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!