The Week Ahead – I’m Back!

Ok so in actuality, I was back from my holiday a couple of weeks ago, but I felt like I needed a little time to catch up with things before I got back into my blog!

Sooo what have I been doing, I hear you ask!  Well I’ve been knitting this adorable little baby hat which is hopefully the right size this time!  This is my third attempt, with the first try being far too small and the second being too big to fit me (why don’t I just do a swatch first?!?!), so hopefully the third attempt is just right!  All of these attempts has allowed me to perfect knitting in the round using double pointed needles and I even have a top tip to share with you tomorrow!

I have also been cross stitching these branded coasters for my brother.  I’d made him one a few months back as a silly gift for the office and he liked it so much he has commissioned me to make some more!

Once I’ve finished these I’m planning on trying to knit a slouchy beanie hat.  Depending on how it turns out, I might even introduce a range to my shop.  I always seem to get these great ideas right before the relevant season, so I may have one or two hats in my shop in time for Christmas, but a more substantial range probably won’t be available until well into the new year.

I’ve started my Christmas shopping, so I’m assuming that means that most people will be starting soon if they haven’t already.  I’m hoping to keep my Etsy shop fully stocked with goodies for the next few months – I’m still aiming to reach my goal of 100 Etsy sales before Christmas (only 15 more to go!!)

Treasury – Fruity Delights

‘Fruity Delights’ by thecandytree125

A selection of yummy fruity delights to make your mouth water!  Simply click on an image to be taken to the relevant Etsy shop for full details.  Enjoy!

 

Sweet Lemon Cream Soap Handm… Blushie $5.75	Green Flower Photography Lem… MaryFosterCrea… $25.00
Frosted Turquoise Lime Strip… imakebeads $15.00	Wedding Cake Topper, Crochet… AllSoCute $10.00
Burning orange OOAK- Merino/… Dyeforwool $18.50	Hand painted heels – Lemon a… kezbirdie $66.00
Unique lime bracelet, Abstra… BohoChicGypsyJ… $30.95	Button Bracelet, Tangerine, … beadingshaz $9.50
Buttons in LEMON SHERBET x 1… BigFish $7.00	Lemons Signed Print Small dearcolleen $19.00
Orange Seahorse portrait, Or… fairysomnia $40.00	ACEO lemon and lime for a co… Jartcraft $10.00
Orange summer versatile neck… katrinshine $16.00	Kitchen Art – Orange Lemon &… colorbee $40.00
Fuschia/Lemon – Dual Coated … SilverSense $3.65	Lemon felt coaster set sanctusstitche… $12.00

Etsy Love – DKF Design

Next up in my Etsy Love series is Donna from DKF Design who sells hand crafted pottery and bags.  Donna’s shop is full of one of a kind wonders and it is clear that each piece has been made with love.  Browsing Donna’s shop gave me a real feeling of serenity.  Her designs are not only beautiful, but practical too and would make great gifts for the home.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop. 

I am a product designer by trade, I have been designing and prototyping soft products for infants and preschoolers for 30 years. Along the way, using upcycled denim and leftover project fabrics, I created tote bags, purses & journals for myself and as gifts for friends. I started making pottery again, as a hobby, and before I knew it, I was selling my bags and pottery at local gift shops. I started my Etsy shop as a way to gain more exposure for my designs and to increase sales opportunities.

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

I have a favorite line of pieces…my Sea Turtle Stamp plates, platters and bowls…..
I took my family to Maui some years ago for a lovely vacation. We spent most of our time snorkeling and body-surfing. Our favorite beach, Po’olenalena, encompassed a series of craggy rock formations, teeming with marine life that attracted a multitude of sea turtles of all sizes, colors and patterns. My daily snorkeling excursions included many close encounters with these beautiful creatures, as they accompanied me along my explorations, often swimming up directly underneath me, inviting contact as I paddled along the surface of the water. I was continuously overwhelmed by their quiet power and beauty and felt blessed to interact with them.

When I returned from our vacation, I was inspired to develop a sea turtle silhouette image that I could utilize in the creation of my work, to celebrate my love of these beautiful creatures. I adopted the sea turtle image as my Etsy shop avatar and the Sea Turtle Totem as a guide for qualities to strive for in my life. The Indomitable Turtle Totem possesses the following virtues:
Independence, exploration, travel by sea, deeper consciousness, steady energy, joy with present circumstances, self-protection, inner wisdom, strength, steady and long-lasting progress, longevity, patience, the secrets of life, Heaven and Earth.

3. What is the biggest milestone you have achieved so far whilst selling on Etsy?

I recently organized a face-to-face meeting with other Etsy shop owners in my area. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other creative folks and to discuss issues that affected us all. As a result of that meeting, I have established some collaborative relationships with some of the local talent, and communication about upcoming sales opportunities has opened up amongst the group.

4. What are your future plans for your shop and crafting in general?

I plan to start selling at outdoor art shows this summer. Since I am currently selling through my online Etsy shop and several retail locations, participating in art shows will give me face-time with my customers, which I have not had to date.

5. And finally let us know where we can find you.

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkfdesign
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DKFDesign

Thanks for sharing your shop with us Donna!  I think it’s wonderful that you have organised a meet up with local Etsians.  I know I would love to meet my local crafters – I think we can all learn a lot from each other (and of course we know we have a least one thing in common – a love of everything handmade!)  Your pottery is stunning and I wish you every success with your beautiful shop.

Etsy Love – One December

 

Today in my Etsy Love series we meet Michele from One December who sells rustic home decor, custom tumbled marble coasters,  vintage finds and original photography.  One December has a wonderfully rustic feel to it and the range of products compliment each other really well.  Michele has managed to establish a very successful shop and I think that part of that success is due to her ability to portray her love and devotion for her craft in the way she has presented her beautiful products.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop.

I am Michele, a creator and a collector of cool vintage items! I live in Connecticut with my wonderful family, two overly friendly cats, and a backyard speckled with goats. I love this location and the changing seasons. We live in the country, but are only one hour from all the hustle and bustle of New York City! I have a terrific husband and best friend and I’m a Mom to two awesome little kids with our third on the way! They’re awesome and they keep me very busy!

After finding myself home with the kids, I wanted to find a way to work from home. Etsy has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities I never knew existed! It is so wonderful! I’m so glad that I get to do what I enjoy and be home with my kids! I love being able to connect with people all over the world through Etsy!

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us how you found it and why it is your favourite.

My personalized tumbled marble coasters are my favorite. I’m not exactly sure which design, but I love knowing that I’m creating something special for my buyers. I’m giving them something with meaning to them. It may be the names of their family members, a special date, or a set of initials. Many of the designs featured in my shop were inspired by the ideas of my customers!

3. What is the biggest milestone you have achieved so far whilst selling on Etsy?

When I hit my 500th sale I was pretty excited. So far, that sticks out as the biggest milestone I’ve achieved! For some reason, I had never imagined I’d reach that many sales, and when I did, it felt like a huge accomplishment…like I could actually be on to something here.

4. What are your future plans for your business?

I’d like to continue on with my Etsy shop. I’m always thinking of new ideas…new coaster designs, completely different products to try out in the shop (which is always fun), and I would definitely like to expand the vintage section of my shop. I love vintage! Maybe one day I will open a separate shop focusing only on vintage items! I’d also like to eventually have my husband working alongside me, creating and selling on Etsy. He is so talented and creative, I know it would be awesome!

5. And finally let us know where we can find you.

Etsy Shop: http://www.onedecember.etsy.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/onedecemberm
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/onedecember
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Little-Shop/150729294948010
Blog: http://www.micheleiljazi.blogspot.com

Thanks for sharing with us Michele!  I have to say I’m very jealous of your lifestyle.  I’m sure it is very hectic, but the idea of living in the countryside surrounded by natural beauty sounds so appealing!  I wish you all the best with expanding your shop and look forward to seeing your new designs.