Spotlight on...

sedruola Original and Custom Crochet & Knit Gifts and Patterns

Become I begin this fabulous feature, I must say HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It has been a pleasure learning more about you! Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am absolutely in love with the Crochet Neckwarmer Adjustable - Hot Pink ! Let's show some birthday love for Sedruola!

Just for her birthday Sedruola is offering 43% off of your purchase! Enter code "BIRTHDAY1143" to get 43% off anything in Sedruola!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business? My name is Sedruola, but everyone calls me Sedie (Say-dee). I am a mother of two little ones and my business is crochet! I first opened my shop in 2006 when I was pregnant with my son, because I was on bedrest and needed an outlet. After my son was born and many changes took place, my shop stayed quiet until about 2009. My life again went in another direction and stayed quiet until October of 2010 when I was pregnant with my daughter and had little energy for much else. I've found that crochet is my passion, where I'm meant to be and I'm moving in that direction.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of? I am a part of the Etsy Artists of color team, the Handmadeology team, the Etsy Hookers team, The Shameless Self Promotion team, and the Knit and Crochet Designers team.

3. When did you begin your business? I consider that I really, officially began my business in January 2011 because that is when I realized, it would be my work.

4. What inspires you to create? Fashion, color, weather all inspire me to design and create various items. The more I tap into those areas, the more ideas flow and the more I'm compelled to create!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years? Within the next five years I expect to complete my certification to teach crochet, I expect that I will have published at least two patterns per year and I also expect to have a pattern book published or on it's way to being published. I have big plans for my passion. I'm taking it one step at a time and seeing great results.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received? The best advice was to read "The Kaizen Way" and implement it. The Kaizen way says to take small incremental steps toward your goal, be consistent and you will see it take shape. That is what I'm doing and continue to do every day.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
-1) Deshawn Marie Handmade Soaps, because her soaps are beautiful, and great to use. I also know Deshawn and that adds to my really liking her shop. www.etsy.com/shop/DeShawnMarie
-2) Raghouse International, because it was inspiring to see another woman of color doing beautiful things with yarn! She has her own style and makes it sing! www.etsy.com/shop/raghousenternational
-3) See Jayne Knits Yarns, because she has yummy, yummy yarn in beautiful colors and textures. I've purchased from her before and I love her stuff! www.etsy.com/shop/SeeJayneKnitYarns


8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster? I'm a pretty crafty person so disasters don't come my way often in that area. . . I can't think of any.

9. What are three things that few people know about you? 1) I love country music; 2) I love Korean food; 3) I plan on hiring a cook one day

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

sedruola.etsy.com
www.twitter.com/sedruola
www.facebook.com/yarnobsession
yarnobsession-2.blogspot.com

Spotlight on...

MlleCafeAuLait: Mademoiselle CafeAuLait's CHIC BOUTIQUE

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with the Haley's Comet Bead and Chain Earrings! Show this amazing artist some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

My name is Adrianne and I have an Etsy Shop Called Mlle. Café Au Lait where I sell earrings. It started last year, with me attending a beading class with my mom, at a local bead store in San Diego. It was “Beading 101” and we had to make a necklace. I had my heart set on making earrings and the instructor allowed me to make bracelets instead! Once I got home, without knowing how, I decided to try to make some matching hoop earrings. I mainly started making earrings for myself that I couldn't find anywhere. When I wore them, I got lots of compliments! I have a Youtube Channel and several of my subscribers made comments on earrings that I wore in my videos. I then started making hoop earrings as gifts for family and friends. Eventually people were saying to me that "this person" or "that person" wanted a pair of earrings. That they would actually pay for me to make them a pair. I was so surprised! But also delighted! People were interested in the earrings that "I" had made and were willing to pay for them?!? It amazed me! My mom suggested I try to sell on Etsy and that is where I have started. Etsy is a great place for anyone who is artistic or crafty to develop their art or product!


2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

So far, I only belong to four Etsy Teams. I belong to Etsy Business Topics. It is a great forum to meet other Etsy-ers and get to know them. And it is also a valuable place to discuss concerns and get or give business advice. I also belong to Etsy Artists of Color, a wonderful place to meet and support other artists of color. The last two are Etsy Talent Hunt and Shameless Self Promotion where I discovered one is able to promote their recent listings. I love looking to see what other Etsy Artists have created. It is a great way to check out other shops and support one another!

3. When did you begin your business?

I started making my own earrings about a year ago in May, 2010. I held the “Grand Opening” of my Etsy Shop, “Mlle. Café Au Lait’s Chic Boutique” and started selling in November of last year.

4. What inspires you to create?

My inspiration comes from many different sources. Lots of times it will be the beads themselves that will remind me of something from my childhood. For instance, this past April, I had many beads that were made from shells or looked like something you might find on a beach. That inspired a group of earrings that I call my “By The Seashore” series. They made me very nostalgic! Living in Southern California and growing up in San Diego, we spent so much time down at the ocean’s edge and we would pick up shells, sea glass and other shiny bits. I wanted my earrings to have the feel and delight that a child would have of nature’s treasures. So, the beads started the inspiration, but my memories finished it. Other times, it might come from an object or an idea. Currently, I have been making brightly colored wood earrings and for some reason, they remind me of picnics. So that is what I named them. And, it seems that almost every batch of earrings that I make will have a pair that reminds me of Egypt or Cleopatra! I don’t know where that comes from! LOL!


5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

My current plans include selling earrings at events, such as edgy art and craft fairs and maybe Natural Hair Shows where natural hair products and accessories are sold. I would like to be able to sell to Boutiques that specialize in handcrafted wares or stores that cater to Women of Color. These are my immediate goals. Another current goal is to develop my own website. Long term goals are that I have my own shop, not necessarily selling just earrings, but perhaps even clothing and other fine handcrafted items.


6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

“Make and keep it fun.” You must truly like and enjoy what you do! In other words, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with creating. And help your buyers have a sense of delight when they order from your shop. Fun packaging, a personal “thank you” note and even a little gift go a long way to show your gratitude. That was my second best advice. “Always be grateful and let your buyers know that you appreciate them”. Because really, folks could buy earrings from anybody, they could just go to Forever 21 or H&M, but they have chosen to purchase my earrings! That makes me feel so humble. And I am very grateful for my customers. I try to show it by making the nicest earrings that I am able and send them off, packaged nicely, and I always try to add a personal touch. It is really from the heart when I say thank you to my customers. They have been so wonderful! I have been very lucky to have met some of these incredible women! I probably would not have been able to do this if it had not been for Etsy.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

Lucky Spot Shop-They have such pretty beads! I admire their excellent customer service and appreciate the little extras that they always include with my orders!

Lottie Frank Illustrations-This is the artist that I worked with to create the logo for Mlle. Café Au Lait. Lucy was invaluable as an artist. She was so open and patient with me. She took all of my ideas and made them into just what I had envisioned. I highly recommend her. Plus she has some very adorable ready made cards and illustrations.

Modern House Art-I love Susanna’s art work. It is Contemporary. (My favorite style) She calls it Palette Knife Style and all of her paintings have beautiful texture. Besides being very talented, she is very kind.


8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

When I first started making earrings, I never paid attention to how heavy they would be! I have a soft spot for EXTRA LARGE earrings; the bigger the better! I cringe sometimes when I think of all the stone beads I loaded on to my hoops. I should have called them Wilma Flintstone Hoops! Now, I really take weight into consideration when I am crafting earrings.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I am extremely shy when it comes to meeting new people.
I sing, and hope to perform on Broadway!
I love animals! I would be like Jim Carey in “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” if I had the room! Remember that one scene with all of his animals? That would be me!


10. Check out this fabulous seller at (Give your ETSY shop, Facebook, Blog and Twitter info if applicable):

Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mlle-CafeAuLait/112461782156828

Blog- http://www.mllecafeaulait.blogspot.com/

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mllecafeaulait

Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop/MlleCafeAuLait

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

shopsouthernyankee Fresh - Vintage - Handmade

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
It all started years and years ago. My grandmother, Inez, learned to sew at a very young age. She then taught my mom, Nancy, when she was little. And then when I was about 10 or so, my mom taught me! Over the years, I have had many, many "businesses". I had my own clothing line, which I "sold" to my friends, a jewelry line "Junk to Jewels by Jen" clever right?? A nail salon out of my dorm room at Texas Tech (actually this one was profitable!) I was a Fashion Design student, so I could put my sewing & creative talents to work.

So after graduation, I moved to NYC. It was Christmas of 1998 that this latest business took off! I had recently married (the Yankee), and wanted to do something fun and cute as our "first Christmas card." The response to my card was overwhelming and a coworker even urged me to sell them! A friend (a fellow ZTA alum) was opening a stationery store in New York City, and agreed to let me use her as my "test market." And so I kept busy creating new and exciting handmade cards. And I haven't stopped since!
The rest is history.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
The Etsy Tristate Area Team, Connecticut & Fairfield County Connecticut Etsians

3. When did you begin your business?
1999

4. What inspires you to create?
Anything & everything... and of course VINTAGE!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
Would love my website to be the main stay...

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Go for it!

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Vintageinbloom, Clothandpatina & Backhomeagain

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
Tablecloth skirts.. did NOT look cute :-)

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
Hhhmmm that's a tough one...I laugh when I am nervous, I hate coffee flavored icecream (but LOVE coffee!) and i thought I was going to be a super model when I grew up!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
shopsouthernyankee (www.etsy.com/shop/shopsouthernyankee),
FB is Southern Yankee, LLC (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Yankee-LLC/317381739411)
Twitter is Southrnyankee

Thank you so much!!!!!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Irisbiran Iris' illustrations & paper-art


1) Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

My name is Iris, I'm a freelance illustrator working at my home studio.
I live in Haifa, Israel, on the Carmel mountain.
In my illustrations, I use manual techniques such as acrylic, collage, 3D paper cuts and drawing. I think it makes my style diverse in a way.
I also design items printed with my illustrations: coasters, greeting cards, calendars, bags, jewelry-boxes and original 3D paper cuts pictures

2) What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
I'm a member in several Etsy teams such as Etsy Graphic Designers, Etsypreneurs, Etsy Talent Hunt, On Fire for Handmade.


3) When did you begin your business?
A few months ago I met a friend who saw my designs and suggested I should open an Etsy shop. So I did.

4) What inspires you to create?
When I illustrate for clients I have to fit the theme to their will and needs. As to myself, I'm inspired by fiction and fantasy literature like Lewis Carroll's creations: " Alice" books and poems he wrote. Next month, I'm having a solo exhibition regarding his works.

5) What do you envision for your business in the next five years?
I'd like my business to grow and be known as "My Illustrated designs". Aside with this and my work as an illustrator, it's important to me to continue illustrating and painting for fun and pleasure.

6) What is the best business advice you have ever received?
I was getting a few business advices lately but haven't got the chance to implement them yet. I guess it's a matter of time.


7) What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Three of my favorite shop are: LisaKaser (www.etsy.com/shop/LisaKaser) which has interesting illustration style, BayColonyDesigns (www.etsy.com/shop/BayColonyDesigns) - creates cats that looks so real ( I love cats!) and BROOMCHICK (www.etsy.com/shop/BROOMCHICK) that makes fabulous brooms.

8) What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
I can't tell I have had such an experience.

9) What are three things that few people know about you?
I'm a mother, an illustrator and a cats lover.

10) Check out this fabulous seller at:

www.etsy.com/shop/irisbiran

irisbiran.com/

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=782749117#!/pages/Iris-Biran-Illustrator...

twitter.com/illudes


Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

moncherie43 nostalgic jewelry

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with the Berries and Cream - set of 3 hair pins! Show some love!!!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I'm Chelsea, a girl with a love for all things whimsical, dainty and nostalgic! I've always been creative, whether it's with photography, art or jewelry making, and decided to take the plunge one day and create moncherie43! The 43 in my store's name is because a lot of my jewelry is inspired by the 40's. There's also some rocker, tribal, plus wedding pieces in there! I can do custom orders as well. Something special just for you!

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Four pages worth... eeek! There are lots of promotion and treasury teams.

3. When did you begin your business?

On the 5th of March 2011.

4. What inspires you to create?

Anything really! Nature, romance, old polaroids, browsing Etsy, and of course my massive collection of supplies!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I'm hoping that I'll have hundreds of items! Maybe I'll also have home wares, photography or another shop altogether. We'll see!

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Never give up. I know this sounds cliche, but there will always be bumps in the road towards success, you just have to push through.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

I'm sure everyone says this, but I seriously can't decide my favourites as there's too many amazing shops on Etsy! Three shops I've bought from that are great are: thelittlefox, epicallyepicsoaps and LoveandKnit.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Surprisingly there's been no jewelry disasters yet. I'm sure there will be many down the road, as I'm adding new items to moncherie43 everyday!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I love horror movies, I can sing and play guitar pretty well (not trying to brag!) and that I would love to DJ part time some day.

10. Check out this fabulous seller!

You can see my whimsicalities here: www.moncherie43.etsy.com

Returning customers get 10% off everything in store with a special code sent with their order!

My new blog: moncherie43.blogspot.com

I'm making a Facebook soon, and I'll post it on my blog, so be sure to follow it!
No Twitter just yet, but trust me, there will be!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Eraticus The Artisan Shop by Eraticus on Etsy

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with Crochet Red Brooch with Feathers and faux pearl button! It would be perfect with a my favorite tan sundress! Show some love ;)

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I am a mother of 1, a wife, and animal lover. After I lost my day job as a consequence of outsourcing, my grieving inspired me to learn something new. I wanted to turn sadness into purpose, and although I have been a crafter pretty much all my life, I decided to dedicate myself to create freely. My husband told me about Etsy, which I have to admit, I never heard of before!. I can crochet, paint, draw, and recently I opened a card shop in Etsy, called My Card Shoppette. My husband makes jewelry, and together we decided to create an online woman's fashion boutique.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

I am part of TriState Area Team, COTTEAM, Etsy NJ, Ignored on Etsy and Treasury Teams.

3. When did you begin your business?

We began our business in May of 2010. I also began selling to friends and family then.

4. What inspires you to create?

I get most inspired during periods of turmoil. I enjoy nature, natural figures, and the outdoors. I also have a tendency to stay up late while the world sleeps, to work on creating my crafts!!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I would like to continue to master the crafts we currently are engaged in, and I invision opening The Artisan Shop store locally. We also want to become farmers, but we are not sure where though.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Research your market well, know your craft and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Receive critisism as a way to improve your business, no matter how hurtful it may seem at times.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

Randitan, Fifthelement and, you guessed it, Gloria's Jewelry Box!

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

I tried creating a polymer clay jewelry trinket box - let's say there is a reason why I got a "C" in pottery class in college :)

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I am painfully shy at times, I was born and raised in PR and learned to speak English in only 2 months, I am a disabled US Army Veteran.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

ETSY:
www.etsy.com/shop/eraticus
www.etsy.com/shop/mycardshoppette

BLOG:
www.theartisancorner.blogspot.com

Twitter:
The Artisan Shop

Facebook:
Wendie Colvin or The Artisan Shop

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Tide Together Jewelry and Gifts

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with Nautical Night Out - Sea Glass and Black Metal Bead Bracelet! Show some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

We started beach combing a lot as a family when my son was about two. Before long I had SUCH a stash of "things". My boyfriend is an artist (Ryan Jacobson Art) and he suggested I start making things with the items we found.

I am currently in two local boutiques and Etsy seemed a logical way to branch out to a broader market. So far it has been an amazing experience - not just for the sales but also for the friends and mentors I have found in the Etsy community.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Teams are a HUGE part of my Etsy satisfaction. I learn a lot from my team members and I take being part of a team very seriously. As a nod to the importance of these relationships - I list all of my teams on my shop profile.

I am a very proud member of the following Etsy Teams-

*Etsy Tristate Area (TATeam) - TEAM LEADER

*Virginia Treasury Team (VATT) - They accept me in spite of my MD residency :-)

*Etsy Eco Team - Check Member Listings for the 4 star Eco Tips!

*Earthly Etsy

*Inspired by Nature

*Maryland Etsy Street Team (MDStreetTeam)

*Sea Of Love

*Sea Glass Sisters

3. When did you begin your business?

In August of 2010 Ryan's father had a stroke. We had a benefit fundraiser and I put a few pieces into the auction. I was pretty excited when a local boutique offered to carry my pieces. I was too nervous to jump right in but by November I had a business license, a FaceBook page, and a supportive shop carrying my items.

4. What inspires you to create?

I seriously work in CHAOS! I surround myself with materials and different things just jump out to me at different times. I have beads that I've brushed over for months before creating an entire collection inspired by the colors I've overlooked until their time came. I never know what's going to move me on any given day so I just keep the whole stash sprawled everywhere until the mood hits to put something to use :)

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

Honestly - five years makes me nervous. Things have happened SO FAST in less than a year - I am certainly pleased by my business success so far but trying to look that far out is daunting. I'm an optimist. I assume I will do well because I work hard. Other than that - I take it a day at a time to keep things managable. A new shop wants to carry me? Great - redistribute stock. Getting low on Etsy? Ok - pump out more pieces. Big order came in? Alright - beg a buddy to make a mail run for me. I'd drive myself nuts if I tried to anticipate all the curveballs that get thrown my way. I just take everything as it comes and appreciate that I get to make money doing something I LOVE.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

I've received a LOT and most of it is helpful. I think the bottom line best though would have to be "Never turn down money" Accept any form of payment (just wait to ship til it clears!) Accept any venue to show your work. Accept any invite to discuss your product. Never turn your back on an opportunity to sell because you never know where your next big buyer will come from.

Chances are you will get burned at some point but there are sneeks everywhere - being overly cautious will probably block more genuine buyers than thieves.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

This is HARD!!!!! I'm going with my first two picks b/c I've been collecting their work for ages even though they are new to ETSY. The third is my favorite "window shopping" store(s). When I start raking it in on Etsy it will all go right back b/c I love SO MANY shops LOL

Pieces Of Amber - I've been wearing her jewelry for years and she is one of my top jewelry making mentors. She helped me when I first started creating and thought fishing line made fine beading wire!

Ryan Jacobson Art - Again - I've been collecting his art for years. It is much cheaper now that we practically live together. LOL He has so much talent it is RIDICULOUS!

I really tried to narrow this down but I couldn't pick - my new favorite style is this Southern/BoHo/Gothic Romance look that I've really admired here on Etsy and I tried to choose between my two favorites but I just couldn't!!! So Creole Sha and bayousalvage tie for my third.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Crochet!!!! I can braid hemp but MAN I get tied up in yarn!!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

*I'm actually pretty shy in person unless I'm with a good support group. It takes me a bit to warm up to new people socially.

....actually that may be the only thing because once I do open up - I rarely shut up LOL

10. Check out this fabulous seller at (Give your ETSY shop, Facebook, Blog and Twitter info if applicable):

www.TideTogether.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/TideTogether

http://www.facebook.com/CreatingWithCompassion

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tammys-Cool-Things/125769289019

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Preppy-Redneck/135299539869684

On Twitter @Tide_Together

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Cindy Burke Originals Handmade Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with Necklace Gold Glass Spiral Pendant Sheer Ribbon! Show some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I made jewelry as a teen when I lived in San Diego. It was easy to go to craft shows all the time because of the good weather. I stopped making it for many years but got started again as a craft for the teens at my church. I enjoyed it and kept making more and more necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings. Gave away a lot, wore some myself and still had maybe forty pieces just sitting there, until I found out about Etsy!

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

I belong to EtsyBEAD, which is the first team I joined. I was so excited when they accepted me! I also belong to EtsyTumblerians, which has a lot of members. All of us have blogs on Tumblr.

3. When did you begin your business?

I set up my shop in February, 2010. I was hoping to make 100 sales by one year, but not quite! Still working on getting there.

4. What inspires you to create?

The materials rope me in. I am in love with picture jasper, shell heishi, turquoise…the list goes on!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I hope that sales will pick up and eventually become regular. I would love to be earning a few hundred dollars a month with my shop in five years. Realistically, there is a limit to how much business I can do since I work full time and commute to another city over 20 miles away for my job.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Honestly, I can’t pick just one thing as the best. There are countless people on Etsy who have helped me, either directly or through sharing blog posts with information. I guess Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advice has helped my shop the most, and you can find plenty about that by searching the forums.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

The first shop I ever bought from on Etsy was Evangeline and Bella’s Boutique. Evangeline makes beautiful costumes for children and I ordered two of her Rose Fairy costumes for a couple of six-year-olds in the family.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/evangirl

Rebecca’s Soap Deli has so many luscious and great smelling soaps that are pretty to look at as well.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/soapdeli

A new and very original shop that I love is Fiber Beads. Eleanore Brown hand creates beautiful beads from fiber. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ebrown2503

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Well, it wasn’t exactly a disaster, but the first wire that I used was not up to the task of supporting the materials that I use. I’ve since found much better wire that will not break! Everything in my shop had to be restrung, so okay, it was a disaster, lol.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clemson University in 2007 with a degree in Communication.

I love to read, especially sci-fi novels.

I am a big fan of the Dalai Lama!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CindyBurkeOriginals
http://cindyburkeoriginals.tumblr.com/

Spotlight on...

Zen25 Release Me Creations

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with the White Quartz Bullet with Peacock Necklace! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
I'm a silly crafty girl who moved from Philadelphia to Fort Worth about two years ago. While driving to Texas for the move, my Mom called and informed me that my dad had been diagnosed with Cancer. Eight months later he had passed away after a brave battle with the disease. I spent the last three months of his life at home with both of them, helping and just spending as much time as possible with my Dad. During my down time, while my Dad was sleeping, I found myself becoming increasingly anxious and stressed and needed to find a way to channel it. I suddenly thought, "I want to make some jewelry." So my Mom and I hopped in the car, went to the craft store, and I have been crafting ever since. My shop, Release Me Creations by Zen25 resulted from my newly crafted pieces.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
I LOVE Etsy teams, thus I am a member of a lot of them. Okay, deep inhale and...Etsy Success,Norfolk and Chance, Conquer Etsy Front Page, Epic Treasury Team, Global Arts Team, Craft Count, Handmadeology, Pure Handmade, Etsy817, Creepy Queen Team, Inked Etsy, Click One Treasury Team, Pay It Forward, Etsy Under 30, Technique Q & A, Custom Order Corner, Etsy Texas Crafters, Etsy Ugly Cute,

3. When did you begin your business?
I started my business in November of 2009.

4. What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by colors and shapes, stormy weather, the ocean, the sky, industrial metal buildings, zippers, and anything that is unique or different

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
In the next five years I envision my business to be bringing in triple figures, with a five shop locations and a staff...oh, you wanted realistically? In the next five years, realistically, I see my business making steady growth as I continue to learn and refine my pieces. I am completely self taught, so I learn as I go, and make the mistakes right along with it.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Rome wasn't built in a day.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
All three of these shops are pure inspiration to me each for different reasons

Art Akimbo: "Puttin' the fun in funky and the eek in unique." This artist has some of the most unique, incredibly funky and fun sculpture art I have ever seen. I love how he just makes what he loves. I am still saving up to buy that wall tentacle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56638710/wall-tentacle?ref=pr_shop

Theatre Clouds: Gorgeous romantic and whimsical, not to mention incredibly unique prints. I LOVE the sailboat pictures:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62466934/ill-travel-with-you

The Angry Weather: She is a serious inspiration to me. I wish I could work with metal the way she does! Love all of her pieces
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAngryWeather?ref=ss_profile

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
The first time I tried making a steampunkish pendant filled with resin it was a complete and total messy disaster. The resin overflowed, and I only had a small paper towel under it so it went everywhere. When I got that all cleared up, and let the resin set, it turned out I hadn't sealed the image underneath completely so the inks bled and everything turned a murky blue. Definition of disaster! I have since gotten better with resin, but I am nowhere near mastery!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
I have two degrees, a B.A. in Education, and a M.A. in Education Leadership. I taught 9th Grade English for five years, got completely flustered with the educational system, and now do what I love working at a Martial Arts school where I also train in American Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zen25
http://www.facebook.com/ReleaseMeCreations
http://twitter.com/releasemecreate
http://www.releasemecreations.blogspot.com/

Enjoy;)

Spotlight on...

Pieces of Amber

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the third interview of many to come. You have to check out the amazing work from this talented artist! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
My name is Amber, I am a 30-something married mother of two boys, live in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and work part time in an natural food store as a deli leader and cheesemonger. I just recently acquired the cheese part of the job, and it's been an awesome learning experience. In the small amount of spare time I have outside of work, being a wife and mother, and housework, I garden and make jewelry. I've made jewelry off and on for 18 years. I started out with hemp, then learned the art of peyote stitch. I didn't get into working with gemstones until 2005, and that's when I discovered my passion for making gemstone earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I really have enjoyed learning the names of all the natural and manmade stones and am always asking the vendors at gem shows to tell me the names of any stones I don't know yet. I also like to incorporate glass, crystals, wood, shells, pearls, and nut beads into my designs. I almost always use silver.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
Etsy Tristate Area Team, MD Etsy Street Team, East Coast Artisans, Handmadeology, Art for the Environment, Etsy Delmarva, Jewelry, and New Etsy Sellers.

3. When did you begin your business?
In May 2006, I went for it. I had been selling at local flea markets and craftshows for a year to see how sales would be, and my family and friends had placed orders and bought from me, so I made my dream a reality.

4. What inspires you to create?
Everyday life inspires me to make jewelry. I see customers wearing different jewelry everyday at the store. When I shop for beads, I get inspired. I get random design ideas in my head at weird times of the day. I love the colors that I find in nature, and tend to choose greens, blues and browns mostly, but I also choose brightly colored pinks, purples, reds, and orange.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
In the next 5 years, I plan on reaching out to more customers, and hopefully more success will entail from that. It would be nice to be able to make a full time business out of it, but I'm enjoying the work I do in the deli presently, so hopefully I will still be doing both. I have many dreams of success, but I'm taking it one day at a time.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Someone once told me to never sell myself short. I always try to heed that advice.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Picking just three is really hard, because I have so many. Check out my page to see what all my favorites are. I'm really smitten with:
www.etsy.com/people/elseetee
www.etsy.com/people/zulasurfing
www.etsy.com/people/MarcusBerknerJewelry
because they are doing what i want to learn someday, metalsmithing.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
Recently I tried making these beaded flower earrings through a glass flower. I had the idea in my head, but couldn't execute it. Oh well, it wasn't meant to be! That's just one example. Sometimes I'm just not feeling it, and I'll scrap an idea in the beginning stages.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
One of my goals is to turn my yard into a beautiful thing. I want flowers, trees, plants, fountains, slate tile walkways, a pond, a bridge, a rock garden, a cactus garden, etc, etc, etc. Few people think I care about my yard that much. I am really anal about recycling. If it can be recycled, it better not go in the trash! I hate scheduled working out and exercising. I think its the most boring thing ever. I just pull weeds, dig, play with my dogs and kids, and lift things instead. :)

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
If you live locally, you can find my pieces at Lizzy Dee, and Due East.

These are my sites:
www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofAmber?ref=pr_shop
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pieces-of-Amber/132730043440159
http://twitter.com/PiecesofAmber

A page I share with other artists:
http://www.facebook.com/CreatingWithCompassion


Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Mackwire Wire Sculpture

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the second interview of many to come. You have to check out the amazing work from this talented artist! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I'm a wire sculptor from Baltimore City. I've been twisting and doodling with wire for over ten years. My specialty is the human figure but I dabble in just about anything. Etsy's DIY culture has inspired me along with the ease of it's networks, so I've set up a little shop to sell some of my smaller retail pieces.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

The Etsy Tristate Area Team
Maryland Etsy Street Team


3. When did you begin your business?

Officially I started my business in 2004 .

4. What inspires you to create?

Difficult to say what inspires me. Inspiration changes from day to day and place to place. One night it will be a specific kind of bird and the next, maybe an acrobat.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I'm hoping to keep my business growing and take it full time.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

It's all about the light.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

ETSY is full of so much creativity, I would hate to pick.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned about to be a disaster?

Every dog that I've ever tried to sculpt has turned out a disaster. Not sure why that is, I've sculpted nearly everything else...it seems.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I'm color blind, a sucker for the ballet, and I used to be a choir boy like Sting.


10. Check out this fabulous seller at...

www.mackwire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mackwire
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MackWire/192632233676
http://twitter.com/#!/mackwire

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

Diaspora Designs African jewelry with beads from my world travels

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the first interview of many to come. Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I have a background in ceramics and sculpture and received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Alfred University. I love working with my hands. I have been sewing, collaging, drawing and sculpting with anything and everything for as long as I can remember.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Etsy Artists of Color and It’s a Zen Life

3. When did you begin your business?

I opened my shop last August (2010) after one of my friends suggested that start making hemp jewelry to sell at some local festivals around Boston. I started making things and I just couldn’t stop, I love having multiple projects going and I am a workaholic by nature.

4. What inspires you to create?

Traveling the world inspires me. Every new city and country has so much rich culture, architecture, color, smells, food, crafts and history. I went to Egypt this past October (2010) and I am still unpacking the experience.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I hope that in five years I can afford to have a line of jewelry whose proceeds go tocharity. I really want to be able to have my business give back to places that have been struck by natural disaster such as New Orleans, Haiti and Japan. I also want to expand from just the jewelry and sell my travel photographs of all the places I visit.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Hire an accountant to handle your taxes and use an online accounting tool to track your income and expenses.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

naKiMuli because she showcases truly one-of-a-kind afro-funk style that blows my mind!

BoutiqueDeBandeaux because I love to see fashion forward hair accessories made for natural and curly hair.

HotBunnyLove Jo’s glasswork is phenomenal I am so glad another Alfred graduate is sharing her work on Etsy!

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Knitting--- I never had the continued patience and the yarn always seems to get tangled in knots!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I learned to swim before I could walk, I prefer the quiet countryside to the city, and I want to go to Las Vegas before I die.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/diasporadesigns
Twitter: twitter.com/DiasporaDesigns
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaspora-designs

Enjoy ;)