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!

Stellar Seller---9/28/07---DinnerTimeChimes

The Stellar Seller for this week is DinnerTimeChimes, also known as Erin :) All of you Owls reading this be sure & show her some love :) Any non-Owls reading this show her some love too!!!

Check out her shop at http://dinnertimechimes.etsy.com/

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

Hi! I’m Erin. I’m 27 & I was born & raised in Winston-Salem, NC. Thanks to my parents, as a kid I had the opportunity to be into everything from soccer to girl scouts to animals. Over the years I took several classes introducing me to various art forms. While I enjoyed learning the arts of photography, ceramics, pottery, jewelry making, basketry, etc. I’ve rarely done anything with those arts since shortly after the classes finished. Thanks mainly to the many days I stayed with my grandma, I still enjoy quilting, sewing, felt appliqué, embroidery, scrap booking, and I’m sure there are others tucked away in my craft room---but I can’t bring myself to part with those finished projects! While I was still in school I LOVED entering my crafts & baked goods in the Dixie Classic Fair, which happens to be the second largest fair in our state. When we went to the fair as a family, I always wanted to walk through the exhibitions to see what ribbons I’d won first. I went to college at Campbell University, earning two degrees in Clinical Research. I met & married the man of my dreams in 2006 and now live in a small town in eastern NC. I’ve recently started a new job, which I love! When I’m not working at my *real* job, I’m either working in the yard (I really enjoy gardening too!) or working on crafts. I’m happiest when I’m busy making something.

Tell us about your shop and how you got started:

My daddy & I started making the wind chimes when I was at least in high school as way for me to have extra spending money. It also gave me something else to search for at flea markets, yard sales, & estate auctions. The chimes sold like crazy since they made a unique, inexpensive gift. However, once I went to college & started my career I didn’t have any way to make the chimes. Recently I convinced my hubby to buy a drill press for his shop. He was quickly introduced into the crazy world of silverplate silverware searches & making chimes--& the rest is history! I opened my Etsy shop in July on a whim, as another way to market the chimes. In the shop you’ll also find a few other silverware creations (key chains, bookmarks, recipe card holders) & other attempts of mine at recycling. I participate in a few local craft shows when I have time & have the chimes in a few stores in the Winston-Salem area too. The best part is seeing the look on people faces when they turn around & realize that the beautiful sound that they’ve been hearing is coming from these chimes which were made from recycled forks & spoons!

What inspires you to create?

I have to be doing something or making something to be happy! I enjoy searching for vintage silverplate that has seen better days, taking it home to polish it & then transforming it in a wind chime that be enjoyed by someone for years to come. Whether it’s making chimes or working on one of my many other sewing projects there’s something peaceful about it.

Describe yourself in 1 word: Creative

Favorite...

Book: The Great Gatsby

Movie: Pretty Woman...although we saw Good Luck Chuck last weekend and it was pretty good!

Song: Because of You by Reba & Kelly Clarkson

Round One Is OUTTA HERE!!!

Okay, Round One of our Three Part **New Media Challenge** is over. The winner was Jamie's Ribbon Bracelet, pictured stage right, with an amazing 21 hearts!!!


This competition was VERY close, with Lora's Glass Marble Magnets getting 20 hearts and Sharon's Chunky Scarf logging in at 17. Great job ladies!!!



The next round will start very soon, with two-three more entries, & then next week will be one more round with some more entries, and then in two weeks we'll have a face-off between the final three. Stay tuned!!!

Stellar Seller---September 21st---Suenosdejmi

Friday, September 21st, 2007

Suenosdejmi, also known in the physical world as Jamie, is this week's stellar seller. She's V-P of the Etsy Owls & has been on Etsy for almost a year. Check her shop out at http://suenosdejmi.etsy.com/

And read her interview!!!!

Tell us all about you, as much or as little as you'd love to share with the Etsy world. :)

Well, I'm Jamie, I'm 24, & I'm a college student born, mostly raised, & living in East Tennessee. I've been crocheting for, seriously, as long as I can remember. I learned from my mom & my grandmother (my dad's mom), both of who are awesome craftastic women. I have a blanket I've been crocheting since I was that little...probably 8 or 9 or so, and it's only just now reached around 3 feet wide (it's about 7 or 8 feet long...). You can look at it and see the progress I've made over the years with my crocheting. It's quite amazing.

If that didn't clue you in, I really don't do well with projects that take a long time...I have a seriously short attention span. So, I enjoy making scarves because they're fairly quick & creative. :)

Um...what else? Okay, so college student. I have my Associates degree in Spanish, and I'm almost finished with my Bachelors in Cross-Cultural Sociology & Spanish. Hopefully, I will be spending my last undergraduate semester in Spain! (So buy things from me, because it'll help me get there!!!) After that, I'm probably going to graduate school at East Tennessee State University for Appalachian Studies.

I'm not married, but hopefully I will be eventually, to my total sweetie of the last 2 & a half years :)

What is your shop about & how did you get started???
Well, my shop is all about crocheting, and the occasional

beaded/buttoned/tied piece of jewelry. I like experimenting

with jewelry, but I'm not into it enough to make it full time. I just buy lots of beads & pretend :)

I opened my Etsy shop up last November, but didn't really get active until this past June or so. I started my shop as an outlet for my crocheted scarves, because I got totally into the habit of making them in classes & wanted an excuse to keep crocheting habitually. So, now I have my excuse, & I'm having tons of fun with it. :)

What inspires you to create?

Color. Lots of color. I see a certain color combination somewhere, like in a bouquet of plastic flowers, and suddenly I'm inspired to see them poured out in stitches across a scarf. I like lots of color in my pieces, so it's quite rare that I'll make a scarf with just one color in it. I'm sort of a biased designer in the sense that I design for what I like, and less for what others might like. I have to be in love with my pieces, or I can't keep going. I suppose my creation process is the same for my writing (I write poetry), I get inspired by what's going on in the world around me. I want to push all that activity into a poem, or a scarf, or a unique little bracelet, & send it out into the world to exist. That's the magic that is art.

Describe yourself in 1 word:

Just one? I'm always horrible at these....I would probably have to say....eclectic

What's your favorite:

Book: there's sooo many...but, Harry Potter (either 3, 5, 6, 0r 7), Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich, or about 100 others...:)

Movie: again, HP 3, which is Prisoner of Azkaban, or Coyote Ugly. I'm picky about movies so not quite as many as books, but definitely more.

Song: Can't pick one. I would have to say Natalie Imbruglia "Troubled by the Way We Came Together", and almost any song by Jewel, Evanescence, or Shakira. :)

New Medium Challenge (Week of September 16)

The challege for this week was to create an item out of materials you have never used before. It was a chance for us to all get out of the box and do something a little different!

Only three of our members participated in this challenge, & the "voting" is going to be done by how many hearts each item gets---so if you like one of these items, click on the link and ♥ it!!

(we'd all welcome a purchase too!)

Lora's Glass Marble Magnets:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7103740

Sharon's Harvest Festival Scarf:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7105458

Jamie's Ribbon Bracelet:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7105111