Talk to Me Tuesday!

..on Wednesday! Looks like my brain took a little vacation, to coincide with my kids' Spring Break. So, I missed Talk to Me Tuesday yesterday. Today I'm posting what might be my last one for a little while. Next week I start teaching the 3rd session of my "Under the Influence" after school art class. I was happy to hear I had a few kids retaking the class. However, I didn't want to just repeat the same lessons. So, I've been trying to add variety to the artists we "study" and to the projects we do. I am planning on posting some of the results here.

Now, back to Talk to Me Tuesday. Here is a short interview with Cortney from SquishyBee:

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

The name of my shop is the nickname of my second to youngest daughter!!  I agonized for weeks over a cute catchy name for my shop and it was in front of my face the whole time! 

What got you started in your business?

I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids (10, 5, 2, 4mths) and with very little time and space to do what I really loved (large scale painting and drawing) I found another outlet to express my creativity....my Etsy shop!  I love making things for children and I have so many things I want to add to my shop yet.  My Angel Babies are my most cherished shop pieces. 2003 I had a stillborn baby who's name was Jonathan. I wanted to help raise money for Share of Lancaster, an organization that exists to bring comfort and understanding to families who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, pregnancy complications, prematurity, stillbirth, SIDS and any other cause. We stand by parents in their journey of grief, offering a helping hand, a listening ear and open arms.  For every Angel Baby sold $5 will go to Share!

More about Share 

How long have you been doing it? What did you do before this/along with this?

I have always had a love for arts/crafts since I was little.  I even told my kindergarten teacher that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up.  I ended up graduating with a BFA from Pennsylvania college of Art & Design.

 

Talk to Me Tuesday!

This week it's all about Little Miss Frilly. Be sure to check out Joy's shop. I must say, she has the most adorable photos. The "models' are precious! I had such a hard time choosing which ones to show here, so go see them all for yourself.

What did you do before this/along with this? 

I've been a SAHM for 17 yrs. I did at one point go into part time retail managment. 

What inspires your designs? 

My girls!! After having 5 girls I feel like I know what they like. I know something will be a hit when one of my girls says "Mom is that mine?" 

What are 3 words that describe your work? 

fun, pretty, well made!

What are 3 words that describe you? 

hardworking, honest, focused

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop? 

My current favorite would be my shabby chic soft teal hat with rose.

What’s your most productive time of day? 

from 8-11pm

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

I'd love to see myself in a children's catalog, in magazines and hopefully with a thriving online business. I have no desire for a brick and mortar store.

What’s one thing you can’t live without? 

COFFEE!! 

Anything else you would like us to know? 

I learned the craft of crochet over 20 years ago. 

I have 6 wonderful children ~ 1 boy (age 17) and 5 girls (15,12,9,6,1) 

http://www.facebook.com/littlemissfrillyspage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlemissfrilly

 

Talk To Me Tuesday!

This week it's all about Babazoobee (what a great name). Here it is, in her own words:

What got me started in the business 

a huge desire to create, a recognition of the need to use less newly-created materials - thereby reducing our footprint on this planet, a need for more natural playthings and wear-things for my own child, and a history with and love of all things baby!

I have been creative all my life, but I haven't been selling my stuffs for very long - My shop opened in October, but I really got into things this new year!

Before this (and along with this) I was/am 

a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful girls (5 years and 16 months). In the past I worked for years in a baby boutique shop, I've been a carpenter's apprentice, a counsellor in group homes...a theater set and lighting designer....a roadie for a radio station roadshow...um...plenty more...

I have the luck to be working with items that have a history of their own. My designs originate in the materials themselves, along with whatever new technique I feel like trying out. I love "cute" things, and soft things.. so many of my designs come from there.

to describe my work: Original, one-of-a-kind, Beautiful

to describe me: Scattered, Creative, Loyal

My favourite pieces are 

my dolls..I have many plans to continue with them and improve my work...The cutest and therefore most popular piece I have are the MONSTER FOOTIES - I'm in the process of trying to recreate them in a larger size for an order...

My most productive time of day is 

obviously after the kids are in bed (!!).. but usually between 930pm and 1am... doesn't make for a good nights' sleep tho)

One thing I can't live without

My sewing machine, currently. But everyone else would say my computer. I don't qualify my family as "things" but they're necessary too.

I'm still new enough at this that my desire to please outweighs my worry about the time it takes to create each piece. I'm also still THRILLED with each sale - I get a high that lasts days - on ETSY and off!

The name of the shop came from my older daughters' nickname for my youngest daughter!!!

http://www.babazoobee.etsy.com

http://www.babazoobee.blogspot.com

Talk to Me Tuesday!

Well, I'm so glad I have Talk To Me Tuesday to keep me blogging! I've been busy working on some other projects, and I haven't made the time to keep up with my blog. So, every Tuesday, at least I have these great shops to promote! Today it's Embroidery by Cindy....enjoy!

What got you started in your business? How long have you been doing it?

Last year I got an embroidery machine so that I could make some cute shirts for my daughter. Soon I was also making things for her little friends. Last summer I expanded my business to Etsy.

What did you do before this/along with this?

I worked part-time from home as a website programmer.

What inspires your designs?

Holidays, special events, things that my daughter likes, customer ideas

What are 3 words that describe your work?

Cute, Fun, Unique

What are 3 words that describe you?

Mama, Busy, Practical

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop?

Cupcake shirt—I made it for my daughter’s best friend’s upcoming birthday. It has fluffy chenille for the “frosting” and 3 candles.

What’s your most productive time of day?

My daughter's naptime :-)

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Hopefully still going strong.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My laptop!

Anything else you would like us to know?

My Etsy shop is at http://EmbroideryByCindy.etsy.com 

and my Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/EmbroideryByCindy

Talk to Me Tuesday!

...on Monday!  I've got a busy week ahead of me, and since I actually have the time now (and the kids are otherwise occupied), I thought I would take advantage of the moment and post my interview with Liz from Elizabeth Gwen Originals a day early. She is another EtsyKids member, and her work is adorable. Check out her shop to see even more cute stuff!

Where do your inspirations come from? 

I am inspired by youth, nature, my children, color, and sometimes I just see a fabric that I love and a design is inspired from that!

What are 3 words that describe your work? 

Bright, Funky, Unique

What are 3 words that describe you? 

Optimistic, silly, adventurous

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop? 

My Ruffle-Rama Dress. I created that design and it is SO fun and twirly!

What’s your most productive time of day? 

When my 22 month old is napping. He keeps me very busy when he is awake. He loves to play and dance!

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

I would love to have my own independent shop online.  A brick and mortar shop is my dream! I want to start designing my own fabrics too :)

What’s one thing you can’t live without? 

Besides my family? Chocolate!

Anything else you would like us to know? 

I am 31, I have 4 children ages 14, 12, 6, and 22 months. I have 2 boys and 2 girls. My husband was in the Air Force until last summer. He is graduating from law school in May. Depending on where he gets a job we may be moving again, which is very exciting!

We love to hang out together as a family. Being creative s something that my husband and I strongly encourage. We all love to make things. I sew, a lot! My husband is into woodworking. My oldest daughter draws, sews, and makes jewelry. My youngest daughter paints and draws. My oldest son cooks and bakes. The littlest of our crew is just getting into coloring with crayons, and he does a great job!

Links:

My Etsy shop: 

http://elizabethgwenorignls.etsy.com

My blog:

http://elizabethgwenoriginals.blogspot.com

Talk To Me Tuesday!

Hey There! This week I'm featuring Jadie Bug Boutique (and she's featuring Raspberrykidz on her blog as well!). You can't help but love these beautiful clips. Check out her shop and blog, and leave some comments below. Enjoy!

What did you do before this/along with this? 

Well one time for about 5 years I was tortuously in the Mortgage Business. Yuck!!! and then after I had my daughter I went back to work at a major retail store that I had worked at previosly and totally LOVED IT!!! I love to interact with people and I LOVE to shop!!! So I would be their personal shopper and it was great.

What inspires your designs? 

When I began I wanted to do something that I hadn't seen. I was tired of seeing the typical flowers and so I began with felt and then began adding fabric and then it's just evolved using, felt, fabric & ribbon.

What are 3 words that describe your work? 

Wow! 3 words... Unique, Darling & Sassy

What are 3 words that describe you?

Wow! Sassy for sure, I hope that I am Unique :), and Artsy Fartsy!!!

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop? 

Yes... No... Ok I have to choose?! Carmen, My newest flower I added. I adore pink, white and chocolate brown together and when it comes in the form of damask well, you had me at damask.

What’s your most productive time of day? 

Mid-Day 2-5ish or after 8 when my little ones are in bed. :) That's My Sanity Time ;)Wink!;)Wink! If you are a Mom you totally understand. 

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

I haven't thought about it. Until this moment. I hope that I can build a business that I can keep staying home with my kids, and I really want to just make sure to build unique custom hairclips that after someone makes a purchase is soo excited to get in the mail. And I just imagine them getting their little girl all dolled up, and putting her new clip in her hair and just can't help but smiling. 

What’s one thing you can’t live without? 

It's bad... Sonic Ice, and a Cherry Coke. I'll take a regular coke if that's what I have but I love ice and to eat ice with Cherry Coke. I AM IN HEAVEN! 

Anything else you would like us to know? 

The most unique thing that people find out about me is that I was born in a car. You are shocked! I know. Don't be. My Mom is Amazing so at #7 she had it down to an art form. She's definately my hero and best friend. 

Etsy Shop Heart Me: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JaidieBugBoutique

Follow my blog: 

http://jaidiebugboutique.blogspot.com

Become a Fan: 

http://www.facebook.com/jaidiebugboutique 

and I also Tweet too.

Talk To Me Tuesday!

Not too long ago, I joined Etsy Kids, an etsy team devoted to all things kids and moms. I'm still learning the ropes on their site, but I knew I wanted to meet more artists creating for kids and do some cross-promoting. What better way to do that than with Talk To Me Tuesday? To start off, I interviewed Candice from Butterflies and Rainbows. Be sure to check out her shop and leave her a note!

pink ballerina dress

What got you started in your business? How long have you been doing it?

I learned how to sew in school and from my grandmother but really didn't have a true interest in it until my daughter was born!! I started my business when my second child was born and I became a stay-at-home mom!! 

What did you do before this/along with this?

I have a degree in accounting and I was working as a Receivables Clerk for a Bankruptcy Trustee until I had my second child!

 

dot pants and  personalized top

What inspires your designs?

My designs are inspired first by my children (I consult with them when I make their own clothes because let's face it, they are the ones that are going to wear it)!! My work IS custom so I would have to also include that my inspiration for my designs pretty much come from my clients and friends!!!

camo fleur de lis baby set

What are 3 words that describe your work?

Sweet, fun, sassy

What are 3 words that describe you?

Fun, easy-going, and hard-working

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop?

My absolute favorite item in my shop right now is my Fleur de Lis Baby Set!! Since I'm from Louisiana, this item is dear to my heart!!

custom applique owl shirt

What’s your most productive time of day?

My most productive time of day is between 7am-8am and also between 9pm-12pm!!!

birthday cupcake dress

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I would love to move my business to a brick and mortar shop!!! That would be really awesome!!!

pink fleece baby blanket

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

I can't live without my family!! My family keeps me in line and helps me with my daily routine!! My husband encourages me daily and without his support I couldn't do what I do!!!

Butterflies and Rainbows has so much more than I was able to fit in here. She also offers towels, burp cloths, hair bow holders, socks and some beautiful diaper bags, just to name a few. Browse her shop to find YOUR favorites. She might just have exactly what you've been looking for!

Talk To Me Tuesday!

Here’s an interview with Lee from Color Me Conscious. In her bio, she says: I have always wanted a business that would make a difference—and even though it won't change the whole world—if we work together, Color Me Conscious just may brighten a tiny corner of it...

Please read the interview to see just how she is making a difference, and how you can help. I think it’s such a wonderful thing to do.

Lee is also giving back to YOU by including a giveaway with this interview. How cool is that? She has generously donated this beautiful Arm Candy Sapphire Swarovski Crystal Bracelet (pictured above). Just comment on the interview, and name one other item from her shop that you also like...The winner will be randomly chosen next Monday, Jan. 25.

Chocolate Covered Cherries Flower Brooch

What’s behind the name Color Me Conscious (you can explain the whole concept here)?

CMC is where I sell my OOAK (one-of-a-kind) handcrafted jewelry—and a portion of the sale price from each piece goes directly to charity! Every other month I debut a new collection centered around a new theme color. (January/February’s collection is RED.) The color of the month corresponds to the awareness color of a specific cause and charity—it’s that simple. (The RED collection supports heart disease awareness and prevention, and The American Heart Association.) The "conscious" in Color Me Conscious, is short for "socially conscious." Every other month…a brand new cause, a new feature color, another unique opportunity for buyers to make a difference AND “color” someone happy!

What got you started in your business?

I've been making jewelry for family and friends for many years—I mean since I was a teenager! After hearing, "You should try to sell some of your work.” and “You make really cool stuff" again and again, I decided to take the plunge and launched CMC in November of 2009.

The Corsage Cuff—Otherhood LLC. Limited Edition Bracelet

What did you do before this?

What I did (and still do, lol) is teach. I've been teaching a middle school French in South Jersey for the last 6 years. 

What inspires your designs?

Color, color, and more COLOR. I love anything vintage, and the idea of using something old to make something new, gives me goosebumps everytime.

Falling Leaves Big Button Band II

What are 3 words that describe your work?

Eclectic, feminine, unique 

Do you have a favorite piece from your shop?

It changes all the time. As of today, I’m in love with my “Elderberry Wine On A Cloudy Day” Bracelet. It’s a “Corsage Cuff”, (my copyrighted design), and can be made in any color palate in a custom order. The color combination in this one is just delicious.

Paprika Pearl Double Strand Choker

What’s your most productive time of day?

Night. It seems like all the really really good ideas start rolling in around 10:00pm…Which is a little tough since I have to be up by 5:30 the next morning to go to work.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Big and booming hopefully. I'd love to "quit my day job"—that's what I'm working on. Hey, it could happen, no???

The Corsage Cuff (Elderberry Wine On A Cloudy Day Bracelet II)

9. What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My family most definitely. (Close second: A scarf of some sort. I have tons from all over the world, and I wear one almost everyday ---even in the summer! lol)

10. Anything else you would like us all to know?

Only a thank you for supporting CMC...you are the reason I'm here --- and it sure is a fun place to be. ;-)

Sweet Talk Necklace

colormeconscious.etsy.com 

e-mail address: colormeconscious@gmail.com

Lee also tweets about all sorts of things like sales, giveaways and new collections too! Follow her at: http://twitter.com/colormejewelry

to stay in the know!