Etsy Minis for November

Check out just a fraction of our amazing team members!



Are you an INCrowdTeam member wondering why these folks are so special? Be sure to sign up for our team newsletter and check into the Roll-Call thread on Facebook or our Etsy team discussion page!

INcrowd Wire Wrappers

Wire wrapping has been around for thousands of years BC. It is quite an amazing process and I have to say, I have seen some really intricate wire work out there, just google image search and see for yourself. Some of the pieces are almost unbelievable. Wire wrapping of course is a means of working with wire to connect elements together without using a soldering method (using heat). Someone was currently talking about it being a dying art. What else can the method teach and where else is it applied?

Just a reminder to INcrowd members tag your items listed on Etsy with INcrowdteam so that we can easily find and promote each others work! We can find you easier and purchase items from your shop faster, I know if I have an INcrowd member selling something I am looking for, I will stop right there!

Incrowdteam Wire Wrapping Treasury 

Insprired by Pop

As you may remember two weeks ago, I called for INcrowd team members to create something inspired by a pop song. Kaytie Johnson of Design Theory felt a POP of inspiration and graciously shared with the team!  Kaytie says that many of her pieces are inspired by music such as the listing below. The Paloma Necklace was inspired by the group Chic in particular a song called "I Want Your Love." Kaytie says that she envisions Paloma Picasso wearing this piece while at Studio 54 in the 1970s, dancing the night away!

I Want Your Love item listing

My inspiration came from a song by Florence and the Machine called "The Dog Days are Over". I have not listed the piece on Etsy yet but below is a sneak peak! Since the dog days are over, that must mean its time for the cats to rule! This piece was made from a vintage belt that my friend Jessica found, we re-purposed it with vintage brass chain and a piece of faceted Jet.

Rana Salame Designs

Monday Inspiration

Assignment: A project of your choosing inspired by your favorite pop song

Monday is often times a day that some people dread and others look forward to. Either way, whether you consider Monday the beginning of the week or the day after Sunday, lets make it new and inspired! Today, I have been editing a photo album for a wedding I recently shot, and I have been listening to the popular music list on Grooveshark, and I can't stop smiling, dancing, and bouncing around. So, choose a song from any genre that inspires you to create, it can be from any year going back to the first billboard chart in 1936!

Send me a picture and a caption for your creation, and I will feature it in next weeks follow up blog post!

Send: jpg file of your creation, your name, shop url, and a link to item if its posted

Send to: ranasalame@gmail.com

My Inspiration: The Dog Days Are Over 

INterview: Rana Salame

TPM – Hi Rana! Thanks again for your time and agreeing to the INterview! Tell us a little about yourself…you were born in Lebanon, correct? Do you have any memories of living there?

I was born in Beirut in 1982, during the beginning of the Lebanese war. My mother has told me stories about how highly stressful it was for our family to escape the bombings from the north to the south, yet how life was still normal. It amazes me how anyone can live in or around such turmoil, especially the effect it has on small children. The memories I have are pleasant though, of labne and cucumber sandwiches (labne is a type of salty yogurt cheese), the Mediterranean sea, and playing on the ancient roman ruins of Baalbek.  We left when I was four years old and joined my mothers side of the family who were already living in Dearborn, MI, where I grew up. I went to college in Mount Pleasant, MI,  lived in Chicago for six years, and I now reside in Anderson (its a long story and I'm sticking to it). 

I am far left, looking at the ducks and I still dress as colorfully. 

TPM – Jewelry, photography…is there anything you don’t do? Have you always been interested in creating? Do you have a favorite medium? (Your photography is wonderful, by the way!)

I like to say I am always doing the four c's, cooking, cleaning, creating, and crafting, interchangeably and individually. A few things I recently learned and did: tiled the kitchen floor (I am a DIY lover), completed my studio, forged three beautiful rings, made some B&G both from scratch (that was breakfast). As for my snap happiness, I took a photojournalism class at CMU my senior year and I fell in love with the camera. I currently freelance and do mostly weddings, band stuff and portraits. Check it out here.  I began making jewelry only last year but found that I have a real knack for it. My partner Nathan signed me up for Jewelry Making 1 at Lillstreet in Chicago last winter and it was really more like metalsmithing 101. I learned some great techniques and have been continuing to learn and grow as a metalsmith and jewelry designer. 

Part of my studio and my love Marbles!

TPM – According to your blog, you’re the “Lebanese Martha Stewart in training” - what kinds of things inspire you to create? How do you mange to stay inspired and creating while juggling every day life? 

Inspiration is everywhere, I write about all the things I love on my blog (A Vision of Love). Or as my bestie Kendal calls it, the Chronicles of Ranacles (pronounced rah-na). As for striving to be a Martha, nothing says love like DIY, especially when it's from scratch. I live in a 1890's farmhouse on three acres of land, I tend to my gardens, prune the fruit trees, cook and bake a wide variety of foods, from Mediterranean delights, to all American classics! I have made my own pickles, dried my own herbs, harvested walnuts, made a paper lantern, theme parties (with Martha's famous cocktails) and the list goes on. My house keeps me busy from inside to out through each season. I love entertaining, great conversations, learning and teaching. Creating just happens.

My house.

TPM – You have a shop on Etsy – are you pleased with it’s success? Do you have any advice for craft mavens thinking of opening a shop? What are your favorite Etsy features (Treasuries, Shop Local, Pounce, Teams, etc)? 

I am happy with my progression so far, I have learned so much from Etsy and the fellow Etsians that I have reached out to. I love the community of it all! I love everything about Etsy, I think it is fantastic. I think the best advice I can give is to be persistent, keep growing, watch the wonderful tutorials that pertain to you and actually apply the knowledge that is presented, there are so many inspiring features on Etsy, and I think I am just starting to figure it out. I am still in the beginning stages of my shop, and can't wait to see where I am a year from now. I am currently working on revamping my banner and general appearance. The two things that keep getting brought up are the photographs and the story, and I am still working on it. I am great at capturing moments but for some reason these shiny little things elude me. I have been told to look at my favorites and find the trend in the picture style, and strive for that. If anyone has advice or feedback I welcome it! Please convo me! 

TPM – Please share a few of your favorite items listed in your shop and tell us a bit about them. 

Pink Calcedony and Vintage Charm Sterling Earrings

I love these earrings, the way they swing, the color, and so I am not redundant, I usually explain why I love a piece in the description of the item in my Etsy shop. Another of my favs are my crystal teardrop necklaces I love the way they catch the light. I would heart  them all for different reasons! I take great pride in creating items that are well crafted and elegant. I was recently commissioned to make an engagement ring with a non traditional gem and it was amazing (still waiting for the proposal so I can post pictures!). 

Drusy and sterling silver ring commission. 

TPM – I love to learn new techniques and crafts; if you could learn one new crafty skill, what would it be? 

I would love to learn to sew and how to preserve small flowers and butterfly wings in an enclosure.  

TPM – Any closing thoughts – crafty or otherwise? 

This month I am going to do my best to learn more about SEO. This PDF is a great resource that is mentioned on Etsy. And I can't wait for the first bonfire this spring.

TPM – Well, I can’t rightly close out this interview without asking a totally random question...it would just be so unlike me! If you could be trapped in an elevator with any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

Bjork, because I think we would pass the time by making beautiful songs with the buttons and the acoustics of it all.

I love all her images, they are simply stunning!

Interview by The Peach Martini

Academy Worthy

This past Sunday, Oscars were handed out to talented actors, directors, cinematographers, and a few other people that make going to the movies thought provoking and stimulating. Congrats to them! However, I won't lie, I turn to the Academy Awards to see the fashion! I must say this year there were quite a few trends, nude colored dresses with tulle and rhinestones (ala Mandy Moore and Hailee Steinfeld), red gowns (ala Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lawrence) and my favorites the regal purples (ala Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Hudson's shoes).The jewels were understated yet intricate when further examined (ala Gwenneth Paltrow and Melissa Leo) I was surprised there were no big statement pieces! Needless to say I was inspired, so I scoured our team site for some Oscar worthy items and found some great pieces!

 

These earrings by Allison from BeachFlowerDesigns reminded me of Nicole Kidman's great vintage diamond necklace with the slight oxidization. These sparkly numbers could win awards.

 

Everyone needs a cute clutch, and this one by Lynn David brings visions of Haliee Stienfeld's beautiful Marchesa gown. Cute, elegant, young and fresh! 

 

Okay so Marisa Tomei's dress got mixed reviews but one thing stayed true, everyone loved her earrings, check out these vintage treasures from Oshe, the sun burst design reminds everyone that your here to shine!

 

She may have not been wearing a bra, but I did think of Mila Kunis when I saw this hot little lilac number by ToadLillie

 

I know LePlumeEthere is not on our team, but these must be the spiting image of Jennifer Hudson's purple shoes, indeed they did go well with her crazy orange dress, and these would go well with a variety of award winning looks! 

post by RanaSalame

The INCrowdteam's New Home on Etsy!

The INCrowdteam is proud to announce that we now have a brand-spanking-new home on Etsy!!

The INCrowdteam on Etsy

If you're a current member we hope you like our new digs.


If you're a prospective member, please take a chance on us - we think you'll be glad you did!

A Fall Fairytale by PoisonGarden on Etsy

www.poisongarden.etsy.com has created this gorgeous fall treasury that includes seven members of the Indiana Etsy Street Team (INCrowdteam), along with nine other Etsy sellers. You may click the here to be taken to this treasury. INCrowdteam shops include:
www.erinkeys.etsy.com
www.jcjools.etsy.com
www.DaisyDesignsFloral.etsy.com
www.laktjohnson.etsy.com
www.spiceoflifedesigns.etsy.com
www.bellachicboutique.etsy.com
www.weddingmonograms.etsy.com
Other shops featured include:
www.mandiecandy.etsy.com
www.thebloomingsouth.etsy.com
www.sassyfrass123.etsy.com
www.liaison.etsy.com
www.enchangingsoapflavors.etsy.com
www.chiclillovebugs.etsy.com
www.rachelsleaves.etsy.com
www.laboheme.etsy.com
www.artfulbeginnings.etsy.com

Under Construction! Pardon Our Dust!

Please bear with us as we re-format the blog a bit.

I hope to have it done by the end of the month.

Thanks!!

~Kim (aka ThePeachMartini)

2nd Annual Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique To Be Announced!

Stay tuned for more details as they become available - contact information will be provided once the applications are finalized.

2nd Annual Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique

When – Saturday November 27th, 2010

Time – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Where – Hamilton County Fairgrounds Exhibition Center
http://www.hamiltoncofairgrounds.com/exhibCenter.html

What – A lightly juried show highlighting Hoosier artisans and crafters and their handmade wares. Get in the mood for the holidays, and help support local artists and the local economy!

Vendor Notes - Lightly juried show highlighting all Hoosier artisans. Vendors must be artists/crafters residing in the state of Indiana. Only handmade items will be considered; items that are up-cycled, re-purposed, significantly altered from their original state are considered handmade and will be permitted. NO COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED ITEMS ALLOWED. Will include a raffle benefiting Toys for Tots!Applications will be posted soon, along with fee information and booth details – please check back for more information!

Top 50 Etsy Moms: Mandrin Designs

Imagine my surprise when I'm checking all my blog subscriptions and I noticed one of them had a link to Babble.com's list of the Top 50 Etsy Moms...and who's name should I see listed as #31?? Miss Kristen @ Mandrin Designs!

Check the list for other fabulous Etsy Moms, and then hop on over to Kristen's shop and check out her amazing work!

Congrats, Kristen!!

INCrowdteam INterview with Brenna @ Raven Haired

Looks like it will be another glorious sunny day in NW Indiana! I hope the weather is pleasant for you, dear readers. I am pleased to introduce you to one of our newer members, Brenna of Raven Haired! Settle in and enjoy another INCrowdteam INterview!

Name: Brenna

City of residence: Fort Wayne, IN

Shop name: Raven Haired

INCrowdteam: Is there any meaning to your shop name? What made you choose it?
Raven Haired: When I first signed up on Etsy I was only thinking about buying and the idea of a shop hadn't occurred to me yet. So the name of my shop is actually a translation of my name, Brenna, from Gaelic. It's always been an ironic family joke that my parents gave me a name that means "raven haired" and I have bright red hair!

INCrowdteam: Tell me about items for sale in your Etsy shop.
Raven Haired: I mainly have knitted laptop sleeves in my shop as well as sleeves for Ipods and Ipads. Many of the sleeves have fabric designs on them; flowers and animals, ect. I make each sleeve to order. How did I decide on making laptop sleeves for my shop? When I was working I had to buy myself a new laptop. Within 24 hours of taking it out of it's box I had gotten two scratches on it from just shoving it in my purse. I wanted to keep this investment in good shape so I knitted up a simple sleeve for it that wouldn't be bulky and would fit in any bag I had. As soon as I started using it I had friends, family, and co-workers asking where it came from. Flashforward and here is the the answer, "Raven Haired on Etsy"!

INCrowdteam: What’s your real-world job?
Raven Haired: I've spent my time out of college working on political campaigns. It's long hours and hard work, but it's worth it. I started Etsy now that I'm taking a break from that and am hoping that if I keep working hard my shop will be a success and it can be my sole focus.

INCrowdteam: How did you learn your Etsy craft?
Raven Haired: Completely on my own and with a lot of trial and error! I'd known how to crochet since I was 11 or so but in high school I wanted to make my own cool knitted designs. I got a few books and just experimented with a lot of things. All through high school I knitted scarves and gloves for my family and friends. I never really learned to read patterns, so I just make it up as I go.

INCrowdteam: What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Raven Haired: I have an almost constant desire to create. If it's not knitting or crocheting, it's usually cooking! I would never really consider myself an artist (that's my sister) but I do have this urge to create these wonderful functional creations.

INCrowdteam: What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?
Raven Haired:
Involution - She makes this amazing jewelry with felted wool. It's beautiful, check it out!

Pottery by Barbara - The best are her baking dishes

Felted Friends - Felted stuffed animals

Knitting Mette - My favorite are her monkeys!

Clear Mountain Craft - Just some really beautiful and colorful pottery.

INCrowdteam: Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?
Raven Haired: That's a tough call but I like these three just because they are my favorite shapes and color combinations.

13" Laptop Sleeve - Whale on Blue

13" Laptop Sleeve - Bird on Goldenrod Yellow

15" Laptop Sleeve - Diving Eagle on Emeral Green

INCrowdteam: What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer?
Raven Haired: I've only had one buyer so far but her feedback was enough to keep me going for a while:"This laptop sleeve is so cute and it fits perfect! Beautiful work! And shipped fast too!"

INCrowdteam: Where else can we find you on the Internet?
Raven Haired: I also have a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ravenhaired

That's all for today, folks! Stop by Brenna's shop and have a look around - some really cute stuff in there - I'm thinking those laptop sleeves would make GREAT graduation gifts!!

Are you an INCrowdteam member who'd like to be featured in this Q&A? Or maybe you know a member who'd be perfect for it? If so, contact me at ThePeachMartini

INCrowdteam INterview with Michelle @ Hi Mamma

Good morning guys and gals! I am pleased to introduce you to our very own Michelle from Hi Mamma! With a unique shop name, and a real passion for her craft, Michelle shares some of her favorite goodies with us...

Name: Michelle Vackar

City of residence: Carmel, Indiana

Shop name: Hi Mamma

INCrowdteam: I love the name of your shop! What made you decide on it?

Hi Mamma: Hi Mamma actually is what my older daughter, now 5 years old, would say walking around the house, pretending she was talking on the telephone, playing with her dolls or to me. I always thought it was kind of a catchy name. When I learned more about Etsy, I thought, that might be a good name for my shop! The products that are offered are all something that have been a part of their lives (as well as mine). Now that we are getting older, we are going to be expanding our product line. My logo represents my two daughters and me. Both of my girls love monkeys! I just thought it was appropriate for the logo to have all three of us as monkeys.

INCrowdteam: Tell me about items for sale at your Etsy shop.

Hi Mamma: I love to sew and one of my favorite things has been to make baby/toddler changing pad covers! There are so many fun prints, as well as beautiful solid fabrics that make cute covers. Currently all changing pad covers are made out of soft flannel. That way the covers are soft and warm to the baby/toddlers back. I also sew a fair bit of customer orders where people will email me to see if I have fabric of this type of theme they are wanting to do for their nursery. It has been so much fun to help another family create something special area for their little one. My younger daughter (who is 2 years old) has had fun with various print changing pad covers. We have one changing pad cover that has owls, lady bugs, birds, etc., on it and she will just talk about them as I change her diaper. She also loves to pick which changing pad cover she would like to have in her room each week. In addition to changing pad covers, I make cloth diaper wipes, have embroidered baby bibs, burp cloths, baby/toddler car strap covers for in the car/strollers and make pumpkin seat covers for babies staying warm in the fall/winter months.

INCrowdteam: What’s your real-world job?

Hi Mamma: Freelance marketing/public relations, logo embroidery for companies, and working to on Hi Mamma items. I work from home so that I can be home with my daughters. I have a little bit of crazy hours after the girls go to sleep but it is worth it to me! I also volunteer my time for Modern Handmade Child online magazine (www.modernhandmadechild.com), where I serve as their public relations manager for the magazine.

INCrowdteam: How did you learn your Etsy craft?

Hi Mamma: My mom. When we were growing up we would always do some type of craft, sew, etc. It was not until I had my oldest daughter that I totally fell in love with it.

INCrowdteam: What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?

Hi Mamma: My daughters will sometimes come up with some ideas, I will be like hmmm that might be a good idea. After I have thought about the idea, I think try to create my own pattern.

INCrowdteam: What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

Hi Mamma:

1. The Cocoon Wrap Mama - http://www.thecocoonwrapmama.etsy.com/ (this is my sisters website)


2. Gudonyatoo - GudonyaToo.etsy.com


3. My Beautiful Girl - MyBeautifulGirl.etsy.com


4. Paper and String - paperandstring.etsy.com


5. Rabbit Stop - rabbitstop.etsy.com

INCrowdteam: Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?

Hi Mamma:

Lady Bug and Bumble Bee Changing Pad Cover

Lilly Pad and Frog Changing Pad Cover

Whimsy Doodle Car Strap Covers for Car Seats, Strollers, and More

INCrowdteam: What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer?

Hi Mamma: I participated in the Etsy Kids Baby Shower. The mom that I had was just about to have her fourth baby. I made her a baby changing pad cover. She shared with me what colors she was going to have in the nursery, the theme, etc. I emailed her some swatches to see if she liked any of them. She wrote me a really nice note after the birth of her little girl.

INCrowdteam: Where else can we find you on the Internet?

Hi Mamma: I have a blog called Hi Mamma Designs – http://www.himammadesigns.blogspot.com/

Are you an INCrowdteam member who'd like to be featured in this Q&A? Or maybe you know a member who'd be perfect for it? If so, contact me at ThePeachMartini!

INCrowdteam's KBShimmer Featured in "This Handmade Life."

The INCrowdteam's very own KBShimmer was featured in Etsy's Storque edition of "This Handmade Life."

Click the link below to read the entire blog posting!

This Handmade Life - Working Overtime: Christy Rose of KBShimmer

Congrats, Christy!!

FOR KIDS ONLY! 15 UNDER

http://www.gloriousglassgarden.etsy.com/ has created a cool treasury with kid items for $15 and under! Viewable through Sun., Mar 14 at 6:04 a.m. the treasury, entitled For Kids Only! 15 Under features the following INCrowdTeam artists:



http://www.imaginationkids.etsy.com/

http://www.sewendless.etsy.com/

http://www.dancingturtle.etsy.com/

http://www.art2theextreme.etsy.com/

http://www.auntcindysattic.etsy.com/

http://www.twoseasidebabes.etsy.com/

http://www.chuckebrydwallart.etsy.com/

http://www.curiocastle.etsy.com/

http://www.bythewayside.etsy.com/

http://www.cordialkitten.etsy.com/

http://www.pumpkinbear.etsy.com/

http://www.twogirlsandamom.etsy.com/

Go, Colts

Jaci of bythewayside has created a gorgeous treasury filled with Colts blue! The treasury will be available for viewing through Monday, February 8 at 8:19 a.m. Go, Colts! includes the following INCrowdteam shops:

www.TwoSeasideBabes.etsy.com
www.Clairebabydesigns.etsy.com
www.GlassAddictions.etsy.com
www.KBShimmer.etsy.com
www.FeltSewGood.etsy.com
www.pkfairaday.etsy.com
www.lochristine.etsy.com
www.katidids.etsy.com
www.TriplicateArts.etsy.com
www.mountainmamachic.etsy.com
www.TheBrassHussy.etsy.com
www.johnniebelinda.etsy.com

Enjoy!

Meet: TimeandSand

Hello happy blog readers! This week's feature is coming a day early -- I'm leaving for a week-long fabulous San Diego vacation, so enjoy meeting Carrie Davies, of TimeandSand jewelry.

Name: Carrie Davies

City: Columbus, Indiana

Is there any meaning behind the name of your shop? In 2003 I became quite ill, had surgery and was bed-ridden for six weeks. My husband bought me some wire, beads and a wire-wrapping book I spent most of that six weeks learning to make wire wrapped pieces and listening to Sarah Groves. Her song “Pictures of Egypt,” spoke of the exodus from Egypt and the long time spent in the desert. The line, “Why all this time and sand? Is this so I will appreciate the promised land?” spoke to me. This experience changed my outlook on my artistic talent, and TimeandSand jewelry was born.

What’s your real-world job? I am the director of outreach and care for Grace Lutheran Church here in Columbus.

How did you learn your Etsy craft? I started with a book, beads and some wire. Over the past five years I have taken some classes, learned a lot from other artists on JewelryLessons.com and am now teaching classes to others. But mostly I am self-taught.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? I often am inspired by something I see in nature, such as a wintery night or a beautiful sunrise, but sometimes it is an idea that pops in my head, or often someone will ask if I can do a particular thing. Then I am off, trying to make what’s in my head into a piece. It's the best challenge for me, and I never back away from a challenge.

What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

1. zacszoaps -- This is my son’s shop. I am his helper. He has made soaps for three years. At 15 he is quite the entrepreneur.
2. MuttsAmore -- This is my daughter and my shop. She makes the dog treats. All the dogs in the community know her, and they appreciate her work!
3. ConduitPress -- This is an INcrowder. I love her repurposing.
4. quecraft -- She has some of the most beautiful hair accessories I have ever seen, very elegant.
5. teaman -- He makes the tastiest teas! I love his decaf mild chai tea. I am addicted to it!

Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?

1. Black Agate Druzy Woven Bezel Necklace -- This is the first woven bezel I made that did not have supporting wires in the back. I was proud of the accomplishment and I love the stone! Now I never use supporting wires, I like the fact that the way a wrap is how the stone stay put with no glue, no solder, no supporting wires! How cool is that? (top photo)
2. Family Tree Pendant, custom piece -- I had an idea to do a piece with birthstones and was working on a Tree of Life and bam, the two ideas came together, and now I make custom pendants with your choice of birthstones. Every one is different, and each tells the story of a special family. (middle photo)
3. Singing the Blues Bracelet -- My first pieces were beaded and linked bracelets like this one. They hold a special place in my heart. My first sale was one of these bracelets to a woman behind me in the Wal-mart line. It was the first time I believed what everyone had been saying: “You could sell these." (third photo)

What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer? A few weeks before Christmas I received an order from Sharon, a woman about my age living in California who wanted me to make five pendants with the birthstones of her and her four sisters. They had just learned that their oldest sister had terminal cancer, and Sharon wanted to give a family pendant to each of her sisters for what would probably be their last Christmas together.

This story touched my heart. Having lost loved ones to cancer, I knew the point they were at: trying take the news in, and time was short. It was a big order, and I took it on with honor. I worked hard, and each piece was as identical to the other as I could make them -- a difficult task. Each piece usually takes on a personality of its own. Feeling wonderful about my work, I sent them off and felt satisfied that I had done the best I could.

A few days later I received an email from Sharon.

Carrie,

I came home after a very long day at work to find that the pendants were delivered in today's mail! They are just beautiful -- even more so in person than I imagined. I can't wait to give them to my sisters this weekend, and I know we will all cherish each of them as a beloved keepsake for years to come. Your heart is clearly in your work! Thank you so much for doing such a lovely job, for the great customer service and for your warmth and humanity. Happy holidays!

Sharon

I cannot explain how much this meant to me. This is my goal with each piece. I imagine that my jewelry will be passed down from generation to generation and become family heirlooms. I am so touched when someone lets me in their story, shares their joy, sorrow, pain and happiness.

Where else can we find you on the Internet? I have my own Web site and just finished updating it this week! I have two other shops. kitsaboodle is my newest shop where I make sit-and- create kits for all ages. There are jewelry kits sewing kits, and crafting kits. mybeadsyourbeads is my destash shop. You can find my blog here and my Facebook here. I also tweet.

Are you an INCrowdteam member who'd like to be featured in this Q&A? Or maybe you know a member who'd be perfect for it? If so, contact me at Jaclyn1423!

Meet: Blondie3022

This week, we'll meet Sondra, a photographer who sees letters all around her. Read on to learn more.

Name: Sondra Goebel Stout

Shop name: Blondie3022

What's your real-world job? I'm a chef by trade, but now I take photos. It may sound strange, but cooking is creative, too.

How did you get started with your craft? I was lead down the path of taking photos by my mother. She purchased some letter art from a show for my kids. I got the letter art home, put them on the wall and they fell apart. I said, "I can do this." After a lot of photos, I got it down.

Where do the photos of all your letters come from? I like to take photos of letters once a week. The photos we have now are photos taken from Indiana to Florida. I'm getting ready to go to St.Louis for a couple of days to take more photos.

How much time do you put into your craft? I am now doing this full time, and my partner is opening a craft house and putting together a catalog for home parties.

How did you hear about Etsy? I was told about Etsy from a fellow Etisian, at paisleymoon. I have been hooked since.

Tell me about your favorite items for sale online.

• Eat -- Let's face it: Everyone loves to eat, and finding cool stuff to put on your walls in the kitchen is sometimes difficult. This goes with all kitchen decor. (image at top of post)
• Live, Laugh Love -- I love to see groupings on walls. It makes a room look well put-together. (middle image)
• Colts -- Need I say more? It makes a great gift for men or a sports lover, and if you live in Indiana, you likely love the Colts. (at right and below)

Where else can we find you online? You can find me on Facebook at "Sondra Stout," and I post my new listings there. I also have a Web site, Letters from Home, that's getting ready for some good changes.

Are you an INCrowdteam member who'd like to be featured on this Q&A? Let me know! Convo me at Jaclyn1423.

Meet: glitteringphotos

Hello, happy blog readers! Forgive my absence last Tuesday -- does anyone else find it nearly impossible to get things done in the midst of the holidays? This week, I'm back with glitteringphotos, a sparkling Etsy shop based out of Jeffersonville, Ind. The shop is more than mere photography; shop owner Debbie Rigrish really makes her work, well, glitter. Read on for more!

Name: Debbie Rigrish

City of residence: Jeffersonville

Shop name: glitteringphotos

Is there any meaning behind the name of your shop? Not really. Since that's what I do, I though it would make it easy to remember.

Tell me about the types of items for sale at your Etsy shop. I have mostly glittered photos of nature but am now offering non glittered, too.

What’s your real-world job? I'm a bond trader at a brokerage firm in Louisville, KY.

How did you learn your Etsy craft? It's just something I came up with while looking at some of my saved photographs looking for a nice present. I just saw one and thought, "That would really look cool with some glitter on it," so I started experimenting with it.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? I've always enjoyed nature photography, so that part was just natural. Now I tend to look at my photography not only as just beautiful but also as "would that look even better glittered?" It's not always easy to decide.

What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

1. schin
2. PaintingsbyJD
3. MichaelsPhotography
4. MicheleP222
5. FeralGlass

Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?

1. Crane Hiding, 8 x 10 -- I like because he just looked so cute standing there behind that stump. (At top of post)
2. Flowering Almonds, 16 x 20 -- Because it is one of my most favorite plants in my garden. (Second image in post)
3. Sunset over Ft, Myers No. 2, 8 x 10 -- Because to me it looks like the eye of God looking down on us. (At right)

What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer? That the photograph looks so much better in person. Taking pics of photographs is harder than you may think.

Where else can we find you on the Internet? I'm on Facebook and Twitter. I haven't had the time to do a blog yet but eventually will.

Are you an Indiana Estisian who'd like to be a member of the INCrowdteam? Leave us a comment! Or maybe you're already an INCrowdteam member and would like to see your shop featured in this blog. If so, shoot me a convo at Jaclyn1423.

Meet: GossamerWings Studios

Happy Tuesday, INCrowdteam blog readers! Today, we get two-for-the-price-of-one! Nina Newton runs two different Etsy shops: one refurbishes vintage goodies while the other is an up-and-coming shop that will feature gifts for babies. Read on to learn more!

Name: Nina Newton

City of residence: Columbia City, IN

Shop name: GossamerWings Studio and mamaslittletreasure

Is there any meaning behind the name of your shop? Gossamer Wings Studio was inspired by the idea of bringing new life to old or vintage items. This shop is filled with vintage and hand-embellished garments, shoes and accessories. I love to work with vintage, especially when I can refashion an item through hand-embellishment, having been a thrift shopper all of my life.

My other shop, mamaslittletreasure, was inspired by our two beautiful daughters who were adopted from China, Gracie and Annie. I started out designing and creating boutique children's clothing and selling my designs online. When that became too overwhelming and time-consuming, I started writing my designs up in eBook patterns, which are sold online at www.youcanmakethis.com. I also have craft projects, hand-crafted journals, totebags, pincushions and a few other home decor items in the mamaslittletreasure shop.

What’s your real-world job? Before we brought the girls home, I taught at a community college. I most recently worked for about a year and a half at a bank, but my heart is really here at home with my family and my creative projects. So, now I am working full-time from home, building my online business.

How did you learn your Etsy craft? As a life-long seamstress, quilter, designer and fiber artist, I am completely self-taught and continue to try new ideas. If they turn out beautiful, that's great! If my latest idea doesn't become what I envisioned, I move on to the the next idea in my head, and that keeps me pretty busy.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? My creative inspiration comes from many places. We live out in the country, by a lake, so my surroundings are important in my ability to visualize my ideas. I am also greatly inspired by my thrift shopping adventures where I find vintage buttons, jewelry, gorgeous fabric and classic vintage garments, shoes and accessories that are just waiting to be brought back to life with a little TLC.

What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

1. I absolutely LOVE audryandgrace! The designs and artistry of the garments in this shop are amazing!
2. pink purse is so dramatic and romantic!
3. Pamela at the delightfuldesigner is great! I buy lots of my lace from her for my embellishment projects.
4. Jeanette from jeanettejed is one of the most generous and thoughtful people I have ever met!
5. The handcrafted cards in Lamar's shop lamarlynch are gorgeous.

Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?

1. It is always so much fun to embellish shoes. I never know what's going to happen! (at top of post)
2. I really enjoy making my crazy patch journals, and I have sold several as custom orders. (middle photo)
3. And my hand-embellished corsets and bustiers always keep me guessing! (at right)

What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer? The best compliments are when I know that the customer absolutely loves the item he or she has purchased from my shop. I've had a couple of brides who were delighted with the hand-embellished shoes from my shop, as well as a bride from Ireland who purchased a vintage golden handbag for her wedding and was delighted. And then the bride who purchased a hand-embellished nighty from my shop for her honeymoon -- she commented that the lacey nighty was just perfect.

Where else can we find you on the Internet? I have a blog and a Facebook fan page. My Twitter name is mamastreasures. I also have my own Web site, which is in the process of being completely updated.

Do you know of an INCrowdteam member you'd like to see featured in this blog? Convo Jaclyn1423 to nominate a shop!