Fridays Featured Artist: Kiki from Kikisthings.etsy.com

Todays featured etsy artist Kiki from  Kikisthings. Kiki makes awesome children's  dress up clothes and costumes. As she says in the interview "They're not just for Halloween anymore", they are great for themed birthday parties, school plays and functions, or just for longs days of pretend and play. So take a moment to relax and meet Kiki as she describes her shop, her wonderful items, and how she got started in the Etsy community. Make sure you take a moment to check out her great shop too. Thanks and have a great day.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Please include your location)

Well, I'm currently living back at home, just outside of Philadelphia PA with my dad and my dog, Hemi. Right now I spend most of my time in the spare bedroom-turned studio. When I'm not sewing I love gardening and just being outside doing just about anything. I'm one of those "can't sit still" people. 

Tell us about your art/craft. What is it that you create

I make handmade children's dress up clothing and cstumes. Notice that I say dress up clothing--They're not just for Halloween anymore! 

How long have you been doing this? What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been running Kiki's Things since 2006. I started with winter hats. Stocking caps, character hats, just crazy pompom hats. But I really began making the costumes years ago. It was the summer after High School with nothing to do and my mom suggested I make up some costumes and sell them at the local community day. They were an instant hit! So I did that for a while but it was only at Halloween (pre internet) so I really couldn't make a living at it. Eventually I drifted away from that business and did other things. I came back to sewing in 2006. I was in a not so good marriage and needed something to do so I started Kiki's things. If you want to know how long I have been sewing... I don't ever remember not sewing...

Are you the only artist/crafter in your family or does it run in the genes?

NO WAY! Everyone in my family does something... One grand mom does hook rugs and is excellent at crocheting, the other grand mom does embroidery and ceramics, and mom is always coming up with some little crafty thing...

Is your art/craft your full time job? If not, what else do you do for a living?

As of June of this year Kiki's Things has been my full time job. I lost my day job and decided to give this a go. It's been so much better than I could have imagined! Its long hours but I LOVE it!

Who or what inspires or influences your work?

Well, I'm always looking to see what kids are in to. (I have none of my own) I look at the toy sections of the stores and also I just listen to what people are asking for. For example, my Mermaid Tail Towels, Last year was my first year on Etsy and I can't tell you how many times I heard "I'm so happy to have a Mermaid Costume- now I don't have to tie a towel around her to pretend" or something like that. That gave me the idea of the mermaid towel. Things like that influence me a lot

Is there anyone you would like to thank for being your biggest fan/supporter/cheerleader?

Well, that's an easy one.... My Family! Mom for giving me the idea, Dad for putting up with Kiki's Things being in his house, Aunts, Uncles cousins who help spread the word!

How did you learn your art/craft?

I learned from my mom at the beginning. When I was little she made a lot of my clothes and I was always "helping"

Do you have any formal training or education in fashion design?

I do. In High School we still had sewing class which I just about lived in. Then I went to The Craft Fashion Institute (a trade school) to learn Tailoring. I also attended the University of The Arts, here in Philadelphia where I majored in Photography. I'm much more of a Fine Art Photographer than a studio photographer. I think the study of Photography gives me the eye for detail that I use in creating these costumes. My art background, I think, gives me the ability to look at a cartoon and pick out the necessary elements to make the costume on sight.

You make and sell several different types/lines of children's costumes.  Which do you find yourself most drawn to and why?

I'm really proud of all of my works. I'm most proud of the things that are totally "mine" like the mermaid tails, the binkie-pahnts simply because they are my own ideas that people happen to like enough to purchase. That's an awesome feeling!

What is your favorite material or medium to work with?

Plain old simple cotton. It's so easy to work and you can make it do just about anything, it can be plain or fancy. It's my fav.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to try to learn your craft? Are there any hazards or dangers associated with your art/craft, for example working with certain materials or tools, etc.?

I would say that you just have to try it and start simple. Make a pillow first don't try to make a wedding dress your first time out. Sewing is pretty safe. I mean I do have cuts  from not being careful with the scissors and I stab myself with pins (not on purpose, of course) a lot but I'm not the most graceful so that's just me.

On average how long would you say it takes you to complete a piece?
Most of my pieces take about 1.5 -2 hours from start to finish.

What is your favorite item from your shop? Why?
I Love my Mermaids, both the costumes and the Towels.  I think I love the costumes because they were one of the first things I made way back when... and like I said, the tails are totally designed by me.

Can you describe for us your creative process and or what a typical day is like in your studio.
Right now my day starts around 7:30 am; I answer emails, do some online marketing and pull out items to be packed for shipping. Then I just sew, sew, and sew. Walk Hemi (my dog) at lunch time, then more sewing. I usually take a couple of hours off around dinner and just chill out. I'll answer more emails and do more marketing in the evening. I also get myself ready for the next day by cutting out and lining up items to be made for the next day.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat.....

What motivates you to create?
 I have no idea. It's just something I feel I need to do. Like breathing for me...

Do you do custom requests for your art?

I do most of my work this way. I've made ghosts, candy costumes, dogs, cats, video game characters, you name it...

What is the most unusual custom request you have gotten?
Last year I was asked to make a Hurricane for a 6 month old baby. I pulled it off and it actually came out really cute.

How did you discover etsy?
Last year my mom gave me an article from, I think, the Wall Street Journal talking about etsy and a few other online venues for crafters (I told you this was all her idea). I read the article and checked it out. .The rest is history...

How do you promote your business?
Anywhere I see an opportunity to promote I do. On line (if it's free it's me) I'm on Facebook, Craig's list, Twitter. I post to the Etsy forums almost daily, I do craft shows where I make sure everyone who comes to my booth leaves with something with my web site on it. I even put up flyers on community bulletin boards.

Knowing what you know now about online selling and running your own business, if you could start all over from scratch would you do anything differently?
I would never have stopped like I did in the beginning. I wish I was a little more organized but that's just how I am. (I know where everything is!)

Do you have any advice for other artists?
No matter what other people say, just keep doing what you feel you need to do to express yourself. And never stop trying...

Where else can we find you online and/or locally (i.e galleries, boutiques, etc.)?
 In addition to Etsy, I'm on Artfire. www.kikisthings.artfire.com
I have my own site www.kikisthings.com as well as several consignment shops on line.
I'm always looking for new places and boutiques!!

Who are some of your favorite Etsy sellers or indie artists?
PEEKO apparel & vintage I love her clothes!
Carolhanna- She's on Project Runway- what's not to love!
HollywoodSpotlight- has great vintage jewellery!
There's just too many on Etsy to mention!


Kiki's Things
www.kikisthings.com
www.kikisthings.etsy.com
www.kikisthings.artfire.com
kiki@kikisthings.com

Fridays Featured Artist: Jack and Deb of Jack’s WoodArt

 It still amazes me sometimes the quality of people that you can meet in the Etsy community. I have always known that artist/craftsmen (at least in my experience) typically have very pleasant, warm, friendly personalities, and the folks that I have met on Etsy just prove that more and more every day. Jack and Deb, a husband and wife business team, from Jack's WoodArt are a perfect example of what I am talking about.

Jack takes beautiful pieces of wood and creates the most amazing pieces of Wood Art. He specializes in wood inlay designs which he incorporates into awesome small treasure chests. Deb, Jack's wife is one of the friendliest and most personable people I have ever had the pleasure to talk with. She assists Jack with the computer and book keeping portion of running their small business. They are still pretty new to Etsy having just opened their shop in June of 2009. Please take a few moments to read their interview and be sure to stop by their shop and see what treasures they have available. I am positive that you will find something there that you would love to have for yourself or to give as a gift for that special person in your life.


- Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
58 y/o WM, extremely happily married (third time's a charm!), living in Largo, Florida.

 - Tell us about your art/craft.  What is it that you create? 
I work with wood, both domestic and exotic, fabricating inlayed treasure chests, bowls, vases, etc.

 

 - How long have you been doing this?  What led you to start creating your art/craft? 
Been working with wood since age 13, taught by my father, a Master Craftsman.  Due to disability from construction work, started working with wood as an art form.

 - Are you the only artist/crafter in your family or does it run in the genes? 
My grandfather was a carpenter, my uncle was a carpenter, my father was a carpenter, and I am a carpenter (or was); but, I am the only one to apply woodworking in this manner.

 -  Is your art/craft your full-time job?  If not, what else do you do for a living? 
This is full time but way more than 40 hrs/week!

 -  Do the two jobs impact each other? 

My only other job is to take care of my darling wife and we impact each other immensely (and as often as possible!). 

 -  Who or what inspires or influences your work? 
I try to utilize the natural forms and curves of nature in my work.

 -  Is there anyone you would like to thank for being your biggest fan/supporter/cheerleader?
There is only one answer to this question, for without her (my darling wife) there would be no "Jack's WoodArt," there would be no "Art" at all, and, certainly, no reason to continue.

 -  Do you have any formal training or education in your craft? 
No.

- If not, in what field was your formal education/college major and how do you think it has influenced your art/craft if at all?
I majored in the medical field, Cardio-Pulmonary Technology and Plastic Surgery, to be specific.  Some intricate techniques may have helped, but I doubt it.

  
-  What is your favorite wood to work with? 

I love all woods, but one of my favorites is Cocobolo.

 -  You make and sell several different types/lines of your work.  Which do you find yourself most drawn to and why?
 Inlays are the most fulfilling.  I am always astonished at the reaction some people have when first viewing them.  It is extremely gratifying.  Also, there are so many avenues yet to follow.

 -  Explain to us a little bit about the wood inlay process that you use in many of your pieces. 
A design must be chosen which will fit within the restrictions of my tools.  Once that is done, grain and type of wood that accepts the inlay are considerations that will tell a story if done correctly. 

-  What advice would you give to someone who would like to try to learn your craft?  Are there any hazards or dangers associated with your art/craft, for example, working with certain materials or tools, etc.? 
There are a multitude of hazards inherent with this type of work.  Most people, in my experience, have to learn the hard way, but a piece of advice?  Educate yourself and go easy!!
 
-  On average, how long would you say it takes you to complete a piece? 
Two weeks.

  -  What is your favorite item from your shop?  Why? 
It's called "Mates for Life."  It depicts two swans forming a heart with their necks and breasts: the grain of the wood flows from one breast to another and the background tells the story.
 
-  What motivates you to create? 
To leave a legacy?  To be remembered?  I'm not sure, but I know part of it is to try to make my wife, Deb, as happy as she can possibly be (or, "as happy as possible."  Never end a sentence with a preposition!).
 
-  Do you do custom requests for your art?
Yes.  Jack is presently, among other projects, working on a very romantic customized treasure box requested by a customer for Christmas.  He always welcomes requests for specialized orders.
 
- What is the most unusual custom request you have gotten? 
Can you make this out of acrylic?  I hate wood."
 
-  How did you discover etsy? 
Jack read about it in the newspaper, "The St. Petersburg Times," and then I checked it out.
 
-  Prior to opening your etsy shop, did you have any knowledge of running a small business?  If not, what were your most helpful resources in learning to manage a small business? 
We knew very little about running a business.  Deb checked out several resources and is learning more every day, when she is not working at her job as a cashier at Publix GroceryStores.  Helpful to her have been: Steve@thethrivingartist.com; the online Virtual Seminar University (free to members) from Sam's Club; Etsy, of course (especially including the wonderful forums, The Storque articles, newsletters, and the newbie chats on the Virtual Labs); many publications, to name a few: "The Crafts Report," "Where the Shows Are," "Fine Woodworking," and "Woodturning"; tool and wood supply catalogs; eBay; and others too numerous to mention, but those are the primary ones.
 
-  How do you promote your business? 
We have had our business for less than a year, so we are still learning ways to promote Jack's WoodArt.  Etsy is wonderful.  Before we discovered it, our primary way of promotion was by going to art/craft shows.  Jack's art is best appreciated in person - it presents very well to the naked eye, up close.  We held a raffle for a free handturned wooden pen set at our last art show (Gulfport, FL) and obtained many email addresses to which we plan to send brief messages and pics of newly crafted woodart.  When Deb finally gets around to it, we will be blogging on Facebook and possibly Twitter and/or other.

 

-  Knowing what you know now about online selling and running your own business, if you could start all over from scratch, would you do anything differently? 
Yes, start sooner.
 
-  Do you have any advice for other artists?
If you've found what you love to do, find a way to do it.
 
-  Who are some of your favorite etsy sellers or indie artists? 
Owen at OwensArtworks, Heather at MistyRidgeDesign, Dionne of StudioChicDesign as previously mentioned, and many others.  We have been meeting the most wonderful people since beginning our business - it has been great!
 
- Is there anything else that you would like for people to know about you or your shop that has not been covered in these questions? 
I am still evolving.  I have only scratched the surface of what I want to accomplish.  My mind is going constantly, but my hands have limits.  I truly believe, inside my head, something is waiting to be released which, I hope, is extraordinary.

Thanks for asking these great questions; Jack had a blast answering them while I was at work last night!  You are very thoughtful, and we wish you the best of success with your business.
God bless you and yours always.
Hugs,
Deb   

Jack & Deb Lewis
Jack's WoodArt
JacksWoodArt.etsy.com
Largo, Florida

Thanks so much Deb and Jack. I really enjoyed your interview and appreciate you all taking the time to fill out all of my questions. I wish you the best of luck with your business.

Friday Featured Artist: Pat O'Neill from www.onawhimsey.etsy.com

Like most of you I love to browse around on Etsy and look with amazement at all of the incredible talent that the community has to offer. One of my favorite categories to explore is Art. I am often so very jealous of the way some people can render such beautiful representations of the world around us. One of the things that I love about the Art category is the way so many of the pieces I come across can evoke a particular feeling or emotion. It was this ability to evoke feeling that drew me to the work of Pat O’Neill and her shop at www.onawhimsey.etsy.com. 

 

Pat produces wonderful Encaustic paintings. If you are like me, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear painting is probably your favorite piece done in the traditional mediums of acrylics or oil based paints. After reading Pat’s profile and seeing her beautiful pieces I was very intrigued and decided to invite her to share more about her work with us during the Friday Featured Artist segment. So please take a moment to read more about Pat and the interesting technique that she uses to produce her beautiful art. She was gracious enough to answer my questions and provide an excellent explanation and introduction into the medium of Encaustics. So please take a moment to learn a bit more about the artist and definitely stop by her shop and check out the great work that she has there.

Enoy!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Please include your location)
My name is Pat and I live in the south east of England.  I have always dabbled, being the operative word, in various crafts, mainly quilting and crochet. 

Tell us about your art/craft. What is it that you create?
Last year I came across the word encaustic.  Didn't have a clue what it meant but felt drawn to finding out the meaning. 

What is it?

The name encaustic derives from the Greek for" burnt in".

It is claimed that the art of encaustic wax painting is at least over 2000 years old and that it was practiced by the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.  Since it has lasted, in some cases, over 2000 years it is considered a very durable form of Art.  Around the world there are ancient examples of portraits which have been painted on wood often depicting iconic images from the Church.

Examples of encaustic tomb portraits from Roman Egypt bear witness to the durability of the medium, which is thought to have been widely used in ancient times. Pliny describes the process in which hot liquid colors were applied to the wall by means of heated irons. It is believed that the waxes used to be heated in containers over a charcoal fire until molten and then applied to the wood with brushes or perhaps heated spatulas.

Nowadays, artists have the use of modern technology and thus are able to produce beautiful works of art with electric tools.

True encaustic painting is produced through a process in which the coloured wax is permanently 'burned' into an absorbent backing such as plaster, canvas or some woods.  However, today, the technique of laying wax on a non absorbent support is generally regarded as encaustic art.

The amazing attribute of using the molten wax is that whenever the hot implement such as a hot iron touches it, the wax will melt and thus can be re-worked. So, you can alter the image until you are satisfied.

The waxes can be of many types.  However, they are usually specially formulated to provide art quality colours in a safe non toxic form which is designed to be used when melted.  This wax melts at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or just over 60 degrees Centigrade.  The most popular for the beginner is wax made into manageable blocks or sticks.  Otherwise, wax can be melted, different pigments added according to requirements etc.

The main tool is the painting or encaustic iron.  The base plate is used to smooth and texture the wax whilst the edge can be used to scrape or to slide through the medium.  Again, the tip of the iron can be used to draw in details.  Encaustic art painting card is specially impregnated and enables the wax to slide around the surface without allowing too much absorption.  The card resists heat damage and is tough and flexible.

 
How long have you been doing this? What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I have only been using encaustics for just over a year.  I had heard the word and really didn't know that it meant.  On doing some research I discovered a fascinating world!  From then on, I was hooked.

Are you the only artist/crafter in your family or does it run in the genes?
As far as I know, there are no other painting artists in the family although both my parents were involved in the world of music.  They used to sing in German operettas whilst my father did a lot of music compositions.  They did try to teach me to learn to play the piano but it was just not meant to be!

Who or what inspires or influences your work?
I belong to a wonderfully talented group on Etsy.com called Boomer and Beyond Etsy Street Team or BBEST for short.  These members have become firm friends and given me so much encouragement.  Talking to other artists and likeminded folk gives me great inspiration.  If you look at my work you will note water plays an enormous part.  Maybe because I spent much of my childhood by the sea?

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I should say, paint with waxes!  However, I love going to walks with my husband in our local parks where, again, I draw inspiration from nature itself.


Is there anyone you would like to thank for being your biggest fan/supporter/cheerleader?
My husband and family!


Art/Craft Info
How did you learn your art/craft?
I am completely self taught.

On average how long would you say it takes you to complete a piece?
This so depends on the size of the painting.  I create anything from ACEOs (3.5" x 2.5") to paintings that are 24" or bigger.  Once I start, I really just go with the flow and find I can 'lose' myself for hours at a time.

What is your favorite item from your shop? Why?
'Cascades of Water'  http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=9452 

This is for sale in my Artfire shop.  I love the way the waxes flow to give the impression of cool flowing water!

Can you describe for us your creative process and or what a typical day is like in your studio.
No day is typical.  I have creative droughts like other artists but then once the mood takes me, there is not stopping me!  I prefer to paint in the morning because the light is better and less harsh.  The sun shines directly into my room in the afternoon.

My waxes are always ready for action so when the mood takes me, off I go!  I simply plug in my trusty iron, stylus or whatever tool I require, collect the colours of waxes I feel I would like to work with and voila, another encaustic is created, hopefully!

What motivates you to create?
When I am at peace with myself and can hear myself think.  Life does have a habit of intruding and making chaos that we have to sort.  So, when there is a quiet moment for me.... then I am motivated to create.

What craft or art form do you wish you could do or learn?
At the moment I would like to concentrate more on learning extra techniques in the use of tools and waxes.

Etsy related questions
How did you discover etsy?
A few years ago by browsing the internet.

Prior to opening your etsy shop did you have any knowledge of running a small business? If not what were your most helpful resources in learning to manage a small business?
I sold items on Ebay but really had no particular knowledge about running a small business.  Again, I have to say there is not a lot you can't find on the internet!

How do you promote your business?
Promoting through forums on Etsy, Twitter, Facebook, taking part in interviews :)

Do you have any advice for other artists?
Somewhere along the lines that I have already mentioned.  Be original, go with YOUR ideas, don't copy, by all means be inspired but stick to your own style and let your imagination work for you!

Where else can we find you online and/or locally (i.e galleries, boutiques, etc.)?
Etsy, Artfire

Who are some of your favorite Etsy sellers or indie artists?
I love these artists on Etsy

Yankee Girl http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5453185

Heron Kate http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5508394 

A Journey Below

Many thanks
Pat


Thank you very much Pat for taking the time to answer my questions. I really enjoyed learning about the process of Encaustic painting as I am sure the readers will as well. Best of luck to you and I wish you much success with all of your artistic endeavors.

Fridays Featured Artist: CrystalPearl

Good Morning,

Welcome to the first installment of the Featured Artist Friday portion of my blog. I will be introducing you to one  Etsy artist and their shop every Friday for as long as I can continue to get shop owner's who are willing to participate. I hope that you will enjoy this new segment of my blog and will return to meet more amazing artists each week. Please show these artists  some kindness and check out their shops. Who knows, maybe you will find something that you just can't live without ;)

So grab yourself a cup of tea, coffee, or your beverage of choice; sit back, relax, and let me introduce you to Pearl, the proprietor of Crystal Pearl . Pearl is one of our Etsy neighbors from across the great pond. She and her husband live in Sussex, UK. Pearl describes her shop as offering " high quality vintage jewelry and unique one-off upcycled and hand embellished items of clothing using a variety of materials, such as faux jet, amberite, metallic buttons, acrylic buttons, ribbon, synthetic fur and 80 year old glass Chinese trade beads specially imported from Thailand. CRYSTAL PEARL does not use real animal fur in any of its creations. We previously owned an Ebay store and attained 100% positive feedback, i.e. 334 satisfied customers. Negative feedback was nil, so clients can genuinely buy from CRYSTAL PEARL with confidence. Our aim is to make shopping at CRYSTAL PEARL an enjoyable experience and your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us."

General/Background

Tell us about your art/craft. What is it that you create? I offer unique one-off upcycled and hand embellished t-shirts, dresses, skirts and lingerie using a variety of materials, although I do not use real animal fur in any of my creations. Each piece is hand stitched and every garment is of a different design, hence you will never find another one exactly the same
How long have you been doing this? What led you to start creating your art/craft? I have been making my own clothes for over 30 years, but only opened my Etsy shop in June 2009. Being between jobs, I suddenly had more time to spend honing my creative skills and that is how my Etsy shop was born.
Are you the only artist/crafter in your family or does it run in the genes? As the proprietor of CRYSTAL PEARL, I come from a family well versed in the art of needlecraft. As a child, my mother made a lot of my clothes herself, my aunt was a seamstress who worked in the centre of London (the Singer tailor's dummy used in some of my Etsy photos was given to me by her and was modeled on her exact physical dimensions.) Also, from a very young age, I made dolls clothes to my own design, tablecloths, etc., As I grew older, I studied needlework at secondary school and continue to make clothing for myself to this very day.
Is your art/craft your full time job? If not, what else do you do for a living? As I am currently between jobs, I can work on my Etsy shop fulltime. However, I am normally employed as a Medical Secretary and am actively seeking part-time work to fit in with my Etsy work.
What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy mushroom hunting, forest/beach walking, reading and all things French.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for being your biggest fan/supporter/cheerleader? I would like to thank all those who have featured me in their blogs, all those who have hearted my Etsy shop and also my long suffering husband who puts up with my crafting obsession.


Art/Craft Info
You make and sell several different types/lines of your work.  Which do you find yourself most drawn to and why? Whilst I enjoy the beading work I do, I find the upcycling side more creative, as I can use my artistic nature to produce a completely new garment from an existing piece. (See Juicy Olive T Shirt as an example of Pearl's upcycling)
On average how long would you say it takes you to complete a piece? The length of time taken to complete an individual piece varies greatly depending on whether it is an embellished piece, e.g. beaded, or an upcycled piece. As a general rule, the upcycled pieces take longer, as I am having to design, measure, cut, pin, tack, then machine stitch the pieces into place. However, some of the more intricately beaded items can take a substantial amount of time also, depending on the number of beads/adornments being added.
What is your favorite item from your shop? Why? My favourite piece is my Juicy Olive T-Shirt which is an upcycled creation. I love the colour combination of olive green and turquoise, plus the beading on the bottom.
Can you describe for us your creative process and or what a typical day is like in your studio. A typical creative day will start around 8.30 a.m. when I check my Etsy shop's statistics whilst drinking my first cup of tea. Then it is on to the creative part. Depending on whether I am upcycling or embellishing, I will either get out my sewing box, beads, buttons and any other adornments, plus the item of clothing I am going to embellish and work out what pattern I will produce by placing the adornments in different ways on the clothing until I am happy with a particular design. If I am upcycling, then I adjust my sewing machine and get to work designing, measuring, cutting, pinning, tacking and machining. I will take a quick lunch break and, then start photographing, editing and listing any completed items for my Etsy store. Once this is done, I will start on the promotional side of things by commenting on the Etsy forums, Twittering, Facebooking, Flickring and updating the many other craft and fashion sites where my work is displayed. A couple of glasses of chilled white wine later and I am ready to fall into bed.
What motivates you to create? I find creating to be a very therapeutic pastime. It's something which totally absorbs me and leaves no room for outside worries or concerns. It allows me to become totally immersed and is a natural outlet for my artistic nature. I get a great buzz out of being able to share my creations with my fellow Etsians and also the rest of the world in general.

Do you do custom requests for your art? I would be happy to do custom requests if someone liked a particular piece, but wanted it in a different size, colour or bead/pattern combination.




Etsy related questions
How did you discover etsy? I discovered Etsy by accident whilst surfing the net.
How do you promote your business? I spend a lot of time promoting my business through Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, blogs, Burdastyle, USTrendy, Etsy forums and treasuries, business cards and a lot of other craft and fashion websites. It is very time consuming, but it has to be done if you want your shop to be seen in the marketplace.
How much of your time would you say you spend on average doing etsy related business? My average working day has been about 11 hours and I would say that about a quarter of that is spent doing Etsy related business and a quarter spent on outside promotion, the other half on creating and producing new items for my shop.

Knowing what you know now about online selling and running your own business, if you could start all over from scratch would you do anything differently? Knowing what I know about online selling, I would probably think more carefully about what is already being successfully sold in the marketplace and tailor my talents towards that. I would also be stricter about taking breaks from my work and promoting the store, as it is all too easy to become totally absorbed to the exclusion of all else.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Whatever your particular artistic skill, I would say give an online store a go. Persevere and give it your best shot, but make sure you have fun whilst doing so. If you don't try, you never know what you might achieve. Make the most of the free advice given by fellow Etsyans in the forums, as others have ways around potential pitfalls which can save you a lot of time, money and heartache. Above all, enjoy what you do.
Where else can we find you online and/or locally (i.e galleries, boutiques, etc.)? Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/CRYSTAL-PEARL/105801815097
Twitter: http://twitter.com/crystalperle
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16535372@N05
Burdastyle: http://www.burdastyle.com/member/CrystalPearl
USTrendy: http://www.ustrendy.com/crystal-pearl/portfolio/8246/crystal-pearl/
Blog: http://menopauseandmayhem.blogspot.com

Who are some of your favorite Etsy sellers or indie artists? Mistyridge, MysticWynd, Flairforfashion, Honeycombveils, YaffaDreams
Is there anything else that you would like for people to know about you or your shop that has not been covered in these questions?

As well as upcycled and hand embellished clothing, I also sell quality vintage jewelry, with prices to suit all pockets.

 
Thank you very much Pearl for answering all my questions. I wish you the best of luck here at Etsy. 
Thanks also to all my readers for taking a little bit of time out of their busy day to meet a new seller. Lets all give Crystal Pearl some love. Stop by the shop, look around, and welcome her to the neighborhood.
Don't forget to check back next Friday to meet another great shop owner.