Hot Shop of the Week!

Congratulations to Liz from LavenderLizard -- she has been selected as our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, and enjoy Liz's interview and a few of her lovely creations.

Who is LavenderLizard?
Hi, I’m Liz, wife to a yarn-tolerant husband, mother of four handsome sons, and as the only female in our house, I am hopelessly outnumbered (even our two cats are boys)! I live in San Antonio, but I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the Dallas area and Austin/Round Rock as well. The Lavender Lizard is my primary Etsy shop for eco-friendly crocheted items like market bags and kitchen and bath scrubbies. I opened it in the summer of 2007.


Do you have any other shops on Etsy? If so, please tell us a bit about them as well.
My second Etsy shop is the Lavender Ladybug. I opened it in order to “clean up” my primary shop by moving my handmade embellishments there. Also I often list commercial craft items as well. A third shop is in the works (TaxiDermia), but as of yet, it remains empty. Stay tuned though…


Where else can you be found around the internet (blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
I blog when I can manage to find some time. I usually blog about projects in the works and what’s going on with my boys. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook.


What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
Right now I primarily crochet, although I also cross-stitch and embroider and have dabbled in other craft mediums as well. I learned how to crochet when I was about 7 or 8, so I have tons of experience! My favorite things to create are beautiful and useful items – scarves, market bags, scrubbies and towels. My head is full of design possibilities. The hardest thing is finding the time to make everything that I would like to.


Where do you find your inspiration?
Usually my inspiration comes from either a particular color or fiber or a need. For instance, I needed a quick gift about a month ago so within a couple of days, I made a soft and lightweight scarf in this person’s favorite color. It was a simple pattern and worked up quickly, and now it’s being enjoyed by the recipient who lives in Germany. Also, one of my goals this year is to have a pattern published, so in that regard, I’m now being inspired by the submission guidelines and design themes for one of my favorite crochet magazines.


What is your favorite medium?
My favorite medium?? Yarn, of course! I especially love natural fibers like cotton and bamboo.


Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
Etsy feels like a full-time job that pays like an internship, which is to say, not much. I have slowed down quite a bit on Etsy, because the time commitment is huge. I sure wish Etsy had been around before I had children (lol), but I am happy to have the access of an international marketplace! I have sold items to buyers around the world, and there’s nothing cooler than that!


What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
I love the monthly Design Challenges. I usually think and think about what to create for the themes; sometimes I think too much and run out of time. I also must say that I like to create the team treasuries (55 and counting). I love the challenge of creating a cohesive look or theme from 12 shops, and it’s also a challenge to grab a treasury spot as well!.


Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
Create what you love! If you’re not enjoying the process, then there’s something wrong.


Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I’m going to be in a crafting book! (More details on that to come!) Oh, and I had typhoid fever. Twice.


Thank you, Liz, for such a wonderful interview! We love getting to know our team members better (especially members of our Leadership Team) and checking out their amazing creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to LavenderLizard or LavenderLadybug and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by midnight on Thursday, Feb 25th, and will post the next interview on Sunday, Feb 28th.

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.

>> Shops that have already been featured as Hot Shops will not be featured again unless the only members who post comments have all already been featured.

Hot Shop of the Week!

Congratulations to Cathy from EDCCollective -- she has been selected as our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, and enjoy Cathy's interview and a few of her lovely creations.


Who is EDCCollective?
I’m Cathy of EDCCollective. This shop started out as a collaboration between my Mom and me. Sadly, she passed away last November, so it is just me right now. My brother has expressed some interest in joining in, so stay tuned. At EDCCollective, you will find my original photographic art as prints, note cards and bookmarks. In addition, I handcraft jewelry (necklaces, earrings and gathering pins), feather pendants and hair accessories (many with a Native American feel) and wood home décor items (using recycled tree parts).


Do you have any other shops on Etsy? If so, please tell us a bit about them as well.
My second shop, EclecticSkeptic, is home to my whimsical flying pig items. You will find earrings, necklaces, pins, keychains, zipper pulls, bookmarks and note cards.


Where else can you be found around the internet (blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
I have a blog, Eclectic Design Choices - Designs for Your Life, that I try to post an article on weekly. I include features about custom projects, gardening tips, new products and more. I post photos to my Flickr page and have had a few accepted by CraftGawker. I have fleshed out my page on ETC’s ning site, and I have the beginnings of a web site.


What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
I’m tempted to say that I create anything I put my mind to. (Did you get a hint of that when you read the variety of things that I have for sale at EDCCollective?) There are many more things that I would love to find the time to learn and do as well. My dad was a designer and my mom was artistic and crafty as well. I can’t remember ever not drawing, painting or crafting. (I still have a pile of artwork that my parents kept from when I was really young as well as a couple of my paintings from high school hanging in my house.)


Where do you find your inspiration?
I find that I am inspired by a challenge. I consider myself a problem solver. So if someone asks if I can make such and such, if it sounds interesting, I’m off to figure out how to do it. It is so rewarding to produce something for someone that fills their need and that they love. I am also inspired by the beauty found in nature.


What is your favorite medium?
I think right now, my favorite is my photographic art. I enjoy taking a good photo as well as taking an original photograph to the next level by manipulating it digitally. I really enjoyed drawing and painting in high school and this seems very similar to me. Of course, my favorite medium is subject to change, I also love pretty woods and turning out custom pieces of jewelry.


Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
Selling on Etsy is the most time consuming part time work I have ever had. In addition to crafting and selling on Etsy, I tutor math and science, and I’m a Garden Coach.

What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
I enjoy the challenges the best. I don’t always come up with something to submit for some of the themes, but I always enjoy seeing what everyone comes up with. And, it was so exciting, I placed for the first time in the January challenge.


Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
Have a good time with what you do. Pace yourself so that you don’t get burned out like so many skaters, swimmers, etc, that don’t have a life outside of their sport. Take time for your family and to stop and smell the roses, too.


Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I graduated from college many years ago with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.


Thank you, Cathy, for such a wonderful interview! We love getting to know our team members better and checking out their amazing creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to EDCCollective or EclecticSkeptic and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by midnight on Wednesday, Feb 10th, and will post the next interview on Sunday, Feb 14th.

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.

Hot Shop of the Week!

Congratulations to Lindsey from Mint2Sew -- she has been selected as our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, and enjoy Lindsey's interview and a few of her lovely creations.


Who is Mint2Sew?
Hi! I am Lindsey. I am 27 years old (this week!) and have been married for 3 years, no kids yet but hopefully soon. We have one puppy (80lb terror) who is plenty of trouble. I love to create pretty much anything, and crafting gets me giddy. :) When I am not crafting, I work part time, serve at my church, read, explore, and hang out with my husband and friends. My favorite colors are blue and green, but purple and turquoise are starting to creep up there. My favorite food is grilled cheese!


Do you have any other shops on Etsy? If so, please tell us a bit about them as well.
I don't have any other shops on Etsy. I am relatively new to Etsy as of 2 months, but maybe one day.

Where else can you be found around the internet (blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Mint2Sew is on Twitter and Facebook. I also have a blog.


What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
Growing up, I watched my mom sew for many years, but just in the last year and a half have I started sewing myself. I started by creating purses and bags and have expanded to baby items and accessories. I am starting to try my hand at clothes sewing and am actually working on a dress this week, so we'll see how that turns out!


Where do you find your inspiration?
I really like to make things that people can use everyday, that can make life simpler, but still be stylish, cute, and fun. I take from the everyday item and see how I can give it color or pattern. I really like funky prints.


What is your favorite medium?
Lately I have really been enjoying finding ways to use rick rack. I seem to recall it was a big thing back in the day (even before my day) and is now making a comeback in the crafting world. I have also just recently discovered elastic thread and am trying to find fun ways to use it!

Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
As of right now, Mint2Sew is just a side project, but one day I would like for crafting to be my full time job.


What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
Right now, I love browsing the blog and getting to know more about everyone else in Etsy Texas Crafters. But I am also looking ahead at the Gift Swaps and excited to participate in one!

Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
Gosh.... Well I wish someone had told me, "Don't let the excitement take over because once you start, you can't undo!" Sometimes I am excited to get moving on something before I have completely gathered everything I need, or I have already made a cutting mistake! :D I keep learning though!


Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I secretly read PostSecret :)


Thank you, Lindsey, for such a great interview! We love getting to know our team members better, especially our newer ones, and checking out their wonderful creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to Mint2Sew and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by midnight on Wednesday, Feb 3rd, and will post the next interview on Sunday, Feb 7th.

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.

Hot Shop of the Week!

Congratulations to Julie from StitchesByJulie -- she has been selected as our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, and enjoy Julie's interview and a few of her lovely creations.


Who is StitchesByJulie?
I am a mother to 3 great, grown-up kids and 2 adorable grandsons....my greatest blessings. I have 3 cats and 2 dogs, all of whom were rescued from the streets or shelters. I was married for 21 yrs. but am single now and own my own small business. I am one of 9 children, grew up in the midwest and now reside in Corpus Christi, Tx. I have been creating for more years than I can remember, since I was little! And I am proud to say that I am a Breast Cancer SURVIVOR....12 yrs. this March!!!


Do you have any other shops on Etsy? If so, please tell us a bit about them as well.
I have my art store on Etsy....NatureInPastels. Most of my work is done in pastels and there's a couple of acrylic paintings.


Where else can you be found around the internet (blog, facebook, twitter, etc)?
I am on facebook, and I have my own site -- that's where I blog and post pics and promote my shop as well as others. If only I had more time, I could update it!

(Editorial note: Julie also has an Artfire shop)


What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
I do so many things but my main interest is in knitting and crocheting. I make things from New Born to Adult, from head to toe. I usually will make something because I've seen a picture and love it, many times coming up with my own patterns. Right now I'm making some "opera gloves" for my youngest daughter, I saw a picture, and I can't wait to see how they turn out.


Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from God, His beautiful creation that surrounds me and all of us and from within. Another group at etsy that I'm a member of had a blog and asked a number of artists why they create, and you wouldn't believe how similar most of the answers were...."Because they have to...it's something inside of them that just has to come out"....that's the within part.


What is your favorite medium?
'd have to say yarn, I love the look of it, the feel of it and working with it and taking a loooooong piece of something and making it into something....it's just an awesome feeling to see the finished product. I've told my kids, I wish they could take one of those things filled with balls that kids jump in, and fill it with yarn....all colors and textures...I would jump in with the biggest smile on my face and it would be like heaven on earth. Then of course I would bag it all up, take it home and get to work making stuff! I'm getting excited just thinking about it! :))


Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
It seems like a full-time job but actually I could not pay the bills if it was. I have another small business that I run from my home which I enjoy, but only because I have to pay the bills! If it were up to me, my Etsy stores would keep me busy and happy aaaaall daaaaaay looooong.


What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
I really enjoyed participating in the gift swap! It was fun to receive a variety of little gifts that someone else made and sending out my handmade stuff to them. The Hot Shop is also a great idea, focus on one vendor and promote them. When you know a little bit about someone, you form a relationship with them, buying, selling, convoing, encouraging. It all helps and makes you feel connected.


Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
Most artists will tell you, you gotta do what you love! You want to sell it, but if you don't, it's ok because you loved doing it. I've given many things away to charities because they didn't sell and that brings just as much joy, if not more! And it's using the talents God blessed you with, to better the world. You'd be surprised, those gestures come back as blessings to you too! Sometimes, even in sales.

Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I really don't have to many secrets. "What you see is what you get" with me. And I don't mean that I just say what ever is on my mind without thought or care for others. I usually try to help someone to feel better about themselves, build them up and encourage them. With my kids, I tell them what I think they need to know and sometimes they don't "appreciate it', but it's not to hurt them, it's actually to help them. They won't see that sometimes until later. But as mothers, you never STOP being a mom.



Thank you, Julie, for such a wonderful interview! We love getting to know our team members better, especially our newer ones, and checking out their fabulous creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to StitchesByJulie or NatureInPastels and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by 6pm on Thursday, Jan 31st, and will post the next interview on Sunday, 1/3. Yes, we are skipping next week, in honor of Christmas -- plus this gives you twice as long to get your posts submitted!

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.

Hot Shop of the Week: CrazyForCollars!

Congratulations to Suzanne from CrazyForCollars -- she has been selected as our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, and enjoy Suzanne's interview and a few of her lovely creations.


Who is CrazyForCollars?
My name is Suzanne and I live in Abilene, TX. I actually grew up here, went to college locally, met my wonderful hubby of 33 years here, and raised 2 amazing children right here in Abilene.


Do you have any other shops on Etsy? If so, please tell us a bit about them as well.
I actually have had 3 shops at once on Etsy, but when "Crazy" became the mainstay, I placed the other 2 on vacation. My other shops were venues for my other various crafts (Suzanne's Perfect Treasures) and for my vintage finds (A Joyful Find).

What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
I create collars and apparel for pets--mainly dogs. I also have written several "how-to" tutorials for the items that I produce. I started making dog collars over 6 years ago, selling them locally at craft shows and in my "pet boutique" booth at a craft mall. I actually began making collars at that time because our family included 7 dogs (not all living at home with us, luckily). My daughter wanted matching collars from some ribbon she had seen. Well, the next thing you know, I'm making collars by the hundreds!


Where do you find your inspiration?
Every fabric I see can be an inspiration, ribbons too! The fabric's print must be something that will work on a small visible 3/4" area, so that can be a challenge. I love creating "holiday themed" collars, so I guess the yearly calendar could be considered one of my inspirations, as well.


What is your favorite medium?
I prefer a great quality quilter's cotton for my designs. Unfortunately, Abilene is "fabric store challenged", so I frequently visit quilt shops whenever we are in larger cities. I love grosgrain ribbon for my bows. My button bows have become my "trademark". They are time intensive, but customers seem to be drawn to them.


Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
Selling my pet related items is my "day job" now. I do help some in my husband's medical office, but as little as possible. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to make things that I love, share them with others, and make a little money at the same time.

What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
I really enjoy the Design Challenges. I have only participated once, but I love seeing everyone's entries. I also love to participate in the various sales: First Monday, $5 Fifth Monday, etc.

"Summer Magic Pet Collar", Received 1st Place in ETC's July Summer Magic Design Challenge!

Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
a. Make things that you love.
b. Set aside time where you can spend quality time doing your craft.
c. Never throw out anything that might be useful in a future craft! I know that sounds ridiculous but if you can, then save it, at least until your next garage sale!


Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I had a facelift at age 40 (my husband did it)! Now at age 56, it is probably time for another....



Thank you, Suzanne, for such a great interview! We love getting to know our team members better and checking out their fabulous creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to CrazyForCollars and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by 6pm on Thursday, 12/17, and will post the next interview on Sunday, 12/20.

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.

Hot Shop of the Week!

Congratulations to Marilyn from GrandmaMarilyns -- after a bit of a hiatus, she is our Hot Shop of the Week! So sit back, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy Marilyn's interview and a few of her lovely creations.

Who is GrandmaMarilyns?
My name is Marilyn. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, bead artist, and bead designer. I live in a little town in the middle of nowhere in south Texas called Freer. We are the crossroads of Hwy 16, Hwy 44 and Hwy 59. If you go south on Hwy 16 from San Antonio, we are about 115 miles south. When I was first thinking of a business name, I was doing all sorts of crafts. After much thinking, I named my first business Grandma Marilyn's because when you think of lots of crafts, you think of a grandma and my grandchildren called me Grandma Marilyn.


What do you create and how long have you been doing it?
Oh, I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. The first crafts that I can remember were making potholders with loops and loom and making long strings with a spool knitter made with a spool and nails. My mother tried to teach me various crafts but for some reason, I could not learn from her. Then when I went overseas in the 70's and had nothing to do, I bought some yarn, needles and a book and taught myself how to make granny squares. I tried knitting but found I didn't like it. I also upgraded my junior high sewing class and learned to make clothes for my son and myself at that time. In the 80's, I learned to make earrings with beads and wire and creating with plastic canvas. I lost track of my beading but continued to advance my crocheting skills. Beading came back to me in 2005 when I needed a way to earn some money. From there, I have gone into designing and selling beading patterns. I also learned to quilt from my mother-in-law but got burned out when someone asked me to make a queen sized quilt. My other crafts have gone by the wayside for the time being since beading came into my life. Will they return? We will have to wait and see.


Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere. I will see something and think I wonder if I can make that into something for beading. Originally, I would see a pattern that I fell in love with and think of ways to vary it (usually just the colors because I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body). Since then, I have let my creative muse loose and I can create beautiful jewelry and beading patterns.


What is your favorite medium?
I love to work with Delicas or Crystals and Japanese seed beads. I love the sparkle of the crystals and am trying to come up with some designs to use them.

Is selling on Etsy your full time job, or just a side project?
For me, it is a full time job along with selling in other venues since I live in the middle of nowhere and cannot find a job. I take my bead art and designing very seriously. I would love for it to become profitable at some point in time. Also, managing my GrandmaMarilyns (beadwork and jewelry), GrandmaMarilynsToo (bead patterns & destash), and AngeliquesCreations (all other crafts, such as crocheting) shops doesn’t leave me much time to do much else. LOL!


What is your favorite thing to do with the Etsy Texas Crafters team?
Admitting members and when I get the chance, talking with my friends on the forum.


Any tips for other Artists / Crafters?
Don't let people push you into a niche. If you don't like creating something, don't. Love what you do but make sure that when it is complete it looks like something you would want to buy. Take good pictures of your items so the buyer can get a good look at what you are selling. If you find yourself in a creative block, try something else and come back later.


Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I was a semi-truck driver with my husband for 9 years. I sure do not miss that. LOL! Driving a big truck like that with a 54 foot trailer behind you can be very stressful. You never can tell what the vehicles around you are going to do, how the weather will affect your driving and whether you will be able to keep safe so that you won't harm your husband and puppies in the bunk. My biggest fears were that I would run over one of the vehicles where the driver was being stupid or laying over the truck and hurting or killing my husband and puppies. That kind of stress I don't need.



Thank you, Marilyn, for such a wonderful interview! We love getting to know our team members better and checking out their fabulous creations!

If you would like to be considered for next week's Hot Shop of the Week, simply go to any of Marilyn's shops -- GrandmaMarilyns (beadwork and jewelry), GrandmaMarilynsToo (bead patterns & destash), and AngeliquesCreations (all other crafts, such as crocheting) -- and pick out your favorite item. Post back here with the link to the item & why it was your favorite -- and don't forget to post your shop name as well! And if you have more than one favorite item, it is perfectly fine to post multiple times, as long as you post all the requested information each time. Then, I'll use a random number generator to pick a new Hot Shop for next week from everyone who has commented on this post by noon on Thursday, 12/10, and will post the next interview on Sunday, 12/13.

NOTES:

>> EVERYONE is welcome to comment on this article, but only ETC members will be eligible for selection as a Hot Shop. Thanks for understanding!

>> Comments by ETC members that do not include the requested information (link to favorite item, why it's your favorite, and your shop name), will not be eligible for selection.