Meet Shawna Mayo of JSB Maine

I’m really excited to introduce you to Shawna Mayo of JSB Maine and JSB Arts. Her story is so powerful and inspirational, I have no doubt you will be touched by its facets as I have been.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am a disabled OIF veteran that has now embraced the ceramic arts as both therapy and a way to make extra money. I am the mother to an amazing 10 year old son and fiance to a man that has stood by my side as my health has continued to decline. I live each and every moment to the fullest and choose to find the silver lining in every event; every moment and event in our lives provides a life lesson if we choose to listen.

Kokopelli Ring Holder – $12

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell a wide variety of ceramic arts; primarily hand built. I love making pieces that make people smile and are also functional. Ring dishes, garden stakes, small mugs, plates, and lots of wearable art.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
My favorite thing is the release and therapeutic effects it has for me. When I sit down in my home studio to “work”, I go into my own little world and am able to block the physical pain and emotional turmoil. I lose all track of time and am enveloped in a creative fog. I listen to music on my iPad and let the creativity flow.

Black Cat Silhouette Plate – $18

Where do you find your inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature, my family, and my heritage. Living in the middle of the woods in northern Maine offers daily inspiration.

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
The biggest piece of advice is not give up. Getting noticed on Etsy and anywhere else in today’s market does not happen overnight. Perseverance is key. Believe in yourself and believe in your product. Do not allow yourself to produce products that are of lesser quality just to be able to push them out faster. Quality will always win over quantity.

Pink Rose Cabinet Knobs – $12

Do you have a coupon code for us?
MEGANSBLOG = 15% OFF Just for readers of this blog.

Where else can we find you?
www.facebook.com/jsbarts
jsbarts.blogspot.com
pinterest.com/jsbarts
Twitter – @JSBArts

Meet Sue from A Word Fitly Spoken

Can you sum yourself up in three sentences? Give it a go!
*I love to be creative. *I never met a piece of fabric I could not love. *I find great fulfillment in being able to use my creative juices to make something of lasting value, especially something that represents memories of a loved one.*

Quilted Coaster Card, Heart Shaped Mug Mat Patchwork – $12.50

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell all kinds of quilted items, but my main focus is Memory Quilts and Pillows. This is the most rewarding. It is all custom work, of course, but I get to know a little something about the people I design for, and I derive great satisfaction in knowing that I have given them something to cherish.

Cotton Quilt Fabric – $4

What is your favorite thing about creating?
Wow. I eat, sleep and breathe creating, I think. I even have to get my mind to shut down at bedtime because I am still envisioning something I want to do tomorrow. I guess I would have to say that for me it is a little like giving birth. I enjoy the whole process of hearing what my customer wants, deciding on the right layout and style, fabrics and any other materials, all the way up to the joy of finally seeing the finished product.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My journey with my quilting is a pretty spiritual one actually. My inspiration comes from truly wanting to bless my customers with a keepsake treasure that will comfort them and bring them joy. Every quilt is new – completely different from any other – and that is because every customer is unique.

Grammy’s Sweater Memory Pillow – $36

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t let yourself wallow in discouragement if your sales are not as high as someone else’s. I did a lot of different things in the sewing and craft world before I landed on Memory Quilts. I’m in a very small niche of a market, but I finally know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and it suits me.

Do you have a coupon code for us?
WELCOME2013 That’s a 15% off coupon for new customers, and if they convo me before making payment, mentioning this article, I will even add free shipping on any purchase over $25.00.

Bible Themed Inspirational Blank Note Card – $4.95

Where else can we find you?
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/astitchintimewithsue
My Informational Website: www.awordfitlyspokenonquiltedtreasures.com/
My WordPress Blog: sueswordfitlyspoken.wordpress.com/

Easy way to win a $15 Gift Certificate to Sue’s shop:
I will give a $15 Gift Certificate for my shop to the 15th person who drops by my Face Book page and posts a non-promotional post mentioning this interview. (Please note that if you choose to spend the certificate on an item under $15.00, no balance will be carried over.)

Enter to win $15 to spend at A Word Fitly Spoken, easy & free!

Meet Nichole from AshtonAtelier

Today’s Friday Featured Artist is Nicole E. Ashton. You can visit her website at www.nicholepaints.com, or her Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ashtonatelier. Learn more about Nichole by checking our her work an dreading the interview below:

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m a small town girl who was born in raised in Louisiana — west of New Orleans. I love to make my own jewelry and baking desserts. Superman is my favorite superhero.

Tell us about what you sell:
I’m making art fashionable. Really! My shop, Ashton Atelier, is currently all about custom hand painted shoes. I hand paint characters onto the soles of shoes that customer’s provide. Sending the shoes themselves ensures that they get the size they need and a style they love. They can choose almost any character, color, have something written (painted) like their wedding date, or even have a portrait painted all on the bottom of their shoes. It certainly makes every step they take unique. I’m happy to take requests for the more traditional, wall-hanging art too. :)

hand painted Sleeping Beauty shoes – $45

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I have so many favorite things! I love providing specific requests. Seeing new styles of shoes that customers send. Hearing about their or the recipient’s reactions. The list keeps growing.

Custom hand painted Jem shoes – $50

Where do you find your inspiration?
Childhood memories. I think about what some of my favorite things were growing up, or what the classics are and include them in the collection.

Custom hand painted Little Mermaid pumps – $45

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
If your product is something that’s wearable, then wear it. It’s the best free advertising!

Meet Jackie from EstateSaleShop

Today’s Friday Featured Seller is Jackie Liberto, from the Etsy shop EstateSaleShop. Learn more about her and her wares in the interview below. (Plus, find out how you can snatch up a free $5 to spend in her shop!)

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am quirky, eclectic, dramatic, and erratic. I have four chronic illnesses and I am in pain all the time. I am a single parent of a teenager with Asperger’s as well as a full time student.

Vintage Minnesota Magnet – $5

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell vintage. Vintage ephemera, books and housewares and jewelry. Also, a few random items.

What is your favorite thing about selling?
My favorite part about selling vintage is finding new homes for no longer loved items. It is like getting puppies adopted. I love it.

Hand Painted Fan – $40

Where do you find your inspiration?
Well, I have always been in love with the 40s and 50s. I just started collecting things. This shop is really just helping me to not be a hoarder. However (and oddly) once I opened a store, I started finding ridiculous deals on things. Also friends started dropping things off. Oh Jackie sells vintage, lets give it to her! I have 3 times as much inventory in my apartment as I do in my shop.

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Not really. This shop is not my livelihood, so I don’t try really hard. That sounds snottier than i mean to. It is more a hobby, something i want to be fun, not hard work.From what i hear from others, you should get on top of all the social media. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, etc.

Vintage New York Postcard – $6

Do you have a coupon code for us?
why yes! HolidazeSale will get you 14% off your order.

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Found something you like in Jackie’s Etsy Shop? Why not see if you can get a free $5 off your selection by fulfilling some or all of the easy entries below:

1st Entry:
Follow this blog. Leave a comment below saying that you’ve done so (or already do so, cuz you’re awesome.)

2nd Entry:
Sign up for my e-mail newsletter (or let me know you already have.)

3rd Entry:
Heart EstateSaleShop on Etsy.

4rd Entry:
Buy something from EstateSaleShop. Show off your purchases in the comments below.

5th Entry:
Blog about this giveaway, dropping a link to your post here afterwards.

6th Entry:
Tweet about this giveaway. Let us know your twitter ID afterwards.

7th Entry:
Share this giveaway on Facebook.

8th Entry:
Pin this giveaway on Pinterest. Share the link to your pin here afterwards.

No entry is mandatory before you are able to do any of the others, you can pick and choose and add as many additional entries up to the 8 as you want to maximize your chances of winning! Your comments do not all need to be separated for each entry as long as it’s clear how many entries you are adding. (Also, make sure it’s easy for me and Jackie to contact you if you win!)

Winner will be random.org chosen and contacted on April 3rd. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Meet Angela from AngelinasAvenue

Tiger Sriped Dog Bed – $33

Can you sum yourself in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
In June of this year I became ill and lost my job. In order to take my mind of things I decided what would be better than to craft! So now I find myself trying to make an income out of something I love to do.

Tell us about what you sell:
The majority of items on my etsy site are Pet beds, but i do sell greeting cards and prints of my fine artwork.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
The way it can take your mind off of anything. Focusing on a craft can really be the greatest stress relief.

Argyle Sweater Cat Pillow – $33

Where do you find your inspiration?
Since the majority of my crafts at this time are pet beds, my pup Spanky is my inspiration. as he gets on in years ive searched for a bed that his awful habit of ripping open would resist a bit more than your typical cheap pet store fabric would, but would be soft and washable. He serves as my adorable model as well. Who could resist that face though? lol

XSmall Small Dog Bed Pink Flowers – $22

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Make an item that will appeal to the masses! Try to use the cutest fabrics & keep up on the latest trends. Think mustaches, I’ve sold mustache pillows like crazy at craft fairs just because its “the in thing”

Where else can we find you?
Facebook!

Meet Rhonda from Odd Artist Studio & Enter to Win a Free Necklace

Happy Friday everyone! Today I’m excited to introduce you to Rhonda Brewer-Chaparro of www.oddartist.com. You can read her interview before, and find out how you can win one of her “Naughty Bit” necklaces!

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I don’t need 3 sentences. All I need to say is that my motto is “Weird is Good’.

Turquoise Hand Painted Recycled Tape Core Art Cuff – $45

Tell us about what you sell:
I am an experimental artist so the goods I offer online or at shows vary depending on whatever is ringing my bell at the moment. This has been the year of the hand painted recycled record. Last year it was my Original Naughty Bits. Next year I’m going to be getting back in to ceramics. That’s not to say I won’t still be painting records or shredding romance novels, it just means there will be yet another WePay shop added to my website. I think I have ADHD when it comes to creating.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I can’t look at something without wondering how I could use it and all those little ideas bounce around in my brain screaming to be let out until I finally do something about it. Sometimes the ideas fail hugely, other times they are a resounding success. Creating stuff helps quiet my brain.

Recycled CD Mini Disk Choker – $50

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration EVERYWHERE. It drives my hubs crazy that I have such a hard time throwing anything away. He claims I’m a hoarder, I call it accumulating supplies. I even collect stuff when I walk the dog – bits of moss, interesting branches, cool rocks, etc. I’ll look at something and visualize what it wants to be. It pops into my head as a fully finished creation. All I do is follow it’s instructions.

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH Wooden Ships, Helplessly Hoping – Hand Painted Recycled Record Bowl – $30

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Some people find one thing they do well and stick with it, others are all over the map like me. You have to do what makes YOU happy. There’s nothing worse than having to keep doing something you don’t enjoy. Doing shows is a great way to get feedback on what you do. If you keep overhearing the same comment then you want to explore it.

Green Breeze Hand Painted Wooden Plate – $40

Do you have a coupon code for us?
You can use the code WEIRD in my Etsy shop for 20% off. If you find something in one of my WePay shops simply ask for a discount via email/messaging and I’ll refund you 20%.

Where else can we find you?
You can find me on FaceBook as Rhonda Brewer-Chaparro (I have an art page but I never use it anymore). You can get first shot at calling dibs on new stuff because I usually post pics on FaceBook long before I list it online. Just add me to your friends and newsfeed. I have links to all my WePay shops as well as my blog at www.oddartist.com. My Etsy shop is www.oddartist.etsy.com

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Rhonda is being very generous and offering all of you awesome peeps a chance to win this seductive pendant necklace for FREE. See below for all of the easy ways you can claim this flirtatious piece of jewelry!

INSATIABLE CRAVINGS – Naughty Bits Pendant Necklace

1st Entry:
Follow this blog. Leave a comment below saying that you’ve done so (or already do so, cuz you’re awesome-possum.)
~Required entry before any others can be applied.~

2nd Entry:
Heart oddartist on Etsy.

3rd Entry:
Buy something from Rhonsa (either from her Etsy shop or any of her WePay shops). Show us what you snagged here so we can all turn green with envy.

4th Entry:
Blog about this giveaway, dropping a link to your post here afterwards.

5th Entry:
Tweet about this giveaway. Let us know your twitter ID afterwards.

6th Entry:
Share this giveaway on Facebook.

7th Entry:
Pin this giveaway on Pinterest. Share the link to your pin here afterwards.

Only the 1st entry is mandatory to enter, you can add as many additional entries up to the 7 as you want to maximize your chances of winning! Your comments do not all need to be separated for each entry as long as it’s clear how many entries you are adding. (Also, make sure it’s easy for Rhonda to contact you if you win!) Thank you for entering and thank you Rhonda for the great giveaway! You have until midnight Pacific Time on February 27th to enter. Winner will be random.org chosen and announced on February 28th. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Meet Kristiann from LoveJoyPeaceCreate

Today’s featured artist is Kristiann from lovejoypeacecreate.com.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m an artist. I’m an optimist. I’m a dreamer.

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell fine art designs for everyday people. I want great art to be acceptable to everyone. Not just people that have enough money to buy original artwork. I create invitations, business cards, save the dates cards, greeting cards, along with custom commissioned pieces.I use my artwork usually watercolors or colored pencils for the cards so the customers can share and enjoy a piece of me.

Custom Painting of you and your significant other – $250

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I have a need to create, when I am not creating I am thinking about what I will create next. If I am not utilizing my creativity I feel lost and bored.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from nature and the world around me. Everywhere I look I see new and beautiful shapes and colors. I take photos of things that interest me and work from those.

Personalized business cards – $12

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
My advice is to just do what you love and out of that you will find something that others will love and want to buy. If you would be doing something anyway, why not try to share it with others.

Where else can we find you?
www.lovejoypeacecreate.com – blog
www.facebook.com/LoveJoyPeaceDesigns
www.twitter.com/LJPcreate

Meet Shelly from Company Forty Two

Friday’s featured artist is Shelly Nakabayashi from the Etsy shop, Company Forty Two. Learn more about her and her products in the interview below.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am a wedding addict. I love all things wedding. From the big impacts to the little touches, wedding decorations are my favorite items to create.

Tell us about what you sell:
As of right now Company Forty Two is focusing on table decor for weddings and special occasions. We are in the process of adding to our line but right now we create table numbers, place / escort cards, menus, cupcake toppers and wedding props.

20 Peacock Colored Place Cards – $60

What is your favorite thing about creating?
My favorite thing is seeing a happy client. When a client loves their design it is truly worth all the hard work and effort that I put into my products.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from color palette combinations, vintage finds and antique shops. I try to keep my eyes open when I am just out and about because you never know when inspiration will hit you.

Set of 10 Wedding Favor Bags – $30

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Don’t give up! Running your own business is difficult. There is no else but you to do the heavy lifting. Weather your business is a success is all up to you. When you hit a rough patch try to work through it. If that doesn’t work try taking a break and then come back to your problem with fresh eyes. Sometimes a little break is all you need to recharge your batteries and give yourself a new outlook.

Embroidery Hoop Table Number – $10

Do you have a coupon code for us?
MCB10 This will give customers 10% off anything in the Company Forty Two Store.

Where else can we find you?
http://www.facebook.com/CompanyFortyTwo
http://companyfortytwo.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/CompanyFortyTwo

Meet Sally-Ann from TheNavigatrix

Lean more about Sally-Ann Livingston and her Etsy shop, TheNavigatrix, in the interview below.

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I grew playing Lego and loving stories such as ‘The Dark Crystal’, so it’s no wonder that I eventually trained as a modelmaker! My varied interests include Tai Chi, Reiki, learning Japanese (gradually) and Live Roleplay. I’m an open-minded mum who constantly strives to develop her awareness of this creative adventure we call Life.

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy:
Inspired by my love of costumes and the genre called Steampunk, I design and create one off pieces of jewellery and accessories with a vintage, Victorianesque feel. I source my materials mostly from local charity shops or from suppliers of remnant and vintage materials and so the design of each piece is largely dependant on whatever bits and bobs I have sitting in front of me. I might look at part of an old necklace and envision it as decoration for a pair of fingerless gloves, for example. Etsy is the place where I first learned the word ‘upcycling’!

I have my brother Matt of ArcaneArmoury to thank for having a shop in the first place! It all started with a hairclip…you can read about the birth of The Navigatrix here.

Steampunk Clockhands Necklace – “Past, Present and Future” – £30.00

What is your favorite thing about creating/collecting?
Since I left modelmaking, became a Montessori Teacher and then became a stay-at-home mum, owning an Etsy shop has renewed my creative outlet. I love being my own boss! (I also run a little Reiki practice.) It isn’t easy and I’m still dreaming of the day when I’m earning a solid part-time income, but I can allow myself to follow my inner guidance which ultimately, makes me very happy. I’ve come to realise that feeling good is a very important and noteworthy goal and that you don’t wait for things to make you feel good. Happiness is handmade. Heartmade, even.

Felt Balloon Brooch ‘Up, Up and Away’ – £11.50

Where do you find your inspiration?
Although it often seems to pop out of thin air, I’m sure I have 38 years of appreciating beautiful, fantastic design that I unconsciously draw on. My early favourites were the work of Arthur Rackham and Brian Froud. Since then, I’ve absorbed so much in the way of illustration and design. I’ve recently done a lot of browsing in relation to Steampunk, which is a genre I really only learned about in the past year or so, though having a grounding in fantasy and sci-fi books, films and games meant I ‘got it’ pretty much straight away. It felt good!

Peacock blue choker – ‘The Duchess’ – £42.00

Do you have any selling tips or tricks for other Etsy sellers?
I still consider myself such a beginner at this but two things seem to hold me in good stead: maintaining a positive attitude, such as being grateful. I’ve learned to say ‘Thankyou’ before ‘Please’ (Books by Louise Hay and Rhonda Byrne support my positive attitude, especially in tough times). Aside from that, having the courage to explore this strange new online world! Regular social networking is important, as long as you are being your own, honest self. I’m not just selling jewellery, I’m inviting people to see the creatrix behind the creations. Hello! It’s very nice to meet you!

Do you have a coupon code for us?
I do indeed. Type in MEGANSBLOG at checkout to receive 15% off!

Steampunk Wedding or New Year’s Necklace – “A Drop Of Time” – £24.00

Where else can we find you?
My blog: thenavigatrixatetsy.blogspot.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Navigatrix-Steampunk-inspired-Original-Crafts
Twitter: twitter.com/Reikiblossom
Pinterest: pinterest.com/thenavigatrix/
Instagram: thenavigatrix
Wanelo: wanelo.com/thenavigatrix

Meet Ally from CrookedSmileCreation

Neon Notepad Holder – $14.99

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I am a huge animal lover with a rescued dog and cat running the house. I enjoy selling what I make and being my own boss. I try to be easy-going and take things in stride. It makes your days more pleasant.

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell mostly handbags. I also have some wrist wallets (what, you don’t know what that is?) and some great notepad covers. I do it all, the design, fabric selection, cutting, sewing, photography, and shipping.

Black Shoulder Bag with Green Flowers – $44

What is your favorite thing about creating?
Seeing a full design come through to completion. There are a few that have not worked, but when you see the final outcome and it fits with what you had in mind, then it’s quite satisfying.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Some is from watching the trends in the bag world. I may see some aspect that I think is great and try to incorporate it in my design. Other times, it’s just a late night and things come to me. Funny how a lack of sleep can somehow make your design gears turn.

Animal Print Cross Body Bag – $44

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Don’t compare yourself to others. I have to remind myself of this frequently, but it really can destroy your motivation.

Do you have a coupon code for us?
MeganRocks for 20% off anything.

Where else can we find you?
I’m on facebook here: www.facebook.com/CrookedSmileCreations
Twitter: @CrookdSmileCre8

I have a website that I’m planning on listing leather goods soon. It’s still a work in progress. crookedsmilecreations.com/