A Crafter's Life by Thirdeardear: crafter

Showing posts with label crafter. Show all posts

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: Playfulwearsetc

Easter Egg yarn baskets bunny rabbit holiday candy pink blue purple yellow orange by Playfulwears. visit her shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/playfulwearsetc, where you can find just about any talent, from making childrens clothes to purses and hand drawn art. What is your favorite item from her shop? Let us know in the comments below!

1) Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a 43 yr old grandmother of 8 mother of 5 and Happily Married to a wonderful man
I am disabled and Needed something to occupy me.
So I began playing around with different kinds of Crafts and found the Baking, Sewing Basically all Crafts. And Here I am!

2)Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
My Inspiration comes from lots of different places in my life,
Something some one said, My Children And Grandkids.
But mostly knowing that I can put a smile on a strangers face

3)Who Taught me how to Craft?
I am a self teacher of all my ideas and creations.
Alot of Books and You Tube Tutorials.

4)My Advice for New Etsy Shop Owners,
Make your self know, Fave and Heart everything and anything you can. They will fave you back.
Join some of the BNS's and BNR's Build up your sales and View.
Dont give up , It took me about a year! And Im still learning.
And Presentation,
Good pictures of your items. and at least 100 listings.

5)Three websites I use alot
Facebook
Google
And Etsy

6) three favorite shops
a) Cakkystuff- She is very artistic and you can see that she is very Up beat and fun, by looking at her items
b)Giftbearer- Another wonderful Artist.
I love the Creator in her!
c)Morefriends-
She has awesome cards! Cards for every occassion!
And she is willing to design anything for whatever occassions you may have!

7)Where do I see my Crafting Business in Ten years?
I hope to have a small crafting shop! Where I can sell my Items in person!
I love to work with people, Creating things specifically for them!

AWESOME ETSY BUYS: CUTE MOUSE AMIRIGUMI by Meddywv

Cute hand crocheted mouse, 3 inches not including tail. It comes with safety eyes.

This is a birthday gift for my daughter, she loves mice and pink...she surely loved this one! look how adorable it is, the piece speaks for itself =)

10% of all proceeds goes to the Olive Branch Animal Rescue and Refuge www.olivebranchwv.org . visit her shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/meddywv

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: MYPAPERMEDIA

JOURNAL, Recycled Vintage Book Cover, Romantic Vintage Girl Fabric Panel, Opens Flat, Total 26 Pages , handmade by Momma T of MyPapermedia in Etsy, scrapbooking extraordinaire =)

visit her Etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyPaperMedia, what is your favorite item from Momma's shop? We'd like to know!

1. Tell me a little about yourself. I am a grandmother of 3 boys. I work as a trauma nurse on weekends. I love to work with my hands, and I get a thrill when an item I've been working on is finished and "I love it"!

2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting? My inspiration comes from my imagination. Sometimes when I go to craft shows or I'm window shopping, I see something that lights a spark in me and an inspiration ignites.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft? I have taught myself how to craft, mainly by watching You Tube video's and experimenting on my own.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in etsy? A tip for new crafters starting a business on etsy would be to have patience. Make your items, post great pictures, and in time your sales will come. With so many people selling on etsy it does take a little while to be discovered.

5. Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without. Three web sites I go to are You Tube, and jewelry/craft sites that have lessons on them for free. You can Google what you are interested in and find help. I mostly make jewelry for my
etsy shop Lexigirlcreations, but for some reason I have also developed a passion for paper crafts.

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why. I have so many favorite shops I really can't pin it down to just three. When I'm thinking of a gift for someone else, I search on etsy and when I find what I'm looking for, it becomes another favorite shop!

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years? In 10 years or less, I see myself having a small brick and mortar store near the University of Kentucky here in Lexington. I would really like to open it up to other local hand-crafters so they can sell their items as well. I see myself crafting there during the day as well and making special custom orders for people.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: 24KLUXE

Hand-woven Double North Star Non Tarnish Set , handmade by Leah Papa of 24kLuxe in Etsy. Leah is a close friend whose creativity and business sense served as an inspiration. Here is an excerpt from her website, http://www.leahpapadesigns.com:

Leah Papa Designs creates and markets fashion-exclusive accessories sold in Felicity - The Shangri la Mall, Firma - Greenbelt 3 & Trinoma from 2006-2009. We showcase our designs and conveniently manage our online ordering system @ www.leahpapadesigns.com. Selected designs are sold at The Landmark Makati & Trinoma. All products are hand made using techniques such as sculpting, knitting, wrapping & weaving. Some articles are embellished with our very own designer beads. (read more)

visit her Etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/24kLuxe, what is your favorite item from Leah's shop? We'd like to know!

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

I started designing & creating fashion accessories in 2003, alongside a career in IT. I remember hunting for the best accessory to complement my dress back then. Long walks, lots of time spent, but nothing caught my eye. As soon as I got home, there was a bazaar at my place, one booth sold fashion accents/accessories... and BEADS! That's where it all started for me...being a BSM by education, the MATH in me found a partner ♥

I now sell to three big bookstore chains in my country. My FB page is www.facebook.com/leahpapadesigns.com. I am lucky to have been featured in fashion magazines & some online reviews.

2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
Most often, I have clients asking me to design something that would complement their outfits. I also get inspiration from nice and trendy clothes I see or have or from OOAK beads I just bought.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft? I am a self learned multi media crafter. I am always intrigued at how things are made. I love working with wire most specially.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in easy? Starting a business like this entails building a good relationship with clients. People have different views of what's pretty or nice. Respect the fact that "beauty" is subjective. Most importantly, take clear photos for your buyers to appreciate and take time to describe each piece or answer inquiries.

5. Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.
www.leahpapadesigns.com
www.facebook.com/leahpapadesigns
www.24kluxe.etsy.com

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
www.etsy.com/shop/24kluxe
Simply put, this shop is a window to my creative soul

www.beadbucks.etsy.com
This is me sharing my collection of fab supplies

www.thirdeardear.etsy.com
This shop is owned by one of the most trusted people I know, my childhood friend.

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
I am in the midst of rebranding…. in 10 years i hope my new brand SOFI will be a common fashion lingo.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: ZIPORGIABELLA

large opalite peanuts and glass lampwork teardrop bead hand made bracelet by Ziporgiabella. Rachelle , the owner of Ziporgiabella is a wonderful etsian and awesome friend. What do you like about this bracelet? We'd like to know =)

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
Life in all of its forms is precious to me. I am in a constant state of learning about myself and the importance of being in harmony and balance. Teaching high school English is what I choose as my present career because it makes me happy.

2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
Inspiration comes from a bead, a rock, gemstones, or the patterns of color you see out of the airplane window on your way home from Tucson. If I have not made anything for a while, the excitement of creating is the inspiration.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
A fellow educator taught me the basics of wire-wrapping a few years ago. Learning that skill has changed my life.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in etsy?
The tip I have for newbie crafters on Etsy is to never give up. You never know what someone will like or want to purchase. Sometimes it is about much more than the sales; it is about art, color, shape, texture, and that fireworks feeling you get inside when a piece is finished.

5. Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.
The three websites I can not live without are: Lumosity to keep my brain active; Vitacost for excellent vitamins, and websites with free shipping.

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
My three favorite shops (on Etsy) are: 1)Polestar: because the jewelry design, shop appearance, and owner integrity is impeccable; 2) the multitude of dichroic glass artists on Etsy fascinate me and it is too difficult to choose just one; 3) Print Liberation because I purchased a “MY LIFE ROCKS” t-shirt from them years ago and if I could I would wear it every day to remind myself to always be in a state of gratitude.

Visit her etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ziporgiabella

10 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

1. Movement Gets Me Going!

2. Fun Equals Creative Thinking

3. Get the Ball Rolling and Don't Stop

4. Get Completely Uncomfortable

5. Spark Creative Visual Conversation

6. Place, Purpose, and Post-Its

7. Plan Ahead

8. Set Some Weird Rules

9. Know When to Take Time Off

10. Stay Motivated with Side Projects

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: MEDDYWV

Custom Dog - Amigurumi - Hand Crocheted is made by Meddywv, a wonderful etsian and a wonderful friend. Visit her Etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/meddywv

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
Well, I'm the VP of a no-kill animal rescue, The Olive Branch Animal Rescue and Refuge. I have a shop in Sistersville WV along with the Animal Rescues Pet Supply store and I live on a farm with my husband, 4 horses, 3 cats and 2 dogs. My kids are grown.
2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
I guess my inspiration comes from all the animals in my life.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I've been crocheting since the 6th grade when my teacher taught me. But only have been doing amigurumi for the past 2 years.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?
tips would be to be persistent and keep at it....it took a year for my etsy shop to catch on. lol

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.3 favorite websites for my crafting
etsy!
i can't live without the following websites: Etsy (of course), the Olive Branch www.olivebranchwv.org , and facebook (to keep up with my kids!) lol

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
TEDARLA, for her bows that she makes for me, Caribbean Scents for her body butter which I adore, and SoapArt for the best clove soap i've ever used!

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
in 10 years i hope my hands and my eyes allow me to keep crocheting!!!

*************WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM MEDDYWV? WE"D LIKE TO KNOW!****************

WEDNESDAY REVIEWS: How to sell your Crafts Online

With over 400,000 sellers on Etsy, how can you make YOUR shop stand out and increase your sales? This is a key question for many crafters and artists who are selling online these days. Now here are all the answers and much more from author and Etsy seller Derrick Sutton. Based on his self-published guide, and drawn from his practical experience, you will learn how to boost your Etsy sales, attract more customers, and expand your online presence. Derrick shares his proven online sales and marketing knowledge in an easily accessible format, complete with simple actions steps at the end of each chapter. Learn how to completely optimize your Etsy shop, website, or blog, and much more.

SHOPPER'S DELIGHT: INEXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

♥ CREATIVE GIFTS♥

Look what I bought!

This toothfairy pillow was created by grannyscraftattic, https://www.etsy.com/shop/grannyscraftattic. Thanks for your creativity granny!

maybe it will make my daughter less scared of the dentist =)

Blue Skies

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true”

1. Beautiful Blue Earrings- https://www.etsy.com/listing/97050919/beautiful-blue-earrings?ref=tre-2722677287-1

2. Aqua and White 3 Strand Beaded Stretch Bracelet - Custom Made to Size- https://www.etsy.com/listing/90388699/aqua-and-white-3-strand-beaded-stretch?ref=tre-2722677287-2

3. Cameo Boy Angel Praying Soap- https://www.etsy.com/listing/129007050/cameo-boy-angel-praying-soap?ref=tre-2722677287-3

4. BOGO Bashful Blue Stampin Up Satin Ribbon- https://www.etsy.com/listing/167048933/bogo-bashful-blue-stampin-up-satin?ref=tre-2722677287-4

5.Spiral Scrubby - Blue Tones 4"- https://www.etsy.com/listing/162159342/spiral-scrubby-blue-tones-4?ref=tre-2722677287-5

6. 10 mm Blue Melon Shape Magnesite Beads- https://www.etsy.com/listing/164845448/10-mm-blue-melon-shape-magnesite-beads?ref=tre-2722677287-6

7. blue houses set of 2 potholders hot padshttps://www.etsy.com/listing/159986196/blue-houses-set-of-2-potholders-hot-pads?ref=tre-2722677287-7

8. Fimo flower Wire-wrapped ring- Blue Flower, size 4-12- https://www.etsy.com/listing/165555375/fimo-flower-wire-wrapped-ring-blue?ref=tre-2722677287-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: TAKUNIQUEDESIGNS

Square Glass Magnets Set of 3 Colorful Abstract Flowers by Takuniquedesigns. What do you like about this seasoning mix? We’d like to hear from you!

"I love creating and want my shop to be fun to visit, cheerful and bright and show that love I have for handmade!"------Theresa, owner of TAKUniquedesigns

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm a mother of 4, grandmother of 5 and love creating! I work full time so I don't have the time I'd like to devote to crafting but I always manage to create something new each week!
2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
For jewelry, my inspiration comes from beautiful beads and findings - I love beads, charms, pendants, connectors and as I'm shopping for them I'm creating that new piece in my mind! It's pretty much the same with everything I craft, I search for the supplies and the ideas form!
3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I learned a little about jewelry making from a sweet lady at a show I visited ~ from there I taught myself, always searching websites and tutorials. I went from jewelry on to magnets, cards, keychains, etc. I love learning new crafts.
4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?
a. get all the information you can on what you make, learn your craft well

b. get onto some teams and get to know some of the wonderful people on etsy, there are soooo many!

c. find your niche ~ the thing you want to be known for, enjoy the most and work that ~
d. have fun!!!

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.3 favorite websites for my crafting
etsy!
willowruncrafts.com
beadaholique.com

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
3 shops for my crafting
Gardeninggalatwork - she has all kinds of wonderful bags for packaging orders.
Karenscraftsupplies - she has everything you need to make pendants, magnets, etc.
Bellasbeadhabit - all kinds of beads and charms, etc.

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
Hmmm, in 10 years I will probably be doing about the same with my business, because for me, my business is more of a "therapy". It's something I love to do and removes all the cares of the world while I'm doing it! But maybe in 10 years, I will have a craft room!!

Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TAKUniqueDesigns

TOP 10 REASONS TO SCRAPBOOK

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling.

1. Naturally preserve your heritage.

2. Passion for Photography

3. Scrapbooking is a fun, creative outlet.

4. they make fantastic personal gifts!

5. Scrapbooking Supplies Are Not Expensive

6. Scrapbooking can help you clean up your attic!

7. Scrapbooking allows you to connect with others.

8. Get Reacquainted With Yourself

9.Scrapbooking is rewarding

10. Document milestones.

For Scrapbooking supplies, Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13725242

TREASURY MONDAY: GROWL!!!

Have the will of a tiger, the speed of a cheetah and the heart of a lion.

TOP SCRAPBOOKERS (.....or scrapbooking suppliers)

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling.

Here are our top 8 Scrapbookers (or Scrapbooking Suppliers). Write in the comments below your pick for the top scrapbooker=)

1. LAYOUTSFROMTHEHEART- https://www.etsy.com/shop/LayoutsFromTheHeart ( http://layoutsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/)

2. BAYLEAFBUTTONS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/BayleafButtons

3. SCRAPHAPPYMAMA-
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapHappyMama

4. MYPAPERMEDIA-https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyPaperMedia

5. DEBKCREATIONS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/debkcreations

6. STAMPINKSCRAP- https://www.etsy.com/shop/stampinkscrap

7. THECHARMINGMAGNOLIA- https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCharmingMagnolia

8. WHITEWOLFeNATIVEARTS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteWolfeNativeArts

For more scrapbooking supplies, pls. visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13725242

WHAT'S YOUR SIGN?

Every sign has certain characteristic traits, both positive as well as negative. However, not all the traits perfectly match any individual as the other planets in his chart can also influence the personality of the person. Also, people born on the first or the last day of any sign are known as cusp and share the traits of both the signs. The zodiac signs and dates are fixed and do not change under any circumstances.

Aries (21st March - 20th April)
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the Ram and ruled by planet Mars. All people belonging to Aries zodiac sign are full of energy, vitality and enthusiasm. They are born leaders gifted with confidence, wit and courage. On the darker side, they can be very selfish and ruthless. Their impatience, desire for constant movement and adventure can be an obstacle in life.
Best compatible with: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Scorpio, Virgo

Taurus (21st April - 21st May)
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the Bull and ruled by planet Venus. Taureans are extremely patient, practical, loving and reliable. Their determination and practicality makes them very successful in life. Peculiarly, Taureans can be very extravagant for their love for luxury or can be worshipers of simplicity. Negative traits of Taurus include extreme inflexibility, stubbornness and laziness.
Best compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Least compatible with: Libra, Sagittarius

Gemini (22nd May - 21st June)
Gemini is the third zodiac sign, ruled by planet Mercury and is symbolized by the Twins. Intelligence, communication and versatility are the characteristic traits of a true Gemini. People born under this sign are fun-loving, adaptable and extremely witty individuals. Their charming exterior can easily hide their negative traits and fickleness.
Best compatible with: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Least compatible with: Scorpio, Capricorn

Cancer (22nd June - 22nd July)
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is symbolized by a Crab and is ruled by the moon. Emotionality is the word that best describes individuals born under this sign. Both, Cancer men and women, are very loving and sympathetic by nature. However, they can turn very clingy and overly emotional at times. Cancerians are also legendarily moody.
Best compatible with: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Least compatible with: Sagittarius, Aquarius

Leo (23rd July - 23rd August)
The Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the Lion and ruled by the Sun. People belonging to the zodiac sign Leo are big-hearted, bright, charismatic and charming. They are very generous, loving and loyal by nature. However, their constant need to lead can make them very dominating, pompous and bossy at times.
Best compatible with: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Capricorn, Pisces

Virgo (23rd August - 23rd September)
Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, ruled by the mercury and symbolized by a Maiden. Similar to its symbol, shyness, modesty and practicality are the words that describe the Virgo. They also have a sharp mind combined with analytical and organized nature. However, their super critical nature is their biggest weakness.
Best compatible with: Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn
Least compatible with: Aries, Aquarius

Libra (24th September - 24th October)
Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac is ruled by planet Venus and symbolized by the Scales. Librans, men and women, are most diplomatic but divinely romantic individuals of the zodiac. They are also very charming and easy to get along with. However, they lack firmness and determination. They are also often criticized for being indecisive.
Best compatible with: Libra, Gemini, Aquarius
Least compatible with: Taurus, Pisces

Scorpio (24th October - 22nd November)
The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, is symbolized by the Scorpion and ruled by planet Mars. Scorpios are a queer mixture of determination, intelligence, emotionality, practicality, magnetism and passion. They are blessed with great intuition which never ever fails them. However, their other traits like jealousy, resent can mar their charismatic personality.
Best compatible with: Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer
Least compatible with: Aries, Gemini

Sagittarius (23rd November - 21st December)
The Sagittarius is the ninth zodiac sign, ruled by planet Jupiter and symbolized by the Archer. Sagittarius are best individuals to have around as they are adventurous, fun-loving, easygoing and also very intelligent. They are also very ambitious and extremely optimistic and strangely philosophical. On the other hand, carelessness, impatience and lack of tact are some of their negative traits.
Best compatible with: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo
Least compatible with: Cancer, Taurus

Capricorn (22nd December - 20th January)
The Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the Goat and ruled by planet Saturn. Representing their signs, Capricorn individuals are very reserved, serious looking and cautious. However, beneath their modest exterior, they are very determined, strong-willed individuals who can be shrewd and ruthlessly practical. But then, Capricorns are also very conservative, miserly and can be very bitter, when hurt.
Best compatible with: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Least compatible with: Gemini, Leo

Aquarius (21st January - 19th February)
Ruled by planet Saturn and symbolized by the Water Bearer, the Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Fun loving, creative, artistic, intelligent and friendly typical Aquarius traits. They are freedom loving individuals with great taste for art and luxuries. However, at times they seem unemotional and completely detached.
Best compatible with: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
Least compatible with: Cancer, Virgo

Pisces (20th February - 20th March)
Pisces is the 12th and the last sign of the zodiac, ruled by planet Neptune and symbolized by two fish in opposite direction. There is always a feel-good feeling when being with a Pisces as they are compassionate, kind, selfless and helpful. However, these qualities turned inside out can turn into weakness and extreme submissiveness. Pisces are often termed as dreamy individuals.
Best compatible with: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio
Least compatible with: Leo, Libra

Astrology and zodiac signs always helps us in knowing and understanding ourselves as well as others in a better way. So, the next time you come across a new person and get to know his / her birth date, just check out more on him / her beforehand and have a better chance in sustaining relationships!

These zodiac charms are available at:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166806132/complete-set-of-zodiac-charms-double?ref=shop_home_active

CRAFTING FOR A CAUSE

Supertyphoon Haiyan barreled through six central Philippine islands on Friday, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes with ferocious winds of 235 kilometers per hour (147 miles per hour) and gusts of 275 kph (170 mph). By those measurements, Haiyan would be comparable to a strong Category 4 hurricane in the U.S., and nearly in the top category, a 5.H orrified residents spoke of storm surges as high as trees and resulting in over 1,000 fatalities. 10%of proceeds from the HANDMADE GIFTS section will be donated to the victims of typhoon Haiyan. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13471791

TREASURY MONDAY: TREATS FOR MY SWEETS

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: GAGIRLJEWELRYANDGIFT

Gourmet Olive Oil Bread Dipping Seasoning Mix (Pesto), Organic, Handmade by Gagirljewelryandgift. What do you like about this seasoning mix? We’d like to hear from you!

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

I am a stay at home wife and mother who has always loved crafting! I am a big fan of natural, organic products. My seasoning mixes are made with organic spices and herbs. My bath and body products are made with all natural ingredients.

2.Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?

My inspiration comes from different things. Maybe just a thought I have. Sometimes from other items I see that I like. Also, like I said, I am big on natural products, so that influences a lot of my work. I like working with seashells, gemstones, and other natural items.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I am self taught as far as most of my crafts! A lot of research and trial and error. I am a licensed cosmetologist, and have taken a course in natural health and healing.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?

Take great pictures. Use a white background, and take close up shots. Use a program to lighten pictures that are too dark. Get involved with teams and build a network of friends. Promote, promote! Facebook, pinterest, twitter, rebelmouse, etc.

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.

Etsy, facebook, pinterest.

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.

Simplysurina, TakUniqueDesigns, MLDesignWorks. I purchase a lot of my supplies on Etsy, and these shops have a lot of what I use! MLDesignWorks is where I get my shop banners and avis!

7. IWhere do you see your crafting business in 10 years?

hope to have a business that is doing well enough to pay bills and be self supporting!

Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/gagirljewelryandgift

WINNING WEDNESDAYS: TAURUS ZODIAC CHARM

A very pretty and unique Taurus Charm (Size: approximately 15 mm) exuding the endurance, stability and practicality of the Taurus.

This simple yet elegant charm is not only completely unique but this item passes the standard of nickel content. The silver/ chrome plating glistens to catch peoples eyes with its delicate beauty!

Interested in buying more quantities of this charm? https://www.etsy.com/listing/156683257/zodiac-charms-taurus?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=Taurus

To view more zodiac charms and other charms, visit my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?ref=si_shop

What design would you put this charm on? Leave a comment below to be entered in a drawing to win this ring. (sorry, limited to US residents only). Drawing will end at the end of November 2013.