Virtual round of applause for our first Etsy shop feature for the month of December. Fellow Team FEST member and Floridian, Cyndie from Cyndie Smith Designs stops by for a chat. You can also find her on Facebook and on Blogger.
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I've been creative all my life and dabbled in a few mediums, like pottery and painting. But when I took my first metalsmith lesson, I was hooked and knew I'd found my place!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature but a couple of series grew from emotional baggage. That was actually some of my best work, so I guess there's some truth to the old saying about tortured artists!
What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My life cuff, which is also my avatar. It was created in honor of a friend who died too young from breast cancer. The cuff told a story of loss and love. I made so many custom for other folks, telling their stories, that I had to stop because it was emotionally draining.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I love boating, growing Orchids and bicycling.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
Give thanks for all you have.
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Don't give up! Slow times can be discouraging so use that time to improve your shop. That way you'll be ready for the next up cycle of sales!
Welcome fellow team FEST member Terri, from the online Etsy shop
Untwisted Sister!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After I
learned to do wire wrapping, realized I was actually pretty good at it. I couldn't possibly wear everything I made!
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Often it
comes from my students. They might ask me how to do something or in class
someone makes a mistake I have to fix and end up with 'happy accidents'.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I'm an
avid Ladies doubles tennis player. I was president of our County League with
over 1800 members for 2 years and currently captain a team.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Treat
your customers the way you'd want to be treated.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
If you
enjoy what you're doing you will be successful, even if it doesn't make you
wealthy.
Check out all her links, and feel free to comment below
Sharing my latest Etsy treasuries, a true blood themed gala of a nice
variety of items plus a Halloween themed gallery with upcycled holiday
items. Enjoy! :D
Want to pin anything? Or check out some awesome items for yourself? Here are the links to these etsy treasury lists.
#WaitingSucks True Blood Theme
Halloweeny .... Spooky Creepy Holiday Spirit
Event: Downtown Open Market
Date: Monthly, Every 3rd Sunday from 10am-4pm
Location: 308 S. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, Florida 33432
More Info Here
Positives
- FREE! - free to park, and no admission charge
- Variety
- Most craft shows have tons of jewelry vendors, and this event was no
exception. However each vendor had different types and price ranges than
the other. Everything from computer chip resin charms to high class
beaded necklaces. I also spotted some items that I don't often see at
shows such as quilts, pet items, custom painted vans, and detailed paintings.
- Great
location - The craft booths are in a lovely plaza full of local shops
and restaurants, which is a benefit for the customers and vendors! Its
also great that it's on a paved road and not in grass. It's also very
easy to find, right on the corner of a main street.
Negatives
- Outdoors - Of course, Florida weather is unpredictable and you never
know when it will death rain, drizzle softly, or glare down heat like
hell on Earth.
- Low turnout? - When I scoped this show out, it
was an overcast day but there was no rain. I'm not sure if this factored
into how little people were there. I also showed at closer towards the
end at 3pm, so I can't speak for the early afternoon
- No extra
programming - There didn't seem to be any extra activities or
programming at this event. For example, food trucks, a local singer,
health booths, and so on. I love to mosey through booth and check stuff
out, but it was a little to quiet and dull for me. Live music or
something would have been nice!
Vendor Tips
- Not sure if electricity was provided, but I doubt it
- Bring a tent! Although it didn't seem to be required, the vendors under a tent looked more presentable and professional.
- Bring snacks! The restaurants look like they had tasty food, but they also looked a little pricey!
- Turnout
could be hit or miss. I spoke to some vendors and found that several
did great while others did poorly. Just depends on the batch of folks
that show up that day. Again, there may have been less people due to a
chance of rain, but overall vendors said this event is hit or miss.
Bottom Line -
A great event to check out local crafters and their wares. Not entirely
family friendly if you are looking for a day full of activities, but
awesome if you wanted to sit down for Sunday lunch afterwards!
For the month of September, I'm featuring yet another upcycler from Etsy! Let's give Melanie from TrashyCreations a virtual round of applause and thanks for sharing!
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
About a year and a half ago, I started to play around with jewelry. I really enjoyed the things I came up with using recycled material, I guess it grew from there. People seemed to really like what I was creating, I wanted to share it with everyone.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Definitively from my materials. I pick a material to work with and let it guide me.
What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My first pair of earrings. I just remember how I had that Ah Ha moment, and I knew that this was going to work. It just all came together.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I'm a stay at home mom. I love that I get to have the time to work on what I love. I don't take it for granted, I'm very grateful.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
A quote a friend told me. "Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do."
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Get to know other sellers around etsy. Network a lot, and be involved.
Love it! Short & sweet! Show Melanie some love and check out her links!
Upcoming craft fair in Fort Lauderdale! And yours truly will be vending at my own cute little table! Mention UpcycleFever when you enter at the door, then find me for 20% off any item!
Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love
Saturday, July 28 12pm-5pm
$5 admission, Free Parking
Location: Revolution Live 100 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/476997788994491/
This event features
- 60+ Artists and Crafters selling handmade, vintage, repurposed, recycled and vegan goods!
- FREE SWAG BAGS FULL OF GOODIES FOR THE FIRST 100 GUESTS!
- FREE raffle ticket with entry for hourly handmade giveaways!
- FREE DIY T-Shirt Tie-Dye Stand! Just bring a white t-shirt (or purchase one )
- Live Music!
- Vintage Fashion Show Presented by Public Image Vintage Apparel!
- $3 MIMOSAS!! Full Cash Bar!
Made this zipper ring a while back for my friend's birthday! She's so fabulous, so I picked some fabulous colors for her ring. Easy instructions from Dana's Fashion Blog. All you need is a zipper, gem, felt, ring, and glue gun!! I love simple & easy!!
Here are some other ideas for zippy zipper DIY jewelry. Why buy when you can DIY? ;)
"What A Novel Idea" is the May shop of the month. The lovely shop features jewelry made with images of vintage circuses, books, and poetry quotes. Chantelle Wilson, owner and creator, graciously took the time out to answer some questions for us.
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade
items?
I started working on Etsy when my super talented mother, a
seamstress extraordinaire, wanted to create her own shop. Knowing nothing about
the internet, I was enlisted to help her build an online shop. After getting
her started, I decided that I wanted to create my own unique items and form my
own store. Please note that my mother still knows nothing about the internet!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Having a love of literature, theatre and music I started out
making jewelry out of altered books and sheet music. Often you'll start out
with one idea and that will snowball into a different direction. I quickly
discovered that I enjoyed working with leather and began creating miniature
journal necklaces. I then developed a love for finding unique images from the
circus, nature and everyday life that could be made into fun and funky jewelry.
It was a thrill when I started to get emails from acrobats and circus
performers from around the world wanting to own one of my circus inspired
pieces. I love creating designs that make a statement and that I know are
uniquely mine.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
Besides the many hours I spend working on my shop I perform
as a singer in a three part harmony band that I founded called The Maisies. We
perform vocal harmony music from the 30s and 40s and I think the vintage feel
of my band often seeps into my jewelry creations. We perform regularly throughout
Toronto at some of the city’s best venues.
What is the most important advice you'd like share with etsy sellers?
I think the best advice I could give to Etsy sellers or to
anyone starting their own creative endeavor comes from the support given to me
by a friend. We so often doubt ourselves and question our own creativity. I
know I do and I so often get in my own way because of my insecurities. I used
to justify what I was doing as far as a jewelry maker by saying "it's just
a little hobby" when really I was wishing to make it more. I'll admit that
it took not a few compliments from friends and family to make my doubts fade
but they have. Now I just create and put it out there. If somebody likes a
piece then that's great. If they don't that's fine too. I believe everyone in
the world is creative and we just have to release our ideas into the universe
and not be afraid of the results because truly there's absolutely nothing to be
afraid of!
Show Chantelle some love & gracious thanks for sharing her story!
Check out her shop, What A Novel Idea here
My latest additions to the crafty to do list
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| Crochet Trim Seam by Trash to Couture |
|
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| Polo Refashion by Merrick's Art |
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| Braided Hex Nut Bracelet by Honestly WTF |
