Featured Artist & GIVEAWAY: Elisaann

Today is Sunday and I am feeling refreshed and renewed and ready for the week.  What a perfect day to bring you the work of Etsy artist, elisaann.

'Content' 

original drawing on paper

Elisa Ann founded her Etsy shop in April of 2007 as a way of selling off some of her older works, although her shop has evolved into a place to find peaceful drawings and paintings of birds and nature.

 

'Family Lines'

During our recent discussion of art and Etsy, Elisa Ann had this to say:

1. Did you work at your craft before starting your etsy shop?

  Oh yes, I’ve been working on art since I was a little girl.  I even went to art school for undergrad..  After that I worked in non-profits and eventually became a social worker. It wasn’t until I was laid off (in 2007) that I took it as a sign to go all out as an artist. No more working in full-time jobs hoping I have enough time/energy to create. It was a big risk and I’ve had a bunch of stumbles along the way but it’s been well worth it.

  

2. What inspires your work?

  I love taking walks and that’s usually where I get my ideas for my drawings on Etsy. Also I get a lot of inspiration from looking out the windows of our condo.  Which is on the 3^rd floor and is at the perfect height to see all the comings and goings of the animals in the trees that surround our building.

 

3. How do you juggle family life and operating a home business?

   I’m still trying to figure this one out. My daughter just turned 1 and over the past year we’ve had a lot of changes with her napping schedules. When I work during the day, she has to be either in her play-yard or asleep. So I probably only get 2 hours of work done during the day and put in a few more hours at night after she’s asleep and while my husband is grading papers (he’s a teacher).

 

4. Do you have any tips for running a successful etsy business?

  Take good pictures of the work.  You don’t need to have the best camera to do this. Try to put the object in the most flattering way you can and in a way that the buyer would use it (if it’s a mug put it on a counter or table near a tea bag etc). Use natural light when shooting. Look at your favorite Etsy shops and see how they show their work. It’s amazing what a little photo care can do for your shop!

 

5. What is the concept of your shop?

  To offer art that is inspired by nature and hopefully brings some sort of peace/relaxation to the viewer.

 

6. What are your future goals?

  I am planning on opening up a children’s section in my shop in the next few months.  It will have matted drawings and possibly some cards.

 

7. What is the item in your shop you have the most fun making?

  I really love drawing the birds.  The whole process is fun for me. I like sketching it out and stepping back and thinking about what birds would be where and what they are doing/where they are looking.  Then adding any leaves to the tree (if there is one) and adding the color.   This is usually on a rather large piece of paper so then I get to crop it with the matt. This part is fun too because I get to focus on the parts of the drawing I really want to highlight and sometimes I’m surprised at how much the drawing changes with the cropping.

handmade bird notecards

 

8. Do you have any favorite etsy sellers?

  My list is very long (if you look at my favorites you’ll see that it’s ridiculous) and I keep on finding more sellers to like.

You may also find Elisaann on her lovely blog and facebook page.

 

I so envy all of my readers who are lucky enough to have a chance to win this beautiful print by Elisaann!

 

'En Rose'

GIVEAWAY RULES: 

1.  YOU MUST BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG TO ENTER - EITHER THROUGH GOOGLE OR FACEBOOK.

2.  PLEASE VISIT Elisaann, PICK OUT YOUR FAVORITE ITEM AND REPORT BACK TO AMELIE JO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

3.  YOU MUST HEART Elisaann AS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOPS ON ETSY. 

 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.  TWEET THIS GIVEAWAY. AMELIE JO IS AMELIEJOBABY.

2.  HEART AMELIE JO AS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES ON ETSY.

3.  ADD THE AMELIE JO BUTTON TO YOUR BLOG 

4.  BLOG THIS GIVEAWAY. 

5. BECOME A FOLLOWER ON Elissaann's BLOG OR FACEBOOK PAGE.

PLEASE LIST YOUR EXTRA ENTRIES IN THE COMMENT SECTION.  

THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE SEPARATE COMMENTS.  ONE BIG COMMENT IS FINE.

THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH BY ELISA ANN.

Featured Artist: Inglish Paper Designs on Etsy

 

 

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Heather, from Inglish Paper Designs on Etsy.  Inglish Paper Design specializes in handmade greeting cards and gifts sure to delight your recipient.  I am incredibly envious of Heather because she possesses a talent that I have dabbled at for years, paper crafting and card making.  I love sending cards.  I send one for almost all holidays and I never like to forget someone's birthday.  I am about to become one of Heather's best customers.

1. When was your etsy shop founded?
I joined Etsy back in January 2007, but didn't begin listing items for sale until March of 2009.

2. Did you work at your craft before starting your etsy shop?
Yes, most definitely.  I started out making cards for myself and friends, and then branched out and began listing them on Etsy.
 
4. What inspires your work?
Anything and everything, inspiration can be found anywhere, you just have to look around you!  From a pair of funky colored socks to a napkin or even a Post-it Note, you can be inspired by the textures, patterns, or colors you find.

5. How do you juggle family life and operating a home business?
I usually try to do most of my creating while my daughter is in school, or once everyone has gone to bed.  It makes for some very late nights at times, but that's A-OK with me.

6. Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom?
I am a SAHM.

7. Do you have any tips for running a successful etsy business?
No, but I'd love to hear some!  It seems like the people who are successful take great photos of their products, upload frequently and have interesting descriptions of their items.

8. What is the concept of your shop?
I am a card-maker/paper- crafter offering bright, cheerful colors and designs at an affordable price.

9. What are your future goals?
Does world domination count? LOL, I kid, I kid! I would love to be able to make and sell cards full-time.

10. What is the item in your shop you have the most fun making?
Probably this card: 
http://www.etsy. com/view_ listing.php? listing_id= 38589554 
It was time consuming, but I *love* the way it turned out!

11. Do you have any favorite etsy sellers?
Hmm... I think my favorites would be: 
Hawaii Beads - http://www.etsy. com/shop/ hawaiibeads
Luvly Gurumi - http://www.etsy. com/shop/ LuvlyGurumi
Vmjess - http://www.etsy. com/shop/ vmjess

You can find Inglish Paper Designs on Etsy and Heather's blog 

http://heatherpulvirenti.blogspot.com.

Featured Artist & GIVEAWAY: Orabelle Baby

 

 This week, I am excited to bring you Etsy Artist, Orabelle Baby!  I am amazed at the selections in Orabelle Baby's shop.  There are three items that I would like to purchase for sweet Amelie Jo and I can not decide which to choose.  Stay at home mom, Shayne, knits and sews, all the while being a mommy to a two and three year old.  Like me, Shayne does most of her work late at night, while the babes are sleeping.

 

adorable flannel lounge set

"At Orabelle Baby, we understand how hard it can be to find fun, fashionable baby and toddler clothes. But look no further. Whether you’re looking for a summer dress that does double duty, a shower gift with personality or an outfit for your little boy that isn’t emblazoned with monster trucks, you’ll find it here.
Every one of our pieces is made by hand and with the highest quality designer fabrics. Many items can be customized, just ask."

 

precious knitted horse

"I love making my hand knitted horses.  They take a very long time to make, but each one comes out with it's own personality and no two are alike."

 

hand knitted bug hat

Shayne must have a pair of magical hands and a large imagination!  Her inspiration comes when she enters a fabric or yarn shop.  As Shayne puts it "the bolts and skeins sing to me".  Shayne also finds time to keep up a blog where you may sign up for the Orabelle Baby newsletter for information on discounts and giveaways

http://orabelle-baby.blogspot.com.

GIVEAWAY!

Orabelle Baby is generously giving away

a custom made initial shirt to one lucky reader!

available in sizes:

3-6 months (onesie), 6-12 months (onesie)
12-18 months (onesie), 18-24 months (onesie)
2, 4, 6, 8, 10

 

GIVEAWAY RULES: 

1.  YOU MUST BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG TO ENTER - EITHER THROUGH GOOGLE OR FACEBOOK.

2.  PLEASE VISIT ORABELLE BABY, PICK OUT YOUR FAVORITE ITEM AND REPORT BACK TO AMELIE JO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

3.  YOU MUST HEART ORABELLE BABY AS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOPS ON ETSY. 

 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.  TWEET THIS GIVEAWAY. AMELIE JO IS AMELIEJOBABY.

2.  HEART AMELIE JO AS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES ON ETSY.

3.  ADD THE AMELIE JO BUTTON TO YOUR BLOG 

4.  BLOG THIS GIVEAWAY. 

5. SIGN UP FOR THE ORABELLE BABY NEWSLETTER.

PLEASE LIST YOUR EXTRA ENTRIES IN THE COMMENT SECTION.  

THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE SEPARATE COMMENTS.  ONE BIG COMMENT IS FINE.

THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH BY SHAYNE.

In the Studio with Anna D

In the Studio with Anna D’Angelo-Attard, Amelie Jo

Posted using ShareThis

Featured Artist & GIVEAWAY: Coaster Creations

 

Coasters are a popular item in my home.  We have nice wood furniture that we like to protect and are always looking for coasters that are unique and do the job they are supposed to!  Single mom and breast cancer survivor, Michelle, of Coaster Creations is taking a break from her former job as a project manager/financial systems software consultant to become an Etsy artist and entrepreneur.  She creates different coaster designs for functional use.  Michelle's shop includes travertine tile coasters, each one handmade and unique, and coordinating 6 inch by 6 inch trivets. Trivets are multipurpose - they can be used as a display item in your kitchen, as a tray for a pitcher of water or for a bottle of wine.

All of the tiles are sealed with a matte finish and won't cause those annoying puddles. Small felt circles protect the bottom of the coasters from scratching or damaging any surface.
When asked what the concept of Coaster Creations is, Michelle said "My concept is providing beautiful yet functional travertine tile coasters unique to the person buying them.  I will do whatever it takes to make the buyer happy and welcome custom orders."  Beautiful designs and Michelle's commitment to her customers is is what makes Coaster Creations stand out from the rest of the coaster creators - she is now selling her craft wholesale to two boutiques and is in the process of expanding!  Michelle's offers some helpful advice to new Etsy shop owners, "The Etsy website and resources are professional and comprehensive.  The more I read and learn and take advantage of opportunities, the better.   Invest in the showcases, be reciprocal with “hearts”, relist, and have good photos."

GIVEAWAY!

Coaster Creations is generously giving away 

a gorgeous set of four coasters to one lucky reader:

GIVEAWAY RULES: 

1.  YOU MUST BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG TO ENTER - 

EITHER THROUGH GOOGLE OR FACEBOOK.

2.  PLEASE VISIT COASTER CREATIONS, PICK OUT YOUR FAVORITE ITEM AND REPORT BACK TO AMELIE JO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

3.  YOU MUST HEART COASTER CREATIONS AS ONE OF 

YOUR FAVORITE SHOPS ON ETSY. 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.  TWEET THIS GIVEAWAY. AMELIE JO IS AMELIEJOBABY.

2.  HEART AMELIE JO AS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES ON ETSY.

3.  ADD THE AMELIE JO BUTTON TO YOUR BLOG 

4.  BLOG THIS GIVEAWAY. 

PLEASE LIST YOUR EXTRA ENTRIES IN THE COMMENT SECTION.  

THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE SEPARATE COMMENTS.  ONE BIG COMMENT IS FINE.

THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST BY MICHELLE.