Friday Feature ~ Pamela Baron Designs

It's Friday Feature time again and this time we are featuring Pamela Baron Designs. She makes some beautiful watercolors and also does custom house portraits.

1. What is your Shop Name and URL ?

Pamela Baron Designs, https://www.etsy.com/shop/PamelaBaronDesigns

2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

SF Etsy, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

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?

My shop houses my prints, paintings and hand-cut sticker packs. I make everything from my studio in Oakland and take pride in selecting high quality materials, locally whenever possible.

I got a degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, but it took me several years of working and collaborating with other artists in a variety of fields before I ventured out on my own. 

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

In college, I worked as a glass blowing assistant and still continue to blow glass as a hobby. My boyfriend is a professional glassblower so sometimes we get to work on projects together although our styles are very different. My glass tends to looks like wonky children's drawings, and his are very elegant and complex.

If I am not painting, blowing glass, or hiking, I can be found fussing over the many plants. Many of them I have grown from tiny sprouts, or received from close friends. At this point, I kind of consider them my pets.

5. Do you have any other sites you would like featured?

https://instagram.com/pamelabaron/

My Instagram account is the best place to find new work and see what I am up to.

6. What inspires your creations?

I love getting out into nature and engaging with my environment. Almost all of my work starts from something that I have taken a picture of. Living in the Bay Area brings so much inspiration.

7. How did you get involved with Etsy?

I learned about Etsy in college but only seriously started using it after joining the SF Etsy Team. It's been so wonderful and inspiring to be a part of such an activate community.

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

My favorite item in my shop is the custom house portrait!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/218375708/personalized-housewarming-gift-custom?ref=shop_home_feat_2

Architecture has always held a special place in my heart. There is so much rhythm and character in all the line work involved, it's almost musical. From painting a client's five cats peaking out of the windows (true story!), to obsessing over special plants in the front yard, my favorite part is adding the meaningful details that make a space personal.

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

Embroidery! Someday I'll embroider mini portraits of all of my plants.

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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 ~ Frances Marin

Our Friday Feature this week is artist Frances Marin. She paints custom portraits of people and pets, illustrates logos, paints and makes textiles.

1. What is your Shop Name and URL ?
My shops name is Frances Marin and the URL is www.francesmarin.etsy.com

 2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?
SF Etsy

 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 sell custom portraits, prints of my artwork and some original work on Etsy. I also get custom requests for special projects. 

I have been painting and drawing since I can remember and I went to school for my BFA. 

My creative process involves being in a good headspace and environment, first and foremost. I get into the flow of working and lose track of time. I experiment with every brush stroke, learning new things and revisiting technique from years of practice. These days, I like to work loosely and simplify. I often conduct a little research to look at patterns, colors, places, so I am always learning new things by making art. That is an important aspect to my process. 

 4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.
I went on an art residency in Cadiz, Spain last November. It was an incredible experience, working in a studio on the top floor of a museum that overlooked the sea. The ideas and influence that has had on me has been immense on my recent work. Also, I dropped out of high school my freshman year and later on received my BFA in pictorial art and and an MLIS (library science). I guess I like to do things my own way. 

 7. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?
http://www.francesmarin.com/
https://instagram.com/francesmarin/

8. What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
When the editor of HGTV Magazine ordered from my shop, as well as when I received custom portrait orders from actors in Belgium and from a band I love. Also, when Etsy featured my portraits on their blog in 2012. That's how the portraits took off! Thank you, Etsy. 

9. If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?
I would sail a boat to a tropical island, swim for a little while in the crystal clear water. Jump out, eat some plantains, black beans and fresh fish. Then, lay in a hammock and sketch all day. Later on, have a bonfire with some good family and friends. 

10. Give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.
I love sharing my knowledge with others. Between my art and library science education, I have a variety of creative and research skills. I have developed a good knowledge of art business skills from a course I completed as well as the internet so I try to answer questions people have for me regarding creative business. If I hear of an opportunity that would be a good fit for an artist or maker I know, I will reach out and send it to them. Last summer, I was an instructor for the Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship Program and this has led to some potential future opportunities for teaching. I have taught art to children and adults, even in a juvenile hall for girls some years ago. That was one of my favorite experiences in giving back. 

11.What's next for you?
I will be creating an art installation for the SubZERO Festival in San Jose June 5th and 6th. I love this festival since it is in my city and shows off all the artistic talent we have to offer. The range of art and music is mind-blowing so don't miss it!

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

Creative People To Inspire Your Next Steps: Alana of Etta + Billie

If you had a chance to read over the newest Etsy article about Etta + Billie, you'll know that Alana started her company in 2009 and steadily grew her business until she was able to quit her day job about a year and a half ago. Her story is inspirational, motivating and just down right awesome-sauce. 

I've been watching her business grow for the last 6 years and she's always been such an inspiration for me - like, seriously - she's so ultra-cool. Her passion behind her business is clear, she's super nice, her brand aesthetic is stunning & you'll find that she's got a great business savvy about her. Also, she's a riot! Her warm personality fills a room & I just love her dry sense of humor.

Alana recently moved into her own larger studio space from her home garage - and about 3 weeks ago, we finally met up for some fun. She let me into her studio to make some soap with her and learn more about her technique. You can read about that on my own personal blog... Ylang-Ylang, Etta+Billie & other Curiosities

But, she also let me ask some questions just for SF Etsy & our community to help inspire you to follow your passions & expand your business towards the next step. Plus, I got curious and asked some questions about her products that I think are fun to know for future SF Etsy trivia nights. 

FAVORITE SCENTS, PRODUCT INFO & MORE, OH MY!:

Have your favorite scents shifted since you were a teen or do you find yourself still attracted to the same things?

My favorite scents have definitely shifted since I was a teen. I was very drawn to citrus or ginger scents (or a combination of both) when I was younger and now I love richer, earthier scents like patchouli, cedar and geranium.

What's your favorite product that you sell right now?

My current favorite product is my Bath + Body Oil. It's the perfect multi-purpose product. I use it instead of body lotion, I put a few drops in my hair as a leave in conditioner and use it at night on my face as a facial treatment. I ALWAYS travel with a mini bottle.

BERGAMOT GINGER SKIN BALM

I know my favorite product of yours rotates (because they are all awesome!). Right now I'm digging the Bergamot Ginger Lotion. What's the current customer favorite? 

Customers are LOVING the skin balms right now. Because it's cold and dry, our hands, cuticles, elbows etc are getting extra roughed up. The skin balm works wonders to soften and soothe dry skin.

How often do you test out new products? 

Not as often as I'd like!! About 3-5 times a year. I want that to become a monthly experience.

How do you keep yourself inspired to keep making and producing your product?

Recently, I've been working on collaborations with other makers to keep me inspired. I love learning more about others crafts and figuring out how to create something that captures the essence of another brand.

(you can check out a few of her collaborations with local companies on her website here: Ritual Coffee - Speakeasy Beer - T-We Tea) Also! Her Pumpkin Beer DRAFT Magazine last summer - how cool is that?!

RITUAL ROASTERS COFFEE SOAP

EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS:

So many of the makers we know struggle to take that first step into wholesale & consignment opportunities. You're a true inspiration to those who are looking to expand their business into that direction... Knowing that you sell all over the US, can you tell us how you found most of these spaces?

That's correct, I do sell all over the US. A large percentage of stores have found me through craft shows such as Renegade. Others have seen my items on Instagram, SF Made and the San Francisco Green Business website. I've also participated in the SF Gift Show.

Display of Alana's products within Egg & Dart

For those looking to move into their own studio like you did to expand their business beyond their garage or home office - what is the most valuable lesson you learned that you wish you had known before you started the search for your current space?

The most valuable lesson I learned is that you have to be very proactive about finding space and have a clear list of must haves. It will make the process a bit smoother and make it a lot easier to say no to certain spaces. At a certain point in my search, I started to feel really desperate which caused me to consider spaces that truly weren't the right fit.

COMMUNITY & FAMILY:

Since the name of your business was named after your two grandmothers - how does your family play a part in your business today? 

My family is incredibly supportive of my business. Whenever they are in town, they are always happy to wrap product, help me make soap or do whatever is necessary around the studio. My dad also is my un-official Southern California coastal sales rep.

Do you have soap boxing parties during the high-volume seasons? 

Every holiday season for the past 3 years has had a weekly soap/product boxing party. It's a lot of fun. We wrap soap, eat a great meal and drink some wine. I'm always looking for people interested in wrapping a few 100 bars of soap in an evening. ;-) (hint hint)

Community is a huge part of the marker scene here in San Francisco - how do you participate? 

I love that my craft has created such an amazing opportunity to connect with other makers throughout the city. I keep connected to other makers through my membership in SF Etsy, participation in events and through a mastermind group of makers called the Creative Business League.

WHAT'S NEXT?!:

What shows are you going to be part of coming up so that the team can meet you in person?!?

I'll be a vendor at the first ever Summer West Coast Craft in June and hopefully get to vend again at Renegade's summer show in SF.
Are your teaching any classes soon so that people can learn some of your awesome tricks?

I have a natural cleaning products class at the Handcrafted Studio School in early May and will likely teach a lip balm or bath product class at Workshop SF in the coming months. Check both sites for dates and details!

WHERE TO FIND ETTA + BILLIE

Her Official Website
Her Etsy Shop
Search for a Retailer Near You
Facebook!
Read about my fun day with Alana here
Her blog features interviews with shops her products are sold in plus totally yummy recipes!

Side note that I'm just SO grateful that our community here at SF Etsy has people like Alana to inspire us to keep going after our passions. Thank you to Alana for taking so much time with me over the last few weeks - I am forever grateful!

Alana in what I like to call her Mad Scientist Attire! 

UPDATE: April 30,2015 
SFetsy is Proud to Announce that Alana Rivera from Etta + Billie is our 1st endorsement as Kiva Zip Trustees. Share or Contribute to her Campaign Here  https://zip.kiva.org/loans/13757/i/jnr

For More Information about SF Etsy and Kiva's partnership: http://sfetsy.blogspot.com/2015/04/we-have-some-very-very-exciting-news-to.html

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

Captain's Log: Meet SFEtsy Community Supporters - Interview with Popupsters

Hello Teammies!

It's 2015, can you believe it? 2014 was a BIG year for our team. This year, we have a team goal to help you reach your business goals and help you take your business to the next level. One of the ways we are doing this is by talking to handmade supporters and leaders in our community and interviewing them for this blog. Several of our SFEtsy team leaders will be writing here too so you will get to see many facets of the handmade and maker community.

As a team, we were out in the community more than ever - all over the Bay Area! One of our big events was the 2nd Annual Indie Holiday Emporium. Along with Popupsters, we hosted nearly 200 local artisans (and over 40,000 shoppers!) at the historic Pier 35 in San Francisco.

When we were planning the Emporium, we searched for an event partner that really gets the handmade community and the spirit of small, artisan businesses and makers. Aaron Lander from Popupsters fit the bill and we are honored to have him as part of our SFEtsy community.

Recently, I sat down with Aaron and we talked about his role in the artisan community and a little bit more about Popupsters. I know you will enjoy getting to know Aaron and Popupsters and it will inspire you to connect with him online and see how Popupsters can help you take your business to the next level :)

I know you will enjoy this interview!
Rebecca Saylor
SFEtsy Co-Captain

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself as a human in the world? 

I'm Aaron Lander, CEO of PopUpsters www.popupsters.com - you can find me online @popupsters & @aaronnizzie. 

I was born, raised and educated in the great State of Iowa before coming to the Bay Area in 2011 where I've worked in the local food and agricultural industry (Marin Sun Farms, Fatted Calf, AgLocal) before starting PopUpsters.  

2. How did you first get involved in with Makers and the Handmade Community?

I don't know if I can pinpoint a specific instance when I got involved with the maker community but I do know that I've respected the community since I was a child when I would help my aunt with her crafts. 

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

I find the passion and creativity that makers, entrepreneurs, artisans and anyone with a talent, skill or craft to be very exciting. Whether I'm working with one maker or hundreds, there's an energy that's contagious. Listening to people's stories, the intricacy of their product and their vision for their business keeps me moving forward.

4. What do you find most challenging about working with makers, entrepreneurs, and artisans? 

I think the most challenging thing for me is more about my personality than the makers themselves. I am a passionate person that has a sincere desire for everyone to succeed so I tend to take it personally when a maker doesn't have their expected outcome at an event. I've even been known to hit the streets myself when a show is slow to bring in shoppers. 

5. Tell me about a special maker/artisian you’ve met while working on your business? 

I think all the makers are special but one of the first people I met & continuously pops up in my mind, is Paul from Paulcity Goods. 

Paul Jansen is a prime example of the types of makers we are trying to help out. He is an extremely passionate and talented leathersmith, making his products from grassfed hides. Paul is constantly explaining the differences in grassfed vs conventional leather and then shows you through a microscope - this type of hands on experience is something that has left a lasting impression.

6.  How did you learn about SFEtsy? 

I was lucky enough to stumble upon SFEtsy in a twitter feed. (Author note: Shout out to our social media Guru - Lisa Spinella for connecting our community)

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

Our biggest goal is to host more events with groups like SFEtsy so your members have more opportunities to PopUp! The next is making it easier for you to host events on our website. 

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

Besides PopUpsters, I think Instagram is an extremely valuable tool for bringing visibility to your product. Combine that with your existing sales channels and you can really increase your business. 

For instance, having a PopUp? Take pictures of your products before, let people know when and where to find you and offer a discount for people that mention the post. Some people might not see the post until after the PopUp so make sure to include the link to your Etsy store in the post.

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

One of the things I can't stress enough is don't hide from your customers!

I see too many vendors sit behind a table while texting. If people are coming to a PopUp event it's because they want an intimate experience, which means they want to talk to you and learn about what makes your product special. Your story is why people buy from you so get it in front of your potential customers. Oh and make sure to promote your events - the more people promoting your event, the better.​

Thank you Aaron! Next up we interview Sharon - Co-Founder of The Academy of Handmade

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

31 Days of CraftoberGram - SFETSY Instagram Photo and Video Contest

31 Days of CraftoberGram!

Instagram Photo and Video Contest

Even Howard, Nadene
Team Co-Captain

SFetsy Team

We LOVE Instagram and Seeing 
Your Pictures and Videos!

So We Selfishly Decided to Throw a Contest!  

Excited? Here Are The Rules.

Deadline for Sign Up is September 25

Instagram Team Contest Rules

• Must have Instagram account and follow SFETSY on Instagram

• We highly suggest a Facebook Page / Fan Page and Twitter Account to extend your reach. This is very much a social media contest.

• Follow the SFetsy Fan Page and @SFetsy Twitter Account to see everyone's posts!

• You must use the team contest hashtag #InstaSFetsy in your Instagram posts. To increase your traffic - we have also included popular tags you can choose from for the individual topics - Use them to reach a broader audience if applicable.

• You need a cell phone or tablet that allows for an Instagram App Download to participate.

• Sign Up Here---- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L2bme9YKNDM5CeOK9LwOpJSSO53GuJZXYIuAfdT8cTo/viewform
  

  
  

What We Will Do:

Katy Atchison, Katy Atchison Illustrations
Team Co-Captain      

SFetsy will tweet and promote all the photos/videos using the hashtag #InstaSFetsy on Facebook and Twitter. We want your images to go viral. Our goal is to gain some momentum with this contest online and get you some new likes and follows. We want to see your insights and your influence online grow. Plus we think it will be super fun and creative.

We encourage non participating and participating members to promote favorite images on their social media pages.  We want to see people post comments, heart and tweet their experience. This Instagram SFetsy contest success depends on its popularity online! Let's Go Viral! All shares, likes, comments and RTs count - get friends and followers to help!

Rebecca Saylor - OodleBaDoodle
Community Coordinator

At the end of month  we will review the images that were tagged in the 31 days and choose the most popular photo based on its online popularity. That's How You Win!  Your social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook are the tools you have and we encourage you to use them to engage your audience.

Instagram is an amazing way to brand yourself and your Etsy shop. We want to share how creative the team is  and look forward to what you share.  if you don't have Instagram yet - Start an account - its a free app -->http://instagram.com/.

Note: Your images may be used in the promotion of the Instagram 
contest on SFetsy but photo credit will be given to photo and uploader.  

Ashley Haak -  Kelly Drive
SFetsyTeam Blog Coordinator

At the end of the month we have a great surprise for the most liked photo of the month! 

Each day you have an Instagram mission!  Here is the list for each day in October with its photo topic goal and the suggested popular tags

• Sept 25 - Sign Up Deadline

  
  31 Days In October:

• Day 1.  SFetsy WIP  #Art #Maker #IMadeThis #Crafty
• Day 2. Coffee Revelations  #Reflections #InstaMood #InstaLive #GoodMood #CoffeeTalk
• Day 3. Selfie #me #eyes #ThrowBackThursday #TBT
• Day 4. Tools of the Trade  #MakerGear #SFMaker
• Day 5. Where You Create  #Art #UrbanArt #InstaHappy
• Day 6. Favorite Thing  #InstaLove #DayShots #FavoriteThings
• Day 7. Craft Activity #Art  #Artist #IMadeThis #MadeByMe
• Day 8. In the Kitchen #WhatsCooking #HomeChef #Yummy #foodgasm #foodporn
• Day 9. Vintage Style #Fashion #Retro #InstaFashion #Heels #Girlie #LoveIt
• Day 10. Bay Area Moment #BestOfTheBay #Mode #WestCoast #SanFrancisco #YayArea #ThrowBackThursday #StreetPhotography #Architecture #BuildingPorn #510 #415
• Day 11. Up in the Sky #SkyPorn #Sky #sun #CloudPorn #Sunset #InstaSky
• Day 12. Street Style #Fashion #Swagger #InstaFashion #StreetWear #YayArea
• Day 13. Creatures #Animals #Pets #InstaPets #CatsOfIntagram
• Day 14. Autumn #InstaFall #Autumn
• Day 15. Romance  #Hot #LoveHim #LoveHer
• Day 16. Outfit of the Day #OOTD #Fashion #InstaFashion #Model #Style
• Day 17. Signs #Urban #Spiritual
• Day 18. Portrait of SFEtsy #Friends #Girls #MyLife #SFEtsyPals #SFPeeps
• Day 19. Product/Shop Integration #WorkDay #IMadeThis #ShopEtsy #ShopLocal
• Day 20. Love Chevrons #CreativeGram #Style #GimmieGimmie
• Day 21. Landscape #Nature #Beach #Scenery #NaturePorn
• Day 22. Octoberfest #Beer #Celebrate #GimmieGimmie #YayArea #510 #415
• Day 23. Urbanite #SF #SanFrancisco #WestCoast #StreetPhotography #YayArea #510 #415
• Day 24. Costumes #InstaLove #Boo #TBT #Halloween #ThrowBackThursday  
• Day 25. InstaVideo #InstaLove #MobileArt #Gadgets #Nerdy #Geek #InstaVideo
• Day 26. Inspiration #Reflection #InstaLive #Wisdom
• Day 27. Awesome People/Person  #MyBaby #Kids #MyLife #MyLove #MyFamily
• Day 28. Circle #Shapes #CreativeGram #Style
• Day 29. Foodie Moment #FoodPorn #GetInMyBelly #Yummy #Foodgasm
• Day 30. Monsters #Halloween  #Boo  #OCT2013
• Day 31. Halloween in The City #Art #WestCoast #StreetPhotography #StreetArtistry #Halloween #Masked

Lisa Spinella - Tickle And Smash
Social Media Liaison 

Opportunity: Meet Up - Recommended But Not Mandatory

People who want to prep for the contest and want tips on learning how to use Instagram, getting followers, and have fun in person should attend Mission Meet Up on  September 18th

Meet Up Info:
https://facebook.com/events/201201246719799 
hosted by Deb Stayer @bluehour23

Pinterest: - Recommended But Not Mandatory

Amanda Hyun - MsAmandaJayne
Tweet Chat Host /Social Media

Once you sign up for the contest and if you have a Pinterest account you will get permissions on our team's SFETSY Pinterest board to post any or all of your Instagram images or videos if you want  here -----> http://pinterest.com/sfetsy/instasfetsy-31-days-of-october/
Don't forget to use the hashtag #InstaSFetsy in the description.

Tweet Chats! - Recommended But Not Mandatory
Day Chat - September 17 - Topic: Instagram 10 AM

Night Chat - September 17 - Topic: Instagram  8 PM

Day Chat - September 24 - Topic: InstaShow&Tell 10AM

Night Chat - September 24 - Topic: InstaShow&Tell 8PM