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

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!

Meet: Beach Flower Designs

Hello! This week, we meet Beach Flower Designs, an Etsy shop full of bright and beautiful jewelry. She writes about her favorite items in her own shop, how much fun it is to share a love of making jewelry with her best friend and some of her other favorites on Etsy.

Name: Allison Shelhamer

City of residence: Plainfield, a smallish, quiet town just west of Indianapolis.

Is there any meaning behind the name of your shop? It's actually a play on my last name and my best friend's last name -- "beach" comes from "shel" and "flower" comes from "rose." I feel incredibly lucky that my best friend shares my love for beads, and we are able to spend a lot of time together creating our jewelry. She has an Etsy shop, too, almostsunday.

Tell me about the types of items for sale at your Etsy shop. I make bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I'm a very big fan of Swarovski crystals and pearls, as you can tell from my work. I've recently discovered gemstones and love labradorite and pyrite. I love the look of wire-wrapped faceted gemstones. I also love antique brass and sterling silver.

What's your real-world job? First and foremost, I am a wife and mother. That is the most important job in the world, to me. I also work in marketing for a local insurance agent.

How did you learn your Etsy craft? I am mostly self-taught. When my daughter was born, a friend of mine made me a mother's bracelet with her name &andbirthstones. I loved it so much, I went out and bought as many jewelry supplies that I could find, and the rest is history!

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Etsy, of course! Being surrounded by so many talented artists really makes me strive to be the best I can be. I love what I do and am inspired learn new techniques and to improve on techniques I already know.

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

1. Gumdrop Necklace -- The handblown glass beads I used in this necklace are so colorful and fun! I really think that it's a unique piece of jewelry that is suitable for just about everyone. (at top of blog post)
2. Watercolors Bracelet -- This is actually one of my favorite bracelets of all time. I have one for myself and wear it all the time! The color of the crystals and pearls comliment each other perfectly. (second photo in post)
3. Cayenne Pepper Earrings -- I love the way the color changes in the Swarovski crystal baroque pendants. I think they look beautiful with the antique brass wire-wrapping. (below)

What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

1. almostsunday -- My best friend's shop, of course.
2. dennisanderson -- His Satsuma whipped soap is to die for!
3. allysonhill -- I love her auto trash bags!
4. LaurenAlexander -- She has the cutest prints!
5. KBExquisites -- I love her coloring wallets. My daughter has one, and she takes it wherever she goes. I bought four of them as Christmas gifts!

What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer? By far, return business. To me, someone choosing to return to my shop and purchase another item is the highest compliment you can receive. I am also flattered to have made a friend's bridal jewelry.

Where else can we find you on the Internet? I do have a Facebook and a blog that I never update. I need to be better about that!

Are you an INCrowdteam member who'd like to have your shop featured in this blog? If so, just convo Jaclyn1423, and I'll get you a list of questions!

Meet: trolltracks

This week, we meet Dolores Marple, of Versailles and of Trolltracks. She writes, "I have so many ideas and fun things to do that I will never get tired of creating! Right now I have started making tutorials. My husband helps put my photos and instructions together. I have a passion for what I do and for Etsy!!"

Read on for more!

Name: Dolores Marple

City of residence: Versailles, IN

What's the origin of your shop's name? I made up a story about my little dog sniffing out trolls in the woods near my home, so she follows "trolltracks"!

Tell me about the items for sale in your Etsy shop: They're some of the residents of Hob Knobby Hollow --trolls of the Fuzzy Butz and Nakey Butz tribes, fairies, dragons and woodland creatures of all sorts.

How did you learn your craft? I was a wood sculptor before polymer clay was invented. I used to make realistic wildlife -- animals and birds -- but when the new polymer clays were invented, I gave up my messy woodcarving hobby. I read books and experiment with all types of clays and products to try to create my fantasy world.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? Walking in the woods daily with my dog is the fuel that keeps me thinking about the creatures there.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? Etsy is my favorite place because I feel at home there. I have tried every other selling venue I could come up with and have now come to use Etsy almost exclusively. Etsy is where my items sell so it must be where they belong!

What are your favorite items in your shop?

• Nakey Butz troll (at top)
• Fuzzy Butz troll and friend (in middle)
• Nutterly a squirrel (at bottom)

How would you define "success" in terms of your Etsy shop? I feel that my shop is a success because I make what I like and find that people like them, too! I would love to make enough money to quit my day job, and I hope that will happen one day, but I do feel like a winner just based on the great comments from my wonderful customers.

What's the coolest compliment you've gotten from an Etsy buyer? The thoughtful and inspiring comments from my customers is really what keeps me going. I cannot pick from them.

Do you sell elsewhere, either online or in stores? I was selling elsewhere, but I'm pretty much all Etsy now. I may try to sell in stores if I can make enough inventory.

Where else can we find you online? I have a Twitter page but don't post too often there. I Facebook, too, where I mostly play games. I use Flickr and my blog where I tell stories with my trolls.

If you're a member of the INCrowdteam and would like to be featured in this blog Q&A, contact me at Jaclyn1423.

Meet Stoic

This week, meet Tia, an Evansville INCrowdteam'er who currently focuses on Scrabble tile pendants and hopes to move to other forms of jewelry soon. She's such a fun interview, and her Etsy love is pretty obvious through her answers. Thanks for helping, Tia!

Name: Tia

City of residence: Evansville

Shop name: Stoic

Is there any meaning behind the name of your shop? I've always liked the idea of being stoic, which I describe as having a poker face. Its living your life strictly by reason and not letting your emotions determine things for you. I could NEVER be this way, as I'm a Pisces and destined to be an emotional wreck! I'm the type of person whose whole day can be ruined because someone died in a movie. Seriously. So I guess for me "stoic" is just an interesting, far-fetched concept and a word that I like the sound of!

Tell me about the types of items for sale at your Etsy shop. I sell various forms of jewelry, the main one being Scrabble tile pendants. The scrabble tiles are fun because you can put almost any image on them, whether it be a photo of your baby or the album cover of your favorite band. I have recently decided to stop making new Scrabble tiles, though. It's pretty tedious work, and I want to focus my attention on other creative outlets, such as my other one-of-a-kind jewelry. Also, my husband, our good friend and I are starting a clothing site where we will focus on screen-printing and one-of-a-kind clothing and purses. We are in the process of getting everything ready, so be sure to check out DirtyStreet for some cool new items soon!

What’s your real-world job? Well, I went to school to get a degree in advertising and public relations, as well as a degree in art, only to realize that I live in southern Indiana -- which basically means that creative jobs are far and few between. So I spend a miserable eight hours a day being an office manager -- i.e. glorified secretary -- at a countertop manufacturing company in Newburgh, IN. I am the only girl, and I work in the office alone, so needless to say I spend a LOT of time on the Internet!

How did you learn your Etsy craft? I learned the Scrabble tile process from a tutorial online, and I used it to put my own spin on it. When I first started doing the Scrabble tiles, it was new, and there were only a few people selling them on Etsy. Now it seems literally everyone is doing it!! That sort of drained the fun from it. With my other jewelry and my sewing, I learned from my mom. She was always crafty and would make unique jewelry and clothing for herself to wear.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? I take inspiration from everything I see. I am constantly tearing pages out of magazines, which drives my husband crazy since I leave them all over the house! I watch a lot of movies and get ideas from there. I have started making a lot of things for my son, who is the best inspiration.

You've certainly seen some success with your Etsy sales! What's your secret? I'm a firm believer in listing and relisting often. Esty is so flooded with items; you have to keep things new to stay on the front pages. If someone is searching for something, or even just browsing, chances are they are only going to look through a few pages of listings. Also, use other resources to reach out to people. I thing blogging is a neat way to keep people interested in what you do. I have also done a few sales, as well as giveaways through other people's Web sites. You just have to focus on ways to draw as much attention as possible to your shop.

What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?

1. Disco Belly, because its shirts made me feel like a rock star when I was pregnant
2. The Voyagers
3. Pling
4. Cite Fuzz -- I have one of its monkey hats for my son, and it makes me die laughing every time he wears it.
5. The Machine Stops

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

1. Roy Lichtenstein Scrabble tile pendant -- Lichtenstein is one of my favorite artists, and this piece fits so perfectly on the Scrabble tile. (Check out the photo at the top of this post.)
2. Measure 3 Times, Cut Once -- I love the unique charm of this necklace, and think it would be perfect for a crafter or someone who cuts hair! (Photo is second in this post.)
3. Spring is Near... -- I think this is a beautiful necklace, and I love the length and how it hangs so prettily (at right).

What's the best compliment you've received from a buyer? This is actual feedback that I got recently: "OMG (and I don't use that phrase...ever) My 12 year old cousin was in a talent show and sang "Hit me with your best shot" I saw this and knew I had to get it for her. I bought her a white gold chain to put it on and she loves it. It is so unique no one at her school has anything like it. And every time I see her, she has it on. Great purchase for sure! Not to mention I am definitely her favorite cousin now. (I think I may have always been though....secretly)" That just made my day!!!

Where else can we find you on the Internet? Check out my blog Stoic and our new Dirty Street blog. I'm also on Facebook.

Would you like to be featured on the INCrowdteam blog? Just convo me at Jaclyn1423, and I'll send you some questions.

Celebrate the Season Hoosierstyle

Inalather has curated this gorgeous collection of holiday items featuring members of the Indiana Etsy Street Team. These INCrowd creations will be available for viewing in this treasury through Friday, November 27 at 1:08 a.m. Shops include:
http://www.kittyknitdesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.ageratum.etsy.com/
http://www.auntcindysattic.etsy.com/
http://www.zaneymay.etsy.com/
http://www.feltsewgood.etsy.com/
http://www.jenniferatchison.etsy.com/
http://www.pkfairaday.etsy.com/
http://www.bytheway.etsy.com/
http://www.heidisdesigns2.etsy.com/
http://www.kbshimmer.etsy.com/
http://www.bagsandmorebypam.etsy.com/

Meet: Johnnie Belinda

This week, we meet Johnnie Belinda, a painter of bright and beautiful works from Indianapolis. Due to what my computer is calling an "internal error," I'm unable to upload the photos to show you, so be sure to follow those links and take a gander at her works.

Where were you born and raised? I was born in Indianapolis.

What's the origin of your shop's name? My shop name (Johnnie Belinda) is my given name.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop? I sell a varity of fine art created by me, from two-dimensional abstract, encaustic, acrylic and watercolor to three-dimensional lifecasts, paper pulp and plaster.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work? I'm a self-taught visionary/outsider.

Does creating stuff run in the family? Were you taught things on purpose or by osmosis from prior generations? My mother made hand-crafted items, and I helped with the creations as a child.

How'd you get started creating? I got started creating in grade school and started selling my at age 19 in yard sales and craft shows.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on? My creativity is inspired by life and my many moods.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? I belong to vastteam, which stands for Visual Artists Street Team. Here's its blog.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? I love Esty for its community of friendly gifted talented arts and crafters. I love Etsy for ease of use.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy.

1. SpiceOfLifeDesigns
2. inalather
3. tmStudioDesigns
4. fortymeg
5. Lanter

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

1. The Gift of Love, because I see any pet as a gift to be tresured and cared for as we would any human. They give unconditional love. My inspiration for The Gift of Love came from my daughter's best friend visiting with her little puppy, Jersey. He was so adorable in her hands; I just knew I had to paint the moment.
2. Token of Love 1, because I love the vibrant colors and the yellow background. It reminds me of my grandmother's cheery kitchen. Inspiration is creating a happy painting that reflects the colors of a warm, sunny day.
3. Coyote Moon 2, because it reminds me of the southwest and the mystery of nature. My inspiration is mountains and the reflection of the moon on the cool waters at the base of them.

Anything else to brag on? I have recently been featured in Feiro Magazine, a literary and arts magazine out of Bloomington, Ind.

Are you a Etsian from Indiana? Would you like to be featured here on the INCrowdteam blog? If so, send me a convo over at Jaclyn1423, and I'll send you a list of questions. Thanks!