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!

Meet: KittyKnitDesigns

Howdy all! Jaclyn here, from Jaclyn 1423. This is my first post for the INCrowdteam blog ((dances)) so I hope to get it all down right. These profiles of wonderful Indiana Etisians will be appearing Tuesday evenings, so be sure to check back weekly to meet a new face.

Today: Susan Danner, of KittyKnitDesigns!

Where were you born and raised? The Heartland: Muncie, Ind.

Where are you now, and what led you there? Back home again in Muncie, Ind. In 1969 I graduated from Ball State University with a degree in science. From 1969 through 1973, I lived in Bloomington, Ind., with my then-husband and daughter while he completed his degree in optometry. While in Bloomington, I worked as a service representative for Indiana Bell Telephone Company. After my ex-husband graduated, we moved to Shelbyville, Ind., where he purchased an optometry practice. We were divorced in 1976, and my daughter and I moved first to Muncie, then to Ohio where I taught science and physics. We moved back to Muncie again, and I continued to teach science at the middle school level. When our school system had a reduction in force, I was one of the teachers who was let go. I returned to Ball State and obtained a second undergraduate degree -- this time in Management Informations Systems. I stayed on at Ball State and earned my master's degree in Computer Programming and Statistics. I graduated on a Friday and began teaching at Ball State on the following Monday.

After teaching at Ball State for several years, I left to pursue a doctorate's in Management Information Systems at the University of Georgia, but I hated living so far away from my family. I returned to Muncie and held several positions: financial Analyst for Ball State, Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and executive director of the YWCA. Then I made another really big change: A friend owned a bookstore and wanted to sell it. I bought the store in 1995. One of my booksellers asked if she could start a knitting group and, of course, I said yes. The knitting group grew and grew, and eventually we added a knitting nook to our store. After many fun years, I closed the store in June 2008 and retired and have been knitting like mad ever since.

What’s the origin of your shop’s name? I love cats. I have six cats at home, and we had a store cat that was very famous and much beloved by all. When he died, his obituary was in our newspaper. My daughter came up with the name, KittyKnitDesigns, combining my love of knitting and my love of cats.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? My Etsy shop is filled with knitted items ranging from felted flowers to purses to gloves to hats to custom pet sweaters. I specialize in cute!

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? My educational background is in science, computer programming and statistics. I can’t say that it relates to my knitting in any way except that I enjoy creating items and working with intarsia patterns.

What’s your real-world job? I am retired -- which means I am busier than ever.

Does creating stuff run in the family? Creating items definitely runs in the family. My great-grandmother crocheted, and she did not use a pattern. She taught me to crochet by looking at an item and figuring out how to replicate it. Both of my grandmothers did embroidery work, cutwork, quilting and sewing. My mother knits and did sewing. My daughter sews and makes many crafts. Now, the men in our family? Not so much.

Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? Crocheting I was taught how to do by my great-grandmother. My mother helped me with my sewing. I learned how to knit by osmosis.

How'd you get started creating? I really can’t remember not doing crafts, sewing, and knitting. I think I was born creative.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? If I see a design that I like, I will try to adapt it to my knitting. Sometimes I will see an item and think, "I can do that better.” Then I’ll work on customizing the design to my wants and needs.

If you had to pick one fiber or yarn to describe your personality, what would it be, and why? Bamboo: Soft, but durable.

How long ago was the bubblegum bubble-blowing contest you mention in your shop bio? That was about 15 years ago, but I am still claiming the title! I belong to Altrusa Club of Muncie, which is a service club for professional women. At one of our meetings, we had a “summer fun” day. The executive director of the Muncie Symphony and I were the two finalists in the bubblegum bubble-blowing contest, and I won. It was a really fun time to let our hair down and just have fun.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? I really love the people that Etsy reaches and the diversity of items available. So many nice people to meet and so many neat things to buy!

What are your five favorite Etsy shops?

1) soaps
2) nyjolejewellery
3) sarahmaloney

4) Woodland Miniatures
5) BeachGlassMemories

Tell us some of your own favorite pieces, from your shop and work.

Bunny Hat and Mitten Set (pictured) – Knit from soft white yarn with a rolled brim with perky white and pink ears and an embroidered nose and mouth. Mittens are white with a pink paw print palm. I just really wanted to design a cute hat and mitten set for a cute little tyke. Bunny Hat and Mittens Set

Orchard Fingerless Gloves – Intarsia is another technique that really intrigues me. You can get such fabulous designs with a bit of hard work and patience. I have made several intarsia items and am amazed at what is capable of being produced. Orchard Fingerless Gloves

Where else can we find you on the internet? www.Ravelry.com

Anything else to brag on? Well, it may seem unusual for an artist, but I am very proud to have co-authored a technical book about relational databases in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, the book is very out-of-date and now out-of-print. I’m also very proud to host a weekly knitting group that has met for eight years. Our oldest member is 94 and the youngest is 25.

Last question: if you HAD to pick between knitting and crochet, which would it be? Without any hesitation – knitting!

INCrowdteam Interview 10/2/09 - Jaclyn1423

Hello, readers! I'm so busy trying to prepare for the Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique and at my regular job that when a lovely INCrowdteam member volunteered to help out here, I jumped at the chance! Imagine having these interviews in the capable hands of an experienced writer and blogger! I'd love to introduce her to you; meet Jaclyn1423!

Where were you born and raised? I was born in Joliet, Illinois, but my family moved to a town north of Cincinnati when I was in fifth grade, so I really grew up there, in West Chester, Ohio.

Where are you now, and what led you there? I currently live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After college (I went to Kent State University) I moved back home with my parents, who had moved to New Lenox, Illinois. I lived there for a year while I worked about 45 minutes away in Kankakee, Illinois; I eventually moved there. I've lived in Fort Wayne for a little longer than a year. A job brought me here, and this is probably the happiest I've ever been in any city I've lived in - and there's been a few.

What's the origin of your shop's name? Jaclyn1423: The "14" is for my birthday, and the "23" is for, oh yes, Michael Jordan. When I got my first AOL Instant Messenger screen name back in junior high, it ended in "1423," so that's a number I've always used for various online things. When I first created my Etsy account, it was simply as a buyer. I've been selling here for only three or so months. Had I created the account as a seller, I probably would have tried to come up with something more creative; now, three months into it, I love "Jaclyn1423."

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop? Jaclyn1423 is all jewelry, all the time. I like bright colors and to mix materials that wouldn't seem to go together at first glance. I also pride myself on having affordable items.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? Nada [nothing]. My bachelor's is in newspaper journalism. I got into making jewelry from a friend about a year ago.

What’s your real-world job (shudder)? Features writer. No need for the shudder. I'm quite lucky: I love my job.

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? Not really. Both of my grandmothers are very proficient in sewing, though I learned to use a sewing machine from my college roommate. As for jewelry making, I guess you could consider me first generation.

How'd you get started creating? My friend Kathleen makes jewelry, and she let me play with her goodies once about a year ago. I adore jewelry and have way more than any 26-year-old ought to. After messing with Kathleen's beads and learning things like "This is how you open a jump ring and still maintain its shape," I realized I kind of had a knack for it - and I adored it.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Oh Lord, where do I begin? Books, music, movies, paintings - definitely paintings! - people I love, a deep conversation with some good wine, road trips, photos. Inspiration is everywhere, and it takes a mighty stubborn person to refuse to see it.

If you had to choose one gem or stone to describe your personality, what would it be, and why? Ooooh, what a fun question! Naturally, I'm going to have to go with a diamond, also my birthstone. The "why" goes back to elementary school. All my friends had their little birthstone rings, and when I asked my mom for one, she told me that mommies didn't get little girls diamond rings, that men gave them to women when they wanted to get married. Even then, I thought, "Well, that's a load of crap. Why should I have to wait for some guy to get it for me?" When I graduated college, I told myself I would be buying my own diamond ring, thankyouverymuch. My right-hand ring is easily my favorite piece of jewelry, more for what it represents to me than the fact that it's pretty.

Do you belong to any street teams other than the INCrowdteam? This is my first foray into street teams. After I see how this goes, I may try to get involved with a jewelry team.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? It gets my items out there. For a while, I was making pieces and letting them lie around my apartment. I love the idea of people actually getting enjoyment out of the goodies I make.

Please recommend five of your favorite shops from all of Etsy.
1) paperplanet
2) theangrycupcake
3) choumie7
4) CarolinaCottage
5) papermoth

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

Aurora's vintage yellow and pink necklace - I really enjoy finding vintage jewelry at antique stores and turning them into something new and fabulous. The focal piece here is a vintage brooch, and I think it's absolutely stunning. The chains are also vintage, but the acrylic yellow gems are new, as is the toggle clasp. I was so pleased with how this piece came out.






Alice's gorgeous ruby red pendant - All the pieces of this necklace are vintage, too, but the design is much simpler than the previous necklace. I didn't have to do too much because when a pendant is that beautiful, I think it speaks for itself.











Roberta's rosy rose gold dangles - I think these earrings are so much fun, and the process is really indicative of how I make most of my pieces. I had purchased the rose gold findings on a whim, and about a week later, I found the larger pink enameled pieces. I like to spread all my goodies out and see what goes together, and I thought those two pieces looked great. I especially liked that they didn't seem to go: rose gold plated seems a little classier than little-girl pink enamel, but I think the finished product is fun.








Do you sell on consignment? Nopers.

Where else can we find you on the internet? Snap, Crackle, Pop (my blog), on Twitter and on facebook.

Anything else to brag on? I had my very first jewelry party last weekend, and it was so much more successful than I ever could have imagined! Slow sales on Etsy can be frustrating, and I often wonder, "Maybe my stuff is just icky." But when people saw it in person, they loved it. I sold more than twice what I was expecting to.

Do you yourself have certain pieces of jewelry that you always, always wear? Tell us about them. That right-hand ring, which I described previously, and another ring, sterling, with a paua shell stone, the blue kind with black veins. I purchased the ring at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas on a camping trip a few summers ago. The ring is pretty, but I mainly like the memories it brings back when I look at it.

Last question... what made you volunteer to help out with the INCrowdteam blog? I love the idea of a group of people helping one another market their wares, and I currently write for three blogs (aside from my personal blog, I write for two at work). Writing's kind of my thing, so I figured if I wanted to help out, this would definitely be an area where I could do so.

Jaclyn, I can tell just from looking at your shop's photos that your stuff is most certainly not "icky!" -- Stockannette

INCrowdteam Interview 9/26/09 - Anita Hopper, a.k.a. refindoriginals

Do you like to switch purses when the season changes? Do you need a new back-to-school bag, or are you anticipating getting (or giving) a new handbag for the holidays? Well, then, meet Anita of refindoriginals!

Where were you born and raised? I was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana and grew up on a farm located between Crawfordsville and Lafayette, Indiana.

Where are you now, and what led you there? I live on the East side of Indianapolis, in the Irvington area, in a lovely historic neighborhood. Actually, I guess some of life’s difficulties led us here, but we love the area and are happy to be here! My husband and I along with our three sons who are all adults and have their own families now, have lived in the Indianapolis area for a lot of years, but have moved around some within the Indianapolis area.

What's the origin of your shop's name? Hmm, well, as I remember it, one of our three adult sons and I were tossing around names. I liked something with “re” at the beginning because I use recycled materials to make my handbags. Since I have to “find” the materials we put those two together and came up with ReFind. I liked the play on words. We had other ideas but since the bags I make are all unique in some way I thought “ReFind Originals” expressed what I was doing pretty well.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? I sell handmade leather handbags and other accessories, such as leather cuffs made from all recycled materials. All of the handbags are lined with fabrics from cotton or silk garments that I find at thrift shops as well. It’s always fun to look inside a bag to see what’s in there. It seems I am always coming up with new ideas of other things to make and sell, but I have difficulty finding the time to implement all of my ideas. Right now I am thinking of doing some cool leather pillows, for instance.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? I am self taught, for the most part. I have been sewing for most of my life. I learned to make window treatments and had a business out of my home, designing, constructing and installing window treatments for 25 years. The way I usually approach learning how to do something is to learn by reading and by looking at things to see how they’re put together, then by trying it. I just research until I find the answers I’m looking for.

What’s your real-world job (shudder)? This is my real world job! I work 60 to 80 hours a week doing every part of this business. I decided about three years ago that I wanted to give this my best shot so I closed down my home interior business and began to focus entirely on making and selling handbags from repurposed leather. It’s amazing to me how much time this takes, and how much I still have to learn!

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? My mother is an excellent seamstress, even though she didn’t teach me to sew. My grandmother was very creative, and was always working on a quilt or working in her flower garden. Some fond memories I have of my grandmother are walking through her flower garden beside her as she told me about each flower, pointing out individual blooms and talking about the colors and wonderful scents. She also did beautiful floral arrangements, which we would talk about together. Inside, she was usually working on a quilt while we talked about all sorts of subjects. I don’t remember her ever formally trying to teach me anything, but I certainly learned from her. She had a tremendous impact on me.

How'd you get started creating? Like many, I started “sewing” clothes for my Barbie doll. I used to take scraps of my mother’s fabrics and wrap them around the doll and actually sew them onto her! My favorite subject in school was art. Growing up in a rural area, I joined 4-H and did craft and sewing projects. I learned to knit and do all sorts of needlework as a teenager. I took sewing classes when I was a young mom, as well as pottery and oil painting classes. I also refinished furniture. I have always been happiest when creating, and I was always trying to come up with some grand scheme to make money with my creations.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? I have always loved handbags. I get ideas just by looking at them. Walking down the street in Manhattan really gets me going. I also have always loved antiques and vintage items. I feel especially creative when I am in the environment of a great antique or vintage store. I love thinking about how I could repurpose some old beaten-up item.

Do you use a regular sewing machine, or the kind of sewing machines that they use for car upholstery? I use more than one machine. I started making the bags with my regular home sewing machine. I quickly saw that if I was serious about purse making as a business that I would need to go out and buy an industrial machine. When sewing on leather it’s important to have a machine that has a “walking foot” so your stitches are even.

What if someone has a Naugahyde or “pleather” coat? Do you work with leather alternatives? I don’t find as much pleasure in working with leather alternatives. I have done a couple of bags with a little bit of “pleather" mixed with leather. It can look very nice and is very functional but I prefer the softness and feel of real leather.

Do you belong to any Street Teams other than the INCrowdteam? I do not belong to any other Street Teams. I haven’t been selling on Etsy very long and haven’t had time to really look into other teams. That said, I am the type of person that would rather not spread myself too thin, so I probably will not be looking that hard for other teams to join.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? I like being a part of something that is much bigger than I am. I like the opportunity for exposure that I might not have otherwise. I also think that setting up shop and keeping things going is pretty easy on Etsy because they have already thought so many things through, and they continue to work at making it easier and better. It all seemed very daunting to me before I actually got around to setting up shop and then I found that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I also like the learning opportunities through Etsy. So I guess I have more than one favorite thing.

Please recommend your five favorite shops from all of Etsy. This is extremely hard for me! I have so many favorites so far, and I haven’t really had time to explore the way I would like to, but here are some I really like.
1) fliptstudio
2) WhatOnceWas
3) Madrin Designs
4) tinahdee
5) Crispinaffrench

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

Wine Arabella Shoulder Bag



















Purple Ruffle Clutch




















Caramel and Chocolate Barrel Bag






















Do you sell on consignment? Yes. The two brick and mortar shops I’m selling in are Blooming Dragon Emporium in Irvington and Gallery 116 in Fishers. I also sell on consignment online.

Where else can we find and follow you online? On my website and on Facebook.

How many purses, clutches, etc. do you have for your own personal use, and how do you store them? Is every closet in your home packed with pocketbooks? You would be surprised at my lack of personal handbags. I pick one and carry it forever. I’m always thinking that I need to be sure and carry one of my standout bags so people can see what I make, but I always want to sell those! I don’t have time to make bags for myself. However, I have made some killer laptop/messenger bags for each of my three sons. My husband is still waiting for his.

Anything else to brag on? I have had some wonderful opportunities in this category. An article in the Indianapolis Star about ReFind Originals, being interviewed on Fox 59 news, an interview by Tim "Treeboy" Bush on WRTV, and being featured in Body+Soul magazine this past June are some of the highlights. Some of my bags have also been chosen for some great treasuries on Etsy. Cool Moms Picks also featured one of my ruffled clutches in their Mothers’ Day gift guide. My "Woof Pack” was chosen by Modern Dog magazine for their staff favorites page. I’ve had some nice trunk shows at Marigold in Broad Ripple and Gallery 116 in Fishers. My ruffled clutch is going to be in the Fall Giveaway in Women’s Health magazine this Fall.

Last question... if you could have one Etsy-related question answered by some of the wise and wonderful pros in the INCrowdteam, what would it be? How do you keep the balancing act going with Etsy, art shows, custom orders and wholesale? Where do you find help when you need it? I have lots of questions for those more experienced than I am!

Thanks for answering all my questions, Anita! I look forward to meeting you (and your bags!) at our Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique on October 17! --- Stockannette

INcrowdteam Interview 9/19/09 - Lianne Donald, a.k.a. WhatOnceWas

Yesterday marked 15 years since the day I moved to Indiana. I knew I loved it here, and I knew Indiana held many surprises for me. One of these surprises is the huge variety of artists I would discover all around me - The INCrowdteam! Case in point this week: WhatOnceWas!

Where were you born and raised? Where are you now, and what led you there?I was born and raised in Indianapolis; I currently live out in the country in a farmhouse built in 1896 in Lebanon, Indiana. I was ready for peace and quiet, and I absolutely love it here!

What types of creations do you sell in your Etsy shop? I design and create wonderful, one of a kind pieces of jewelry using repurposed antique and vintage components.

What's the origin of your shop's name? Since my jewelry is made from antique and vintage components, I wanted a name that evoked the feel of my jewelry. Also, because it is repurposed - what once was an old, unused piece is now a beautiful piece of jewelry to be worn today.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? None, as it relates to my jewelry. I'm completely self taught - good old trial and error and lots of reading and practice!

What’s your real-world job? I'm a Registered Nurse and work full time in a hospital in Indianapolis. I like to say, "I'm a nurse by profession, and a jewelry maker by obsession!"

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? Well, my grandmother was a wonderful seamstress, as was my mother. But I don't sew! I'm not really sure where my creativity comes from.

How'd you get started creating? I've always had a slightly creative side, just in the past ten years or so did I actually "listen" to that part of me and decide to see where it would lead!

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Oh, so many different things: nature, quotes from books, song lyrics, the bits and baubles I find at estate sales and antique shops. I just get random ideas at random times, usually when it's quiet. I really have to be in the mood to make my jewelry, I can't force it. I will go days without making something, then all of a sudden I get that creative urge.

Do you yourself have certain pieces of jewelry that you always, always wear? Tell us about them. You probably won't believe this - I don't wear any jewelry! Anyone who knows me is amazed that I make jewelry, for that reason.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? I love being able to put my jewelry out there for others to see. I love being in control of when and how much I choose to list. It has been a very good experience! I have "met" some wonderful, helpful people through Etsy. The amount of talent on Etsy is amazing.

Please recommend your five favorite shops from all of Etsy. There are so many; I hate to choose just five. Anyone can go to my favorites and see all I have there.

Show us three of your own favorite pieces, from your shop and work. Once again, it's hard for me to choose. I truly love everything I make. I put my heart and soul into each piece, and each is my favorite. I wouldn't make it if I personally didn't love it.

Do you sell on consignment? Not yet, that's on my "To Do" list.

Where else can we find you on the internet? On Twitter.

Anything else to brag on? I have been fortunate to be included in two Storque articles, have been on Etsy's front page a few times, have been included in a few treasuries, have been on a few wonderful blogs. I am just pleased that I can make my jewelry and know that there are others out there who appreciate my work.

Thanks, Lianne! I think loving where we are is a vital part of a fulfilling creative process. -- Stockannette

INCrowdteam Interview 9/12/09 - Linda Chandler, a.k.a. lchandler

Thank you, INCrowdteam, for your enthusiastic response to my call for interview subjects! I'll be posting them in the order I received them. Today, take a look at jewelry by Linda Chandler!

Where were you born and raised? In a small town called Milroy, Indiana, where you could leave your doors unlocked and open all the time. No stop lights or police station; we were lucky enough to have a post office, small bank and grocery store.

What's the origin of your shop's name? lchandler I wish I could say it came from something creative, but it's just the first initial of my first name and my last name! It came about with my very first email address many years ago.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? I enjoy designing and creating unique pieces of jewelry. Working in multimedia keeps me entertained. My work mainly includes metalsmithing, resin, precious metal clay and wire work.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? Being formally trained as a graphic design artist has helped me in many ways to become a self-taught artisan.

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? Creating art doesn't run in my family. I have no idea where my creativity came from! I've always liked creating beautiful things and was encouraged by my grade school art teacher to pursue my art.

How'd you get started creating? I grew up as an only child. I began drawing at an early age and found that I had a natural gift. As time passed, I found myself dabbling in whatever arts and crafts that interested me at the moment. My love of jewelry, and the unique and unusual, landed me in the jewelry making arena. I loved it and have settled into creating jewelry and always have the desire to learn new and different techniques.

Where are you now, and what led you there? My kids wanted me to do something to get out of their hair while they were growing up and leaving home. I guess it started with beads and wire, on to wire wrapping, that lead to metal forming and then metal smithing. At the moment I’m a metalsmith but also love Precious metal Clay, resin, weaving, braiding and glass fusing, just to name a few.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Having seen and grown tired of standard traditional jewelry, I find great pleasure in creating the unique and unusual. I enjoy making a piece that will gain attention from all who see it. I enjoy someone asking, "How did you do that?"

Do you yourself have certain pieces of jewelry that you always, always wear? If so, please tell us about them. Not really, I usually will wear something new I've made until I come up with another idea. I only wear something for a while to see how well it wears and to get others' opinions of how it looks. Comfort and durability are my main objectives.

Do you belong to any Street Teams (other than the INCrowdteam)? If so, which ones and why? I also belong to Starving Artists (SATeam), many fabulous artists that share their work and ideas.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? I enjoy being able to display my handmade work with other wonderful artists, as well as making new friends and exchanging design ideas.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
1) trolltracks

2) blindspotjewellery

3) carameljubilee

4) happylake

5) tiptopapplesauce

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

Urban City/Annotate Pendant - This piece is Precious Metal Clay; I love skylines and carving in clay.
















Basket (textile) Weave Bracelet - One of my exclusive designs that receives compliments like "exquisite," which really thrills me!


















40 inch chain AS - I like making long chains and working with argentium silver.


















Do you sell on consignment? Not at this time.

Where else can we find you online? My website and on flickr.

Anything else to brag on? Featured Artist in Jewelry Artist Magazine in 1999 "Weaving." Co-author and artist of Woven Wire Jewelry, Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry, and Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping. Winner of the PMA Benjamin Franklin Award. Featured in gallery section of Mark Lareau's book, All Wired Up and in Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making and Beading by Chris Franchetti Michaels. I enjoy teaching at non-profit schools.

If you had to describe yourself (or your personality) as one particular gem or stone, what would it be, and why?
I would describe myself as an opal because of its inner beauty. Deep inside are many small pieces which all make up one beautiful piece. Each small piece of my opal are the techniques I've learned and have executed in the designs I make as well as the many colorful friends I've made as I have traveled down this golden road of jewelry design. By the way, this stone is my birthstone.

Last question... what’s the best piece of advice you’d give a new Etsy seller (like me)? My motto is, "Enjoy what you do, have fun with it." Let your mind wander. Kick the sides out of that design 'box' and come up with unique ideas that make you stand tall above the rest. Never allow it to become a job because it is then that the enjoyment and creativity will suffer.

I appreciate your wise words, Linda! Thank you for letting me share them with our readers! --- Stockannette

INCrowdteam Interview 9/12/09 - YOU?

Are you an INCrowdteam member? Want to let more people know about your Etsy shop(s)? Want to share some of your favorite Etsy shops with our blog readers? If you answered yes to these questions, and an interview with you has never appeared on the blog, then please click on my name below to send me an email so that I can send you some questions specifically tailored to you and your shop(s). I would love to feature your work here! Thank you.

Desperately Seeking Subjects,
Stockannette

INCrowdteam Interview 8/29/09 - Melissa Copeland, a.k.a. adiqshun

Well, September is almost upon us, darling readers. For me, this means I've got to get a jump on my holiday shopping! Seems like there's a little something for quite a few of the people on my list at Adiqshun Designs.

Where were you born and raised - and where are you now? In Sullivan County, Indiana. I'm still here.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? My shop was opened on December 1, 2008. Right now I have eco-friendly greeting cards,
eco-friendly felt keychains, picture frames, eco-friendly felt iPod holders, and vinyl art for walls, windows, etc.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? I graduated high school in 2002 and went to college for one year. I was bored and hated being stuck somewhere for eight hours a day and didn't feel like I was learning anything. I quit college and started my life.

How'd you get started creating? As a three-year-old I would stand on a turtle-shaped foot stool at my grandma and grandpa's with an imaginary paint brush in my hand singing "Paint, paint, paint, all day long," for hours every day. When I was finally old enough to hold a real paint brush in my hand I just started
being creative. I would sit at the kitchen table for hours every day with my brother just drawing and creating away.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Inspiration is everywhere. I can get inspired by colors, fonts, shapes... anything..

Do you belong to any Street Teams (other than the INCrowdteam)? I only belong to INCrowdteam right now. I'm new to this whole "street team" thing.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? The excitement I get from selling an item and having the customer really love it. The satisfaction of someone enjoying something I created so much that they spend their hard-earned money on it.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.
Paper + Twine
Five Dot Design
Kate House
Paper Cakes (currently "away")
Sew Cute Fabrics

Normally, this is where I say, "Show us pictures of your three favorite items from your own shop," but two of Melissa's favorites have sold since the interview questions were asked, so I decided to show you a couple of her other items to go along with her remaining one:

Peace iPod Sleeve


















Eco-Friendly Felt Whale Coaster Set (Editor's pick.)


















Felt Love Keychain (Editor's pick.)



















Anything else to brag about? I'm extremely proud of my web page and Blog. You can find all my products and sales on my webpage and you can find what's going on in my life and get a first look at anything that will be going up in my shop at my blog. Also I hope to have a stand set up this year at some local festivals and hopefully The Covered Bridge Festival. Thanks so much for listening to me ramble on.

Thank you, Melissa!

Hey, INCrowdteam! Want to be interviewed for this blog? Here's how:
1. Make sure all items in your shop are tagged "INCrowdteam"
2. Make sure that you mention that you're part of the INCrowdteam somewhere in your shop (bio, shop announcement, etc.).
3. Convo me with your email address so I can send you some questions specifically tailored to you and your shop! --- Stockannette