DoBatsEatCats? Yes They Do!

Medieval gothic rosette necklace with blue Swarovski crystals OOAK

How'd you get started on Etsy?
An acquaintance told me that she'd started selling her handmade clothing on Etsy. I'd never heard of the site so I went to check it out to support her, and immediately registered as a shopper. Before long, I realized, "I can do this!" I figured it was a way of supporting my bead habit. And, it just grew from there!

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I love skulls, bats, spiders, and all things dark and gothic, so that seemed like the logical direction for my shop. I'm also inspired by works of literature and my shop currently has pieces inspired by Neil Gaiman, Wicked, and Alice in Wonderland.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Lately I've been creating these epic chainmaille necklaces with huge gothy pendants at their center. Right now, I think this one is my favorite:

Gothic bat chainmaille choker necklace - silver with sparkly black beads

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I am something of a foodie and am fortunate to live in a city that has great and cheap ethnic restaurants, so my boy and I try and get out for a good meal fairly regularly. If it's warm out, we like to walk down to Lake Michigan and sit by the water -- it's impossible to feel stressed out there!

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
The best cupcake I ever had was the vegan chocolate raspberry cupcake from the Bleeding Heart Bakery, an organic bakery here in Chicago. Pretty much anything chocolate works for me, though! As long as it's got the good buttercream frosting and not that sugary frothy crap that they use in the grocery stores.

What pushes you to want to create something?
Any number of things! A big deadline, for one. :) I'm pushing right now to get my stock up for the many craft shows I'm doing this fall. A bad day at my day job also makes me want to create something, and work harder on my shop in general! Or, just seeing a bead, or a charm, or some other random jewelry finding and hearing my inner goth girl go "oooh, pretty!"

Silver sword earrings with red and orange crystals - Sandman inspired - Destruction

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop and watch?
I loved Scooby Doo as a kid. Unfortunately, I don't think it's stood the test of time. My boyfriend and I recently netflixed it and we were shocked at how cheesy and just not-funny it was to us now.

What's your fantasy job?
Making a living through my craft. Failing that, travel writer, so I could get paid to wander the globe!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Lately, thanks to a few friends, I've become addicted to post-apocalyptic young adult fiction. I got hooked on the Hunger Games series (government forces children to participate in an annual fight to the death in an arena, which is televised and everyone's forced to watch it), and the Uglies series (at the age of 16 everyone's forced to have an operation to make them conventionally beautiful, which of course has hidden repercussions that no one is told about). I know these are written for teenagers but I've been enjoying them greatly! My college English-lit professors would NOT be impressed.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Coffee. Chainmaille supplies. (I really have to discipline myself to buy only NEEDS, not WANTS, in this area or else I would go broke!) Handmade bath products, especially if they smell like baked goods!

Chainmaille Christmas ornament -- red and green Celtic visions star

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
ZenAndCoffee -- gorgeous goth and steampunk arm warmers
rosemortem -- drool-worthy dresses
NatashaBlue -- hand-painted Day of the Dead artwork by a fellow Chicagoan

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Neil Gaiman and Laurell K. Hamilton are consistently among my favorites. Usually I grab whatever piece of scrap paper is handy and use it as a bookmark -- it's usually a receipt of some sort.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
I'd keep my home in Chicago for the summers and also buy a big house with a front porch somewhere warm for the winter -- perhaps in Hawaii or New Orleans. I'd also have a funky loft somewhere in downtown New York City. 

Byzantine chainmaille bracelet in silver and ocean blue

What is your best childhood memory?
When I was in around the 5th grade, my parents got me involved in a kids' musical theater class. I was a total misfit and outcast in school, but I really blossomed on stage and gained a lot of confidence. I really do believe that performing saved me!

 You can find DoBatsEatCats on Etsy, Twitter and Facebook.  DoBatsEatCats will also be participating in the Etsy DTeam Sales Event. Please check her out.

 

Crocheted Jewelry by MegsCrochetJewels



Black and Silver Party Earrings Crocheted w/ a Ribbon Bow

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I saw an add in a craft magazine and thought is was the greatest thing ever! When I got my artfire shop started I decided to give Etsy a try as-well.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
The very first necklace I ever made got me to thinking. Hey, I might could actually sell this!! I was so stunned at how well it turned out!

Custom Four Strand Crochet Necklace

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Oh my gosh thats a hard one! I think my most favorite item is the Kaleidoscope cuff. They are neat to make. They always seem to take on a life of their own.

Custom Kaleidoscope Cuff

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
When I am not catching up on the DVR with hubby I enjoy Gardening, horseback rinding, reading and writing.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
My sister made these chocolate cupcakes once that had chocolate butter-cream icing on them. I don't know what she did to those things but they were absolutely AWESOME!!!

What pushes you to want to create something?

I think my want for all things sustainable pushes my creativity. I am always wondering "could I make that" or "I wonder if I could find someone who could". I love thinking "gee I would really like a thumb ring" and then going over to my table and making myself one!! It gives you such a feeling of accomplishment. And I will wear it forever! Not like something I might pick up in a store and have no spiritual bond with....I hope that makes since:)

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
Bugs Bunny and Tweety and you bet I would stop and watch:)

Rectangle Custom Crocheted Earrings

What's your fantasy job?
New York Times Best Selling Author:) You just wait!! I will be their one day;)

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Sleeping Late. Most of my family know that I am a night owl and I like to sleep late:) But I tried to hide it from the public if at all possible.....ooopppps!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Longhorn Steakhouses Chocolate Stampede....mmmmm that thing is ridiculously good!! A great deal on a great item in the thrift store!! (Like paying 3.99 for a handmade 99.00 bag in PERFECT condition!!) Hugs and Kisses from my nephews:) I have a great bunch of little boys!!

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
Okay this is going to be REALLY hard!!!!
bluecalla I dream of one day owning one of her bags!!
auntiedawn I just want to curl up in her big chunky scarves!
gypsymoonart I am just spell bounded every-time I walk into this shop!! I have admired her work since I found her. I also dream of one day owning a few things from her shop:)

Do you have a favorite author?
When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
I do not have a favorite author. There are so many out there it truly would be impossible to choose. Plus I am not very good with names. I don't like to bend the page but I will if I can't find anything to stick there:) Its Impossible for me to keep track of a bookmark.

Crochet Gold Wire and Gold-stone Cuff Bracelet / adjustable length

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
New Zealand. I think its the only place hubby and I could both agree on.

What is your best childhood memory?
Slipping into the bed with my mom after my daddy left for work. Taking off my dads shoes and coveralls when he got home from work and playing in the woods with my cousins.

You can find more of MegsCrochetJewels on Etsy, Facebook and Artfire. She also has a blog.  MegsCrochetJewels  will also participate in the Etsy DTeam Thanksgiving Sales Event. Please check her out.

Deborah Julian. Photographer. Artist.

Cat Art Print-Cats in Paris

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I'd been making cards for family and friends for years. I heard about Etsy on The Today Show a couple of years ago. I finally started my own shop this year.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
A lot of my images involve my cats so the shop was created with my whimsical cat designs in mind. I have recently decided to put some of my more serious photos in the shop too.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
I think the Handle With Care image is my favorite. My cat George is a natural born clown and makes me laugh a dozen times a day. 

Cat Note Cards-Handle with Care-Set of 5 Cat Themed Cards


How do you unwind when you're not creating?
At home I unwind by playing with the cats, or by watching an old movie. I love to cook but don't seem to have much time for that anymore. I also love wandering around New York City, usually with my camera.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Chocolate, with chocolate frosting. I love anything chocolate!

What pushes you to want to create something?
As a photographer, I'm an observer by nature. I love to take a photo or to create a cat image that captures something interesting I have seen.



What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

I loved Bugs Bunny and still do. I'm a sucker for smart-alecky animals. I guess that's why I live with cats.

What's your fantasy job?

Taking photos for a travel magazine so I could go everywhere in the world!

Giclee Fine Art Print-Queensborough Bridge

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

I can't think of one.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

Travel, Art, Animals

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.

There are so many wonderful Etsy shops, I couldn't narrow it down to 3!

Do you have a favorite author?

When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place? I love Anne Tyler and eagerly wait for her to come out with a new novel which I then devour. I buy lovely bookmarks but usually can't find them when I'm reading so I pick up the nearest piece of paper to use as a bookmark. Unfortunately, this problem of not finding what I need does not just apply to bookmarks.

Cat Art Print-Chat Noir

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
Italy. I'm 1/2 Italian and have two good friends living in Italy. My husband and I have actually fantasize about retiring there. I'm studying Italian just in case!

What is your best childhood memory?
My mother's two older sisters who never married lived with us when I was a child. My wonderful aunt Stella was fairly shy but she loved taking my sister and me places. I think doing things for us gave her courage to do things she wanted to do. She took me on a few trips when I was very young--to New York City, to Washington DC and a few other places. I think she inspired my love of travel. When my nieces were kids I tried to do the same for them.

You can see more of Deborah Julian on Etsy and Facebook. She will also be participating in the Thanksgiving Sales Event  with the Etsy DTeam. Please visit her. 

Don't Pass Passion for Beads

This weeks Featured Artisan is Passion for Beads! Sally creates wonderful

treasures for you! You can find Sally - Passion for Beads at

Artfire

Madeitmsyself

Blog

Facebook

Twitter 

Meet Little Champ's Art

Halloween BOO Canvas Wall Blocks - Hand Painted

Little Champ's Art Bio:
I'm the "Little Champ" behind Little Champ's Art. With the help of "mama champ" from time to time, this crafty business dream is starting to take shape and become a reality - How exciting & scary all at once!!
With an obsessive personality, diving into this crafting world of Etsy (and beyond) has been an incredible journey! Even better, it has never once felt like work.
I love any and all things crafty - painting, drawing, scrapbooking, decorating, anything! My next venture will be into painting on canvases, so stay tuned to see how it turns out!
I've been painting names on items as part of my "day job" and for friends/family for about 13 years now. Figured it was about time I started doing it for myself and turn it from a casual hobby into a serious (but fun!) business!

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I posted on my Facebook page that I wanted to sell my stuff and right away had a few people tell me about Etsy.com. I had never even heard of it!

What was your inspiration for your shop?
For years people have been telling me I should sell my stuff outside the toystore. YEARS. One day I just kind of woke up and decided to do it.

What's your favorite shop item and why?

The FAMILY blocks. Just everything about them came out as perfection. The fact that the boyfriend doesn't want me to sell them really means a lot, too.

Family Tree Canvas Wall Blocks - Hand Painted

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

I kill things. No, not literally... calm down ;) I play lots of video games - World of Warcraft, Starcraft2... If you've had a really bad day, it really is therapeutic to just kick someone's ass at a game.



What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

FUNFETTI! :) but I’m pretty sure if I were to ever try one of those bacon cupcakes, I’d be in love... and about 30lbs heavier, because I’d probably get addicted. c'mon... bacon AND chocolate?

Cupcakes Bulletin Board Sweet Notes

What pushes you to want to create something?

Everything? I’m not really sure. Right now it’s the fact that my parents are actually proud of me and I haven't even succeeded yet. My mom has so much faith in what I’m doing that she's decided to become an "investor" and that means a lot. Also, my dad told a friend recently "my little girl is so talented" that touched me in a way I wasn't even expecting.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

Ohhh jeez. I’m such a cartoon freak. As a kid it was definitely the old Looney Tunes - bugs, porky, road runner and The Jetsons.

I don't stumble upon cartoons; I seek them out as an adult. Yes, I’m nearly 27 and I’m usually watching the Disney Channel. I don't believe in growing up ;)

What's your fantasy job?

Owning my own store. Be it a toy store, a book store, a coffee shop, or a little champ shop... I just want to have an actual place that's mine to run however I’d like.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Well it’s not a secret anymore... but Disney Channel. I’m pretty obsessed with the mouse, and anything he's connected to. You don't even want to get me started on Disney World... ohhhh boy.

Pencil Case - Blue - Hand Painted and Personalized

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

Anything Disney, Oreos, shopping at Target.

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.

funkychunkies (I got a Mickey bracelet from her - love it), booboozoo (my custom knee wrap is a life saver and super adorable), and JoshuaByOak (amazing Christmas items... wow)

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?



Charles Dickens. Yes, it’s extremely nerdy, but his books completely transport me to another time and place. Ahh, I love it. I totally beat my books to hell, which is weird because I TREASURE them. I bend the pages, I crease the binding, and I pick at the corners. Basically, you can tell how much I liked a book by how disgusting it is when I’m done with it. A really good book is close to tatters...

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

Denver, Colorado. It’s BEAUTIFUL there. They get like a million days of sunshine a year, and with the mountains you can see snow 365 days a year. Plus my very best friend in the world lives there and I miss him dearly!

MLB Baseball Team Ornament Personalized and Hand Painted

What is your best childhood memory?

Okay it’s really mean... so don't judge. But we had this HUGE apple tree in my yard and Travis (the aforementioned best friend) and I didn't like the new neighbor kids, so we climbed in the tree to hide from them and when we were found, we just started throwing apples at these kids so they'd leave us alone! I wonder if any of them recall this as their "worst childhood memory" yikes!

You can find Little Champ's Art on Etsy, Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.  Please visit her.

Behold Lottie's Trinkets

This weeks Featured Shop is Lottie's Trinkets! Beautiful Handmade creations to Jazz up your wardrobe with.

You can find Lottie's Trinkets at:

Website

Artfire

Madeitmyself

Blog

Facebook

Get Sassy



Prescription for Sass necklace-vintage modern chic

 Sassy's Bio:
I became enchanted by Etsy the first time I visited. After many fabulous discoveries & purchases - some of you may recognize me as user (or should I say buyer!) "schnoff" - I got the craft bug! I made some things for myself & friends and then decided I'd try to multitask as a buyer & seller! "Schnoff" is not a very appealing name for a shop - although it does have a special place in my heart since it goes back to my college days - so here I am as SassyBelleWares! I hope you enjoy the sassies in my shop!

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I read about it in the NY Daily News and loved it the minute I went to the site. I was a champion buyer for about a year and then decided to try as a seller.

How'd you get started on Etsy?
Mostly seeing something I like and thinking "What could I do with that to make it wearable?!" My cocktail monkey necklaces are the perfect example of that. I love CM and wanted a way to always have him with me!

Sassy Cosmo Monkey cocktail monkey necklace

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Right now, my flapper rings because I am obsessed with the HBO show Boardwalk Empire!

Tallulah the Flapper ring

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
Reading and watching the gazillion tv shows that I DVR!

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Cupcakes are one of my obsessions and I have NEVER met a cupcake I didn't like. My faves are vanilla vanilla from Billy's bakery in NYC and coconut from Crumbs.

What pushes you to want to create something?
Having an idea and wanting to see if it will work out.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
Hong Kong Phooey was my fave cartoon and I would absolutely stop and watch. I have actually searched for it recently and I just bought this cute Phooey scrabble tile pendant on Etsy.

What's your fantasy job?
Being a Broadway star...specifically musicals. And, no, I cannot sing or dance!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Watching Jersey Shore but it is not something I hide so I guess it is just a guilty pleasure!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
1-Broadway shows 2-handbags 3-any chance to go into NYC to do anything.

Candy Corn ponytail holder

 List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
I have so many but one of my faves is Lola Falk Designs.
She has fabulous bags and the ones I have given as gifts have always been a hit!

Another fave is a more recent discovery, Bungalow Bath & Body.
The whipped sugar scrubs are perfect...moisturizing but not greasy and they smell so delicious I have to keep reminding myself I cannot eat them! The pancake breakfast is a must!

Shixie is another of my faves:
The mini dress necklaces are one of the funnest accesories I have ever seen!

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Adriana Trigiani...when you read her books you feel like you are right there with the characters. I use a proper bookmark...they are one of the things I think you can never have enough of!

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
NYC and upstate NY. I absolutely love NYC and would love to live there. Hubby would love to live on a huge hunk of land. So, if money was not an issue I would love to have both so we could go back and forth. Also, a big hunk of land would allow me to rescue homeless animals and give them a place to live!

Daisy button stack ring

What is your best childhood memory?
My best childhood memory is growing up surrounded by a huge loving family and true friends. No matter what the occasion, fun, happy, serious, or sad there was always a gazillion people my parents, my brother, and I could count on to be there without having to ask.

Find her at:
SassyBelleWares
SassyBelleButtons

Join her mailing list for sales, discount codes and other news
SassyBelleWares page on Facebook
Follow her blog SassyBelle's Spotlight

 Also be on the lookout for SassyBelle's participation in the Etsy DTeam's Thanksgiving Sale that runs from November 26 through November 29, 2010.

Meet Kaleidoscope by Erin

Black and Pink Lace Overlay 6 Inch Kiss Lock Chained Clutch

Bio:

She's a stay-at-home mother to two beautiful and busy little boys and a wife to my wonderful and caring husband. I have used art as an outlet for as long as I can remember. I started taking private art lessons in elementary school and continued through college. I enjoy the challenge of learning a new craft and perfecting it over time. The Etsy community has been such a great opportunity to learn and grow while showing the world my creations.

How'd you get started on Etsy?

My aunt's friend told be about the site. I had never heard of it before. I checked it out and fell in love with the beauty of it.


What was your inspiration for your shop?
My love for jewelry (then) and now my love for clutches. Wonder what'll be next??



What's your favorite shop item and why?

My crane clutch. I struggled with listing it for sale. It's just so beautiful, classy and timeless.


1950's Vintage Silk Kimono Crane Kiss Lock Clutch

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

I like to watch reality TV with my husband and drink a glass of wine (though I wish it was at the beach and not 2 hours away).



What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Vanilla with butter cream icing. I like the simple things.

What pushes you to want to create something?

My kids. I use it as an outlet to do something "productive". What's a clean house anyways? LOL

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

The Smurfs. I LOVED Smurfette. And no, I wouldn't stop now. Azrial would get on my nerves. :)



Sweet Honey, Organic Cotton Kiss Lock Clutch

What's your fantasy job?
Owning my own extremely successful company, selling my craft.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

Anything reality on VH1, bad or good, and the Twilight Series.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

1- My family 2- Shopping for clothes that are sale (though I think the economy has cured that) 3- buying fabric

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.

I can't pick three. There are so extremely talented shops on my team. I honestly love ALL of them.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

Nicholas Sparks. I love his stories and that I know the areas he writes about. Couldn't get any better, in my opinion.



Bridal White and Something Blue 8 inch Kiss Lock Clutch

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

Hawaii. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon and we talk about moving there all the time.

What is your best childhood memory?

Fishing with my dad and shopping with my mom. :)

You can follow and show love to Kaleidoscope by Erin at Etsy, Artfire and Facebook. Also be on the lookout for Kaleidoscope by Erin's participation in the Etsy DTeam's Thanksgiving Sale that runs from November 26 through November 29, 2010.

 

Thank you.

Craft show shopping list.

Craft Show. Wow that's a sentence all in it itself. I'm having my first one soon. In 2 weeks in fact. I've gone through all my items, sorting and resorting. I'm going to use a large framed message board to hang necklaces. But I'll need to get another one. I've got two necklace stands plus two pillows to showcase necklaces on. The bracelets will hang from a little stand and also lay on two smaller pillows. And the earrings will be shown on a pie cooling rack.

I made the pillows myself. Had a couple of sewing jobs to do so I broke out the Husqvarna. Tomorrow I'm table shopping. Can't wait.

Tablecovers are in queue and I've got some interesting items to use to dress up the table. Cards: check......

Need to do the signs,...

Okay, sorry for the mad rambling. Guess I just had to get it out! Maybe I can go to sleep now. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, and happy all at once. It's at Hollyfest. Just a mudpuddle away from home.

When I have everything set up, I'll shoot out some pics here.

Have you visited my Artfire shop and seen the Halloween jewelry pieces?

I'm having a sale of 15% off plus free shipping to anything that has a tag of Halloween on my Artfire shop. Not all of it is straight up Halloween. It could be that it's just black or red or orange for that matter! Check it out, the sale lasts through this weekend.

New Bracelets for Fall

Here are some of the bracelets I've been able to produce for the Fall and Winter 2010 Season.

Turquoise Wire Wrapped Rosary Style Bracelet

Agate Gemstone and Pearls Rosary Style Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Rosy Pink Pearls Wire Wrapped Rosary Bracelet

Thanks for stopping by.

$5 1 Inch (25mm) Hoop Earrings

Hey,  I have been busy lately. I've got a few necklaces, some bracelets and I'm overwhelmed with earrings now. Here's a small taste.

Get a better look of them at my Facebook Page.

I have one on sale so far on Etsy. If you see one you like mention it to me and I'll get it in next.

Tomorrow night I'll have more on the bracelets. Stay tuned!