Artist Showcase - Julamade

Welcome to this week's edition of Artist Showcase.  Our artist of the week is Julia Biesenthal and her shop is Julamade.

Harvest Banner

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I have always interpreted the world through patterns and colours.  My studies at Ontario College of Art and Design (Toronto ON) provided the opportunity to explore my creative talents.  I currently live in a small town west of Ottawa ON, where I work as a Graphic Designer full-time. I am a fiancee and a mom to a fur baby.

Cinderella Cake Topper - Instant Download

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved using my mom’s sewing machine to create things with fabric and paper. One year for Christmas, I made each family member heart garlands from an old Japanese paper calendar – they all loved them and encourage me to sell them.  Over a year ago, I decided to make this vision become reality. I wanted to put more energy into working with my hands, rather than only being creative on the computer.  I developed a brand for Julamade – banners and garlands for special occasions. I took lots of time photographing each piece and eventually published them to my shop. From there, Julamade began to grow into what it is today.

Gold & Silver Leaf Heart Garland

Where do you get your inspiration?

PINTEREST. I think that speaks for itself ;) I also like to get inspiration from my fellow Etsy sellers – Etsy is such a beautiful community with lots of creative talent!

Her Own Wings Butterfly Garland

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

One specific successful moment would be when I got an order from a celebrity – Jaime Feld, wife of Keven Zegers. This is the moment where I felt Julamade isn’t so ‘small’ anymore…

Sparkling Champagne Heart Garland

What challenges do you face selling online?

I think the biggest problem is delivery times when I ship my items. Unfortunately, it’s not something I can control – and as a perfectionist, that’s not so easy for me to deal with ;)

Fall In Love Banner

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

Develop a brand. Having an inspirational and consistent look to your shop leaves a lasting impression for a potential buyer. Your brand includes a nice logo and banner, as well as displaying your products effectively. Not everyone is a graphic designer, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. If you need help, I’d be happy to advise!

Princess Bunting Banner

 

Thank you Julia for sharing your story and your lovely items with us. If you want to see more of Julia, check out her Facebook page. 

 

Each week we select a new Etsy artist to feature.  If you would like to be considered, just send Zoica or me a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

 

Artist Showcase - Trish Designs Jewelry

Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase where we spotlight a different Etsy artist each week.  This week's artist is Trisha Tatsch from TrishDesignsJewelry.  Trish designs unique one-of-a-kind hand crafted earrings, necklaces, shawl pins and mMore out of hand crafted semi-precious stones.

Victorian Style Crystal and Filigree Dangle Earrings

How did you get your start?

When I was very little I wanted to learn all the crafts my mom knew. So, when I was four years old she taught me to knit, crochet and sew. I loved doing all three so much that they became my life's work. After doing craft shows for years, my husband and I created and ran our own retail knitting shop. After 9 years we moved back to my little studio where I've worked ever since.

I opened my Etsy store for my knitted and crocheted goods in 2010 and concentrated on that for 2 years. After being given a set of knitting stitch markers that didn't work very well I decided that I could make my own - thus began my jewelry making! My knitting customers liked the markers so well they wanted to wear them as earrings. So, I started making earrings. And of course, I just had to make matching necklaces, then bracelets, too, and shawl pins, bookmarks and scissors fobs. Who knows where else this will lead? So, now I have two Etsy stores and my creativity knows no bounds.

Jeweled Ribbon Bookmark

Where do you get your inspiration?

Mostly from the natural stones that I use. I don't always plan out my pieces - I let the stones tell me what they want to be. Sometimes what I've had in my head actually happens, but usually it's quite a surprise at the end. Often I'll just start putting stones on my worktable and see what they look like together. Sometimes I'll take everything but one stone away and create more out of it with just wire. My design process is very free-flowing.

Natural Nephrite Jade Bracelet

I also get ideas from looking at what's on the internet. A certain shape, a way of swirling the wire, putting different stones together, all spark my own imagination. I've looked at pieces and thought to make something similar, but mine always turn out so completely differently that even I can't tell where the original idea came from.

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

When I opened my first Etsy shop it seemed to take forever before I started selling anything. When I opened my Etsy jewelry shop, I sold an expensive necklace within 2 months of opening - that was extremely exciting! Then, the other morning I received that convo from you about being featured and that has eclipsed everything else that's happened so far!

Rhodochrosite Pendant

What challenges do you face selling online?

Taking the best pictures possible and marketing (promoting). I could really use a better camera, but it just isn't going to happen soon. So, I spend a lot of time doing my best to show off my items, then photoshopping my pictures. I just created a background that I really like. My husband even commented on how much he likes it - that's success! That means re-doing lots of pictures, but it is worth it.

Marketing and promoting simply take so much time and energy, yet they're so important. Actually finding the time to do everything that needs doing is the hardest part of this endeavor. Balancing the time between all the different aspects is a job in itself and sometimes leaves me very frustrated. But then things begin to fall into place and it all works out just fine.

Natural Keishi Pearls

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

Be sure to take the best pictures of your work that you can and plan to spend a large percentage of your work time on marketing. But, most of all, enjoy what you do!

Rhodochrosite Dangle Earrings

Visit Trish's knitting and crocheting store on Etsy.

Thank you Trish for sharing your story with us.  Next week we'll feature another Etsy artist.  If you would like to be considered, just drop Zoica or me a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

Artist Showcase - ElinaQuills

Welcome to this week's artist showcase.  is week our artist is Elina from ElinaQuills. Elina makes paper art and jewelry using a technique called quilling, which is a beautiful form of paper art that is centuries old.

Framed Quilled Flower

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I'm Elina, a 26 year old woman from Finland. I had never thought of myself as a particularly creative or imaginative person, but through my hobby and craft, I've been able to prove myself wrong. My shop has only been open since the end of 2014, but I'm excited to grow and see more and more people liking my creations.

Golden Quilled Snowflake

How did you get your start?

I came across quilling in a crafts magazine which my mother-in-law bought for me. There was a small article about quilling, and the beautiful shapes made out of paper caught my attention. Before this I had never heard of or even seen quilling before. I started with DIY tools (some made of bobby pins!) and hand-cut paper strips. A few months later as I got more excited about it, I got my first quilling kit and I've been hooked ever since. At first I made cards for family and friends, but after being told I should try and sell my crafts, I found Etsy and the rest is history!

Paper Quilled Flower Card

Where do you get your inspiration?

Honestly, I don't get "inspired" by things most of the time. I sit down and try to think of what my next project could be and an image just pops into my head. Annoyingly, this sometimes happens when I've just got into bed, and I'll have to get up and draw a sketch so I'll still remember it in the morning! Other times I will just be fiddling with the paper strips, trying out different shapes and an idea will emerge from my hands. One idea can easily evolve into several other ideas around the same theme as well. Keeping upcoming holidays in mind helps if I'm stuck for ideas or inspiration. Sometimes as I'm working on something, the project may end up going into a completely different direction to the one I had planned or envisioned. With that in mind, I try not to plan too far ahead and let the work speak to me instead.

Quilled Paper Earrings

Framed Quilled Mandala Art

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

As my shop is relatively new in the Etsy world, I'm hoping my biggest success moments are still ahead of me. Due to my day job, I haven't been able to put as much effort into my Etsy shop as I would like, but slowly and steadily I'm creating and adding more items to my shop which will hopefully attract more customers or 'fans'. So far, each sale I've made has been a success and a source of joy and motivation. It still feels surreal sometimes that little old me can create something that someone across the world will like enough to buy! It's a wonderful feeling.

Framed Quilled Set

What challenges do you face selling online and what advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

The online world is incredibly crowded, so it's a challenge to stand out. Product photos need to look professional and clean in order to get people to even look at your items and your shop. As someone with little to no photography skills this can be challenging! I don't necessarily have the best equipment for taking professional looking photos, but I make do with what I have for now. Shipping can also be an issue, as sending heavy or larger items can cost quite a bit. Not every customer is willing to pay for it. I would recommend reading the Etsy Seller Handbook thoroughly. Aim to get as many products in your shop as you can to improve your visibility, work on your tags and titles to get higher up in search and remember to fill in your shop policies. Oh, and most importantly, never stop loving what you do!

 

Quilled Paper Earrings

 

Thank you Elina for sharing your story and your beautiful items with us. If you would like to see more of Elina, you can follow Elina on Instagram @elinaquills and www.pinterest.com/elinaquills on Pinterest.

 

Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to feature.  If you would like to be considered, just drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

 

Until next time...

 

 

Artist Showcase - Natasha Art Dolls

Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase.  Each week we select a new Etsy artist and this week's artist is Natasha from Natasha Art Dolls.  Natasha is from Armenia and makes cute textile and paper clay dolls.

Cloth Doll

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I studied philology at the University and for a time worked in a research institute of information. But I always wanted to do something creative. Some years ago our institute was closed, and it gave me the impetus to start doing something - it was a doll, but my first doll was not perfect. My friend persuaded me to try and sell her at the art gallery. To my surprise, it sold a few days. My confidence grew and I made a few more dolls. I began selling and even began to receive orders for the creation of puppets. That's how it all started.

Cloth Rag Doll

Where do you get your inspiration and what has been your biggest successful moment so far?

As for inspiration - it may be passers-by on the street, it may be some items and the impression they produce or just some memories. I exhibit my dolls in several art galleries in Yerevan, as well as send to Sweden - where my friends have a souvenir shop. I have also participated in a Christmas exhibition.

Charlie Chaplin Doll

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

And for those who are just starting sales in ETSY, I would advise to expose at least 15 items to start, to have good pictures and not sit and wait for that all by itself is formed. Before I mad Treasuries, I had very few visitors.  Once I began to create Treasuries visitors increased as well as sales.

Paper Clay Doll

Thank you Natasha for sharing your creative dolls with us.  If you would like to see more of Natasha, check out her Facebook page.

Next week we'll feature another Etsy artist.  If you would like to be considered, just drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

Artist Showcase - Felt Art by Mariana

Welcome to this week's edition of Artist Showcase. Our artist this week is Mariana from Felt Art by Mariana.

Pair of Felted Pears

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I live and work in Sofia, Bulgaria. All of my life I have been a full-time artist. I have never worked in an office with a fixed work day. I work at home far way from the crazy city life. Ten years ago I started making needle felt dolls and some wet felt projects. I think felting is my true love.

Needle Felted Green Apple

How did you get your start?

I was at a  craft festival and one of the artists used a needle for felting knitted hats. I asked to try and made one sheep. That was the first doll. Since felting was not popular at the time, it was hard to find needles. Finding clean and nice wool was also a problem, but I did it. I learned to dye and gradually I had everything necessary.  I started to sell in my family's gallery and a few small shops in Sofia. The financial crisis had made the art market too small in Bulgaria and at the same time I found Etsy and tried it out. Soon I started to sell totally online.

Needle Felted Bear with Heart

Where do you get your inspiration and what has been your biggest successful moment so far?

My inspiration comes from nature.

First I must say that I love my job because my customers send me back so much love and positive emotion and that gives me more inspiration and happiness. Some time ago I had a custom order to make a portrait of the Bulgarian Ombudsman with his favorite dog. They sent me a photo of when they gave the doll and the emotion was caught on the picture.

Needle Felted Mouse

What challenges do you face selling online?

First was culture shock because buying and selling online is not popular in Bulgaria. Second is that because each of my dolls is handmade and have its own mode and character and it takes time to make the dolls and to photograph each doll.

Two Baby Mice

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

To make their own products. Some of the younger sellers search and see "Oh, this seller sell 200 yellow pillows, I'm going to make yellow pillows too."  But of the market is full of yellow pillows, maybe it's better if they make purple pillows!

Thank you Mariana for sharing your story and you lovely dolls with us.  Of you'd like to see more of Mariana, check out her Facebook page and Blog.

Each week we select a new Etsy artist to feature.  If you would like to be considered, just send Zoica or me a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

Artist Showcase - Inspirational Gecko

Welcome to another edition of Artist Showcase.  This week's Etsy artist is Francesca from Inspirational Gecko. Francesca makes colorful cute felt keychains, decorations and accessories.

Flamingo iPhone 6 Case

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

Hi! I'm Francesca and I'm an italian student of Natural Science. By now my creative corner is the very same writing desk on which I prepare my exams. I love to create little felt fellows, decorations and accessories perfect for funny people and nature lovers.

Hand Painted Journal

How did you get your start?

My first attempts with felt crafting started with the desire to make more personal gifts for people I know. Sometimes happened that the perfect gift for a friend would be something strongly connected to anecdotes, jokes, elements that suits deeply to that person. You would just like to create it. So I started making experiments with felt, this soft and handy material, learning from my mistakes and improving my skills one stitch at a time.

Hippo Felt Phone Case

Where do you get your inspiration?

Animals, Nature and a pinch of Fantasy are my inspirations. I feel very close to these elements and they give me so many ideas!

Felt Panda Bookmark

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

Every time that someone choose to take one of my creation with her/him is a joyful moment for me. A success is hearing back from them: sometimes I receive beautiful messages explaining me how they use the item they bought. They became meaningful gifts or special elements of their homes. Another great success are custom orders: when people ask me to make something personal and special I feel very pleased and happy. Everything gets a brand new meaning in every stitch.

Kaola Felt Keychain

What challenges do you face selling online?

Selling online is wonderful, you have the potentiality to literally reach the world. But you need to put a great effort in understanding how to connect to people who (hopefully) are looking for what you offer. This means a lot of study, but this is part of the fun!

Robin Felt Ornament

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Take a very good care of your shop: think like a customer who's visiting it. Are your shelves clean, full of well shown products? Offer good pictures of your goods, people can't neither touch nor measure them. Especially at the beginning work hard on keywords, learn how to use the site's functionalities. Join a team, you will find the support you need. And have fun! You will be surprised by all the things you will learn from this experience.

Watermelon Slice Bookmark

Thank you Francesca for sharing your story with us.  If you would like to see more of Francesca, check out her Facebook page.

 

Next week we will feature another Etsy artist.  If you would like to be considered, just drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.

 

Thanks for stopping by...

 

Until next time,

 



Artist Showcase - By the Art Bug

Welcome To this week's Artist Showcase.  Our artist this week is Megha of By the Art Bug. Megha's shop is full of Hndmade Felt Plushies & Patterns, Pdf Patterns, DIYs & Craft Kits, Eco Friendly Paper Bead Jewelry, Digital Art and Typography Prints, Photography Prints, Custom Pet Portraits, Handmade Craft Supplies, Recycled Art, Posters, Felt Jewelry, Key Rings & Charms, Paper Flowers, Home Decor, Seasonal Decor & Ornaments and the list goes on...

Here is one of Megha's lovely items:

Statement Heart Necklace and Earring Set

How did you get your start?

After my wedding I moved to USA with my husband. While we were in India, I was completed my PhD and taught. I always loved arts and crafts and no matter what I was doing or how busy I was I always had time for creative things! So when we moved to US it was a golden chance. I took a much needed break from academics and planned to pursue my passion as my new profession.

1st Anniversary Eco Friendly Bracelet

 Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from little everyday things. Honestly, sometimes ideas just pop in my head while cooking, watching TV or when I am out enjoying nature!

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

Just setting up my shop was an adventure for me. I get joy with every single sale that I make, Each of my handmade goodies is special.

First Anniversary Geometric Dangle Earrings

What challenges do you face selling online?

When we moved, I had to close my shop and it was a huge setback. It was like starting from scratch again. Advertising is also one of the challenges that I face.

Beach Necklace

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

I would say don’t be afraid. Jump in but be ready to give 100%; be patient and you will get there. It takes a lot of time and effort but if you are ready to take the challenge no one can stop you! And of course the most important thing is to "Believe in Yourself".
If you would like to know more about Megha, check out her blog. 

Thanks Megha for sharing your story with us.  Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to feature.  If you would like to be considered, feel free to drop Zoica or me a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

Artist Showcase - Real Wood Jewelry

Welcome to another Artist Showcase, where each week we showcase a different Etsy artist.  This week our artists are Shelly and Wade from Real Wood Jewelry.

Natural Wood Earrings

 

Cowgirl Boot Earrings

Tell us a little bit about yourselves...

We are Shelly and Wade. Wood has been a central part of our story for over thirty years. Together we've built custom homes, made log furniture, milled our own lumber, and more recently, begun creating unique laser-engraved wood products. Finally, we've found our niche in jewelry design and creation. We enjoy both the design and the woodworking elements involved in creating lovely, unique, and sometimes just fun pieces of wooden jewelry.

Wine Glass Wood Earrings

Tell us about your creative process...

As a team, we perform the entire process: everything from designing each piece of jewelry to assembling it. The process often begins with locating quality hardwoods that are destined to be someone's firewood, and reclaiming them for our projects. Next, we mill the wood on our homemade sawmill, and sand each board to bring out the natural beauty of the grain pattern and color. We then use our laser engraver to cut out every individually-designed earring or pendant, and finish with another round of sanding and a light clear finish.

Coffee Mug Wood Earrings



Any closing words...

As our seven children were growing I often wondered what I could do to help financially contribute to this family and I was excited to see what it was that I really enjoyed.

Tree of Life Wooden Necklace

 

 

Thank you Shelly and Wade for sharing your story with us.  If you would like to be considered for an upcoming Artist Showcase, just drop Zoica or myself a note via Etsy convo. 

 

Thanks for stopping by...

 

Until next time,