Featured Artist - Thomas Saylor Designs!

I recently joined the ETSY Richmond Street Team (REST) and thought it would be fun to start featuring Richmond Artists on my blog. Today, I am pleased to present, Thomas Saylor of Thomas Saylor Designs. He has an amazing offering of home furnishings and other goodies. I hope you enjoy learning about Thomas Saylor Designs. Please check out his blog if you get a chance! I think it's my new favorite blog.

Tell us about yourself...

My name is Thomas, and I am the owner/designer of Thomas Saylor Designs. I make an assortment of home decor items and fashion accessories, including pillow covers, iPhone sleeves, coasters, car trash bags and place mats. I love custom orders, so if there is anything you need sewn/customized/monogrammed/embroidered I would love to hear from you!

Coasters Quilted Set $14.00

What inspires you the most?

To me, the most inspiring and motivating place in the world is the fabric store. I love taking items that you already have, and sprucing them up with a cover or sleeve made out of a fantastic shade or print. I believe that fabric touches are the key elements of decorating that are often overlooked, and a little splash of color goes a long way.

What other talents do you have?

Well, I consider myself to be a decent writer, and I like to joke about my misfortunes on my blog. Outside of the studio, though, I play the piano (although not very well, to tell you the truth) and I'm really, really good at ordering take-out.

Car Trash Bag Grey Trim $19.00

What promotional tools have been the most effective for you?

I'm a social media junkie, so I have all the online basics; website , Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, discount mailing list, etc. But for me, the most successful promotional tool has been word-of-mouth. I always encourage my customers to talk to their friends about my work, and I've seen a lot of referrals come my way because of it. Really, though, anytime you can put your name out their for free is a smart marketing tactic (unless, of course, you've made the evening news for streaking in your neighborhood park or something. In that situation, the best thing to do is hope your products can outweigh your, um, packaging.)

Pillows - Set of 2 - Orange and White Floral 16" $45.00

As a handmade seller, what lesson did you learn the hard way?

Almost everything I've ever learned has been learned the hard way, but I guess the most important lesson as a handmade seller has been to not underprice your work. Listen, no matter what you do, there is going to be somewhere out there that is doing it cheaper. But if your work is good, and you believe in your product, eventually your customers will, too. And it doesn't matter how many sales you make if you aren't making enough profit to run successful. Save yourself some headaches and keep your prices fair, both to yourself and your clientele.

What's your best selling item?

Pillow covers are my very favorite thing to make, and that shows in my pillow cover sales. I feel like pillows are the easiest thing to change about a room, but they make such a dramatic difference. Decorating on a budget? Start with with the pillows.

18" Removable Throw Pillow Cover The Bleeker $7.00

I hope you've enjoyed discovering Thomas Saylor Designs! Connect with Thomas at all the links below.
Website
Etsy
DISCOUNTS! Email Mailing List
Facebook
Twitter
Personal Blog

Remembering My Spirit Guide

I am totally in love with this print. I have admired it for months now. This is what I imagine my spirit guide looks like. Isn't it amazing the feelings art can provoke? Looking at "Venus" reminds me of the unknown emptiness of space and beyond and it reminds me there is something bigger than myself and the world we live in. It reminds me to be grateful and appreciative of all the unknown still to come.

Thank you ImagineStudio.etsy.com for creating such an inspirational piece of art.

Featured Artist Interview Polkadile on ETSY

I had a great time featuring Polkadile over at Notes from the Handmade Highway. I thought I would feature her on my blog as well. Have fun getting to know Adaleta Maslo-Krkovic from Polkadile!

Party of Three, Pure Silver, Pearl and Turquoise Ring $59.98

Tell us about yourself:
It all comes from interacting with people, but my greatest inspiration is my son and his exploration of the natural world. Almost each piece of jewelry in my shop is somehow related to him, and you'll see that in the descriptions.

What other talents do you have:
I am a media artist, I take tons of photographs, make films, installations etc. I also love to sew and make things.

What has been the most rewarding thing about being an artist:
The most rewarding thing is the process of making. I am addicted to that, and I sometimes feel that it is the creativity that makes me open my eyes in the morning.

Ruby Rain Garnet and Silver Earrings $24.98

What promotional tools have been most successful for you:
I've done Facebook and Twitter, as well as Project Wonderful ads, and they have all been effective. But the word of mouth is the most effective.

What advice would you give a new crafter and/or a crafter who's been at it for awhile and hitting a rough spot:
Don't give up, think why are you doing it, and stick to it.

Green Dream Jasper and Seed Beads Bracelet $44.98

As a handmade seller, what lesson did you learn the hard way:
Promoting takes the most time. That is the hardest thing for me.

What's your best selling item:
Men's rings are going the best. I guess because guys like to have interesting jewelry too, and we often forget about their tastes.

Strong Oak Mens Fine Silver Ring $57.98

~Kym

Featured Artist Interview Bitsnbeads!

Hi Everyone,
I was recently featured on The Meandering Musings of a Consummate Shopper! From there I discovered Bitsnbeads.com. Zoie, the artist behind Bitsnbeads, has shops at ETSY, Zibbet, Artfire and 1000markets! She has a huge selection of items from eyeglass holders to earrings to Id badge lanyards! I hope you enjoy reading about Bitsnbeads.

Beaded Eyeglass Holder Mom $32

Tell us about yourself...
I'm a jewelry designer and artisan that creates beautiful (tooting my own horn here because I think they're spectacular) colorful jewelry and accessories for the everyday woman. I work together with my partner, Leal, to run a shop on Etsy as well as a couple other market venues that you can find through our website ( http://www.bitsnbeads.com ).


What inspires you the most?
Color and emotion. For me they're very intrinsically linked together and I believe they are for others too. I love that I can create a piece and others can enjoy it not just for its aesthetics but for how it makes them *feel* as well.

Handmade Beaded Earrings Desert Flowers in Red $14

What other talents do you have?
OOoph. Loaded question! I was raised in an artisan household and all the women throughout the generations have been artisans. So I learned from each of them a little of this and that from candle making to pottery, ceramics, painting, music, embroidery (which I admit I'm not very good at). I love working with glass and often etch designs on glass.


What promotional tools have been the most effective for you?
Hard work. I think that pretty much sums it up. It's not exactly a tool, but a realization that you utilize for success. There is no "easy answer". You're not going to find some magical tool that lets you sit back and let things go on their own. Promotion takes constant work and you have to put time and effort into it, no matter what the venue you choose.

Lucky Purse Charm Make a Wish $12

As a handmade seller, what lesson did you learn the hard way?
Sometimes you have to set things aside and take some time for yourself to stay healthy and happy.


What's your best selling item?
Our eyeglass chains sell the best. I think it's because they serve both a function as well as being pretty, so people can have something they love to wear that's -like- jewelry, but useful also.


Links:

Etsy Shop: http://gilliauna.etsy.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/bitsnbeadsbygilliauna
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gilliauna

Featured Artist Interview Becky Roedl from Sweet and Sassy Cards

I recently posted a Featured Artist interview on the Notes From the Handmade Highway blog and thought I would share about Becky Roedl here too. She has a huge collection of handmade cards. I really love the Sweet and Sassy attitude reflected in her work. I had a great time reading through all the different themes. I think my favorite is "Just in Case You Win the Lottery" card, under the Formal Sarcasm category. I hope you enjoy learning about Becky.

Sweet and Sassy Girlfriend Bundle $10.00

Tell us about yourself...
I am at that time of life when I can start to put myself "first". I hope this doesn't sound selfish, but my children are grown and have left the nest. My husband is wonderful, but doesn't need all of my attention, so it's time for me to do something that I've always wanted to do.

What inspires you the most?
No doubt it's my garden and music. Gardening while listening to beautiful music makes the creative juices flow.

You can read the full interview over at the Notes from the Handmade Highway Blog.

Featured Artist Beccijo of The Enchanted Cupboard

I ran across the cutest shop! I was amazed by all the storybook characters, mermaids, fairies and playsets there. Here's an interview from Beccijo at The Enchanted Cupboard on 1000markets.

Tell us about yourself?
There are may parts of me and who I am. Mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend. I have always been a creator, painter, storyteller but my heart is alive with being a Toy Maker. I really feel I found myself, the part that thrives. It has made me see life in full color again. When I am creating I feel like my cells are singing!

What inspires you the most?
My childhood and my children. Many of the ideas came from my daydreams as a child and things I dream up for my children. Now as I move in to being an established Toy Maker I find myself watching how children play with my toys. Often times they will say things that I had not thought of like; "Where is the daddy mermaid?", now I am working on him and his name. My children now brainstorm with me about what else needs to be added to any of the toy series. My business has become a creative and fun part of our family.

Do you have any unique talents?
My painting has always been an important part of who I am. Sometimes parts get lost or unused as life takes over. My dolls let me paint and be creative in a very fun way. I am also very big on us being a green family and we have learned to make lots of the every day things we need by ourselves.

What promotional tools have been the most effective for your shop?
Teams and Markets, getting connected is good for marketing, getting ideas, and finding out the ins-n-outs of online selling. Being a good listener (reader) if you don't know the answer go Google it and learn.

As a handmade seller, what lesson did you learn the hard way?
During your down time stock up for big selling times. This past season really went by in a blur of swirling colors and fairies dancing in my sleep. I really felt like one of Santa's elves but unlike them my deadline was much sooner then Christmas Eve.

What is your best selling item?
My "The Fairy Ring" series are my best sellers, people just love all the wonderful delighted feelings these little ladies bring. The fairies, playsets, Playboxes, and accessories sets are bought for young and old. This past holiday season they have traveled all over the world.

Featured Artist and P90X!

I have been so busy lately! Seems I can never find the time to blog. For the last several months my boyfriend and I have been doing the P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workouts! Whew! They are tough but a really excellent workout. It's been fun doing them with him too. The only problem is the time investment. The program is to exercise every day and each workout is at least an hour long. Soooo.... I feel like I have very little time for other things I enjoy. The best part is I am really a whole lot stronger! It's amazing how I have progressed.

I did have time yesterday to put together a featured artist interview for Notes from the Handmade Highway, where I am a guest blogger.

I thought I would share part of my blog post here. Meet Helen Janow Miqueo of HJM Art Gallery. Her work is AMAZING! I am in love with the red poppy paintings.

Tell us about yourself...
My name is Helen Janow Miqueo and I am an artist selling my art, primarily, on etsy. My shop is HJM Art Gallery. I can say that I have been painting since I was born. As long as I remember, I have been creating something. Creativity was always in my family. My grandfather wanted to be an artist, but World War II interrupted his dreams. My grandmother was an incredibly talented woman who created very beautiful, intricate embroidery and crochet-work. My mother is an architect. Following in my family’s steps, I am also an artist. Born in Russia, I successfully completed Moscow's School of Art and hold an AA Degree in Graphic Design. I have exhibited at numerous California galleries and On-line Galleries. My work can also be found in many private and corporate collections around the country and abroad.

Original Blue Sky Landscape Painting Red California Poppies II $189

Featured Artist ~ Kristen Hall from ModmomMe

Here's my latest Guest Blogging venture. I featured Kristen Hall from Modmomme on Notes from the Handmade Highway.

Kristen describes her herself as "...... a boo boo kisser, translator- fluent in baby babble and toddlernese, monster exterminator, butt wiper, personal stylist, maid, circus tamer, chef, human alarm clock and calendar, referee, num num giver, tv operator, and many other job titles for which I cannot afford to remember at this time".

I hope you enjoy reading about her life as a mommy and a handmade business owner. Enjoy!

I'm the Featured Artist

Just a little plug for myself =) I'm featured on Notes from the Handmade Highway! Yay! If you're interested, here's the interview.

The Handmade Highway is a great place for marketing and learning about other handmade artists.

Happy Traveling.....

Featured Artist ~ Melissa Lisbon from Californiablue

I had another opportunity to guest blog on Notes from the Handmade Highway. If you get a chance, check out Melissa Lisbon from Californiablue on ETSY. She makes fantastic jewelry inspired by her beautiful surroundings in northern California. Here's my favorite from her shop.