Friday, August 19, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Creative Zone
This month our featured member is Mary with CreativeZone...
I especially love it when the client just says “do what YOU want”. To give the books that personal touch, I always incorporate blank pullouts and flaps so that the client or recipient can journal their thoughts and feelings in afterwards about the photo. Here is an example of a custom book I made for in honour of a little boy’s first birthday:
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m married to a fabulous husband who tolerates my paper hoarding (as long as it doesn’t get in his way) and I live in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I’m self-employed as a graphic designer and I work full-time from home, which works out perfectly because when my day job is slow it allows me the time to be crafty.
I also teach paper crafts at my local scrapbooking store. I started on their design team and that progressed into teaching at the store. I’ve been teaching for about 4 years now and I really love it, it has really opened up things for me creatively. My latest classes have mostly involved Copic Markers and the Silhouette Die-cutting Machine, but in the past I’ve taught rubber-stamping, scrapbooking and cardmaking.
When did you open your shop on Etsy?
Technically, I opened the shop back in November 2007 but then as a newbie I got discouraged due to lack of sales etc. and life got really busy so I went M.I.A. from Etsy. I’ve been back with a vengeance now since early spring.
Tell us about your shop:
I sell cards, scrapbooking mini-albums and notebooks/journals (which are my latest obsession).
Name top (3-5) items (for crafting purposes) that you cannot live without
1. ATG Tape Gun – because once the paper is stuck – it’s STUCK for good.
2. ScorePal – I’m pretty obsessive about this one because I’m a stickler for perfect scores and straight-lines
3. Tonic Guillotine paper cutter – perfect straight cuts every time. I have both the 12- inch and the smaller 8-inch version.
What is it about paper that draws you to create with it?
For me, it’s the possibilities. You can transform that 1 single piece of paper into a multitude of beautiful things. THEN, afterwards, it can be recycled and reborn again and again.
Are you a clean or messy crafter?
I’m an incredibly messy crafter – the more space I have the more mess I make and the more I’ll spread out. I never start off planning on making a mess but somehow “this” gets pulled out and then I want to try “that” out and then I think what about “the other one” - the next thing you know it looks like a paper bomb went off! I try to clean up at the end of every project to make way for the next idea AND to keep my hubby from complaining. (In my next house, I hope to have a door to my studio).
What was your biggest mistake you made when starting out on Etsy? How did you fix it?
When I first started selling on Etsy, I made a sale the first week and I was totally pumped and excited. Then everything stopped, and I got incredibly discouraged and I just let everything expire. I thought long and hard about the whole experience and then I realized why I was successful that very first week - I sold because my listing was near the top. It’s like that saying about a tree falling in the forest, if no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? The key to Etsy is to create a quality product that is unique, to promote on Etsy and off of Etsy, get involved with teams to stay motivated, list daily to be seen. At least then, you have a fighting chance because people will know your shop exists.
What is your favorite item to make, the one that makes you smile just thinking about working on it?
My favorite things to create by far are custom scrapbook mini albums. You get handed a bunch of photos, you have a theme and then you just go to it.
We know that Mary would love some comments. Check out Mary's Creativezone shop, too! If you are looking for other Etsy Paper Team members, all you have to do is go to Etsy and type in the key words Etsy Paper, or Etsy Paper Team.
You can find Mary at:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
A Timeless Journey
We, the Etsy Paper Team, are resurrecting OUR blog. We are going to be highlighting an Etsy Paper Team member once a month. So, for our first Etsy Paper Team Member for 2011 is...
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...Laura with Timeless Journey. Enjoy the read and leave some love. Take a look at her studio! What a dream come true for Laura!
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Laura Cole and I am the owner and creator of Timeless Journey. I have been married to my best friend for 14 years and we have 4 boys from 6 to 13 years old. For my day job, I work part time as a preschool teacher. I teach Art, Music and Sign Language. I love teaching and interacting with others. However, I also enjoy getting away from the everyday commotion and spending time alone in my craft room.
When did you open your shop on Etsy?
I opened up my Etsy shop in March 2009. I realized I needed to find a way to support my habit of buying scrapbooking materials as well as bring in some extra money to the family. A friend told me about Etsy and then I was hooked.
Tell us about your shop.
I LOVE vintage items as well as making things out of recycled materials. The main items that we sell in our Timeless Journey shop are items made from paper and barn wood. Our main sellers are our pre-made albums, money organizers, and chalkboards.
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When you look at some of the first projects you made, do you want to:
a. tear them up and start over;
b. get out your new product and add some new stuff to your old project;
c. sit down with a cup of tea and look at it lovingly for a while;
d. wonder where the time has gone?
I started scrapbooking when my first son was born 13 years ago. When I look back at the first pages I made, it always amazes me on how far my scrapbooking has come. The techniques and products that I use have also advanced for the better. A part of me wants to redo the pages. Then I look at them and think, just like the pictures that are on them, they too are memories.
Do you have a day job? If so, are you up all night crafting?
Yes, I work during the day and spend the evenings running all the boys to their activities. Because of my busy days, I have to do most of my work after they go to bed. I have even been up as late as 6:00am working on a huge order.
Are you a clean or messy crafter, do you have a special space for your crafting, or does the kitchen table do double duty?
I am defiantly a messy crafter. We moved last year, and one of the must haves of the new house was an extra area to use as a studio. Since I am such a messy scraper the family was tired of the kitchen table always covered. My handy husband finished off what once was a concrete storage room into a fantastic studio for me. He also added a closet/room to use for shipping. Because I live with so many men, I wanted a girly room with even a little pink chandelier.
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Name top (3-5) items (for crafting purposes) that you cannot live without.
The best part of my room is the fact that that I can have my items that I use every day right at my fingertips. My computer and printer, paper, trimmer, crop-a-dial, Scotch’s fast drying glue, and most importantly all my ribbon are used in just about everything I make!
Do you sell mostly online or at craft shows? How many different selling venues do you use?
I sell almost solely through our Timeless Journey Etsy store. However, I do one local craft fair every year. I’ve tried to do more local fairs but I can never seem to get enough inventory accumulated.
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How do you package your items?
I think its fun to feel like you received a gift in the mail when a package arrives. For that reason, I wrap the items in brown paper and tie them with twine.
How did you learn your craft?
I learned how to scrapbook from trial and error. I have never taken any classes or and workshops. I have however, taught several in my home and at a local scrapbook store.
What equipment/supplies do you use? Where do you purchase them?
Most of the local scrapbook stores in my area have gone out of business. For this reason, I have to purchase most of my supplies online. A few times a year, I take a road trip with my mom to find new scrapbook stores. I try to stock up on as many items that I can then.
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Do you prefer to work alone...or with a friend?
I prefer to work alone. Sometimes I like to have friends over to work on projects. However, since I’m a talker, I always feel like I could have gotten more accomplished if I was by myself. Plus, I love listening to music. It’s almost always Contemporary Christian. Although, if I’m working on Christmas items, I like to listen to Christmas music. Most of my friends think I’m nuts when the Christmas music is on in the summer. Yet another reason I like to work alone.
We know that Laura would love some comments. Check out Laura's Timeless Journey shop, too! If you are looking for other Etsy Paper Team members, all you have to do is go to Etsy and type in the key words Etsy Paper, or Etsy Paper Team.
Thanks for stopping by!
The Etsy Paper Street Team
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Laura Cole and I am the owner and creator of Timeless Journey. I have been married to my best friend for 14 years and we have 4 boys from 6 to 13 years old. For my day job, I work part time as a preschool teacher. I teach Art, Music and Sign Language. I love teaching and interacting with others. However, I also enjoy getting away from the everyday commotion and spending time alone in my craft room.
When did you open your shop on Etsy?
I opened up my Etsy shop in March 2009. I realized I needed to find a way to support my habit of buying scrapbooking materials as well as bring in some extra money to the family. A friend told me about Etsy and then I was hooked.
Tell us about your shop.
I LOVE vintage items as well as making things out of recycled materials. The main items that we sell in our Timeless Journey shop are items made from paper and barn wood. Our main sellers are our pre-made albums, money organizers, and chalkboards.
a. tear them up and start over;
b. get out your new product and add some new stuff to your old project;
c. sit down with a cup of tea and look at it lovingly for a while;
d. wonder where the time has gone?
I started scrapbooking when my first son was born 13 years ago. When I look back at the first pages I made, it always amazes me on how far my scrapbooking has come. The techniques and products that I use have also advanced for the better. A part of me wants to redo the pages. Then I look at them and think, just like the pictures that are on them, they too are memories.
Do you have a day job? If so, are you up all night crafting?
Yes, I work during the day and spend the evenings running all the boys to their activities. Because of my busy days, I have to do most of my work after they go to bed. I have even been up as late as 6:00am working on a huge order.
Are you a clean or messy crafter, do you have a special space for your crafting, or does the kitchen table do double duty?
I am defiantly a messy crafter. We moved last year, and one of the must haves of the new house was an extra area to use as a studio. Since I am such a messy scraper the family was tired of the kitchen table always covered. My handy husband finished off what once was a concrete storage room into a fantastic studio for me. He also added a closet/room to use for shipping. Because I live with so many men, I wanted a girly room with even a little pink chandelier.
Name top (3-5) items (for crafting purposes) that you cannot live without.
The best part of my room is the fact that that I can have my items that I use every day right at my fingertips. My computer and printer, paper, trimmer, crop-a-dial, Scotch’s fast drying glue, and most importantly all my ribbon are used in just about everything I make!
Do you sell mostly online or at craft shows? How many different selling venues do you use?
I sell almost solely through our Timeless Journey Etsy store. However, I do one local craft fair every year. I’ve tried to do more local fairs but I can never seem to get enough inventory accumulated.
How do you package your items?
I think its fun to feel like you received a gift in the mail when a package arrives. For that reason, I wrap the items in brown paper and tie them with twine.
How did you learn your craft?
I learned how to scrapbook from trial and error. I have never taken any classes or and workshops. I have however, taught several in my home and at a local scrapbook store.
What equipment/supplies do you use? Where do you purchase them?
Most of the local scrapbook stores in my area have gone out of business. For this reason, I have to purchase most of my supplies online. A few times a year, I take a road trip with my mom to find new scrapbook stores. I try to stock up on as many items that I can then.
Do you prefer to work alone...or with a friend?
I prefer to work alone. Sometimes I like to have friends over to work on projects. However, since I’m a talker, I always feel like I could have gotten more accomplished if I was by myself. Plus, I love listening to music. It’s almost always Contemporary Christian. Although, if I’m working on Christmas items, I like to listen to Christmas music. Most of my friends think I’m nuts when the Christmas music is on in the summer. Yet another reason I like to work alone.
We know that Laura would love some comments. Check out Laura's Timeless Journey shop, too! If you are looking for other Etsy Paper Team members, all you have to do is go to Etsy and type in the key words Etsy Paper, or Etsy Paper Team.
Thanks for stopping by!
The Etsy Paper Street Team
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
2BadCats and their Scratching Post
I feel like our team is getting a brand new start. This is very exciting! And thank you Chrystal for all your hard work!
Our member to be highlighted this month is Charity with 2Bad Cats. You really need to go by and take a visit. She does know how to pick the best vintage when it comes to paper. I had a really hard time picking out photos. I liked them all!
Tell us about you.
My name is Charity. I live in Terre Haute, IN with my husband of 13 years and my 6 month old daughter. I work part-time for a university and am a part-time stay at home mom. I have had a love for art since I can remember, and a love specifically for paper since I was young as well. I loved buying stationery and writing letters to pen pals and friends when I was growing up. I love old books and vintage cards, too. I only recently, within the last year, decided to start exploring the world of selling my ephemera collection and finds, and also some of my handmade paper crafts and goodies. I started with Etsy on the last day of 2009, but I have taken a less aggressive approach to marketing my goods recently, because of the birth and adoption of my daughter Eden. She is 6 months old and I put most of my marketing efforts on hold when she arrived. Now that she is getting older and I am adjusting to being a new Mom, I am about to begin listing new vintage ephemera and new handmade crafts in my shop! I am also on a personal journey to return to my letter writing ways, and I encourage you to try it, too. Pick up a pen. Open a beautiful card. Write. It's that easy.
How did you get your start in the world of art?
I always enjoyed the process of creating. My mother was a very creative person, and we did a lot of projects together, mostly drawing and other random crafts like sewing, pottery, etc. I've dabbled in all sorts of art forms, including writing, painting (NOT GOOD!!) and drawing. Now I mostly create random hand sewn crafts and paper stationery and greeting cards, but I do like found object art as well.
Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
I look for inspiration before I begin a new project, but don't have any rituals because I am so random with what I do. Sometimes I plan things out a lot, other times I dive right in. It is fun to start at one point in a project and find yourself ending up in a totally different place!
What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
They both hold a special appeal for me. I enjoy creating because it is something I can DO...an activity that uses my mind and my body to create a tangible object. Even when I am writing I consider the words, the story, the tale to be a tangible outcome to my efforts. That whole process is enjoyable in and of itself, but there is also special joy in getting to the end of the project, looking and what you've made and realizing you feel pride. You can say, "I made this."
What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
I like all sorts of things when it comes to art, but I have always enjoyed working with paper, stamping images, cutting, assembling, etc. But I also like sewing and felt crafts as well. My projects are simple, and because I also focus on finding beauty in vintage items, I feel that is also my art. To find an old greeting card written by someone 75 years ago, or a beautifully preserved, unused postcards from the last century... discovering those treasures and appreciating their beauty and perseverance for existing all these years later, even in their fragile paper forms is wonderful. That appreciation is also my art form.
When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
Again, I find myself looking for inspiration. I might go back to old projects, or look at books, magazines, and websites...seeing the direction other people have gone can show you hidden paths that you might choose to take, projects you might want to explore. Sometimes though, just stepping away and taking a break can help.
What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope it says I care. I really think that the basis for my ephemera collection and for the handmade items I sell is my desire to see people connect with one another again. People don't write letters any more. Then don't pen cards, and most certainly don't hand craft those cards if they do choose to send one through the postal mail. Email has taken over, but I want people to return to the simpler way of connecting with someone. I want people to take the TIME to sit down, and write a letter by hand that will reach out and touch someone else when they open it. I know the instant gratification of email and instant messenger clients will be missing, but the gratification of taking the time to show someone they are important and that you care is so much more fulfilling.
What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest fear is that someone will think what I've done is crap. LOL. Basically, being judged. My greatest dream would be that I could sell some of my vintage items and make some money to finish paying for my daughter's adoption. That's ultimately why I started my Etsy shop...to create a new revenue stream for myself so I could work part-time instead of full-time outside of my home. If I can excite people to buy my handmade cards or my vintage ephemera, then I can be self-sufficient and encourage letter writing at the same time!
What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goal in art is just to do a good job. To write well received pieces when I write, or to have people enjoy the items I have presented to them. If they are touched by what I offer and it inspires them to connect with other people, then I have been successful. In life, the goal is to be happy. To be content, to love, to share, and to leave a legacy. I hope I can achieve those things
What is the name and link to your Etsy studio?
I have an Etsy shop: The Scratching Post, by 2badcats http://www.2badcats.etsy.com/
Do you have any other online shop, a website, a brick and mortar shop, and/or a blog?
I do not have a brick and mortar shop. I work out of a spare bedroom that is my crafting zone and my vintage ephemera supply vault! LOL
I do have a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/2badcats
I also have a blog, but I had to put that old hold when the adoption process ramped up LOL: http://2badcats.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much for stopping by! Leave some love for 2BadCats!
Our member to be highlighted this month is Charity with 2Bad Cats. You really need to go by and take a visit. She does know how to pick the best vintage when it comes to paper. I had a really hard time picking out photos. I liked them all!
My name is Charity. I live in Terre Haute, IN with my husband of 13 years and my 6 month old daughter. I work part-time for a university and am a part-time stay at home mom. I have had a love for art since I can remember, and a love specifically for paper since I was young as well. I loved buying stationery and writing letters to pen pals and friends when I was growing up. I love old books and vintage cards, too. I only recently, within the last year, decided to start exploring the world of selling my ephemera collection and finds, and also some of my handmade paper crafts and goodies. I started with Etsy on the last day of 2009, but I have taken a less aggressive approach to marketing my goods recently, because of the birth and adoption of my daughter Eden. She is 6 months old and I put most of my marketing efforts on hold when she arrived. Now that she is getting older and I am adjusting to being a new Mom, I am about to begin listing new vintage ephemera and new handmade crafts in my shop! I am also on a personal journey to return to my letter writing ways, and I encourage you to try it, too. Pick up a pen. Open a beautiful card. Write. It's that easy.
How did you get your start in the world of art?
I always enjoyed the process of creating. My mother was a very creative person, and we did a lot of projects together, mostly drawing and other random crafts like sewing, pottery, etc. I've dabbled in all sorts of art forms, including writing, painting (NOT GOOD!!) and drawing. Now I mostly create random hand sewn crafts and paper stationery and greeting cards, but I do like found object art as well.
Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
I look for inspiration before I begin a new project, but don't have any rituals because I am so random with what I do. Sometimes I plan things out a lot, other times I dive right in. It is fun to start at one point in a project and find yourself ending up in a totally different place!
What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
They both hold a special appeal for me. I enjoy creating because it is something I can DO...an activity that uses my mind and my body to create a tangible object. Even when I am writing I consider the words, the story, the tale to be a tangible outcome to my efforts. That whole process is enjoyable in and of itself, but there is also special joy in getting to the end of the project, looking and what you've made and realizing you feel pride. You can say, "I made this."
What are your favorite art media, tools, and supplies?
I like all sorts of things when it comes to art, but I have always enjoyed working with paper, stamping images, cutting, assembling, etc. But I also like sewing and felt crafts as well. My projects are simple, and because I also focus on finding beauty in vintage items, I feel that is also my art. To find an old greeting card written by someone 75 years ago, or a beautifully preserved, unused postcards from the last century... discovering those treasures and appreciating their beauty and perseverance for existing all these years later, even in their fragile paper forms is wonderful. That appreciation is also my art form.
When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
Again, I find myself looking for inspiration. I might go back to old projects, or look at books, magazines, and websites...seeing the direction other people have gone can show you hidden paths that you might choose to take, projects you might want to explore. Sometimes though, just stepping away and taking a break can help.
What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope it says I care. I really think that the basis for my ephemera collection and for the handmade items I sell is my desire to see people connect with one another again. People don't write letters any more. Then don't pen cards, and most certainly don't hand craft those cards if they do choose to send one through the postal mail. Email has taken over, but I want people to return to the simpler way of connecting with someone. I want people to take the TIME to sit down, and write a letter by hand that will reach out and touch someone else when they open it. I know the instant gratification of email and instant messenger clients will be missing, but the gratification of taking the time to show someone they are important and that you care is so much more fulfilling.
What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest fear is that someone will think what I've done is crap. LOL. Basically, being judged. My greatest dream would be that I could sell some of my vintage items and make some money to finish paying for my daughter's adoption. That's ultimately why I started my Etsy shop...to create a new revenue stream for myself so I could work part-time instead of full-time outside of my home. If I can excite people to buy my handmade cards or my vintage ephemera, then I can be self-sufficient and encourage letter writing at the same time!
What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goal in art is just to do a good job. To write well received pieces when I write, or to have people enjoy the items I have presented to them. If they are touched by what I offer and it inspires them to connect with other people, then I have been successful. In life, the goal is to be happy. To be content, to love, to share, and to leave a legacy. I hope I can achieve those things
What is the name and link to your Etsy studio?
I have an Etsy shop: The Scratching Post, by 2badcats http://www.2badcats.etsy.com/
Do you have any other online shop, a website, a brick and mortar shop, and/or a blog?
I do not have a brick and mortar shop. I work out of a spare bedroom that is my crafting zone and my vintage ephemera supply vault! LOL
I do have a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/2badcats
I also have a blog, but I had to put that old hold when the adoption process ramped up LOL: http://2badcats.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much for stopping by! Leave some love for 2BadCats!
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