Asheville Etsy Street Team

The Big Crafty is this Weekend!

2009-07-10T08:28:00.004-04:00

What'cha doing this weekend? Well I hope on Sunday between noon and six you come out to The Big Crafty, Asheville's rockin' craft show located at Pack Place.

Lots of Amazing Indie Crafters (including fine members of Asheville Etsy Street Team!)

The Mountain Xpress has given it major kudos calling it "something akin to the social event of the year". Read about it here

For more information on The Big Crafty:

Check out their website here

And come by and say hello to me (lol, I'm Tina, the creative force from Faerie Made) ... I'll be on the upper level near the stairs ... Booth #36.

It's a great time!

2nd Saturday Artist Market is expanding!

2009-05-31T12:49:00.003-04:00

The next 2nd Saturday Artist Market is June 13, which if you've been paying attention you'll know is the same weekend as Studio Stroll in the neighboring River Arts District. In anticipation of great crowds all over the area, we're expanding the 2nd Saturday Artist Market in several ways:

* 10x10 tented booth fees are now just $30: 2 artists may share a space, but at least one of you needs to have the tent

* un-tented 'table' space is now available: as long as the sun is shining, we'll try to make room for everyone we can, so if you've been interested in applying to the Market but daunted by lack of tent, fear not! For the June Market, you need only have a table, and like the booth spaces, two artists may share a 6' table. Table space is $20. If it goes well in June, we may keep doing it throughout the season.

We'll be keeping the application process open until we just can't fit in any more vendors, and once you've been juried in, you may simply submit your request to participate in future Markets (the jurying still exists to keep a good balance of medium).

Go to the event blog for Market applications - the table space feature is brand new, so if you don't see it on the application form, just write it in. And if you have any questions, email 'info' at 'crazygreenstudios.com'.

Also check out Asheville Street Markets to learn about other great vending opportunities!

Howard Street Handmade - Heads Up AvlEtsy!

2009-05-24T20:02:00.003-04:00

Lets start at the beginning.
On June 6th, from 8am to 7pm, Short Street Cakes Presents the newest
incarnation of Howard Street Handmade: The Crafty Supply Sale and Swap
Bonanza! Here's the rundown from one of our organizers (and resident HSH
logo artists, ass-kicker, and all around awesome mama, Katie Elkins of Scrumdidlyump
fame!
One June 6th Howard Street Handmade will host a fabulous day of low-cost
workshops and a Crafty Supply Swap + Sale Bonanza. Howard Street Handmade
takes place at 227 Haywood Road in East West Asheville, next to our lovely
sponsor, Short Street Cakes.

The day will progress in three acts, (eat your heart out Ira Glass):

*Part I - *8 am -10:30 am

- *A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - But you Need a Few of Those Too*

Low-Cost Photography and Writing Workshop
Bring your work and we will do a hands on photo shoot! Learn how to take
great
photos of your work with minimal equipment. We will play with props,
lighting and help each other write great descriptions of our work, and
gain skills to sell more of your work! Great for Etsy or for building a
portfolio to approach galleries and shops!
cost - *$5 *
brought to you by scrumdidlyump
*All proceeds from this class will go to the Howard Street Handmade
marketing fund!*

*Part II - *11:00 am - 1:30 pm
- *That Felt GOOD!*
Felting basics workshop
Learn how to make your own felted soaps with needle felted designs!
cost -* $10 *+ supplies
brought to you by MellowKnee

- *Yo Mam**a Likes Prints*
Low-tech Printing basics workshop
Make your own stamps and learn how to print on paper and fabric.
cost - *$10* plus supplies
scrumdidlyump + special surprise guest

*All classes are first come, first serve. Reserve your spot today by
emailing howardstreethandmade@gmail.com.

*Part III - 3:00 pm - 7 pm

The Crafty Supply Swap + Sale Bonanza*

- *The Sale - Downstairs*
Vendor Table fee - *$10*
3 ft tables available to sell all those crafty supplies you've been
making/hoarding.

- *The Swap - Upstairs*
Bonanza ticket -*$3*
Buy a ticket, bring some crafty stuff you don't want, take away some stuff
you do.
BYOB. (Bring Your Own Basket)

Sign up quick, because spaces are going to fill quickly!

Now, the second event, is the monthly tradition we have all come to know
and love: The Howard Street Handmade Craft Market! This month's HSH will
take place on June 20th, and will feature the usual awesomeness from
returning and new vendors, as well as Music! Outdoor Vendors! A Cake
Walk! and maybe BEER!

For more info, visit howardstreethandmade.blogspot.com
we love you.
xo
jodi and short street cakes and the Howard Street Handmade organizing team.

2nd Saturday Artist Market on Stroll Weekend!

2009-05-22T16:44:00.003-04:00

Booth spaces are still available for the June 13 2nd Saturday Artist Market - we're taking more booths this month, and better yet the booth fee has been lowered to $30!

Two artists can share a tent, and artists can also apply saying they'd like to share (and if you don't have a tent, say so and we'll try to match you with someone who does!).

Details are all at the blog or contact lori 'at' crazygreenstudios.com - we're expecting a nice party of Stroll-ers to join us, and we'd love to have even more Asheville Etsy representin'!

Lexington Bazaar

2009-04-10T16:35:00.005-04:00

Welcome to your new funky friendly Outdoor Market! Soak in the sun, look fly and shop yourself happy!

Here are the FAQs:

What?
Your eclectic outdoor market featuring artists, crafters and designers.

Where?
Lexington Park Courtyard (entrance next to Virtue) nestled between North Lexington Ave and Carolina Lane in Downtown Asheville, NC.

Who sells?
Indie artists/crafters/designers sell their merchandise directly to the customer.

Who buys?
North Lexington Avenue has a lot of foot traffic and potential shoppers will be lured into the courtyard with music and Bouchon’s exclusive Street food stand featuring crêpes and his famous French fries (exclusive cooperation between the Bazaar and Bouchon).

When?
Open in the sunny months from May 23rd – beginning of October on every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am-4pm (on rainy days market will be closed).

Opening Day: Saturday, May 23rd

Other dates: 06/06, 06/20, 07/04, 07/18, 08/01, 08/15, 08/29, 09/12, 09/26, 10/10

For more information on how to apply for this event please check out Lexington Bazaar or send an email to lexingtonbazaar [!at] hotmail.com

Figs and Ginger makes front page hand-picked!

2009-04-08T11:26:00.003-04:00

Fawn Family Necklace

Star House makes front page hand-picked!

2009-04-03T09:15:00.002-04:00

Wooden Easter Egg Family

3rd Annual Art in Autumn Festival

2009-03-27T11:16:00.003-04:00

The Weaverville Business Association has put out a call for artists for the 3rd Annual Art in Autumn Juried Arts and Crafts Show, to be held Saturday, September 19, 2009, 10am -5pm, in downtown Weaverville, North Carolina.

Applications are being accepted from artists working in any of the following mediums: Basketry, Clay, Digital Art, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Wood.

A $1000 cash prize will be awarded for Best in Show, with additional cash prizes for second place, third place, and honorable mentions.

Additional information and artist applications are available online at www.artinautumn.com.

Deadline to enter is May 15, 2009 and the show can accommodate up to 100 artists.

For more information or to obtain a hard copy of the application, contact Sherrye Perry at (828) 273-7306 or e-mail artinautumn [!at] visitweaverville.com.

2nd Saturday Artist Market in East West Asheville accepting artist applications!

2009-03-26T13:19:00.008-04:00

East West Asheville presents the 2nd Saturday Artist Market, to be held monthly (on the 2nd Saturday!) from May through December. The Market location is in the lot adjoining the Studios at Domino Lane, and will accommodate up to 20 booths. One booth per month is allocated for use by a community organization, and two for the host studios, so only 17 booths will be assigned each month. We're looking for artists, craftspeople, musicians and if you think you fit into another category all together, you're also encouraged to apply!

AVLEtsy members are invited to visit the 2nd Saturday Artist Market blog for more information and to download applications and other Market documents. Artists may apply for one or multiple months, and applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis, first come first serve. While we are concentrating on filling the May and June Markets at this time, artists are encouraged to submit as soon as possible even for later months, to have the most consideration.

Any questions? Contact Lori at EastWest.2ndSaturday@yahoo.com.

Heads UP for July!

2009-02-19T08:36:00.002-05:00

The Big Crafty will be coming back to AshVegas!

Mark your calendars for July 12th. Lots of Etsians including many members of the Asheville Etsy Street Team. I know I'll be there ...

Valentine's Day Sale from Faerie Made

2009-02-14T10:07:00.001-05:00

Please enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders over $15.00!

Also, Enjoy 14% (Because it's February 14th) off all orders!!!!!

Hurry! This sale is only going for one day only! Today!

My website is already set up for it. If you order on Etsy, you will be refunded.

Faerie Made Website

Faerie Made on Etsy

Valentine's Day Offerings from Asheville Etsy Street Team

2009-02-05T23:10:00.001-05:00

Looking for something special to give someone on Valentine's Days? Check out the amazing offerings from some of Asheville's best crafters ... found on Etsy. The following are offering Valentine's gifts!

Enjoy!

HandMade in America

2009-02-04T13:54:00.007-05:00

HandMade in America is a not for profit organization striving to create opportunities for local crafts people and artisans here in WNC. They work throughout our region to promote economic development through crafts, educational practices incorporating crafts, provide resources and technical assistance to crafts people, and much more!

They also have an incredible resource, the HandMade in America Craft Registry, which is a database consisting of thousands of regional craftspeople. Additionally, they send out bi-monthly newsletters about craft events in WNC.

HandMade in America would like to invite all of the Etsy members here in Asheville, and our region, to join their Craft Registry. The listing is free and can be a great networking tool. Add your name to the database today!

Introducing The Green Violet

2009-02-03T08:11:00.006-05:00

[photos by Megan of The Green Violet]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile! This week we're delighted to meet Megan Green of The Green Violet.

Living the Etsy Life:

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since January 2009... but I've been buying for much longer!

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
Currently, all my items are crocheted, but I will probably branch out into other mediums! I'm just so excited about being able to create and sell things that I love. Right now, my favorite items to make are laptop cozies, wrist warmers, bookmarks, hats, and new surprise item that I'll be posting this week! I'm always looking for more things to crochet.

How long have you been making items that you sell on Etsy?
I have been knitting and crocheting since high school, so for about 10 years. I only recently joined Etsy, I posted my first items the second week of January and am still waiting for my first sale (that isn't to a friend or family member).

Describe your Etsy experience:
As a buyer, I have never been disappointed with my purchases from Etsy. They are always lovely and unique, and I really enjoy knowing that I am supporting artists rather than mass producers of crappy items. I just recently opened my shop on Etsy, and it has been a great experience so far (even though I haven't sold anything)! Everyone in the forums has offered great advice and critiques for my shop and I'm very excited about the Asheville Esty Team, it seems like a great opportunity to meet other crafters in the area. All in all, Etsy seems like a wonderful community that I am very excited to be a part of.

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
I don't currently sell items outside of Etsy, but am very interested in pursuing other possibilities.

Do you have any advice to someone who is new to Etsy?
I am new to Etsy, I welcome your advice! So I guess my advice is to listen to all the veteran sellers and be open to any suggestions.

Creative Endeavors:

What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
Yarn and lots of buttons!

How did you learn your craft?
My mother taught me how to knit in high school, my roommate taught me how to crochet in grad school, and I never follow patterns! I love to make things up as I go along, that way the final product is always a pleasant (or unpleasant and needs to be remade) surprise.

Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
In my real (surreal?) life, I am a geologist and my specific research interest is groundwater. I know, crazy, right? I was lucky enough to complete my master's degree in beautiful northern Arizona, and then moved to Asheville this past summer where I am currently completing a year of service with Americorps. I work for the NCSU Water Quality group, our goal is to improve water quality throughout western North Carolina by installing small scale, natural stormwater treatment systems. You can see our rain gardens, stormwater wetlands, and green roofs at Carrier Park, the Richmond Hill frisbee golf course, UNCA, the Reed Creek Greenway, and lots of other locations throughout the region! I love to talk about the importance of groundwater and water quality, so let me know if you are interested!

Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
I LOVE Asheville. I moved here from Flagstaff, Arizona, and I think many people have a romanticized view of the western U.S.. Let me tell you, Asheville is much more fun! There is so much culture, music, and art, and the people are much friendlier! I suppose that you can take the girl out of the south, but you can't take the south of the girl. I've been trying to get to Asheville for a while now, and I am very glad that I finally made it here. I'm hoping to stick around!

What's your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
I know it may be a bit cliche, but my most favorite restaurant (maybe in the world) is Salsa's.

Random & Fun Questions:

What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
One of my favorite quotes is "love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe".

What are your non-crafting hobbies?
My new dog, Petey, attempting to play the banjo, wine, porch sitting, long back country river trips, not cleaning my house, rocks, and water.

What was the last book you read? Did you like it?
Ok, I'll admit it, I just read the Twilight series and I loved it! Well, except for the last book, I thought it was a little lame after about the first two chapters. Currently, I'm reading The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani and am really enjoying it.

Montford Arts and Music Festival

2009-02-02T15:49:00.004-05:00

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND CRAFTS PEOPLE!

What: 6th Annual Montford Arts and Music Festival
When: Saturday May 16th 2009 11am - 7pm
Where: Located right out on Montford Avenue, between Cullowhee and Wanetta streets.
Details: Artist and crafters information and application forms can be downloaded here.
Contact:
Sharon Fahrer
828.777.1014
www.montfordfestival.com

Whatever your passion for art and music, you will find it in the heart of historic Montford at the the 6th Annual Montford Arts and Music Festival! Spend a day packed with creativity and good food. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation and the Montford Neighborhood Association.

View the eclectic architecture that enables Montford to be home to a large variety of people. Celebrate the diversity that is Montford. Mingle and chat with local artists and craftspeople as they showcase their talents that so richly portray the warmth and character that is Montford. "Be our guests and step back in time to experience the magic of Montford" says Sharon Fahrer, editor of the Montford Newsletter and long time Montford resident. Past performers included: The Firecracker Jazz Band, the Buckerettes, Mad Tea Party, Buncombe Turnpike, JoBangles, Ira Bernstein, Peggy Seeger, Loafers Glory Clog Morris and many more. We estimate between 3000-4000 people attended last years festival.

This year's list of featured artists and performers will be even more amazing. Snake Oil Medicine Show and Sure Fayah Reggae band are among the headliners.

Foundling makes "Featured Seller"

2009-01-30T12:39:00.003-05:00

You can read the entire interview here.

Way to go Betsy!

CPSIA on the local front

2009-01-27T15:58:00.004-05:00

"New lead-testing rules concern local crafters, children’s retailers, bookstores"

You can read the Mountain Xpress article by Anne Fitten Glenn in its entirety here.

Introducing Oakmother's Papers of Intent

2009-01-27T08:42:00.006-05:00

[photos by Stefanie of Oakmother's Papers of Intent]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile! This week we're delighted to meet Stefanie of Oakmother's Papers of Intent.

Living the Etsy Life:

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since December 2008.

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
Handmade paper art, and Papers of Intent - special papers made for prayers, rituals, wishes, and affirmations.

How long have you been making items that you sell on Etsy?
I've been a papermaker for about 10 years now. I love the versatility of the medium - pulp paintings, books, lampshades, stationery, castings - my list of ideas is endless!

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
Pura Vida, Crystal Visions, and local classes and workshops.

Creative Endeavors:

What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
I like to use recycled paper, cotton, abaca, and herbs. Recycling paper gives the added satisfaction of taking something old and making something new from it - it feels like truly crafting from scratch.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Over the years I have been inspired by my love and concern for our natural environment. Lately, papermaking is part of my spiritual practice. The items you see on my Etsy site are a direct result of my recent meditations. Papermaking is a very cleansing act - taking "trash" and changing it into a useful item, washing away worries and starting with a clean slate, putting my energy into the intention that the paper represents.

How do you balance Etsy with other commitments?
I spend about 5-6 hours per week on Etsy and my products. Most weeks I have 1-2 hours to make paper, and then spend the rest of the time reading about improving my products and my shop, creating packaging, filling orders, etc. I have a family and work a full time job in addition to my craft, so mostly my "paper" work is done after the family is in bed.

Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
The creative energy and support of the community, the progressive attitude of the region, and the mountains.

What's your vote for best place(s) to eat in Asheville?
The Chocolate Lounge (dessert first!), The Green Sage, Lorettas....

If you had to move away from the area, what would you miss the most about it?
Been there and done that. Thrift stores, Amazing Savings, the rich music scene, and WNCW.

Random & Fun:

What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
"It is what it is."

What are your non-crafting hobbies?
Camping, learning about edible and medicinal wild plants, gardening, mothering, catching up with old friends.

Introducing SewUpscale

2009-01-20T09:04:00.005-05:00

[photos by Linda of SewUpscale]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile! This week we're delighted to meet Linda of SewUpscale.

Living the Etsy Life:

How did you find Etsy?
My daughter-in-law told my about Etsy.

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since June 2007.

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
I specialize in landscape quilted fabric post cards. The mountains are my favorite subject. I also sell quilted wall hangings and children’s clothing.

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
At the present time, I only sell through Etsy. I would like to expand soon.

Creative Endeavors:

What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
Fabric and thread.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration from my surroundings. I take my camera everywhere and when I see a scene that looks interesting, I take a picture. If I don’t have my camera, I make crude drawings on scraps of paper. How did you learn your craft or art? I am mostly self taught. I have taken some quilting classes.

Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
I work full time as a Social Worker at the Department of Social Services.

Aside from your creations on Etsy, what other creative endeavors are you involved in?

Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
The diversity.

If someone is visiting the area, what is the one thing that they
must see or do before they leave?
The NC Arboretum.

What's your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
Pastabilities in west Asheville.

If you had to move away from the area, what would you miss the most about it?
The mountains and hiking, all the different trails.

Random & Fun:

What are your non-crafting hobbies?
I love to read and hike.

What was the last book you read?
I like to listen to books on CD while I’m sewing. I like any mystery books. I like the books by Janet Evanovich.

CPSIA: The Storque

2009-01-19T09:52:00.005-05:00

Recognize the wool felt crown in the lower right corner featured in The Storque's CPSIA article? That's Asheville Etsy's cozyblue!

You can read the entire article here at Etsy.com.

Save Handmade!

got fiber love?

2009-01-15T08:41:00.007-05:00

[Possibly the first exhibit opportunity for early 2009?]

Cloth Fiber Workshop is putting on a Valentine's Day exhibit/auction. This exhibit has a two-fold purpose.

1) To show your work to a very interested and present audience.
2) To help raise money to benefit Cloth Fiber Workshop during these very challenging economic times.

The details:

What: A one-of-a-kind valentine, or valentine themed piece of art. All that is required is that it involves some sort of fiber: fabric, felt, paper, mixed-media, knitted, crocheted, stitched, beaded, 2-D and 3-D are all welcome!

When: Entries will be on display January 30th - February 14th 2009. Opening and auction will be Friday, February 6th from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Where:
Biltmore Station
51 Thompson Street - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28803
828.505.2958

Please note that valentines need to be delivered/sent to Cloth Fiber Workshop by January 24th.

Furthermore, artists may enter their valentines on consignment and split the proceeds 50/50, or artists may donate their Valentines, and Cloth will receive the total proceeds.

Keep in mind that this exhibit is not exclusive to Asheville Etsy Street Team members; it's open to ALL fiber artists in our community! So if you think that you or someone you know might be interested in participating, please do.

Our Team loves Cloth Fiber Workshop, so let's reach out and show some love to keep their doors open!

Introducing Touch of Ross Pottery

2009-01-13T08:15:00.009-05:00

[photos by Kim Ross]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile! This week we're delighted to meet Kim of Touch of Ross Pottery.

Living the Etsy Life:

How did you find Etsy?
I found it through the internet one day while googling craft sites.

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since November 16, 2008

How long have you been making the items you sell on Etsy?
Approximately two years.

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
We sell Functional and Nonfunctional handbuilt and wheelthrown pottery using our own homemade glazes and incorporating glass into many pieces.

My boys carve several items out including faces.

Is there a story behind your shop name?
Touch Of Ross Pottery is a name my sons and I came up with since we love using our hands to create our pottery. We feel each piece is unique and we have put a "Touch of Love" into every one we create and want the buyer to know that and feel that in the pieces they buy.

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
Yes, we have our pieces in Waynesville at DejaView, Bryson City at Sleepy Hollow Farms, Balsam Mountain Inn, and in two galleries in Virginia.

Creative Endeavors:

What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
We love using recycled clay, glazes which we make that are nontoxic, and glass.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I have always wanted to do pottery since I was 9 years old. I was born and in raised in a place called Snowflake, Va, maybe 40 to 50 people in our little town. When I was 9 I scooped up some dark clay mud from our driveway and made two small cup looking pieces with my hands. My Mom then baked those in our oven and I painted it with regular paint. I still have those two pieces sitting in my living room to this day and I cannot believe that after all these years they're still together!

I moved to Waynesville, NC 18 years ago and then met my wonderful husband. After I both of my boys, who are now ages 13 and 14, I started homeschooling. Approximately two years ago I went to a studio to learn pottery and my boys also went. We are now a team making pottery and have been very blessed with the success we have had and working together as a unit.

Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
I am a part-time medical transcriptionist and I work out of my home doing that.

Aside from your creations on Etsy, what other creative endeavors are you involved in?
I am a homeschool mom and I think this is a pretty creative endeavor of its own and I also make Wilton cakes.

Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
I live in Waynesville and am only maybe 30 minutes away from Asheville. Where I live we have a 180-acre farm with cattle, chickens, etc., and I get some of my inspirations from just looking around at the beauty and landscape.

What’s your impression of the local arts & crafts scene here?
I think it's amazing and I want to eventually go into Asheville with my pottery and get into some galleries. I have focused mainly on the Waynesville/Dillsboro/Sylva areas here. I do want to branch out more and become familiar with the galleries and people out that way!

If someone is visiting the area, what is the one thing that they
must see or do before they leave?
They need to walk Main Street here in Waynesville and see the diverse type of crafts that are offered in the stores. In Asheville of course, they need to see all the galleries there too.

What's your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
The Olive Garden!

Random & Fun:

What's your favorite movie?
"Tombstone," and "The King And I."

What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
"Boys it is school time!"

Who are your heroes and heroines?
Jesus is my hero and my mother. Jesus to me is a hero who went through so much the short time he was on this earth and he has given me hope! My mother has been an awesome mom who raised us to strive to go after whatever it was we wanted to be and
not say "I cannot do it." She told me I could do whatever I wanted and not to limit myself. She is a very crafty person herself and taught herself how to quilt, paint, make sock monkeys, etc.

Introducing Heather Cotton Jewelry Design

2009-01-06T08:26:00.008-05:00

[photo by Heather Cotton Jewerly Design]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile. I know it's been awhile, but we're back in full swing with the Asheville Etsy Street Team Member profile of the week!

This week we're delighted to meet Heather, of Heather Cotton Jewelry Design.

Living the Etsy Life:

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since August 2007

How did you find Etsy?
A friend told me.

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
Jewelry.

Describe your Etsy experience:
I'm a big Etsy fan! As a seller, it's easy to use, efficient, and makes
marketing so easy. As a buyer, I can always find just the right gift
for that special someone including me!

Do you have any advice to someone who is new to Etsy?
Get connected with others! The benefits are endless!

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
I'm just breaking out, so I am not in any galleries or
stores at the moment. I did my first show in 2008, which was LAAFF. My New Year's resolution is to participate in at least six shows in 2009.

Creative Endeavors:

How did you learn your craft or art?
I took courses at Earthspeak Studio in the Asheville River Arts District, and at Penland School of Crafts.

Aside from your creations on Etsy, what other creative endeavors are you involved in?
I'm a creative junkie...I see something I like, I go buy all the materials, and I try to make it- 9 times out of 10 it turns out pretty awful, but the silver lining is that I gain a greater appreciation for the work that inspired me.

Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
My friends and the rich arts and culture community.

If someone is visiting the area, what is the one thing that they
must see or do before they leave?
Get out and explore! Make their experience here unique and tailored just for them. I think visitors often stick to town and the familiar attractions, but there is so much more to see and do in our region. I would recommend picking up a
Handmade in America travel guide or selecting an itinerary on their website, and follow a driving trail to see some of our mountain treasures.

What's your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
Mela

Random & Fun:

What's your favorite movie - actor/actress?
Goonies. I am a Goonie! There are just too many amazing and talented actors and actresses to name just one.

The Laurel of Asheville magazine

2008-11-28T14:58:00.006-05:00

We're in it! So get out and grab a December issue of The Laurel of Asheville magazine before they're all gone and see for yourself.

The mountain Etsy connection

2008-11-28T10:04:00.002-05:00

Handy craft
The local (and profitable) face of Etsy.com
by Alli Marshall in Vol. 15 / Iss. 18 on 11/26/2008

There’s a certain truth: “People like sitting in their cubicles and looking at cute things online,” says Asheville-based painter Moni Hill. Satisfying that desire, Hill (and dozens of other local artists) posts her work on e-commerce Web site Etsy.com.

From the crafter to the cubicle: “People like to look at cute things online,” says artist Moni Hill. Apparel by Astronette.But there’s another cold, hard fact at work here: Sales are down in almost every commercial sector. The Washington Post recently reported, “Consumers scaled back on discretionary spending and hunted for values on necessities,” adding that “many department stores and apparel retailers, including Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters, had declines.”

So where are consumers spending their pocket money? Apparently in virtual stores. In an August Good Morning America segment called “Five Best Work-From-Home Jobs,” Etsy got the nod. “If you specialize in jewelry, pottery, clothing, illustrations, bath products, edibles and more, you should be selling today on Etsy,” noted Tory Johnson, founder of Women For Hire. “In July alone, the company says 487,000 items were sold, totaling $7 million.” Some of that cash, happily, is flowing into the Western North Carolina economy.

“I’ve been able to sell items I have handmade, in addition to my photographs, around the world,” reveals Asheville resident Mary Donovan. “It’s always great to have other people appreciate the things that you put so much love and care into.” Donovan’s shop, DandyTree (http://www.dandytree.etsy.com) features art photography both as two-dimensional art and incorporated into pendants, rings and earrings. While she admits that “the majority of my print sales go to the West Coast,” local shoppers also find her. “I did recently receive an order for a few prints for someone who had just moved to Asheville and wanted some local art in their house. I have also had orders placed from people who have moved on from Asheville, but want a little piece of it in their house.”

Button brooches by Pliable Trade.Hill’s Etsy store (http://www.monihill.etsy.com) lists her nature-themed folk art, painted onto reclaimed wood. She opened the online shop not as much for the retail business as for a place where her fans could find her. “Mainly I needed it because my turnover is so quick,” the artist says. “When I would show paintings at art fairs, people would want to know [where to find more of my work]. I knew I needed a Web site, so I opened an Etsy account.”

It turns out that 185,000 other sellers have done the same thing. The Web site, which was created in 2005 by painter/carpenter/photographer Rob Kalin, has seen exponential increases in sales each year. Gross merchandise sales reached $3.8 million in 2006. Last year, that number climbed to $26 million, and as of August 2008, the sales figure hovered around $35 million. That, from hand-knitted scarves, one-off jewelry and unique gift items. Things that can be had for less than $50.

“You know the extra buttons that come with some shirts? I have been stashing them for a few years, but in various places, so each time I needed one, I wouldn’t have to tear up my house trying to find another one. When I ran out, I found some at thrift stores, craft stores, and even on the ground,” says local designer Lauren Bansemer. Her button collecting led to craft inspiration; now her independent business Pliable Trade (http://www.pliabletrade.etsy.com) sells button-adorned brooches for $7 to $8.50 each.

The site’s “Geofinder” function shows 82 stores operated by Asheville-area sellers. Among those, George Sawyer (georgesawyer.etsy.com) makes iPod cases out of wood; Buncombe Buckles Metalworks (buncombebuckles.etsy.com) offers belt buckles fashioned from discarded metal parts; and the Bloomery (theBloomery.etsy.com) is home to bloomers (as in loose, decorative shorts worn under skirts) made from recycled fabrics. Looking for a blast form the past? At Revival Studio (revivalstudio.etsy.com), vintage sewing patterns (such as “1965 swanky Fred McMurray sweater jacket or vest") run $1.50 to $3 each. Want something edgy? Artist Josh Smith sells chain-mail jewelry ranging from $10 to $30 at SubcultureWorx (http://www.subcultureWorx.etsy.com). Need a housewarming gift? Lazy Dog Pottery (http://www.LazyDogPottery.etsy.com) carries wheel-thrown or slab-built mugs, plates, teapots, vases, lidded jars and candle holders—and in this shop, shipping is free.

Shop (virtually) till you drop: Local artists offer unique crafts on Etsy. Tea set by Lazy Dog Pottery.Seamstress Bridget Miller (who is currently based in Chattanooga, Tenn.) created the line Astronette (http://www.astronette.etsy.com) to market her one-of-a-kind clothing. While Astronette is also available at Asheville boutique The HoneyPot, Miller says her online business equals her consignment sales. “Handmade clothes have a soul and are made with love and attention,” she muses. The one e-commerce glitch: “Knowing if the item will fit is probably the most tricky part of shopping for clothes online. I provide detailed measurements of each garment and so far everything has fit.”

Miller offers this tip for Etsy shoppers: “To find independent clothing designers, search for ‘BFSC’: it stands for ‘built from scratch clothing.’”

Beyond the sheer variety, the something-for-everyone-ness, Etsy’s users tend to gush the site’s praises. “Buying has been a breeze and listing my own items has not been difficult to figure out,” says local seamstress Dawn Mendonca, who sells crafty clothing for children at Darcus Does It (http://www.darcusdoesit.etsy.com). “I’m creative with a computer so it’s been fun setting up the storefront and all the options.”

She continues, “Etsy actually helps to inspire the seller in me because I see so many other part-time crafters making a go at it, too.” Her only complaint is that once her user name was set, she wasn’t able to change it.

“Etsy has some kinks to work out, but personally I find that the site is not only beautiful to look at, but very user-friendly for both buyers and sellers,” offers Bansemer.

The perk most sellers mention is the low fees (20 cents per item sold) that Etsy charges. Other e-commerce sites are not so inexpensive, and for crafters trying to make a little extra cash from handmade items, low overhead makes all the difference.