SF Etsy Team Member Kiva Endorsement: Mac Cutting Boards

Hello SF Etsy Teammates! 

Happy Monday! It was such a great way to wake up this morning and see that our team had successfully helped Josie and Bart from Mac Cutting Boards fund their small business loan through Kiva Zip!!!

Our Trusteeship with Kiva just began a few months ago and we are so very proud to already have two of our SF Etsy team members take advantage of this amazing micro-funding loan process to help them grow their businesses. 

Learn more about SF Etsy's Trusteeship by reading this blog post. 

I wanted to take this time for all of us to get better acquainted with Josie and Bart from Mac Cutting Boards. If you haven't met them in person, you should definitely introduce yourself when you see them at a show. They are truly some of the best humans you could ever meet. 

Enjoy this interview, along the way, we've included photos of their amazing and creative work :) 

1. Tell us a little bit about the people behind Mac Cutting Boards

Bart and Josie McHale are the owners of Mac Cutting Boards.  A family owned business since 2009.  We handcraft custom made wood cutting boards from repurposing and upcycling unused scrap hardwoods that we sourced from woodworkers such as cabinet makers, furniture makers, hardwood flooring companies and moulding companies.  

2. How did you first get started as a maker in the handmade community?

In 2009, we decided to include our whole family in making Christmas gifts for our friends and family. We decided on cutting boards and made 28 of them. They were so well received, we started getting orders for more and we never stopped making them. 

3. What do you find most exciting about being a maker and working with makers, entrepreneurs, and artisans?

Taking something like the scrap wood we use and turning it into something beautiful and useful is what keeps us going. We recently moved into a co-op shop with 5 other craftspeople. Being around them on a daily basis is so inspiring.  Not to mention the ability to learn from them on a daily basis is endless. 

4. What do you find most challenging about owning your own business? 

Owning your own business is a 24-7 commitment. At times it can be difficult to obtain funding when large orders come in and we need to purchase raw materials. 

5. Tell us about another special maker/artisan you've met while working on your business?

Brady & Liz from West Kept Secret http://westkeptsecret.com/.  They make and market metal calendars and to-do boards. You can personalize your calendar with numerous choices of magnets. There based in Phoenix Az and travel the west coast selling and promoting their products. In between shows there in their shop producing more inventory. 

6.  How did you learn about SFEtsy?

We met Marja Huhta from Glass Elements at a craft fair in Los Altos. She took the time to tell us about SF Etsy and she was instrumental in introducing us to SF Etsy members. 

7. What is one of your primary goals for your business in 2015?

We'd like to see continued growth of our company and an increase in our product line. We just hired a part time person to assist us in the shop and we'd like to add another person by the end of the year. 

8. What’s the one online tool you've discovered that can help makers propel their business?

Today there are many options for online growth. Are favorite is Instagram. It gives us the ability to market our business to a worldwide audience.  

9. Do you have any words of wisdom to help makers sell more in person at events?

Be engaged with potential customers. Tell them your story. We're always amazed by crafters who do not engage each and every person that passes by there booth. Remember that each person is an opportunity to practice your technique and perfect your performance.  

Use that few seconds to pitch your product and make a sale.  Ask for help.  You'll find that our community alone will come together to help each other out.

10. Where can we find you online?

Maccuttingboards.com

Instagram:    http://www.instagram.com/maccuttingboards

Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/maccuttingboard

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

Website:       http://www.maccuttingboards.com

Pinterest:     http://www.pinterest.com/maccuttingboard

Linkedin:      http://www.linked.com/maccuttingboards

A HUGE Thank you to Josie and Bart! We are so very proud to have you on the team and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and blossom!

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, visit Our Team Page about joining SFEtsy!

SFEtsy is now a proud Kiva Zip Trustee

We have some very, very exciting news to share with you today!

When Kiva Zip launched, they formed a partnership with Etsy that highlights the benefits of Kiva Zip for Etsy sellers and supporters of the handmade community. Read more about Etsy & Kiva on the Etsy Blog.

We are super proud and excited to announce that SFEtsy is now a Kiva Zip Trustee. Our first endorsement will be for Alana Rivera of Etta & Billie (Read Katy Atchinson's Studio Visit Post). Alana has slowly been building her bath & beauty business over the last several years and is now taking the big step of securing a micro-loan through Kiva Zip and the SFEtsy team is supporting her!

So what does being a Kiva Zip Trustee mean? It means that we have the opportunity to endorse our team members as they go through the Kiva Zip loan process. As a Trustee, we are providing our "stamp of approval" for team members on Kiva Zip and help through every step of the process. Read more about the SFEtsy Trusteeship here - https://zip.kiva.org/trustees/3876

Kiva Zip loans don't utilize a bank for underwriting. They are funded through what is called "Character Lending". During the loan application process, Alana was never asked about her credit score or other typical questions that banks ask, rather she was asked to tap into her social network to help fund the first portion of her loan. 

I'd like to invite you to support Alana. If you wish to contribute to her campaign, you can loan her as little as $5. Not only will you be helping Alana grow her business, but you will enter the world of Kiva Zip where you can learn the stories of many small businesses, just like you, that are growing through the program. 

Read more about how Alana plans to use the money here -  https://zip.kiva.org/loans/13757/i/jnr

If you've never lent money before in the Kiva Zip Program, here are a few simple steps to get you started:

(1) Click the following link:  https://zip.kiva.org/loans/13757/i/jnr
(2) Select the amount you would like to lend in the panel on the right-hand side
(3) Click the orange "Lend Now" button
(4) Click the white "Register" button
(5) Enter your full name, email and desired password in the appropriate boxes. Check that you have read the Kiva Terms of Use
(6) Click the orange "Register" button
(7) You should be redirected back to your checkout basket. Confirm the amount and click "Checkout"
(8) Choose to "Pay with your PayPal account" or "Pay with a debit or credit card"
(9) Fill out your payment information and click the orange "Pay" at the bottom of the page

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, visit Our Team Page about joining SFEtsy!

Friday Feature ~ World Photos by Paola

1. What is your shop name and URL? 
World Photos by Paola 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WorldPhotosByPaola


2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?
123 Treasury Promotion Team
Do Another Thing Team
Love Team
Photographers of Easy
Homespunsociety
SF Etsy
Etsy Promotion and Advertising

3. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
I mostly sell photographs in my shop. In some cases, I sell pillow cases with my photography and photo calendars as well. 

I have been taking photos since I was a little kid. I've always loved it. When I started traveling, photography became a way to capture moments and experiences forever with my camera. It allowed me to immortalize what I found to be interesting and beautiful. Of course, living in SF, I mostly photograph California. We are lucky to live in such rich and diverse natural place! 

Over the years I've taught myself how to take better photographs by looking at other photographers' work and by researching how to create the images I have in mind. People tend to think of photography as just involving a camera, but there is a lot of creative process involved before and after taking the photograph.

4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.
I have a 10 month old at home. Becoming a mom has been such a wonderful experience and it has completely revolutionized my life!  My little one is such a joy!

I love being outdoors. Hiking, camping, going to the beach, you name it! Every morning, I strap my boy to the backpack carrier and we hike Mt. Davidson. He seems to love nature too!


5. What inspires your creations?
Everyday beauty. I mostly photograph what I see on a daily basis. I try to get out of the city as often as I can, or to travel as much as possible but, no matter where I go, it's usually the simple things that capture my attention and draw me to them.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? 
Currently, my favorite item is a photograph I conceptualized in my mind and that I then had to actually create in multiple steps. I wanted to create something magical. I wanted hot air balloons flying over the Golden Gate Bridge (and other SF landmarks). The process involved in creating this image took months and a trip to Fresno!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205105162/hot-air-balloons-over-golden-gate-bridge?ref=shop_home_active_2

7. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy? 
I've been thinking about closing up the space in our basement to create a small office/guest room (hoping our landlady will allow!). I really want to wall paper that room to make it cozy and inviting. I would definitely use wallpaper from Kate Zaremba Company. This is one design I really love from her shop:https://www.etsy.com/listing/194805033/removable-wallpaper-foxy-print-assorted?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=fox+wallpaper&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

8. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?
I recently started sewing and I haven't been able to stop. I've been teaching myself some techniques and I really hope to get really good at it but. I would love to be able to design my own clothing! 

9. What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life? 
It means supporting other artists like myself. Nowadays people tend to buy mass produce because it's cheaper and more available, but I think there is so much more value in handcrafted local goods. The story behind them, the creative process, the fact that you are supporting the creative lifestyle of a person. I would hate to see a world without artists and creative people, so I think it's up to us to make sure art thrives in our communities.

10. Tell us about your first sale ever?
My first sale was a photo of a couple of chickens hanging outside a very rustic door in Southern China. 

11. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?
Website: www.worldphotosbypaola.com
Blog: http://worldphotosbypaola.blogspot.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WorldPhotosByPaola

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, visit Our Team Page about joining SFEtsy!

We Met & We Made at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

Last night, more than 100 crafty folks got together at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles for a fascinating workshop led by SF Etsy team co-captain Even Howard. Even taught us a little textile history and showed us how to use embroidery floss to make weavings and bows inspired by Victorian Hairwork. 

Even Howard of Nadene reviews workshop instructions

Part of the SoFA First Friday Art Walk, the evening was the kick-off event for the South Bay Etsy Meet & Make program. The SF Etsy team is proud to be working with the museum to support more crafty events in the South Bay -- stay tuned for more exciting announcements about upcoming events! The event was very well organized, and all supplies were included. I love this workshop format!

 

Even had two options for folks to explore: an infinity bow and a floss weaving.

Sample projects inspired by Victorian Hairwork by Even Howard of Nadene

I really enjoyed seeing the various interpretations to the workshop guidelines. This infinity bow card was gorgeous!

The room was packed with eager participants -- we kept having to add more and more tables as more and more people wanted to be part of the crafty action!

Museum director Christine looks on as folks dive into the project.

You could practically see the creativity in the air! (Or perhaps that was a side effect of the warm room -- we've been assured that the A/C will be all fixed by our event next month! Many thanks for everyone's patience regarding climate control.)
 

SF Etsy volunteer Kashmira helps some other SF Etsy members: Liz of ionyka chooses her colors while SF Etsy co-captain Katy looks on.

Our lovely team co-captains Even and Katy took a moment to smile for the camera!

 Many thanks to the team volunteers who came out to help make the evening such a success!

From left to right: SF Etsy co-captain Even of Nadene, Kashmira of Sadafulee, Vickie of Oh Abby Day, Armani of Retablos, and yours truly -- Jen, SF Etsy team leader and the Mama in Mama's Magic Studio.

 A big thank you to Etsy for sponsoring this great event -- and many, many thanks to our wonderful hosts and all the folks at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles! We're so glad to be partnering with you. Already looking forward to the June Meet & Make which will be taught by the amazing Rebecca of OodleBaDoodle! More details on that coming soon!

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Our Team Captain about joining SFEtsy!

Tuestorial: With Amazepack! Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Welcome to Amazepack HQ!

A few weeks ago, I was catching up on my Twitter feed and came across a retweet congratulating a new local business called Amazepack. The name drew me in and after clicking through to their website, I discovered they are a monthly service that delivers a complete DIY craft project to your door. All supplies are included. You just open, make it and enjoy it!

I loved it and wanted to learn more from the founder, Kristine Holst. She graciously opened her house to host a craft party for myself and SF Etsy Co-Captain Katy Atchison featuring November's Amazepack. As the following photos will show, we had a great time and I’m excited to share with you what this business is all about!

Meet Kristine Holst, founder of Amazepack. Also, she made that painting in the background. Serious crafter here.

Included in November’s Amazepack (materials needed):

• Two mason jars
• Two soap dispenser lids with pumps
• Three glass paint colors: turquoise, yellow and pink (along with a simple mixing guide)
• Paint thinner
• Paintbrush
• Mixing cup
• Butcher paper
• Bonus: recipe on how to make your own liquid soap to fill dispenser with!

Inside November's Amazepack...with mini dino!

Step 1:

First, check out the tiny dinosaur that comes with your craft supplies. Name it, and enjoy it forever! Then wipe off your mason jar to remove any dust or dirt that may have collected during shipping.

I loved that all details are well thought-out. The kraft paper that wraps your craft supplies? Use it to line your work surface to protect from paint leaks. The containers the paint comes in? After using the paint, wash and reuse. The empty lid container? Use it to mix different colors or mix with paint thinner. Kristine is all about reusing materials and packaging.

Every shipment also includes at least enough materials to make two complete projects. This is a service you can look forward to sharing with your friends each month and could easily turn it into a craft party. Just add wine!

Kristine and Katy taking over the table with painting and wine!

Step 2:

Lay out all your supplies. Pick a color or follow the simple mixing guide to make one you like. Use can use the paint thinner depending on how thick you want the paint. For a bolder color, I started with a background color with no paint thinner. I also used the other end of my paint brush to add dots once my background color was dry (about 15 minutes). Use what’s included in the box or what you have in your craft stash like sponges, masking tape or the simply the texture that is already on the jars (a “quilted” design) to make your design your own.

While letting my paint dry and thinking of my design, I asked Kristine how Amazepack came about. She said she was always interested in crafting, taking classes and learning new skills. Like most people who work and live busy lives, she never got around to making all the craft ideas she had or hunting down all the materials needed to complete them. While looking for a new job, her boyfriend, Ty White, asked her what she would love to be doing, if she could do anything. She knew she wanted to run her own business and crafts would be apart of it. Ty, basically the best boyfriend ever, designed a website for her while Kristine got the business plan together. Hence Amazepack was born, with T-Rex as their main sidekick.

Dots added, paint mixed, mess made!

Step 3:

Once your design is done, let your mason jar dry for 24 hours than bake the jar to set the paint (baking also makes it dishwasher safe). Put your jar in a cool oven and set oven to 375 degrees. After 40 minutes, turn the oven off, but leave the jar inside. Once the oven is cool again, remove jar.

Pump, pump it real good!

Step 4:

Attach pump and screw on with lid. Fill with soap and use!

Kristine is excited about the future Amazepack. She researching hosting craft party events using Amazepacks and possibly opening an Etsy store selling their kits or completed projects.

Amazepack loves to share and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (user name: Amazepack) or Pinterest. Kristine loves to see the fun ideas that come out of the Amazepack supplies and it offers inspiration to other Amazepack members too!

Group photo!

CONTEST TIME!

Interested in Amazepack and want to win November’s craft box? Just follow the two steps below to enter! Contest ends November 6th at midnight (Pacific time) and the winner will be announced November 7th.

#1: Leave a comment here sharing what craft project you have on your “to-do” list, but just haven’t had time to complete. 

#2: Like Amazepack on Facebook.

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

Happy 500!

Hold on to your hats, ladies and gents! SF Etsy has hit 500 blog posts!

Hip hip hooray!  Bring on the confetti, please!

HAPPY 500th Post, SF Etsy!

Your hard-working SF Etsy Blog Team along with our fearless SF Etsy Team Co-Captains would like to thank you for the amazing memories and the many more to come! You've helped this team grow exponentially giving us non-stop excitement and wonderfully interesting content. 

"Hey Guys! I'm SO excited and proud that we've come this far on the blog.

Our team is stronger and more connected because of our blog – it's the hot glue gun that connects all of us online! That sounds cheesy, but it's true! Think of all the creative projects you've been inspired to make from the blog, or the countless craft shows you've been notified about...or gotten to see behind the scenes of. This blog is a wonderful example of how truly creative, inspiring, intelligent and RAD we are! This year, you'll expect to see even more great things from us as we strengthen our online presence even more on the blog, Facebook and Twitter as well as start to bond outside of Etsy and the web through workshops, Meet-Ups and Etsy events."

- Katy Atchison, Co-Captain of SF Etsy Team

"Being part of a community is always a good way to make sure you succeed and grow. Being part of THIS community of creative entrepreneurs has made the journey to success & the process of growth all the more interesting and inspiring. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts at local shows, for contributing to our discussions and for enriching our collective bank of knowledge, SF Etsy. Your consistent willingness to be awesome has helped WAY MORE humans than you may have realized. So let's celebrate US!"

- Steph Cortes of nerd JERK, Co-Captain of SF Etsy Team

To show our gratitude, we've put together some super-fun FREE printables inspired by your creativity and geared toward what you've been asking us for! 

 Remember these from when you were a kid? Predict your creative future with this fun SF Etsy Inspiration Fortune Teller!  Designed by SF Etsy leader Ash of Kelly Drive.

Print this and bring it to the Opening Reception of our Team Art Show on May 12th for a fun icebreaker!

Want to show your team spirit at your next craft fair?

Identify yourself as a proud SF ETSIAN with this tabletop tent sign!

Need a Artist Trading Card envelope template? Katy built out two templates for you to download, print and fold. The perfect size to house your works of art during our ATC Event on May 24th!

a cute little owl ATC envelope featuring SF Etsy by Katy Atchison

Print this ATC Envelope template to house your Artists Trading Cards during our Team Meet-Up on May 24th.

We're a busy bunch! I dunno about you, but I can't hardly keep up with my own life, let alone our Etsy lives! I make lists to keep track of everything...hope this helps you keep track of everything, too!

Keep up with your busy schedule by using this handy to-do list!

To print any of the free graphics in this post, simply left click on the printable. When the shadow box pops open, right click on the image and select "open image in new tab". When the new tab opens, magnify the image to its largest, actual size, then right click on the image and choose "save image as...". Save to your desktop and print, print, print! (Make sure to turn off your margins so your printer doesn't cut off any of the good stuff!) 

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

Friday Feature -- Tir na nOg Faery adoption

This week's featured SF Etsy member is Jesse, the creative force behind Tir na nOg Faery adoptions. Her Faery creations are gorgeous works of art -- and they get a big squeal of approval from my 5 year old daughter, who was looking over my shoulder as I explored Jesse's shop. Every doll received approving "Oohs!" and "Aahs!" Clearly, Jesse knows her target audience! I think my daughter likes this Pixie Mermaid best:



Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

At the moment, I have my shop loaded to the gills with what I call 'pipe cleaner pixies'. For anyone familiar with the Waldorf schools, the style is based off of their 'Flower Fairy' dolls. When I was smaller, my Mum bought a Flower Fairy tutorial sheet from a Waldorf festival and made a couple for me, which have followed me from home to home ever since. I actually started making dolls of my own rather spur of the moment. I was at the Faerieworlds Festival in Eugene Oregon five years ago and decided that my costume was missing something. So, I got out the old instruction sheet for the flower fairies and went to work. After the festival, I realized that I really enjoyed creating these little dolls and as the months went by, I started to play more and more with their design. It wasn't until my sophomore year in college that I actually started selling my dolls. There was one project in particular where we were asked to craft a book. I chose to illustrate mine by posing some of my faeries and photographing them. My professor saw some of the pictures and suggested that I try vending them at the Denver Waldorf's Festival of Light. The entry fee was within my budget and I figured "sure. Why not?" The festival was a gigantic success for me and opened my eyes to a new possibility; selling my dolls online. I have been a vendor at this festival for the past four years. I even earned a nickname within the community, which I use as my online handle ("The Faery Lady")

As for my creative process, its all rather fluid. I start by making the 'yarn skeleton' and once that's done, I hold it up against all my fabrics and flowers to see which feels the best for that particular doll. I usually just go where the inspiration takes me, which is how the mermaid dolls came into being. I was looking at my betta fish one evening when all of a sudden a thought popped in. I wonder how I would make a mermaid doll...
Now that I've figured that one out, the next thought bubble to tackle is dragons.

2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?
SFetsy, Dollmakers, Dollmakers of Etsy, Etsy Success, FAE, and Sonoma County Etsy

3. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

Within the last couple of months, I've picked up face painting. I had always been really interested in the art form, thanks to the painters at Disneyland, but it had never occurred to me that I could do it too. After pouring over a bunch of face painting tutorials on youtube, I finally decided to just go for it. It's been one of the best late night choices I've ever made! I'm really excited about doing some painting for Valentine's day, especially since I just bought a few new pigments....one of which is a fantastic copper color and a rainbow cake called 'Fairy Floss'.

I'm also expanding into cut paper illustration. It has this lovely folk art feel to it, which I love and the medium is a bit more forgiving than others (like pencils or oil paint). There's this artist named Brittany Lee who has done some beautiful, beautiful pieces with cut paper and acrylic paint. Every time I see her work, I get the same " I wonder how I could do that" bee in my bonnet that I get with my dolls. It's brilliant.

As for other interesting facts, I have green/purple/blue and brown hair, I have a cat with six toes on her front two paws named Nimuae (Nim-oo-ay), I love sculpting creatures out of polymer clay, I'm obsessed with empty notebooks, and Art Nouveau is my favorite artistic style.

4. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop?

My biggest challenge has to do with pricing my work. I'm learning to take my work and myself seriously, but there's still that little tickle in the back of my mind that says I shouldn't charge a lot of money because no one will buy from me if I do. As of late, I'm beginning to see what a destructive belief that is and how it is my responsibility as an artist to educate others on the value of any piece of art. One of the things that never really sunk into my brain when I was at art college was that not many people can do what we artists do. We provide a service and that service has a definite value. It takes a good amount of soul searching and research to find a value that is both fair and reasonable to you and your customers, but it is very much worth your while to do it. Life lesson learned.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?



Rori, my little acorn faery, would have to be one of my favorites. I was a little sad to ship her to her new home. One of my favored yarns to use for hair is that 'ginger' color. That, coupled with the green dress and acorn hat just makes me so giddy when I look at pictures of her.

6. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?

This one's a toughie because there are so many wonderful items out there that I would be ecstatic to have as part of my home decor or personal wardrobe. If I were to pick just one though, I'd have to go with....one of these or...quite possibly this.

7. If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?

Bilbo Baggins! The Hobbit was the first novel I read by myself as a child, so Mr. Baggins holds a very special place in my heart. He goes on grand adventures, writes books, smokes one awesome looking pipe, and lives in a hobbit hole. Sounds like a perfect life to me...especially if there's a hobbit hole involved. I promise you, one day I will have one for my very own.

8. Which one song describes your life the best? Why?

Again we turn to The Hobbit to answer this one, except this time it's the animated feature film instead of the book. The Greatest Adventure by Glenn Yarbrough sums up my life and how I aspire to be remarkably well. The whole song is basically talking about how you are in complete control of your life and how it plays out. If you want to live your ideal life, you have to get out there and just do it, rather than sitting on your hands dreaming about doing it.

9. If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?
Let's see. If money were no object and I could do anything I wanted...I'd get up at midnight, buy myself a proper art studio loaded with everything I could ever hope to play with before six am and then I'd go to Ireland for a long visit.


10. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

I have a twitter, blog, and deviantart, which can be found at:

Twitter
Blog
Deviantart

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

Friday Feature -- Honey From The Bee

This week's featured teammate is Janet, who runs Honey From the Bee. I love the gorgeous colors and textures in her artisan jewelry! This Black and Red bracelet particularly caught my eye -- isn't that lampwork gorgeous?
Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

I create one of a kind and limited edition earrings, bracelets, brooches and necklaces. I'm a recovering workshop junkie. I've always loved to learn and find spending several days with like-minded people is very inspiring and comforting. Everyone is supportive and "gets" your creative side. I touched beads for the first time at a local bead store near Portland, Oregon about 13 years ago. Besides workshops at retreats I've taken a semester of a small metals course through our local junior college. Practice, practice, practice...

I find it difficult to create when I'm not in the mood. However it doesn't take much more than flipping through some magazines or books and pulling out drawers of my stash to get back in the mood. I like to create pieces that tell a story so there will be a bead or a photo that stirs something in me or some memory that I want to capture. Then I will spend some time pulling colors from my stash before sitting down to either draw a potential design or I might go right to playing around with the beads and wire or silver pieces I've created to see what's pleasing.

2. Aside from SF Etsy, to which Etsy Teams do you belong?

Unique Women in Business (UWIB)
Blogging Business Artisans (BBArtisans)
Those are the ones I'm active in. I belong to some others related to treasuries and the Etsy Blogging team.

3. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

I started out college prep and after a brief time in accounting I loved my job as a computer programmer. I found it to be a creative outlet and very satisfying. Working long hours wasn't a problem much like when I am really focused on a new piece of art jewelry.

After falling in love with someone else's Springer Spaniel named Gus my husband and I have owned three ourselves. If you've ever had one you know what I mean when I say they are the most fun and loving dogs one could adopt. Currently Daisy and Moose grace our lives with their silliness and cuddling requirements.

I'm currently exploring fiber again with my knitting, weaving and hooking. I love mixed media so am also exploring more in that area, too. I'm trying not to think ahead to what that means. I think I'll always create jewelry, but maybe there will be a crossover?

4. How did you get involved with Etsy?

I used to do just art shows, but wanting a year-round exposure of my work led me to Etsy.

5. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop?

Getting seen! Etsy seems to promote the same look and shops over and over again. At least that's the way it seems to me. So one has to do one's best to network and get the SEO up on one's shop, blog, etc. I still don't have a handle on SEO, but I do enjoy blogging and that seems to have connected with quite a few folks. I've also gotten a following on Facebook which is another way for me to stay in touch with other artists as well as my customers.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?




Environmental issues always strike a cord with me. When the Gulf Oil Spill occurred I found I was depressed for weeks while watching this disaster and feeling helpless. One morning I woke up and knew exactly what I wanted to do. I would turn those raw emotions into jewelry. I made a series of 3 talisman pendants. This one was the one I had a clear vision for and yet was the most difficult to complete. There are a lot of techniques involved and I wanted it to be beautiful to wear yet prompt conversation. The government, BP and the local people that depend on the Gulf for their livelihood all have an interest in us forgetting what happened. I won't do that and know that if you let people forget, more horrible decisions will be made in the future.

7. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?

This "Incredible" Chandelier

(you said ANY item I wanted... lol!)

8. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

Quilting... I'd like to take my love of fiber and tie it to my love of beads in art quilts

9. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

Blog
Flickr
Facebook
Twitter

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

Friday Feature -- Scene Not Herd

This week's featured SF Etsy teammate is Holly, who is the creative force behind Scene Not Herd. I love the whimsical jewelry in her shop, and the hand stamped personal touches really add a unique element. I particularly like her "Shine" lantern necklace. She says it's "reminiscent of that old thing your dad busted out on camping trips" -- spot on!
Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

My jewelry is a collection of what I like to wear, girly but simple. Many of the pieces feature hand stamped tags that make them personalized and a bit more special. I love giving gifts so many of the pieces are inspired by friends and what I know they would love to wear. I took a simple jewelry making class at a local adult ed program and learned the basics a few years ago. Since, its all been experimentation until something works!

2. Tell us two other interesting things about you.

I am also an algebra and science teacher to middle schoolers in Oakland. I originally started making my own jewelry because I often noticed I was wearing the same stuff from the mall as my middle school students. Yikes!

My husband and I are in the process of adopting two little children from the Democratic Republic of Congo! My Etsy shop is helping to offset the crazy adoption costs. I'm also hoping to raise awareness for what's going on in DRC. I would love to be able to take a huge stash of formula and baby supplies when we visit the orphanage to bring our little ones home.


3. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why is it your favorite?

I'm partial to my "Oh Snap!" necklace. My students say it all the time and it never ceases to make me laugh.


4. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?

I have an unhealthy love for succulents, so I'd get this.

5. What crafting skill do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

I would love to knit, I've tried but I'm too impatient.

6. If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?

Anne Shirley...there would be no shortage of adventure. And let's be honest, who doesn't love them some Gilbert Blythe? (He's as close to my real husband as fiction can get!)

7. If your life was a book, what would be the title and how would your story end?

"Second Hand Heart" The end is the beginning of a new day, full of hope and promise.

8. What is the craziest gift you have ever received?
Some friends gave us a $5000 check to help out with the adoption costs. They aren't wealthy, it just seemed like the right thing to do to them. I've never been so overwhelmed.

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!