20 Questions: Spots N Dots

This is the second in a series of interviews with Etsy artists. All will be roughly 20 questions, and they will be published once or twice a week. Stay tuned for more, and welcome today's contributor!

What is your name?
Susannah

What is the name of your business?
Spots N Dots

Where in the world are you located?
Florida

What do you sell?
Crocheted items

Who taught you your craft?
Homeschool group mom taught me.

How long have you been crafting?
6 years

What part of your craft do you get excited about?
I like all of it.

What part of your crafting business do you dread?
None

Do you usually craft solo or in a group?
I donate items to hospitals.

Is your craft business full-time or part-time?
Full time - no day job at this time.

Who is your crafting hero and why?
My crafting hero I think is probably the lady who taught me how to crochet.

Parting words?
I like to help the ones in need and I love to sell to anyone.

To learn more about Susannah and her work, visit her blog.

Thanks, Susannah! Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon.

20 Questions: Femme Petal

This is the first in a series of interviews with Etsy artists. All will be roughly 20 questions, and they will be published once or twice a week. Stay tuned for more, and welcome our first contributor!


What is your name?
Erin Keys

What is the name of your business?
Femme Petal

Where in the world are you located?
Indianapolis, Indiana

What do you sell?
Vintage, fun, and just plain girly jewels

Who taught you your craft?
Myself!

How long have you been crafting?
Since November 2008

What part of your craft do you get excited about?
Everything! I love sitting down and creating! It is soothing, relaxing, and the accomplishment you feel when done is amazing!

What part of your crafting business do you dread?
Listing.

Do you usually craft solo or in a group?
I usually have both of my kids hovering over me, asking me for this and that, and showing me beads that they like.

What is one common misconception about your craft?
That it is easy. That is definitely what I thought when I started. Wrong! But when my creative juices start flowing - look out!

Is your craft business full-time or part-time?
I do this and sell Pink papaya full time.

Who is your crafting hero and why?
My crafting hero would have to be all the fabulous ladies that make up Unique Women in Business. They are so inspirational and so motivational.

Are there any other crafts you would like to learn?
Wire wrapping. UGH! That is not self taught!

Parting words?
Love what you do!You can see Erin's other web presences on the Unique Women in Business site, on myspace, and on her Yahoo! group.

Thanks, Erin! Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon.

Featured Seller: dollcloset

Being a "fluffy" (read: plus-sized) chick, I know how hard it can be to find clothes to fit one's body. Now just imagine if you were 18 inches tall! That's why the world needs people like Christine of dollcloset.

Christine says, "I have been sewing for over eight years. I started making doll clothes as Christmas and birthday gifts for my little sisters and cousins." When she isn't sewing, she likes to ride her horse, Heidi, and do a number of different crafts. She is also a prolific reader.

Featured Seller: Zeba

I don't wear much jewelry, but I find it alluring nonetheless...maybe it's one of those "ooh, shiny..." raccoon-syndrome things. Whatever is behind it, this necklace is another of my favorites.



It's by Sholeh of the Etsy shop called Zeba, and the center part isn't metal set with stones as I first thought; it's actually a man made Bismuth hopper crystal. (I can't resist things that are pretty and science-y!)

Sholeh came to the US from Iran in 1977 to get a computer science degree and ended up staying here. When she's not working at her day job or her Etsy shop, Sholeh is helping her husband with their kitchen renovation; he's building new cabinets, and she is using her other talent to make some stained glass panels for the cabinet doors.

Featured Seller: Designs By Brie

Anyone with long hair and a collection of ornaments to wear in it/wrangle it with needs one of these:

I know I do, and I even had a similar one when I was a child.

Brie is a stay at home mom who started making these hair bow holders when an acquaintance was looking for one but couldn't find any under $40. Brie knew she could make the same item and help moms save some money, and also make a little extra cash for herself. She offers them in a couple of styles, and personalizes them with the child's name. She also has similar plaques with hooks for boys' gear.

Featured Seller: megbcrazy

This is another of my Pounce discoveries. I saw this plate and had to see more!

It's made by Megan, who is an undergrad in Creative Writing at Southern Illinois University. When asked about how she got into making the plates she said, "I got the general idea for the plates from Mark Montano's book The Big-Ass Book of Crafts (which I bought almost solely for its title). When I had a hard time creating exactly what was in the book, I improvised. The process is pretty simple, and involves mostly spray paint and sealant. The hardest part, believe it or not, is finding clear glass plates. "

After college, Megan plans to get a MA or MFA and pursue a career in writing while teaching literature and writing at the college level. She isn't currently taking any art classes, but she would love to eventually get some sort of degree in art involving ceramics or textiles. That's a lot of schooling (and tuition), so go check out her Etsy store and give her a little "financial aid"!

Featured Seller: Tweedy Lane Designs

While browsing the other night I ran across this gorgeous barette:

It turns out that Bryn of Tweedy Lane Designs makes these barettes out of scraps from silk saris (she also makes beautiful bags). She says, "I love Indian saris because of the intricate designs and beautiful colors they use. And I love the barrettes because they are tiny wearable works of art." I couldn't agree more!