{Featured Artist} Kristin from Love In Bloom Boutique

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Kristin from Love in Bloom Boutique. 

Kristin designs and creates a wide variety of gorgeous bows, headbands, fascinators and hair clips. Her shop is filled with rich colors and beautiful designs that are sure to add beauty to any wardrobe! Let's jump right and and learn more about Kristin and her designs. 

How did you come up with your shop name?  
My shop name is the result of a year’s worth of feeling like God was trying to get me to take my faith to the next level.  I saw a great outpouring of His love in a variety of ways and I started to ‘Bloom’.

How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you sell/make/do?”  
I make accessories for girls and girls at heart.


How did you first become interested in designing hair bows and accessories? 
I wanted to do something to help my daughter feel pretty in her school uniforms.  I didn’t want to pay Etsy prices… Now that I make them, I understand completely why prices may seem high to some people.  Handmade goods are time consuming to make and it isn’t fair to ask a crafter to work for a pittance that won’t pay her for her labor. 

I started learning by watching a ton of videos on YouTube and experimenting with my own techniques.  I feel that I have come up with methods that now exceed what I have learned and I use them to make really well constructed accessories that are meant to last.

What is your favorite item to create?   
This changes often, but my favorite item right now is my ShowStopper Bow (the one I’m giving away) because of it’s simple yet high impact design.

What do you like about being a part of the Etsy community?  
The best part of being an Etsian is that I have connected with many different artists and artisans who are very kind.  I enjoy their camaraderie.  I also really love being able to see so many beautiful items in one place and there is a sense of spurring each other on to keep on creating new and wonderful things.


What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging? 
Getting noticed and winning sales has been a big challenge for me.  I think I did it to myself though, by not relisting as often as I should and not adding items that often.  I am trying to catch up and am also working on my SEO at the same time.  Hopefully, this will be a big help.

Are there any Etsy Apps that you  use and would recommend?
CraftCult {!}, and Craftopolis… but I need to spend some time looking around in the apps section because it’s been a while and I know there are new things to check out.

Do you know of any cool Etsy tips you’d like to share? 
One time I included the featured seller in a treasury… The views went through the roof… doesn’t always work though.

Are there any non-Etsy sites you use regularly to help in your Etsy work? 
I just started playing around with Sneaky Momma Blog Design.  I am such a novice blogger and she has great design tips that are written for the non-coder {like me!}  


Are you a member of any teams? 
I am a member of quite a few teams, but the one I have been most involved with is EtsyKids.  They really seem to have things together over there and I have learned SO much from my fellow teammates.  Teams are a great place to get to know people, learn from each other and market together.

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Kristin.

What is your favorite word?  Love
What is your least favorite word? Pick an expletive… I hate them all.
What sound or noise do you love? My children laughing
What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on a chalkboard
If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? A Dolphin
Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines? Anne of Green Gables, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Heidi, Charlotte and Charly (of the Chocolate Factory)  I love children’s lit and still re-read my favorite classics on occasion.  My copy of Farmer Boy (Little House series) is so well loved that it finally split into about 5 parts this year.
Who are your favorite heroines/heros in real life? Jesus, Moses, Esther, and Job
What natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to feel at ease in awkward social situations.
What would you like to be when you grow up? An artist
What makes you smile? When someone enjoys {a meal, craft, or whatever} that I have made

Thank you so much Kristin for sharing with us! Please be sure to keep in touch with Kristin and Love in Bloom Boutique!

Etsy shop: http://www.loveinbloomboutique.etsy.com

Blog: http://www.loveinbloomboutique.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/loveinbloomboutique

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/loveinbloomshop

Kristin has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for Snuggly Monkey Readers! Be sure to check back tomorrow for details on how to enter to win one of her gorgeous Show Stopper Bows!

{Featured Artist} Ann Marie from Very Creative Creations

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Ann Marie from Very Creative Creations. 

Ann Marie is a  a recycle artist who specializes in jewelry, textiles, accessories and garden art. Her shop is filled with her unique, one of a kind creations. Let's find out a bit more about her art and her shop.

How did you come up with your shop name? 
It is a variation of what many people have said about the items I create.

When did you start creating your pieces? Over 15 years ago when I met my husband as a way to update vintage pieces.

How did you first become interested in recycled art?
I guess I have been learning all my life since I grew up with grandparents who survived the Great Depression and impressed on my mom and us how important it was not to waste things but to save them to us again as something else.


What is your favorite item to create? 
Lately it has been the garden art and the jewelry Christmas  trees.

What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging?
Marketing is the hardest thing for me since I was raised to be humble and not boast about what you do.  I have been working on blogging about other artists, how tos and other things to draw people into my shop.

How do you advertise or promote your shop? 
Social media (Twitter and Facebook), coupons for percentage off for customers to create return business, offering custom services.


What is your marketing “philosophy”?  
I have tried to create a brand that emphasizes recycling and reuse of vintage items.

Any other marketing tips you would like to share?  
I like to be featured on blogs and offer giveaways for readers of the blogs I am featured on.


What do you use for packaging materials?
All of my packaging is recycled – second hand.  I get them where ever I can- mostly locally via estate, garage sales, thrift shops, etc

How did you come up with your banner and avatar?

I created my banner and avatar myself based on my business card patterns.  I had help defining my brand by Baby Swank on Etsy.

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Ann Marie.

What sound or noise do you love? running water
What sound or noise do you hate? cardboard being cutting by a knife
If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? one of my dogs – we spoil them
Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines? GI Jane – she is one strong woman.
What would you like to be when you grow up? Do I have to grow up?
What makes you smile? My husband, my kids, sales

Thank you so much Ann Marie for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Ann Marie & Very Creative Creations!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/verycreativecreation?ref=seller_info

Blog: http://www.verycreative-verycreativecreations.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Very-Creative-Creations/105113499562957?ref=ts

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/vcconesty

Ann Marie has created a unique piece just for Snuggly Monkey readers! Be sure to check back tomorrow for a chance to enter to win one of Ann Marie's Very Creative Creations!

{Giveaway} Custom Bowtie and Suspender Set from j.marie designs

Yesterday we chatted with Jana from j.marie designs and learned about her business and unique children's clothing designs. j.marie designs is graciously sponsoring a Giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers!

Prize: Custom Boys Bow Tie & Suspender set (value $30)

Start Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011

End Date: Friday, October 21, 2011

{How to Enter to Win}

The winner of this Giveaway will be chosen at random, so the more times you enter the higher your chances of winning! I like having options, so there are SEVERAL ways to enter.  Feel free to do as many or as few as you like. Don't have time to do them all now? No problem! Come back later and add a few more entries (this giveaway will be open for TWO whole weeks).  

Entering is EASY with Rafflecopter. When you have completed one of the tasks below, just click the green "I DID THIS" button, enter the requested information and move on to the next task! No need to leave a separate comment for each entry (unless the instructions for that particular task ask you to that is!). Good Luck!

{Featured Artist} Jana from j. marie designs

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Jana from j.marie designs.

 Jana is an amazing children's clothes designer. Her designs are meant to be unique and are filled with special personal touches, such as embroidery, applique and monograms. She offers Skirt-of-the-Month and Dress-of-the-Month clubs (a great idea for a unique holiday gift for that little fashionista in your life!). And she does this all from her home on a small island in Alaska! Jana runs across some unique challenges in her business life - read on to find out more about this great lady and her business. 

Your shop is called "j.marie designs" but your Etsy shop name is actually onetallmama.etsy.com. Why is that? 
I had my Etsy username before I started selling custom items, so it just stuck.  The onetallmama comes from the fact that I am 6’2” tall.

How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you do?”  

I love designing unique custom children’s clothing.  Hair bows, embroidery, applique and monograms just add that little special personal touch.  I love polka dots and I think I usually try to find a way to work them into almost every outfit!

How did you get into sewing?   

I started sewing as a young girl.  I started making clothes about 7 years ago.My mom and grandma were a big influence.  I remember my mom was always working on some sort of sewing project.  She made a lot of our clothes when we were young.  Mom taught me to sew.

What is your favorite item to create?  

I think the dresses with layers of ruffles with matching ruffle pants (or as we call them Maddie pants).  It is really hard to pick a favorite.  I also really enjoy baby gift sets and doing custom embroidery as well.

What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging? 

I haven’t really had many challenges.  Sometimes shipping times can get out line when we don’t have mail coming or going on the island due to bad weather.  But that is just part of the adventure of living and running a business on a small island in Alaska. 

Any ideas for how you might overcome these challenges? 

LOL  I can’t change the weather.

How do you advertise or promote your shop?  

My blog/website recently got a facelift and it has made a huge difference in the perception of my business.  It gave my business a polished and cohesive look.  I worked with a great designer from Media Mom Creative.  I think that having a cohesive look and feel is really important.

I also use both facebook and twitter.  I have also found that Pinterest has been a great resource – not just for inspiration, but also for showcasing or getting my name out there as well.

What is your marketing “philosophy”? 

‘Branding’ is really important, I believe.  There was an article that I came across on the Etsy blog right when I was struggling with the decision to redo my website and my look.  It discussed the importance of having a unique look.  (Article:  http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/shop-makeover-creating-a-brand-identity-for-your-shop/).  Courtney took the vision in my head and it evolved into the design of my website.  

Your website looks fantastic! How did you set up your banner and avatar on your Etsy shop?   

My shop appearance is all tied to my new website.  The design of my website also included my Facebook ‘landing page’ and my Etsy page as well.

Do you photograph your own items? 

I have been incredibly blessed to have a great photographer friend.  Amy, from Simply B Photos, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I have sewn outfits for her daughter for over a year now.  Amy’s photography style really meshes well with the style of my designs. 

You have so many fantastic photos in your shop! Any photography tips to share?   

I think good photographs are important.  And a variety of different angles or shots that shows off your product will help the customer get a better idea of what they are purchasing.  Good lighting is key to great photographs of your products.

 As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Jana.

What is your favorite word? Coolbeans (it covers a wide range of emotions when a ‘that’s great’ just doesn’t fit).  I use it a lot!  

What is your least favorite word? CAN’T

What sound or noise do you love? My favorite sound, which could be noise to others, is the laughter from my 3 kids.

What sound or noise do you hate?  whining

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?  Dandelion.  To bloom, blossom and float away on the breeze…

Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines?  I love Dr. Seuss characters and books.  There is always a moral hidden away.

Who are your favorite heroines/heros in real life?  My mom.

What natural gift would you most like to possess?  Healing. 

What would you like to be when you grow up?  I’m still not sure.  J  I’m pretty happy with my life.

What makes you smile?  Life make me smile.

Thank you so much Jana for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Jana & j.marie designs!

Etsy shop:  www.onetallmama.etsy.com

Website:  www.jmarie-designs.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/designsbyjmarie

Twitter:  JMarieDesigns

Pinterest: Jana Mays

Jana has graciously offered to sponsor a fantastic giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers! Tune in tomorrow for details on how to win a Custom Bow Tie and Suspender Set from j.marie designs!! Thanks Jana!

{Featured Artist} Modern Buttercup

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are checking out Modern Buttercup.

How did you come up with your shop name? 
I was inspired by a modern looking vase with a bouquet of buttercups in it. That's where the name Modern Buttercup came from.

How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you sell/make/do?”
I make jewelry that you can wear casually or dress up with. My work is inspired by whimsical items, and modern quirks in life.

How did you get started making jewelry?
I've always liked making things, and opened my shop in March. I learned by experimenting with beads and wirework.


What is your favorite item to create? 
My favorite item to create are the ones that involve wirework and lots of beads.

What do you like about being a part of the Etsy community?
I love that its full of amazing crafters with great advice and willing to help you any time.

What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging? 
For me, the hardest things is getting my shop known. There is so many jewelry shops on Etsy, it's a challenge to be different and stand out. I'll probably work on SEO and good photos for my shop.

How do you advertise or promote your shop? 
I use Twitter,Pinterest, and my blog to promote my shop. I use Twitter and find it useful for sharing shop info to people who don't subscribe to my blog.


What do you do to encourage repeat/return customers?  
I send them coupon codes/ freebies.

What do you use for packaging materials and where do you get them? 
I use ribbon, tags and small jewelry boxes. I usually get my shop supplies locally, or I make my own. As for buying them locally or online, it depends. For cheaper stuff like ribbon, I shop locally. But for stuff I buy in bulk, like boxes, I buy online because in bulk things are cheaper.

Any photography tips to share? 
I photograph my items myself. It always helps to have steady, natural lighting and a good background. 

What else do you do to keep your shop looking great?
I make sure to have good photos and keep my profile and shop policies up to date. 

Are you a member of any teams? 
I'm a proud member of 21 Etsy teams. (yes, it's a lot) I like STATTEAM, Etsy Blog Team, and Etsy success team.the benefit of teams is that you can get good advice and give good advice. Make sure to be involved in the Etsy community! :)

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Modern Buttercup..


What is your favorite word? Quirky
What is your least favorite word? Fabulous
What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of The Beach
What sound or noise do you hate? Water running from a faucet (when it's not being used- I hate wasting water)
If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? Probably a water lily. I love the way they look, it's so pretty.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to read minds- that would be awesome!
What would you like to be when you grow up? A successful business owner.
What makes you smile? Cookies, cute comics, and beautiful Summer nights.

Thank you so much Modern Buttercup for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Modern Buttercup!

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernButtercup
Blog: http://modernbuttercup.blogspot.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/modernbuttercup
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/modernbuttercup

{Featured Artist} Christine from SariBlue

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Christine from SariBlue.

Christine's jewelry focuses around handcrafted Turkish Evil Eye beads. As her shop description says, "Beautiful, simply designed jewelry to add peace, positivity and a bit of fun to your style!  There’s nothing evil about it." Evil Eye beads (and in turn SariBlue jewelry) is meant to protect the wearer from negative forces. While influenced by traditional Turkish designs, Christine adds her own creativity and modern touches to create truly unique pieces for her shop. 

How did you come up with your shop name?
The story of the name goes back to my introduction to Turkish culture. Sari means blonde or (yellow)  in Turkish, which is what my partner, Big, has called me since we met six years ago.  Blue is not only the most popular color for Evil Eye beads, but also the color of my eyes. So when I decided to start a business, it wasn’t difficult to come up with a very personal name and one that was well suited to the Evil Eye beads legacy as well.  It was the first name I came up with and I really feel it is perfect for the brand and what we do.


How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you sell/make/do?”
I design and make jewelry with gorgeous handcrafted glass beads from Turkey. I get our handcrafted beads directly from artisans in Turkey who have learned the craft of making these historic glass beads through the generations.  We travel to Turkey to hand pick our beads or we have our family and friends work with the craftsmen directly for our collection. The jewelry is then tied together in a unique and modern way with my original designs. 
Our pieces are fun, colorful, very unique, adding a great conversation piece to any wardrobe, but they also add an ancient element of protection to your life by wearing the  Nazar Boncuk (Evil Eye Bead).  
Every piece of SariBlue jewelry has at least one Evil Eye bead to help protect the wearer from the potential negative forces out in the world.  It is believed that the wearer of Evil Eye beads will not only be protected from negative forces but also be brought good fortune so we like to say…There’s nothing evil about it….

How did you get into jewelry making and design?
I have been in love with art and design and culture and jewelry my whole life.  A few years ago when I was introduced to the Turkish culture and Evil Eye philosophy and these gorgeous glass beads I found myself really wanting to try again. It sounds crazy but I swear it was almost like they spoke to me, they kept after me until I finally gave into working with them.  I kept looking at the art and jewelry and craft behind the traditional designs.  Finally I got up enough courage to begin my efforts.   I am really pleased with how my designs have turned out, having used some traditional materials, of course historical mojo and my own modern designs.  I learned on my own by really getting to know the Turkish culture and then adding my own twist to the designs.  I have had a lot of great feedback from my Turkish friends and family that they love the designs and there is nothing exactly like it even in Turkey.  I also have had some very good input from my little muses, Gigi who is 7 and Maggie who is almost 9.  They have amazing insight through their own creative eye and I really use their input. Children have no filter, they know what is beautiful and are not afraid to tell you what is not!! So they are wonderful sounding boards and great partners for many ideas.    

How do you advertise or promote your shop?
I use facebook and advertise with them every so often.  Twitter, blogs, word of mouth.  I am just starting to do juried art shows and plan to do at least one per month.  I also am starting to cross promote with other vendors and small shops in my local area.  So far I have not put my work in any store front.


What is your marketing “philosophy”? 
I have learned in my other business world that consistency and brand recognition is super important.  I use the same avatar everywhere as SariBlue goggle blogs, etsy, facebook, twitter so people start to know me.  It is really important that your colors and logo and tags are consistent. 
The style of our jewelry should be recognizable.  That is my goal even though I am a tiny shop.  I am serious and anyone who sees me and my information should know I am professional and do quality work.  I have very professional labels, return labels, business cards, tags, it all matters.  Every interaction you have matters.  Customers are everywhere and could be anyone.  Today I was chatting with a pregnant woman and her 3 year old daughter at the post.  The little girl, Madeline was so cute she had on sparkly bracelets and was pretending she was the worker and I was her customer.  I chatted up her mum and ended up handing her a business card.  Of course I had on my own bracelet and earrings and was showing Madeline my bracelet and told her I made them….. Every interaction matters, marketing is how you present yourself in every medium. 

How did you set up your shop banner & avatar? 

I did this myself, I visualized what I wanted my shop image to project, the font is important and the colours, the company blurb and tag line was super important.  These things need to come to you, they require a focused vision about your shop and business and if you need help with the graphics be sure you work directly with the person who will listen to your vision not their own.  This is so super important and really needs time taken before you launch your site.

What else do you do to keep your shop looking great?

Don’t be afraid to change your shop.  As I added new items to my shop I realized it looked awful!! What was happening was all the bracelets fell together, all the earrings, all the bells, all the necklaces.  It looked really boring and not very artistic.  SO I rearranged things, moved things by colour.  I also had things by different first pic rather than all the same first image.  Nothing worse than a boring first impression.  Don’t get stuck in the same ole.

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Christine..

1. What is your favorite word? Super!!
2. What is your least favorite word? Sayings that drive me mad: “I don’t care” “But I didn’t do anything” “Whatever” URRGGGHGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. What sound or noise do you love?  Giggling baby so gorgeous, The rain I love the sound of rain so peaceful
4. What sound or noise do you hate? Alarm clock I never use one, I think TV commercials that use that sound should be banned
5. If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? Kangaroo, strong, puts up a good fight, can carry her babies safely around J
6. Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines? Tinker Bell, Wonder Twins (Form of an ….. Ice Berg … Form of a Hurricane)
7. Who are your favorite heroines/heros in real life? MLKj
8. What natural gift would you most like to possess? Mind-reader
9. What would you like to be when you grow up? Do I have to grow up? Rockstar J, maybe a true designer, clothing, shoes, interior…………….
10. What makes you smile? My girls

Thank you so much Christine for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Christine!

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sariblue

Website: http://www.sariblue.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SariBlue/172630069462908

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bigandsari

 

Christine has generously offered to sponsor a Giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers! Check back in Tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 17th) for details on how to enter to win one of Christine's lovely pieces of jewelry!