Featured Artist Spotlight: CatherinetteRings

My Thirteenth and final featured artist is Daniel of CatherinetteRings. I met Daniel on Entrecard where he was nice enough to help me figure out how some things there worked. Since then I have purchased 2 of his rings and they are truly works of art! Daniel's shop features a wide range of very unique Jewelry...






Start off by telling us about yourself...

My name is Daniel Proulx from Montréal. I make Wire-wrapped Steampunk Jewelry with brass, copper and gemstones




When did you start your art/craft and how
did you get into it?

In April of 2008 I started to make rings just for fun after Catherine (My better half) learned how to make simple wire rings during a 2 hour lesson. I just watched how she made it and tried. Since then I spent several hours every day perfecting and developing my own technique to create an original design. I quickly started to make very retro-futurist model of rings. At that time I decided embarked into this adventure, quit my job and try to live on my jewelry full-time.

One day a friend told me what I was doing was Steampunk. I research the subject and fell in love with this culture. I always liked Steampunk but I didn't know there was a name for it. Recently I had the chance to have my steampunk jewelry featured in the fashion Magazine Clindoeil and an article about my art in the newspaper Le Voir.


Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

I always was very interested in fantasy imaginary world such as Dungeon & Dragon, Lord of the Rings and Science fiction. I’m also inspired by the mix of mechanical, organic shapes and contrast between ancient and futuristic designs.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do you
have another job?

I’m doing this full-time and I don’t plan to work on anything else beside my craft.I and Catherine go to Local Art shows and we also give lessons from time to time.



If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

So far it’s only been 1 year and everything is going well, so I wouldn’t change anything.



Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

The 12 of April 2008 I started the business one year ago and here I am where I never expected to be. In 10 year I will have learned many new jewelry making techniques, taken several course and I will have a large workshop where I will not only make jewelry but also large sculptures. For me it is just the beginning of the adventure.



Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

There’s a company based in New Zealand that really impressed me and they are a source of inspiration by their immense creativity but also by their dedication to their art. The most amazing achievement is the Lords of the rings where they made all the miniatures, big-atures, props, swords and digital special effects. http://www.wetanz.com/ .


What tips would you have for someone that is
just starting out?

When I first quit my job and started to make jewelry full time many people thought it was crazy or that I was making the wrong choice (I don’t blame them because it’s out of the norm). The best advice I ever been given by my mother when I was little is to always follow your dreams no matter what other people says. If You believe in yourself you can achieve anything.



Be sure to visit his Blog and Etsy shop...

Etsy Buy Handmade CatherinetteRings

Featured Artist Spotlight: Brinda Kay Design

The Twelfth featured artist is Brinda of brindakaydesigns, I met Brinda in the Etsy forums but for the life of me I cannot remember which thread... Brinda has an amazing shop with some truly unique items, she makes purses and catch-all trays out of old record albums...






Start off by telling us about yourself:

I'm a self-employed graphic designer. I've always loved typography, graphic design, and photography. Along with logo and marketing design for small businesses, I used to do a lot of custom wedding invitation design too. I loved the production part of the invitations -- playing with all the gorgeous papers and ribbons. As far back as I can remember, my favorite hobbies always involved making stuff. Oh- and I'm not afraid of power tools.


When did you start your art/craft and how did
you get into it?

I was trying to keep my mom busy during a visit by doing some crafting.(My mom also loves working with her hands.) I started doing some crafting myself!



Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

My inspiration comes from the music albums – either their cover art or the vinyl ‘s center logo or graphics. I am addicted to the “hunt” for those album covers. It’s my favorite part of the creation process.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do you have another job?

I have a couple of small businesses where I still do the ad design and marketing work, but for the most part I work on my shop full time now.With all the marketing you have to do and still try to create- it becomes a full time job!


If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

This new business venture of mine is still very young, so I’m on a learning curve. I’m still trying to figure out how to schedule my time better. But if I’d have to pick one thing so far, I would definitely buy a postal scale! Wow, using the click n ship thru the post office’s website is a huge time saver.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

Hmmm, I’d like to see myself in some wonderful studio space – a building down a pathway right near my house. Of course, the house and studio would be on a great piece of property with acreage, gorgeous trees and gardens. Why? Why not?!



What tips would you have for someone that is just starting out?

Oh, I don’t think I’m qualified yet to give any advice. I’m just starting out myself. But, I would definitely say that if you love what you are creating, just keep doing it!




Be sure to visit her Etsy shop...

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade brindakaydesign.etsy.com

Featured Artist Spotlight: Aromalite, Petite Merci

The Eleventh featured artist in this ongoing series is Jen of aromalite and PetiteMerci... I met Jen in the same thread as the previous artist... Second Chance BNS. Jen has two wonderful shops, one that sells amazing smelling bath and body products (yep I own some of those too) and her second shop has a wide range of beautiful mini thank you cards...







Start off by telling us about yourself...

My name is Jen, I'm 31 and have been married to my husband for 6 years this August, but we have been together for 12 years. We don't have any children, but have 5 nieces aged 3-11 who keep us pretty busy!

Before starting my business, I had several different jobs: I was employed by the Dept of Justice as an Immigration Inspector, I was a Private Investigator investigating fradulent workers comp claims, and had several jobs in the medical and financial insurance fields. And you know what? I hated all of those jobs, lol. Nothing compares to being my own boss, doing what I love to do each and every day.



When did you start your art/craft and how did
you get into it?

I started making candles about 5 years ago as a creative outlet. I hated my job and desperately needed a hobby to come home to in order to take my mind off of work pressures. I started making bath and body products about a year later because I loved smelling good, lol. The bath and body line really complements the candle line and allows my customers to create a spa-like experience at home for a fraction of the cost!

I just recently opened my card shop because I loved looking at all of the open cardstock at the craft store. I was buying thank you cards to send out with my orders and one day, with a gift card in hand and nothing I really needed at the craft store, I decided to try my hand at making my own cards :D It was so much fun that I decided to open a second Etsy shop and sell mini thank your cards as well.


Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

I let the scrapbook paper aisle inspire me for my thank you cards! For the candle lines, let's just say I have A LOT of supplies on hand and there are some days where I have nothing else to do, lol. I get inspiration from all around me - my friends and family sometimes ask me to figure out how to make a specific product or something on TV or in the store will catch my eye and start my wheels turning.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do
you have another job?

Thankfully, I do my craft full-time. The first 3 and a half years, I had a full-time job as well and ended up working 18 hour days. I am very happy being my own boss now!


If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

I would have spent more time learning about the business end of having my own company. I made a lot of costly mistakes in the beginning just because there were a lot of tax and business laws that I wasn't aware of.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

I hope to be still self-employed and working on my business full-time. I would love to have a brick and mortar store someday, but I don't know if it will be in 10 years or not! I couldn't imagine not working on my craft full-time now :D


Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

There are many people I admire for different reasons, and I think they have come into my life at specific times for a purpose. First, my mom - she is such a capable lady - she does everything so well and has always been greatly respected.

My husband, Jim, is also someone I admire. He is very calm and always has a lot of confidence in me, even when I'm not quite feeling it myself. Without his support, there is no way I would be able to do this.


What tips would you have for someone that is
just starting out?

Be patient! Don't expect to become rich over night, because in actuality, you'll probably spend more than you bring in the first year or two. Take your time to create your niche and make a high-quality product you can be proud of. Get to know your fellow crafters on Etsy - they will be some of the best friends you will ever find!

Be sure to check out both of her Etsy shops...

Etsy Buy Handmade aromalite

Etsy Buy Handmade PetiteMerci

Featured Artist Spotlight: Primitive Junkie

My tenth featured artist is Miranda of Primitive Junkie ... I met her in the Second Chance BNS thread in the Etsy Forums. Miranda's shop has many different kinds of items: sewing, crochet, quilting, embroidery,and now beautiful unique jewelry...





Start off by telling us about yourself...

I am a 30yr old stay at hom Mom with to two little boys Connor who's 5 and JJ who's 4. My hubby of 8 yrs Ryan is in the Army and has been for over 17yrs. I love to sew, crochet, bead, quilt, and I am attempting to learn how to spin my own yarn. (wish me luck on that) I recently opened my shop on Etsy and love it.


When did you start your art/craft and how
did you get into it?

I don't exactly remember when I started, I grew up with my mom at the sewing machine as much as she could be. I remember sewing a pair of shorts with her, she taught me the basics of crochet and it took off from there. Though I didn't really get back into it untill 6 years ago or so and then it was learn as I go and honestly a lot of it still is.



Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

Just about everywhere, I don't think I could pinpoint one specific place. With my jewelry a lot of the time I just sit down an d an idea either comes to me or it doesn't. If it doesn't I put the beads away and turn to my sewing machine or my crochet hook and work on something simple to clear my mind. Or put it all away and do some housework or games with the boys. Ultimately all my inspiration comes from my family because it is them I am doin this for. I want them to see that with persistence you can do what you dream of.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do you
have another job?

I work it part time, my full time job is being a Mom to my two boys and a Wife to my wonderful husband.



If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

Honestly I don't really think so. Other than maybe have a few more pieces ready to sell. I know I haven't sky rocketed to the top, but I learn each and every day and feel that is the best way for me. If I had taken right off I might have gone crazy trying to keep up with it.



Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

Attending Karate Tournaments, Baseball Games, Soccer Games, concerts, and whatever else the boys decide to be involved in. And along with that I would love to be a complete success with my business online.




Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

I admire my mom. With all she has been through she has raised me to be the strong, independant, creative woman that I am today. She has given me the tools I need to succeed and I admire her more than words could express.


What tips would you have for someone that
is just starting out?

My biggest tip is to be patient, total success won't happen overnight. Your sales will eb and flow like a roller coaster, slow climbs up and fast coasts down. Keep your name out there, talk about it all you can, chat and promote in the forums and any other socializing site you are on. Stay positive, remember you get what you put out in the world.



Be sure to check out her blog: Primitive Mom of Two and her Etsy shop...

Etsy Buy Handmade PrimitiveJunkie

Featured Artist Spotlight: Bejewelled Bespoke Designs

My ninth featured artist is Trish of Bejewelled Bespoke Designs ... I met her in the Follow these Easy Steps to make more sales... thread in the Etsy Forums. Trish makes bold beautiful jewelry the likes of which you won't see anywhere else...




Start off by telling us a little bit about yourself

My name is Trish and I am a jewelry designer based in Hong Kong. I moved here not too long ago from Australia with my partner and cat. I design everything in our apartment which doubles as my studio and showroom. If I am not designing jewelry, I am probably doing something outdoors - running, hiking, exploring. My other passion is snowboarding - although unfortunately it doesn't snow where I am so I do spend the other half of my free time planning our next trip =D

When did you start your art/craft and how
did you get into it?

My mother was a fashion designer when I was young – she made the most fabulous couture gowns and of course, adorable girly things for me. Growing up, I did everything from painting, drawing, to sculpturing and even tried my hand at the sewing machine - but it was jewelry design that I really love. Eventually at university, I was selling to my network of friends but never thought to really promote further than that. Half a year ago, I moved from Australia to Hong Kong with my partner which meant I had to quit my corporate day job. He is the key driving force behind my business – with no social network in HK (and no job!) to begin with, he encouraged me to really start a proper business after I always kept getting asked where I bought my jewelry from. I now sell on Etsy, and offline – via a catalogue and custom orders!



Where do you get your inspiration for
your creations?

I am inspired by elegance – my mother is probably the most fashionable lady I have ever met and she is my muse. My creations are for the female who is not afraid to make a statement through her accessories and who wants to be centre of attention. I am inspired by colour – I have a special soft spot for anything in gold as you will see from my designs! Lastly, I am inspired by my partner – I definitely wouldn't be where I am now without his tireless encouragement and emotional support.

Do you work at your art/craft full time or do
you have another job?

I would love to be a full-time jewelry designer! At the moment, I have two jobs and barely any sleep!




If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?
I definitely would do many things differently! With your own business comes a steep learning curve and there is not a day that goes by where I haven’t learnt something new. The main thing I would do differently is to have had the confidence to start my business earlier!!



Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

Wow, that's a tough one. I honestly don't know. Hopefully I have my own established jewelry label by then! I would also love to branch out into vintage clothes, and other accessories.



Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

I admire all the artists on Etsy for having the courage to set up shop and display their talent. I recently read an article where someone said that the sellers on Etsy cannot possibly be considered as artists because many of them are self-taught and don't have a Arts degree, etc. - and if you take a look around the Etsy community, that person is very very wrong. I secretly love Miriam Haskell - I collect as many of these vintage jewelry stampings and designs as I possibly can - and hoard them. Fashion-wise, I am a huge fan of D&G, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga...everything classic yet edgy.


What tips would you have for someone that is just starting out?

If you’re planning to start your own online business, my tips would definitely be:

1.) Promote! And promote more! Take advantage of the social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter, the Etsy forums, and more. With thousands and thousands of other online businesses, especially in jewelry, getting your designs out there is especially hard if you don’t get the hang of promoting.

2.) Good photos of your products – I never once thought that I would be opening that digital camera manual and absorbing each word until I started putting my designs online. As customers cannot actually touch and feel the product, getting clear and well taken photos is a MUST for every online business.

3.) Lots of patience AND persistence – Don’t just set up shop, wait a few days and complain you have no sales! Keep promoting, persisting with putting new items for sale, promoting, etc…. and eventually the sales fairy will come!

And lastly, I wouldn't restrict oneself to just selling online - there is a huge market where you are located ready to be tapped, so get out to craft/designer markets or put together a portfolio to show stores!

Be sure to visit her Blog: Bejewelled Bespoke and her Etsy shop...

Etsy Buy Handmade BejewelledBespoke

Featured Artist Spotlight: Bettys Original knits

My eighth featured artist is Betty of Bettysoriginalknits I met her in the Follow these Easy Steps to make more sales... thread in the Etsy Forums. Betty is a very talented artist who knits beautiful and unique items...




Start off by telling us about yourself...

I am a 29 year old stay at home mom and housewife. I live in Jerome, Idaho with my husband, son, 2 cats, and way too much yarn.


When did you start your art/craft and how did you get into it?

My little sister taught me how to knit about 3 years ago. I was pregnant with my son at the time, and I wanted to make baby things for him. By the time I got the hang of it, my son had been born and I didn't have time to even think straight. I actually forgot I knew how to knit until that Christmas when my sister bought me some knitting needles, yarn, and a pattern book. I have been knitting ever since. I began designing my own knits about 6 months after that.


Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

I am inspired by fashion and nature mostly. A lot of my ideas come to me in dreams.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do
you have another job?

My full time job is taking care of my son, cooking, cleaning, and trying to keep my husband happy. Whatever time I have left is spent knitting and designing.


If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

No, I am just getting started with my business. I like to think of it as a work in progress; every day is a learning experience.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

I hope to have another child by then. It is my dream to be successfully selling my handmade items, so I can continue to work from home and be there for my children. Other than that I try not to look too far ahead. I like to let God lead me where he may.


Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

I admire my husband for being so supportive of my creative endeavors. And for working such long hours at his job so I can stay home and raise our son.


What tips would you have for someone that is
just starting out?

I would tell anyone just starting out to be patient and not get discouraged. It takes a long time to get your name out there. Just keep creating, promote whenever you can, and hang in there.


Be sure to check out her Etsy shop...

Etsy Buy Handmade bettysoriginalknits