne on my personal Facebook page, I also have a Facebook page for TessaYvonne, I place business cards in several places in town, I talk about TessaYvonne to anyone who is willing to listen, I get involved in Teams like the OKEtsy Team, I create treasures, and I wear my jewelry.  One because I like what I make, but it's also easy to talk to a stranger about TessaYvonne after they compliment something I have on that day.

What is one crazy thing about you?
My stepdaughter said the one crazy thing about me would be my two stepchildren.  My husband might agree.  I love them all and while they drive me crazy from time to time, I would have to say that one crazy thing about me is I shop in color.  It's something I do without noticing.  Depending on how I feel whether I'm shopping for jewelry materials or for clothing, I will buy items in a monochromatic fashion.  One shopping trip I will buy oranges and another trip I may bring home greens.

What is something you would love to learn how to do?
I would love to learn how to speak Italian.  I think the language is beautiful and I would love to go to Italy in my lifetime and be able to easily communicate with the locals as I sample their cheeses and take in the views.  Delizioso!

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is yellow.  Though I like all colors, yellow makes me think of lemon scents and bright sunny days.  It's a cheery, clean color to me.

What do you love about Oklahoma? 
I love the people of Oklahoma.  They are warm and inviting, hardworking and giving, and they would do anything to help family, friends, and neighbors.  I think Oklahoma, especially where I live, is an excellent place to raise children.  I live in a rather small area which facilitates a close community and the morals and values I was raised with are all around.

Be sure to check out Tessa's fun jewelry over at www.tessayvonne.etsy.com

And visit her on facebook at www.facebook.com/shoptessayvonne

Meet Our Newest Contributer

Hello dear OKetsy readers! My name is Brittini Flowers; I am the gal behind Oh honey child. I am a 21 year old wife and mother to four fur-babies :). I have been a crafty maven and attending craft shows and festivals ever since I was a child. I live in western Oklahoma, I sew, I hunt for vintage treasure, I take pictures, I live a true DIY lifestyle and man oh man do I love it! I blog about my life and business on my blog, www.ohhoneychild.com

I am so happy to be blogging for OKetsy.  I plan to share lots of advice, DIY’s, and craft show tips for all my fellow indie business gals.

My first DIY project will be a simple fall pumpkin, good for around the house décor!

For now,

-britt

OHC

Meet Our Members: Funkybella!

I want to formally present to you the team's new co-leader: Katie, AKA Funkybella! Katie has already come with great ideas and enthusiasm for the team, so I'm very excited to introduce you to her.

1. Introduce yourself.

Hi! I’m Katie Winters and my shop name is Funkybella. I live in Norman with my husband, Jason. We have a cat (Saturn), a Quaker parrot (Sunny), and a chinchilla (Ella Bella. I named Funkybella after her).

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?

What I make is always growing and evolving. I knit, crochet, embroider, needle felt, wet felt, use resin, and wrap accessories. I also sell vintage clothes and household items. My favorite and best-selling craft is making jewelry using vintage parts. I started making my vintage jewelry after discovering some beautiful supplies from Etsy sellers. I enjoy finding different parts that compliment each other, such as a vintage harlequin stone and an antiqued gold ring band. The pieces I make have a distinctive look.

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?

I’ve always made things. I was homeschooled for some time, and I often completed crafts as part of it. In the fall of 2008, I encouraged my sister, a fine art painter, to open an Etsy shop. I had learned about Etsy from an ad in Craft magazine. Kelly opened her shop (murphystudios.etsy.com), and wanted to know why I didn’t have one of my own. At first I didn’t think I had anything to offer, but at the end of February 2009 I opened Funkybella, and I’ve been encouraged by its success so far.

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?

I use to be a professional photographer (I belonged to a gallery co-op and was the Chief photographer for a newspaper). I like to photograph and then edit pictures. I also bake and garden.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?

I can find almost anything on Etsy! I recently traded some of my jewelry for all the seeds I needed for this planting season! I love when one of my customers leaves me feedback telling me how much they adore their new item. I also enjoy knowing my jewelry is being purchased from women in other countries (France, Canada and Australia, so far).

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?

I’ve only lived here for two years, so I’m still exploring. I would really like to go camping and visit some state parks. I feel very safe in Oklahoma; the crime rate is very low.

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog: Twitter, MySpace, etc.?

I have a blog: http://shopfunkybella.blogspot.com/, MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/shopfunkybella and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funkybella/65000277844.

Yay! We're all so glad to have Katie on board. Look for her at this month's Dust Bowl Arts Festival in Norman!

Meet Our Members: FriedOkra

It's time to meet Adrian, the brains behind the delightful operation that is Fried Okra.

1. Introduce yourself
I'm Adrian and my shop is Fried Okra! After many years I'm back in my hometown of Ponca City, or as I like to say... two hours from everything! I spend my days running my kids to and fro, squeezing in some sewing time when I can. Lots of late nights and coffee around here!

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make two sorts of things, Sock Monkeys and patchwork/embroidered bags and pouches. I made my first Sock Monkey on a whim out of a pair of angora socks I knew I would never wear. For a girl who buys many MANY socks I'm super picky about what sort of socks I'll wear! He turned out absolutely horrible but nonetheless I was hooked :) So many cute socks out there, such a shame to put them in shoes and under pant legs! I've been a sewer and quilter for much longer than I was making Sock Monkeys and with my ever growing "Crafter's ADD" I had to find a way to keep sewing and quilting but on a much smaller level. So many cute fabrics out there!

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I've been sewing since I was a kid, my mom has always been an avid crafter... a jack of all trades for sure! I started making Sock Monkeys a few years ago and when I ran out of family and friends to give them away to I decided to give selling a shot. I've been floored by the response, to say the least! Then when I added bags and pouches to the inventory I felt like I filled my missing piece :) Fabric has always been a weakness and when I figured out a way to use all my favorite fabrics, buttons, embroideries, and wit in one little compact project I was a happy girl! Now when I get sick and tired of sewing on arms I can do a little piecing. Then when I get sore hands from embroidering I can give a pair of socks some LIFE :)


4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I'm totally hooked on old books. I hit up our library's book sale all the time, you wouldn't believe what people just give away! I use them (especially the sad water damaged or missing pages ones) to make envelopes, tags, stickers, buttons, etc. I also just plain ole hoard them! My most recent find is a *huge* book of Etiquette, the title and size alone had me. When I opened it up I was even more excited, the whole book was backwards and upside down. Sold!

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I'm going to be very general on this! I love how easy Etsy is to use. Now a stay-at-home momma like myself can do what she loves and make a little money on a very do-able level.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
Where else in the country do you get the chance to do a mock Land Run in elementary school?? I'm going to have to say I love storm season around here too. Hours of Rick Mitchell, beautifully colored radar maps, standing out on the porch watching the storm blow in, and the eventual run to the basement. It's exhilarating!

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I have my Etsy shop (http://friedokra.etsy.com) and am slowly branching out to craft shows and the like. I do have a blog that needs updating, http://invisiblespray.blogspot.com/.

Thanks, Adrian! You can also check out her goodies on Flickr.

Meet our Members: nparekh

It's another bright, shiny Monday here in the Sooner State. Weather like this makes me want to grab my camera and head outside for a few hours. In that vein, I want to introduce everyone to nparekh, one of our newer members and a great photographer to boot. Let's learn more about him!

1. Introduce yourself.
Hello everyone, my name is Nimish, I live in Tulsa and I'm the artist behind Nimish Parekh Photography. I'm actually a third year medical student at OU-Tulsa in the midst of my clinical training, so it's been really fun/challenging keeping a balance between photography and school. I grew up in Oklahoma City, went to college in Los Angeles, took a year off during college and lived in Mumbai, India, and now I'm back in Oklahoma for medical school and have no idea where I'll be for residency next year. Life is fun...

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
Right now my main craft is cards/stationary, photographic prints and I hope to expand to postcards. I started learning photography in 2005 while I was in college. I literally bought an old manual SLR camera off Ebay, loaded it with film and just taught myself through trial and error. I was lucky enough to be living in Los Angeles at the time, so I had a great city to explore and train my eye on. In terms of what makes my work unique, I'm told by friends/fans is that I have an eye for ordinary everyday things, and I capture them in a way that makes them more beautiful or interesting. I'm drawn to odd things like doors, power lines, garden hoses, street markings and buildings, and apparently I find a way to capture them and make them photo-worthy.

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I started making these card series in 2008 because I wanted to start a small business and promote my work. I feel there is much to be gained in learning to manage a small business, but the main reason I started is that I get to meet great people and have really unique experiences when I sell my work. It's really been about the ride, the people, and everything I've learned along the way.

Flower Burst Limited Series

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I can't say I have any other crafting skills...but I do love gardening!

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I have been impressed by how supportive the Etsy community is from the top down. You can tell that this really is a community and everyone wants each other to succeed in their creative/business ventures. That seems so rare sometimes, so I really love that part of Etsy.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing to do in Oklahoma is explore local shops and meet people. People in Oklahoma are generally very kind and nice, and this state is full of so many characters that you can't help but have a good time meeting random strangers.

Doors Limited Series

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
Right now I sell through Etsy and my online Shutterfly store which are linked off my blog: http://nimish.blogspot.com/. Locally in Tulsa I sell cards at Cafe Topeca, Shades of Brown and Inner Peace Yoga studio. Some of my work is being featured at Cafe Topeca in downtown Tulsa, please check it out! I just started a new photo blog here: http://alphabetographee.blogspot.com/.

Thanks for the interview, Nimish, and welcome to the team!

Meet Our Members: samann1121

Things have been a little quiet around here lately, and I apologize for that! However, it's time to introduce all our friends in blogland to a great team member, Jessie of samann1121!

1. Introduce yourself.
I'm Jessie from Norman, OK. I run Chaos Into Art and have two Etsy shops -- handmade (http://samann1121.etsy.com/) and supplies (http://chaossupplies.etsy.com/). I opened my first Etsy shop weeks after Etsy went online, and I've been selling for about 3 years.

Board Game Coasters - Monopoly

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make a pretty wide variety of items from recycled and vintage materials. That's just what interests and inspires me. Because I turn old things into new things, my products are unique from the very start!


3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I've been crafting for as long as I can remember, and I've been an entrepreneur for almost as long. When I was about 6, I decided to paint rocks from our rock garden with poster paints and sell them as paper weights. It's entirely possible that the only person who bought any was my grandma, but she still has them!

Denim and Rick Rack pouch

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
Well, I'll sell pretty much anything I make, but I've been getting into making baby stuff lately, as my first child is due in April. I serged some recycled cloth baby wipes last night. It was very relaxing.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I find it very easy to use as a selling venue. I love that really anyone can set up a shop and try their hand at selling. I think it really takes down a lot of barriers and lets people who should sell their crafts for a living do just that!

My Favorite Things -- Limited Edition Cards

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
Hmm... Probably Braum's and QuikTrip! Braum's milk is the best, and their ice cream is crazy tasty. I don't know what I'll do if I ever move! And although we don't have QuikTrips out in this part of Oklahoma, it's definitely a highlight of my Tulsa-area visits.

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I have a blog: http://samann1121.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/samann1121
An ArtFire shop: http://chaosintoart.artfire.com/
And a fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Norman-OK/samann1121etsycom/29953418729?v=info&viewas=9609354


Thanks so much, Jessie! We all look forward to pictures of your baby when she makes her appearance into the world!

Meet Our Members: Triogirls

It's another mighty Monday. The sun isn't peaking through here in Green Country, but it still promises to be a warm, windy, possibly rainy day. Spring is upon us, and what better way to outfit the little girls in your life than with clothing made by Triogirls? Learn more about the brains behind the operation in today's interview.

1. Introduce yourself.
I'm Anna Cordova of Triogirls. I sew little girls clothes. I'm from Oklahoma City, married 16 years to a great guy, and have 3 gorgeous girls.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make all types of little girls clothes. I started sewing in 1994. I started sewing little girls clothes in 1999 when my first daughter was born. As far as what makes it unique would be the love I put into each piece.

Patchwork Party Dress

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. Started sewing alot since 1994. I opened my shop in August 2008, but just listed my girls clothes in Jan or Feb 2009.

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to do?
Spending time with family.

Wacky and wavy pillowcase dress

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
Seeing all the neat stuff people create.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
Having the convenience of everything being close by.

V Neck Dress/Top with Double Ruffle Pants

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I do not sell anything else, but my husband has an etsy shop also, thepenmaker. My Twitter is http://twitter.com/triogirls.



Check out the cuties in those photos! Thanks for being a team member, Anna. :)

Meet Our Members: sewcute7

It's a gorgeous Monday here in our fine, flat state. The the birds are singing, the sky is blue, and the air is warm. It's the perfect time to gear up for spring! What better way to do so than with one of Sew Cute's adorable totes? First, let's meet Twila, the crafty hands behind the business.

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Twila Doucet, my etsy name is sewcute7, I live in the country south of Ringwood, OK.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I do sewing, alterations, etc. I have started making purses to sell on my Etsy site.

Springy Tulip Jelly Tote

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I love sewing and have been since a child. I have been sewing for others for several years. It is fun to look at a fabric and decide what I would like to make with it. I have recently started making aprons. I take pride in what I make and make it with quality. Most of my purses have pockets all the way around the inside to have plenty of room to keep things organized.

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I love to sew and like making anything. I have also made baptismal robes for several churches. I enjoy working in the garden when I have time. I like the outdoors. I help my father out with farming and caring for his cattle.

Cell Phone Holder -- cute as can be

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I like Etsy because it has handmade items. It is a one stop shop for everything handmade.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing about living in OK is living in the country. I like the peacefulness. My favorite thing to do is be outside.

Snowball Purse

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I do have a blog but don't get to keep it up very well. The address is http://www.sewcute7.blogspot.com/.


Thanks so much, Twila! Your bags are perfect for this warmer weather.

Meet Our Members: LaFleurdePapier

It's a warm, cloudy Monday in much of Oklahoma. Spring is taunting us with its looming presence -- at least until it cools off on Wednesday. What better way to celebrate March blooms than with the amazing blossoms created by LaFleurdePapier?

1. Introduce yourself.
My etsy name is LaFleurdePapier, but my friends call me Amanda. I currently reside in Edmond, and have lived here for the last few years going to school. I graduate from UCO in May with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in drawing/painting.


2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make paper roses. I'm thinking now that that sounds much easier in print than in action. I started making them as a hobby, as I'd seen the lady from mommymakesroses.com on Martha Stewart show. At the time, school wasn't as busy, and I had holidays to work. Right now, it's a challenge to get enough sleep at night. I think the roses are unique, not only for the fact that I've altered and refined the pattern, but also that every single one of them turns out just a little bit different, like a real rose might. Also, each one finds its personality when painted. You can control the colors, but you can't control the way they run together. There's a surprise with every stroke of the brush.

Rose pens

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I guess you could say I've been crafty since the day I was born. My mom decided to stay home with my brother and I. To make the ends meet, she worked as a high end interior design seamstress. I grew up underneath the sewing table playing with scraps of fabric, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I never ever would have tried to sell the roses, except a friend of mine decided she wanted a whole suite of them for her wedding and that she was going to pay me, regardless of what I thought on the matter. I'm actually really glad she pushed me. Making the roses has branched me out and put me in contact with people all over the globe. One of my roses went to Norway for Valentines! Can you imagine?

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I'm addicted to texture and fiber. At the moment, I'm playing with wet felting. I also love to crochet. I went nuts crocheting over the holidays. Everyone got a beanie.... and I do mean everyone. In my fine arts life, I'm working with kozo paper to create what I've been calling "soul containers" and to create surfaces for my 2D work.

Bee o' mine

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I'm incredibly enamored with the flexibility of Etsy. If you need to put it away for a few weeks and ignore it, you can, as long as you can keep up with any convos. I also love how the favorites works. I've gotten a few referals from one friend getting on another friend's favorites and finding me.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
There's something about the open road... and those places, like old gas stations where you can stop and imagine the glory of huge sedans cruising down the road with 2.5 children, mom, dad and the dog on vacation. And there's something about the wide open sky. We always have a good sunset here.

Yellow Nosegay Wedding Bouquet

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I have a blog on MySpace... but at the moment, I'm just concentrating on school. It is http://profile.myspace.com/358018559, or you can search for lafleurdepapier@yahoo.com. But, like I said, it's inactive right now. I guess I'm just an Etsy loyalist... and have too much to keep up with!

Thanks for answering my questions, Amanda. Now, everyone, go check out her amazing shop!

Meet Our Members: katherineniccum

We've just started a new week, so please join me in meeting Disciples of Etsy team member katherineniccum!

1.Introduce yourself.
My name is Kathy and I own Made with American Hands. I have always had an interest in crafts since I was a child, but had never really been settled enough to attempt a serious business venture until settling in Oklahoma four years ago. My grandmother spent many hours with me after everyone else was down for the night teaching me different things, ceramics, needlepoint and crochet to name a few. I used to be an avid crocheter until teaching myself to sew about 6 years ago. I'm a stay at home mom to two boys, 7 dogs, a cat and two parakeets.

Party School Jumper

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I started making doll clothes years ago when my sister and nieces got their first American Girl dolls. I would make them clothes for their dolls for Christmas mostly. After the girls got older I still had an interest in making the clothes and worked some small craft bazaars to see if I could make any money at it. I finally got computer literate, tried Ebay without success and somehow discovered Etsy. Since discovering Etsy, I have also found other marketing tools. I was approached by someone to do a flowergirl dress replica last April and got the idea to advertise that. That has brought me many sales and I have ad on liweddings.com. I am doing tshirt/memory quilts now as well. I was approached by someone last summer about one. I did some reading and taught myself how to make them. What I love about the quilts is that no one is the same since I'm always an different individuals memorabilia. I consider it a priveledge when someone trusts me to do their quilt.

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been doing many crafts since I was a child. I started out on needle work. I always figured I would go to art school since I loved all mediums of art in highschool. I don't draw anymore or paint outside of water colors and sidewalk chalk with my three year old son Ben.

Tshirt/Memory Quilts

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite craft?
I love gardening, canning and preserving foods. I especially love making jams and jellies. We've got bookoo wild blackberries around our property. In the summer when they're ready, I wake up, grab coffee and head to picking, every morning, till the season is over. I like to cook , especially on the grill.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
My favorite things about Etsy is the simplicity of use. I have met some of the most wonderful, honest and patient people. Etsy is what has kicked my business off really by allowing me to get the word out about what I offer.

Replicas of Wedding Party Dresses

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing about Oklahoma is the rural life of where we live in Cushing. I come from bigger, fast paced places. I love the folks here and my sons have blossomed. I go to Tulsa often to the Joann's store. I'm impressed that the Oklahoma Aquarium had so much to offer and enjoy my zoo visits as well. I love our vet here in Cushing! He's good and reasonable which helps with a pack the size of mine.

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I don't sell anywhere except Etsy. I do one craft show a year in Stillwater at the Expo Center for 3 days in the fall. It's more of a marketing and advertising tool for me than money maker. I love visiting with the vendors every year. It's like our annual social affair. I have a MySpace, mrsclniccum. Also Facebook, Katherine Bowles Niccum.

Check out katherineniccum's ad on liweddings: http://liweddings.com/vendors/gifts/American-Hands/!

Meet Our Members: BuckBoardWoodWorks

It's Monday, so that means it's time to meet another great team member. This week, I'm interviewing the one and only Frank of BuckBoardWoodWorks! He is a relatively new arrival to the team, but we've been so happy to have him and his sense of humor join us. Let's learn some more about the carving king.

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Frank Shedden. I am in Mustang, Oklahoma and my Etsy store is Buckboard Woodworks.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
In 2007 my wife came home with a woodcarving magazine for me to read. I read it and said to self, “Self, ya’ know I think you can do some of that stuff.” So, I gathered up a pocket knife and honed it to what I thought was sharp and had a go at it. I still have a long way to go with this craft as I am just scratching the surface of what one may do.

I don’t think there is really anything astoundingly unique about what I do. However, in many ways it is becoming a lost art. Whittling or carving in my view is sculpting with wood. It is predominately a subtractive process that has little room for oops. Some oops’ can become pleasant design modifications, but just as many are fatal to the process. In essence for every piece I create, I have created lots of mulch for my trees or kindling for the occasional patio fire.

Blue Wizard Earrings

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been crafty or creative since an early age. Doodling, drawing, painting, counted cross-stitch, leather craft, photography and woodworking. I started selling handmade if you will, in 1997 when I ran my own construction company. Granted it is handmade on a much larger scale, but I think it counts.

Late last summer I was conversing with a lady in California who is a carver and had an Etsy site to sell her goods. After some discussion and contemplation Buckboard Woodworks was born.

Not Forgotten

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I don’t know that I have a favorite, there are just some things I do better than others. I have recently renewed my interest in drawing, and painting is sure to follow. I have been a photography addict since High School and it is still an integral part of my expression. I also make chainmail. No, not the silly letters and junk we get in the mail. I am talking about weaving tiny rings of wire or steel together to make armor, garments, jewelry, and other accessories.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
The thing I like best about Etsy is the ease in which you can sell your items. I think with my craft it is not usually an impulse purchase. It was one that has caused you to think or give pause before buying. I don’t think I have sold a carved item yet that someone didn’t come back and look at it a few times before deciding to buy. At times on the other sites you don’t have the time available before the listing expires.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
I am originally from Wyoming so I guess the singular best thing I like about Oklahoma is that the winters are much, much milder here. I have lived in other states and been stationed overseas with the Army and Oklahoma is not a bad place to be, not bad at all.

Decorative Cedar Spoon

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
My selling focus is on Etsy. My blog needs some serious attention to make a sales platform and I have been checking some of the Etsy team blogs for ideas. Alas, you can find me at the following as well:
http://www.myspace.com/buckskinok
http://buckboardwoodworks.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/buckskin

Thanks for answering my questions, Frank. We're so glad to have you on the team!

Meet Our Members: AScrappyDesign

I'm very happy to introduce to you Heather of AScrappyDesign, a longtime team member, a true sweetheart, and a real class act. Let's all give her a warm round of applause. Heather, come on out!





1. Introduce yourself to the team.
My name is Heather Mills, and I am sole owner of A Scrappy Design in Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, A Scrappy Design is only part-time for me but one day, I will be able to do it full-time . . . just wait and see. :D

Calendar Circle Tags -- Set of 12

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make all kinds of paper goodies such as cards, gift tags, and scrapbooking embellishments. I started working with paper when my best friend got me hooked on scrapbooking, which turned into getting a second part-time job at the local scrapbook store to support my hobby, which turned into an Etsy shop! Making cards, for me, was very satisfying because the recipients were delighted to see a card that was handcrafted with a personal touch rather than just something purchased from a big box store. My cards are something that can be cherished and kept forever.

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I remember as a little girl making crafts with my little sis and selling them at a craft mall nearby. I started selling my paper goods on Ebay and had some success there, but then I found Etsy. It was so much easier for me to navigate and the fact that I could have my own store front was a plus. So, in January 2007, I signed up and immediately started listing.

Birdhouse Thank You -- Handmade Greeting

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
Between my full-time job and my Etsy shop, I don't have much time to do any other crafty things but when I have the chance, I love to draw and paint. Who knows, maybe some day you'll see some of my work in my shop. :D

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I love all the people here on Etsy...they are all so supportive of each other.

Field of Mushrooms -- Handmade Paper Embellies

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing about Oklahoma would have to be the unpredictable weather. I love how it can be 70 degrees when I go to work and as I leave work the same day, it's snowing.

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
Right now, I don't sell anywhere else online but I do have some of my stuff at the French Cowgirl.
Blog: http://ascrappydesign.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AScrappyDesign
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ascrappydesign
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ascrappydesign

Heather also graciously shared some promotions tips with us in our group forum thread. Since she implemented these steps, her sales have picked up. Here are Heather's (paraphrased) secrets to success:

1. Use your blog wisely. Heather has done two new blog features that have generated some shop traffic.

2. Increase your tweets. Twitter is a great tool, so let your followers know when you have a new item in your shop or a new blog post.

3. Remember the forums. Heather said she avoids the Promotions section, but the Etsy forums are a good place to draw traffic to her blog.

Thank you, Heather!

Meet Our Members: FawnAndFinch

One of the best things about buying handmade items on Etsy is knowing that each transaction is with a real person. Every purchase you make supports independent crafters and artists who put love and care into each item. To highlight this, we will start posting interviews with our wonderful sellers. First up is FawnAndFinch. ::applause::

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Beth and I run Fawn and Finch. Or does it run me? I live right on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma and i've been a member of DOE since September of last year.

2. Tell us about what you make.
I make pacifier clips for babies, and more recently have added a line of mitten clips since the weather has gotten so cold. I used to be a professional nanny for a newborn girl and keeping pacifiers off the ground was a job in itself. I made my own because, at the time, the only ones I could find in stores were not very cute and had plastic clips that didn't hold up well to everyday use. They're unique because I use only imported Japanese ribbon made of linen instead of grosgrain. It keeps them from fraying and it's eco-friendly. I just love making them and seeing all the adorable babies who've put them to good use.

3. How long have you been crafting and selling?
With the pacifier clips I started selling them online about six months ago. Before that I sold them in local boutiques, and I have a large wholesale account with Giggle.com. But I've been crafting since birth. When I was thirteen I would go garage-selling with my Mom, and find old furniture. I'd paint it, decoupage it, decorate it, and sell it the next weekend at my own garage sale. It's great to make money doing what you love, but it's fantastic to know people genuinely like what you've created with your own two hands.



4. What are your reactions to CPSIA? How will it effect you?
Of course it will effect me tremendously since I specialize in infant and children's accessories. I've already sent several samples to be tested at a third party lab and i'm waiting to hear the results and (shudder) the final bill. I think the CPSIA was well-intentioned, but ultimately it will result in there being FEWER safe items for our children as small handmade businesses go under. Like everyone, i'm keeping my fingers crossed that exemptions will be made and handmade items will be saved.

5. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to make?
I love to make jewelry and stationery. I'm always dabbling in those when I have the time. And I love making little felt mustaches as well. :)

6. What do you love best about Etsy?
I love Etsy to death. Sure, it has its problems like anything else, but it's given me and so many others a place to share our passions with the world. The things i've been exposed to, the people I've met, the things I've learned about business, crafting, and life in general, I can't thank Etsy enough for that.

7. What's your favorite thing about -- or to do in -- Oklahoma?
My absolute favorite thing to do is go kayaking down a river on a lazy Saturday afternoon. The Illinois River in Eastern Oklahoma is my favorite spot right now and if the weather's warm and the water's not too high, you'll find me there at least 5 or 6 times a year.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Beth! Now go check out her shop. :)