Etsy » Craftsyble

In the Spotlight: Votum Jewellery

In the Spotlight, Interviews Comments Off

Apr 082013

LabelDaddy.com ... Label the things you love !!

Today in the Spotlight: the talented artisans behind Votum Jewellery!

Votum, Latin for “offerings”, is the design collaboration of jeweller, Bridget Catchpole, and administrator, Michelle Nelson. They make anatomical hearts and bones jewellery to reflect the incredible structure and beauty inside them.

What’s the story behind your company?
Votum Jewellery began with a little block of wax. When Bridget started carving the designs for Votum, her first piece was the femur bone in memory of her father who had very bad hips. He had no less than four hip replacements, so you could imagine his gait! But he was a true Englishman and loved to hike. He believed walking would keep his hips from seizing and true to his nature, he never gave up. His show of determination was admirable and when Votum Jewellery started as a business, we chose to carry a similar intention to not give up, to endure even when the going gets rough. So that’s what Votum is: jewellery imbued with offerings of gratitude, protection, and hope.

What inspires you?
With information so readily available at the touch of a keyboard, it’s very accessible to find inspiration using the internet. With Bridget, you name it and she will find inspiration in it. Currently a huge fan of Pinterest, she loves to discover, share, and pin other artists’ work for inspiration and dissemination. Michelle is more inclined to take a hike for inspiration and you would likely find her wilderness tripping somewhere in beautiful British Columbia.

What is your favorite product to make?
Every Votum piece has its own meaning, but Bridget loves to make the Laughing Heart pendant. It represents everything about Votum Jewellery and is made to order because this piece is constructed using more labour intensive techniques. Bridget thinks like a sculptural artist and designs her work so that it can be seen from all angles. The front and back of the heart are made separately and then soldered together for a seamless fit. When finished, the Laughing Heart pendant is fearless and elegant. Clients who wear it tell us they often hold it because it fits so nicely in the palm of the hand.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
We heart anatomy!

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Maintaining creative integrity is the keystone to all our business decisions and it’s the best thing for Votum Jewellery. It gives us the freedom to design and handcraft work that captures our imagination.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
It’s true that hindsight is 20/20! But the truth is, Votum would not be what it is today without these past challenges. It’s come to define what we are now.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
Starting a business partnership is a shared enterprise so knowing how to communicate effectively and professionally is the difference between having a good or bad day. Jewellers are notoriously thrifty, so be sure to have a good reason for any extraneous expenses!

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Yes! Keep up-to-date and check our Votum Jewellery website, “Like” us on Facebook, or visit our Etsy Store to see new additions.

Contact information:
Name: Bridget Catchpole and Michelle Nelson
Website/Shop: http://www.votumjewellery.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/Votum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VotumJewellery

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Jewelry Creations by JB

In the Spotlight, Interviews Comments Off

Mar 112013

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bustamonte, the artisan behind Jewelry Creations by JB.

We asked Jessica a few questions so you get to know her better! Here is what she had to say:

What’s the story behind your company?
I love creating something really pretty, making jewelry gave me an outlet to express my creativity. I tried many different outlets but jewelry really suited me best.

What inspires you?
I love the look of the woman Victorian & Renaissance period I also love that boho chic vibe.

What is your favorite product to make?
I love creating my Ric Rac Rosettes I put them on everything!

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Vintage. Feminine. Whimsical.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Meeting so many people at craft fairs, selling my pieces to women who love to wear it. Being more confident and bold.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
A better networking strategy, I would have branched out more… who knew Twitter, Etsy and Facebook would be so awesome.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Create something that makes you happy, and never stop believing in yourself.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I would like to expand my business with men’s jewelry. Also I am looking forward to participating in many more projects with The Artisan Group.

Contact information:
Name: Jessica Bustamonte
Website/Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrycreationsbyjb
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jewelrycreationsbyjb
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JCBYJB

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Horizon’s Ed3e

In the Spotlight, Interviews Comments Off

Mar 042013

Georgia began teaching herself how to crochet when she was 11. Her designs are all organic – they’re not made using patterns and are all one-of-a-kind, wearable fiber art pieces inspired by nature, the cosmos and a free-spirited life style.

We caught up with Georgia and asked her to share her story with us:

What’s the story behind your company?
The story behind my business started when my mother passed down crocheting to me. As I progressively got more and more addicted to it, I developed the desire to share and sell my creations in my teenage years. When the drive finally came in full force, the name of my company and its meaning came instantaneously as Horizon’s Ed3e… an illusion, it may claim an end but it is ever expanding beauty if we so chose. Not bound by a certain convention because there is no true or right convention. Where physical meeting spiritual, and when we examine all skills, passions and thoughts this is just what they are.

What inspires you?
I am endlessly inspired by the rich textures, patterns and colors of nature, whether they be the earthy tones found in mountains, forests and the sea or the vibrant colors of nebulas and the cosmos.

What is your favorite product to make?
As part of my most recent collection, I’ve been making one-of-a-kind utility belts. These are definitely my favorite to make as they let my imagination run wild with the possibility of color combinations and embellishments.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Vibrant, bohemian, free spirited.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best thing about being an entrepreneur is being able to represent myself in the things I make and create, in that my creations are not only a manifestation of my skills and energy but also a way to create meaningful connections with my customers.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I first opened my Etsy shop in 2009 when I was only 17 and had no business strategies or really any idea what I was doing. Now, a few years later, I wish I had pushed myself harder to learn and create a stronger foundation.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
The advice I would give to new crafters is to never get bored with your craft, always aim to expand your skills and passions, there are always new possibilities waiting for you! I would also say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and expose your work.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Just going with the flow, hoping to find more inspiration in future travels or in the beauty of day to day life.

Contact information:
Name: Georgia Diamantopoulos
Website/Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/horizonsed3e
Facebook: www.facebook.com/horizonsed3e
Blog: x3georgia.tumblr.com

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Love Your Head

In the Spotlight, Interviews Comments Off

Feb 192013

Love Your Head‘s philosophy on creation, giving, and happiness is represented by their “Joy Recipe”… we asked Dawn and Tom, the entrepreneurs behind Love Your Head, to share with us a few things about their business and here is what they had to say:

What’s the story behind your company?
Our company began in September 2012 with a goal of opening with ten items listed. Tom had just learned to knit and I’ve been knitting forever. We spent time researching Etsy stores making hand knit and crochet hats and were confident in our product’s quality and originality. Love Your Head (all one word if searching on Etsy, LoveYourHead) was born from our love of the best yarns, our hobbies (snowboarding, rafting, etc) and the outdoors. We work from our small apartment where we have to be creative about storage space for materials and finished items. This is really a good thing because it forces us to make choices about materials and what we’ll make. We’ll only make something we love and would wear ourselves and we use materials that meet the intended purpose of the item. Wool, alpaca, mohair, and cashmere, for example, are all known for their insulating properties (among other properties). We want our products on people who will be outside, chasing their bliss and finding joy! Wherever the pursuit of joy takes them, we want to come along! It makes sense then, that we’d use materials that support an active lifestyle.

It just so happens these materials are also considered “luxury” fibers so our products will easily transition from the outdoor world to your favorite indoor spot where your joy might be found in a nice, toasty warm drink and conversation with your favorite people.Furthermore, we believe two things: gifts should be PRACTICAL and if you’re going to take the time to create or hand knit a gift, you’d better use QUALITY MATERIALS. Otherwise, it’s a big waste of time, effort, and money. Our RECIPE for joy, quality and love is this: FIBER + TEXTURE + COLOR + WARMTH = LOVE YOUR HEAD.

It brings us pleasure to know our hats and other items are keeping people warm all over the country and Canada. It’s handmade LOVE from Maine.

What is your favorite product to make?
HATS. A hat can really be such an expression of ourselves, a trademark. They can be simple or elaborate, classic in style or real statement pieces, and can be great ways to try new techniques and colorway.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Exceptional. Exclusive, Extraordinary. This speaks to the quality of our work and the fact that you’ll rarely find the same hat in our shop twice making each one something truly special.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
That our products really are all over the country keeping people warm. We’ve received messages from people in the Etsy community telling us they’ve begun knitting because we inspired them and have also had family members of those who’ve purchased items message us to say how much joy a family member got from our products.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Rethink the timing of opening our shop. We intended to open and have items listed as the weather turned colder and for holiday shopping, and we did. We just underestimated the amount of time and attention required to: keep stock replenished, deal with special orders, and of course our own holiday knitting for family members. Then we added a while new line, the New Life Collection (this line is all items from repurposed sweaters). It’s a lot to do in the few months we’d been open.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
Do your research (what’s already out there and can it match the quality of your items?), know your market (who is this?), and don’t under-price your labor. If on Etsy, take the time to complete the “About” page and include as many pictures as they give you space for.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Expand the New Life Collection (NLC). Consider wholesale pricing and what it might take to make that happen (we’ve been approached recently about this option). We’d love to have the NLC in storefronts.

Contact information:
Name: Dawn Schillinger and Thomas Lucier
Website/Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveYourHead

In the Spotlight: Hunky Dori Boutique

In the Spotlight, Interviews No Responses »

Feb 122013

Introducing Dori Fitzpatrick, the artisan behind Hunky Dori Boutique! Dori’s handmade products are very popular on Etsy so we asked her to share her story with us.

What’s the story behind your company?
Hunky Dori Boutique is all one of a kind hand crocheted hats and accessories designed by the owner, Dori Fitzpatrick. Dori came from a fashion background – starting with being a model for Elite Model Management in her younger years, to getting two degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC in the mid 90′s. After FIT she lived in NYC and and the Hamptons – finding fashion inspiration along the way. She met the man of her dreams in Montauk, NY and was married in 2007, which propelled a move to Saratoga Springs, NY. In 2011 Hunky Dori Boutique was born, along with her second daughter Livia. Not being able to find a fun and hip baby blanket, Dori went back to her roots and made one as well as a matching hat. She noticed how people loved the hat on her baby and decided to open an Etsy shop. Etsy took off, with the help of professional photographers using her hats as props, and she became a proud member of The Artisan Group – which opened up many doors. She has designed hats for Bethanney Frankel’s daughter Bryn, Denise Richards daughter Eloise, Alison Sweeney and daughter Meghan, and also has a hat appearing on the CW’s The Vampire Diaries. The hat is being worn by the main character Elena, Nina Dobrev, on season 4 episode 13 to air 2/7/2013.

What inspires you?
The ocean! I have a some great nautical hats – lobsters, crabs, sailboats, sharks and anchors. Nothing is more crisp than a good nautical hat! Also, I really get a lot of inspiration from shopping kids apparel. I look for color combos that could translate into a hat.

What is your favorite product to make?
My favorite product to make has to be my “I Heart Mom” hats and “I Heart Dad” hats. I love to think about the parents strolling their kiddies around in them. And how the kiddies are expressing their love without even knowing it or in some cases before they can even talk. I also love making my Women’s hat for The Vampire Diaries – it is really chunky yarn and super soft. It is made with a huge needle and is fun for a change of pace.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
I’d say my style in 3 works is trendy, fresh, and classic

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part of being an entrepreneur is being my own boss. It is amazing the reward I feel when I sell a hat to someone or when I get compliments on my items. I take such pride in it. Also being able to work my schedule around my children – which is fantastic. I get to be with them all the time. But, it can be a double edge sword. I pull some late nights!! Something I never did with a regular 9-5 job.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
If I had to do it all over again I would have kept better records of my designs – sometimes I would make something and then realize a week later I didn’t write down what I was doing. It stinks having to try to make it again.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
My advice to crafters just starting out is – keep good records – if it be for revisiting designs to make them again or for taxes. Also network – Facebook and Twitter (I am just getting the hang of it) are so important. The more your name is out there the better. Oh and photos – if you want to sell what you make – you need great photos. It is the first glimpse of what you have to offer – you have to have an eye catcher! Remember natural light is always better than a flash.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I have so much planned for Hunky Dori Boutique in 2013! For women – high end scarves made from delectable yarns – merino/silk blends, alpaca, mohair. They are going to be stunners…..and of course more hats! For Girls – I am going to make a few dresses for the Spring. New meets old – vintage inspired fabrics married with new fabrics. And for the Fall I will continue with my Boy Hat revolution! New hats with new felt designs on them. Locally – I am going to start to do craft shows this year!

Contact information:
Name: Hunky Dori Boutique – by Dori Fitzpatrick
Website/Shop: www.hunkydoriboutique.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hunkydoriboutique
Twitter: @hunky_dori_btq

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

Selling Wedding Goods on Etsy

Etsy, Running your Craft Business Comments Off

Sep 102012

If you’re a crafter looking for a niche on Etsy, perhaps you’d like to explore the lucrative world of wedding planning. Every year, an estimated more than 2 million people tie the knot, and there’s a lot that goes into making sure the personal touches of this special day are in place. Artisans that sell wedding goods on Etsy include jewelry makers, sewing wizards, woodworkers, candle makers, and graphic designers. Below are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing if bringing joy to brides and grooms is something that interests you as a crafter:

Paper Goods

Alerting family and friends is one of the first things you will do when it comes to planning a wedding, but handcrafted invitations aren’t the only paper goods found on Etsy. Graphic designers may consider selling guest books, save the date cards, photo albums, and other creative notices.

Wedding Rings

When traditional jewelry stores do not offer the kind of ring a bride envisions wearing for the rest of her life, Etsy artisans offer exclusive creations using an assortment of gold, sterling silver, titanium, gemstones, and any other materials you can dream up.

Bridal Accessories

From glittering hair pieces to photo clutches, there are a never-ending number of bridal accessories available on Etsy. Artisans sell handmade veils with intricate embroidery, shrugs, belts, sashes, creative shoe clips, and one-of-kind jewelry – and the list goes on and on.

Wedding Dresses

When a visit to David’s Bridal just won’t do, many brides turn to Etsy crafters to produce the wedding dress or gown of their dreams. With a range of already stunning creations, brides can opt to have a seamstress add personal touches that doesn’t come with a store-bought frock. Etsy is also the place to locate vintage styles.

Wedding Décor

From customized cake toppers to unique candles, Etsy artisans provide an array of goods that help decorate reception tables and set the mood for a walk down the aisle. Popular wedding décor purchases on Etsy include candles, table numbers, table settings, favors, faux flower bouquets, and of course, decorations galore.

Artisans Represented at the 2012 GBK Oscars Gift Lounge – Afton Dufoe Photography

In the Spotlight 2 Responses »

Feb 122012

Afton Dufoe Photography

Lindsey Afton Dufoe creates photos to express her belief in the need for magic in the world. She specializes in merging surrealism with self portraiture. The infinite potential of fantasy has fascinated her since childhood and never fades.

Afton’s work is inspired by nature, adventure, fairy tales, and the unexplainable. She still vividly remembers many of her favorite childhood books and films and often subconsciously refers back to them for inspiration as well. Afton loves that the clouds and sunset are uniquely beautiful each day and applies this to her work. Ultimately, she strives to paint with photography what doesn’t physically exist but should.

Afton’s most popular print, “Keeper of the Stars,” will be featured by The Artisan Group at the GBK Productions Oscars Gift Lounge February 24-25, 2012 in Hollywood, California.

Contact information:
Afton Dufoe Photography
Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByAfton
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtByAfton
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AftonDufoe

The 2012 GBK Golden Globes Artisan Series: Sock Monkey Emporium

In the Spotlight 1 Response »

Dec 282011

Read about all the talented artisans featured in our 2012 Gloden Globes Artisan Series!

Sock Monkey Emporium

A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of interviewing Emma Maudsley, the talented designer behind the Sock Monkey Emporium. You can read her interview here.

The Sock Monkey Emporium is based in the UK and they hand make various animals out of socks. Their main products are monkeys, cats and dinosaurs but they welcome custom orders and have created all kinds of animals from a squid to a duck-billed platypus!! Since starting in 2010, they have been lucky enough to see their products sent out to US actress Jessica Alba and are very excited that their business cards will be in the swag bags given to celebrities by The Artisan Group at the GBK Productions Gift Lounges prior to not only the Golden Globes but also the Academy Awards. 2012 is already brimming with new opportunities and creations with several new products in the pipeline.

Contact information:
Sock Monkey Emporium
www.facebook.com/SockMonkeyEmporium
www.twitter.com/SockMonkeyEmp
www.etsy.com/shop/SockMonkeyEmporiumUK

1 2 Older Entries