INCrowdteam Interview, 3/7/09 - Julie Finn aka pumpkinbear

Don't you just love it when you have a chance to look at some fellow team members' (or just plain Etsyians') work, and though it's COMPLETELY different from what you do, it strikes you as wonderful nevertheless? That's my feeling about finding Pumpkinbear. I do believe that we are sisters from different misters, and that Kawfee-Tawk is imminent.

Where were you born & raised?
I'm from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, smack next to Oklahoma, which means that we know ALL the ways to describe Oklahoma drivers. Ahem. I don't think I have any Bowers in the family, but it would be interesting to know where your relatives lived--my family's first records begin them way up in the mountains in North-Central Arkansas, kind of like Appalachia only with hot springs and natural caverns, and none of them were particularly literate, NOR did they apparently have a lot of time for an oral tradition, so there it ends.

What's the origin of your shop's name?
Pumpkinbear is the super-goofy name that my partner used to call me, really over-the-top on purpose. We were those sarcastic kids who sat in the back row and everything we said had to be all ironic, you know, and look at me now--we're married with children, unironically, and that ironic pet name is now the name of my CRAFTS SHOP. Anywhere your life takes you, it'll never surprise me.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I moved to Bloomington, Indiana, for grad school, and even though I dropped out, I'm still raising my babies here.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I focus on items made primarily from recycled components, and items that I can make through collaboration with my girls, or at least in company with them while they play. [Ed. note: quilts, buttons, gift tags, decorative bunting, record bowls, among other items]

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
My gender studies background has helped me appreciate the greater significance of the traditional "women's work" that I spend most of my days doing, and the skill, artistry, and community that underlies handicraft of all kinds.

Does creating stuff, women's work and the like run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations?
It's an interesting question, because I really wasn't encouraged to own my traditions as a child. Whenever we went back up in the mountains to visit our Ravenden Springs relatives I think we were all a little embarrassed, and me and the other "city cousins" would do a lot of "They're YOUR relatives." "No, they're YOUR relatives," etc. Ridiculous, because now that most of those relatives have passed on, wouldn't I just kill to get back up that mountain and learn all about everything I could?

My real concept of traditional women's work as meaningful, and handwork in particular, came after I had my first daughter, and became completely isolated from my once-vibrant academic social life (can an academic social life even be called vibrant?) at the university where I'm still a grad student. You know, you can't bring a baby into a bar. Or a seminar. Or a lecture. Or the house of the futzy professor with the pet cockatoos that are afraid of children. And not only that, but I also felt that many of the professionals within my department had no respect for me after I became a mother, and the departmental politics got just really strange and ominous and exams committees began to fail me for sort of obscure reasons--you know, the way groups do when they don't really want you anymore. So I'm still just barely hanging on by the skin of my teeth, and teaching through the benevolence of the university's AMAZING composition program.

So I really began to get into handicraft as something to do with myself to keep from going nuts hanging out alone all day with an infant, and then, you know, I'm an academic, I like to study and think about stuff, so I did a lot of reading and thinking and analyzing the concepts and meaning of handwork, and I did a lot of teaching myself pretty much any craft I came across, and by then I had yet ANOTHER kid, and if I was ever going to do anything for myself by then, I had to incorporate my kiddos into it. And once I began doing that, I discovered that my children, even very small, have a lot of real insight and artistry and inspiration to add to what I do, so much so that I consider all my work now, whether directly assisted by or inspired by one of my daughters, true and real collaborations with them.

How'd you get started creating?
Mommy Brain made me too stupid for grad school, but I can't stand not being occupied, so I started making stuff.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
My girls, always.

Do you belong to any Street Teams (other than the INCrowdteam)? If so, which ones and why? I'm also in the Craftivism Street Team, because if you're going to craft, you might as well craft for good, not evil.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I love it when someone besides a family member, who has to like my stuff, likes my stuff.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
1) sushipot
2) 16BIT
3) tenfingerworkshop
4) thetinylittlegirl
5) CarolinaPatchworks

Show us three of your own favorite pieces, from your shop and work.

White on Black Dinosaur-Loving Baby Hat


















Recycled Denim and Burlap Bunting











Spiderman Quilt


















Anything else to brag on?
I'll be in an upcoming issue of Craft Magazine (by end of year, 2009). Look in the Quick Craft section for the Recycled Materials Matching Game--I wrote it!

Awesome, and thanks! I'll keep my eyes peeled, though that is a really disgusting saying when you come to think of it...
Carolynn aka nilochlainn aka wolfgangzehen

International Interview, Hannelore aka Eleanors

What's your real name?
My real name is Hannelore Tiefenthaler. I use "Eleanor's" for my shop name in remembrance of two women I really admire: my beloved grandma, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the wealthiest, extraordinary and most powerful women in Western Europe during the High Middle Ages.

Where were you born & raised?
I was born in the city of Salzburg, Austria, and was raised in a small village nearby, surrounded by high mountains, the perfect place for adventuresome children. At the age of 14 I moved to Salzburg where I studied and lived for 15 years.

Where are you now & what led you there?
After moving around a lot I currently live between Austria's capital Vienna and a small village in Hungary. I have always been attracted to bigger cities but still won't miss nature, old trees and a bunch of rare animals.

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop(s)?
At Etsy I sell my photographs, shot on film as well as digital. One of my favourite subjects are landscapes, especially trees. I also love to capture and experiment with seemingly unimportant sides of everyday life.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I mainly have been learning by doing and was lucky enough to work with experienced people I could learn a lot from. That´s one of the best educations you can get.

What age and how'd you get started creating?
Sometimes things come out very funny. In childhood I was addicted to photography. I compiled photo albums and wrote comments on every single picture I shot. School knocked my passion on the head. But towards the end of study (German Literature and History) it suddenly raised again. Finally I decided to become a photographer. To make a long story short, I started to cover a lot of concerts and theatre productions, worked for magazines and newspapers, did book covers and posters as well as exhibitions. After a couple of years I started filmmaking which turned out my main profession until right now. In my experimental and short documentary films I often had been my own director of photography.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
It´s everyday life, nature, and last but not least validation from people who love what I am doing. Whatever I hear or look at, pictures arise and inspire my imagination. Visual art is the way to express myself best.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why?
I am a proud member of European Street Team and Poe Team. Both of them are very active, doing challenges, treasuries and support each other. I do wish to have more time to take part of it, since I am still moving around a lot and I am always struggling to keep my shop running, photographing and filmmaking. Whenever possible I try to catch a treasury to promote my teammembers. I really appreciate being part of such an amazing community.

If you are on a Street Team, have you noticed any benefit to you and your shop?
I am very thankful my work gets featured in a lot of treasuries made by teammembers, and that helps to get seen more.

Do you feel there are limitations or barriers when selling Internationally?
I didn't meet with any obstacle yet when selling internationally apart from high shipping fees which might eventually distract some folks from purchasing abroad.

Where else(if any)do you sell your work? Please list any other places you sell, whether online or at a store by you.
Apart from selling offline Etsy is the only place until now I sell my photographs.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
The site is extremely well done, it is user-friendly, has a well-defined outline, and attractive ways of searching. Not to be overlooked the large international community.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
There are a lot, here are some of them:

Artsy
beadedweeds
annarubyking
ExoticFlavour
krize

Three favorite items from my shop:
Daydream: A picture that seems to ask: real or not? I captured a detail of the extraordinary landscape in Hungary´s Hansag National Park at one of the last days in 2008. I love the pastel colors and the delicate flowing structure which makes the image look like a painting full of mystery.

Carved In Stone: One of my newly created collages working on several portraits of woman.

Open End: I took the picture with a Lomo at the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Galicia, a province in the north west of Spain. The light and color which come out from a special developing process and the open landscape give me the feeling like being in the middle of nowhere. In fact this place features the end of a continent, Europe.
Anything else to add?
Many thanks, Amber, for inviting me to the interview!

Your quite welcome Hannelore! I thoroughly enjoyed viewing your unique and wonderful art, thanks for sharing a piece of your world with us!

~Amber aka Blue Scarab

International Interview, Åse, aka Aasesart

What's your real name?
My name is Åse (pronounced as ‘awesome’ without the ‘me’) Stödberg. In Swedish we have these circles and dots over some a’s and e’s which I don’t know if your computers will manage…

Where were you born & raised?
I was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I live in Bromma, a suburb to Stockholm, in a small house with husband and two children still home. One moved out. We moved here when our first child was borne.

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop(s)?
I sell prints of my original watercolor paintings. I will also sell paperwork (small notebooks,
scrapbooks, accordionbooks, etc.) by and by.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I went to an art school I Stockholm and have worked as a freelance illustrator ever since.

What age and how'd you get started creating?
I have been sketching and painting as long as I can remember. My father is an illustrator and he always worked from home, so it was quite natural to follow in his footsteps.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Rather banal: nature is my major inspiration. I also work with gardening and I get a lot of inspiration from everything growing. I love looking closely into a plant’s details. I discover something new every day, even in my own well-known garden.

Where do you create? Do you have a whole studio, a room, a closet space?
I work at home in a room of my own.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
Since I’m a newbie, I haven’t yet investigated all the things you can do on ETSY. Street teams sound like a good idea. I will try to find one that would suit me. Perhaps it’s time for a Swedish Team?

Where else (if any) do you sell your work? Please list any other places you sell, whether online or at a store by you.
Until now I have only made illustrations to order, for magazines, newspapers and books. This is the first time I’ve tried selling my own work on a larger scale. I’m a member of an association of Swedish illustrators and on their homepage I show examples of my work: http://illustratorcentrum.se/asestodberg

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I think it’s fantastic to be part of a community of all sorts of creative people from all over the world. So far I haven’t sold anything, but now there’s a tiny chance that someone outside Sweden will see my things. Just look: you found me and gave me this opportunity to feature on your blog. Thank you so much!

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
It’s almost impossible to choose, but here goes:

1) Corpseknit – beautiful knitted items
2) Clevergirl – pretty jewelry
3) BourneDesigns – imaginative stone items
4) aCatsNest – a newbie like me, from Sweden
5) Yoola - fantastic frail-looking jewelry and other items

Show us pictures of your three favorite items from your own shop.

Alberta

Butterfly Book

Tulipa

Thank you for sharing with us Åse, and good luck with your shop!

~Amber aka Blue Scarab

International Interview, 2/07/09- Xin Wei aka xinxinemin

Being a Jewelry Artist and big lover & supporter of handcrafted jewelry myself, I can't help but drool over all the fabulous baubles on Etsy. Among them, Xinxinemin is definitely on my list of "Gorgeous jewelry I would love to have in my jewelry box". Colorful, bold, and a dash of whimsical, Xins' jewelry stands out in design with her choice of stones to the unique shape each piece takes on. Check her out:)

What's your real name?
My name is Xin Wei, from the Mongolian words of “New era”. I use “Emin” for my shop because this is my husband’s family name. We still haven’t decided to change my family name or not.

Where were you born & raised?
I was born in Inner Mongolia, China.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I currently live in Japan. I came here 4 years ago and just completed my PhD course in Saitama University.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I sell handcrafted intricate jewelry. Most of my pieces are made of sterling silver, gold filled, and semi-precious gemstone.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I majored in computer graphics in PhD course. The research I did doesn’t involve creating beautiful pictures. It is tedious mathematic algorithm. But I learnt some basics of many graphical softwares; this might be the benefit I’ve got from my educational background. I didn’t have any troubles when I made banners, avatars, and I was able to construct my own website with the knowledge I learnt in the University.

How'd you get started creating?
My mother taught me how to crochet when I was 7. After that I practiced a lot in different kind of handcraft things. For me, Japan is heaven for handcraft. I can find materials and books for almost every kind of handcraft. Beading is the most popular one these years in Japan. I started beading with crystals and seed beads at 2006. And at the beginning of 2007, I started to create jewelry with semi-precious gemstone and wires. The passion of creating jewelry finally became a disaster. It overwhelms all of my life. It didn’t only eat up my spare time, but also my time for doing research. I postponed half year for graduation because I couldn’t prepare myself enough for graduation presentation and thesis. But luckily I managed to graduate last year.

I think my mother taught me crochet is the most important thing led me finally into making jewelry. I still crochet now. Crocheted silver lace flower is one of my signature designs in my shop.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
I think many different culture backgrounds gave me great inspiration. I get inspiration from Mongolian, Chinese, Japanese, and Western Art works. The nature inspires me a lot too. I created many pieces representing the plants, flowers and insects.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
Yes I am proud to be a member of Wire Artisan Guild of Etsy. In the guild we learn skills from each other, discuss the problems we met and encourage each other all the time. We also have theme challenge every month. Everyone creates a piece for the theme that month. I created a lot amazing pieces in theme challenge. My jewelry would not have such big variety if I haven’t challenged myself with those theme challenges.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
The best thing is that I always see many talented works here and that keeps me improving myself.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
Naftali In this shop there are so many amazing clay beads. Haven’t bought anything there but I am sure one day I will.
gorjuss There are very cute cartoon cards and paintings. I love cartoons and this is my favorite shop. I wish I could have one shop like that in the future.
triz Before I make wire wrapped jewelry, I did a lot of beading. And this shop is full with fantastic beaded staff.
SuzyQJewelry One Swedish jewelry artist in our guild. Her work inspired me a lot.
julidadesigns Another guild member who’s work had great influence on me. I enjoyed a lot reading her tutorials. There are so many talented artist in our guild. Here I just listed two of them whom I admired before I had my own shop on Etsy.

Three pieces I chose from my shop are:
1. Earth Garden Pendant Necklace
This is created for the earth day (one theme from the wire artisan guild)


2. 3 Dimensional Pink Cage Earrings
My original three dimensional design with a beautiful deep pink color.



3. Crocheted Silver Lace Flower Ring
This ring looks amazing when you wear it. Very attractive, from my signature crocheted design.



Thanks so much Xin, and keep rockin' out the gorgeous jewelry!

~Amber

International Interview, 1/21/09 - Anna Greaves aka thehouseofmouse

Where were you born & raised?
I was born in Oxford, England but my family moved around a lot when I was a kid. We didn't really settle anywhere for more than a couple of years so it is hard to say exactly where I am from. We moved around the south of England during that time and eventually stayed put for 8 years in a village south of London called Haslemere.

Where are you now & what led you there?
Now I live in a village just outside Amsterdam in Holland. I followed my boyfriend (now husband) over here 5 years ago when he was offered a great job he couldn't refuse. I imagine I will be following him to other countries too, he speaks 6 languages so there is often new opportunities popping up - and I can sell my craft no matter where I am in the world.

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I make little felt mouse ornaments for adults and collectors over 14 years. I make my mice in many different characters based on movies, tv, job and hobbies, culture and much more. Each one is unique and has it's own little personality, I love that they have little stories they tell me as I am making them.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I studied Fine Art at university before becoming a professional oil painter for 4 years (you can see my paintings at www.annagreaves.com). During that time I learned how to run a business - they don't teach you useful stuff like that at uni, you have to figure that out on your own. The mice kind of happened by accident just at a time when I was becoming disillusioned with the Fine Art world - it is all so very serious! - I made the mice as Christmas gifts for my family and my Etsy shop took off from there.

How'd you get started creating?
I have been crafty and creative my whole life. There are artists, musicians and actors on both sides of my family so I was always encouraged to try out my ideas. I can't imagine not having a head full of ideas!

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
When I first started making my mice the inspiration for each one came from my friends and family, since I made each mouse with a certain person in mind. After Christmas I was inundated with other suggestions from the people that received them! I regularly think of other mice to make while doing my everyday things, I’ll be watching a movie and think “Oh, a Supermouse would be cool!” sometimes it is from finding an object and trying to see it from a mouse-size point of view. For example the Gladiator Mouse's shield is actually a particularly ugly earring I picked up at a car boot sale. Suffice it to say the ideas hit me all the time. I also regularly get suggestions from people visiting my shop or MySpace page. And there is continued stream of suggestions from my friends. I have a little book I always carry with me to keep my ideas in. As for switching the light on: I feel crafty and creative all the time - I think that little light switch is stuck in the "on" position!

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
Yes I belong to 3 street teams. The European Street Team, http://team.etsy.com/profilest/euro.shtml this team was the first one I joined after getting encouraged to do so by a seller I bought from. The team is very active, making team treasuries, running weekly challenges and chatting in our team thread all the time . I get a real sense of community and support from this team. I doubt I would be so happy on Etsy if it wasn't for them.

I also belong to the EFA (Etsy for Animals) team. I donate 10% of my profits to the animal sanctuary that I got my cat Nicki from. I believe in the ethos of the team to support animal charities and well, we all love animals too! I don't have as much daily contact with this team because most of them are on a different time zone to me, makes chatting a bit difficult!
Finally I founded the Sellers Assisting Sellers team about 6 months ago.

Team SASsy is made up of members who volunteer their time and energy and help new and struggling sellers on etsy. The team list is organized by areas of expertise, shop type, location and languages our mentors speak so sellers in need can find the perfect mentor to help them out. I am very proud of this team I put together, which is made up of some very talented and knowledgeable people.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
Only 5? Oh this is going to be tough...
Kreativlink
PamelaAngus
fray
ioulia
Blubies

What are your three favorite creations from your own shop?
Oh that’s a tricky question, that’s bit like asking someone which of their children is their favorite. I love them all! If I HAD to pick right now I would say it’s Nona the Cellist Mouse because I made her to represent my mom who is a great Cellist and Cello teacher. Naomi and Milo Junior - Mother and Baby Mouse because that little baby just makes my head explode with all the cuteness. And finally I love Axel the Executioner Mouse with the little severed mouse head - there is something so funny about the macabre with the cute, it makes me giggle every time :)

For more The House of Mouse news, and your chance to vote for the next new mouse in my store please check out my blog http://lifecraftinessandeverythingelse.blogspot.com

Thanks so much Anna!!

Carolynn

INCrowd Interstate Interview, 1/14/09 - Alicia Istanbul aka istanbuldesigns

Here's some truly amazing metalsmithing from Alicia "yes, my last name really is Istanbul :)" Istanbul. Her work is astonishing. Canada's loss is our gain!!

Where were you born & raised?
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I now live in Atlanta, Georgia, because of the amazing and handsome American guy I'm married to.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I sell original handcrafted art jewelry in sterling silver and gold.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I'm a French teacher by profession. I have a BA in French, a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters degree in French. Although I only taught French for 4 years, I am happily retired from teaching and am living the dream of running my own company from my home based studio. It really is like a dream come true.

How'd you get started creating?
I've always been an artist at heart (that must sound so cliche). I started making beaded and wire wrapped jewelry as a hobby a few years ago. I'm always looking for the next challenge, and that lead me to metalsmithing. I've been metalsmithing for almost 3 years.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I am a proud member of the Etsy Metal street team. They're like my online family :)

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I love that I'm in the company of some of the most incredibly talented crafters ever.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
gaiaconceptions
MyCharlieGirl
EmilyBalivet
yellena

ErinTyner

Show us your three favorite items from your own shop:

Art Nouveau Initial A Pendant (SOLD)

Nouveau Rosebud earrings (SOLD)

Swirl Ring, Sterling Silver

OK, WOW. Thanks so much, Alicia!!

Carolynn

INCrowd Interstate Interview, 12/28/08 - Tracey Allyn Greene, aka tagscats

Our very own spiceoflifedesigns hearts tagscats, so I had to go and check tagscats for myself. And, yep, I loved what I saw! Here's why:

Where were you born & raised?
I was born and raised in Warminster, PA

Where are you now & what led you there?
I'm live in Huntsville, Alabama. I moved down here in 1990 with my husband who works for NASA.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I paint in oils on canvas, watercolor and ink on paper, and acrylic pet portraits on river rocks. Pets, especially cats, are a favorite subject of mine, but, I do not limit myself on subject matter and enjoy painting many things.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I am a primarily self-taught artist.

How'd you get started creating?
I was always drawing when I was younger, and though I got away from art for a time during my college years at Penn State and through various jobs, I took up painting once again 6 years ago. At the time I was still working as a veterinary technician, and I decided I wanted to start painting my cats. When my friends saw my work, I started getting commissions for my river rock pet portraits, and things just progressed from there. I started selling online as well, and a gallery owner saw my work and started purchasing my works, and gave me my first solo show in 2004. I had the opportunity to visit Paris in 2005, and seeing all the wonderful artworks in that city made me realize I wanted to become a full-time artist, and in 2006 I did just that. I am living my dream now.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I am part of the EBSQ Street Team, EFA (Etsy for Animals), Design Style Guide/Interior Design Team, and VAST (Visual Artists Street Team).

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
Etsy is such a warm community. I feel like everyone works together to support and encourage one another on this site, it's really quite amazing. The talent here is amazing as well. I'm proud to be a part of it!

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
Beadymonkey
theflyingpickle
torriesmiley
ryanstudio
westcorinthstudio

Show us your three favorite items from your own shop:

Pet rock custom portrait of YOUR pet

giant sunflower oil bar expressionist art painting

black and white cat rock painting

...and that's why I love tagscats.

Carolynn aka nilochlainn, wolfgangzehen, recoverandlive, schwa

INCrowd Interstate Interview, 12/14/08 - alaskanphoenix

She came to me unexpectedly...yes, I was working on my wolfgangzehen shop and out of nowhere I got a really sweet email about that store's merchandise and purpose. It was alaskanphoenix. We struck up a little convo immediately, and I realized we'd never interviewed an Alaskan before on the INCrowd blog! So, to put that right, here she is:

Where were you born & raised?
I was born and raised in Heber City, Utah.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I am currently living in Wasilla, Alaska. I moved here with my parents.

The obvious question arises: do you know Governor Sarah Palin?
Yes, I know the governor. Very sweet woman, I hope the best for her.

How'd you get started creating?
I pick up hobbies all the time. I need a creative outlet, something to do with my hands and keep me busy. I enjoy other hobbies, although beading is my new favorite one!

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I mostly sell handmade jewelry in my Etsy shop. It's my new hobby. I have another shop called GingertreeCreations but it's empty right now.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I have no educational background in beadery or jewelry, I teach myself.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
My creative light twinkles when I see "new to me jewelry" that I just love. I tell myself, "You can do that!" So then I try.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
My favorite thing about selling on Etsy is the shopping, I love seeing others' creations. There are so many creative people out there!

Are you a member of any Street Teams?
No, I do not belong to any street teams. I don't know what street teams are.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
It's very hard to recommend my five favorite Etsy shops......
paraphernalia
gumballgrenade
obsoleteworld
onlypencil
carolleedesigns

Show us your three favorite listings from your own shop.

Green Beaded Ladle

Lynsey

Tilly

Hope you enjoy!

We do. Thanks, alaskanphoenix!

INCrowd Interstate Interview, 11/28/08 - Cassie Ogle, aka thecraftykitten

I was zooming across the Eastern seaboard the other week, checking out some cool Etsy shops, and look what I found! Yes, a binder. But this binding is unlike anything else I have seen.When you see her faves at the bottom of the page, you'll understand what I mean. Enjoy!

Where were you born & raised?
Richlands, Virginia nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.
Where are you now & what led you there?
I’m still in Virginia but I hope to move during the next few years.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I sell hand bound books. I’m currently taking steps toward mainly using recycled materials.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
In 2006, I participated in an intense apprenticeship for hand bound books. I studied under my dear friend Robyn Raines. I have since then picked up many techniques through reading books and lots of trial and error.

How'd you get started creating?
I cannot remember a time that I wasn’t creating. During December ’07, I wrote a blog post a day about things I crafted while I was growing up. You can read all about that here on my blog: http://paperkitty.wordpress.com/category/kidmade/

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I am a very proud member of BESTbooks, which is the Bookbinding Etsy Street Team.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I love the community of Etsy. I love to attend craft night, hang out in the chat rooms, and check out the forums while I’m at work.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
Knittydirtygirl
Pocomedio
Cosyknitsliterally
Blondechicken
Muyinmolly
Show us your three favorite items from your own shop:

Embryo Coptic Book

Little Kitten Needle Book

Tiny GREEN Book Ornament

Anything else to add? Go for it!
I’m not only a bookbinder but I’m also a fiber artist. I love to knit & crochet. I also spin using a drop spindle and I’ve recently began dying my own fiber. I keep a blog for all my crafting adventures at http://paperkitty.wordpress.com

Have a wonderful day!!
Cassie

Thanks so much, Cassie.

Carolynn

An INCrowder Featured in the Indianapolis Star!

In this week's Indianapolis Star Style section, our great friend and supporter Jenny Elig discusses the online community's long wait for Cyber Monday, the internet shopper's (and vendor's) equivalent of Black Friday. And don't we all want it to put us well into the black!!!! This week I'm happy to report that my four stores are part of the feature. Please visit the article by clicking on the title of this post, and leave a comment for Jenny while you're there.

Happy Thanksgiving, all! As every day, today I am grateful for the INCrowd.

Sincerely,

Carolynn McLaughlin
wolfgangzehen.etsy.com
recoverandlive.etsy.com
nilochlainn.etsy.com
schwa.etsy.com (on vacation)

An INCrowder is Featured in the Indianapolis Star

Our own Jeannine Perdue, aka JCJools, has been interviewed by Jenny Elig! The interview appeared in the Style section of the Indianapolis Star on Thursday, November 20th. If you miss it in print, by all means click on the title of this post to go there. It's short, but sweet.

Ms. Elig intends to interview a few more or us, too, so keep checking back for more Indianapolis Star features on the INCrowdteam.

INCrowd Interstate Interview, 11/14/08 - Ellen Hagan aka kidznames

I have no kids. Therefore, I know jack-mo about things that kids dig. As a result, I love shopping Etsy for kids' stuff. Why? I learn. Who knew, for instance, that a boy holding a surf-board would be a favored method of drawing an "N"? Now I know. Let Kidz Names teach you too.

Where were you born & raised?
Born in NYC, moved to Savannah, Georgia with my family as a teenager (quite a culture shock - but I am a southerner now!).

Where are you now & what led you there?
I live in Savannah with my husband and my teenage daughter. I love living in this small, beautiful, historic city. It's a real haven for artists and other creative types.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I am selling personalized children's name paintings. Each letter looks like a child doing a sport, or a dance or another activity. They are all originals done by hand...no printing involved.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I have a bachelors degree in art education from the University of Georgia, and a Masters degree in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. I have been teaching art in the public schools for over 20 years, and it has certainly influenced my name painting creations.

How'd you get started creating?
I started these paintings when a friend had a baby girl and asked my to create a painting for her. The baby is now 19 years old, in college, and her painting is still hanging on the wall of her bedroom.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I am in the process of joining the Georgia Street Team and I've been invited to join the F.A.M. (fabulous artistic moms). All of this is very new to me, but very exciting.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
Etsy is exactly what I've been looking for...an online place to sell original pieces of art. I never had the no-how to put together my own website, and when I found Etsy, it was like someone was there walking me through the process!

Recommend your favorite shops on Etsy.
lwhelan
ralphnuara
twistedriverclay
yappyhappy

Which are your favorites among your own work?

Personalized Children's Name Paintings 11.00 per Letter

Personalized Children's Name Art - 11.00 per letter

Personalized Name Art - 11.00 per letter

Your stuff is so cool. Thanks a ton, Ellen!!

INCrowd International Interview, 11/7/08 - Lindy-Lu Victor, aka Shroompiloop

It was time to stroll the international internet shops, and I found the most amazing place in Israel: shroompiloop. This shop is about balancing energy using natural materials, and the workmanship is wonderfully raw and yet refined. An awesome balance. Enjoy!!

Where were you born & raised?
I was born on the 5th of August 1983 in South Africa. I grew up in Johannesburg & moved down to Stellenbosch - Cape Town where I studied & lived for 4 years. That's where I really discovered the meaning of true life. Stellenbosch is situated in between mountains and nature reserves & is surrounded by wine farms...the winery area of South Africa.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I am currently situated in Rishon LeZion, ISRAEL. I've been traveling between South Africa, England and Israel for the last 2 years, doing a little bit of this here, a little bit of that there :) My boyfriend, Shlomy, is Israeli & we decided to stay here for a few months and to create more art. I've always loved moving around and to travel. I've been quite blessed as I have traveled to quite a lot of countries and got to explore some amazing cultures throughout the world.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I opened up my first leather & energy stone art shop on Etsy called SHROOMPILOOP. The name comes from both myself & my boyfriends nicknames which is Shlomy (Shroompi) + Lindy-Lu (LoopyLu), and Shlomy is my inspiration. He taught me the ins & outs. He is the leather King of Kings. He has worked with leather & energy stones for most of his life.

At SHROOMPILOOP I work with Leather & Energy Stones. My leather varies from cow, goat, sheep & buffalo leather. The leather I use I collected from India, South Africa, Botswana, Israel and all my leather is of utmost highest quality. Some of the leather I use is also matured & infused toned leathers. The stones I use is the best you can find (that's why my bags are a little bit more pricier than other bags). All my stones are handpicked by myself & Shlomy. We collected a variety of stones from all corners of the world as we traveled the plains of earth. We collected our stones from India, Nepal, Japan, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mexico, England, Australia & Israel.

At SHROOMPILOOP I create Handbags, Travelbags, Pouches, Purses all 100% handmade!!
My bags are not of the average sort & scream energy, passion & power...

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I studied a degree in BA Communication Science, but there's no connection!!
I have always been exceptionally creative & always loved to create with my hands. I have always created things throughout my life but I have only discovered my love for leather 2 years ago when I met the love of my life. I always looked at how he worked with leather & that inspired me to try too. Shlomy is my inspiration and everything started with him.

How'd you get started creating?
I started making things for myself, my friends, never thinking of selling any of my things. And then, out of the blue I said why not try to sell it?!? Why not make money through continuing your passion?!? I am quite a hyper active person & have way to much energy, so when I start creating I find a way to calm myself down and to have MY time :) More importantly I have learned to become patient & shanti :)

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
The thing that I love the most about creating something amazing is that you value your talent so much more! Every time I create a bag, new ideas for another bag comes up & in some way I get really excited about it and gives me a lot of drive. To say "WOW" after making a piece and everybody around you is amazed at what you've done is the best feeling...I love to explore & to create new things and that is most definitely my muse!!

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I don't belong to any Street Teams as I just started to go public :) My most favorite thing about selling on Etsy is that all the people selling on this site are all artist. All the sellers have a passion for handmade art & value what they have created. If I have to sell a bag on ebay (for example) people would not appreciate the item because they would not understand the hard work and value of my item, whereas on Etsy it is a different story :)

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
I have just yet joined Etsy so have no gone through all the shops but would say that one of my favorite ones are TheLeatherStore as she creates amazing leather handbags. Something different to my style of bag but gorgeous.

What are your three favorite creations from your own shop?

Chocolate Brown Leather Coin Pouch Bag enriched with Turquoise

Red and Infused Red Choc Brown Leather Purse Bag

12 in. Cream and Brown Leather Turquoise Tone Laptop Case

Anything else to add? Go for it!
That's it. Happy Days :)

Thanks, Lindy-Lu!!

Carolynn

INCrowd International Interview, 10/21/08 - Jessica Simanowski, JSartist

Where were you born & raised?
I was born and raised in Germany where I lived for 20 years.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I decided 12 years ago to moved to Portugal where I still live now. I have been in Portugal on vacations 18 years ago for the first time and fell in love with the country. I felt really impressed by the colours of Portugal also. So after finishing grammar school and having some spare time before going to university, I decided to go for half a year to Portugal to gain some experiences in a foreign country. And, as we all know, sometimes unexpectedly things can happen and I never went back to Germany again and made Portugal my home country.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I focus mainly on two sections. My main focus has always been on my paintings and original artwork. So I am having one Etsy Shop for my paintings only. In my other Etsy Shop I sell everything around textile design, mainly stuffed animals and felt and fabric jewelry.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
My background does not much relate to what I do because I have always been an autodidact somehow. That happened already when I was a child. If I saw something that I really liked I locked myself into my room for a couple of days and figured out how to do it myself.
I finished the grammar school in Germany and actually wanted to visit the art academy in Germany to study art but soon enough found out that my role in this lifetime is not about being a student anymore but rather a teacher. I felt that I would have to hold back once I would join the rules and system of a typical art academy.

How'd you get started creating?
It just happens. It's here all the time. I truly am a full-time artist, meaning that I wake up in the morning doing art and going to sleep with my art. And then at night I use my dreamstate for new ideas or inspiration.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Well, as funny as this might sound but my creative light is myself. It comes from within, it is always there. Art is a very natural process for me. That's why my slogan is "Art is the science of the heart." We are all artists, but it makes a difference how much you are willing to go within to find it in within you, or not. Art is who we are and just a question of how we like to express ourselves best.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
Yes, I am a proud member of the Etsy PlushTeam and the Etsy DesignStyleGuide Team. It is fun to interact with other Etsians and to support each other. Through the Street Teams you get the chance to have more people connect to your art and you can support each other.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
What I like most about Etsy is that it is a very clear and well organized page. It is so simple to add new items to the shop even though if you do not understand much about the computer or internet. I also like that it is such a big community that functions worldwide. To find artist from every corner of the world on Etsy really rocks. I do not know any other page that presents such a huge pool of art. Although I have to say that me, as a European seller, have difficulties sometimes to keep up with the USD prices versus the Euro.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
danamarieart
AnthonyButkovich
pirilamporiscado
spencershook
cocoondesigns

Show us some of your favorites of your own creation.
Here are 4 links to my items. Two items from my fabric shop and two items from my paintings shop.

Felt Cord Fabric Necklace Tie


















Giovanni from TheWeirdoBug Collection
















A Zoo within (Original Painting) 60x100cm



















Balanced Babysteps (Original Painting) 60x60x4cm



















Anything else to add? Go for it!
Yes, indeed. Be nice with each other, appreciate every expression of somebody else and don't forget to play with each other : ) Don't forget that you are worthy and don't try to compare yourself with others on Etsy, even though if it seems sometimes that nobody wants or likes your work. To be authentic is the biggest gift you can give to the world.

Thank you so much!

A big hug,
Jessie : )

Love you, Jessie!! - Carolynn

INCrowd International Interview, 10/7/08 - Jesse Breytenbach, jezze

Yet another trip to Shop Local made me curious about South Africa. I have no idea why; I just...was. I found Jesse and I'm glad I did. I love her fabric. I can only imagine how fantastic a garment with her fabric would be!!

Where were you born & raised?
Grahamstown, a tiny university town in the eastern part of South Africa. I went to school and university there; it's the kind of place everyone wants to leave as soon as possible, except I found it endlessly fascinating that my perceptions of a place, and my life in it, could change so much from year to year. I'd probably still be there if I thought that I could find work.

Where are you now & what led you there?
Now I live in Cape Town. I'm a free-lance illustrator, and need to be near publishers and magazines for work.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
In the one I sell block-printed cloth and ribbon, and soon I'll be listing ceramics decorated with transfers there too. In the other (jezzeprints.etsy.com), prints. At the moment all my prints are digital prints of drawings and pages from my graphic novel (called "I Don't Like Chocolate") but I'll be adding linocut prints once the exhibition they're on comes down.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I have a BFA in printmaking and my MFA was on drawing and comics, so it's a pretty direct relationship!

How'd you get started creating?
Everyone in my family has always made things. I'm busy frogging a cardigan that my grandmother knitted over 40 years ago, if that's any indication. All the women in my family own trunks and boxes and suitcases stuffed with cloth and buttons and braids and spare zips, and the family philosophy seems to be that you only buy things you can't make yourself. I didn't know until recently that it was possible to buy ready-made curtains, or even that anyone did... so creating has always just been part of how you live.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Spare time! Actually, it's hard to say; making things also seems to make ideas, in a sort of vicious cycle. I'm always making the next thing in my head already, before I've finished the one I'm working on.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?
I don't, and it's something I really should look into. For quite a while Skinny laMinx and I were the only two South African sellers on Etsy, and I think there was a sense of being 'outside' Etsy.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
Knowing so many of the sellers through their blogs, and the huge variety of things available. And not having to factor in that 100% markup that shops add on, when I figure out my prices. And being able to stock my shop as and when I have time, between other work.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
amandasainsbury
magicjelly
birdsandswings
skinnylaminx
12fifteen

Give us three images of your favorite work:

1. 'Coffee', a page from my comic that I really enjoyed drawing



















2. 'Proteas' blockprinted cloth














3. 'Red Stars' blockprinted cloth















Thanks so much! - Jesse

No thank you because your fabric is stunning.

Carolynn