Brat Pack of Etsy - Feature Artist - Liz Edgar ♥

The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team ~ ~ ~ January 2009 Brat Feature ~ ~

Every few weeks we feature one of our members….We are proud to Feature: LizEdgar

her shop;http://lizedgar.etsy.com/

her blog;http://lizedgar.blogspot.com/

To view a photo gallery of other jewelry she has made, please visit:

http://myspace.com/lizedgarsshop

Also posted in the brat blog;

http://etsymilitarybratteam.blogspot.com/

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

My name is Elizabeth, but I go by Liz. I was born in Salt Lake City, UT, but pretty much grew up in San Diego, CA. My dad was in the Navy. During my first year of life he was sent to Vietnam. Mom says he was different when he came home. He was stationed to San Diego when I was a toddler. I wasn’t’ a brat who moved every few years, but a lot of my friends were. We had a common thread that drew us together. Dad went to the Philippines on his last cruise when I was five. We stayed behind in San Diego. He finished out his career and retried a chief. I have one sister. She is career Navy. She is a chief and will be in the Navy 14 years this February. We are fortunate that she has been able to stay stationed in San Diego the last few years. There was a time when she was in Oklahoma. We are very close. She has a son whom I have helped take care of when either she or her ex-husband was sent out to sea. I am married to a Military Brat. His father was Army and Navy. He is not in any branch of the service. I have three children. My sons are 19 and 14 years old and my daughter is 10. My oldest completed Marine boot camp last summer. For now he is stationed at Camp Pendleton.





2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?

How and why did you make it?I totally loved creating as a child. Making mud pies with dandelions were a specialty. I had the standard finger paints and play dough as a kid. One year I got a Spin Art set for my birthday. I made a bazillion pictures with it. I remember the cardboard macaroni tree spray painted in gold I made in kindergarten for Christmas. My mother cherishes that tree. I think my favorite was the bean mosaic I made in elementary school. My mother still had it hanging up when I was a senior in high school. I have an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. I like to say I majored in cutting and painting. I have crocheted, cross stitched and latch hooked. I have worked with pellon and felt making finger puppets and props for teaching. I got into the craze of puffy paints and made decorative sweat shirts and t-shirts for family members.
3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?


I first got into jewelry making when my daughter’s friends brought their beads to a sleepover a few summers ago. I worked with hemp and knotting. I dabbled with elastic string. I prefer bead stringing wire. I started out making bracelets for myself to match the colors of the clothing I had. I received many compliments. My confidence in jewelry making increased and I began making jewelry for friends and my children’s teachers as gifts. One of my friends and co-worker suggested I start selling the pieces I have made. In March of 2005 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I made inspirational bracelets to keep my spirits up. Thank goodness it was stage 1 and operable, but at the time I had no idea what I was getting into. While waiting for results between biopsies I kept myself busy making jewelry. It was a great stress reliever.

4-What are your favorite materials?

I really like using glass beads of all shapes and sizes. I like fiber optic because its cat’s eye resemblance. My most recent favorite is glass pearls. I just love their shininess and the array of colors they come in. I prefer bead stringing wire, but have worked with nymo thread. I also enjoy making ribbon bookmarks and cell phone charms. I love the search for colors that complement each other. I also like adding charms to personalize the bookmarks and cell phone dangles. I have a few favorite bookmarks I have made for myself to use in the books I am reading.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

I learned about Etsy from my sister. She had heard about in on a morning radio show. The show was flagging online sites that don’t get much recognition. I did a lot of searching on Etsy to see what others were doing in their shops. I opened my shop in June of 2007, but didn’t list anything until August of 2007. I liked what I saw and through the forums and I found that I wasn’t the only one who was new to the whole thing of selling my handmade items. I have really been blessed with joining the Military Brats team. I have found so much love, support and belonging. I really appreciate the kudos I receive from other members. It is very encouraging. I am also a member of the San Diego East County team. SDEC started out as a really small group, but we are increasing as the weeks go by. A few of our members are also members of the Military Brat team. It is really neat to have local folks to meet and share with.

6-Why should people buy handmade?

I feel handmade items are made from the heart. I know with the items I make I put a lot of thought and time into each piece I create. Handmade in my opinion represents the person who makes it. Handmade is more original than assembly line products. I love unique items and feel handmade is the best way to achieve that uniqueness.

7-Where do you do your creating?

Initially my work area was either the living room floor or on my bed. I kept my materials and supplies in storage containers stacked in my bedroom. As my collection increased I moved my work area to the kitchen. I took over the kitchen table, but still left a little room for meals. Now my work area is in the living room. I have rearranged the living room and my work area a few times. At Christmas time I took down my work table to have room for our tree.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I am not creating, I take care of my best friend’s baby boy. I have been taking care of him since September 2008. He is 7 months old. Before that I was working at my daughter’s elementary school as a noon duty. I would supervise the children during lunch time and their lunch recess. I did that for three years. I did teach preschool for approximately six years. I left teaching when my daughter was born.


9-Read any good books lately?

I love to read. I was hooked on the Twilight series. My girlfriend and I read the books together last November and December. I have read the Harry Potter series. I dabbled a little with Stephen King’s books. I really like Susan Wiggs. She writes romance novels, but they are not raunchy. I have a Nicholas Sparks book in the waiting. I have read most of his books. I am currently reading “The Shack.”
10-In ten years I'd like to be…Hmm, I haven’t given much thought to where I would be in my life in ten years. I will be celebrating my 40th birthday next month so I would be 50 then. I am happy with who I am. Of course, I would like to be healthy and have my kids near. I would like to be a grandma and spend lots of time with my grandchildren. As for crafting, I am sure I will be doing it in some shape or form. I don’t foresee feeling the need to own a boutique or shop to sell my wares.


11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

My Etsy shop name is my name. A friend of mine whom I had given many of my handmade bracelets to totally encouraged me to sell my jewelry. She would rave and flaunt the bracelets I gave her. She called the bracelets she had from me the “Liz Edgar Collection.” Bingo! My shop’s name is LizEdgar. As for my avatar, I wish it was a picture of one of my cats. I have always had cats in my life. I love frogs, too. As a kid I remember going to the frog pond and stepping in the mushy mud to find frogs. So, my avatar is a kitty with a frog hat.


12- What has being a brat at Etsy meant to you?

Being a brat at Etsy is totally awesome. We have a common thread that ties us together. At first I didn’t think I qualified as a brat since my family didn’t move around like other brats. Being a brat at Etsy has given me an extended family. Thank you so much.Go Brat Pack Go!

I had questions about Artfire and how it compaired to Etsy... SO....

Art Fire vs. Etsy


I had a lot of questions then when I started listing all my questions I realized I was asking quite a bit… I got several members who responded.

Some thoughts from a couple of my Military Brats of Etsy….

Please be sure to check out the shops of these intelligent and thoughtful Crafters~Artist.

http://shinyadornments.artfire.com
and
http://shinyadornments.etsy.com


Then there is…
http://withourhands.artfire.com
and
http://sockmonkeygreetings.etsy.com

First the response from Shinyadornments….

Hi everyone,
I've not posted to the group in FOREVER, but I still read all the posts every day. :-) I saw Terry Ann's post and thought I'd add my 2 cents based on my ArtFire experience so far.

1. How are sales? As in for 100 items listed how many sell each week? How long till your first sale?

Sales are dismal so far...just 1, and I think I got it within the first 3 weeks. But so are my etsy sales, so that isn't really a worry for me. Most of the items in my shop provide enough of a margin for me to not have tons of sales, so I am OK with that.

2. What about traffic and views, are they consistent do you have access to that info?

Traffic and views are better on some items and worse on others compared to etsy. I do get MUCH better google search traffic results on Artfire, and my items from Artfire tend to rank higher in the google search results. No idea why. We have two sets of stats from ArtFire...one is Google Analytics, just like etsy, but with far less random search terms, and one is ArtFire's internal stats, which work really well. ArtFire doesn't seem to have the GA bugs that etsy does. The one piece Artfire doesn't report out on is internal site wide stats soon so we can tell how folks are finding out items from within the site...for instance category searches or text word searches, etc within ArtFire. External traffic to our shops is what is currently tracked by both Etsy and Artfire. Artfire has promised internal search stats soon. Etsy doesn't do that yet...and haven't said they will anytime soon.

3. When you make a sale, is there an integrated pay system or do you have to send a paypal invoice requesting money? Do you have to sign up for other services like Google checkout or RME in order to get paid?

They have an integrated system with Paypal. My one sale went pretty smoothly, so I can't complain. ArtFire also gives the option to utilize RME, Googlecheckout and some others, all at once if you want, so your buyer has lots of payment options. But I don't use them so can't give a valid perspective on how they work. One big plus for me so far with Artfire is that I can pay my shop bill via auto billing from paypal. I just set it up when I opened my shop, and they automatically debit my paypal account monthly. Easy peasy.

4. Do they hold payment themselves and pay monthly?

No. You are paid by your customers in real time, just like etsy.

5. How do you communicate with customers, is there a built in message system or do they go thru your regular email to ask a question?

There is an internal system as well as a contact the seller that sends you an email. The email/contact the seller system leaves a lot to be desired so far, but the Admin has promised a site wide email revamp is in the works.

6-Do they allow for combined shipping when a customer orders more than one item from you?

Yes, they have a very simple to use shipping profile functionality that you can set up anyway you like. Its super easy to use.

7-Do they allow mature items and do they "feature" these type of items?

I think so... but honestly, I haven't seen any on the site yet.

8-Can you get your items submitted to Google Base?

Yes, it is automatic. The shop owners don't have to do anything to set it up.

9-Have you purchased an item from Artfire and what was your experience being a customer?

Not yet, but I have several things 'pending' in my cart. LOL

10-That's about it...! I have been selling online for about 5 years now
and between Ebay and Etsy there is a world of differences. I have seen several venues fail for lack of traffic.... I am seriously looking for more venues to expand my business.

My advice? If you will be frustrated by the site being in beta...don't join now. Or, join at the free level to check it out. You can list 10 items for free. One word of caution: free shops have a bit less functionality than the paying ones (only 4 pictures per listing, other shop's listings show up as ads within you shop, etc). If you like the fact that you may be in on the ground floor to help build a new venue, this might be for you. So, in ranking etsy vs. artfire (and I have shops on both and intend on keeping them both)...

Traffic: Etsy wins hands down
Buyer pool: Etsy wins hands down
Ease of listing: Artfire wins
Site Search: It is a tie so far
Site bugs: Etsy wins
Admin responsiveness: Artfire wins
Communication from the site staff: Artfire wins
Reporting: Artfire wins
Impartiality of site admin: So far, Artfire wins
Site layout: Etsy wins for clean look/feel

I'm not saying this is the right venue for everyone...it is most certainly not. But, so far, I like the vibe, I like that my suggestions are listened to and implemented and I like that for such a new site it is actually growing at a decent clip. There are literally DOZENS of other venues for handmade right now, most opening to lots of fanfare, only to never see increases. I also like the fact that so far, ArtFire has been pretty methodical in its approach. It isn't implementing “whoop to do" tools like Shop by Color and Pounce, but is instead focusing on the core functionality of search and seller functionality instead. A business plan seems to be in place. Wow. ;-)

Now for what withourhands/sockmonkeygreetings said….
Here are my answers.

1-How are sales? As in for 100 items listed how many sell each week? How long till your first sale?

I currently have over 100 items listed but it's only been 1 1/2 weeks since I listed that many items. No sales but plenty of hits on a few of my items. I don't know if it's the market though because I haven't had much on Etsy either. Sales are very slow in both places. The good thing about Artfire is that it isn't costing me a fortune to have no sales. Whereas Etsy costs me each time I list an item to try and get a sale.

2-What about traffic and views, are they consistent do you have access to that info?

The traffic has been pretty regular. Artfire offers you stats on your traffic number of hits plus a list of your top 50 referring websites. I've been impressed with the number of search results on google that my items show up on.

3-When you make a sale, is there an integrated pay system or do you have to send a paypal invoice requesting money? Do you have to sign up for other services like Google checkout or RME in order to get paid?

You don't have to sign up for any payment service that you don't want to. I accept paypal, checks and money orders. I haven't signed up for Googlecheckout or RME although they are both options. I like that they do give you the options to utilize what you'd like. I have seen some buyers on etsy ask if anyone took RME. So there is a market for it.

4-Do they hold payment themselves and pay monthly?

No, you receive your payment right away from the buyer. Just like Etsy.

5-How do you communicate with customers, is there a built in message system or do they go thru your regular email to ask a question?

There is a built in message system that you can use. There is also email (which I find easier).

6-Do they allow for combined shipping when a customer orders more than one item from you?

Just like Etsy they let you choose to discount combined shipping.

7-Do they allow mature items and do they "feature" these type of items?

I'm not sure. I do remember seeing a discussion on the forums but didn't read it. I haven't seen any mature listings show up on the front page yet.

8-Can you get your items submitted to Google Base?

Yes. I'm not that familiar with Google Base but I do know that my items automatically are showing up on Google search results - both regular searches and shopping results.

9-Have you purchased an item from Artfire and what was your experience being a customer?

I have not purchased anything yet. Unfortunately I haven't been in the market for anything and being unemployed I haven't been able to afford to just purchase anything to test it out. :(

10-That is about it... I have been selling online for about 5 years now and between Ebay and Etsy there is a world of differences. I have seen several venues fail for lack of traffic.... I am seriously looking for more venues to expand my business.

Artfire is working hard on making sure they don't become a fly by night selling venue. They have a thing called "Market Hub" that is found on your listings. It gives your customers the opportunity to view you elsewhere online. It links to your Etsy store, flickr account, facebook, twitter, etc. So they encourage you to keep your Etsy shop open and to run both shops. I joined Artfire back in December but didn't really do anything with it until last week. I've been very impressed with Artfire since joining. I know they are new and they don't have the current traffic that Etsy does but I strongly feel they will start to get that traffic soon. There are a number of sellers on Artfire who are committed to seeing it grow and have spent time promoting their shops and Artfire - myself included. With the advertising that Artfire is doing - I feel I have made the right decision by opening my shop there. Right now, I am putting 99.9% of my time on Artfire and putting Etsy on the back burner. Only because my sales are so low that I really don't want to keep spending money to list without getting something in return. My sales slipped in November and they have stayed down. I have items in my store now but they are items that I already had listed and will let run their course.

Me…..
Thank you so much for your sharing your experiences! That kind of info is just what I was looking for; I am seriously considering adding Artfire to my online stores. I am currently selling more off line than online, right now and if the sales will not increase online even with opening new venues I am not sure I want to budget the time for it. So as you can see I am still on the "fence" about it... Thanks Brats for giving me so much more to think about!
♥

Military Brat Team at Etsy - Secret Santa

This is something I am enjoying wearing... my secret Santa gift from our Military Brat team at Etsy...Locobead fun fun fun! more photos are on my flickr account ... click on the slide show above. Visit her shop for more beautiful things!

Double Brat Featured Artist ~ Lavenderlizard ~

The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team

~ November 2008 Brat Feature ~

every few weeks we feature one of our members, this time we are proud to Feature:

lavenderlizard and lavenderladybug

Double Brat with two stores!
See her etsy shops here;
http://www.lavenderlizard.etsy.com/
and

http://www.lavenderladybug.etsy.com/

Here is her blog…..
http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/

Her flickr photos here;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14254353@N03

See the post on our Bratty Blog here;
http://etsymilitarybratteam.blogspot.com/

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Kalka, but everyone calls me Liz. I live in San Antonio, Texas (Military City USA), which is just perfect for a Brat! I’m married to a great guy (served in the US Navy), and we have 4 sons who range in age from 2 to 12.

I consider myself a Texan (part of my family arrived in Texas in the 1700s, and both of my parents were born and raised here), although I was born in Boulder, Colorado. After 20 years in the Air Force, my father retired, and we moved to the Dallas area, where I lived from the age of 10 until I left for college. Then I spent 12 years in Austin, where among other things, I attended the University of Texas (Hook ‘Em!). After my husband and I married, we settled here in San Antonio.

I started The Lavender Lizard with accessories, scrubbies and crocheted necessities about 18 months ago, and this year I opened The Lavender Ladybug, which I envision as my supply and destash shop.

2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

I learned embroidery stitches while I was a Brownie when we were stationed in La Paz, Bolivia. I still have the first thing I made – I raided my mother’s sewing basket for buttons to embellish it. The “fabric” is very coarse, like burlap, and I signed it with my initials.

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I am probably most inspired by yarn – different colors and textures make me think of different objects. For instance, I found this great fluffy, orange, tweedy yarn, and I thought “I just have to make pumpkins out of this!” So I did! The problem is I have more yarn and ideas for it than I have time….

4-What are your favorite materials?

Well, yarn, of course! I also cross-stitch, and I am in the process of designing cross-stitch embellishments for The Lavender Ladybug.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

Patience, for sure! Also, it’s important to know that an Etsy shop is not static – you must spend time listing, photographing, editing, writing, learning, promoting, networking, renewing, blogging, checking the forums, mailing (hopefully), and keeping records. That’s after you have spent time creating in the first place.

6-Why should people buy handmade?

Handmade = love! I have always cherished handmade gifts, and I love to have one-of-a-kind items that someone cared enough to make. Buying handmade is supporting an artist, and I can’t stress the importance of that enough!

7-What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I would love to be able to organize my favorites – I’m forever hearting items, like I’ll go on a hearting spree through Pounce or the Treasury, but good luck finding them again. I don’t have the patience (or time) to check the pages of my favorites.

I would also love the ability to organize my shop without renewing items and put items into more than one shop category.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Well, I parent my boys, which keeps me quite busy. I have served on PTA boards for the last 6 years (this year, I am the treasurer for the middle school PTA). I have a weekend job in retail. And every night before I go to bed, I have to read, no matter how tired I am.

9-Read any good books lately?

Just finished “The 39 Clues” (Rick Riordan, the author, also lives in San Antonio), and I’m looking forward to the next one in this series (Put down the book, people – I’m going to win the prizes!)

I’m also working my way through the Bones series (although I found I could not stand the TV series based on these books! Weird, huh?) My favorite place in the world is a library.

10-In ten years I'd like to be…

Watching my 2 oldest sons graduate from college, DS3 graduating from high school, and seeing my youngest son enter teenage hood. Professionally, I would love to publish some of my original crochet designs.

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

Both The Lavender Lizard and The Lavender Ladybug were named with my favorite color in mind. Also, when I was growing up, my nickname was Lizard. My friend Photoshop and I created both of my avatars.

12- What is the connection between being a Crafter and being a Brat?

It doesn’t surprise me that a lot of Brats also craft. It must have something to do with the ability to be creative on the fly, to adapt to new situations quickly, and to use crafting to stay grounded in our lives. Growing up as a Brat, I was terribly shy and hated meeting new people. I still feel that way sometimes, but I also found that I can relate to most people on some level because of my life experiences. I think that’s probably true of most Brats!

~Liz

Military Friendly Shops ~ A web based network for help and discounts

Today I got notice that I was one of the "Shops of the Week" on a web site dedicated to help with shopping and shipping for military families, especially those overseas! COOL! Check it out!

http://www.militaryfriendlyshops.webs.com/

This is how they describe themselves and the web site....

Who We Are
We are two Army wives & mothers! Yep just like you! We love to shop and have our own business making hair items for lil ones. We come across many sales and specials and thought..why not share them!!
We are avid online shoppers, we can and will (try!!) find every discount for you!
Our personal shops can be found at:

Lizzies Little Liahs Baby Bows Site

A Soldiers Flowers Etsy Site

And we offer FREE shipping to all APO, & FPO address's!
Any questions for us or about us?? Just ask!
Angela & Elizabeth

indigobaydesigns and littlepinkplum ~ Brat Feature

The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team

~ Fall 2008 Brat Feature ~

Every few weeks we feature one of our members, this time we are proud to Feature:

indigobaydesigns and littlepinkplum
Double Brat with two stores!

See her etsy shops here;
http://www.indigobaydesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.littlepinkplum.etsy.com/
Her flickr photos here;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30849866@N07
See the post on our Bratty Blog here;
http://etsymilitarybratteam.blogspot.com/

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

My name is Janet and I’m married with 3 kids. I live in El Cajon, CA (same place as our team leader oceankisses and also lizedgar). I am an Army brat and was born in Maryland. I graduated from high school in Japan and then my father was transferred to Arizona. A friend of mine was living in San Diego and asked me to share an apartment with her. So I moved out here and that was almost 20 years ago.

2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?

How and why did you make it?

I remember in elementary school gluing Popsicle sticks together to make a picture frame, and then gluing macaroni shells onto the Popsicle sticks. My teacher spray painted the frame and I gave it to my parents. It was something all the kids in my class made to give to their parents for Christmas.

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

With my pocket mirrors, I look at various types of paper and try to figure out if that particular paper would be a good design for a mirror. And I make a lot of pendants based on what my two daughters like or ask me to make. I have recently started to experiment with my original drawings and digitally coloring them, and hope to turn them into mirrors and pendants soon.

4-What are your favorite materials?

Paper and more paper. I also like fabric. I sew a little and just made some lavender sachets to give as gifts this Christmas.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

One important lesson I’ve learned from other artists on Etsy is to take great pictures since that is what is going to catch the eye of a potential buyer. That is something I still need to improve on, but I have come a long way from when I first started listing.

6-Why should people buy handmade?

People should buy handmade because it’s not a mass produced item that a million other people are going to have. You’re getting something very special that had a lot of attention, caring and pride that went into making it.

7-What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

One feature I would like to see is to be able to block non paying buyers from returning to your shop. I would also like to see Etsy become just as well known as the other “E” site. When I tell people that I sell on Etsy, I usually get a blank stare.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I love to read and I usually go to the library at least once a week to check out books or to get on the waiting list for the latest bestseller. I’ve been a stay at home mom since my son was born 3 years ago, and I spend a lot of time chauffeuring my kids around to school, after school activities, etc. They keep me busy.

9-Read any good books lately?

I just finished reading a book by Anne Perry. I love her Victorian murder mysteries.

10-In ten years I'd like to be…

... happy and successful at whatever I’m doing. I would also like to have some wholesale accounts. I just completed a small order for a boutique in Los Angeles, and I would love to sell my pendants and mirrors to more shops.

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

For littlepinkplum, I chose that name based on my favorite colors and the “little” part comes from me being not quite 5 feet tall. Indigo Bay is the name of a beautiful island resort near the Indian Ocean. I would love to vacation there someday.




12- What has being a brat at Etsy meant to you?


Not only is there a common bond of being crafters, but there’s also a special connection because of our unique background as brats.

The Purse Tote - Oops I didn't do that on purpose !!! - Black and White Chrysantemum fabric with touch of Silver

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Or maybe it is ok........... missed it by that much. > <

Sometimes after making, creating, sewing, ironing, and otherwise being creative, you make an Oops! I have had my share of OOooops ~ es in the past and mostly I carry them myself or I take them apart and begin again. This time I decided it wasn’t that bad, and I have noticed that other Etsians have listed Oops also. In fact there was a treasury devoted to Oops a few weeks ago and they were lovely.
This is an "Ooops" because the snaps were put on off center and attached slightly to one side... This is priced slightly lower than the others because of the Ooops. If it is not sold in one cycle on etsy it will not be renewed and I will carry it. It is really a beautiful fabric. Oh! I might get another for my own collection! It is really a beautiful fabric. If this Oops is calling your name you can buy it at my shop..
Then put Oops in the search box and see what else comes up you will be surprised!

BRATs of Etsy - Featured Seller - Artist! - Handsoncrafts

The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team ~ August 2008 Brat Feature ~Every few weeks we feature one of our members….
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Handsoncrafts
See her etsy shop here;
http://handsoncrafts.etsy.com
See her web site here; http://handsonartsandcrafts.com
See the post on our Bratty Blog here;http://etsymilitarybratteam.blogspot.com

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).
My name is Mabel. I’m 29 years old. I live in Chesapeake, Va. I’ve lived here for 5 years.I was born at Andalucia, Spain. I'm a Navy wife and mother of 4 wonderful children.


2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?
How and why did you make it?Oh it was a Sarah Kay frame made of a few posters and some glue; I made the posters shine with many covers of glue that made it look shiny and hard. Then I put cotton on the back and glued on a frame!! I remember it was beautiful!!!

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

Love inspires me, the love of my children, my husband and even my puppies, Nature inspires me too and also God. Sometimes an idea just comes to me and I run to get a paper and a pencil and draw it before is gone, and then I make themcome true!

4-What are your favorite materials?

Oh, Cold Porcelain, I have been working with Cold Porcelain since I was 13 or 14 just watching THE MASTER, My MOM!

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

Do not underestimate, if anything overestimate it makes you look good and keeps the customer happy.
6-Why should people buy handmade?

For me handmade means made with love and care. It is something that one person puts hours of work, total attention andLove.

7-What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?
I would like to see them advertise more.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I am a stay at home mom with 4 kids. I have 1 boy 13 years old, my big helper. Also I have a 1 yr. old little girl that keeps me really busy. and 3 year old girl, who loves to eat all the time and go outside. ha! Ha! hA! And my sweet 9 year old girl she is my strength.

9-Read any good books lately?

Oh yeah "the 5 languages of love" I think everyone needs to read this book, it is awesome.

10-In ten years I'd like to be…
Hmmm having my own boutique gift shop!!!

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

Well Hands on Arts and Crafts, which is my business name. My mom's store is "Art In Your hands" So that's the reason for “Hands" then I do Arts and Crafts so they came together very well. Don’t you think? And my Etsy Avatar I just picked one of my pictures and I made it my self. Here is my mom’s web address; I want to share her site http://www.artinyourhands.com.

12-What is a Brat and how does that help you craft?

Well My Dad was from the Air force of Spain so I grew up traveling. When I was a kid it was really hard to adapt too manydifferent places, but then turned fun when I start doing crafts and learning new Crafts and techniques from different countries. I learned Jewelry in Peru, I learn to cross stitch in Korea and many other crafts in different countries, so CRAFTS helped me a lot and are very important in my life!!! When my husband goes on Deployment I just sit in my studio at night and submerge my self there, it makes the time fly!!

BRATs of Etsy - Featured Team

YEP! The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team was featured in their blog the Storque.

We also got a front page treasury picked by Etsy themselves..

Here is that front page.... in all its glory...

To see what we are up to lately check out the Brats Street Team Blog!

BRATs of Etsy - Featured Seller - Artist! - GoodScents and SilverTreeJewelry

The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team

~ JULY 2008 Brat Feature ~

We are proud to Feature: GoodScents and SilverTreeJewelry
Every few weeks we feature one of our members. She is one of the many Etsy Artist that can support and fill two shops with the things she creates… so both are promoted here.

http://goodscents.etsy.com/ SKIN CARE, HOME FRAGRANCE
also… as
http://silvertreejewelry.etsy.com/ JEWELRY

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

My name is Cari and I'm a single parent of two teenagers (yes, I'm actually still sane). I live in the Fort Worth, TX area.

2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

You're gonna laugh. I was about 5 and I took some notebook paper and stapled them together into some hats. They really only 'fit' my tiny head. But I was convinced that they were wonderful (light blue lines and all) and I went down the street, house to house, trying to sell them for a nickel. I think I sold 3 of them. Money was tight at our house, and I remember thinking that I could make enough money to pay for some groceries! Obviously, I didn't.

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I am a shopper. But I'm not much of a buyer. The reason is that I don't see things that really make me happy. I'm not into spending simply to do so. I want to enjoy what I buy. I owned a retail gift store for more than 5 years. When I'd go to market to find things for the store, I'd have an idea what I wanted to buy. And rarely could I find it. If I did, the price was outrageous (in my opinion). Bath & Body (along with candles and other home fragrance) was a particular problem for me. I couldn't find a line that was well made, with a wide variety of scents, at a reasonable price point and not overdone (or selling out to the mass merchants in town). So, in true entrepreneurial fashion, I did it for myself. I created candles first, then bottled my oils, and then branched into the soap, lotion, lip balm, etc. I now make more than 500 products and new products are always in the works. My cold process soaps (Artisan Soap) should debut in Fall 2008. My products are crafted from top quality ingredients. They have glorious fragrance. And they are reasonably priced.

4-What are your favorite materials?

Quality oils (such as coconut, shea, sweet almond, castor etc--no animal oils used in my products), fabulous fragrance (I buy from almost 9 different suppliers, currently, to get the wide range of scents to offer.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

To be patient. And I will admit that patience is not my best attribute. I know how good my products are and I want people to try them. I have to tell myself 'all in good time'. I know that many sellers have been at Etsy much longer than I have, but I also know my products, quality ingredients and attention to detail cannot be topped. I soon hope to convince more to make my shop their favorite place for pampering or cleansing products.

6-Why should people buy handmade?

Large companies are shareholder owned, by and large. Those corporate entities have a promise to keep to their investors. And that promise is profits. To get 'there', they will cut whatever corners they can, sometimes to the point of substituting (in my opinion) inferior ingredients. Of course, they also can enjoy economies of purchase that small companies, like mine, can't match. But we aren't paying multi millions for corporate executive payroll, either. One of my larger, and very well known, competitors uses ingredients that I would never consider: synthetic vitamin E, sunflower oil (which goes rancid fast), etc. Not that these are horrible, absolutely not, but I put higher grade and quality ingredients into every product. I don't substitute cheap oil for a more expensive. I make the best product that I can.

7-What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I'd like a more discriminatory search function, to fine tune a search. Say you wanted soap. Ok, then you wanted glycerin soap that is blue. You can't do that right now. It would be cool to have that ability.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I write novels for fun. One's ready for the publisher. Anyone know a good agent? I also make stained glass and jewelry. My jewelry is sold here at Etsy under the shop name http://www.silvertree.etsy.com/ . I will admit that most of my jewelry is sold off Etsy, which is why my shop is a bit bare right now. I also do custom orders.

9-Read any good books lately?

I'm a science fiction/traditional fiction type of person. I know, that is a dichotomy, but that is who I am. I just re-read Pride and Prejudice for the upmteenth time. I love that book.

10-In ten years I'd like to be…

Living in my cute bungalow house (as off grid as I can manage it...) with huge shade trees and on a large lot, Where I can have a vegetable garden and a flower garden. Where the neighbor and I cannot shake hands and still remain WITHIN our houses. I want to be able to bike to the grocery store, church and post office. And go daily to my little soap store on the main square. I guess I want to live in Mayberry! There I want to sell my products not only to locals but to a wider audience on Etsy. And live entirely off the ability of my mind and my hands.

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

That is my business name and has been for more than 8 years. Back before I named the biz, I would bring out a new product and one of my store customers would go ‘wow that is a good scent!' Uh huh....and so we go... I designed my banner and Etsy avatar myself. I also do all of the design work on my labels.

12-What is a Brat and how does that help you craft?

My dad was in the Air Force and we moved around a lot. I don't think I'd be as creative if I hadn't grown up in that time and in that way. This was before more than 4 channels on the TV and nothing computerized. We made our own fun. And, as we were never rolling in money, we did it with an eye to frugality. I taught myself the joy of being creative. And it all comes from living in 8 different places before I turned 12...