Brooch Winner

In case you missed it, we were able to meet the fantastic Linda of StudioLTD for last Friday’s featured artist. She showed us some of her sweet ray gun pieces, and offered all of you a chance to win one of her handmade circuit brooches.

…and congratulations to Mary Preston for winning this lovely piece! Stay tuned, as Linda will be contacting you shortly for your mailing address and all that good stuff.

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If you’re feeling bummed for missing out on this great giveaway, stay tuned my friends. There will be another awe-inspiring artist interviewed in Friday’s post. PLUS! Another exciting giveaway you’ll get to enter. See you then!

Meet Linda from StudioLTD & Enter to Win a Free Brooch

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m a geek and a nerd, and a lifelong bibliophile. I’m happy when I have paint and glue on my hands. I love to walk and get inspired by my surroundings, and pick up interesting bits of rusty metal while I’m at it.

Steampunk Raygun Shadowbox – $20

Tell us about what you sell:
Recyled everything! I take apart broken jewelry and make new jewelry, I make walking sticks for cosplay out of broken umbrellas, curtain rods, and real canes, and my favorite thing right now is making Steampunked or SciFi raygun shadowboxes. I think circuit board looks cool, and have just started using that in projects. I just was featured on Crafster for my jewelry encrusted mirror. Don’t tell my sis, I haven’t given it to her yet! I can’t wait to make another one.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I think everyone needs to have a creative outlet! It stretches my mind, it’s a relief from the cares and worries of life. I like challenging myself, going ‘okay, what can I make from this?’

Retro Raygun Shadowbox – $40

Where do you find your inspiration?
Walking through my favorite part of town. And I’ve hung out on Craftster.com for years as Bookstorebabe. The folks there encouraged me when I began making things, and they inspire me with their creativity.

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
Have fun. If you’re not having fun with what you do, it’s time for a change. Ask people for advice! There’s a wealth of information out there, and people who are happy to share it. You will make mistakes-I have, and I will again. And every time I’ve learned something. Take chances! I showed my first cane to someone, who sent me to a local art gallery-I almost didn’t go! Being accepted there gave me the confidence to do a dealer’s table at the local sci fi con. That success gave me the courage to apply for my first juried art show this year. I had to force myself to take that first step, and I’m glad I did.

Mirror Mirror (from DeviantArt)

Do you have a coupon code for us?
Yes! Use code just4u for 15% off at my Etsy shop.

Where else can we find you?
Please check out my deviant art account! Anything you see, I’d be happy to make an Etsy listing for if it’s still available. Or I’ll work to create something unique just for you. Heck, just say hi, I love getting comments.

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Linda is being super awesome and offering you all a chance to win one of her cool circuit brooches for FREE. Check out all of the simple ways you can add you name to the hat below for you chance!

Enter to win this cool circuit board brooch for free!

1st Entry:
Subscribe to the Megan’s Beaded Designs newsletter. (Or let me know that you already do, you savvy online shopper, you.)

2nd Entry:
Visit StudioLTD on Etsy, and let us know which listing is your absolute favorite in the comments below!

3rd Entry:
Heart StudioLTD , and let us know you’ve done so in the comments below.

4rd Entry:
Buy something from StudioLTD. 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.

Contest ends May 21st at midnight. The winner will be selected via Random.org and announced on Wednesday, May 22nd. Good luck everyone!

Meet Rose Slaton, Friday’s Featured Artist

The Swingset Fantasy Illustration Print – $20

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I like drawing. I am fascinated by mechanical things, especially Steampunk and Victorian type objects. I like to illustrate fantastical, spooky places I wish existed.

Tell us about what you sell:
I sell giclee and cardstock prints of original steampunk/gothic/fantasy illustrations. The cardstock prints are $3.50 and the giclee prints range from $30-$40. Soon I will be selling folded illustration cards w/ envelopes.

Vintage Diving Helmet Original Illustration Semigloss Cardstock 5 X 7 – $3

What is your favorite thing about creating?
I like drawing because I feel it is the best medium through which I can transport myself (and hopefully others) to a fantastical world: I like the idea of creating a tangible representation of imaginary things we often experience as children – when we are inspired, or even frightened.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I am inspired by the art of others – whether it is writing, visual art, music, etc. More specifically, I am inspired by art that is provoking and makes me feel emotions – whether these emotions are positive or negative. For example, the illustrations of Stephen Gammell frighten me. (He illustrated the book Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark). His works are utterly creepy, and consequently inspiring. I also admire Edward Gorey, Marc Chagall, Brian Froud, and M.C. Escher.

Changing a Lightbulb Steampunk Illustration Print – $20

Do you have any advice for other sellers?
I’m just starting out on Etsy, and have almost no practical business knowledge…the only advice I can offer is to make art because you love art. If this is your primary motivation, you will remain fulfilled and motivated(hopefully) even if your shop isn’t necessarily selling as much product as you would like.

Where else can we find you?
roseslaton.com

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 Robbie from BirdcageandLabyrinth

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
Born and raised in Alaska, I now live and work in California as a writer and indie perfumer. I am an avid reader, writer, singer, choreographer, and actress and have an unhealthy addiction to British TV shows from the 80′s and 90′s.

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy:
I have two shops, one where I sell organic body products and perfumes (GreenManNaturals.etsy.com), and another where I sell my exclusively Steampunk perfumes (BirdcageandLabyrinth.etsy.com). I use organic ingredients in both and try to support other local businesses.

What is your favorite thing about creating?
It’s hard to describe how awesome creating things is. It makes you feel a little bit like a Goddess, and a little bit like a genius!

Sampler of “Captain’s Journal.” Steampunk Solid Perfume – $12

Where do you find your inspiration?
I pull inspiration from literature, nature, films, friends, things I see in everyday life… but especially literature and nature. I grew up surrounded by forests and books, so these things are near and dear to my heart. This is reflected in all my creations, both Steampunk and otherwise. I love to use Alaskan herbs in my bath salts, and name my perfumes after my favorite books or characters.

Do you have any selling tips or tricks for other Etsy sellers?
Join teams! They are great support networks and you might even make some life-long crafting friends. I also create lots of treasuries. It’s a great way to promote your own work, as well as the work of others.

Sampler of “Tarot.” Steampunk Solid Perfume – $12

Do you have a coupon code for us?
Use BLTWENTY for 20% off.

Where else can we find you?
You can find me on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GreenMan-Perfumerie/164140437003694
Twitter: twitter.com/greenmanperfume
and Blogger: lonelyalchemist.blogspot.com/

Meet Elisabeth from IndustrialUpcycling

Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m a dreamer, a creative thinker, and an optimist. I love making Art and making people happy. I also love chocolate.

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy:
I sell steampunk jewelry, industrial jewelry, and whatever I can make with my own two hands. I like real leather and metal clock parts. I use them regularly in my crafts

Leather Steampunk Cuff – $15

What is your favorite thing about creating?
The thrill of finding and making things.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My brain and other artists’ works.

Metal Clock Part Steampunk Cuff – $15

Where else can we find you?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndustrialUpcycling?ref=hl
Twitter: twitter.com/IndustrialUpcyc
Tumblr: industrialupcycling.tumblr.com/

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SPEAKING of artist features, be sure to check out the fabulous feature of yours truly over at 2sistersanytownusa. They’ve done a remarkable job!

Winner Announcement

Thanks to all who entered last Friday’s Giveaway for this fabulous choker from TSRUBBER. This winner is: Niftic Vintage! Congratulations. The rest of us are super jelly. Enjoy your new choker!

If you’re feeling super bummed for not winning this giveaway, don’t feel so bad. There will be another one in LITERALLY TWO DAYS. Yeah, I know, it’s pretty crazy. So stay tuned dear readers. In the mean time, here is a picture of some frikin adorable kittehs to keep you occupied while you wait:

from lalalaurie on Flickr.

Meet Tanja, Friday’s Featured Artist (+ enter to win a free choker!)

I’m excited to introduce you to Tanja, this week’s featured artist. You can find her on Etsy at TSRUBBER.etsy.com. You can also find her at her own personal website, tanjaschroeder.dk. I have to say, I am a ginormous fan of her bags and jewelry. No wonder she has been featured in Dark Beauty Magazine 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. See for your self why (first image by photographer Topher Adam):

Tanja:
“I make handmade accessories and bags using industrial rubber from farm tubes in tractors. My product is growing to a lot of different items and styles. But I have a heart for Steampunk and the mix of example watch gears looks great on the dark black thick rubber. I also combine the stamps and number in-printed ind the very big inner tubes. I’m from Denmark and live on a little island and get the local tubes.”

Tanja is being very generous to you, dear readers, and giving you a chance to win this FABULOUS choker:

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

2nd Entry:
Heart TSRUBBER on Etsy, leaving a comment here afterwards saying that you have done so.

3rd Entry:
Heart your favorite item from TSRUBBER, and post the link to that item in the comments below.

4th Entry:
Become a Fan of TSRUBBER on Facebook.
Leave a comment here after you have done so.

5th Entry:
Buy something from TSRUBBER. show us what you’ve bought in the comments below!

6th Entry:
Tweet this giveaway. Leave your @Name in the comments below afterwards.

7th Entry:
Post this giveaway on your Facebook, comment here afterwards.

8th Entry:
Blog about this giveaway. Leave your blog link to the post in the comments below afterwards.

Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments below using random.org and announced on Wednesday, February 29th. Good luck everyone, and thank you Tanja for sharing your incredible work with us!

Don’t look now, but we’re almost there!

Steampunk Barrette - $14.95

So I woke up to a very pleasant surprise this morning. My beaded barrette had made it to the Etsy front page, around midnight or so I believe. While the barrette itself didn’t sell, surprisingly, I did get loads of shop hearts and sold 2 of my rings. That brings me to a total of 98 sales in my MegansBeadedDesigns shop. granted, a handful of those “sales” were actually trades, but heck, I’m proud of those too. I’ve been selling my jewelry and graphics on Etsy for over a year now, and I really feel like I have made some real progress as far as figuring out how to sell and market. Especially compared to when I first started. My pictures have become loads more attractive, and my descriptions further fleshed out. I’ve gathered several more Facebook Fans and latched onto some twitter followers. I know I still have a lot more to do, but I finally feel like I am at a place where I can give others advice [that is actually helpful].

Button Bobby Pins - $7.95

But I still need those 2 more sales to make it to the magical milestone of 100. So close…

To try to push myself to my milestone goal, I’m offering a fabulous coupon code: GET2100 for 20% off your entire purchase from my MegansBeadedDesigns shop. This promotion code is only good until I reach my number, so be the first to grab it and save yourself a bundle!

A big thank you to all of the fellow beaders and Etsy sellers and customers out there that have helped me reach this far! I sincerely hope I will be able to return the favor as I keep selling!

Update: It’s official! I have made it to 100 sales over the weekend!!! A big thank you to all of my customers and fellow sellers who have been so supportive! This is a huge moment for me and I am so happy to be a part of the Etsy community!!!

Featured Seller – ABeadInTimeJewelry

Simplicity. Elegance. Intricacy.

These descriptive words and more come to mind when viewing ABeadInTimeJewelry’s Etsy Shop. Her pieces speak for themselves. Lovely earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Harboring intricate wire-work and chainmail. The beads she carefully selects for each piece work diligently with their subtlety, and elegant color schemes.

ABeadInTimeJewelry has a little something for everything. There are intricate Steampunk inspired pieces, and simple silver dangling earrings. There are sparkling gems and soft jasper beads. You can get a Gothic dragon necklace for your sister and a flower shell necklace for your mom. While you’re at it, pick up a little something for yourself too! These pieces are sure to be cherish for a long, long time.

Moon and Stars Pocketwatch - $42

A Key to my Heart Necklace - $20

Silver Cubic Zirconia Earrings - $30

Don’t forget to take a look at ABeadInTimeJewelry’s shop and see all of her other wonderful items! Heart her to keep up to date when new items are added!