ThePaintedTiger

Etsy Shop Name And Address: ThePaintedTiger http://ThePaintedTiger.etsy.com
What you sell: Hand dyed yarn, silk, and custom knit scarves.
Tell us about your featured item: “Cheerful” is typical of my fun and bright colors of hand dyed yarn. Two shades each of blue and yellow are alternated to create this classic combination. “Cheerful” has been featured in several treasuries, and one even made it to the front page of Etsy.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10267272
Have you taken any business classes to help you prepare for being an Etsy shop owner? What class would you like to take?
No, I have not taken any formal classes. When I started ThePaintedTiger (several years before Etsy!), I did quite a bit of research on the internet about what I needed to do as far as legal issues. I also read quite a bit, and recommend any of the Nova Small Business Made Simple series of books. For internet sales, I also recommend the book “Advertise, Promote, and Market Your Business or Web Site for Little or No Money” by Bruce Brown. Be sure to check your local public library, they have many small business, marketing, and accounting books you can use for free.
Although I would love to take a business class, I find that most small business classes are directed at service or brick & mortar stores. This is a gap that I’d love to see filled, as so many more people are selling on the internet and there are special issues involved with that.
Do you hire an accountant to help with your Etsy shop finances? Why or why not?
No, I do not. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of girl, and I find that Quickbooks works well for me. Before that, I kept my accounts on paper. The trick for any system is keeping current!

CalumeyDesigns

Etsy Shop Name:
CalumeyDesigns (CalumeyDesigns.etsy.com)
What you sell:
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Polymer Clay Beads and Pendants. Resin pieces are also coming soon.
Tell us about your featured item:
Springtime is a set of one of my new favorite frit blends. A mix of German and American glass work together to add a soft splash of color to any design.
Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Yes and no. Yes because I create goals for myself – money, exposure, marketing, production. No, simply because I have not committed myself full time to my etsy shop. It’s a secondary income for me at this time.
Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?
I feel more comfortable with the business side. I’ve always been involved in some endeavor that required me to market. I also have a thirst for new information – what are the latest trends in my field, with my customer base, new ways to maximize my time and productivity.

Jewel Street Designs

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Jewel Street Designs http://jewelstreet.etsy.com
What you sell: Modern sterling silver and copper jewelry. Most with an Art Deco theme.
Tell us about your featured item:
My Pink Bubbles bangle is a combination of sterling silver and copper so it's a perfect feature for my shop. It's created solely from copper and sterling tubing and inspired by bubbles. The modern bangle is great to wear with a pair of jeans or dress up for a night out. Like almost all my pieces, it's designed to be worn everyday.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9984524
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
You know, I have thought long and hard about this. I don't believe there is any relationship between number of hearts and number of sales. I love getting hearts and still get as excited over each one as I did the first one, but there are so many reasons why someone would heart my shop or someone else's. I've seen shops that have just as many hearts as sales and others with tons of hearts and not as many sales. Moral of the story is hearts are fabulous and wonderful but don't always turn into sales.
How do you decide on the price of your products?
I use a little equation to make sure I arrive at a fair price for my jewelry. It's probably very similar to the one most other shop owners use. Every time I make a supply order I have to change how much wire or metal costs per inch then I know when I start the pricing process how much each piece I used is going to add up. I always make sure I add in my overhead costs and an hourly wage not that I ever pay myself. It all goes back in to JSD for now.

emmarosejewelry

Etsy Shop Name:
emmarosejewelry.etsy.com
What you sell:
I sell a happy acknowledgement of one’s personal sense of style—i.e., handcrafted jewelry. My jewelry is subtle but assertive, sometimes even reaching the downright seductive.
Tell us about your featured item:
This bracelet, Saturn, was a complete departure from every piece I’d made in the past. I was trained in the classic silversmith style where all you’d use would be natural gems and metal you’d hand-fabricated or cast. I found myself without studio space and began working with gemstone beads, but this was the first piece where I used borosilicate glass beads (by glassgypsy), mixing them with rhodolite garnets and Bali silver, wrapping connections and the toggle clasp.
The thing I really love about this bracelet is how it’s a world unto itself. The vivid glass colors whirl and blend like planets seen from space, one bead even contains a mysterious mist approximating water. The raspberry-colored garnets add an organic feel and swirly, hypnotic Bali beads spin like tops, completing the planet rotation theme. And, of course, if planets revolve around you, you must be something pretty special!
What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?
I like connecting with my buyers. Some of them want custom touches or we’ll go back and forth on a design, swapping out stones or changing another portion so the piece is very individual and meaningful to them. I enjoy hearing from them when they’ve received their jewelry, how frequently they’ve worn it, the compliments they’ve received, their delight at the packaging. They notice everything, and it makes my day.
What do you dislike most about running your own Etsy shop?
The same thing I dislike about selling in general—paperwork. Tracking costs, sales, dealing with the bank accounts, tax deadlines, it’s like another job in itself. I wonder if I’m doing everything right, what I’ve forgotten and if I’m second-guessing myself.

LeeluQ

Etsy Shop Name And Address: LeeluQ http://leeluQ.etsy.com OR www.leeluQ.com
What you sell: Quirky jewelry for quirky individuals, because EVERYONE needs to stand out sometimes!
Tell us about your featured item: I am always inspired by my surroundings, and the Sunset Flower Necklace is full of the warm colors I saw in the sky. The light orange-peach enameled brass flower is surrounded by varying sized oval carnelian gemstones and burgundy czech glass beads. LeeluQ Flower Necklaces are all re-purposed vintage flowers designed to sit off to the side of your neck, adding the perfect amount of sass to your look. Each necklace is one-of-a-kind, so the buyer knows that no one else will have a necklace that looks the same.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9425876
Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Oh definitely! Any time art or personal preferences are put out there on the market for sale, an artist is at the mercy of current fashion/styles/popular thought. I know that each individual is different and I want everyone to find something they would like to wear from LeeluQ, but If I didn't take risks with my designs, I wouldn't feel like I was being true to myself. Expanding my ideas to incorporate other colors/sizes/shapes has definitely helped (because if I created only what I would wear, all of my necklaces would be different shades of teal...and THAT just wouldn't do at all!). Ultimately, being able to adjust along with the ebb and flow of fashion while keeping true to my designs/ideas gives me pride in my work, and continually makes me my own best salesperson!
Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?
I think I am always going to be comfortable with having new ideas and letting my imagination take over...it's the process of making those visions into reality that often cause me difficulties. I usually just have to set things aside and work on something else; give my thoughts and hands a bit of a rest before it just, well... hits me! Recently I've grown more comfortable with the business side of LeeluQ, balancing supplies and sales (of course it helps to have friends whose brains see numbers while mine sees fluttering birds, flowers, and colorful palpitating hearts!).

chasingbeads

Chasing Beads www.chasingbeads.etsy.comWhat you sell: Handmade Semi-Precious Gemstone JewelryTell us about your featured item: My featured item(s) change frequently. I have no particular allegiance to them… they are replaceable. I do have a favourite which will be linked below. I don’t quite know why she’s my favourite… she just is.Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9927729What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?It’s addicting; it is just an offshoot of my real addiction… making jewelry which is an offshoot of my ultimate addiction…buying gemstones!Do you set goals for your Etsy shop? If so, what type of goals?I’ve only been with Etsy for a bit over a month now. I have 134 (at this writing) pieces currently and by the end of the year, I would like to have a combination of no less than 1000 items between the sold and for sale items. Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why? I LOATHE record keeping. Too much “paperwork”, takes away time from my addiction to creating my jewelry.Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?My taxes are filed with an accountant.

Very Vintage


Etsy Shop Name:
Very Vintage
What you sell:
I sell handmade jewelry and accessories. I love anything vintage and retro and try to incorporate a little bit of myself and my style into everything that I make.
Tell us about your featured item:
My featured item is one of my personal favorites, very fun and whimsical but still elegant and sophisticated!
I created these adorable mushroom dangle earrings from vintage glass lampwork mushrooms and surgical steel nickel free earwires.
Perfect for parties or just an average day!
Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?
I simply accept the necessity of keeping records. I know from my other job that businesses need to keep records. I try to model my business and what I have learned from that job to apply to my own business. I’ve been very lucky to learn about business and be exposed to a craft type business. I believe that has really helped my own business. Learning to keep records and profit margins on items is simply something that I know is needed for a business to run.
Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?
Haha! Actually no! My mother is an accountant. I’ve taken accounting and have filed taxes since I was 16. ((I am 20 now)) and although this year they will be more complicated, I have my mother to help me with things I am unsure of. Also, since I have purchased some new software from you, I can more accurately keep track of my finances, both for taxes and just for myself, instead of estimating.

modernbird

Etsy Shop Name:
modernbird
Creative Metalsmithing by Laura Flavin
What you sell:
I sell hand crafted sterling silver jewelry. I design and fabricate each piece in my home studio located in Tampa, Florida.
Tell us about your featured item:
My Nesting Bird Necklace is a favorite of mine in my etsy shop. This necklace is a perfect combination of rustic and modern infused with a sweetness inspired by nature. I have textured and forged a piece of silver wire, cut out the flowers and bird with my handsaw and soldered them into place. This pendant has been oxidized to give it a wonderful antiqued patina that enhances the detail and texture of the piece. I am inspired by the wildlife and foliage within my surroundings. Birds, flowers, and tropical plants influence my creativity and connect me to the part of myself that wishes to express the beauty I see around me everyday.
What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?
Creativity plays a big role in my marketing methods for many reasons. First, I enjoy wearing my jewelry, by doing this I receive many compliments and comments about my work. I take this opportunity to hand out my card and tell people about my jewelry and etsy, Second, I am continually artistically improving my etsy shop. I rework my photos every week or so continually improving their quality and artistic style. In addition, I try to be inventive with my item titles and descriptions. Lastly, I use creativity in my packaging and communication with my customers. I contact each buyer with a personal email note when I receive his or her order, I beautifully package each piece of Modern Bird Jewelry (who doesn’t love opening a lovely present!), and I write a hand written note in a card expressing my thanks and appreciation of their business. I work hard at infusing each transaction with love, care and creativity.
Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?
Well, I admit a do stress a little bit. But………..My wonderful Mom is also a CPA and she keeps me organized and on top of my taxes and bookkeeping!! I keep track of my receipts and expenses, print out all of my transactions and etsy and paypal statements. I do my best, but my methods are archaic, all by hand, no computer help. What can I say? I am slowly coming into the computer age! I am learning to love it; my etsy shop is paving the way. It has allowed me to share my creations with the whole world…….what could be better!

Southern Pleasures

Etsy Shop Name: Southern Pleasures
What you sell: I am directly involved in the creation and marketing of cold process soaps.
Tell us about your featured item: Black Raspberry Soap is one of my most favorite soaps to make and is one that my customers go after a lot. I find the scent a little alluring without being sickingly sweet. All of my soaps are really Castile type soaps because of their high olive oil content. I am a very visual person so I like to play with various colors and swirling patterns to create visual appeal.
What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?
Well considering the type of products I am marketing being creative is a necessity. My aim has always been to not only provide the best product I can possibly make but to create in a way that I can successfully stand out from the pack. I tend to create products that are bright and colorful with pleasing scents in hope of evoking positive and warm feelings. I am drawn to those things and hope my customers will be as well.
Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?
Well for a solid year I have had to be very responsible in maintaining accurate records of all my receipts for sales, supplies, marketing and the like. It’s not something that I look forward to doing but know that is a necessity when reporting things accurately to the department of revenue. While I was a tad disorganized with preparing for this year’s taxes I am taking the necessary steps for the duration of 08 to become a lot more organized in record keeping.

MoonMystic Hand-Crafted Gemstone Jewelry

Etsy Shop Name:
MoonMystic Hand-Crafted Gemstone Jewelry
http://www.mysticmoononline.com/
What you sell:
Hand-Crafted Gemstone Jewelry
Tell us about your featured item:
One of the challenges of making jewelry is trying to come up with new ideas. When I got this gorgeous chalcedony pendant, I knew I really had to come up with a stunning way to showcase its beauty and compliment its stunning color. I knew I wanted a variety of stones to cascade down the center. The Peruvian chalcedony had its own special glow to it, so I knew it could handle the gems cascading down the center of it. It took me days to pick out exactly the right color and shape combination and two days to complete the cascading cluster. The 5mm Peruvian Blue Opal rounds, 4mm Peridot rondelles, 4mm Hemimorphite rounds, 4x6 (New Jade) Serpentine rice, 4mm Russian Amazonite cubes, and 4mm Grey Onyx rounds are wire-wrapped on sterling head pins for a beautiful accent. The pendant itself is accented with sterling daisy spacers and seamless sterling rounds on a 20 gauge headpin with a 5x7 sterling oval jumpring. The beads compliment and draw out the fantastic coloring of this rare and unique bead.
What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?
I’m trying to be creative in my marketing methods. I have a blog: http://moonmystic-buriedinbeads.blogspot.com/, I do most of the other standard Etsy marketing methods, but I’ve also figured out a way to print off Etsy mini and use it as postcards, coupons, flyers, and promos. It’s so professional looking and it’s already set up!
Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?
I’m a teacher, but I don’t get any paychecks in the summer, so I live solely by my craft in the summer.

4th Ave. Soap Co.

Etsy Shop Name: 4th Ave. Soap Co. What you sell: I specialize in handcrafted soaps and other bath & beauty products. Tell us about your featured item: This is one of my blossom soaps (an oatmeal soap scented with Pink Sugar), which I love for its intricate and unique design. Even the mold for this soap is handmade, although not by me – I eventually hope to learn to make my own molds so that I can create my own designs! As with all of my soaps, this one is made with a glycerin base that is free of detergents, surfactants, sulfates and alcohol.
Have you taken any business classes to help you prepare for being an Etsy shop owner? What class would you like to take? I haven't, but I have considered it. I recently looked into a program for a Masters in Entrepreneurship, and am still considering enrolling once I've graduated and moved on from law school. If I had to pick just one class or one area of study, though, I'd really like to learn more about marketing for small businesses. Do you hire an accountant to help with your Etsy shop finances? Why or why not? Thankfully my mother is my accountant! I'm very grateful for all of her help and guidance with keeping my business finances and taxes in order. Otherwise I would probably hire an accountant – it's very important to me to mind all my financial p's and q's.

giapet

Etsy Shop Name:
giapet
What you sell:
My primary focus is on handmade lampworked beads formed with molten glass in a torch flame. The glass comes in rod form about the diameter of a pencil. My torch runs approximately 1700 degrees, once the glass is soft it is wrapped around a thin metal rod coated with a release agent. This is what makes the hole in the bead. I also create glass candle holders and other art glass pieces done in a kiln. Glass is a medium that you'll never get bored with which is why I'm so obsessed with it. I started out learning how to make stained glass and was quickly drawn to other ways to work with it. I also design and make jewelry with some of my beads.
Tell us about your featured item:
Lately I've been hooked on making conch shells. I start with a base color for the shell and then have to decide what colors to add to it. It is going to be a colorful mix that doesn't exist in real life or realistic looking like this one.
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
In a small way yes since more exposure should mean more sales in the long run. Downside is many just heart shops left and right to try and get noticed without really checking out the shops they are hearting.
How do you decide on the price of your products?
It a combination of materials costs, my time and what the market bear in my field. Prices on different colored glass varies wildly, pinks and reds used to be the most expensive. Now it is the new glass with heavy silver content that can run as high as $100 a pound.

Heartfeltbaby

Etsy Shop Name:
Heartfeltbaby.etsy.com

What you sell:
I sell felted baby and children’s clothing, and also accessories. The materials for my creations are pure wool and cashmere sweaters painstakingly acquired at yard sales and thrift stores. They are boiled for maximal shrinkage, cut apart, reassembled and embellished with vintage trim and buttons. Each item is unique and completely done by hand with much love to detail. Quality is paramount.

Tell us about your featured item:
My featured Item is a cardigan named PERDITA. This sweater is very soft and lightweight. Rich shades of purple, grey, lilac, coral and fuchsia combined with an animal print make it quite eclectic. It is embellished with exotic hibiscus flower appliqués (cut out from a vintage sweater) and closes with 5 vintage buttons.
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
In my case I don’t think there is a correlation. I am always happy to get hearts and do have many, but unfortunately the sales are not quite as plentiful. At least I know somebody out there is looking at my store. I do not know how the relations ship works for other stores.

How do you decide on the price of your products?
I consider the time it takes to make each item. Unfortunately, the customer has the disadvantage of not being able to see and touch the item, which in my case seems important. The comment most made about my work is: “pictures do not do it any justice”.

icgdesign

Etsy Shop Name: icgdesign.etsy.com
What you sell:
I sell handmade jewelry made from precious metals, silk, satin, leather, gemstones, semi precious stones, handmade glass and ceramic beads, pearls, resins, reclaimed materials, charms... really anything of quality that is interesting and beautiful that I can get my hands on!
Tell us about your featured item:
My featured item is a funky long lariat necklace of dark brown, black leather with ivory white freshwater pearls wrapped with sterling silver wire, then knotted at casual 2"ish intervals. At the end are a few extra wrapped pearls to create an asymetrical dangle. This versatile mixed textures piece can be worn long, simply tied once or wrapped twice as shown. It can also be tied around the wrist for a pretty layered bracelet or as a decorative belt. Wear it with jeans or dress it up with a silk cami and a wool suit for a unique twist on the traditional string of pearls.
Necklace is 38" long
What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?
I enjoy having the freedom to use my time any way that I choose. Sometimes I list items late at night in bed with my laptop, or make jewelry on a road trip during a long drive. This past summer , my husband and I drove out to Montana for a wedding, and I found inspiration along the way that I funneled into wire wrapping a lot of blue stones--The Big Sky was awesome! I love making pieces that are one of a kind, so I can keep exploring new ideas, materials and methods knowing that the etsy shopper appreciates the variety and choice inherent in the handmade. The process of making is an organic one, best served by few rules and boundaries. I have found etsy to be a very inspiring, accomodating venue where this sort of creativity is fostered and valued.
Do you sell in any venues outside of Etsy?
I sell my jewelry at a shop in Woodstock,NY called Craftspeople, a small store on Lake Ontario, in Sackets Harbor, called Calla Lillies and I have participated in local craft fairs in New Jersey. I have also recently had a jewelry party, hosted in Pleasantville NY.

FrenchLandscapes


Etsy Shop Name:
FrenchLandscapes
What you sell:
Fine Art Prints photographs
Tell us about your featured item:
It's a print of a cascade in one of the canyons around my village. These canyons are dried most of the time and I was very lucky to be able to shot this waterfall. The print is done from a very high definition file : 30 megapixels and the details are amazing.
What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?
Meeting nice and friendly peoples is the forums.
What do you dislike most about running your own Etsy shop?
Waiting for the treasury to accept my connection.

Blue Sky Pottery

Etsy Shop Name:
Blue Sky Pottery
http://www.dbabcock.etsy.com
What you sell:
Handmade, one-of-a-kind pottery. This includes bowls, cups, plates, baking dishes, vases, salt and pepper sets, teapots and tea sets, berry colanders, pitchers, bread baskets, etc. I make these items out of porcelain clay either by handbuilding or using my electric pottery wheel. They are fired in an electric kiln to approximately 2300 degrees F and so are extremely durable.
Tell us about your featured item:
Fill these bowls with salad, and you've got a work of art on your dining table. This salad bowl set would be a dream gift for the foodie on your list, especially if that foodie is you! I made the set on my pottery wheel out of beautiful, durable porcelain clay and altered the rims while the clay was soft. The glaze is a beautiful satin matte olive green with some pretty flecks in it. The large salad bowl is 5" tall x 11" across and will hold around 16 cups of salad; the eight smaller bowls in this set hold around 3 cups of salad and are approximately 3" tall x 6" across. All are signed on the bottom rim. This set is very durable and may be safely used in the microwave and dishwasher.
Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Yes. This is the second business I have started; the first being a marketing firm that I ran for 18 years before selling it and becoming a ceramic artist. Besides making these pottery creations, I operate my studio as a walk-in art gallery for visitors and locals in our tourist town. Plus, the Etsy shop keeps me busy marketing my pieces on-line. As a one-person operation, I handle production, distribution, marketing, window displays, advertising, publicity, pricing, packaging, and all other aspects of running a business including dusting, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom!
Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?
Actually, I’m equally comfortable with both sides. The reason is that my formal education is in business, a marketing major, but I’ve always had art as part of what I do whether it was taking a painting class at the local college, volunteering at the art center, or doing the graphic design on marketing pieces for myself and for clients.

RosannaElizabeth

Etsy Shop Name:
RosannaElizabeth
What you sell:
Unique handcrafted jewellery. I enjoy making one of a kind pieces, including custom orders. I love using genuine Swarovski crystals and gemstones and a variety of different metal bases. I am currently learning the art of wire work and absolutely love it!
Tell us about your featured item:
I have named this piece my “Blue Sea” bracelet because the mixture of blues reminds me of the sea. This bracelet is the first in my new series of wire work bracelets – and it is very fresh – I just made it this morning! I look forward to showing you more wire wrapped bracelets as I create them.
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
I do believe there is some sort of a relationship, but I am yet to work that out! I have many hearts but not many sales yet as I am fairly new to Etsy. Many people “heart” shops because they like what they sell and might come back later for a gift or when they may need what the shop stocks. There are also many other reasons that people heart instead of just buying. It’s extremely hard to gauge, but, if anything, a heart is a great networking tool!
How do you market your Etsy shop?
Where do I start?! I only opened my Etsy shop at the beginning of the year and since then I have learnt many things in the forums from other sellers on how to market both online and offline. Online I promote on facebook, my new blog (http://rosanna-elizabeth.blogspot.com/), indiepublic and in the forums on Etsy, as well as listing and renewing items regularly.
Offline, there are many more things I do! I sell my jewellery at monthly markets and bigger craft fairs, I always give out cards and these regularly lead to custom orders. I always make sure that I give my details to customers when they purchase an item, I put either a business card or thank you card or sticker with my details including my web address into their bag so they can contact me. I wear my jewellery everywhere – when I get comments I say that I made it myself and hand them a card explaining that they can check out my jewellery at my etsy shop online.
Things that I’m yet to do include: getting a bumper sticker with shop name and url to put on my car and put posters/brochures on notice boards along with business cards. There are so many things I should do, but there are only 24 hours in a day! I do as much as I can, but try to balance creating with marketing…leaning towards spending more time doing what I love – creating – because I love it, and that’s why I’m here!

Ali's Adorables

Etsy Shop Name
Ali’s Adorables
What you sell:
Frames, hair bows, scrapbooks, and greeting cards
Tell us about your featured item:
My featured items are three of my Easter/Spring hair bows. They range from ponytail holders to hair bands and alligator clips. My most
favorite would be the Bunny Hair bow. It’s the first one I have done using a polymer clay bead. I love to use things that are handmade in my
creations.
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
I think there is a small relationship but most of the time I think online shopping is impulse buying. So if you are closest to the top of the page,
the more likely your shop will be viewed.
How do you decide on the price of your products?
I calculate cost of materials and the time spent making the item as well as listing fees and a modest profit.

Jeanne de Andrade Designs

Etsy Shop Name: Jeanne de Andrade Designs (jdeandrade.etsy.com)
What you sell: Handmade Artisan Jewelry
Tell us about your featured item:
Three Strand AAA Peruvian Opal and Sterling Silver Bracelet This bracelet features gorgeous, and very hard to find, AAA Peruvian Opal gemstones with sterling silver accent beads and a beautiful sterling silver decorative dinner cuff clasp. Peruvian Opal gemstones of this quality are getting harder and harder to find – the color is stunning!
Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Yes, I would consider myself somewhat of an entrepreneur. I think if you had asked me that 5 years ago I would have definitely answered no. Three years ago I took a leap of faith and utilized 10 years of corporate marketing and graphic design experience to start a small marketing and design company. The company started with just one client and has now grown into more than 25 clients with continued growth in the foreseeable future.
To deal with the added stress of owning a successful and fast-growing company, I began making artisan jewelry. I found it very relaxing and I enjoyed utilizing my design skills for another medium. But what started simply as a hobby quickly turned into more. I began exhibiting my work at industry shows and ended up selling many of my pieces to jewelry stores and boutiques throughout the New England area. I came across Etsy in October of last year and was very impressed with the concept, so I thought I would give it a try. I am very glad I did. Since joining Etsy, I have sold 83 pieces and have been introduced to the work of many other talented artists.
I am thrilled to be a part of Etsy and I look forward to seeing where it all goes.
Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?
I am very comfortable with the business side of the jewelry making, mostly because I have a lot of experience in that area. However, I am most in love with the crafting side of the business. I look forward to the day when I can design and craft all day and let others worry about the nuts and bolts of the business.

karenskrafts

Etsy Shop Name: My esty shop name is karenskrafts.

What you sell: I sell high quality handmade jewelry! I especially love to work with sterling silver. The beauty of Swarovski crystals has also always captured my eye. I currently offer three jewelry lines. The Back to Basics Line offers simplistic and chic jewelry for every day wear. The Western Line especially appeals to those who love turquoise, nature, and the great outdoors! My Swarovski line offers beauty, elegance and sparkle in every piece. There truly is something for everyone!

Tell us about your featured item: I just couldn’t resist taking this picture of my very curious cat, Pargo! He will sit for hours watching me place the beads on a string – he is just fascinated! So, one day while taking pictures, he decided to sit right down in front of me, right in my work space! Well, I thought, he might as well join in – so, I took a picture of him modeling a bracelet! This is a beautiful pink and pearl swarovski 7 inch bracelet, which was designed using a very unique elegant toggle! I’m sure Pargo won’t mind parting with this bracelet if it catches your eye!

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

Well, I would love to be able to answer this question and say this is a part-time job. That truly is my eventual goal; however, at the present time I still classify my esty shop as a hobby. I have learned so much already, and learn so much more every day. It has been quite the adventure, and quite the hobby also! So, my spirits are high, and I’m reaching for the stars – so one day I can call this a part-time job. Or maybe even a full-time job way down the road, after retirement? I say this with caution…as the saying goes…careful what you wish for!

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

While this may not be the “expected” answer, I do have to almost admit that I enjoy the necessity of record keeping! It has been a little over 7 months since I actually “opened” shop. I kept all receipts in anticipation of this years taxes, and boy, I spent a lot more than I realized – those ten and twenty dollar purchases do add up! I also created a spreadsheet which is my window into how I am doing! Some days this gets me down, and other days I find this is a motivator to keep me going. Although I don’t mind record keeping, I do have to say that it does take away from the time to actually spend creating my jewelry. So, I’m looking for that happy medium – spend time gathering the information, but don’t make it take up more time than the creativity time. Hmm…maybe the answer is to utilize some of the documents offered by JJMFinance??

Zahour

Etsy Shop Name: Zahour

What you sell: Sterling silver, gold and enamel jewelry.

Tell us about your featured item: This is a piece from my “Braille Ring” Series. I was inspired by an exhibition I went to that showcased the new inventions and innovations created to help the blind adapt to everyday life- tea pots, clocks, board games…etc. I started thinking about Braille and how we communicate visually and verbally. Some of my rings are simple expressions- Love, Flirt, Sexy, Hot...
This one says “Yes” in Braille but if you look at the band, the shape I created makes it look like the word “No.” It’s a fun interplay of symbols and form. Only the wearer knows your “blind” thought.

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

Interesting question- I want to meet the artists who enjoy record keeping! I simply loathe it. It keeps me away from my favorite part of the business- creating. I consider record keeping and promotions the necessary evil. Without doing them, I wouldn’t be able to create and have a business but I’m not good at it and I’m glad there are people like you out there who are- your tools are really great- simple, helpful and big time savers.

Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?

Yes of course I do, every year. My husband is an independent contractor as well so we both have to file without the help of a W-2. Our tax forms are so long and daunting but it’s worth it to be able to do what we love as our careers!

dreaminofbeadin

Etsy Shop Name: Dreamin’ of Beadin’

What you sell: My shop features hand-made jewelry using Gemstones, Austrian crystals, Silver, Czech glass, and Vintage beads. Each piece is unique, affordable, and fun!

Tell us about your featured item: My “Madame Butterfly” necklace has been a popular item. I rarely re-create a piece of jewelry, but this necklace has been made and sold twice. I actually have made 2 different versions of it. The butterfly pendant is made from shell and it is very eye-catching. I had never seen anything like it. I’ve become quite fond of butterflies ~ they symbolize grace and beauty to me. I feel this is my signature piece ~ it is used in my shop Avatar.

What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?

I enjoy the sense of community, both from Buyers and Sellers. Every single person who has bought something from my store has been a complete joy, and I’m not just saying that. It’s the truth! I’ve met wonderful people from all over the world who I would have never had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. It is truly mind boggling!

Do you sell in any venues outside of Etsy?

At this time I am selling on Etsy only. Once in a while I might do a local craft show, but Etsy really takes just about all of the time and energy that I have right now. As any Seller knows, all aspects of having shop can be time consuming ~ promoting, marketing, creating, etc. I learned early on that you get out of it as much as you are willing to put into it, so I’ve been happy with the site and I have enjoyed watching it evolve over the past 14 months that I’ve been selling there.

YANGELS

Etsy Shop Name: YANGELS

What you sell: Yangels sells fashion and lifestyle products to bring fun and adventure into a girl’s life.

Tell us about your featured item: Y:Angels is for a girl that dreams, that believes in beauty, fun and the magic of fashion and always loves to dress to express and make a statement. This ‘Shooting Star’ dress is for any girl that wants to add a little glitterfication to their life and take their dancing feet from summer to winter!! This dress is from the story Come to my Space Party. It is about a girl called Alaia who receives a silver glittering invite to a party of adventure amongst the glittering galaxies of space. She flies into the night, aboard a shiny silver rocket into a night filled with colorful circus acts and whimsical, bold trapeze tricks that let her fly from colorful planets and sparkling stars.
This dress is like a piece of art and is a limited edition design.

What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?

I love to hear how happy the lovely buyers are when they receive and wear their own Y:Angels dress. Being able to connect with creative and adventurous people across the world is such an amazing experience. It brings a little smile to my face knowing someone from the US, Europe and Australia is making a difference and turning heads in their Y:Angels dress, knowing that no one else has one. I also enjoy thinking and implementing creative marketing ideas to allow Y:Angels to reach new people.

Do you sell in any venues outside of Etsy?

Yes. Y:Angels sells in the boutique Princess Polly in Australia who also believe in having fun, being creative and making a difference to the world.

Yadayadayada

Etsy Shop Name: YadaYadaYada

What you sell: We sell originally designed machine embroidered children’s clothing and apparel.

Tell us about your featured item: We’re featuring one of our baby gift sets. Our gift sets include four of our main product lines: A hooded towel, a onesie, a burp cloth, and a bib. This gift set includes the embroidered animals of our Woodland Creatures Collection. Gussy the Frog, Rocky the Rabbit, Rascal the Raccoon, and Cheeky the Squirrel are our original creations.

Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?

We don’t believe there is any relationship. We love and appreciate every heart we get, but most of our sales have not come from those who have hearted us.

How do you decide on the price of your products?
After determining the cost of materials that make up our products, we decide what an appropriate amount to be paid for our time is as well as what the market can bear. The complexity of the design also plays a factor. We have two price points for our onesies, for example, based on complexity of design.

Shayna Maidel

Etsy Shop Name: Shayna Maidel

What you sell: Vegan lip balms, lip glosses salve and solid scent

Tell us about your featured item: Juicy Jaffa orange lip balm is a super yummy, super orangey delightful, vegan lip balm - it is very moisturizing. A Jaffa orange is, it is a sweet orange exported from Israel. They definitely inspired this lip balm!

How do you market your Etsy shop?

Not sure if I count it as marketing, but I spend a lot of time in the chat (red room especially) and on the forums. I guess that's more like networking which I recommend. Otherwise, I don't do too much. I am planning on printing out more business cards and sending them to a couple of sellers who send out cards wth their packages. I do own a domain name and forward it to my Etsy page, but a friend of mine on Etsy (MIzombie; http://mizombie.etsy.com) says submitting your domain to directories can really help getting your name out there. I just need to put a profile up on my site. Not enough hours in the day! I definitely would like to look into doing more advertising in the future.

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes?

They seem cumbersome and overwhelming, especially for sellers that aren't organized or aren't very good at math.

UglyKitty

Etsy Shop Name: UglyKitty

What you sell: I usually like to say that I offer a variety of colorful craft creations, but lately the majority of my work has been focused on custom screen printed wedding invitations and recycled paper address boxes. I have quite a short attention span so I have a tendency to go through phases based on my newest obsession - the current one being stationary, so there are always new items being added.

Tell us about your featured item: My featured item is actually my kitty Quasi. I started the UglyKitty Fund in October 2006 in order to give back to Quasi’s former shelter. In order to keep true to Etsy’s handmade policy, I offer a 1.25” pin in exchange for $1, $5, or $10 donations. Since it’s start the UglyKitty Fund has helped raise over $2300 for the Cool Cats Rescue Shelter in Annapolis, MD.

What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?

The things I enjoy most about Etsy is that it gives my crafting a purpose. I’ve always loved art and making things, but how many handmade scarves can you give to family members, especially family members that live in California? Etsy has really allowed my artwork to develop and improve. Trying to think of new items to make and sell keeps my mind active, which I’m sure is for the better of all mankind.

What do you dislike most about running your own Etsy shop?

I miss sleeping. I know that if I weren’t working on my shop, I would still be creating, but I definitely miss having down time. There is so much that goes into custom orders, keeping stock, sending packages, and marketing UglyKitty, that I definitely spread myself a little thin sometimes. Regardless of the stresses though, I love ever minute of it!

MamaRobot

Etsy Shop Name: MamaRobot

What you sell: I sell greeting cards, prints, and apparel, all featuring my original illustrations.

Tell us about your featured item: I made this Robot Toddler Tee because so many customers loved my Robot baby onesie but asked for something in a larger size. I chose a soft cotton shirt in bright green from American Apparel. I've been very happy with the quality and the feel of the fabric. I'm also very proud of my labels. I chose a label that is folded over before it's sewn in, so there are no scratchy raw edges.

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur? Why or why not?

I am absolutely an entrepreneur, and I've always had that entrepreneurial spirit. When I was 10, I sold my greeting cards to the neighbors. I forget what I charged, but I remember each card took a really long time to make. I've always felt that owning a business would be the ultimate career because instead of working my way up, I would be in charge from the start.

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?

It depends on the day. Creating art is such a fickle thing; there are times when I feel like I'm out of ideas, then one day it all comes rushing back. So it's good to have things like taxes and marketing to focus on when I'm feeling uninspired. It creates a nice balance. I also find it extremely empowering to figure out quarterly New York State sales tax, because you need a calculator and a half!

KeysAndMemories


Etsy Shop Name: KeysAndMemories

What you sell:Vintage Typewriter Key Jewelry

Tell us about your featured item: This is one of my favorite pieces. I love the classic Tenniel illustrations from Alice in Wonderland. I hand color each picture and insert it under the glass tops of vintage typewriter keys.
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?

Tough question! I think hearts can show the likeability of your product line or your persona. I know someone with tons of hearts and low sales.
I think overall hearts show interest in your product line and that can mean sales somewhere along the line.

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes?

Possibly because of the time involved. I know for me, digging thru 12 months of receipts is something I am not looking forward to.

mikan designs

Etsy Shop Name: mikan designs or ww.mikandesigns.etsy.com

What you sell: Designers jewelry, unique fashion jewelry and high-end pieces, in original and contemporary designs.

Tell us about your featured item: The featured item is the contemporary design of the swarovski bangle bracelet. It can be ordered in any color of crystals, and it is uniquely made with circles of crystals, that shines and glitters on the hand. The clear swarovski crystal option is great for brides, and for any occasion, and the black option is very dramatic and adds the special touch needed for any elegant black evening dress. All other colors options are great for any kind of appearance, chic jeans and simple white top with this bracelet, is a winning casual look!

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

I consider my self as an entrepreneur. I have created a several selling platforms that allow me to reach my target audience overseas. My strong belief in e-commerce and in selling our local creativity to the one-of-a-kind lovers abroad is beginning to prove itself.

How do you keep your receipts and paperwork organized?

I use the services of a good accountant. I organize all my papers in special folders and summarize all activity in the end of each month.

The House of Worn


Etsy Shop Name: The House of Worn

What you sell: Independent fashion publications

Tell us about your featured item: The word, “fashion” is descended from the same roots as “fasten” and “facilitate” and once meant something along the lines of “creation by means of bundling and tying” but has (in the last 50 or so years) come to be synonymous with “trendy.” Styles now go in and out of fashion. Worn strives to get back to that earlier meaning, and discover what is of lasting value about clothing and style.
Worn plays a unique role by bringing a political, environmental, historical and cultural context to fashion. Pushing boundaries of collaboration and authorship with fashion magazine tropes like the photo story, Worn expands traditional relationships between models, designers, writers, photographers and illustrators. By exploring where art and fashion overlap, connecting with Fashion scholars and artists, and paying attention to how what is worn gets made, interpreted, transformed, disseminated and copied, Worn opens new avenues in art theory.
Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

Yes I do. I am building the publishing house into something that will actually pay me a salary. Though it hasn’t happened yet… this is what I want to do with my life and am passionately pursuing it every waking moment.

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?

I love learning the business side of the industry. I have absolutely no training prior to starting this endeavor, and that has proved both a good thing and a bad thing. I had to learn some lessons that school could have avoided for me, but in other ways not having a model let me grow in new ways that are maybe unconventional in publishing. I can’t say whether I like being an editor or a publisher more…they are both so motivating and exciting. I know that sounds totally cheesy – but it’s true!

metamorphosis

Etsy Shop Name: metamorphosis

What you sell: I make sterling silver jewelry, incorporating vintage objects, natural materials, and torch fired enamel. Most of my designs are heavily textured and oxidized for an organic look.

Tell us about your featured item: The fossil necklace is one of my favorite designs. I found these ammonite fossils at a gem and mineral show and immediately fell in love with them. I knew they were perfect for something, however I was not sure what that was at the time. After a bit of experimenting, I quickly realized that they made perfect pendants. The fossils are made of pyrite and were found in a Russian riverbed. This version of the necklace is accented with white freshwater pearls, which provide a lovely contrast with the oxidized silver of the chain.

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why? I definitely feel more comfortable with the crafting side. I love creating and making things, but I realize that in order to continue to do the part that I enjoy, I also have to do the business part. This past year selling my work became a major part of my income and I realized just how important paying attention to the business side is.

How do you keep your receipts and paperwork organized?

I have file folders for each month, which are organized in hanging files by quarters. I keep the current month out on my desk and put all my receipts, Etsy invoices, and copies of receipts for items sold at shows, etc for that month in it. I also write all of this information in a “Dome simplified monthly record keeping” book. Ideally I write down my expenses/ income as they happen, but in reality I normally don’t finish my monthly bookkeeping until the end of the following month.

Georganne

Etsy Shop Name: Georganne

Georganne's Hancrafted Baby Accessories
What you sell: Cloth diapers, Cloth diaper covers, slings, Honey Buns™ All Natural Diaper Salve, All Natural Laundry Soap, I Knead You™ scented modeling dough

Tell us about your featured item: My featured item is a bright, cheerful, cloth diaper cover, especially made for newborn babies. This cover has a cut out notch to allow air flow to healing belly buttons, and adjustable poly-resin snaps, for a custom fit. This diaper cover is waterproof, made from 2 layers of 1mm PUL (polyurethane laminate) With soft knit fabric on the outside AND inner; waterproof core never touches your child's skin! Please see my listing, for more information.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

How do I market my shop? Why, I get accountants to feature me on the blogs, of course! Ha, ha, just teasing! In reality, I have a host of networking techniques and venues that work for me. Here they are, in list form:

1) Belong to pertinent Etsy Street Teams (groups of Etsy sellers with similar interests, products, beliefs, or cultural/life situations)
2) BLOG! I too, have a blog, and post new products, works in progress, shop announcements, and any promotional sales or events. I also belong to blog-rings, which bring traffic.
3) I have my shop and blog url's in all email signatures.
4) I belong to several parenting and Christian Women's message boards, where I also have my url's in signature or profile.
5) I have a FlickR account.
6) I use my own products (ie; my babies wear my diapers, and I wear my babies in my slings) I/my children are walking billboards!
7) I give my handmade goodies as gifts.
8) I send out my business cards and free samples (when possible) with every order.
9) I have my shop name plastered on the back of my van in vinyl letters!
10) I have donated a gift bag of my products to be auctioned off at a charity fund-raiser.

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes?

I think the majority of working "Joe's" have a fear of the IRS (at least on some level) and of the perceived difficulty of filing. I know that I was afraid that I would end up owing Uncle Sam, instead of getting back the nice refund that my large family has come to depend on!