Looking for an Etsy or Artfire alternative?

It's not easy to find a venue to sell your handcrafted items, your craft supplies, or your vintage finds. Sometimes a major venue like Etsy.com or Artfire.com can make major changes that will effect your business negatively.

Some people feel that there are no alternatives out there for selling their items other than Etsy, Artfire, or even Ebay. But there are two sites out there that are slowly gaining momentum, and they both offer great tools to help you succeed with your business.

The first alternative is Zibbet.com. It is Australia based, however, anyone in the world can set up shop. They currently have a free basic account where you can list up to 50 items for free, and they also have a month-to-month premium account as well as a yearly premium account. Currently their monthly price is $9.95 and their yearly price is $79.00. At the time of this post they are offering a free 45 day premium trial using code 45FREE, and it expires in 3 days.

To check out their complete list of features follow the link below:

http://www.zibbet.com/sell

I opened my Zibbet Shop in 2009, and to date I have sold 2 items. They do not have much internal traffic, and their site can be slow. But their admin is quick to answer questions, and there are a lot of great items for sale. The listing process is easy, and you can import your Artfire and/or Etsy shop items into your Zibbet shop using their free importer.

The other alternative is Craft is Art. It's a fairly new marketplace that accepts supplies, vintage items, and handmade items. They offer you the option to accept payments via Google Checkout, Amazon Payments, Authorize.net, PayPal, and Checks/Money Orders.

They have a basic pay as you go account as well as a premium monthly or yearly account. Premium accounts can offer multiple quantities, variances (colors, sizes, etc.), and so much more. You can either pay a monthly fee of $8.99 or you can pay for a year for only $79.99. You can also import your Etsy and/or Artfire shop items into your Craft is Art shop as well as your feedback score if you choose to.

They also offer you the opportunity to have a free for life account if you refer 5 people to open a premium shop. I need only two more people to use my referral codes, and my shop there will be free!

If you plan to go premium there (either monthly or yearly) please use one of my referral codes:

7H5C6

85FUY

To check out their full list of options and tools follow the link below:

http://www.craftisart.com/1337art/sell

Craft is Art is very quick to submit your products to Google, and you can set up your Google Analytics account so you can track your traffic. I've sold 3 items there to date in my shop, and I get a lot of internal traffic as well as traffic from search engines. I only have 17 items for sale there at the moment, but I have very high hopes that my business will be successful on this venue.

Etsy and Artfire succeed through their sellers, but if their sellers leave to other venues, these new venues can succeed too. It's the beginning of the year and now is a great time to think long and hard about your business, and what you believe will help you succeed.

New Unique Clip On Earrings

I've been meaning to make more clip on earrings, and I've finally done it! These clip on earrings are made with hand blown glass beads that sit inside of a silver plated brass spiral cage.

There are blue with black spiral stripes, red with black and white spiral stripes, and brown ones with black spiral stripes.

These earrings are truly fun and unique. Each bead varies in color, shape, and size, and the silver spirals are slightly different than the others.

Looking for a gift for someone with unpierced ears? Look no further! These clip on earrings are available in my Etsy Shop.

Thank you so much for looking! I hope to make more clip on earrings in the near future.

500th Sale on Etsy!

Yesterday I sold my 500th item in my Etsy Shop! I can't believe how far I have come from when I first started listing my items in December 2007. Back then I didn't know what to expect; all I knew was that I wanted a store front of some kind to direct local customers from craft shows to. Today I sell my items at two online venues, Etsy and Artfire, and I have plans to open/re-establish a shop on Zibbet.

A big THANK YOU!!! to all of my customers and those who have supported me these past few years. I am so grateful, and I cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Artisan Feature - Carvel Country Soaps

It is important to show the world the charm of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Today I feature Carvel Country Soaps from Alberta, Canada. Below you can find her interview:


1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I remember as a child, being no more than 6 or 7, helping my mom's friend sew doll clothes for my cabbage patch kids. I remember being thrilled to choose the materials for each outfit from her scraps and then see those scraps become something. It was very fascinating for me.

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

When I am not making soaps and things, I enjoy reading, golfing, curling, and scrapbooking.

3. What do you specialize in?


I specialize in handmade, paraben free bath and body products.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Let's face it, those of us with shops on Etsy are there to sell, I saw opening up my shop as a way to get my products more exposure. The friendships and daily chats are an added bonus, I've met so many fantastic people because of Etsy.


5. How did you choose your shop name?

Carvel Country Soapworks- I live in a rural setting near the hamlet of Carvel & I make soap and other goodies. I love my shop name, it really ties everything together.


6. What are your hopes for the future?

Over the past few years I have seen tremendous growth in Carvel Country Soapworks both locally and on Etsy & I hope this trend continues. I am hoping to expand my product lines as well as add additional wholesale accounts.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders! I offer a number of fragrances and colors and will gladly put custom orders together. I have worked with a number of customers for various events such as baby showers, weddings, birthdays as well.


8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

Bright, Spacious, my escape.

You can visit Carvel Country Soaps' Etsy Shop here:

http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com

And you can send Krysta a message via the Etsy Convo system or an email to soapworks@cruzinternet.com

Krysta is also offering a 10% discount for my blog readers! Just enter the promotion code: "BLOG" in the comments to seller at checkout. Just in time for the upcoming holidays! It is not too early to buy your loved ones gifts - and you can't beat handmade either!

Featured Items:

JUMBO Crayon Soap Set
Coconut-Lemongrass Bath and Body Bar
JUMBO Goat Milk Soap Bar

All available at http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading!

-
Christina
__1337 Art

Stud Post Earrings.

Are you in the market for stud post earrings and are unable to find them? I offer then in a constantly growing variety of sizes in gemstones, shells, aluminum roses, and cat's eye fiber optic glass. I pierced my ears last summer for the first time, and I am in love with the idea of stud earrings. Please feel free to check out my shops for my current selection:

http://1337art.etsy.com/

http://1337art.artfire.com/

Thank you so much for reading!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

So Many New Items!

One of my recent goals was to have 200 items for sale at my Etsy Shop. Last week I had 88 items, and as of right now I am up to 114. I finally found the time to sit down and take pictures of everything that I have had lying around. I still have a lot of items to list, however, I don't want to do it all at once.

So far I have listed rose hair pins, gemstone potion necklaces, earring studs in both surgical steel and sterling silver, zipper pulls, and a few other things. Please feel free to check them out:

http://1337art.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you are having a great Easter weekend!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]
Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Etsy Artist Feature - TamarHammer

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Today I feature TamarHammer from Eugene, Oregon.

Below you will find Tamar's interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I remember my self painting from ever. My first “piece” that I was really proud of was a shoe from clay – it was pretty abstract but for me it looked amazing (I was 7……)

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

Playing and making art with my son, writing, reading

3. What do you specialize in?

Painting, illustration and graphic design.
All the cards and magnets in my store are based on my original designs, painting and illustrations.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Oh - try to find a better way to sell my stuff other than marketing myself to stores – which means being in competition with Hallmark …which is of course ridiculous……
I like Etsy – there is such a positive and kind environment for both customers and sellers. I also found it to be a very inspiring place.

5. How did you choose your shop name?

…Just after my name – it felt authentic to me…I still remember my disappointment when I found that there is no real Sarah lee beyond the corporation …

6. What are your hopes for the future?

To enlarge my store and get to know more people that do crafts.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I’m sure open to that.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

My interests are quite diverse. That’s why at times I create whimsical paintings, greeting cards and magnets that are suitable for every occasion – ancient mosaics, flowers and my original comics and collages, while in other times I find my self drawn to special events - birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Jewish holidays.

9. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m having a lot of fun writing my blog. I write about issues connected to my designs and every day life thoughts and stories.

You can read there also my list about the mosaics and flowers card:
http://tamarhammer.blogspot.com/2009/01/locate-yourself-mentally.html

Featured Items:

Kites at the Coast, Fun Collage Painting Card

SO, WHAT, SAY IT'S POSSIBLE, THINK SUMMER, NOT AGAIN, I'M NOT SO SURE - Original Comics Magnets (Set of 6)

Owl Love ,one of a kind hand-painted owl magnets (Set of 2)

Thank you so much for reading,

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.] Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:

Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Etsy Artist Feature - ara133photography

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Today I feature Amy with ara133photography. She currently resides in State College, Pennsylvania, and her fine art photography is simply amazing! Her husband also contributes his photography, and he has a nice, stylish edge.

Below you can read the interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I've been drawing since I was little... some of my earliest memories are of drawing horses and other animals - I used to draw unicorns a lot! I remember I would draw on my napkins during meals at home.

2. What do you specialize in?

Photography, but I also have a passion for painting and drawing still!

3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I saw a brief note about Etsy in Lucky Magazine one day, and checked it out - I loved all the awesome things and variety! I'd been considering selling my photography but didn't really have a venue (my grad student schedule doesn't allow me to do things like craft fairs, shows, etc.)... once I saw Etsy I knew it would be perfect!


4. What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to become a professor in Biology at a small college, and for my husband and I to get a house someday soon! :)

5. What are some of your favorite past times?

Photography - my husband and I share that creative passion, so we love to go on photography walks together! Also snowshoeing in winter; painting & drawing; reading; training my cats to do tricks (they know "sit", "footsie" (similar to 'give me your paw') and "lie down" but are stuck on "speak"!)...

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

I'm a grad student so I have 2 workspaces - one at school and one at home for photography. My school office looks like a tornado hit it, but I know where everything is! My workspace at home is a desk with everything I need for packaging orders (it's lovely, we've just rearranged that area so I don't have to wander around the apartment looking for paper, ribbons, etc.!). I do a lot of my digital collages on the couch, so that is a fluffy brown microfiber workspace.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I enjoy custom orders - it's really a lovely feeling to be able to help people find exactly what they're looking for, something they'll enjoy looking at!

8. What can you tell us about the pictures you have selected to be apart of your feature? (in order that they appear.)

Bounce - 5x5 Fine Art Photography by MSM

This is one of my favorites by my husband - he took it in Boston when we were going to my cousin's wedding last year!

At Tara in this Fateful Hour - 5x7 Fine Art Photography Print


I like the way this one came out - It's actually exactly what was in my head! I enjoyed doing that digital collage from various photos I'd taken.

Through These Halls - 5x7 Matted to 8x10 Final Size

This is another digital collage I made with photos I'd taken of a doorway and hall on campus - I used mirroring, layers, black and white with color, and I like the way it came out!

Away - 8x10 Fine Art Photography Print

I took this image in Boston (on the same wedding trip as the Red Ball image) and it really brings back the memories of the moment I first saw this memorial. We were walking to the Old North Church (where the wedding was) and we walked through a little park area behind the Paul Revere statue... we heard a light chiming noise and saw lots of metal sparkling and moving in the breeze - and when we got closer we saw it was rows upon rows of dogtags.

How can people get in contact with you?

I can be reached through my Etsy shop http://ara133photography.etsy.com I have plans to develop my own website in conjunction with the shop but that is still in the works.

Thank you so much for reading. I hope that you enjoyed Amy's artwork, and please feel free to forward this feature on to your friends and family.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.] Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:

Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Feels like Summer...

It looks like the sun is supposed to say hello this next week, which will give me the opportunity to take and retake a lot of product images. It's not even close to Spring-cleaning and Shop cleaning time, but it feels like summer today - one of those cool evenings where the house is open to a subtle breeze, and all you need is a sheet to keep warm.

It make me wish I had a large covered deck where I could bring my lap top and a mug of coffee to enjoy the evening outdoors. I tend to like the sunlight when it isn't directly touching me.

There are two new item lines I will be working on and hopefully perfecting soon; collage-style earrings and collage-style glass pendants. Please check back often for their arrival!

__1337 Art has some more new items on the way, and I have been adding old Etsy listings to my Artfire Shop. I think I will also be listing some destash and supplies there as well fairly soon. I'm tempted to start a supplies shop; it would be free to list, and it would help me clear out some of my old beads and things.

I feel inspired to get to work. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Thank you so much for reading,

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.] Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:

Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

After Christmas Sale Ends Today!

Just a quick reminder that __1337 Art's After Christmas Sale ends tonight!!!

*Spend $10 get $2 off!
*Spend $20 get $4 off!
*Spend $30 get $10 off!
*Spend $60 or more save 35%!

Discounts will be refunded to your PayPal account after payment has cleared. Please note that discounts apply to merchandise only (before shipping and any applicable tax.)

Discounts apply to both Etsy and Artfire Shops:

http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.artfire.com


Happy Shopping!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com/
http://1337art.artfire.com
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.] Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

After Christmas Sale!!!

AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE!!!

*Spend $10 get $2 off!
*Spend $20 get $4 off!
*Spend $30 get $10 off!
*Spend $60 or more save 35%!

Discounts will be refunded to your PayPal account after payment has cleared. Please note that discounts apply to merchandise only (before shipping and any applicable tax.)

Please feel free to visit our shops below to take advantage of these incredible deals!

http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.artfire.com

Etsy Artist Feature 23: ThisandThat

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Tonight I feature Randi from This and That.

Below you can read the interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I have loved crafting since preschool.

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

I can vividly remember painting a construction paper butterfly, I loved it. I love to craft of course, read, shop and be with my children.

3. What do you specialize in?

I specialize in hand painted items that can be custom ordered.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I started on Etsy because I now have the time to really work at crafting, I left teaching after 15 years this May.

5. How did you choose your shop name?

I chose the name This and That because I like to do a little bit of everything.

6. What are your hopes for the future?

In the future I hope to have my work in retail stores.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders, nothing makes me happier.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

My workspace is my dining room table, nothing fancy.

You can visit This and That’s Etsy Shop:

http://randi100.etsy.com

You can also email Randi at randimontessori@yahoo.com

Thank you for reading,

-

Christina

CM Designs dba 1337 Art

http://1337art.etsy.com

Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring jewelry for men and women, art collage, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, hair accessories, key chains, kilt pin brooches, wine charms, and more.

Custom orders are accepted.

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Sign up here!

Craft fairs, new items, and lots of coffee.

1337art has an upcoming craft show this Saturday:

Harvest Fest in Home, WA
Community Services House Saturday, October 4th from 10am - 4pm

I'm looking forward to taking a nice month off from craft fairs so I can focus on adding a much larger inventory to my Etsy shop. My goal is to have at least 200 items before my next show in November. I'm hoping to expand my collage items; cards, ACEOs, pendants, and more. I also want to add a lot more to my Men's Jewelry, Brooches, and Hair Accessories categories.

I'll be drinking lots of coffee, reading the latest "Quit Your Day Job" articles from Etsy's blog, and finally putting my overload of supplies to use.

Thank you for reading this quick update,

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring jewelry for men and women, art collage, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, hair accessories, key chains, kilt pin brooches, wine charms, and more.

Custom orders are accepted.

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Sign up here!

Etsy Artist Feature 19 - mizui

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and we plan to do this one Etsy Artist at a time. Today we feature mizui from Atlanta.

Below you will find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

The first memory I can recall is being taught how to sew by my older sister.


2. What do you specialize in?

I specialize in a lot of things really, ties, pillows, aprons, kitchen accessories.

3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

My daughter thinking it was a great idea.

4. What are your hopes for the future?

To have my own Brick and mortor shop selling EVERYTHING I can make.


5. What are some of your favorite past times?

Reading and sewing.

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

My workspace is my livingroom/sewingroom.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders. I get a lot of them for custom sizes (on my aprons)0 I don't charge more for big people, NO DISCRIMINATION! (I only charge for buying fabric I don't have!)

8. How did you choose your shop name?

It's a more fancy version of my "mother shop" mzkitchen. I wanted to stick with Mz, and my daughter wanted it to be fancy so there your have it.

You can find mizui's fun and playful pillows for sale at her Etsy Shop:

http://mizui.etsy.com

You can also email her at mzkitchenshop@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for reading and please check back for more Etsy Artist Features.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.silkfair.com

Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring jewelry for men and women, art collage, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, hair accessories, key chains, kilt pin brooches, wine charms, and more.

Custom orders are accepted.



Featured Items:

Coffee Time Cotton Decor Pillow
Dorm Time - Ripstop Blue Circles Pillow

Both available for purchase at mizui's Etsy Shop.

Hair Accessories!

We have expanded our product lines with hair accessories! We recently listed three beautiful Swarovski Crystal Filigree Flower hair clips/bobby pins to our Etsy Shop.

http://1337art.etsy.com

They will make a great gift this upcoming holiday season, or if you have been meaning to give yourself some sparkle, these hair clips are for you!

We currently have three colors available: blue, purple, and red.



We are working on some different hair accessories just for you as well as more styles of these lovely hair clip/bobby pins.















You can find all three of these for sale right now at our Etsy Shop:

Red Hair Clip/Bobby Pin
Blue Hair Clip/Bobby Pin
Purple Hair Clip/Bobby Pin

Keep checking back both on our blog, and at our shops:

Etsy
Silkfair

Thank you so much for your continued interest.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.silkfair.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, hair accessories, key chains, kilt pin brooches, wine charms, and more!

We happily accept custom orders.

1337 Art is now on Silkfair!

We wanted to announce that we have decided to start offering some of our items on http://www.silkfair.com. They are an online buying and selling venue, much like Etsy.

http://1337art.silkfair.com

We have plans to offer items that you can find on Etsy as well as our older items. We will throw in some exclusive items only available at http://1337art.silkfair.com, and we will have a focus of selling kilt pin brooches, bookmarks, wine charms, and various accessories.

You can always find us at our Etsy shop too!

http://1337art.etsy.com

Thank you for your continued support and interest.

Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.silkfair.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring handcrafted jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, hair accessories, key chains, kilt pin brooches, wine charms, and more!

We happily accept custom orders.

Etsy Artist Feature 13: crazytimescandles

It is important to show the world the charm of handmade items. I plan to do this one Etsy artist at a time. Today I feature crazytimescandles. This husband and wife team have a wonderful selection of bath and body products.

I have personally tried their coffee scrub (delicious!) flower pot candle (mmm!) and a couple of other items.

If you're looking for a unique and useful gift, crazytimescandles has something for you.

Below you will find their interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

That is a tough question, but for me I would have to say making hand prints and pencil holders in clay back in kindergarten and first grade. I always enjoyed that even though it got quite messy.

2. What do you specialize in?

High quality hand poured candles and handmade soap and bath & body products.


3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Etsy is a great community for people who enjoy handmade products and we wanted to be a part of that. We had looked at Etsy back in October of 2007 briefly and set up an account but didn't add any items to our shop until January 11th 2008.


4. What are your hopes for the future?

We hope to continue to expand our business at a steady pace where we can end up with a fairly large wholesale account base as well as attending more craft fairs / shows in the future. We are considering the possibility of a brick and mortar store in the future as well depending on which way we grow faster.


5. What are some of your favorite past times?

We really enjoy camping in the summer and visiting with family and friends.

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

Our workspace is our basement. Every wall has shelves, and there are tables everywhere each with it's own purpose.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

We love working on custom orders. We do a lot of custom colored candles especially for weddings and parties. I really think that people like the ability to get a lavender scented candle colored green to match their room for example.

Contact crazytimescandles:

Our website: http://www.crazytimescandles.com
On Etsy: http://crazytimescandles.etsy.com
By e-mail: erin@crazytimescandles.com

Thank you so much for reading! It is very much appreciated.

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

**Featured images include:

Coffee Sugar Scrub
Sweet orange essential oil goat milk soap
Custom color chunk pillar set

Treasury

I'm in my second treasury at Etsy. Mine is the necklace on the pink background.

It feels great to be apart of one. I never really understood how the treasuries work, but I'm still happy about it!

For future designs I'll keep the treasuries in mind...it will be a nice inspiration to create something someone wants to share with everyone!

Etsy Artist Feature 8: arizonadreams

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one Etsy artist at a time. Today I feature Pam from Phoenix, Arizona. She makes beautiful dream catchers in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles.

Below you can read her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?
   

My mom was an artist. She would go somewhere and sketch and then oil-paint the sketch she had drawn. She had 6 girls and taught us how to crochet, sew and embroider. My first memory was making pot holders on a loom and selling them in the neighborhood for a quarter/pair or 15 cents for one.

2. What do you specialize in?

I love to crochet and cross-stitch, but I've been making dream catchers for almost 20 years now. I love to make each one unique and weave beads into a metallic web. Some say I put magic into them as the recipient has more peaceful dreams.

3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I've been selling in other venues and another online shop for several years now. The first day I listed some items one sold and I was hooked.

4. What are your hopes for the future?

Just to keep busy in any craft I partake in. I recently made a felted crochet purse that I sent to an elderly friend for Christmas. She loved it. I strive to try new things.

5. What are some of your favorite past times?

Not exactly a tv person, so I spend most free-time making my crafts and going to my 18-year-old son's basketball games. He plays varsity, league and club and is just a great and talented kid (adult?)

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

Lots of boxes...I'm really picky about the feathers I use, so I buy huge bags full when I can.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I like to think that my dream catchers are some of the prettiest I've seen. I color coordinate all of them, and my feedback has been awesome. I also like to believe that the recipients are having better dreams. There is more to the legend than the beauty of the dream catcher.

How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders. I've had sport teams, seashell designs, marriage and newborn/twin requests.

You can contact Arizona Dreams through her Etsy shop:
http://www.arizonadreams.etsy.com

She also sells on Handmade Catalog:
http://www.handmadecatalog.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=10

You may also send her an email: pdebyl@gmail.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to read.

Christina
CM Designs
http://www.1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Etsy Artist Feature 6: uniquecharm

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one Etsy artist at a time. Today I feature Leslie from Raleigh, NC. Inspiration comes easy to her, and you can see her love of creativity in her handcrafted items. Looking for a unique gift? Leslie loves the challenge of fulfilling special requests--feel free to ask her! Below you will see some of her favorite pieces:



"In the Eyes of Love"
Available at http://www.uniquecharm.etsy.com

"Diamonds are Forever"
Available at http://www.uniquecharm.etsy.com

"A Few of my Favorite Things"
Available at http://www.uniquecharm.etsy.com

Below you will find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

Since i was in Kindergarten my favorite class was Art. I remember making these paper turtles that had cone shaped shell's & we glued the head, arms, legs, & tail on. He also got a string on the tip on his nose so we could pull them around with us all day.

2. What do you specialize in?
I specialize in polymer clay. I'm also open to customized idea's from customers. If i can visualize it, it will happen, somehow.

3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I saw that everyone was doing those little polymer clay foods. I just up & decided one day i was going to start. I went to the craft store bought what i wanted then started. I tried to get the edge & do things no one else does. I made a skittle charm, chocolate sushi, & even double chocolate tart dulce de leche cheesecake.

4. What are your hopes for the future?

For 2008 i want to make at least 150 sales. I've only been here for almost 2 months so i*m just trying to get my name out there. I*m also going to try to put together a newsletter, to feature etsy.com shops & people. Kind of a behind the shop section.

5. What are some of your favorite past times?

I love sitting on the balcony at my apartment because we've got a lake view, posted up on the rail with a cup of hot cocoa. There are geese everywhere! The scenes so beautiful. I also listen to a lot of music. I find inspiration in almost everything.

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

Messy, but kept. ;]

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to wish everyone featured & not the best of luck! It's hard but it's worth it to see the e-mail from paypal. Gives a certain feeling knowing someone is getting something you made from the heart expressed with your hands.

How can people get in contact with you?
My Shop is: http://www.uniquecharm.etsy.com
My Blog is: http://www.uniquecharms.blogspot.com
My e-mail address is: LesliesUniqueCharm@yahoo.com

Picture of the Artist hard at work!



Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave comments, as Leslie would be most appreciative of them!

Respectfully Yours,
Christina
CM Designs
http://www.1337art.etsy.com