Stellar Seller Week of 10/26--Etsy MUD!!!

We did something really unique with this week's Stellar Seller, we're featuring a whole lot of stellar sellers! This week's selection is Etsy Mud , one of the many fantastic Etsy Street Teams. This interview was compiled by Lisa of IntoTheFire, one of the 80 plus members of Etsy Mud.

Check out Etsy Mud:

Team Shop
Blog
Website

How did Etsy Mud get started? How long have you been a team?
The Etsy Mud Team was started by Phyllis of Montezumamudd She began a thread in the Street Teams forum on Etsy about starting a team for potters in June of 2007 and the response was overwhelming. She contacted admin and made it official. In a short time, our team grew so much that it was clear the team could not be managed by one person.
Phyllis of Montezumamudd is still our chairperson. Jennifer of JMNPottery maintains our blog and website. Tara of trpottery is our communications coordinator. Lisa of IntoTheFire and Lisa of Averly handle photography questions, banner assistance, and publications.




What is your "mission statement"?
We have no official mission statement as of yet. However, our goal as a team is multi-pronged. We aspire to raise the caliber and significance of pottery on etsy. In addition, our team strives to inspire and challenge each other to become better at our craft. We, of course, hope to encourage more and more people to buy handmade pottery both on and off of Etsy. Our collective goal is spread awareness of the satisfaction that one has when a work of art is fully incorporated into their every day life. We hope to infuse the mundane aspects of life with beauty and inspiration.

How many members do you have now?

We currently have 82 members who have 84 shops. We regularly add new members, so by the time this is printed, we will probably have 85 members.



What kind of activities do you do as a team?

The Etsy Mud Team has bi-monthly challenges to encourage members to work outside of their comfort zone. Our August challenge was a teapot challenge and a large number of our members had never made a teapot. We shared tips and tricks and a lot of laughs through the process. Our current challenge is an Autumn challenge featuring many styles, both functional and sculptural.We also regularly have group sales and promotions. We are gearing up to promote ceramic Christmas ornaments during November through our "Mud in the Trees" event. Each member has a choice as to whether to participate in any activity.



What are some of the most unique pieces produced by your team?

There are so many unique pieces made by our team members. I suppose judybfreeman's fish teapots are as amazing as anything I have seen! trpottery's carved vessels and personality pots show an amazing range of skill. I really hate to mention anyone because our team is so incredible! We have such a talented lot of potters on Etsy and each of us has a clear individual style. From earthenware to porcelain, oxidation to wood fired, the Etsy Mud Team does it all and they really do it well.













***Pictured***
The birdhouse at the beginning is from MudStuffing Pottery
The poster is for the current challenge by the Etsy Mud Team
The fourth picture, the pendant, is by Seaurchin
The green set in the third picture, and the sculptured piece, the fifth picture, are by TrPottery
The last picture, the fish teapot, is by JudyBFreeman

Team Color Challenge!

Please vote (at left)





We have four fabulous entries this week in the aqua and pink challenge!






Kristen's All Wired Up bracelet:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7535529

Sabreena's I Dream of Jeannie earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7537325

Lora's Carnival necklace:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7536423

Rita's Baby Sweater Vest:


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7542097

Stellar Seller---10/19/2007

This week's Stellar Seller feature is the shop of one of our Owls, Erin. Erin's shop is quite unique because she also shares it with her sister, Amy. In the spirit of these interesting sisters, this interview is by both of them. Check out their shop at http://unstrungsisters.etsy.com


Buy handmade. You'll be awesome.
UnstrungSisters.etsy.com


Tell us all about you, & as much or as little as you'd like to share with the world

We are Amy and Erin - the UnStrungSisters. We opened an Etsy shop in May 2007 that sells fun contemporary handmade jewelry. Here’s a little about us:We grew up in Northern New York on an apple orchard and farm. We always had lots and lots of pets - horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc., many of which died unfortunate deaths (not at our hand - we weren’t budding sociopaths - although you wouldn‘t have to throw a stone far in our family to hit someone we have called nuts). We both went to same university - several years apart, both have degrees in marketing. We both had careers in the Corporate world until our children were born and we were both fortunate enough to be able to stay home and watch them grow.
Amy is a typical “Type A” - loving things organized and running smoothly.Erin would be considered a “Type Z” thriving in organized chaos.

Where we live:
Amy - East Coaster - lives in Southern Virginia
Erin - West Coaster - living in Eastern Washington State.
Family:
Amy - has three children - two sons and a daughter - ages 8, 6, and 4. Her husband is currently an Active Duty Navy officer.
Erin - has two children - a son and a daughter - ages 15 and 8. Her husband retired last year from the Air Force and is currently a happy member of the civilian work force.

Life other than Jewelry Making and our families:
Amy - Fiber Arts, Quilting, Wine Tasting, Running, Gardening
Erin - Reading (belongs to 2 book groups), Knitting and Crocheting, Volunteering, Gardening and Yard work (avoiding).

For other things we have made check out our flickr site - http://www.flickr.com/photos/9882564@N06/

***Tell us about your shop & how you got started***

Amy had started a Fiber Arts shop on Etsy and one thing lead to another. We both find our hands “itchy” with a strong desires to create things. But most of all it provides us a healthier stress reliever than a bottle of wine. Although the occasional mixing of beads and wine has inspired us to make some of our more unique pieces. We had great fun coming up with the name of our shop - we had to e-mail lists to each other, we tried to phone but we both would be laughing so hard we couldn’t talk. That happened as were trying to write this - good thing we both have the same strange sense of humor!!!

***What inspires you to create?***
Pretty much answered above but avoidance of housework is also a strong motivator.

***Describe yourself in one word:***
Erin - UnStrung
Amy - undescribabledriventiredcrazyoverachiever

***Favorites:***
Book:
Amy - The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Erin - One for the Money - and all the rest of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels.
Movie:
Amy - Moulin Rouge
Erin - I don’t have the attention span.
Song:
Amy - Anything that is not played on Nickelodeon
Erin - What ever my son is playing on his guitar.

Everybody Dance Now! We've got NEW stuff!!

This is going to be one of those truly 'off-beat' blogs...pun absolutely intended.


It's time once again to show off our NEW items!

First up is Jamie
But it don’t snow here
It stays pretty green
I’m going to make a lot of money
And then I’m going to quit this crazy scene

Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
Teach my feet to fly high
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
"River" -Joni Mitchell

You can find this awesome set of Jamie's: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7436605




Next on the runway is Kristen

You say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too--yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

"Birthday" -the Beatles

Celebrate the birthday of yourself or someone special with these earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7426716





Sabreena is up next with a little dental humor

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth
My two front teeth, see my two front teeth
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth
Then I could wish you "Merry Christmas!"


"All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" - the Chipmunks



These earrings are easily obtained: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7365717



Nick is our next contestant!

Nobody knows a wildflower still grows
By the side of the road
And she don't need to need like the roses
She's at home with the weeds
And just as free as the night breeze
She's got the cool of a shade tree
She's growin' on me and I can't live with out her

"Wildflower" -Bon Jovi

These wildflower earrings can be picked: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7315878



Rita has made a cool and funky piece here

I fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down,down,down
and the flames went higher.
And it burns,burns,burns
the ring of fire
the ring of fire.

"Ring of Fire" - Johnny Cash


If you have the burning desire to own this ring, never fear--just follow this link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7478015


Lora is next up


It starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

"Bubbly" - Colbie Caillat

You'll find this bubbly necklace at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7409625

Halloween Challenge (voting to the left)

This week's challenge was to make something related to Halloween. We have a variety to choose from in our three entries! In the order they were posted:

Michelle made Pumpkin Frappuccino Soap!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7445281

Lora made a Halloween Bookmark!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7443724

Kristen made Fingerless Gloves!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7452276

Challenge Entries 10/8--Fall In Love with Fall

Please vote for this week's challenge at Votigo.com

Stellar Sellar 10/5/07

The stellar sellar for this week is Lora, one of our awesome

Etsy Owls :) Lora designs jewelry, among other things. Her shop is http://lorastudio.etsy.com/

Here's the interview:

Tell us all about you, & as much or as little as you'd like to share with the world.

Hmm, what to tell, what to tell. Well, I'm 26 years old and live in Nashville, Tennessee. I recently made a career change (from teaching to being a nanny) and have found that along with the added peace and happiness I also have time to explore new passions. One of them is jewelry making and other crafting! I started playing around with jewelry making a couple of years back, but didn't really try anything much until Marchish of this year. A few of my online friends (including two of our OWLs--Wendy and Nick) encouraged me that I could actually *do* this, so I'll blame them for creating the monster Ok, so that's all about my crafting. Other than that--I have a bachelor's in music education with a minor in performance. Before I started nannying for the most adorable baby girl in the world I was a choral music teacher in a Nashville public school. I may eventually go back to teaching, but I needed a break. Truth be told, I probably will do something completely different after this job is over, such as PR or sales/merchandising.As for the rest of "me" I have a chosen family that surrounds me in Nashville and I love living here. I love kicking back on the sofa with a glass of wine, having dinner and a movie with a friend or 10, listening to live music, singing, shopping, living, laughing and loving. If I can be with someone I love anything is fun.

Tell us about your shop & how you got started:

I've already mentioned that a couple of my fellow OWL members encouraged me in this venture. With their encouragement as well as Christy, Whimsiesboutique on etsy, I opened up my little shop in...mid-July? I'd given several pieces of my jewelry away to friends as gifts and they all went on about how they thought I could sell my work, so I decided to give it a try. I've not been disappointed :0)

Right now my shop is mainly jewelry, although I did create some marble magnets for a challenge entry a couple of weeks ago--and have sold quite a few sets of them! I was actually kind of amazed at that! Eventually I hope to sell photography as well as some other crafts. I love to explore new ways to be creative. For a long time I thought the only creativeness in me had to do with music, and now that I have found other outlets I feel like they're all building on each other and helping me to improve in each one.

What inspires you to create?

oh, lots of things. Seeing a piece of jewelry that I like but think could be improved upon. I've created several pieces because I bought a piece of clothing that needed a perfect complement. Focal pieces that just beg for certain stones or beads to be coupled with. Nature--looking at gorgeous colors in a sunset and wondering how I could bring it to life in wearable art (I haven't perfected that yet, but it will come). People and their stories. I have several pieces that were created for a friend because of elements of their story, good and bad.

Describe yourself in one word: journeying

Favorite...Book: oh, this is so hard. Can I cop-out and say theBible? I love to read everything!

Movie: A Little Princess

Song: Unfair question for a musician. I think "Anyway" by Nichole Nordeman is very fitting for my life story though

Have You Been to an OWL Shop Lately?

If not...you are missing out! We've all been hard at work and want to show off our new creations!

Kristen (KnitANDPearl) has been making jewelry and knitted winter wear like crazy. Check these out:

Kristen says: "the whole "royal court" themed earrings are top on my list"

These regal earrings can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7260545listing_id=7260545

Wendy (WanderingGirl) has been busy as usual, but lucky for us all she has added a new craft to her list of talents!

Wendy says: "I grew up with a New Orleans full of beauty, grace and love. The person that wrote on the sidewalk wanted people to see that, too, I think."

This amazing photo print can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7201838

Lora (LoraStudio) has been working on several new designs for fall. These earrings are some of her current favorites.

Lora says: "I loved the idea of 'caging' the tiger eye. These earrings were a lot of fun to make and I think they will be fun for you to wear!"

This pair of tamed earrings can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7282217

Jamie (suenosdejmi) has been knitting some fabulous new things! This scarf is one of the newest items for sale in her store.

Jamie says: "This little scarf has lots of personality! It reminds me of a candy necklace, thus the name candy striper. :)"

This fabulous scarf can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7249615

Sabreena (zeezeeryder) is supporting a wonderful cause with one of her latest creations.

Sabreena says: "A beautiful and delicate pair of feminine earrings accented with flowers, crystal and ribbon charms."

These charitable earrings can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7198253

Sharon (morganstreet) is hard at work creating new scents to entice us!

Sharon says: "I have to say, this one is truly beautiful, sexy and vivacious - not to mention pretty too!"

This sexy soap can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7293334

Nick (corgicreations) is reminding us of other worlds with her latest!

Nick says: "Get this pair while you can, because if they don't sell soon, I just might decide to keep them for myself!"

These out of this world earrings can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7315705

Rita (knotartwa) is continuing to amaze us with all her talents. Here's a gorgeous photo she recently listed in her shop.

Rita says: "Most days are amazing if you just let them be, take this home to remind you of the little things in life that make it worth living!"

This stunning photo can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7297262

Michelle (cozymoments) is mixing up new items all the time! Her newest scrub sounds good enough to eat...

Michelle says: "Soothe your senses while you invigorate your circulation and give your skin a healthy glow!!"

This wonderful scrub can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7321303

Erin (unstrungsisters) makes beautiful things, and this bracelet is no exception.

Erin says: "Use the power of the Rhyolite stones in this bracelet to assist you in fulfilling your goals and dreams. Rhyolite is known to help strenghten your mind, body and soul making you the individual that you are against the sea of humanity."

This empowering bracelet can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7239332

Iris (crowandiris) is continually transforming ordinary into extraordinary. Here's an example

Iris says: "These VEGAN Tub Teas are so soothing and relaxing to use when you have had a long day or just want to have a quiet Moment all to yourself"

This fabulous looking tub tea can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7167376

These items are just a few of many things that are brand NEW, so please take a few moments to visit your favorite OWL shops!!

Week 2 Challenge Winner!

The second week of the New Medium challenge has come to a close and the winner has been announced.

WanderingGirl's print "The Waiting Lady" received 26 hearts and KnitAndPearl's painting "Sweet as Piracy" received 12 hearts, making WanderingGirl the winner of this week's challenge! WanderingGirl will no progress to the fourth round of competition in which The Waiting Lady will square off against Suenosdejmi's ribbon macrame bracelet and the winner of this week's competition.

This week's competition is between zeezeeryder and corgicreations!

Here is the thread supporting this challenge!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5255025

Please visit this thread and heart the entry you like best!