Featuring Etsyblogger Kathy

The featured Etsyblogger of this blog is Kathy. Kathy is from Jackson, Wyoming and she owns the Etsy shop, Cozy.

At Kathy's shop you'll find many beautiful handmade scarfs, shawls, dishcloths and wraps. In her about page she adds, "Next might be a series of baby afghans, hats.."

I sent Kathy some questions about her etsy shop and her life, enjoy!

When and from whom did you learn to Crochet?
I first learned to crochet with my mother when I was around 10 years old or so. That means I have been doing these crafts for about 50 years. We tore old sheets into strips and sewed the strips together. That was my first time to use a sewing machine too. We used those strips to crochet rag rugs. Those rugs were about all the crochet skills Mom had so I used books to expand my own skills. I learned to knit not long after that which Mom did not know how to do so I used books to learn knitting too.

What is your home life like in Wyoming?
I have been living in Jackson WY for about 5 years now. This little town at the edge of Grand Teton National Park and not far from Yellowstone is really a special place.  We are flooded with tourists in the summer. The good part of that is for a town of its size we have an amazing number of restaurants and very few of them are chains or franchises. We can quietly enjoy those places with locals deals during the other 3 seasons. (Guy Fieri has been here several times for his show Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.) I live in a walkable town and certainly enjoy that. I also live in a place very close to wildlife. In my own yard I have seen deer, elk, moose and bison. A short drive during summer weekends gets us to Jackson Lake and our boat.
In other ways I suppose my life is like many other Etsy shop owners no matter where they live. I get up, check stats and email, spend some time on social media and my shop, do a bit of creating and the next day start all over again.

When and why did you decide to launch your shop on Etsy?
In 2005 I started seeing mentions of a site called Etsy and was curious. I was living in Utah at the time and doing several craft shows each year. Being online 24/7/365 sounded better to me that the chores of being at a craft show. I moved to Arizona in the summer of 2006 and in October of that year I opened my shop. That makes me an old timer I suppose. I have left Etsy a few times and came back each time with a renewed commitment to my shop and getting closer to having my hobby support itself.

What is your process? How long does one scarf take vs a shawl?
I don't track the time it takes to make an item. In my early craft show years when my children were little I just said when asked that I have no idea because my time was always filled with interruptions. Now days I just don't worry about it. Knitters and crocheters know that we can never really hope for an hourly wage from our work. It is just too time intensive. I price my items to get a good return on my materials and cover my fees with some left over for more yarn of course. The main pleasure I get from the creative process is being able to create something that someone wants. My goal like my shop name is for every one to be cozy.

I love your Instagram, there aren't many that I know from Wyoming. Has that helped with sales?
Thank you for the compliment about my Instagram account. I have to confess the primary purpose of that account is to keep in touch with family since I don't use Facebook. I do follow a few crafty people that I have interacted with on other social media. Instagram has not lead to any sales for me or even views that would show in my shop stats. I have read others have used it with more success. I spend most of my time on Twitter and I know I get views from there.

When is your busy season? Any fun or interesting stories from selling on Etsy?
I haven't ever been able to identify a busy season for my shop. It is sure something I wish for though. It seems such a small thing but the most fun thing on Etsy, besides online friendships over the years, was the day of my first sale. I was so excited and packaged up the item right away and rushed off to the Post Office. When I got home I found another sale had happened while I was out getting the first one shipped. I packaged it up and went right back to the Post Office. With every sale that thrill doesn't go away and I hope it never does.

Do you sell else where or just online?
I just sell online now except for the occasional sale to family or friends of family members.

You can also find Kathy on her social media:
Etsy: cozy.etsy.com
Blog: cozyatoz.blogspot.com
Twitter: CozyAtoZ
Instagram: cozykathy
Pinterest: CozyAtoZ

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Claudia from seasand.etsy.com
Blog: Sea Sand Vintage
Instagram: seasand
Twitter: seasand83



Got a blog? Love Etsy? Join EtsyBloggers!
See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here.

EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival - for 1/23/12 thru 2/5/12

Hope the year is off to a great start for all of you! Welcome to this edition of the blog carnival.

Here are the topics from which to select:

1. What do you want help with for your shop? what would you like tips on?
Write about what you'd like help with and the rest of us can comment with suggestions on your post. Or what has been the most important thing you have learned?

2. What's your favorite part of running an Etsy shop? What comes easiest for you pertaining to your shop? Are you good with numbers? Are super neat and organized in your craft room? Do prefer to create or 'run the business'?


Please be sure to checkout the comments here on this post, so that you can visit the blogs of the other participants!


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: LizsWares.etsy.com See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival for 12/26/2011 - 01/01/2012

Good morning every one! I hope you’ve enjoyed your holiday celebrations with family and friends – and if you haven’t had a chance to celebrate yet, I hope you’ve got some fun things planned!

This time of year is so hectic that we often lose sight of the things that are most important to us. My hope in this edition of the Blog Carnival you’re able to take some time to reflect on what’s important to you, and what traditions you treasure with your friends and family. I hope our team members will take a few minutes out of their schedules to share with us some of their favorite traditions for these winter holidays - answer and post the links in the comment section, right here! There should be plenty of time as this carries us through the new year, so jump right in! :)

Here are the two topics from which to choose:

1) What is one of your favorite memories centered around the holidays? Are there certain traditions in your family (either that you've created for your own family, or that have been passed on throughout the years) that just wouldn't seem like the holidays if you skipped them?

2) Tell us about your New Year's Eve plans! Do you have any special traditions? Do you like to go out, or do you prefer to ring in the New Year at home?

Don't forget to check out the comments section for team members' blog postings! 

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: ThePeachMartini.etsy.com See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsy Blogger's blog carnival for March

I'm hosting this month's blog carnival for the wonderful group I belong to: Etsy Blogger's. Here's the choices I picked for topics.
1. April birthstone: diamond- write about it's history, gem info, whether or not you like them, or if this is your birthstone!
2. April Fool's Day: Do you participate? Tell us about a joke you played on someone, or if one has been played on you. What do you think about this "day"?
3. What is your favorite gemstone and why?
I've picked number 3.
My favorite gemstone is tourmaline. Watermelon is number one, green tourmaline comes in second.
watermelon tourmaline


green tourmaline

Tourmaline is a mineral in the aluminum silicate family. They are said to have great electric and magnetic properties. You may have seen tourmaline listed as an ingredient to cosmetics and beauty products.
They are listed as semi-precious gemstones and are found is a variety of colors: green, pink, red, blue, brown, and black. On the Mohs scale, it is rated for hardness at 7.0-7.5

On the metaphysical side, tourmaline is used for its magnetic properties. It can be used to attract energy, (green) tourmaline can calm and balance the brain. Pink tourmaline has been used to stimulate love or new friends.

I'm not sure what originally attracted me to this gem, but I must say that the colors would be the first thing. I guess I like learning about its properties also.
And if you like meditation and holistic living; tourmaline is associated with the heart chakra. Another reason I like this gem!

Members will be posting their links in the comments here. Check back frequently to read more!
Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: DevinedesignsjewelrySee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Friday Feature -- Faerie Garden Fancies

I'm delighted to post this week's featured Etsy artist -- the Etsyblogger of the month! Congratulations to Faerie Garden Fancies! This shop is full of wonderful, whimsical treasures, from handmade jewelry to adorable art like on this super cute bookmark:


Enjoy the interview!

1. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

EtsyBloggers Street Team, Fantasy Artists of Etsy (FAE Team), Queer Etsy Street Team (QuEST), and Super Kawaii Pop Team

2. 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?

Most of my items are handmade jewelry, but I also have some original art in water colors or pencils. I am self-taught, mostly by reading books and tutorials on the internet. Usually something inspires me and I start creating, there's no set *process* per se.

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

Well, by day, I am a substitute teacher, certified for grades 1-6, although I sub for Kindergarten through grade 12, working my way toward a Masters in Science Education for grades 5-12. I live a few miles from Lake Ontario in the woods with my life partner, Jacqueline, and our 4 still-at-home children, who have been unschooled since birth.


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

Promoting. I am not a big salesman and you really have to be I think to get lots of sales... So I am trying to teach myself more of the business aspect of it, but it's just not one of my strengths.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

Definitely Melusinia and her treasure box! I love her story, making her was so much fun, and her hair is so wild! Even her box was a foray into a new style for me... ^-^

6. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

I'd like to work with precious metals and stones, real clay, oils paint... and I *think* I'd like to make glass beads or stained glass, but I'm sure I'd get burnt and cut...

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


Blog
Website
Facebook
Flickr
Twitter




Congrats again to Faerie Garden Fancies! Be sure to visit her shop for more lovely items.




Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Mama's Magic StudioSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Friday Feature -- Etsyblogger of the Month -- Patch!

Congratulations to Patch, the Etsyblogger of the Month for August! This busy, talented artisan has not one, not two, but THREE shops on Etsy!

Jewelry Shop

Vintage Shop -

Supply Shop -

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?

For jewelry, I make them from Genuine Swarovski beads - Crystals and Pearls with simple beading techniques and I learn all techniques from the internet and beading magazines. I have a passion on Weddings stuff so I always get the inspirations to make a piece from wedding gown fashions and some from the real diamond jewelry.

I do sewing and put some in my supply shop. At first I made them for my jewelry packaging and someone asked me to make for her. That's the way sewing business came to my mind.

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

Umm.. as I put it in my blog..

Patch is .. a Third child, graduated in Mechanical Engineer, a wedding addict, a crafty maniac, a vintage lover, a movies lover, and more..


3. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?


I love the Amelia Collection!! especially this Necklace.. I designed it when I saw the sleeveless wedding dress without beading or lace and I thought of something to put together with that dress. And it was the first time that I made something from laces. :D

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

For sellers, I think the most important thing to sell your products is the photography. As an online business, buyers can't see your real products. The photos are the only way for them to see your items. The better the photos, the greater the chance to get an order.
For buyer, believe in your instinct when you want to buy from the new seller and read the feedbacks before making the purchase. If you're not sure about anything, contact them for details. Most Etsy sellers are friendly.. like me.. LOL

5. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

Sewing human clothing.. I do know how to sew both hand sewing and machine sewing but I don't know how to sew a dress or blouse.. Love to design my clothes and it will be great if I can make one by myself.

6. Which one song describes your life the best? Why?

"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.. It's made me stronger and push me forwards.. :D

7. If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

Traveling to the places that I haven't been before.. and take a lot of photos to share to everyone else.. and watch every movies I can..

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

I have 2 blogs.. One is all about my life and everything. I called it "Patch's Diary"

Another one I've just changed it from Wedding guide blog to Jewelry inspiration blog and everything about my jewelry shop.

And I opened a new blog for Wedding Guides.

9. Is there anything else youd like to tell us about your shop or your work?

I do love custom-made orders. I like to communicate with customers and work together to match their needs. So feel free to contact me for serving you what you want. :D





Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: MamasMagicStudioSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Mini Monday - Mystic Wynd

Today meet Karen of Mystic Wynd. Her appreciation of handcrafted things began early in life as she shares in her profile in the etsy shop Mystic Wynd.

Born and raised in the Windy City (Chicago, Il), I was fortunate to have grown up in a culturally diverse, ethnically rich, "neighborhood" where everyone knew everyone else, we were able to keep our doors unlocked, girls actually couldn't wait until Mom or Grandma or Aunt Sally taught them to crochet or knit or do any of the other handcrafts that adorned our homes, our wardrobes, our places of worship and even sometimes made it into the little shop on the corner to be sold.

In the generous spirit of all EtsyBloggers she also has this message for you.

One last note, as someone who appreciates the love and energy and hard work that goes into anything that is handcrafted, thank you for shopping at Etsy. Whether you buy from me or one of the many, many very talented crafters who show their wares here, thank you for appreciating and acknowledging what we put into our work!

Take a look at the gorgeous jewelry in her shop. Stop by the Mystic Wynd blog, say hello and tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you.

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

September 28 Edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The September 28 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. You can read it HERE.

There was a good mix of posts on both topics, check out what our members had to say!


Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday Indulge Your Shelf

Today we introduce you to Laurie. She runs two charming shops on Etsy. Indulge Your Shelf is a vintage shop full of always changing treasures and Twice Shy Restored is a handcrafted site with products that use antique and vintage supplies. She sums up the purpose behind her shops and blog very well in her blog profile-

I'm passionate about pretty things and love to rescue the old and forgotten and make it useful again. This makes me happy because: 1. It's a green way of life 2. It makes the world more beautiful 3. It's fun!

Take a look at the shop minis below and you will see the fun and passion in both shops.
Just a hint for those who get this post in a reader. Come on over to the blog because you will miss all the fun in these shops if you don't.

Are you still here? Please click, browse, shop, read the Indulge Your Shelf blog and enjoy!
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Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday Feature- Gallery 32

I love getting a glimpse of where the art comes from on Etsy. The profile page of the shop is a great place to start. The profile page is a place where each artist can introduce themselves, explain their background and training and let you know why they bring all their efforts to you in a shop online. The profile page of Gallery 32 by Trina does all these things. Read it yourself below.

I have always had a passion for art. When I was a child my Grandma encouraged me by teaching me how to sew, embroider and paint watercolors. These experiences still influence my work in the form of color, shape, and line. When I went off to college I decided that painting would be my major and I graduated with a BFA from the University of Kansas.

Lately I have been making photographs, which has always been something I enjoy doing. I decided to make an image a day so I started my '365 Project' on my blog. It is my way to share my daily thoughts and images.I have never been much into keeping a sketchbook. I find it a boring activity that doesn't work for me. However, I enjoy writing about my process on my blog and I think it has really helped me grow as an artist.

Painting has definitely influenced my photography in the way that I compose images in the frame. I like to include abstract images and I use Photoshop and ArtRage to make my images more painterly. My goal is to show my version of the world. I try to photograph the simple scenes in life that maybe get overlooked in our daily lives. I now feel that my work, painting and photography, are influencing each other and I am enjoying the journey exploring the world.

You can go along on her journey by taking a look at the offerings in her shop. You can keep current on this artist and her life by following her blog, Gallery 32, The View From My Lens.

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Greetings and Celebrations

It's Friday once again. That means I share with you which of our active members had birthdays in the past week.

Join me -

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear busy teammates, wonderful artists and friends AliciaMae and AthenaWorkman,
Happy birthday to you!

And we all hope there are many, many more.





Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Etsy Bloggers August 31 Edition is Published

The August 31 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. You can read it HERE.

The topics were favorite foods and back to school. There was a good mix of submissions on both topics and as always, makes a good read. Check it out!

************************
We need hosts for upcoming carnivals!!! Please see the team message board blog carnival FAQ for info on signing up.



Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Please join me in wishing wonderful birthdays on these two members of one of the best Etsy Teams there is!
Sykin and Beaded Tail we hope there are many, many more!



Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini (Supposed to be) Monday for Alicia Mae

From the profile of AliciaMae.etsy.com-
Woodburning was passed down to me from my Mom and I have always had an affinity for paint. Cross stitching was a hobby when I was a teenager and bracelet weaving was a summer camp hobby that brings back nostalgic memories. I used to play with polymer clay and always enjoyed the miniatures my aunt made for herself. Given that information, I have about 20 years experience in making these items, but am constantly expanding my horizons. :)

Of course her expanded horizons include a blog that is definitely worth reading. Stop by Crafts and Cooking to say hello and let her know the EtsyBloggers sent you!

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

August 17 Edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The August 17 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published! You can read it at Storybeader's blog.

We had quite a few submissions and it makes for a good read, as always. Check out what our members had to say.


Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Birthdays this Week August 1st - 7th

Please join me in the very best birthday wishes for this year and many to come to our members celebrating this week!



Just a quick hint. If you get the feed from this blog on a reader the etsy mini for each shop may not be visible to you. Come on over to the blog to see who is celebrating and leave your own birthday greetings.

Meet Edi from Memories for Life Scrapbooks

Edi got her start and gained her love for paper crafting from being involved in a 4-H program. Today she gives demonstrations and teaches her craft to girls in 4-H and she's recently been invited to judge the historian book category at a local county fair.


At Memories for Life Scrapbooks you will find an assortment of Scrapbooks in pre-designed words.






Or how about a unique shape Scrapbook like this Star?






Don't you just love these Flip Flop Albums? So unique, so original, so cool!








Be sure to drop on by the Memories for Life Scrapbooks Blog where you will find some of her work in progress, where she finds inspiration, and more.

Congratulations, Edi for being the Etsyblogger of the Month for August 2009!

August 3 Edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The August 3 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. You can read it at Rose Works Jewelry Blog.

The bi-weekly blog carnival is a team event and team members are required to participate in at least one of the blog carnivals each month.

What is a blog carnival?
A blog carnival is basically a round up of links to posts submitted by different bloggers on a specific topic. It’s a great way to build traffic to your own blog and to find other blogs that you might be interested in.

The next blog carnival is in 2 weeks, the information is posted on the team message board.

Homemade Originals Mini Monday

Coming to you today from somewhere very near the center of the universe and with the pictures to prove it we are sharing with you the shop Home Made Originals. to introduce herself, her Etsy profile tells you-

I live in Southeast Idaho and work full time, so I never have enough time for all the creative projects I would like to do.

My blog is:
http://homemadeoriginals.blogspot.com
See more of my photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmoriginals/

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I recyle in my crafting and also in my packaging when feasible.
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I am a proud member of the following Etsy street teams:
EtsyFast team(Fiber Arts)
BBest (Boomers and Beyond)
EtsyKnitters Team
Etsy Bloggers
Idaho Indie Works
Southeast Idaho Etsy Team

Birthday Greetings

Birthday greetings and best wishes for many more go out to two shops this week. Please help me make Designs by Vanessa and Sumiko Shop feel special!