Whew, we made it. Sure their were some causalities and some folk'll never be the same, but its over and we can all breath a sign of relief. Another Christmas behind us, we have a whole year to recoup, regroup and recharge, although depending on what you did and how much you did of it, you might feel like you need at least two years before your ready to do it again. I've been there, believe me. All said and done , however, this year was very calm for us and blessedly quite. We went nowhere and no one came to us, ahhhhhhh. I hope for most of you things were similar and Santa baby brought you every and all of the baubles, bangles, things, rings, toys, boys, trinkets, gizmos and gadgets that your hearts desired.
With that out of the way I'm going to try to ease you back into the grind with a showcase of the extremely gifted artwork of Andrea Pratt. Be it with acrylic paint, collage elements, mixed media drawings or digital photography she's know for using just about anything and everything not nailed down in her creative process. By her own account even the bathroom walls aren't safe when the muse has her.
She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me a short while ago so without further ado I present them to you now.
1. How long have you been doing what you do?
I have been working as a freelance artist since 2001 with a year’s recess to earn some money. I have two kids so it’s never been full-time, much as I’d like it to be. I sell in bricks-and-mortar galleries as well as online.
2. Are there any other places people can see your work that you would like to tell us about? website, blog, myspace etc?
Besides Etsy I have a website at http://andreapratt.com and a blog at http://didrooglie.blogspot.com I love blogging and have been doing it for 2 ½ years now.
3. I see that you've been selling on Etsy for a while now, do you have any tips or advice on how to run a successful shop?
Having a blog with a regular readership was what launched me and still fuels some of my sales. Since I started on Etsy I’ve learned to work the system a little, participating on Forums or Treasury now and then, and have found that spreading out my listings (e.g. one per day for three days instead of three at once) is the best way to gain exposure. It does take time and some work. Though I'm never as active on Etsy as many other sellers are, sometimes I’ll take a break from Etsy for a few months to focus on other stuff and when I do that my profile definitely falls.
4. Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! My biggest problem is not finding inspiration but focusing it. There are a million things I want to try and creative avenues I want to explore.
5. How did feel when you made your first sale?
Like I could get addicted to this!
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?
My favorite high-selling shop is tartx.etsy.com and the shop I most want to buy something from is mvsculpture.etsy.com but I could list dozens more!
Many thanks to Andrea for agreeing to this interview, and thanks are in order to all of you for taking the time out of your busy days to join me here. I appreciate all the positive feedback that I've been receiving and can't you tell how much fun this had turned out to be. It makes a huge difference knowing that there are so many of you out there who acknowledge the work that I'm putting into this project. As long as you keep reading and enjoying I'll keep writing and delighting.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
misscourageous
There was a time when just the thought of someone destroying vinyl records would send shivers down my spine. That was before i discovered misscourageous' shop. She hand cuts the records to create her own of unique "pop" jewelry. She also uses bottle caps, jar lids and game pieces in her work. misscourageous, who's name was inspired by a song her husband wrote, creates some of the most interesting and distinct pieces I've ever seen. I presented her with some questions earlier in the week, heres what she had to say.
1. How long have you been doing what you do?
I've been creating my entire life. I started making a few pieces to sell at my friend's store about 3 1/2 years ago. It snowballed from there. Etsy is a fairly new venue for me, and I'll be expanding my Etsy shop after the holidays.
2. Are there any other places people can see your work that you would like to tell us about? website, blog, myspace etc?
I can be found Saturdays at Capitol City Public Market Downtown Boise (April-Oct & mid Nov-Christmas) http://www.capitalcitypublicmarket.om/index.php at the following retailers:
Accessorize Mee in Eagle ID, accessorizemee.com
JuJu accessories in Boise ID, jujuaccessories.com
Cinnabar Caffe in Boise ID
Emma M. in Quincy WA
on the web:
www.misscourageous.com
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/misscourageous/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=835991949
we love etsy: http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/2nuf7slkgoxr2
I'll be starting a blog early in the new year. I'm starting a Boise street team and will be doing a lot of promotional activities.
3. Do you have any other creative projects your working on ?
I've just finished adding a studio in my basement, so I have enough space to work on everything. I just wish I had enough time! I usually have several projects going at once. I'll be working on some new belt buckle designs and new ways of using recycled record vinyl. I've also got some vintage buttons, cork, bike parts and broken china I've been playing with, stay tuned!
4. Your work is very interesting. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me. I spent many years in the cosmetics industry and color & texture have always been important to me. I love the idea of transformation. I've always related to the ugly duckling story, being tall and clumsy as a kid, so now I always look for the beauty and possibilities in things.
5. How did feel when you made your first sale?
My first ETSY sale? I was pretty excited because it was one of my belt buckles which are made out of jar lids. That same customer purchased a second one two months later!
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?
I don't think I could pick just one shop, so here's a few of my fav's
dippylulu for gag gifts
bkmhattitude has the most gorgeous hats
pinkytoast does the cutest pocket mirrors
and charlieandsarah for t-shits
I want thank misscourageous for taking some time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions. I can't wait to see the new projects see mentioned. Especially the new uses for vinyl records, I like that aspect of her work best. Hope everyone enjoyed this interview and got as much out of it as I did. Don't forget to take a look at her shop, while your there be sure to let her know what you think of her work.
In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!
1. How long have you been doing what you do?
I've been creating my entire life. I started making a few pieces to sell at my friend's store about 3 1/2 years ago. It snowballed from there. Etsy is a fairly new venue for me, and I'll be expanding my Etsy shop after the holidays.
2. Are there any other places people can see your work that you would like to tell us about? website, blog, myspace etc?
I can be found Saturdays at Capitol City Public Market Downtown Boise (April-Oct & mid Nov-Christmas) http://www.capitalcitypublicmarket.om/index.php at the following retailers:
Accessorize Mee in Eagle ID, accessorizemee.com
JuJu accessories in Boise ID, jujuaccessories.com
Cinnabar Caffe in Boise ID
Emma M. in Quincy WA
on the web:
www.misscourageous.com
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/misscourageous/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=835991949
we love etsy: http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/2nuf7slkgoxr2
I'll be starting a blog early in the new year. I'm starting a Boise street team and will be doing a lot of promotional activities.
3. Do you have any other creative projects your working on ?
I've just finished adding a studio in my basement, so I have enough space to work on everything. I just wish I had enough time! I usually have several projects going at once. I'll be working on some new belt buckle designs and new ways of using recycled record vinyl. I've also got some vintage buttons, cork, bike parts and broken china I've been playing with, stay tuned!
4. Your work is very interesting. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me. I spent many years in the cosmetics industry and color & texture have always been important to me. I love the idea of transformation. I've always related to the ugly duckling story, being tall and clumsy as a kid, so now I always look for the beauty and possibilities in things.
5. How did feel when you made your first sale?
My first ETSY sale? I was pretty excited because it was one of my belt buckles which are made out of jar lids. That same customer purchased a second one two months later!
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?
I don't think I could pick just one shop, so here's a few of my fav's
dippylulu for gag gifts
bkmhattitude has the most gorgeous hats
pinkytoast does the cutest pocket mirrors
and charlieandsarah for t-shits
I want thank misscourageous for taking some time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions. I can't wait to see the new projects see mentioned. Especially the new uses for vinyl records, I like that aspect of her work best. Hope everyone enjoyed this interview and got as much out of it as I did. Don't forget to take a look at her shop, while your there be sure to let her know what you think of her work.
In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
GirlCalledRic
This self-proclaimed sci-fi geek and fan of English culture has'nt had her Etsy shop opened for long, but already she is doing incredible business. One look at her highly original and humorous work and you can see why. Her work is high quality, you can see that she really goes all out with it. I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions and can't wait to share her interesting answers. So read on and enjoy the interview.
1. How long have you been doing what you do?
I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, but I didn't start making dolls until recently. I made a couple of dolls in November for a craft swap, and everyone seemed to like them a lot. I listed a few on Etsy for the hell of it. I never really thought any one else would be interested in them. I've only had my doll shop for about two weeks now, and I'm really amazed with how well-received it's been. I'm flooded with custom orders, and I can't seem to keep stock around very long.
2. Are there any other places people can see your work that you would like to tell us about? website, blog, myspace etc?
I'm working on a blog so I can post pictures of my custom dolls and other news, maybe some drawings every once in a while. And, of course, insignificant stuff that interests only me (probably... I don't know). You will be able to find it at GirlCalledRic.blogspot.com
3. Do you have any other creative projects your working on that you can tell us about?
I kind of want to bind a limited edition of children's books that aren't really for children. Something like Der Struwwelpeter. I already make dolls that aren't for children, why not corner the market? I also have every intention to screen print some t-shirts. I had some other completely unrelated projects as well, but the dolls are monopolizing my time and I need to concentrate on them. I don't really mind.
4. Where do you find inspiration?
British culture (particularly television, obviously). I've always been an Anglophile. People in general fascinate me. I'd also like to eventually make some robots, or zombies, or something. I'm kind of a sci-fi geek. I also have a problem with the idea of growing up. Yes, as an adult you can have responsibilities, but who says you can't have toys or watch cartoons as well? I'd like to think of myself as the head of the Rebel Age Alliance.
5. How did feel when you made your first sale?
I was so excited. It was totally happiness brought on by the validation of my peers. I still get excited every time I sell something. It's like the item has been critiqued, and someone else loves it as much as I do. My customers totally rock.
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?
I can't pick just one! I find something new everyday. Let's just say I did some of my holiday shopping at FatDaddyBakeShop, and I hope I get a t-shirt printed by CharlieandSarah under my tree this year.
Well i hope you enjoyed reading her responses as much as i did. I think my favorite part is when she dubs herself "head of the Rebel Age Alliance" i love it, where can i sign up. I wish her the best of luck in the new year and beyond. Based on what shes doing and how it being received though, i don't think she'll need it.
In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!
1. How long have you been doing what you do?
I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, but I didn't start making dolls until recently. I made a couple of dolls in November for a craft swap, and everyone seemed to like them a lot. I listed a few on Etsy for the hell of it. I never really thought any one else would be interested in them. I've only had my doll shop for about two weeks now, and I'm really amazed with how well-received it's been. I'm flooded with custom orders, and I can't seem to keep stock around very long.
2. Are there any other places people can see your work that you would like to tell us about? website, blog, myspace etc?
I'm working on a blog so I can post pictures of my custom dolls and other news, maybe some drawings every once in a while. And, of course, insignificant stuff that interests only me (probably... I don't know). You will be able to find it at GirlCalledRic.blogspot.com
3. Do you have any other creative projects your working on that you can tell us about?
I kind of want to bind a limited edition of children's books that aren't really for children. Something like Der Struwwelpeter. I already make dolls that aren't for children, why not corner the market? I also have every intention to screen print some t-shirts. I had some other completely unrelated projects as well, but the dolls are monopolizing my time and I need to concentrate on them. I don't really mind.
4. Where do you find inspiration?
British culture (particularly television, obviously). I've always been an Anglophile. People in general fascinate me. I'd also like to eventually make some robots, or zombies, or something. I'm kind of a sci-fi geek. I also have a problem with the idea of growing up. Yes, as an adult you can have responsibilities, but who says you can't have toys or watch cartoons as well? I'd like to think of myself as the head of the Rebel Age Alliance.
5. How did feel when you made your first sale?
I was so excited. It was totally happiness brought on by the validation of my peers. I still get excited every time I sell something. It's like the item has been critiqued, and someone else loves it as much as I do. My customers totally rock.
6. Whats your favorite Etsy shop?
I can't pick just one! I find something new everyday. Let's just say I did some of my holiday shopping at FatDaddyBakeShop, and I hope I get a t-shirt printed by CharlieandSarah under my tree this year.
Well i hope you enjoyed reading her responses as much as i did. I think my favorite part is when she dubs herself "head of the Rebel Age Alliance" i love it, where can i sign up. I wish her the best of luck in the new year and beyond. Based on what shes doing and how it being received though, i don't think she'll need it.
In two days we'll have another fantastic interview ready so be on the look out for that, oh and remember BUY HANDMADE!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wots all this than ???
Hi. Welcome to my blog, Oddist Showcase. Oddist being the name of my Esty store, if you've never visited Etsy you can check it out here. A very quick run down on what it's all about would go something like this. Handmade and vintage items are sold there from a diverse group of talented artist, artisans, crafters and sellers of vintage treasures. There is such a wide variety being bought and sold there, everything from buttons and magnets to artist prints and originals. You can find clothes, dolls, jewelery,pet toys and even adult playthings. I haven't even scratched the surface, and Just about everything is 100% handmade . I'll be "showcasing" that work here.
Every two days you can find a new seller's work shown, Sundays are mine though . We'll have links to there shops, a little background on them and a short interview which will feature questions about their work, upcoming projects and various aspects of what they do and why. Monday thru Saturday, everyday, thats what will be here. Sundays we'll take a lil break and I'll do some freestylin'. I might talk about lots of diffrn't stuff, my work, favorite sellers and artist, interest that want to share, whatever comes to mind.
I hope you enjoy what you see and read here, please join me in supporting the handmade revolution. Fell free to get in touch with me or the featured guest and tell us what you thought of the content here, their work, or even just to let us know that you like what where doing. I welcome all suggestions, comments and criticism. Let me know whats on your mind, i really want people to benefit and enjoy this blog. With your help I know it will do all that and more.
Thanx.
Every two days you can find a new seller's work shown, Sundays are mine though . We'll have links to there shops, a little background on them and a short interview which will feature questions about their work, upcoming projects and various aspects of what they do and why. Monday thru Saturday, everyday, thats what will be here. Sundays we'll take a lil break and I'll do some freestylin'. I might talk about lots of diffrn't stuff, my work, favorite sellers and artist, interest that want to share, whatever comes to mind.
I hope you enjoy what you see and read here, please join me in supporting the handmade revolution. Fell free to get in touch with me or the featured guest and tell us what you thought of the content here, their work, or even just to let us know that you like what where doing. I welcome all suggestions, comments and criticism. Let me know whats on your mind, i really want people to benefit and enjoy this blog. With your help I know it will do all that and more.
Thanx.
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