featured friday: friendlybrown

Tell us who you are

Hi! I’m Kelly Kramer. I live in Albany, NY, but I’m originally from PA. I’m a proud member of the etsyknitters, and the photographers of Etsy. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a BFA in Fine Art Photography. I love creating handmade items including: knitting, photography, and ceramics.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

Well, right now I’m unemployed, so not a whole heck of a lot! I’ve really been focusing on handwarmers, trying to get as many made as I can for the holiday season, and retouching the one million photographs I have on my computer!

What first made you want to become an artist?

As far back as I can remember I was creating something. I always wanted to make things with my own hands. I loved make pot holders and little beaded necklaces when I was little.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

Well, with the handwarmers, the process always begins at the craft store! I spend a good amount of time trying to find the prettiest, softest, and most awesome yarn that I can find. I try to find good color combos that I think that other people will enjoy too. Of course, I always like to pick up some brown!

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

My grandmother would crochet all of her grandchildren a blanket. I don’t know how she had the patience to make so many, but I remember being thrilled when we would go through everything that she would make.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

Hmm… let’s see!

http://www.facebook.com

http://www.joythebaker.com

http://pitchfork.com

http://www.last.fm

http://www.alloveralbany.com

http://www.jambase.com

That’s 6, isn’t it? Guess I can’t count!

Any advice you have for new etsy users

Just keep doing what you do best. Join some teams and be active on the forums and treasuries. Eventually, you’ll get your first sale, and it’ll be AWESOME!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I really like the community feel that you can find on Etsy. I love being able to join teams, and get advice from other users, it’s really helped me stay focused on trying to make the best shop possible. I wish you could have more than 14 tags, but other than that, I can’t think of anything else I’d like to see!

How do you promote your shop/work?

Right now it’s a lot of word of mouth and facebook. I try to be as active on Etsy as much as possible, and try to post feedback in other’s treasuries and the forums.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I’d love to be making a decent living, doing what I love, whether it is photography, knitting, or ceramics. No big dreams here!

featured Friday: KaraAnnisJewelry

Tell us who you are 

I'm Kara Annis. I live in New Bern, North Carolina with my husband Nathan, our cat Rathaka, and our dog Jaq. 

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

In addition to creating jewelry, I am also a teacher/tutor. In the past, I have taught high school science – Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science. This year, I am tutoring part time, allowing me a bit more time for creating!

What first made you want to become an artist?

I've had a need to create for as long as I can remember. I've dabbled in painting, crocheting, knitting, quilting, flower arranging... but I really think I've found my niche in jewelry designing.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use.

I work with semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, metals (primarily sterling silver), as well as natural materials including wood, shell, clay. 

When designing a piece, I usually go through my stash of stones, play around with different combinations of color and texture and let inspiration strike me. I like to play and experiment as I create, and I typically have several projects going on a the same time.

Just recently, I have had the opportunity to set up a metalsmithing studio on our property. Right now, I am practicing techniques and experimenting quite a bit as I get familiar with the new equipment. I have wanted to make this leap with my jewelry designing, and I have so many ideas in store!

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

I cherish anything that is made for me with thoughtfulness and love. One of my favorites is a little painting that my husband made for me when we had first started dating. Knowing that I enjoyed creating, he agreed to paint with me even though wasn't really thrilled with the activity. He gave me his masterpiece, and I've kept it to this day!

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

Hmmm... well, to inspire me in the kitchen: A Year of Crockpotting (http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/), to feed my curiosity: HowStuffWorks.com and PopSci.com, for a little music while I create (and cook, and clean): Pandora.com, and for entertainment and asthetic delight: craftzine.com

Any advice you have for new etsy users?

I still consider myself to be fairly new to Etsy and know that I still have a lot to learn. One of the things that I have leaned is to get connected and take advantage of the great community of Etsians. The Etsy community is full of people who are welcoming and willing to offer advice, encouragement, and friendship!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I love the fresh look of Etsy - the ever changing user curated front page, the diversity and ingenuity of items, the visual appeal. I also love the community of Etsy – the forums and virtual labs, both great ways to learn and connect. 

How do you promote your shop/work?

I promote mainly through word-of-mouth and home shows, through my website (www.KaraAnnis.com), and my blog (www.karaannisjewelry.wordpress.com). I just love the home show environment – providing my customers the opportunity to see, touch, try on my items and getting to interact with each lovely person. I've also had a blast designing my website and keeping my blog fresh!

In ten years, where would you like to be?

In ten years, I know I'll be creating still. I hope to be a master at metalsmithing, a skill I'm just delving into now. I also hope to be kinder, wiser, more patient, more knowledgeable, and full of stories to share.

featured Friday: ParamiPanda

My name is Alix Womack, and I just graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Washington state, so now I am back in Northern California where I grew up, and trying hard to establish myself as a local artist in the San Francisco scene, while still keeping my name alive in Seattle :P

Since I just graduated, being a student and a nanny and running Parami Panda and having a personal life were all that I did up until two and a half months ago, but now I am madly applying for jobs in various San Francisco nonprofits, working my way towards being a bartender and trying to Stay on the Buddhist Path. I make handmade cards, spend time with my dog, keep in touch through snail mail with my best friends, and I travel a lot. I just got back from Japan!

I have always been an artistic person, painting and drawing, making stuffed animals out of old t-shirts, and I loved to knit, but all I knew how to make were scarves, so I got tired of that pretty fast, and then a good friend of mine taught me how to crochet, and I picked it up immediately, and before I knew it, I was making all kinds of little creatures, and haven't stopped since.

I don't really know how much of a process I have. Usually I just wait for an idea to come to me, and then I sketch it out, then crochet it! I like to experiment with colors and color combinations, and am always looking for the next cute thing to make. Kissing pigs are next, then a yak!

The handmade possession that I prize the most is the quilt my grandmother made for me. She was incredibly crafty, and she taught me how to knit and quilt and make sock dolls, and a million other little crafty things. Without her I don't know if I would ever have started Parami Panda.

The top 5 websites I visit besides etsy are www.modcloth.com, to look at fantastic dresses, paramipanda.blogspot.com, to update my blog, www.hulu.com, to watch my favorite tv shows since I don't have television, www.facebook.com to keep in touch with friends and update Parami Panda's facebook fan page, andwww.threadless.com because I may or may not have a t-shirt obsession :P

New etsy users - post new items regularly, take lots of pictures, and never get discouraged!

Etsy needs to have a gift registry option!!! That is what I would like to see more than anything else. As for what I like, everything else. The forums, the treasury, hearts, feedback, it's all great!

I promote Parami Panda with my blog - paramipanda.blogspot.com, my facebook fan page and my myspace page and my flickr stream, by making treasuries and posting new items often and by having business cards when I'm selling at fairs and when people see me crocheting in coffee shops. My stuff is also for sale at Monster Art and Clothing in Seattle, and people are always finding me on etsy because they bought something of mine from there.

In ten years I want to be near all the people I love, and still making crochet creatures. I want to live on a ranch and have a pet yak and three dogs - a miniature schnauzer, a standard schnauzer and a giant schnauzer. I want to breed dogs that look like baby pandas, and I want to be changing the world. I want to be happy :)

featured Friday: kitkit96

My name is Catherine Beigel, and I am thirteen years old. I live in Steubenville, OH with my Mom, Dad and seven siblings. I currently don’t belong to any etsy teams but I have applied and am still waiting to hear back from etsy youth and etsy jewelry designer’s guild.

I am homeschooled and am in the 8th grade so that takes up a big chunk of my time. Also like people my age I babysit and hang out with friends. During the summer I take tennis lessons as well.

 

I first started making jewelry when one of my friends got a jewelry making kit. I loved it and asked for one for Christmas. That is how I got started and now I am addicted. 

I do different things to come up with Jewelry designs. Some of those thing s are brainstorming sessions where I go sit down somewhere, in the car, in front of my beads, or outside, and just sketch different ideas. Also I surf etsy and Google images for color schemes and different ways to put different types of beads together. I never copy anyone’s designs. 

I use a lot of different types of supplies. It really just depends on the project I am working. Some supplies I use a lot are silver plated findings, silver toned findings, glass beads, gemstone chips, and occasionally I use sterling silver.

I love all of my jewelry pieces and it is really hard to pick a favorite. I really love the colors in this set though: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30852783 

I visit different websites and don’t really visit any top five, but I do check my email at gmail.com, and check my hearts at craftycult.com. I also go to different gaming sites, like foopets.com 

Although I am still fairly new myself I do have one tip for new etsy people. List, List, List. People can’t buy what is not there. Try listing at least one thing a day. I wasn’t doing this and I just started to about a week ago and I have already seen a jump in views of my shop and I have received 7 new hearts. 

I am really glad that they have the forums. I go there and I get such a wealth of information about everything craft related. As for things I would like to see, I’m not really sure. I love everything that the admin is adding and as long as they keep up the good work I am happy.

I’m not a very big promoter so I’m not the person you should take advice from. I use the forums and I hand out a lot of business cards at craft shows. Also I do occasional do interviews for people’s blogs like this one. 

My ultimate craft dream is to open a boutique store some day selling my jewelry and being open for consignment. 

And there you have it, a little about me, my craft and my business. 

featured Friday: beag

Tell us who you are

My name is Bea Graansma. I'm 45 years old. I'm Dutch, but living in Belgium, with my equally creative partner Marc.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

I am a designer and creator (in between coping with serious chronic health issues). Designing and creating is what I do and who I am. Selling on Etsy is just a side activity (to be able to keep buying supplies and to be part of a wonderful creative worldwide community).

What first made you want to become an artist?

 I have always been very creative. As a child I loved to draw and craft. Later in life, when I became a working single mother, I didn't find the time to create. But when I lost my health and had to give up my successful carreer, I refound my creativity. I was a locally well-known fine artist for a few years (before I had to give that up for health reasons too) and then started making the kind of things you'll find in my Etsy shop.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

I love to create in many different ways. I use all kinds of materials and all kinds of techniques. I especially love to create unique and contemporary products with traditional or surprising materials and techniques.

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

The handmade possession I prize the most is William (see my avatar) William was the first bear I made out of an old pair of jeans, the name giver of my little business, and the item marking the turning point of me rediscovering my creativity.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

Top three websites I visit besides Etsy (I cannot think of any more):

Flickr.com (where I share photo's of all my creations, not just the ones for sale on Etsy, and where I keep up with my sons photo's, he's 25, a dj, journalist and photographer)

Marktplaats.nl (a Dutch equivalent of eBay)

Craftster.org (a huge crafters forum, where I first learned of Etsy)

Any advice you have for new etsy users

My advice for new Etsy users would be: to become a successful seller of handmade items you have to have talent and you have to be willing and able to put in a lot of hard work and dedication. You yourself have to sell your items! Etsy does not do that for you. Stand out from the crowd! And be patient. Building up any successful business takes years. But don't just sit and wait. Make it happen!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

My favorite Etsy features are the Categories and the Forum. I spend a lot of time reading and posting in the forum and checking out the wonderful products of my fellow Etsians.

I would not want to see any new features on Etsy. I prefer Etsy putting their time and effort into improving our visibility with search engines and improving Etsy's search.

How do you promote your shop/work?

I promote my shop in the Etsy forums, through social networking (online and offline) and through word of mouth (my satisfied customers keep coming back for more and guiding their friends towards my shop).

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Ten years from now I hope to be healthier, still happy and still creating all kinds of things.

Featured Friday: jennyhoople

Tell us who you are

My name is Jenny Hoople, I'm located in Beloit Wisconsin. I'm a member of TeamWIST (the local Wisconsin team) on Etsy. I grew up on a farm, graduated from college with a bachelor of arts in fine arts and a minor in Geology.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

I also work part-time in a library and on an organic farm. I'm busy right now trying to keep on top of canning season and still take care of my bunny and fish AND make jewelry! I also love painting, knitting and many other crafts which I'm not selling on Etsy, yet...

What first made you want to become an artist? When I was little, my Aunt would draw little pictures when we were all sitting around my grandma's table and I decided then and there that I was going to be good at art if it killed me. My mom always had us occupied with some little craft project so I gained a lot of experience making things early on.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use.

I choose knotted silk because I like its history, it's more romantic! I choose "natural" materials (stone, bone, wood, shell, silk) because even when altered by human hands and arranged and strung by them, the beauty of the processes that formed them breaks through and dazzles me. I write "natural" with quotes because I believe, philosophically, that everything humans make is natural, but there is a real aesthetic difference between a glass bead and a quartz bead and I don't know what other word to use. Also, I do use dyed materials because it's not so different, philosophically, than using machine cut gemstone beads and I love color! My favorite material is the grey job's tears seeds because I grow them right here in my own backyard! When I start out to make a piece, more often than not, the materials themselves inspire me as I start putting them out next to each other and arranging them.

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

I most prize a baby quilt that my grandmother quilted for me. On one side is a giant green and pink puff-the-magic-dragon and on the back is a sweet little fabric with bunnies and puppies and kitties that I remember making up games with during nap-time as a little one. I hold this quilt in such high esteem, that I broke down and gave it to my little brother who also remembers it as HIS baby blanket. We have promised to give it to the first one of us who has a baby.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

http://www.jennyhoople.com (to edit my website with google sites),

http://twitter.com/jennyhoople,

http://facebook.com/authenticarts,

http://firemountaingems.com, and http://wist-etsy.blogspot.com Got them all up on my bookmarks toolbar!

Any advice you have for new etsy users.

Read the Sellers Handbook in the Storque. Join a team. Search the forums. Get on twitter and facebook!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I love that people can heart each other and see other people's hearts. I love all the community support there is on here, that's really the best part! I'd like it if items were more search-able. Maybe if there were more categories to shop by, and different ways to combine them. As a shopper, I'd find that very useful.

How do you promote your shop/work?

I promote on twitter, facebook, at work, through my mom, in the Etsy forums, by getting featured on blogs. Basically, by being friendly and nice and interesting. People want to know what I'm all about and I tell them. (For the first time ever talking too much about myself has proved beneficial!)

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I'd like to be right where I am, but with more sales! Still working my part-time jobs because I like them, but actually making money on jewelry instead of watching the little boxes pile up waiting to be loved. I'd like to be in more than the one gallery I'm in now. My pictures are good, but pictures really don't do my work justice. It's so much more beautiful in person!!

Featured Friday: Darlinggifts

Who are you:

My name is Audra Knatcal, and I am located in Holts Summit, MO. I currently fly solo, but have applied to a couple of street teams. I am 31 years old, and just started my Etsy shop a few months ago. I have no children, so I have plenty of time to piece together new concoctions!

What else do you do:

I am an author, and I write under the pen name Jaela Darling. Thus far I have one book published through a vanity publisher. The title of this fiction book is, "I Called Him Bill." I am currently wrapping up a fantasy book and will soon be querying agents. I also write poetry on occasion. Much of my work can be seen on FanStory.com. Other than writing and Etsy, my third love is singing, and I am preparing a couple of songs for America's Got Talent tryouts.

What first made you want to become an artist:

When I was a kid, I used to bake and crochet with my mom all the time. I was something of a loner, and spent much of my time reading and making my own crafts. When I "grew up," I dropped everything to find a "real" job and lost sight of my creativity. Then common sense dropped in on me and I went back to all things creative.

Describe your creative process and materials:

I use whatever I can get my hands on. My family never had much money growing up, so I am used to making do with what I have. I do not, however, just use any old junk lying around. I paw through and find only quality materials that will last a lifetime. Once I have a good bundle of items, I scatter them around my work area and pick out things that might work together. If I already have something in mind, I make it my mission to find what I need and get right to work. I try not to limit myself to any one medium, but I have found that I love paper crafts and handpainted items the most!

What is the handmade possession you prize the most:

I think most people become attached to their first creation, and for me that would be the three floral hair clips I have in my shop. They were the first items I listed, and my favorite of the three is the golden orange one. Here are the clips: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28864339, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28862618, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28864942 Other than those, I would have to say I am most proud of my golden treasure box, here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29641029 It came out much better than I expected it to!

The top 5 websites you visit besides Etsy:

Facebook is at the top, though I hate to admit it! I also spend a lot of time at various Scottish sites for inspiration, particularly sites about the Rowans on Skye because it is my dream destination. Let's see...three other sites would be Craft Cult, Craft Gawker, and Joann.com (though I don't post regularly - just browse and buy).

Any advice for new Etsy users:

Take it from a fairly new user - patience is KEY. Set up your shop with at least twenty items (and even this is bare minimum). If you have fewer than that, don't fret. Post more as you get more. Go straight to the forums, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. There is a wealth of information on the forums, and lots of people willing to help! Ask politely, and don't make a post about how you need more sales or some such. Just introduce yourself and ask if anyone has any tips. Also, make good use of the search function on the forums. No sense creating a new thread for an old topic! And finally, advertise, advertise, advertise! Advertise anywhere you can, and jump on opportunities as soon as you can. Make sure you have business cards and pass them out everywhere. Wear your merchandise if you can. Make yourself a walking billboard. Be optomistic and patient, and you'll get those sales rolling in soon enough.

Favorite features of Etsy and what you would like to see:

Etsy is very thorough. They offer workshops, great promotion tools, and an easy checkout system for buyers. I absolutely love the forums. There is nothing better than peer-to-peer encouragment and coaching. The thing I think they need the most is an alternative to PayPal for buyers, such as Google checkout or even just their own cart system. I personally do not care for the extra fees imposed by PayPal, and PayPal's policies are difficult at best. This is why I will accept checks, money orders, and cashier's checks (with a 5-day hold for clearance) along with the PayPal option.

How do you promote your shop/work:

I spend tons of time in the forums. I have gotten a couple of sales from doing so. I also promote on Twitter, though I don't make a nuisance of myself. I have just started a blog and I have something of a fan page on Facebook, though I haven't done much with that one yet. I put a listing on Craigslist, which has garnered me plenty of spam, and in the near future I am going to put an advertisement in a few local newspapers. I have submitted a few things to Craft Gawker, but my photography needs some help! I also have run a showcase on Etsy, and whenever I make a sale anywhere else (such as through my seller account on Amazon), I include my business card with the purchase. I also pass out business cards and utilize community boards.

Where would you like to be in ten years:

My dream is to become a successful author and crafter. Ten years from now, I hope to have my fantasy series underway, with a few more books either published or well on the way, and I would like to see a full-blown Etsy shop with at least one brick and mortar shop behind it. I am a creator at heart, and I want that to show in whatever I do.

Featured Friday: PenelopeAndAnastasia

Tell us who you are

My name is Pamela Kucera and I happily quit my job of 13 years to stay home with our now 2 year old daughter and make my baubles! I live outside of Philadelphia in Royersford PA; the small town I grew up in and decided to buy our beloved 100 year old house on Main Street! I'm a proud member of Etsy's FAM Team but I love all things Etsy.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

Like many of us creative types, I have tooooo many hobbies! I'm always taking a new class through the local community ed program; recent ones were knitting, stained glass, and kyaking. I've always been a sewer and love decorating. I find the study of blending color, pattern, and texture fascinating. A lifelong yard-saler, thrift shopper, and flea marketer lead to my opening a second Etsy Shop for Vintage named for my daughter ~ MarcellasExcess. Someone famous has a quote like - I do many things...imperfectly. That's me in my happy nutshell

What first made you want to become an artist?

I think I've always considered myself an artist in some way. It was wonderful coming to the realization growing up that an artist isn't always a painter or a sculpter etc...but one who creates something that brings a smile to another's face.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

I'm a list maker. My creative process has adjusted since having my daughter, as my brain doesn't focus on the same things with the same veracity as it used to. When I think of an idea for a piece of jewelry...I write it down or I'll forget! I hoard old vintage pieces that I scoop up at yard sales to incorporate whole or take apart and reuse. These pieces are always inspiring imagining their lives before they came into mine.

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

I have a necklace that wasn't overly difficult to create but its full of vintage beads, an old locket with a stranger's initials and my baby's head charm with her name and birthday. It always makes me happy.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

I'm a facebook addict, I love Realtor.com so I can add houses to my "when I win the Lottery" list, I'm a wannabe foodie so I'm on the foodnetwork's site often, craftcult.com to check my cherished hearts, and now Twitter too.

Any advice you have for new etsy users

I'm still taking advice, so I don't know that I'm qualified to give it - loL! I do think that listing often helps with sales. I cherish the help the forums can provide on various questions we have. And its a cliche now, but don't get down when sales are low...there will come that morning when you check your shop and there will be a sale...and that's the best feeling!!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I love the addition of the Google Analytics feature but wait for the day when Etsy institutes a better way for sellers to quote shipping for items, like just entering an item's weight and then buyers can find a shipping quote via their zip-code.

How do you promote your shop/work?

I don't pay for any advertising anywhere. Word of mouth has been a blessing to me! Facebook has treated me very well with many sales going to old friends and now their friends. Twitter is a nice way to toss out an item of the day too.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

In 10 years I'd love to wholesale my jewelry to other countries - that would be amazing! Other than that, just as I am now!

Featured Friday: Loopdiloops

Tell us who you are

My name is Dani, I'm a wife, and stay at home mommy of one baby girl. I started making slings for my daughter when she was about 4 months old, and haven't really stopped since! I'm a member of Etsy's team Alberta, that consists of many wonderful and supportive women (and men) from around the province.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

I like to spend time goofing around with my 21 month old, making crafts, baking goodies, she is a fantastic little helper, and an expert taste-tester.

What first made you want to become an artist?

My mom has an old book, like the kind where there's a page for each school year, you put your school photos in and write what you want to be when you grow up, and I think there's about 6 years in a row that in my little handwriting I had written "Artist" in all the blank boxes. She always had some kind of fun craft for us to do as kids, or sewing project on the go, and I guess I just never grew out of it!

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

I like to find different color combinations, that compliment eachother, but don't match perfectly and pair them together. For the ballgowns I make, it's mostly a process of draping fabric over an old doll or teddy bear until it looks "just right", and from there it's trial and error to find out what is functional or not.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

I like to check out different blogs, my favorite right now being etsywedding.blogspot.com even though I'm already married, there are so many cool ideas on there! allrecipes.com is a great one for when you're trying to figure out what to make for dinner, facebook.com I use to catch up with long distance friends and family. Besides that most of my time is spent on etsy.com, or paying bills online.

Any advice you have for new etsy users

I'm still a fairly new etsy user I suppose, but one thing I've learned is you have to have stellar photos. Browsing the forums is usually a big help to learn the ins and outs, but maybe a big one would be trying to spend more time actually creating and less on the computer!

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I like the way etsy.com is run the way it is, sure there's a few things that would be handy, but it's been great. I love the community and culture of the buyers and sellers, its nice to have the real down to earth human communication, and ability to create or request such unique custom items from a real person instead of buying mass produced products.

How do you promote your shop/work?

Mostly, word of mouth or on my blog http://loopdiloops.blogspot.com

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Hopefully, still creating, maybe not exactly the same things I do now but I hope I would be at home with my child(ren) watching them grow.

Featured Friday: StonyGhost

Tell us who you are

Tyler Dobson Brooklyn, ny, artist, gallery runner (realfinearts.com)

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

I am a multi media artist, and gallery owner. I paint, make prints, and sculptures.

What first made you want to become an artist?

i was always interested in objects, I guess I really began to realize the potential of art when I was in High School. So I decided to go to Pratt Institute, where I majored in painting and art history.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

For Stony Ghost, I mainly use tie-dye ing processes. I use a color discharge process for most of my stuff. Recently I have been making limited edition prints too. I also am realizeing that It's good to have a variety of things, so I am including antique prints, and other after market items.

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

All the artwork thats been given to me by friends.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

I like surfing art gallery websites mainly.

Any advice you have for new etsy users

Be patient...Im still trying to build interest.

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

Community forums.

How do you promote your shop/work?

Forums, talkng with other etsians.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I'd like to have a business with a few employees.

Featured Friday: AndreaCreates

Tell us who you are

My name is Andrea, currently in Southern California- will be moving this summer though.

Other than creating things for etsy, what do you do?

I am a stay at home mom and school volunteer in my 'spare' time:)

What first made you want to become an artist?

I have always wanted to be an artist.Ever since I was very little I have been making things by hand, painting and sewing.

Describe your creative process and the materials you use

For my sewing projects ,I wait to be inspired by a fabric, a color, or a new design I want to try out, then I go for it.I love to use materials that are vintage, repurposed or vintage/retro inspired.I also love trims and try and incorporate vintage buttons when I can.

What handmade possession to you prize the most?

My most treasured handmade possessions are the drawings and projects that my children make.

Top 5 websites you visit besides etsy?

I love to visit many websites and blogs-I visit the blogs I 'follow' almost everyday-you can see those in my 'blogs I follow section' at andreacreates.blogspot.com. I also love to visit posiegetscozy.typepad.com, tongueincheek, thepurlbee.com...just to name a few-I can spend hours scrolling through blogs.

Any advice you have for new etsy users

I would recommend that new etsy users try and promote outside of etsy as well.Places like flickr can be helpful.

What are your favorite features of etsy, and what new features would you like to see?

I don't know if I have one favorite feature on etsy.When I first discovered etsy,I was just so happy to be able to sell my things online without having to have my own website or having to learn tons of new computer skills.I guess my favorite feature is etsy itself! That said, I think it would be neat if we could add a few more pictures to our listings and maybe a new way of 'searching'.

How do you promote your shop/work?

I like to use my blog and flickr, word of mouth also works well for me, and I always enjoy doing craft shows.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I would like to design fabrics in the future, and patterns.I'd like to be able to support myself solely with my creative work:)