Etsy Artist of the Week - Tracey Gurley!

Tracey Gurley is our talented artist for the week! Tracey does wonderful landscape, still life, and nature paintings, inspired from my very own North Carolina!What are your creative inspirations?
I am inspired by all of the beauty around us. A lot of times, we don't take the time to notice the beauty on this earth. I hope to help people to take a moment and "stop to smell the roses."

Are you a crafter full time or part time? Full-time.

If full time, how did you make the leap? I decided to become a stay-at-home mom when my daughter was born. I've always been a crafter and artist in some form of media. After my daughter started school, I decided it would be a perfect time to follow my dream.

Who encourages you to create? I always have the desire in my heart to create.

Do you have a blog or website? http://traceygurley.com

ACE Team hits the Etsy Front Page!

Merry Christmas to all!

We're so excited that members representing our team were featured on the front page of Etsy Christmas morning!
The treasury is in honor of our After Christmas Team Sale. Each participating shop is offering specials and discounts from 12/26 thru 12/31/2008. See each shops' announcement for details.

Here is a list of the participating shops:

Allover Art
April's Originals
Denimnotes
E.B. Spider
Gone Doggie
Mad Hatter's Pottery
Maria's Funky Treasures
Moore Magnets
Mychelle
Newfangled
Pampered Ponytails
Survivor's Therapy
Tracey Gurley
UberArt
What's Her Name

Etsy Artist of the Week - Pampered Ponytails

This week's featured artist is Crystal of PamperedPonytails.Is there a story behind your shop name?
I let my daughters name my shop when I was making hair accessories. It doesn't really fit now, but the name has grown on me.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I love crafting and just wanted to see what interest their would be in what I made. I was just very curious if I could be even a little successful at it.

What is your favorite material to use? PAPER

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
My mini notepads. I just love to make them. They are simple and very useful.

What are your creative inspirations? Anything and everything around me.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
I am a full time crafter and a stay at home mom. I took my business full time by just expanding on the crafts that I was already making.

Who encourages you to create? My three daughters.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners? Do what you love.

Do you have a blog or website? http://PamperedPonytails.blogspot.com - it is still a work in progress, I am trying though.

Newfangled Artist of the Week!

The artist extraordinaire this week is Jen of Newfangled!
Is there a story behind your shop name?
The definition of newfangled is "attracted to novelty" and I am always trying something new. When I see an object the first thing I think is "what I can do with it?" The name also represents this new venture of selling my art online.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
Long Story short: I am attempting to live my dream by selling art on etsy as well as local boutiques and galleries. I am new to selling online, but I love the idea of sharing my creations with the entire world and I love the inspiration I get by browsing through etsy everyday.

What is your favorite material to use?
As a mixed media artist, I use all kinds of materials from paper to buttons to old books. One of my favorite materials is a huge vintage dictionary which is slowly losing all of it's pages. I use it for everything from jewelry making to lining the inside of cigar boxes.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
My favorite item is my Decoupaged Cigar Box because it features a lovely drawing by a long-gone artist and I love repurposing objects. It's also my favorite object because it was the first thing to sell in my shop.

What are your creative inspirations?
I love the idea of making something new out of something old. When I see an object I just start thinking about what I can do with it, and go from there.

Who encourages you to create?
I am encouraged and inspired by a lot of people in my life: My boyfriend, friends, and family. My boyfriend is always encouraging and supporting me and my friends and family save scraps of paper and other "junk" they think I will like (which I love!!) My sister-in-law is always helping with me projects and giving me ideas. She is also my model on etsy!

Do you have a blog or website? http://www.jdbrown.net

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:
I am a mixed media artist and I love doing creative things with different materials. Right now I'm making bangles out of paper and focusing mostly on different types of jewelry using paper. You will also see a few decoupaged pieces and other random things in my etsy shop from time to time because I can't stick to one thing for long.

An interview with 31Summers

This week's featured artist from the ACE team on Etsy is Dana of 31Summers. She describes herself as a very eclectic crafter and enjoys making all kinds of things. Dana currently has jewelry, magnets, and baby bibs in her shop, but she says you never know what else you'll find!Is there a story behind your shop name?

I have been creative all my life and when you are like that at some point you start to believe it when people say, "you should sell your stuff". So when I was 31 I decided to open shop. My last name is Summers so at that point I had lived 31Summers…

What made you decide to open your own shop?

I needed a way to support my habit of buying new supplies. My goal when I started was to make enough to buy more supplies.

What is your favorite material to use?

I have so many, at this point wire and beads are my favorites. I also sew and fabric is an addiction as well!

Talk briefly about your favorite item:

My favorite item in my shop at this time would have to be the two bracelets in my "Curls and Balloons" series, I plan to make many more of these.

What are your creative inspirations?

My inspirations come from all over, I may see something in a magazine and make it my own. Lots of times I just pick up the wire and start bending or see a color scheme and throw all those beads in a basket and start stringing. My girls are also a great inspiration, they are always coming to me asking if I can make this or that. Between all of us we can usually figure out how to make it work.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?

I am a crafter part time, I have a full time job an animal clinic. It is one of the most rewarding careers you could ask for. If you are having a bad day all you have to do is walk into the back and pick up a kitten or puppy, instant peace for me!

How do you find the time to create?

My girls and husband are so very supportive of me, if I come home and have creative energy to burn, they will take care of dinner and come in my sewing room and talk while I work. I have some of my best conversations with my daughters in the craft room. I also am a night owl, so usually after everyone is asleep I craft.

Do you have a blog or website?
http://dana.blogs.com

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:

I am a very eclectic crafter, I often joke that I have Craft ADD, I jump from one thing to the next. If you will check out my blog and Flickr pictures you will also see that I love mosaic. I did my Grandmother's front porch steps!!!!!!!! Check them out in the "Other Projects" photo album. I also teach classes at my local bead shop here in town and that helps with supply cost as well. I also meet so many great people there. It is my new favorite hangout.

Merry Christmas!

Some wonderful items presented to you from our ACE team! Click the picture to see an enlarged version. Links to our members' shops can be found in the members list on the right sidebar.

Etsy Artist of the Week - Mychelle

This week's featured artist from the ACE team is Michelle of Fun Stuff by Mychelle. She makes recycled, re-purposed, and reusable items, mostly out of fabric. She is doing her part to help save our environment! You rock, Michelle!Is there a story behind your shop name?
I have been using this spelling online because it's different and stands out from the traditional spelling of my name.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I have dabbled with selling things I made since I lived in KS, but never in an organized way. I love the concept of a community market of handmade goods for the world.

What is your favorite material to use?
Anything re-purposed or recycled. We too often get rid of things when an item is no longer functional in its original purpose.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
My favorite item is the lab skirt tote. It is the most directly re-purposed item, made from an old skirt in a Labrador retriever print. Maybe it's my favorite because I love dogs!

What are your creative inspirations?
This is hard to answer because I never know when inspiration is going to hit me. I suppose it happens most often outdoors in nature.

Are you a crafter full time or part time, and how do you find time to create?
Part time, I often work on projects while hanging out with my husband or friends.

Who encourages you to create?
My grandmother who has always been a crafter, and also the members of the ACE team.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
I wish I was in the position to be giving advice, but I am on the learning end of this curve.

Do you have a blog or website?
No, I believe it is better to do one thing right than many things part way so I am working on becoming more proficient on the Etsy site and getting to know the ACE team members better before venturing elsewhere.

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:
I was born in IA. Then my family moved to IL, WI, then NC. I grew up in Raleigh, NC before moving to Greenville to attend ECU where I met my wonderful husband from KS. We moved to KS for four years before returning to NC. I am happy to be back home.

Tricia's Creations - Featured Etsy Artist of the Week

Tricia of Tricia's Creations, http://TriciasCreations.etsy.com is the featured artist this week. Tricia hand paints on anything that is stationary! She can personalize most of her painted items.What made you decide to open your own shop?
Stefanie (of Stefanie's Bownanza) was the one who convinced me to do this on Etsy. I have been active in crafts for many years and was looking to expand my sales beyond my shop and shows.

What is your favorite material to use?
I LOVE to paint on most anything, I just love to use color....

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
I particularly enjoy painting animals and children in ceramics and have painted so many pine cones I think i could do them in my sleep, HA!

What are your creative inspirations?
Nature is probably my greatest inspiration. I love being outside...

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
I did crafts part time for years but when my full time job gave out (company closed) my husband suggested I try this. I have been a full-time crafter for several years now but have slowed down somewhat in the last couple of years. I want to get back in full swing.

Who encourages you to create? Family and friends

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
Remember that what you like is not always what everyone else wants.

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article: My craft work probably started when I was under ten years old. I was taught to embroider by my mother and grandmother and also how to make all kinds of things. My real interest in painting and crafts was after I got out of school and took some classes at the local community college. Most of my training has been self-taught from books and just practice. I am married but no children. I am also involved in raising Santa Gertrudis cattle with my brothers and selling natural beef.

Featured artist this week...um...WhatsHerName...?!

I really didn't forget her name, that's it!! The featured artist of the week is Gayle of What's Her Name, http://whatshername.etsy.com/. Gayle's mentally handicapped adult son also has a section in her shop, "Cards by Mitchell". Together, they offer a variety of gifts and accessories.

Is there a story behind your shop name?

As a "boomer" my memory is not as good as it once was, so I thought "Whatshername" was a good idea. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I'm trying to remember someone.

What made you decide to open your own shop?

I needed something of my own after giving so much to family. As a bonus, Mitchell has something of his own with his cards. He enjoys creating them and is thrilled when they sell!

Are you a crafter full time or part time?

Part time--I find time (& energy) here and there.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?

Learn how to work the computer BEFORE you open an online shop. Hmmm, there's a story there, I'm sure!! Heh, heh!

Moore Magnets - Featured Artist of the Week!

This week's Etsy artist of the week is April of MooreMagnets http://mooremagnets.etsy.com/. April makes magnet boards, both wall mounted and free standing, and button magnets. If you're looking to get yourself organized, or know someone who needs to, MooreMagnets is the place to visit!

What made you decide to open your own shop?

I had my own online store, but mainly sold at craft shows. I met some other Etsys at a craft show in May 2008 and they all had wonderful things to say about Etsy, so I decided to try it out. I am really glad that I did!

What is your favorite material to use?

Magnets! They are so much fun, and really appeal to kids and adults.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:

My favorite items are my magnet boards. I really just love making and buying functional art because I have never had a house big enough to just have decorative items. I love getting new fabrics and being able to display them on a wall in a useful way.

What are your creative inspirations?

My kids are where I get most of my inspiration from, but I am also inspired by my customers. Lots of my new items have come about because of comments that customers have made. They challenge me to try new things.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?

I am a full-time mom and a crafter during any extra hours I get! I lost my job in April, and decided to dive in head first. It has been a roller coaster ride, but everyone in my house is so much happier having mom at home that we are just making sacrifices in order to keep it that way. I worked from home for about 4 years, so I got a good dose of how to allocate my time.

Who encourages you to create?

My friends, family, customers, and other crafters.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?

Make your shop your own. There are many people who will tell that you need to change this or that, but you need to be happy with your own shop first. Only seek advice about the things you don't like about your shop.

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article: Most of my life I was a crafter out of necessity. My mom was a single parent, and so I spent most of my teenage years buying clothes and furnishings that were broken or seconds and fixing them. My parents always told me that I could be anything that I wanted to be, and encouraged me to try new things. I consider myself to be a jack of all trades and I have had jobs that range from changing oil at Jiffy Lube to administrative/legal assistant to retail. Finding something that incorporates the variety of things that I like was always a challenge, but being a crafter allows me to be all of those things. I love what I do, and I love being married to a man who allows me to do that!

ACE Team Artist Of the Week - Survivor's Therapy

Jackie of Survivor's Therapy http://survivorstherapy.etsy.com/ is the featured artist for this week. A big round of applause for Jackie who is one year and 4 months cancer free!!

Is there a story behind your shop name?
I am a breast cancer survivor. When trying to come up with names for my shop I sent a request out to friends and family for their comments. My sister came up with the name and it was perfect because my sewing has been my therapy while battling cancer.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
My daughter. I have been doing craft shows with her, she has her own ETSY shop (GoneDoggie, previously featured, see Archives) and she felt I should try it out.

What is your favorite material to use?
I love all kinds of material. I do a lot with fabric. But, when something inspires me I will try just about anything.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
I am really enjoying making pillowcases right now. The varieties of fabrics available now is incredible, you can really make a beautiful piece of artwork out of a simple pillowcase.

What are your creative inspirations?
Everything around me is an inspiration. I have been crafting for many years. When my kids were young they were my inspiration and I would make their clothes for them. Now I try to create fun but, useful items like my pillowcases.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
Part-time but, some weeks it feels like Full-time. Since going through almost 2 years of chemo I don't have the stamina that I used to, so I sew as much as I can. Often times I have to stop to take me a little nap.

Who encourages you to create?
My daughter, when she was little she would make things and do craft shows with me. I tried to teach her to sew using a sewing machine and she sewed her finger and that was that. A few years ago she got her own sewing machine and hasn't stopped since. She has kept me going with my crafts and inspired me to get back into the craft shows.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
It takes time for that first sale but, it will come.

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article: I just turned 60 this year. I have three children. Four grandchildren with a fifth on the way. I am 1 year and 4 months cancer free. I have two dogs, Danny and Tedi which were both rescues. Tedi was actually a foster dog I was caring for and he ended up staying. I have been in NC for almost 2 years now and absolutely love it.

An interview with Aprils Originals

The featured artist this week is April of Aprils Originals http://aprilsoriginals.etsy.com/. April makes designer diaper bags that are so fabulous, they look like handbags. Now moms can look chic while carrying diapers and formula around!



April says:
I named my shop Aprils Originals because my bags are original designs made by me. I do not use patterns for my work, all of the designs come from my head. I am inspired by other artists and by the fabric I use. I began designing my bags to meet my own needs and lots of people seemed to have the same needs.

I am a stay~at~home mom of a wonderful 5-year old little boy. All of this began nearly 3 years ago when I grew tired of carrying the same old diaper bag that 'looked' like I was carrying a diaper bag. I was constantly on the lookout for the perfect bag. So eventually I dusted off my sewing machine and just started creating for myself that 'perfect' bag. People would stop me and ask "Where did you get your bag" and when I would reply "I made it" they would usually respond "Can you make me one?". Eventually I realized that I might be able to continue to stay~at~home and contribute a little income to our family and be able to do what I love to do. Aprils Originals was then born!

I started out trying other markets like local boutiques and ebay but my sister-in-law told me about etsy so I decided to check it out and it was perfect!It was just what I was looking for.I love fabric, all kinds of fabrics but I have recently grown to LOVE designer fabrics. The quality of the fabric and the vibrant colors just cannot be beat. I have to admit that until about a year ago I really didn't even know that there was such a thing as designer fabrics. Like I said I am a stay~at~home mom and had pretty much gotten out of the 'loop' of fashion :o)

My favorite item would have to be the Mommy Bag that I make and the Crayon Keepers. I carry a Mommy Bag myself and I have a Crayon Keeper for my son in my bag at all times, it is wonderful and comes in handy more than I ever thought it would.

I would have to say that fabric is my biggest inspiration, it speaks to me like an empty canvas does to a painter. When I see fabric I just feel what needs to go together and sometimes I hold onto a certain fabric until the perfect match comes along and I just know that I will use them together. My husband thinks I am crazy but it is my art.

I started out a part~time crafter but my little shop has gotten so busy in the last couple of months that it has flown right into more of a full~time situation. I am up sometimes well into the wee hours of the morning sewing trying to keep up with my orders. It is very hard to juggle my first job, Mommy, with running my shop. It is a constant struggle but on the other hand a dream come true!

I have an extremely supportive family, my husband helps me whenever I need him to. He even helps me do some of the more mundane aspects of my work like the ironing on of the fleece and interfacing to each piece before it gets sewn together. My Mom and my Mother-in-law both have several of my creations. They have been 'guinea pigs' on more than one occasion.

I feel like the best advice I can give anyone would be to stick with what you love, don't always worry so much about whether or not others will love it. First and foremost create from your heart and soul no matter what the medium. If you don't love what you do then do something else until you find what it is that feels right to you!

I don't just sew I do a wide range of crafts, when I have the time. I love to knit and crochet, make jewelry, my son and I love to 'play' with polymer clay and on occasion I cross~stitch and make soaps and bath salts. I have been crafting since I was a child, my Mom is a wonderful artist. She can draw, paint and also loves to do many crafts. I didn't inherit my Mom's ability to paint and draw, my brothers both got that. But I do lots of things that my Mom doesn't. She is the one who originally taught me to sew when I was a little girl, I would sew clothes for my Barbies and my baby dolls. I have never had any formal training in sewing I just figure it out on my own. I also taught myself to crochet and to knit.

Check out April's blog at http://aprilsoriginals.blogspot.com/

An Interview with UberArt

This week's featured team member is Beth of UberArt. Beth is a bookbinder and makes journals for sketching, writing, or jotting notes. She also works with polymer clay and designs pendants. You can find her creations in her Etsy shop http://uberart.etsy.com/.

Is there a story behind your shop name?
When I first started on Etsy, I was unsure what direction my shop was going to take. Being a mixed media artist, I create all kinds of things from jewelry, journals, paintings, etc. I selected “UberArt” because the name would encompass anything I chose to do.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in art. I have my undergraduate degree in art but never had the courage to put my creations out there. My husband saw an article in a business magazine about Etsy, encouraged me to try it out and here I am!

What is your favorite material to use? Paper and polymer clay.

What is your favorite item?
It’s hard to choose a favorite because I love them all, but I think my “Sand and Sky Journal” has become my signature item. I grew up near the beach and really enjoy incorporating seaglass into my work.

What are your creative inspirations?
I enjoy looking through art magazines for new techniques to try, but my main inspiration comes from being with other artists. I love working alongside others, sharing a creative aura and seeing the things we all come up with.

Are you a crafter full time or part time? If part time, how do you find time to create?
I am a part time artist. My time is split between being a mom to a toddler and being an artist. I grab any free time I can get, be it during naptimes or late at night!

Who encourages you to create?
My friends and family are very supportive and are always interested in my latest creations, or at least pretend to be!


Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
Do what you love and keep at it. Chances are someone else will love what you do also.


Do you have a blog or website?
My blog address is http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/. I have a new website, still being tweaked, at http://uberartworks.com/. I hope to one day sell my items from my website also, in addition to Etsy.

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:
I've started a new section in my shop to benefit breast cancer research. I have a friend who has been recently diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She commissioned me to create a journal for her to record her thoughts and experiences throughout the journey. I really enjoyed making something that would be so meaningful to her and thought it would be great to do that for others as well as helping raise money to eradicate cancer!

Happy Halloween!

Here are some Halloween/Autumn items featured by our members! Click the picture to see a larger view.

An Interview with McCoy Toys

This week's featured artists are John and Emily of McCoyToys http://mccoytoys.etsy.com/. They handcraft wooden toys, games and puzzles. Hmm, Christmas gift ideas anyone?!
Is there a story behind your shop name?
Our business name is The Real McCoy - so etsy store became McCoyToys - our last name is McCoy - & the real mccoy means authentic - we felt it was appropriate for our wood toys, games, puzzles etc.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
We heard about etsy from April of mooremagnets. Explore the site & decided to give it a try. We are passionate about making toys & try to agree on a reasonable price in order for more children to enjoy them.

What is your favorite material to use? Wood

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
We have several items that we have not listed on etsy - our folk toys are probably our favorites - it is hard to pick one. The limber jack, jacob's ladder & of course the stack & roll pull toy.

What are your creative inspirations?
Friends, family & customers are frequently giving us ideas or making suggestions on how to improve an item. We listen! John loves to work with wood & create...I (Emily) love to add "character" to our toys & details that are eye catching.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
Full time (since retirement). When we began we were both working full time - & the toys were a "stress release". We decided to turn it into a full time profession.

Who encourages you to create? Our family, friends, & other crafters.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
We have been on etsy less than a month - we are learning patience, & would encourage others to do the same.

An Interview with Stefanie's Bownanza

Stefanie of Stefanie's Bownanza http://stefaniesbownanza.etsy.com/ is the featured artist of the week. She makes hair bows, headbands, korkers, and hair clips. If you're looking for a finishing touch for a little girl's outfit, she's got it!

Is there a story behind your shop name?
I had sat for a few days thinking about several different names for my Business/shop and I just couldn't figure out what I wanted. Then my husband said "How about Stefanie's BOWnanza"? I loved it so that's the story.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I started selling locally and wanted to expand.

What is your favorite material to use? Grosgrain and Satin Ribbon

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
I have several favorite items. I love the Woven and Braided Headbands. I think my favorite item would have to be The Spider Korker Bows.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
Full Time. I was only working Part Time when my business started taking off and soon I had so many orders that I couldn't keep up with working part time and running my business. So I decided to focus just on my business.

Who encourages you to create?
I would say my family. My daughter is always wanting me to make her a new Hair Bow. She won't leave the house without one in her hair!

Do you have any advice for other shop owners? Never give up.

Do you have a blog or website?
www.picturetrail.com/stefaniesbownanza

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:

I am very happy where my business is right now. I started making Hair Bows/Headbands a year and a half ago and I would of never imagined this becoming full time for me. What started out as just making Bows for my daughter has turned into a very sucessful business. I supply over 13 Boutiques right now in and out of the Unites States. I have 2 regular customers that own Boutiques in Australia that I supply all their Hair Accessories. Also a Boutique in Denmark. I sell to sellers on Etsy and Ebay who make childrens items and include my Hair Accessories with their items. Things are going great and I couldn't be happier!!

An Interview with StefaniD

This week's featured artist from our ACE team on Etsy is Stefani of "Frills by Stefani", aka Stefanid http://www.stefanid.etsy.com/. Stefani makes great gift items such as hairbows, quilts, custom ornaments, and unique "Celebration Stockings".

Is there a story behind your shop name?
Not really-I just like frilly things! I didn't know what I was doing with the Etsy name and now I am stuck with it! LOL!

What made you decide to open your own shop?
Customers gave me no choice! I began making things for friends and family and they started taking orders from others and it just progressed from there.

What is your favorite material to use? I am a fabric addict!

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
I am all about the Celebration Stockings! They make a perfect gift for anyone and I can fit so many things inside. Everyone looks forward to digging in their stocking at every celebration!

What are your creative inspirations?
I have never really thought about it. I live in a constant creative mode and I love bright colors-I like to create things that make myself and others smile.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
Crafting is a part of who I am and it certainly feels like a full-time job-I currently have a regular, full-time day job but only to support my crafting habit! I use every spare moment to work on Frills, at times I can coax my family into joining me. They are a great support and don't complain too much about microwaved suppers. I plan on making the leap to full time crafting next year, I am working very hard to build Frills up enough to sustain itself-until then I have to work to support the habit!

Who encourages you to create?
My entire family! I began making small gifts for family and friends and they have constantly pushed me to keep at it since then. They know this has always been my dream and refuse to let me give up-even though I have been tempted a few times.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
Don't give up on doing what you love! Don't ever stop thinking of new ideas and new ways to spin old ideas.

Do you have a blog or website? http://www.frillsbystefani.com/, no blog yet-a little intimidating!!

An interview with SweetBabyKins

The featured artist this week from our ACE Team is Stephanie of Sweetbabykins. Stephanie designs hair ribbons and accessories for the little princess in your life. You can find Stephanie's designs at http://sweetbabykins.etsy.com/. Here is a sampling of her artistry--(I love the puppy hair clip holder!)

Is there a story behind your shop name?
It's pet name for my youngest daughter who inspires many of my creations.


What made you decide to open your own shop?
I just love doing crafts and it's a great way to move my creative juices trying to produce items that will bring as much joy to my customers as they do to me. I love when my daughter wears one of my creations.


What is your favorite material to use?
High quality grosgrain ribbon. Every now and again I find a ribbon either of such rich color or sweet design and quality that I practically swoon. Ribbon is addictive!


What is your favorite item from your shop?
My favorite items are probably my simplest: tuxedo style baby clips. They are adorable on even the smallest of babies and have such a classic design.What are your creative inspirations? My daughters.


Are you a crafter full time or part time?
I craft part time. I create late at night or early in the mornings when no one else is awake, and occasionally on weekends.


Who encourages you to create?
My husband and older daughters. They occasionally join me.


Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
Be positive and make your own luck!

An interview with E.B. Spider

Brandy from E.B. Spider http://ebspider.etsy.com/ is the featured artist this week from our ACE Team (Amazing Carolina Estians). She makes a lovely array of accessories and gifts. She has her own little boutique right here on Etsy!

Is there a story behind your shop name?
Yes, originally it started out as Etsy Betsy Spider, but after Etsy started saying we needed permission to use the Etsy name, I shortened it to E.B. Spider. After that I thought, it sounds like E.B. White, who wrote Charlotte’s Web, and Charlotte was a spider! Maybe that’s just funny to me though.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I did a few craft shows locally and I didn’t have a lot of luck. I knew I wanted to sell all these crafts I was making and I didn’t know where. One day, I stumbled across Etsy, and thought, oh maybe later. After debating a lot, I decided I’d give it a try. I am a SAHM (stay at home mom), which means a fabulous job but the monetary pay isn’t great. I needed a way to help out my family financially.

What is your favorite material to use?
Yarn! I love to crochet.

What is your favorite item?
My favorite item is the one that took me the longest. That item is my Blooms and Stripes blanket (featured above). It was a casual project that I would pick up every now and then. It took me 3 ½ years to complete it. I love the felt flower I attached to it. It is such a nice touch to the blanket. I spent so much time trying to get it just right and I think I accomplished that.

What are your creative inspirations?
I get inspiration from just about anywhere. I guess my main inspiration is my daughter. I try to think of girly things that she will like once she gets older, which is odd because I’m definitely not a girly girl myself.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
I guess you would say part time, because I’m a full time stay at home mom. I create whenever I can sneak it in, during nap time, while she’s playing, or when she’s in bed for the night. I stay up later than I should!

An Interview With Gone Doggie

This week's featured artist is Kelly of Gone Doggie http://gonedoggie.etsy.com/. Kelly creates handmade items for our four-legged friends such as collars, coordinating leashes, and blankets. She also makes lovable plush toy dogs. I'm such a sucker for handmade stuffed animals! Kelly also has a blog, http://gonedoggie.blogspot.com/where she talks about the dogs in her life, among other things.

Kelly has a real passion for dogs. She says:

I have three dogs--Gunner, Jorja, and Blue. Gunner is a certified therapy dog. We volunteer with our local school system where we help children with reading difficulties learn to read. I will be testing Jorja in the fall in hopes of getting her certified so she too can be in the schools. One day when my baby, Blue, is mature enough and a little more settled, he too may become a therapy dog.

My ultimate dream is to have my own brick and morter shop where I sell my creations and offer an education center focused on pet education. I want to work with the many local animal organizations reach their goals of stopping euthanasia as a form of animal control and find many wonderful pets loving homes.

Is there a story behind your shop name?
Instead of saying I have gone crazy for dogs my husband would say I have gone doggie!

What made you decide to open your own shop?
I was making many items and donating them to the local animal advocate groups for fundraising events. I really enjoyed doing it and decided that I could make a quality product at a reasonable price and so my shop was born.


What is your favorite material to use?
I love fabric! I am always buying fabric even if I have no idea what I am going to do with it. I know I will come up with something eventually.

What is your favorite item?
My dog collars are my favorite item in my shop. My dog and I teach pet responsibility. The biggest thing people tend to neglect is putting identification on their dogs. If a dog gets lost and is without identification, it can be very difficult to trace the owner. I hope that people will enjoy the patterns of my collars and be inspired to put one with proper identification on their pet.

What are your creative inspirations?
My 3 dogs and all of my clients' pets. I'm always looking to see where there is a need and try to meet that need by creating something.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
I am a crafter part time, I am a pet sitter part time, and I do volunteer work part time, so I keep very busy. I would love to craft full time but I love doing the volunteer work; it is so rewarding.


How do you find time to create?
I stay up late at night after my clients have been taken care of and my dogs are all settled for the evening. I do what I can, when I can get it done. I have this need to constantly be busy, I cannot sit idle for long, so even when watching TV I am crafting.

Who encourages you to create?
My husband. He has allowed me this opportunity to be able to follow my dreams. He is encouraging as he loves my work and goes to every craft show with me. He is my biggest fan and supporter.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
I am still new so I don't think I am in a good position to offer advice. Just love what you do, believe in yourself and don't let anything or anyone step in your way of success.

Laksaware - Featured Etsy Artist of the Week

Our featured artist this week from the ACE team on Etsy is Bernie from Laksaware http://laksaware.etsy.com/. Bernie makes handmade kitchen wares, dining wares, and paperwares, and other cool things. A big congrats to Bernie for her scrubbies (bottom right photo) featured in the New York Times!! Get busy crocheting, Bernie!!!

Is there a story behind your shop name?

Laksaware was inspired by a bowl of curry laksa while we were in Malaysia. While the husband was busy devouring his bowl of laksa and getting dots of curry splashed on his white shirt, we came up with the idea of having a "Laksa T-Shirt". Hence, the name Laksaware. We haven't ventured into selling our own T-shirts here yet.

What made you decide to open your own shop?

We have been itching to do so for a very long time. I love making crafts and keeping my hands busy, so I thought, why not sell them instead of just cluttering up my closet.

What is your favorite material to use?

Right now, it's yarn. But I paint and I love fabric, and I am always trying out something new because there's always something to learn. You might say I have a short attention span.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:

It'll have to be the Laksaware scrubbies right now. I love using them at home and my mom-in-law uses them for most everything. My neighbors also tell me that they love them.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?

Part-time. But I wish I could do this full-time. I need more time really. I multi-task mostly. You'll see me crocheting in front of the TV most nights or before going to bed, or when I am waiting for the water to boil.

Who encourages you to create?

My mom and mom-in-law. And my wonderful husband (even though he refuses to learn how to crochet :)

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?

I am still pretty new at this but I believe that you need to create pieces that you love because crafting should be enjoyable.

An interview with Merriwood Designs

The featured ACE Team artist this week is Meredith of Merriwood Designs http://merriwooddesigns.etsy.com/. Meredith makes wonderful pouch slings for infants and toddlers.

Here are some items from her shop. She will custom make a sling with fabric of your choice.

Is there a story behind your shop name?

My father in law dubbed me "Merriwood" when I moved to NC (From Washington DC) because he said I needed a "country" name. He still calls me Merriwood.

What is your favorite item?

My favorite item is the pouch sling. I LOVE using mine and I think they're the ultimate under-appreciated baby accessory that new parents must have. They're really easy to use, affordable, decorative, and even help bond with baby.

What are your creative inspirations?

My son's messes.

Are you a crafter full time or part time? part time

How do you find time to create? in between naps

Who encourages you to create? my husband

Tell me any other interesting things about yourself you'd like for me to include in your article:

I go to Elon University and want to work in the substance abuse field (counselor not an abuser lol!). I love my son but we want another female presence in our house so we will probably have kids until we get a daughter, even if that means having 5 more boys first.

ACE Team Guidelines

If you are new to ACE Team or are just interested in what ACE Team is all about, this is the best place to get public info on our Team!

ACE Team is comprised of sellers/artists/creators from North Carolina who sell on etsy.com. Females and males are welcome to apply. New members are either recruited by the ACE Team Administrators or Etsy members can send in a request to join our team. Team spaces are limited and we will not accept any new members after a certain number has been reached. You can send a message via Etsy conversations to Brandy at http://ebspider.etsy.com/. Once we receive your request, it will take up to 7 days to make a decision on your acceptance to the team.
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Team enrollment & Membership is based on Any (& Possibly All) of the Following Criteria :

• You must be a North Carolina resident.
• You must be an active selling member on Etsy.com. You must have, and maintain, at least 3 items for sale and go no more than 7 days with an empty shop.
• You must be a handmade seller. 50% of your shop must be handmade by YOU. This means that the majority of your items must be made “from scratch.” Repurposed items, commercial supplies, and vintage items are not considered handmade.
• You are required to list our team name and blog link in your shop announcement or profile.
• You are required to participate in our online Ning group at least once a week. Members who fail to do so, without giving prior notice to the team, will be given a warning. Members will be deleted from the team with the 3rd warning.
• You are required to attend one online team meeting per month.
• We will only allow up to 3 to 4 shops with similar specialty items. If your shop reflects many different items for sale, this will be taken into great consideration.
• If a seller/member receives too many negative feedbacks this will result in expulsion from the team.
• If you have multiple shops, you can only join under one shop name, but are welcome to promote your other shops in team events and promotions. You MAY use the team tag, "aceteam", in your other shop's listings.
• You MAY NOT use the team tag on supplies, vintage, or any other item that is not at least 50% handmade by you.
• Directly copying another member's work is not permitted and will result in immediate expulsion from the team. If you feel you have been copied, please address the team and appropriate actions will be taken from there.
• Negative (when unsolicited) or harsh criticism, belittling talk, insulting behavior towards another team member's work or person, or calling out of another team member in any form will be reason for expulsion from the team.
• Members are encouraged to attend team events and local shows whenever possible. This helps us promote and support each other.
• All forms of artwork and self-expression are welcome on our team. If you are uncomfortable by nudity in art, then this team may not be right for you.
• Team members must be 18 and over.

These guidelines are present to maximize productivity for the ACE Team. Honestly, these guidelines are easy to follow. The ACE Team is a relaxed group of individuals who will greatly benefit from following these rules.

As a team, all members will work together. No one person will make decisions for the team as a whole. Once you are a team member, you will have deciding votes on new members, team events, gatherings, and much more.

This team is not for monetary gain. Please notify Brandy if someone contacts you about payments, fees, or dues. Splitting booth fees or other event fees is based on individual members and is completely up to the parties involved. ACE Team administrators are not responsible for event fees and attendance.

This team is here to help promote one another, share event space, and encourage one another. Our goal is to keep the ACE Team productive, friendly, and encouraging.

Please remember to use "aceteam" in your listing tags!

Featured Seller...

ACE Team is off and running. We have planned to be at several up coming NC events/shows/festivals.

When I was sending out Etsy convos to enlist team members, one local Etsian caught my eye right away. Her shop is lovely. Her items are so eye-catching. And since she has joined the team, I have gotten to know her alittle via convos and blogs, Ning, etc and she is a truly spectacular person. A loving mom and talented individual !

Our first featured seller on the ACE Team is April of aprilsoriginals.

Check out April's shop today ! she has some rocking fabulous bags ! Made with hot designer fabric !!

You go, April !!!

Stay Tuned...

ACE Team is now an official Etsy.com street team.

This is our public blog for members and non members of ACE Team. You can come here and check out promotions, sales, team events, etc....

Stay tuned for upcoming news and events !