Wedding Season with Petal Gem

I never paid much attention to this so called "wedding season". Probably because it never directly affected me. I haven't attended many weddings in my 25 years of life. 


And then 2012 happened and it feels that everyone I know is getting married. It is so fun to hear all the different plans -from backyard to courtyard, wedding planners must be busy! 


There are many Etsy stores who sell wedding related items. Myself included. However, it isn't every day that a Etsy seller can say she gets her inspiration from planning her own upcoming wedding. 


Meet Mandy from Petal Gem! Congratulations on your engagement Mandy and I wish you lots of happiness for your future! 

Where are you from?

Hi my name is Mandy and my shop on Etsy is called PetalGem. I’m from Peace River Alberta. I enjoy creating, especially for weddings and I’m actually getting married this summer! In my Etsy shop I sell silk wedding flowers, brooch wedding bouquets and vintage jewelry.

When did you first discover Etsy? 


I found out about Etsy a couple years ago from a friend who was telling me about all the neat items you could find. I decided to start a shop after making my own silk flower bouquets and it gradually evolved from that.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?


My day job is working with children. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, camping, movies and walking my puppy.

Is Etsy your full time or part time business? 

This is a part time business. My ambitions would be that in a few years if I have children that I could have an income from my shop so that I could work from home and be with my kids.

What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world? 


facebook page: www.facebook.com/PetalGem

What steps do you take in your creative process? 

I usually have a bit of a plan when I go to make something, sometimes it changes partway through!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? 

My favorite item in my shop is my pearl and rhinestone brooch teardrop bouquet. I like the shape of it and the brooches all look very pretty together. 

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from the materials I have, flowers or brooches and putting them together as a finished product. I try to create something that I would love if it were for my own wedding.

What is your favorite part of being a part of the Etsy community?
 

The diversity, there’s so many creative people, I love browsing and finding something unique.

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today? 

My family and my finance are very important to me and have played a big part in my life!


When did you know you were an artist/maker?

Just recently but I’ve always enjoyed art classes and crafts since I was young.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?

Sometimes I will take a break from creating and do something else, then come back later and try it again.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I’d like to own my first home, be happily married with two children. I’d like my shop to be bringing in a decent income if I’m lucky!

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why?

It’s important to have good photos and descriptions of your products. Something I’m still working on although I’ve improved since I first started. 

Favorite recipe?
 
Honey Curry Chicken

Monday Meets: Mandys Charms!

I love Etsy. 

No big surprise there. I buy and sell mostly from Etsy and I wouldn't have it any other way. This morning I came across one more reason why being a part of the Etsy community truly is the best. 

Meet my new friend Amanda from MandysCharms. Not only is she from England (I love meeting fellow Etsian from different countries) but she is a young entrepreneur who creates some fantastic jewelry. Check out her story: 

What makes you unique? 

Hi, I'm Amanda and I'm based in Milton Keynes, in England :) I make cute and quirky jewelry ranging from clay charm jewelry, to potion necklaces and leather wrap bracelets. I fell in love with crafting when I was young, and have been making ever since! I think that my shop is a burst of fun color, and that makes it unique.

When did you first discover Etsy? 

I first started on Etsy after hearing about it from a friend in passing. Before I'd never really thought about selling my jewelry online; I would just stick to family and friends. I looked around Etsy and thought,"Hey, if these people can do it, so can I!" So that was how my interest in Etsy was sparked.

I opened shop to sell the things I make, so that I can make more! I'm always trying out new ideas, and Etsy is a great way to support new ventures. I've been interested recently in trying out metal stamping to make jewelry for my family.

Is Etsy your full time or part time business?  

Etsy is a part-time business as I haven't come far enough to make it into something bigger. I do hope to one day to own a successful shop to be very proud of, and I hope that my work will inspire others to take up crafting or sell online!

Where does your inspiration come from?

I'm very inspired by color, and different color palettes and shades. I could browse colour palettes all day if I could! Sometimes I see a color scheme I adore, and take inspiration from it, for example my peacock themed leather wrap bracelet!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? 

Oh, I really like my creations and it's hard to choose, but I love this honey jar necklace. I just love the idea!

What is your favorite part of being a part of the Etsy community? 

My favorite part of being in the Etsy community is the friendly atmosphere and support in the forums, teams and more! No one is looked down upon for being new or for not knowing much about Etsy. Everyone helps each other to the best of their ability, and there isn't a sort of 'Pecking order' among members.

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today? 

Hm....I think that all the wonderful sellers on Etsy have inspired me to be here, with supportive comments, help and inspiration. Without them, I may have given up long ago!

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

When I started out selling to friends, and started receiving compliments and people telling me that I should sell more- It gave me a huge confidence boost for people to tell me that they would buy my items.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I would love to still be making and selling, as this is what I enjoy most.

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why? 

Don't be afraid to ask questions! There is no such thing as a 'stupid question'. Don't feel nervous asking for help or support on the forums or teams, everyone as to start out somewhere and there is a steep learning curve.

Accept criticism and learn from it, stay optimistic, learn a little more every day and have fun!

Fabulous Friday with Meadowland Designs

I have to admit, I have been on a bit of a spending spree recently. Booking flights here, committing to long (and expensive) weekends. Its been all about fun recently and there is more fun to be had! I just hope my pocket book doesn't dry up before the end of summer. 

(hint hint Etsy store... start rockin and rollin!) Ok, I guess I am the one that needs a kick in the butt, not Etsy..... whatever 

Anyways, with all the fun to be had, I am searching for all the best deals because I simply can't spend enough! 

When I met Catherine from Meadowland Designs, and saw all her fabulous jewelry, I knew that I could look stellar at all my upcoming functions without spending the last bit of my pathetic savings. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

 I’m Catherine and I create just outside of the Kansas City Metro Area. I make unique jewelry that usually is very feminine and sweet although some of my designs come out on the whimsical and fun side. 


When did you first discover etsy? 


 Truth be told, I can’t positively say how I found Etsy. I think that it was either in a book or possibly a link to someone’s shop on Etsy. I wanted to sell on Etsy because it has lots of viewers {even though jewelry is saturated with sellers} and is simple and easy to use. 

Apart from creating things, what do you do? 

I am a college student who loves to be making things whether it’s singing and piano playing, knitting, cooking or just a mess! Oh, and books & chocolate go great together!

What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world?

Aside from selling at the occasional craft /art show and by word of mouth in my area, Etsy is the only place I can be found online. 

What steps do you take in your creative process? 


My designs come in several different ways: 
Sometimes I start with a handful beads or a certain technique and go from there  I’ve been doing more adventurous combinations by using a color scheme or colors taken from one of my photographs. Others are planned out before I even have all the materials on hand and then I make any necessary changes along the way. 

What is your favorite item in your shop? 

Frost Flower in Blue would have to be my favorite. I love the wirework flower, it’s just so simple & sweet!

Where does your inspiration come from? 

Often the materials themselves start a design idea, color schemes from pictures or fabric and I do designs based on a particular friend or relative’s style. 

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today?


My family and a close friend have been so helpful with giving me feedback and tips on whatever I’m been experimenting with lately. 

Who is your most influential Etsian?


 I would say Kelly of LilStuff. She doesn’t sell jewelry, but is a friend of mine who had been on Etsy for awhile & has been a great help with questions and lots of encouragement. 

How do you get out of your creative ruts?


 I don’t have them very often, when it does happen I go do something else like play the piano, read or go for a walk. My brain continues to work on the problem and usually I have a couple possible solutions by that time. 

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why? 


Do your absolute best in all the parts of selling, from making your product to getting it out there. Learn how to manage all the technical parts of the Etsy system {like good photography, writing and customer service} or else find excellent help for those areas. Join a team! Having people to bounce ideas off of and ask for input {bias free} is great.

Everyone who signs up for my monthly email newsletter gets 15% off in my Etsy Shop: Send me an email asking to be signed up! MeadowlandDesigns@yahoo.com