Here is a fall looking string of beads from WhiteGiraffe's collection:
This is a blog about creative fashion, art, interior, graphics, and handmade products. Zoica Matei and Susan Newberry share their tips, experiences, and invite you to join the conversation. There are DIY projects, pictures of handmade art, and links to shops.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Friday Finds-Fall Fashion
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “Fall Fashion” and we selected a lovely treasury curated by Lena from “WhiteGirrafe”, and called “Cozy Autumn Fashion”. If you are a jewelry lover, you can find something for your new design from her hundreds of Czech beads, rustic, lampwork and glass beads. You can start with a basic string beading and make a bracelet first.
Here is a fall looking string of beads from WhiteGiraffe's collection:
Treasury:
Cozy Autumn Fashion
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “September Gifts”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Here is a fall looking string of beads from WhiteGiraffe's collection:
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
French Inspired Artwork by Susan Newberry Designs
Although I have never been to France, I love all things French. If you are familiar with my store, you will have noticed that a lot of my designs have a French theme. Today I thought I would share some of them with you.
Did you know that it's only 3383 miles from Atlanta to Paris?
Did you know that it's only 3383 miles from Atlanta to Paris?
If you love French themed art as much as I do, check out my Etsy store, Susan Newberry Designs. If you don't see what you want, remember I love custom orders. Custom work keeps my creative juices flowing!
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Monday, September 8, 2014
Artist Spotlight - Zillas Queen
As you know each Monday we promote a fellow Etsy artist. Today's artist is Victoria Zilla from Zillas Queen. Victoria specializes in statement necklaces, pins, bracelets, rings and sunglasses using vintage finds.
Here is one of Victoria's lovely items:
Tell us a little bit about your philosophy.
It's important to celebrate vintage style and play with vintage remixing! Supporting creativity and all the components gathered during the process! Working primarily with vintage components such as vintage pearls, beads, brooches & more...This is how we bring the vintage beauty out to play! We also support other artists. Supporting other artists has been such a gift and beautiful friendships have developed.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The Vintage Appeal has always inspired me, and for a while I thought I was born within the wrong era, as what I preferred was such a throw back! So I took the thought of Vintage Remixing, rolled up my sleeves, hiked up my skirt and RAN with it.....in classic Vintage Style of course ;)
What is your process for your creations?
Counselor by day, Mama & Create-tess all other times! When ZQ is beading she is in the zone! Her cat often sits beside her & shares in the process...napping all the way through ;) It's hard to put a piece down or walk away once I've started...I have the vision as soon as I see the elements layed out and I just want to see it come to life! The evolution of a piece is what's most inspiring...this process can take up to 4-5 hours at a time! All the elements just speak to me!
What advice can you share about your business and selling online?
Balance: This is the KEY, balance...still trying to navigate my way through working & building this business...it's a tricky thing! Learning better ways I go through the journey though. My roles as a counselor & designer overlap so much that sometimes it's just natural to do both! Trusting the process, learning and growing and promoting kindness is my mission and this is seen in both my "forms." Victoria Zilla is like an alter ego with a strong purpose with resonates with who I am as a person.
If you want to see more of Zillas Queen:
ZQs Facebook Page
ZQs Instagram
Thank you Victoria for sharing your inspiration with us.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Here is one of Victoria's lovely items:
Tell us a little bit about your philosophy.
It's important to celebrate vintage style and play with vintage remixing! Supporting creativity and all the components gathered during the process! Working primarily with vintage components such as vintage pearls, beads, brooches & more...This is how we bring the vintage beauty out to play! We also support other artists. Supporting other artists has been such a gift and beautiful friendships have developed.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The Vintage Appeal has always inspired me, and for a while I thought I was born within the wrong era, as what I preferred was such a throw back! So I took the thought of Vintage Remixing, rolled up my sleeves, hiked up my skirt and RAN with it.....in classic Vintage Style of course ;)
Counselor by day, Mama & Create-tess all other times! When ZQ is beading she is in the zone! Her cat often sits beside her & shares in the process...napping all the way through ;) It's hard to put a piece down or walk away once I've started...I have the vision as soon as I see the elements layed out and I just want to see it come to life! The evolution of a piece is what's most inspiring...this process can take up to 4-5 hours at a time! All the elements just speak to me!
What advice can you share about your business and selling online?
Balance: This is the KEY, balance...still trying to navigate my way through working & building this business...it's a tricky thing! Learning better ways I go through the journey though. My roles as a counselor & designer overlap so much that sometimes it's just natural to do both! Trusting the process, learning and growing and promoting kindness is my mission and this is seen in both my "forms." Victoria Zilla is like an alter ego with a strong purpose with resonates with who I am as a person.
If you want to see more of Zillas Queen:
ZQs Facebook Page
ZQs Instagram
Thank you Victoria for sharing your inspiration with us.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, September 5, 2014
Friday Finds September Gifts
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “September Gifts” and we selected a lovely gray themed treasury curated by Svitlana from SvitlanaSky. Her treasury is called “September”. Svitlana is a very talented knitter who creates beautiful baby accessories.
Here is one of her adorable creations:
Crochet baby girl hat
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Fall Fashion”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Here is one of her adorable creations:
Crochet baby girl hat
Treasury:
"September"
Monday, September 1, 2014
Artist Spotlight - Kauai Artist
Happy Monday! Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight. This week the spotlight is on Marionette from Kauaiartist. Marionette beautiful paintings feature tropical flowers, plantation cottages, Kauai landscapes, Hula, turtles, roosters and more. Here is one of her beautiful paintings:
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I am a full time artist living "the dream" on the beautiful, tropical island of Kauai in Hawaii. My art studio, Painting Paradise, is located on the island’s sunny west side. It is both my teaching location as well as the place where I create and produce my Etsy paintings and prints. I teach watercolors, acrylics, pastels, silk painting, encaustics, Chinese brush painting, and am now experimenting with alcohol inks on YUPO paper.
How did you get your start?
I am a Michigan native, but in 1992 I took my first vacation to the island of Kauai and knew I would move there some day to pursue my art career full time. I just fell in love with the colors of the islands. I started painting watercolors featuring such flowers as orchids, birds of paradise, and hibiscus from the reference photos I took while on vacation. I sold my first original painting at a local coffee shop and have been hooked ever since.
In 1999 I opened a small studio in Michigan where I was a weekend artist while I was still working at my day job in the chemistry field. I also took lots of art workshops and studied with my fellow artists in the community. In 2004, I finally quit my full time job and made the move to Hawaii after lots of planning and preparation.
In 2007 I opened up Painting Paradise to teach art and then started selling on Etsy in 2008 after a good friend encouraged me to join. It has all been a wonderful experience!
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I was contacted here on Etsy by a designer from Victoria's Secret to do a commission painting of a plantation cottage on the beach for their swimsuit collection featuring artists from Hawaii. I was so excited to ship that painting to their headquarters on Broadway! If it wasn't for Etsy, they probably never would have found me.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Selling online has been great! I have sold all over the world to people who have been to Kauai or who just love my art. It is a great venue and definitely gives me more exposure than if I just sold at my brick and mortar gallery. In fact, I often have people who are on vacation visit my art studio who first saw my work here on Etsy. The biggest challenge for me selling online is usually shipping the larger paintings. I have started using UPS to pack and ship the large ones and that seems to work very well.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
If you are just starting out on Etsy, then make it a goal to have at least 50 items in your shop. The more items you have, the more key words people will have to search and end up in your shop to buy something. I see shops all of the time with just a few items complaining that they aren't selling anything. I found that once I had over 200 items in my shop, my sales really started to take off.
If you look at the most successful shops here, you will see the connection between lots of choices and lots of sales. It just makes sense. If you go into a brick and mortar store and only see a few items, you would possibly think, "Are these guys serious?" But, when you go into a store and there are hundreds of items to choose from, you will do some shopping and probably leave the store with a purchase.
My other advice is to give great customer service and to do lots of marketing on social media. You have to tell people that you are selling something. It's just that simple. If they know about it...they will come!
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I am a full time artist living "the dream" on the beautiful, tropical island of Kauai in Hawaii. My art studio, Painting Paradise, is located on the island’s sunny west side. It is both my teaching location as well as the place where I create and produce my Etsy paintings and prints. I teach watercolors, acrylics, pastels, silk painting, encaustics, Chinese brush painting, and am now experimenting with alcohol inks on YUPO paper.
How did you get your start?
I am a Michigan native, but in 1992 I took my first vacation to the island of Kauai and knew I would move there some day to pursue my art career full time. I just fell in love with the colors of the islands. I started painting watercolors featuring such flowers as orchids, birds of paradise, and hibiscus from the reference photos I took while on vacation. I sold my first original painting at a local coffee shop and have been hooked ever since.
In 1999 I opened a small studio in Michigan where I was a weekend artist while I was still working at my day job in the chemistry field. I also took lots of art workshops and studied with my fellow artists in the community. In 2004, I finally quit my full time job and made the move to Hawaii after lots of planning and preparation.
In 2007 I opened up Painting Paradise to teach art and then started selling on Etsy in 2008 after a good friend encouraged me to join. It has all been a wonderful experience!
Where do you get your inspiration?
The inspiration for my art comes from all around this breathtaking island of Kauai. Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle as it is a truly lush, tropical paradise. We are surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean with it's amazing sea creatures. The mountains are emerald green and are home to the wettest spot on the Earth, Mount Wai'ale'ale. Tropical flowers bloom all year long. Need I say more?
The inspiration for my art comes from all around this breathtaking island of Kauai. Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle as it is a truly lush, tropical paradise. We are surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean with it's amazing sea creatures. The mountains are emerald green and are home to the wettest spot on the Earth, Mount Wai'ale'ale. Tropical flowers bloom all year long. Need I say more?
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I was contacted here on Etsy by a designer from Victoria's Secret to do a commission painting of a plantation cottage on the beach for their swimsuit collection featuring artists from Hawaii. I was so excited to ship that painting to their headquarters on Broadway! If it wasn't for Etsy, they probably never would have found me.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Selling online has been great! I have sold all over the world to people who have been to Kauai or who just love my art. It is a great venue and definitely gives me more exposure than if I just sold at my brick and mortar gallery. In fact, I often have people who are on vacation visit my art studio who first saw my work here on Etsy. The biggest challenge for me selling online is usually shipping the larger paintings. I have started using UPS to pack and ship the large ones and that seems to work very well.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
If you are just starting out on Etsy, then make it a goal to have at least 50 items in your shop. The more items you have, the more key words people will have to search and end up in your shop to buy something. I see shops all of the time with just a few items complaining that they aren't selling anything. I found that once I had over 200 items in my shop, my sales really started to take off.
If you look at the most successful shops here, you will see the connection between lots of choices and lots of sales. It just makes sense. If you go into a brick and mortar store and only see a few items, you would possibly think, "Are these guys serious?" But, when you go into a store and there are hundreds of items to choose from, you will do some shopping and probably leave the store with a purchase.
My other advice is to give great customer service and to do lots of marketing on social media. You have to tell people that you are selling something. It's just that simple. If they know about it...they will come!
Want to see more of Marionette?
Thank you Marionette for sharing your story and your beautiful artwork with us.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, August 29, 2014
Friday Finds- Finally Autumn!
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! The theme was “Autumn Gold” and we selected a lovely fall themed treasury curated by Asta Kundelyte from Artbyasta. Her treasury is called “Finally autumn!”. Asta is a very talented artist who creates unique canvas paintings, ink and watercolor drawing, cat illustration and funny painting for children, and more.
You can visit her shop here.
Here is one of Asta’s cat creations:
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “September gifts”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
You can visit her shop here.
Finally-Autumn by Asta from artbyasta:
Monday, August 25, 2014
Artist Spotlight - Paper Wood Vintage
Happy Monday! Welcome to another edition of Artist Spotlight. This week the spotlight is on Kristy from Paper Wood Vintage. Paper Wood Vintage carries an eclectic assortment of vintage and handmade items. Here is one of Kristy's items:
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I am a Christian mom of five. Two of our children are nephews we adopted. I have been a collector of vintage since I was a very young child. I started out collecting vintage stamps, coins and beads to having small collections of everything from vases to matches, old ashtrays, salt and pepper shakers, planters, and quirky items like Mr. Potato Heads.
How did you get your start?
My husband and I started selling vintage & handmade items locally and on Etsy to bring in extra income. We had a baby on the way and our 2 nephews came to live with us right before she was born. Since I had been a collector for so long and came from a long line of antique dealers and collectors, this was the natural thing for me to do. So, I quit my job to stay home with the kiddos and then opened the shop in 2010.
Where do you get your inspiration?
When we first opened the shop we focused more on handmade items. But, 1 1/2 years later trying to keep the shop full of handmade goodies with him a full time job and us having 5 children, it got to be too much. So after close to 2 years, I revamped the shop and focused mostly on vintage. Handmade items are/were stationery, matted prints and cigar box guitars. Our inspiration for the cards and prints came from vintage items that I had collected over the years.
The guitars was something my husband wanted to try to make just to see if he could. :) He has played guitar since a young age and has always had an appreciation for the old Delta blues guitar players, especially the ones who would make guitars from found objects. Unfortunately, because of his full time job, he doesn't have as much time to make these.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
My biggest success to me has been actually making money doing something I love. I hope that doesn't sound cliche'. I mean, I'm not rolling in the dough here, but I'm able to contribute a decent enough amount of money where it makes a difference each month.... even if it's a small amount... I figure when the kids get older I can focus more on the shop, but right now, I can do what I love, bring cash into our household and be here for our children.
One of my biggest challenges is not getting lost in a sea of online sellers. I'm always trying to think of ways to stand out... always trying to improve my photos, descriptions... keeping things looking fresh. Now, I may not always meet these challenges, but I think if you're constantly trying to improve yourself that is a good thing! Another challenge for me is time and time management. I try to stay focused, but some days it's really hard. I try not to get sidetracked while online! We have an active Facebook page with almost 5,600 followers and sometimes with Facebook you lose track of time easily. :) But I also sometimes have a hard time finding time for everything...Etsy sometimes gets put on the back burner between the kiddos, my husband, the house, church, bills, cooking dinner, and all the other things that comes with being a mom and wife.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
My advice for someone just starting out on Etsy.... do your homework. Find out what sells, find out how to take great photos. Find a good support system. Etsy has LOTS of great people via teams. There is a really good sense of community here. I have met so many helpful people... so many knowledgeable people willing to give advice. Get some constructive criticism. Always be looking at new ways to keep your shop up to date, to keep items/your shop looking fresh. Change things up a bit from time to time. Never be afraid to ask for help/advice. I think it's important to be a supporter of other shops and /or businesses as well. Be a giver, you will always get a good return. :)
Thank you Kristy for sharing your story with us.
Want to see more of Paper Wood Vintage. Follow Kristy on Facebook.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I am a Christian mom of five. Two of our children are nephews we adopted. I have been a collector of vintage since I was a very young child. I started out collecting vintage stamps, coins and beads to having small collections of everything from vases to matches, old ashtrays, salt and pepper shakers, planters, and quirky items like Mr. Potato Heads.
How did you get your start?
My husband and I started selling vintage & handmade items locally and on Etsy to bring in extra income. We had a baby on the way and our 2 nephews came to live with us right before she was born. Since I had been a collector for so long and came from a long line of antique dealers and collectors, this was the natural thing for me to do. So, I quit my job to stay home with the kiddos and then opened the shop in 2010.
Where do you get your inspiration?
When we first opened the shop we focused more on handmade items. But, 1 1/2 years later trying to keep the shop full of handmade goodies with him a full time job and us having 5 children, it got to be too much. So after close to 2 years, I revamped the shop and focused mostly on vintage. Handmade items are/were stationery, matted prints and cigar box guitars. Our inspiration for the cards and prints came from vintage items that I had collected over the years.
The guitars was something my husband wanted to try to make just to see if he could. :) He has played guitar since a young age and has always had an appreciation for the old Delta blues guitar players, especially the ones who would make guitars from found objects. Unfortunately, because of his full time job, he doesn't have as much time to make these.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
My biggest success to me has been actually making money doing something I love. I hope that doesn't sound cliche'. I mean, I'm not rolling in the dough here, but I'm able to contribute a decent enough amount of money where it makes a difference each month.... even if it's a small amount... I figure when the kids get older I can focus more on the shop, but right now, I can do what I love, bring cash into our household and be here for our children.
What challenges do you face selling online?
One of my biggest challenges is not getting lost in a sea of online sellers. I'm always trying to think of ways to stand out... always trying to improve my photos, descriptions... keeping things looking fresh. Now, I may not always meet these challenges, but I think if you're constantly trying to improve yourself that is a good thing! Another challenge for me is time and time management. I try to stay focused, but some days it's really hard. I try not to get sidetracked while online! We have an active Facebook page with almost 5,600 followers and sometimes with Facebook you lose track of time easily. :) But I also sometimes have a hard time finding time for everything...Etsy sometimes gets put on the back burner between the kiddos, my husband, the house, church, bills, cooking dinner, and all the other things that comes with being a mom and wife.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
My advice for someone just starting out on Etsy.... do your homework. Find out what sells, find out how to take great photos. Find a good support system. Etsy has LOTS of great people via teams. There is a really good sense of community here. I have met so many helpful people... so many knowledgeable people willing to give advice. Get some constructive criticism. Always be looking at new ways to keep your shop up to date, to keep items/your shop looking fresh. Change things up a bit from time to time. Never be afraid to ask for help/advice. I think it's important to be a supporter of other shops and /or businesses as well. Be a giver, you will always get a good return. :)
Thank you Kristy for sharing your story with us.
Want to see more of Paper Wood Vintage. Follow Kristy on Facebook.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to spotlight. If you are interested please contact Zoica or myself via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
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