Friday Feature -- Nico Designs

This week's featured Etsy artist at Mama's Magic Studio, cross-posted here for your enjoyment, is also the Etsyblogger of the Month for January. Congratulations to Nico Designs!

Her shop is full of charming handmade goodness. I particularly like her pincushions. Isn't this "Be Mine" lovebird simply wonderful? Perfect for Valentine's Day!


And these pear "LOVE" pincushions are adorable too!

Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

I currently have tote bags, home decor items and I am now adding art dolls. I am phasing out the bags to move into a different direction with the dolls and sculpture.

I first learned to sew as a child when a neighbor taught me how to make clothes for my Barbie dolls. Since then, I have taken a couple of quilting classes but I pretty much go by trial and error. I really enjoy the process of sketching an idea and seeing it unfold with fabric.

2. How did you get involved with Etsy?

Another mom told me about Etsy. I wanted another way to sell my bags and I thought it would be a great experience.

3. What inspires your creations?

The tote diaper bags were derived out of necessity. I needed a bag for my new baby at the time and one to my specifications. From there, people asked me if I could make them one.

My dolls were actually inspired from my husband's favorite chair. I was lost in thought while staring at the chair and I saw an image of a doll that I wanted to create. You know, how you see images in clouds? Now, I get lost in creating their images and stories to bring them to life.

For me, inspiration can come from anything, at any moment. I relish the spontaneous images that burst into my head which is normally at night.

4. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop?

My priorities are my children so I am not very good about adding more listings on a continual basis. I also took a long time off and I think that hurts when it comes to Etsy and your visibility.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite item is currently Savannah the Horse Lover. She is a new art doll and I like her brilliant colors and fancy hat.

6. What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Well, there are other folks much more qualified to offer up advice. But here is my two cents: tell the world about your shop. Find some form of social marketing, whether it be blogging, Facebook, twitter, etc to share your craft and your items. (I am trying to get better at using Facebook).

7. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

I like to eat cold pizza for breakfast. I can be bribed with chocolate.

8. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

Blog: http://designsbynico.blogspot.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waco-TX/Nico-Designs/124370671185

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Mama's Magic Studio

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

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