This is...Niftyknits

I've revamped my interview questions, and thought I'd use myself as test dummy!

Favourite colour?

Purple, always purple. Unless it's turquoise. Or maybe fuschia pink?

Favourite smell?

Bacon grilling to a crisp, ready for my favourite lunchtime sandwich.

Favourite place?

The Kent countryside around my home - you can probably tell by the number of countryside photos in my blog!



Favourite sound?

Birdsong in the garden (especilly when not accompanied by neighbours' children arguing! Playing is fine, that's a lovely sound... but when they start shouting...) Did you know there is a bird song radio station? LOL

Favourite way to spend your time?

Knitting and watching Star Trek, both at the same time.

Favourite item in your shop of all time?

My first knitted fuschia


Why?

It was one of the first items I made that was completely and utterly from scratch and unique to me. It's difficult to say a human figure doll, for instance, is utterly my own pattern because everyone knits dolls with two arms, two legs, head at the top - there are only so many ways of doing that! But I've never seen anyone else knit fuschias.

Favourite shop that isn’t yours, and why?

Goodness, where to start? I love Raisinlike and traded with her to own my own sales fairy and flutterbutt



Crochetbouquet was one of the very first shops I hearted, her pansies are so lifelike and delicate.



I very rarely buy from Etsy (or indeed from anywhere else - my disposable income is tiny!) but one of my first purchases was from MadArtJewelry when I discovered Steam Punk.



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about online selling) so far that you’d like to pass on to our readers?

Promote, promote, promote! Online venues are just that - venues. It's no good thinking that if you fill your shop with lovely items they will be spotted by buyers. Joining ETTEAM has been fantastic, the support and mutual promoting is invaluable. My favourite ways of networking are through my blog and through Twitter. But I hate to be too *in your face*. I don't read blogs (or follow twitterers) who only ever post stuff like "I've made this gorgeous wotsit, I'm selling this gorgeous wotsit" so I try not to do it myself.

(Apologies to all makers/sellers of gorgeous wotsits)

I am always looking for more original artists to feature, so if you'd enjoy the challenge, please get in touch. My time is limited (like yours!) so please don't be offended if I don't have time to feature you.

Let's meet...SweetSurrenderCandle!

Joanne of SweetSurrenderCandles is a friend from Etteam, and has enough types and scents of candle to keep anyone happy! I asked her to tell us a little about herself:

Cats or dogs?

I have one of each but everyone that knows me knows that Reddog is the love of my life.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Grew up with Star Trek so I'd have to choose that.

Fruit or chocolate?

How about fruit dipped in chocolate? Don't make me choose!




Favourite colour?

That lovely intense sky blue on the perfect summer day, followed closely by purple.

Favourite meal?

Tie- Pizza or Rib eye

City break or weekend in the country?

City! - I live too country'ish already.



Soaps or documentaries?

Documentaries - you can skip watching a soap for months and not really miss anything!

Bath or shower?

Oh baths for me, hands down. Nothing beats a bubble bath in my garden tub with lots of craft magazines to peruse through!


Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop (or shops) Do you sell anywhere else?

Disgruntled Ebay buyers - although the majority of my business is stll on Feebay. Hopefully that will slowly keep shifting.
I have been making candles for 8 years or so - and built up way too many scents in my scentaholic stupor! Someday I will start to scale back, really I will. I keep trying to convince myself.

I also sell on bonanzle, ioffer, artfires and 1000markets though I have no sales on those, and have my own website that has good weeks now and then.




What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?

I just can't decide! I like my 16 oz jars with the purple and yellow flower label - and my new floral line. My favorite is usually the last thing I made :)

What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Etsy) so far?

Join a team - it's a great way to learn things and if nothing else, you'll get to know some great people!




If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?

I originally listed some things - let them just sit - and paid no attention - hoping to see if they would just sell - or not. It was months till I really got to learn more about the site and everything there - the forums, the treasuries, etc. I would not waste those months again.

How do you see your store developing?

I would hope to establish some more repeat customers and not have to worry so much about renewing to be seen. I would like to expand my mailing list to attract more attention when I have a new scent or product. Possibly add a new wholesale account or two.



What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?

Got my orders done and mowed some lawn and made you wait for these answers :)

What’s your top marketing tip for today?

Take what you know and make it your own - find your own style. Promote it - but don't live it - I have heard there is life outside of crafting - I am still looking :)

Good luck with finding that life Joanne, and thanks for spending some of your time with us.

Here are the links again:
www.SweetSurrenderCandle.etsy.com
www.ScentedOilCenter.etsy.com
http://sweetsurrendercandles.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/SSCandleLady

Let's meet...AREjewellery.etsy.com

Amy makes fabulous jewellery which she sells both on Etsy and Folksy. Let's find out more about her:

Cats or dogs?
I love cats but I’m too allergic to own one.

Fruit or chocolate?
Chocolate – my mini eggs addiction will ruin me.

Favourite colour?
Raspberry red



Favourite meal?
Thai curry or risotto

City break or weekend in the country?
City break probably – although both would be nice!

Soaps or documentaries?
Both again! I am a bit of a tv addict!



Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop, do you sell anywhere else?
I honestly can’t remember how I discovered Etsy (terrible memory!). www.AREjewellery.etsy.com opened in June 2008. I was looking to sell online as I am not the biggest fan of craft fairs – all a bit too much effort – having said that I am actually organising one which seems rather a contradiction! I also sell my jewellery on Folksy.

What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?
Ooh this is a tough one. I kept a necklace I made from blue goldstone for myself – that is one of my faves. Of all the things in my shop, I would have to say the sparkly blue chandelier earrings. They are quite fiddly to make but really beautiful.



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Etsy) so far?
To not expect too much! Also, how to improve photos – the inspiration I get from other jewellery sellers and how they photograph their items has been really important. The community on Etsy is great and can be really helpful – so I’m not afraid to ask for advice if I need it.

How do you see your store developing?
I just plan to improve techniques try new things and try and make more bracelets as I don’t seem to make many – I can’t explain why though!



What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?
University work – I have coursework in next week! I’m studying for a Masters in Property Management and Development. I graduate in September and not very hopeful of finding a job at the mo. I‘m hoping the jewellery sales pick up massively!

What’s your top marketing tip for today?
I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask this as I am still not confident my marketing (or lack of) is working. I think getting out and about is important though.

Thanks Amy! Those all-important links again:

Amy's blog
www.folksy.com/shops/AREjewellery
www.AREjewellery.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/AREjewellery

Let's meet...Kitschycoo!

Amanda, owner of Kitschycoo, designs and makes the most amazing children's clothes and writes one of the funniest blogs I've come across. It's enough to make me hunger for grandchildren!

Cats or dogs?

Dogs a million times over. My parents used to breed Himalayan cats when I was growing up and they were more or less evil. Especially in comparison to our lovely dopey golden retriever.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Neither. I am dorky in many, many ways but not in a Star Wars or Star Trek way. I like sci-fi books though!

Fruit or chocolate?

Fruit during the day, chocolate at night. Fruit during the summer, chocolate during the winter.



Favourite colour?

Hmmm, it changes all the time! If I had to put them in order, I like bright jewel tones the most, then earth tones, and pastels the least. I'm quite into orange at the moment.

Favourite meal?

I could quite happily eat pizza every single day.



City break or weekend in the country?

I grew up in the woods (well, in a house in the woods, not wild!) so I really like city breaks now that I'm older. I'm also an American living in Europe, so your cities are unlike anything we have back home!

Soaps or documentaries?

Definitely documentaries, I can get engrossed in programmes on almost any subject. I just need to know.

Bath or shower?

Having two toddlers, I'll take what I can get! Which means very quick showers with a lot of interruptions...



Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop (or shops) Do you sell anywhere else?

I think it was my sister in law that told me about Etsy and encouraged me to open www.kitschycookids.etsy.com. I was initially overwhelmed by the size and scale of it but I bit the bullet and started listing some of my clothes in Aug 2008. Sales started trickling in so I increased my shop size, but it didn't really take off until Jan 2009 when I started selling the patterns I had designed to make the clothes. I've been a bit shocked by how well my patterns are selling and definitely see this as the direction my business might take.

Etsy works the best for me, but I also have my own website www.kitschycoo.co.uk and a shop on Folksy www.kitschycoo.folksy.com

What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?

Probably the orange bird print double breasted coat. It was the first one that I was ridiculously proud of!



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Etsy) so far?

Find a niche. Because Etsy is so big, the only way to set yourself apart and get sales is to have a differentiator. I knew from posting my coats on forums than people liked them and by researching listings on Etsy that there weren't any other independant (non-vintage) patterns available for toddler coats. So my first coat pattern filled a gap in the market and sold well, and now I have a considerable base of repeat customers buying my other patterns!

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?

I don't think so. I think it was good for me personally and as a businesswoman to learn the hard / long way rather than get it 'right' from the start. All the information and knowledge I've picked up along the way will stand me in better stead going forward. I hope.

How do you see your store developing?

I'm definitely considering moving predominantly into pattern making. I need the clothes a little bit though to support my obsession for fabric!

What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?

Breaking up fisticuffs between my kids *sigh*.



What’s your top marketing tip for today?

Post in forums, blog, twitter, facebook, myspace...
get yourself out there!

Oh so very true Amanda - thank you for sharing your stunning clothes and even more gorgeous models with us!

Let's have another look at those all important links:

kitschycoo.blogspot.com
www.kitschycoo.co.uk
www.kitschycoo.folksy.com
www.kitschycookids.etsy.com

Let's meet...Beth!

Today's "Let's meet..." victim is Beth. Let's get started straight away with some quickies ;-)

Cats or dogs?
Well I used to be a complete dog person, but Simon (my fiancé) isn’t that fond of hounds so as a result I would say now I’m more of a cat person. We have a cat called Oscar.

Fruit or chocolate?
Love both, but Chocolate.

Favourite colour?
Purple or Teal

Favourite meal?
My mum makes this ace pasta with bacon, mushroom soup and sweetcorn, topped with cheese and crushed up crisps! Yum! Hehe

LOL My family has a favourite pasta dish with Campbells Condensed mushroom soup and a tin of tuna!

City break or weekend in the country?
Again difficult to choose, mmm I’d say city break, not so weather dependant!

Soaps or documentaries?
Soaps!

Bath or shower?
Shower, hardly ever have time to relax in the bath

Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Folksy?
Well I finished uni last June and went to New Designers where I saw these funky little rulers being handed out. I didn’t get one myself but when I got home I checked it out and joined up when I’d built up my stock.


Tell us about your shop (or shops) Do you sell anywhere else?
My shop sells jewellery and accessories, from twisted wire, to chunky felt and enamel and even the odd feather! I’m inspired by lots of stuff and sometimes have a real urge to try something new, so there are quite a few themes running through my shops.
I have my Folksy shop , a shop on Etsy, which is still quite new, and I also have some of my work in a gallery in Silsden in Yorkshire www.projetogallery.com/.
I’m planning on contacting some more galleries soon. I’ve had no luck getting on to craft fairs this year so need to look at other ways of selling my work!

What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?
Funnily enough it’s an item that isn’t in any of my shops. Simply because I just can’t seen to get a good photo of it! It’s a funky necklace with lots of chains beads and enamel.
I like my buttons brooches as well though

I think we can all identify with the difficulties of gettng decent photos, but yours look great Beth!.

What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Folksy) so far?
Promote, promote, promote! Enough said! Hehe... Oh wait... and be patient!

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?
Perhaps be slightly more organised!
How do you see your store developing?
I’m in the process of designing some DIY kits for my button brooches, so watch this space!
Also going to be seeing a lot more weddingy type stuff, fascinators, garters, hair pins etc. My sister-in-law is opening a bridal wear shop in Congleton (where we live) so I’m working on a range for that.


What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?
Absolutely nothing, Sundays are my lazy days until I have to go to work later




What’s your top marketing tip for today? Pimp as much as you can! ;)

Let's meet...Foreverfoxed!

I'd already guessed that Jackie just might be a dog lover - look at the names of her shops and blog:
http://foreverfoxed.blogspot.com/
http://www.Foreverfoxed.folksy.com
ForeverFoxed.etsy.com

Am I right? Cats or dogs?

Dogs, of course!


This first photo relates to niftyknits' childhood. My sister wanted a doggie-on-wheels, but couldn't explain which type of dog and was quite adamant it had to be the right type. Eventually she spotted one in the street and shouted to all and sundry: "That one Mummy! I want that doggy, but with wheels on!"

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Live long and prosper. Need I say more?

Fruit or chocolate?

Fruit in the morning and chocolate in the evening.

Favourite colour?

Red.

Favourite meal?

Curry.

Soaps or documentaries?

Eastenders AND documentaries.



Bath or shower?

Shower.

Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Folksy? Tell us about your shop. Do you sell anywhere else?

I have my own website selling my dog inspired greeting cards http://www.foreverfoxed.com but discovered Etsy last year. I saw various mentions of Folksy in the Etsy forums and finally took the plunge and joined in December 08. I've found it a very friendly place.



What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?

Ooo, it's usually the last card that I've made so it's the Flying Fox Terriers card, inspired by the Beswick ducks that used to grace our living room wall.



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about online selling) so far?

You just have to keep plugging away. Promote, promote, promote!

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?

No, everything seems to be going to plan so far. Yes, I have a masterplan...

How do you see your store developing?

I need to find more time to actually make more cards. Ideally, I'd like to include more terrier breeds and create more occasion cards.



What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?

Reminding myself how to knit.

Humph. Niftyknits just might start making cards then...;-)

What’s your top marketing tip for today?

Use SocialMarker.com! It saves valuable time in bookmarking your stuff.


Thanks Jackie! Here are those all-important links once more...

http://foreverfoxed.blogspot.com/
http://www.Foreverfoxed.folksy.com
ForeverFoxed.etsy.com

Let's meet...GocksFrocks

GocksFrocks, owned by Kristen, sells handmade clothing & accessories for kids, women, and the home.



But what about the woman herself? Let's find out...

Cats or dogs?

Dogs - cats too if I were not allergic

Star Wars or Star Trek?

star wars

Fruit or chocolate?

fruit!

Favourite colour?

purple



Favourite meal?

breakfast

City break or weekend in the country?

both please!

Soaps or documentaries?

documentaries

Bath or shower?

shower - only because our tub is too tiny




Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop. Do you sell anywhere else?

A friend first told me about etsy & when I checked it out I was smitten - love the creativity here as well as the ease of listing my items. I sell on ebay from time to time and also do a couple of local art shows.

What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?

hard to pick just one...I think whatever my current project is tends to be my favorite - but I do LOVE working with felted wool anytime



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt so far?

keep listing & adding to your shop
try to capture your items in an original and eye catching manner - my clothesline shots became my signature photos last winter when it was too cold for my daughter to model outside!

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?

be more organized with the business side of it all - receipts, paperwork etc....
also...win the lottery so I could build an amazing studio space full of natural light over our garage!

How do you see your store developing?

branching out with my offerings - I recently added a bit of home dec (log cabin pillow slipcovers) as well as skirts for women.



What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?

drinking coffee and catching up on my blog reading

What’s your top marketing tip for today?

try some social networking(twitter, facebook, blog) - spread the love you have for your art to all that you know

Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm staggered by the array of bright colours and patterns - absolutely gorgeous! for more, check out GocksFrocks and Kristen's other store BettysCloset.etsy.com where she sells some of the amazing fabrics she uses in her designs. You can also read more on her blog

Let's meet ... 5erg!

I have a compulsion to pronounce names, I can't just read 5erg without trying to say it - so let's meet Surge (sorry!) of 5erg.etsy.com According to her profile she's Silja, but she'll always be Surge to me ;-) The shop's tagline is "If it makes you smile, it's worth it", which probably tells us how this interview is going to turn out...

Cats or dogs?

Black cats! And brooms, while I am at it.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

What? I thought it was the same thing :D

*philistine* spits nifty

Fruit or chocolate?
Chocolate with caramel. And whipped cream with chocolate. And pizza with meat and cheese. And then some oranges please.

Favourite colour?

I like color combinations. Lilac and black. Claret and moss. Purple and lime. Gray and yellow. Gray and any bright color.



Favourite meal?

Smashed potatoes with pickled cucumbers and sour cream.
Blood sausage with cowberry jam.
Mushroom pizza.
Pasta Bolognese.
As you see, I am totally useless when I have to choose only one thing.

City break or weekend in the country?

Weekend in the country. But in a very very modern house. And no wasp hives in the toilet. That would be the best.

Soaps or documentaries?

MP3 player with some great rock music.

Bath or shower?

Depends how rusty or how full of chlorine the water is. If it is very rusty, then definitely bath - you get a nice fake tan. And Chlorine water gives you great chemical factory scent, which can be put on with both bath and shower. So, it is all good.



What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop. Do you sell anywhere else?

I have many different things is my shop. Needle felted mermaids for example and other felt items. Little oil paintings in ACEO format. I also list some bead jewelry. Currently I have some greeting cards and fridge magnets with my paintings printed on them too.
I like to look around in tiny handicraft shops and find different items, so I thought I might do a shop that felt a little like that. Maybe one day I will stick with one or two type of things only.

Of all the online selling venues, Etsy looked simplest. And it loaded faster. I don't have any other shops, only this one http://5erg.etsy.com.
I also keep a blog at www.5erg.com. I post photos of crafts, nature and people in Estonia and sometimes write about random topics.


What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?

This mermaid: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22712979
She has attitude!


What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt so far?

White background listings are chosen for treasuries way less times than images with regular backgrounds.
At least it is this way with my stuff.
Also, freebies are kind of useless. Some people enjoy them, but as it appears really most of people just throw free gifts away. But I still sometimes pack something along with some orders, but not regularly.

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?
Sometimes I have thought about making a new account with more regular name. Like just 'Mermaids" for example. Or "OilACEO". But I think 5erg is just fine too. I think it started like it had to, you have to do some mistakes to understand why and what you should do differently in the future.



How do you see your store developing?

At some point I though I will try to keep my listings number the same as my sales number. But I was busy with school for a while and couldn't keep up.
What I am doing always is trying to take better photos. I haven't built a light box yet, so I just try to wait for a sunny day or gather all my lamps in one place.
I don't see my shop being any different in the future, I think the size is OK now. I only have to work on details.

What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?

This is not the norm, but I was I was cleaning and re-organizing my room. In between I was reading about Argentina. And that is all :D

What’s your top marketing tip for today?

If you have come to conclusion about something and you keep doing the same thing you think is the best but have forgotten why you are doing it, then think it over.

Thanks Surge ;-) Don't miss a swim around the mermaids and more in 5erg.etsy.com
I'm off to www.5erg.com because I've realised I STILL don't know where Estonia is...

Let's meet...YaffaDreams!

Susan from YaffaDreams asked to feature me on her blog, so I thought it only polite to reciprocate! Yaffa Dreams means Beautiful Dreams, so I'm hoping to find some beautiful work.

Quickies for starters:

Cats or dogs? Miniature donkeys, but I don't have any.

Fruit or chocolate? Chocolate!!!!!!

Favourite meal? Toss up between cheese sandwich (yum) or a HUGE salad.



City break or weekend in the country? I live in the country ... so definitely country. City is too congested and loud.

Soaps or documentaries? commercials

Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy?
Out of work and I love to create. So I started to sell on Etsy.



Tell us about your shop (or shops)
My shop is called Yaffa Dreams. Yaffa is Hebrew for beautiful and my daughter's Hebrew name is Yaffa. So the shop name means Beautiful Dreams. My daughter also has a section in my shop called "Fantastical Awesomeness". We make very cool jewelry, bags, keychains, clothing, and the shop also has vintage items.

Do you sell anywhere else?
I sometimes do custom orders off of Etsy. This is mainly by word of mouth, from my blog, etc.

What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far? Too many favorites. I made a pendant out of a piece of blue glass and chain and glass beads that I just loved. I donated that item during the holidays. But I love the guitar pick items in my shop. And my hardware jewelry items. And my sugar skull items! And my new faves are the Carnelian pendants.



What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Etsy) so far?
Join teams! Fellow etsiers are the best!

How do you see your store developing? Growing. I am always trying something new.

What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted? Browsing the forums ...

What’s your top marketing tip for today? Promote, promote, promote!

Sounds good to me! Thanks for that, Susan. Rumour has it there's a sale on right now...YaffaDreams

Let's meet...beadstylin

I interviewed Jeannie some while ago...but promptly lost it in my marvelous filing system. Oooops. Have a look at the tagline in her banner - sound familiar? We're twins, beadstylin's shop and my blog!

Right - let's get to know all about beadstylin...

Quickies for starters:

Cats or dogs?
Cats! We have two black kitties. Our male cat is a polydactyl. He has eight toes on each front foot!

Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Trek, but only if it's the 60's version. The other stuff just leaves me scratchin' my head.

Fruit or chocolate?
How about a chocolate-dipped strawberry? :-)

Favourite colour?
Peacock!



Favourite meal?
You mean like breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Or favorite food? I'll answer both. Favorite meal: supper. Favorite type of food: authentic Mexican.

City break or weekend in the country?
Country for sure!

Soaps or documentaries?
Documentaries, hand's down.



Bath or shower?
Nice hot shower with lots of fragrant Etsy soaps.

Now we’ve got you warmed up…

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop. Do you sell anywhere else?

Word of mouth brought me to Etsy. I sell handcrafted jewelry. I've been making jewelry for about 12 years now and absolutely love it. It's relaxing and addictive, as well as educational. I do sell at craft fairs and out of my home, but I much prefer selling on Etsy.



What’s the favourite item you’ve made so far?
My favorite item was a metalsmithed earring creation I named "Silverleaf". I toiled for hours over those earrings, soldering, sanding, and polishing.

What has been the most useful lesson you’ve learnt (about Etsy) so far?
Renew, renew, and renew.

If you could start again, is there anything you’d do differently?
I'd make sure I start with killer pictures.



How do you see your store developing?
I'd like to get a bit more into metalworking. And, once I get my new torch set up, I will continue to add my lampwork beads to my shop.

What have you been doing today that I’ve interrupted?
Not a thing. Just recovered from a craft fair, and it feels good to get off my feet.



What’s your top marketing tip for today?
It's all about presentation. There are others out there who are selling similar items, so you have to be creative in not just WHAT you do but HOW you present it. And that means outstanding photos, detailed, interesting descriptions, and excellent customer service.

Thanks Jeannie! If you're hankering for stunning jewelry, don't miss beadstylin's shop