I opened up my Etsy shop UpcycleFever last March and to celebrate, it's CONTEST time! My shop has definitely grown and I've learned SO many things this past year. I'm having so much fun creating things and figuring out ways to upcycle items into awesome wearables.
So, here's what you have to do! Very simple really! Comment below with EITHER your favorite upcycling DIY project idea (link or quick explanation) OR the best advice you would give to a new Etsy shop owner!
The winner will receive a pair of studs and a bottle cap key chain (of their choice), and I will make new blog posts with all the coolest replies!
Our March feature, PearlReef has tons of handmade upcycled bike tube& pearl jewelry. Check out some of her simple & sweet insights. You can also check out their Facebook fan page.
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I always
enjoy creating handmade items, they make my family and friends smile. I've been
making and teaching jewelry classes for 7 years and I just opened my Etsy shop
last year.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
In 2009
I spent 9 months and made a trip around the world. I got a lot of inspiration
in my trip and I'm sure it's influencing my jewelry designs.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
I made a
wedding necklace for a woman 5 years ago. She designed her own dress and
couldn't find any necklace that could match it. I made a unique pearl necklace
for her that not only fits the dress, but also framed her face very well so she
looked stunning. She cried when she put it on, and I was SO happy for her!
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I
travel, I cook, and I write software programs!
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Be
careful with super glue, your fingers can be glued together.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Be
creative and be patient!
My items are being featured in giveaway from Rachybop on YouTube! There's a (worldwide) contest for four of my different awesomely upcycled bottle cap earrings & necklaces!
Here's the link! You have until next Sunday (1/27)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9RFlZUhOA0
Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly a DIY craft post, but hey, we're in the spirit of upcycling! Airbnb picks made an awesome list of 29 repurposed rentals! Here are a few. Commence the droolfest of beautiful homes! Maybe you'll get an idea or two.
Welcome the family owned shop ConversationGlass from Dallas, TX. They've got some insights to share and of course link for you to check out (Facebook Pinterest& Twitter). Yay Etsy! Buy local & handmade! Better yet, upcycled! ;D
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items? We're a
family business - my wife, my daughter and myself. We found a way to teach our
daughter that business can have a conscience through our bottle crafting! We
take bottles destined for landfills and make awesome glassware and housewares
from them. The process from start to finish is quite fun. From finding just the
right bottles, to cutting them into something reusable and fun.
Where
does your inspiration come from? My
inspiration comes primarily from having a family that likes to eat
regularly! All kidding aside, we are passionate about living responsibly. We
know that there are many things on this planet that are renewable. As a family
that's felt the effects of industrial outsourcing and labor expendability, we
sought a way to find our own way. And this way had to harm none - a business
with a conscience.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created? Our most
memorable item so far has been a bottle hand-etched by my 14 year old daughter.
Getting and keeping our daughter involved and excited about the process can be
a challenge. With typical teenage reluctance, she dragged a bit at first, but
now she gets excited, too when we complete glassware sets and make sales.
Recently, she designed (by hand) a Dr Who Tardis from a Bombay Sapphire bottle.
Impressive work that brought her mucho satisfaction!
Besides
creating things, what do you do? Aside
from our shop, I am a stay at home Dad that works part time in software sales.
My partner and wife is a veterinary technician full time. We spend most of our
free time catering to our 3 dogs - Arwen, Nyxie, and Fenway.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you? The best
advice I've received in two-fold. First, provide the best customer service you
possibly can. When looking for handmade items, people want to feel special.
They can get poor customer service at Wal-Mart. Second, don't be discouraged by
hard work. You determine where your shop goes. I think
sharing this advice with other sellers is my best advice. Pay it forward, so to
speak.
