Red White and Blue for Veterans!
curated by Buffalove on Etsy
Showing posts with label Buffalo NY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buffalo NY. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
We are the Buffalo Etsy Team!
So you've been wondering, what is the Buffalo Etsy Team? We are a diverse group of Etsy sellers from the Western New York region - mostly in the Buffalo NY area.
Etsy sellers have the option to join teams for networking, information sharing, and other types of assistance. Teams can be virtual or location-based as we are in the Buffalo, NY area. The benefit of joining a local team is you get to meet in person and learn from one another face to face. Many of our team members have developed strong bonds and collaborate with one another in many ways.
The team blog - buffaloetsyteam.blogspot.com - has a number of helpful series for Etsy sellers including:
The blog is loaded with other resources and features both for Etsy sellers and Etsy buyers so its worth scrolling through the calendar on the right side of the screen to find something of interest.
As of July 2015, the Buffalo Etsy Team is now meeting at the Whimsy By Kelly Studio. Thanks to team leader Kelly we have a dedicated meeting spot where we can hold monthly meetings, workshops, crafting classes and other activities. This team selfie was taken at our July meeting.
The team has over 600 members who reside in the Western New York region though most meeting attendees come from Erie County and Buffalo area. For those who cannot attend meetings, the team has an active discussion board on Etsy, a team Facebook page, a Pinterest page, and Buffalove on Etsy - a page full of themed collections of items for sale from Buffalo Etsy Team members. If you are looking to see what team members have for sale, visit our Shop Buffalo Etsy Team page.
In addition, the team has held workshops on photography and financial matters, raised funds in a successful campaign to support a veteran's family, and been featured on local TV to promote gift guides during the holiday season.
To join the team, you must be an Etsy seller living in Western New York. Visit Etsy.com to see more about teams and how to join us by searching for us in the Community section.
Etsy sellers have the option to join teams for networking, information sharing, and other types of assistance. Teams can be virtual or location-based as we are in the Buffalo, NY area. The benefit of joining a local team is you get to meet in person and learn from one another face to face. Many of our team members have developed strong bonds and collaborate with one another in many ways.
The team blog - buffaloetsyteam.blogspot.com - has a number of helpful series for Etsy sellers including:
- Craft Show 101 - a guide to selling at local shows,
- the Did I Really Just Quit My Day Job series,
- interviews with sellers from the team,
- useful photography tips for Etsy sellers,
- a look inside team members' studios,
- and coming soon a featured shop series.
The blog is loaded with other resources and features both for Etsy sellers and Etsy buyers so its worth scrolling through the calendar on the right side of the screen to find something of interest.
As of July 2015, the Buffalo Etsy Team is now meeting at the Whimsy By Kelly Studio. Thanks to team leader Kelly we have a dedicated meeting spot where we can hold monthly meetings, workshops, crafting classes and other activities. This team selfie was taken at our July meeting.
The team has over 600 members who reside in the Western New York region though most meeting attendees come from Erie County and Buffalo area. For those who cannot attend meetings, the team has an active discussion board on Etsy, a team Facebook page, a Pinterest page, and Buffalove on Etsy - a page full of themed collections of items for sale from Buffalo Etsy Team members. If you are looking to see what team members have for sale, visit our Shop Buffalo Etsy Team page.
In addition, the team has held workshops on photography and financial matters, raised funds in a successful campaign to support a veteran's family, and been featured on local TV to promote gift guides during the holiday season.
To join the team, you must be an Etsy seller living in Western New York. Visit Etsy.com to see more about teams and how to join us by searching for us in the Community section.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
City of Good Neighbors Project: FAMILY OF A VET
Please follow the blog to see how we're progressing!
Visit www.etsy.com while you're shopping this holiday season. Enter FOV bflo into the search bar to find participating Buffalo Etsy Team shops.
The Buffalo Etsy Team members offer all kinds of delights in their shops, both handmade and vintage!
Thanks for supporting our inaugural "City of Good Neighbors" team project!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tips & Tricks: Unusual storage options
I love organizing stuff.
Now, this doesn't mean my house is organized a la Martha Stewart Living. What it does mean is that I buy a lot of containers, boxes, shelves, and other crap. I'm constantly on the hunt for a "better" way, especially when it comes to my jewelry making.
Some of my Etsy items have been a challenge to store. I have a decent system going on with the jewelry boxes and mailing envelopes - both conveniently fit into a wide plastic storage drawer.
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Other things have been more of a "that'll do" situation. For instance, the earring cards. I make them myself from cardstock so they fit into small boxes.
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I have four different size and storing them has been really strange - they're too long for a lot of small storage. At first they were just in a pile. I bought one of those small metal divider racks from Walmart and put them in there, but they fell out the sides and it was generally Not A Good Idea.
Last year, I found these little flip-top boxes from Walmart that were just the right size, and cut the lids off. Shame that I could NEVER find those boxes again, because I needed more to store all the card sizes. Ah, Walmart. I was getting really frustrated trying to fit my square-peg earring cards into the round-hole plastic storage boxes that I found at Michael's, Walmart, ACMoore and everywhere else. Nothing was small enough, wide enough or compact enough to really work.
A few months ago, I stumbled on this really cute little box and had one of those "aha" moments. It had been misplaced in the jewelry section, and the label said it was for fishing lures. So I wandered over to the fishing gear section and lo and behold:
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Under $3! I never in a million years would have guessed that a fishing lure box would be perfect for storing my earring cards.
Now, this doesn't mean my house is organized a la Martha Stewart Living. What it does mean is that I buy a lot of containers, boxes, shelves, and other crap. I'm constantly on the hunt for a "better" way, especially when it comes to my jewelry making.
Some of my Etsy items have been a challenge to store. I have a decent system going on with the jewelry boxes and mailing envelopes - both conveniently fit into a wide plastic storage drawer.
Other things have been more of a "that'll do" situation. For instance, the earring cards. I make them myself from cardstock so they fit into small boxes.
I have four different size and storing them has been really strange - they're too long for a lot of small storage. At first they were just in a pile. I bought one of those small metal divider racks from Walmart and put them in there, but they fell out the sides and it was generally Not A Good Idea.
Last year, I found these little flip-top boxes from Walmart that were just the right size, and cut the lids off. Shame that I could NEVER find those boxes again, because I needed more to store all the card sizes. Ah, Walmart. I was getting really frustrated trying to fit my square-peg earring cards into the round-hole plastic storage boxes that I found at Michael's, Walmart, ACMoore and everywhere else. Nothing was small enough, wide enough or compact enough to really work.
A few months ago, I stumbled on this really cute little box and had one of those "aha" moments. It had been misplaced in the jewelry section, and the label said it was for fishing lures. So I wandered over to the fishing gear section and lo and behold:
Under $3! I never in a million years would have guessed that a fishing lure box would be perfect for storing my earring cards.
Awesome! I snapped the lid off and now I have a perfect storage solution for my earring cards.
What kind of containers have you found work particularly well for storing your Etsy craft goods? Let us know in the comments!
— Jocelyn | paragraphloop.etsy.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Baby and New Parent Gifts
Looking for that unique and handmade gift for a baby shower? Or something for the new parent? Find it here from Buffalo Etsy Team members!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Workspace... Personalized Candles
Whether you sell on etsy part time or full time, a place to work is a
must. No matter where it is you gotta get creative someplace. This
series for the blog shares the esty sellers workspace, be it a studio,
kitchen table, or in a comfy chair and three items that each individual
"needs" to help them succeed.
This week Kim from Personalized Candles shares where she creates her beautiful custom candles and the three items that are a must!
The three items that Kim can not run her business without are
Candles, Photoshop and a printer.
Kim has three work-spaces. Her office, her supply room and the ever so handy dining room table.
I know I have used mine on more than one occasion as well as a workspace.
Thanks so very much for sharing your workspace with us Kim!
if you would like to share your work space with readers please contact mealy monster land for more information.
Candles, Photoshop and a printer.
Kim has three work-spaces. Her office, her supply room and the ever so handy dining room table.
I know I have used mine on more than one occasion as well as a workspace.
Thanks so very much for sharing your workspace with us Kim!
if you would like to share your work space with readers please contact mealy monster land for more information.
Monday, December 2, 2013
WorkSpace...Julie DeGroot
Whether you sell on etsy part time or full time, a place to work is a
must. No matter where it is you gotta get creative someplace. This
series for the blog shares the esty sellers workspace, be it a studio,
kitchen table, or in a comfy chair and three items that each individual
"needs" to help them succeed.
This week Julie DeGroot shares here work space where she creates her beautiful stained glass pieces and shares them in her etsy shop Jewels In The Garden.
When asked what Julie's must have items to help her create are she said "My 3 essentials, my glass scorer, my idea journal, some music."
Here is a little peek into her inspiring work space.
Thanks so much Julie for sharing your space with us!!
if you would like to share your work space with readers please contact mealy monster land for more information.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Hometown Love #1
NEUTRAL, NATURAL, MODERN, RUSTIC, VINTAGE & VINTAGE-INSPIRED GIFT IDEAS FROM BUFFALO, NY
You've been following the "Shop Buffalo Etsy" themed gift guides on this site, right? Well, it's no secret that I love to make treasuries, so in support of Buffalo's talented artisans and pickers I've started a series of "Hometown Love" gift finds.
View the treasury here:
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAwNjM2OTF8MjcyMjY4MzY4MQ/hometown-love-1?ref=pr_treasury
Find even more temptations within each of the featured shops when you use the following links:
ROW 1
https://www.etsy.com/shop/jennilyons81
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ABunnyandBear
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestWell
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaunchDesignCo
ROW 2
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelMandolfoPhoto
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Clementinyclothing
https://www.etsy.com/shop/lovetojournaldotcom
https://www.etsy.com/shop/vicarlo
ROW 3
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Buffaloscapes
https://www.etsy.com/shop/buffaloartprints
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GretchenColeJewelry
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BuffaloGalOrganics
ROW 4
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltPress
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WiseApple
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahMcGeeArt
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cheryl12108
Hungry for more local finds?
Discover more Buffalo Etsy Team shops here:
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=buffaloetsyteam&ref=shop_search
Wishing you loads of Buffalove,
Carla
https://www.etsy.com/shop/716Buffalos
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monday Interview with Wolf and Rabbit!
this week we have Ericc Jude Mott from Wolfe & Rabbit with us!
Please tell us a bit about yourself? I am Ericc Jude Mott owner and craftsman behind Wolfe & Rabbit heirloom accessories and home decor. I moved to Buffalo in spring of 2008 to finish my art education degree. I realized after a while that teaching wasn't for me but cursing out loud working crazy hours and surrounding myself with dirty old men was for me and that's not a lemon party reference. So I became a welder.
What do you create? How long have you been working on your craft/art? I've been working since 2010 mostly on my wood eye wear. Custom wood eye wear made entirely by man. No CNC routers or laser cutter. Since 2012 i added wood inlay post back buttons, hand cut cameo pendants, wood journals, the occasional leather goods, custom dog kennels fashioned after old style bird cages or Victorian housing, and furniture. I feel, like many makers, we learn from our parents or grandparents and so did i. my father was a wood worker and owned a furniture refinishing business when i was younger. I picked up a few more skills when i owned some rental property in Binghamton but my interested in wood and furniture hadn't fully developed until i randomly ended up in a few wood/design courses. i loved it! It was almost competitive to me. But the program suffered effects from premature birth and wasn't fully developed. So i left in frustration and became a welder to afford my expensive hobby.
How did you come up with your store name?
When i was enrolled in the academic arena i was excited to be around so many motivated and enthused individuals. After many conversation and the sharing of interests a small group of us proposed the idea of starting a haberdashery. A bit of a European style and Anglo Norman, notions such as thread, buttons, linens etc and small wears. So when we were all in the studio we would shoot names out. Since the shop was to focus on men's and women's wear i played with ideas trying to encapsulate both. Thus Wolfe & Rabbit was born. As for the haberdashery... no one wanted to work, take the risk, invest or do anything other than day dream. So i fled that establishment to embrace the endless vacancy of the east side.
What inspires you?
Seeing the results of theory, determination, and practice only to be completely destroyed and to continue with the grand lesson of "never do that again". Anyone who has pushed their abilities, skills, fought with rational criticism and has produce work that will survive them self with the endless existence of their struggle going unnoticed.
What is the best thing about having a etsy shop?
Its a window to other makers i would otherwise never know of their existence, their work and accept the seriousness of my products niche. If i am going to succeed i will need to make obvious separation in my niche and produce a substantially unique item. Because all the favorites in the world are not going to make my hobby a full time job.
How do you promote your work to the world?
Sadly I have limited exposure. Beside etsy and a few makers markets I've been to and the up coming Elmwood arts festival, I plan to set up a blog soon and within the next two years a web site.
What is the hardest part about selling online?
You lose the tactile experience. You're stripped of your ability to truly experience an item. For instance, my wood eye wear are not an investment you would carelessly execute. The eye wear is a sensitive item you want to feel comfortable in as well as confident. I do offer a guarantee fit online. Whatever i need to do to adjust the fit i will. I want my frames to be out mingling with the public. My wood frames become rich with age but in order for the wood to mature it needs you, your oils and constant wear.
Where can your work be found locally?
I will be at the Elmwood festival come Aug 24 and 25. Or you can work directly with me to build your custom frames.
Thanks for sharing your amazing work with us Ericc! If you live in Buffalo and would like to be featured on the blog please contact me for more information!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday Interview with Jon from Quoted Mosaic Collage
this week Jon from Quoted Mosaic Collage joins us~
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! My name is Jon Bender. I am relatively new to the online art selling world. I grew up here in Western New York and have been an art teacher for 15 years. I try to balance my work, family and art making so that all can survive and prosper. Most of the time, I think I’m fairly successful.
What do you create? I create mosaic style collages using packaging material under the name Quoted Mosaic Collage. The work is currently divided into two main themes – earth and nature, and beer. I also make repurposed cereal and pepsi box school type pocket folders. I have just started making acrylic mini beer mug magnets for the beer fridge. I am hoping to add a golf section at a later date.
How long have you been working on your craft/art?
I have been making the collages for about 6 years. I opened the Etsy shop in 2010. Last year was the first time I dipped my feet into selling them in person.
What is the hardest part about selling online?
There are many challenges. I often forget to check listings and realize that a bunch have expired. I’m slow to get new things listed during the school year. I never realized how hard networking really is! Also, I’m not sure of the best way to sell prints is online, and that’s mostly what I sell. I don’t feel like you get a good sense of what it looks like or will look like in your house. But, maybe that’s just me.
My goal is to get into more local shops this summer. I am currently in Buffalo Adore and will be selling at the Saturday Artisan Market and hopefully, the Lewiston Art Festival.
What do you do when your creatively blocked?
The best thing to do is walk away. Creativity is a back brain process and often comes later when you are doing something mundane like driving or showering. I try to load up on inspirational materials and then let them stew for a while. Sometimes though, you just have to push yourself through it.
Where can you be found online?
Working on the website. Need more info about a good host!
Can be found on Etsy @ etsy.com/shop/jonbender
Monday, May 13, 2013
Monday Interview with Buffalovely
This week we have Amanda from Buffalovely!
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Amanda Valentine and I was born and raised in North Buffalo. I originally went to school at SUNY Fredonia and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After three years in the classroom, I discovered that I would much rather be doing my own thing. I started making anything that came to mind (felt board sets, hair bows, etc) and stumbled upon the idea to create pillows that were funky and unique. It didn't hurt that I had just purchased my first house and wanted decor that wasn't what everyone else had. I figured others would feel the same so I decided to give it a shot. Buffalovely was born.
My name is Amanda Valentine and I was born and raised in North Buffalo. I originally went to school at SUNY Fredonia and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After three years in the classroom, I discovered that I would much rather be doing my own thing. I started making anything that came to mind (felt board sets, hair bows, etc) and stumbled upon the idea to create pillows that were funky and unique. It didn't hurt that I had just purchased my first house and wanted decor that wasn't what everyone else had. I figured others would feel the same so I decided to give it a shot. Buffalovely was born.
What do you create? How long have you been working on your craft/art?
I create pillows that celebrate the city of Buffalo. My most popular product being my street sign pillows. All are customizable and made completely by hand. I have been building my business for about 2 1/2 years now and have been having a blast getting it off the ground.
I create pillows that celebrate the city of Buffalo. My most popular product being my street sign pillows. All are customizable and made completely by hand. I have been building my business for about 2 1/2 years now and have been having a blast getting it off the ground.
How did you come up with your store name?
I used the word Buffalovely a few times before, just in passing, and when it came time to decide on a name for my Buffalo-based business I knew that had to be it. I'm so in love with it now, and I feel so lucky that no one else thought of it first!
I used the word Buffalovely a few times before, just in passing, and when it came time to decide on a name for my Buffalo-based business I knew that had to be it. I'm so in love with it now, and I feel so lucky that no one else thought of it first!
How does Buffalo influence your work?My love for my hometown inspires all of the work that I do for Buffalovely. I have found that there is so much in our city to celebrate. I love creating work that people can put in their homes to reflect their love of Buffalo, whether they are local or an ex-pat. Our love of Buffalo endures.
What is the best thing about having a etsy shop?
I wouldn't be able to do what I've been doing with Buffalovely without Etsy. Having an outlet where you can showcase your work so inexpensively has been invaluable to someone just starting out. Being able to connect with other artists and gain advice from their experiences has made my business what it is today, and I am so grateful for that.
Where can your work be found locally?
My work can be found at Thin Ice on Elmwood Ave, Home Roots in Cheektowaga, Reeds Jenss (both locations), Village Artisans, Homeward Bound, Tis the Season Gift Shop, Buffalo Adore in South Buffalo and Floral Explorations on Hertel Ave.
Do you have any up and coming art shows/craft shows that you would like us to know about?
I will be participating in a Mom and Pop Show at the Tri-Main Center from 10-4, at the Gay Pride parade the first weekend in June and the Southgate Plaza craft show at the end of June. Other shows I have applied to are still up in the air, but I'm excited for the Summer season and Christmas to come!
My work can be found at Thin Ice on Elmwood Ave, Home Roots in Cheektowaga, Reeds Jenss (both locations), Village Artisans, Homeward Bound, Tis the Season Gift Shop, Buffalo Adore in South Buffalo and Floral Explorations on Hertel Ave.
Do you have any up and coming art shows/craft shows that you would like us to know about?
I will be participating in a Mom and Pop Show at the Tri-Main Center from 10-4, at the Gay Pride parade the first weekend in June and the Southgate Plaza craft show at the end of June. Other shows I have applied to are still up in the air, but I'm excited for the Summer season and Christmas to come!
Do you have any advise or suggestions for new sellers to etsy?
Ask for advice from those who have the experience. The community on Etsy has been so warm and welcoming, and I have gained so much knowledge from so many sellers that have been willing to help me.
do you do this full or part time? If full time how did you get yourself to that status?
I do some work on the side, but Buffalovely is my full-time focus. I am always working on making it grow in any way I can and am always thinking of new products that I think might be popular.
Ask for advice from those who have the experience. The community on Etsy has been so warm and welcoming, and I have gained so much knowledge from so many sellers that have been willing to help me.
do you do this full or part time? If full time how did you get yourself to that status?
I do some work on the side, but Buffalovely is my full-time focus. I am always working on making it grow in any way I can and am always thinking of new products that I think might be popular.
Have you had any formal training in what you do?
None. Up until 2 1/2 years ago, I had never sewn a thing in my life! I decided that if I wanted to make pillows, I better learn to sew. Youtube has been a huge asset for me. There are endless videos on any topic or technique and have taught me all I have needed to know along the way.
None. Up until 2 1/2 years ago, I had never sewn a thing in my life! I decided that if I wanted to make pillows, I better learn to sew. Youtube has been a huge asset for me. There are endless videos on any topic or technique and have taught me all I have needed to know along the way.
Where can you be found online?
I can be found on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, all under Buffalovely.
I can be found on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, all under Buffalovely.
You can find me on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop
Thanks Amanda for sharing your experience with us!
If you are from Buffalo and would like to be featured on the blog please contact me for more information!!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday Interview with The Cotton Road
This week we have with us Mel from The Cotton Road!
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Melissa but everyone calls me Mel. I am married and have an 8 year old son. We also have a dog named Zoey who is very active. I grew up in the southern tier in farm country. I love nature and natural fibers. I started crocheting when I was 12. I would watch my aunts crochet and slowly picked it up. I use crocheting as my stress reliever. My crocheting gives truth to the old adage "if you do what you love you never work a day". My crochet business started over a year ago and I still love crocheting everyday, in fact not crocheting can make my day worse.
What do you create? How long have you been working on your craft/art? I crochet primarily baby items, but I am very picky about the patterns I choose. I make hats and slippers for adults. I have begun to make toys, rattles, and pillows for babies. Mason jar covers, doilies, mesh tote bags, and things for the home. I learned to crochet when I was 12 but have been doing it regularly for about 5 years.
How did you come up with your store name?
I love cotton and primarily crochet with cotton, but wanted to pay homage to where I came from and learn my trade it was on a dirt back road tucked back on the farm in between cornfields. So I combined the two for The Cotton Road.
How does Buffalo influence your work?
The seasons are what inspires me here. I have to change the type of item and the thickness of the yarn for the warmer months. I know Buffalo weather changes fast but most people don't wear winter hats and boots in July.
What is the best thing about having a etsy shop?
The freedom to make and sell what I want and to control the amount of items in my store. I also love that I can sell to more people than just here in the WNY area. I have sent items to Australia, Canada, Hawaii, California, among other places. I am trying to create an interactive map so that I can pin where I have sent items. I'd like to send one item to every state I think that's be cool.
How do you promote your work to the world? Twitter, Facebook both personal and business pages, Instagram, Pintrest
Where can your work be found locally? I am a member of Gallery 464 and some of my items are featured there. I am working on a few open work hats to take there in the next few weeks.
Do you have any advise or suggestions for new sellers to etsy? Don't get discouraged if there are not a lot of sales in the beginning. Focus more on building a fan base that will refer others to your page.
Do you do this full or part time? If full time how did you get yourself to that status? If I really tally up the amount of time it would be full time, but it is realistically a part time thing. I work a full time and part time job on top of Etsy. My dream would be to open a little store front someday where I can sell my items, yarn, other local artist work and teach the art of crochet full time.
Have you had any formal training in what you do? I have had no training beyond my Aunts instructions.
Do you teach any classes in what you do? I have taught before at JoAnn's but I am not currently teaching there.
Where do your ideas come from? I love nature and things that are functional. I just bought a wire lamp shade a flea market and hope to crochet a lamp shade. I like to make things that people can pass down to others.
What do you do when your creatively blocked? I go to Pintrest or Etsy and search crochet.
Where can you be found online?
www.etsy.com/shop/thecottonroad
www.facebook.com/thecottonroad,
@thecottonroad on twitter, intstagram, and Pintrest.
http://www.mindweb.us/#!linton/c1b0h is the website from Gallery 464.
thecottonroad.blog.com/.
My name is Melissa but everyone calls me Mel. I am married and have an 8 year old son. We also have a dog named Zoey who is very active. I grew up in the southern tier in farm country. I love nature and natural fibers. I started crocheting when I was 12. I would watch my aunts crochet and slowly picked it up. I use crocheting as my stress reliever. My crocheting gives truth to the old adage "if you do what you love you never work a day". My crochet business started over a year ago and I still love crocheting everyday, in fact not crocheting can make my day worse.
What do you create? How long have you been working on your craft/art? I crochet primarily baby items, but I am very picky about the patterns I choose. I make hats and slippers for adults. I have begun to make toys, rattles, and pillows for babies. Mason jar covers, doilies, mesh tote bags, and things for the home. I learned to crochet when I was 12 but have been doing it regularly for about 5 years.
How did you come up with your store name?
I love cotton and primarily crochet with cotton, but wanted to pay homage to where I came from and learn my trade it was on a dirt back road tucked back on the farm in between cornfields. So I combined the two for The Cotton Road.
How does Buffalo influence your work?
The seasons are what inspires me here. I have to change the type of item and the thickness of the yarn for the warmer months. I know Buffalo weather changes fast but most people don't wear winter hats and boots in July.
What is the best thing about having a etsy shop?
The freedom to make and sell what I want and to control the amount of items in my store. I also love that I can sell to more people than just here in the WNY area. I have sent items to Australia, Canada, Hawaii, California, among other places. I am trying to create an interactive map so that I can pin where I have sent items. I'd like to send one item to every state I think that's be cool.
How do you promote your work to the world? Twitter, Facebook both personal and business pages, Instagram, Pintrest
Where can your work be found locally? I am a member of Gallery 464 and some of my items are featured there. I am working on a few open work hats to take there in the next few weeks.
Do you have any advise or suggestions for new sellers to etsy? Don't get discouraged if there are not a lot of sales in the beginning. Focus more on building a fan base that will refer others to your page.
Do you do this full or part time? If full time how did you get yourself to that status? If I really tally up the amount of time it would be full time, but it is realistically a part time thing. I work a full time and part time job on top of Etsy. My dream would be to open a little store front someday where I can sell my items, yarn, other local artist work and teach the art of crochet full time.
Have you had any formal training in what you do? I have had no training beyond my Aunts instructions.
Do you teach any classes in what you do? I have taught before at JoAnn's but I am not currently teaching there.
Where do your ideas come from? I love nature and things that are functional. I just bought a wire lamp shade a flea market and hope to crochet a lamp shade. I like to make things that people can pass down to others.
What do you do when your creatively blocked? I go to Pintrest or Etsy and search crochet.
Where can you be found online?
www.etsy.com/shop/thecottonroad
www.facebook.com/thecottonroad,
@thecottonroad on twitter, intstagram, and Pintrest.
http://www.mindweb.us/#!linton/c1b0h is the website from Gallery 464.
thecottonroad.blog.com/.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Treasury Love, Part IV
May the Stats Be With You.
"My shop got 447 views, 114 faves. The necklace got 170 views, 80 faves!"
— Linda Richards, of L Richards Design, reporting on her stats after being featured in a front page treasury on Etsy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LRichardsDesign
Impressive numbers, yes? Enviable, too.
OK, so I know most of you aren't big on curating treasuries. You've always got your craft to do, or laundry, or the kids are well, being kids... but I'm a big fan of the talented Etsians out there, so I make treasuries. I am not ashamed to admit that I also like the exposure my treasuries generate for MY shop.
TODAY A TREASURY I CURATED MADE THE FRONT PAGE OF ETSY! ...
and the theme was inspired by Linda's elegant seashell necklace.
Everything I treasured had to be equally elegant and beachy. (Think resorts. Think lounge chairs and beach-side cocktail service.)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/122268984/silver-seashell-necklace-silver-and?ref=shop_home_feat
I created the treasury on Monday morning, before work, with a giant mug of coffee at my side. Once published, I promoted it in various treasury threads on various team boards. I promoted it again after work. I didn't promote it at ALL on Tuesday.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I saw Etsy's home page at about 8 this morning (Wednesday). I was like "Holy beach towel! That's MY treasury!" Cheap thrill, perhaps, but it was the first time I'd created a front page-positioned treasury! (it took 53 tries in almost as many weeks).
I was so geeked that I, of course, made a screengrab of the front page — after I'd convo'd Linda to let her know she was a front-pager!
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAwNjM2OTF8MjcyNDQwODU0OA/summery-neutrals?ref=pr_treasury
THE TREASURY WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE FOR AN HOUR OF POWER!
In addition to Linda's massive views and faves, my shop got 66 views and 54 faves, all in that one hour! I got some super-sweet convos, too, from the shop owners I treasured — a nice lift on a gray, drizzly morning — AND I also ended up in 3 treasuries myself AND had a sale!
Props to Buffalo Etsians...
Mary from Charmed by Wine https://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmedByWine?ref=ss_profile
and Fiona from JJKZ https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJKZ?ref=ss_profile
for showing the treasury some love. You just got a free promo! :)
Now go find some pretty, cool, wacky, rustic, fancy or funky things for your next treasury. And may the stats be with you.
Carla
https://www.etsy.com/shop/716Buffalos
"My shop got 447 views, 114 faves. The necklace got 170 views, 80 faves!"
— Linda Richards, of L Richards Design, reporting on her stats after being featured in a front page treasury on Etsy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LRichardsDesign
Impressive numbers, yes? Enviable, too.
OK, so I know most of you aren't big on curating treasuries. You've always got your craft to do, or laundry, or the kids are well, being kids... but I'm a big fan of the talented Etsians out there, so I make treasuries. I am not ashamed to admit that I also like the exposure my treasuries generate for MY shop.
TODAY A TREASURY I CURATED MADE THE FRONT PAGE OF ETSY! ...
and the theme was inspired by Linda's elegant seashell necklace.
Everything I treasured had to be equally elegant and beachy. (Think resorts. Think lounge chairs and beach-side cocktail service.)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/122268984/silver-seashell-necklace-silver-and?ref=shop_home_feat
I created the treasury on Monday morning, before work, with a giant mug of coffee at my side. Once published, I promoted it in various treasury threads on various team boards. I promoted it again after work. I didn't promote it at ALL on Tuesday.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I saw Etsy's home page at about 8 this morning (Wednesday). I was like "Holy beach towel! That's MY treasury!" Cheap thrill, perhaps, but it was the first time I'd created a front page-positioned treasury! (it took 53 tries in almost as many weeks).
I was so geeked that I, of course, made a screengrab of the front page — after I'd convo'd Linda to let her know she was a front-pager!
THE TREASURY WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE FOR AN HOUR OF POWER!
In addition to Linda's massive views and faves, my shop got 66 views and 54 faves, all in that one hour! I got some super-sweet convos, too, from the shop owners I treasured — a nice lift on a gray, drizzly morning — AND I also ended up in 3 treasuries myself AND had a sale!
Props to Buffalo Etsians...
Mary from Charmed by Wine https://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmedByWine?ref=ss_profile
and Fiona from JJKZ https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJKZ?ref=ss_profile
for showing the treasury some love. You just got a free promo! :)
Now go find some pretty, cool, wacky, rustic, fancy or funky things for your next treasury. And may the stats be with you.
Carla
https://www.etsy.com/shop/716Buffalos
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday Interview with Alison Kurek of Silent Mylo Studio
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm
an artist since birth and I think it's in my blood. I tried to make it
go away more than once (I have a BS in Business!) but it just keeps
coming back! I've been selling at art shows for about 20 years now and
have recently decided to try to make a go of being "almost" completely
self employed. I'll let you know how it goes :-)
What do you create?
I
have a pretty wide range of items -- from large, mixed media paintings,
to prints, to small gift items like magnets and ornaments.
How did you come up with your store name?
My original Etsy shop name was AlisonEKurek. I changed it to SilentMyloStudio a couple of years ago. I have a bratty tuxedo cat named Mylo who is the model for my cat paintings. He seems to have acquired a bit of a cult following (I sell a LOT of cat prints :-) so, when Etsy gave us the chance to change our shops names I choose SilentMyloStudio.
My original Etsy shop name was AlisonEKurek. I changed it to SilentMyloStudio a couple of years ago. I have a bratty tuxedo cat named Mylo who is the model for my cat paintings. He seems to have acquired a bit of a cult following (I sell a LOT of cat prints :-) so, when Etsy gave us the chance to change our shops names I choose SilentMyloStudio.
How does Buffalo influence your work?
I’ve
joked that the long Buffalo winters force us to be creative and I
really do think that’s true .In addition to that, Buffalo has a VERY
strong arts community. We have a world class art museum in the Albright
Knox, a fabulous resource in the Burchfield Penny, local galleries and
groups such as 464 and WNYAG, regionally know and well attended art
festivals and shops that want to sell the work of local artists. We're pretty lucky to have all of that -- not all cities do.
What is the best thing about having a etsy shop?
The
wide geographical reach. I’ve had a handful of local sales, but the
majority of my sales go out of the area -- quite a few to California and
Texas -- and even a few to Australia, England, Finland, Germany and
Israel.
How do you promote your work to the world?
About
80% of my sales come from direct, face to face sales at festivals.
Another 15% comes from shops and galleries. My online sales last year
were only about 5% of total sales -- a number I am working to increase!
I'll be the first to admit that my marketing skills are lacking! My big
marketing plan of last year was to hand out flyers at shows that listed
all of my online contacts. It worked to some extent. I made a few online
sales and gained a number of Facebook followers -- but I know I can't
stop there. I've been making more of an effort with my Facebook Pages
the last couple of months and have noticed increased activity on them --
more Likes, more views, and comments -- and will continue to build on
that.
What is the hardest part about selling online?
What's
probably bothering me the most these days is the inconsistency of views
and sales. I had a very good (well -- very good for me :-) start to
2013. January 2013 was was up 300% from January 2012 -- and February was
okay too. But then if just stopped! My views plummeted and I went from
every other days sales to NOTHING for the month of March. It's like my
shop dropped into a black hole! Ha ha! Can you tell I'm a bit
frustrated?
Where can your work be found locally?
Village
Artisans on Main Street in Williamsville carries a large selection of
my work -- and you can find some of my items at 464 Gallery (Amherst
Street, Buffalo) and the TR Inaugural Site (Delaware Avenue, Buffalo) as
well.
Do you have any up and coming art shows/craft shows that you would like us to know about?
Yes!
I'll be at the Small Press Book Fair on Saturday, April 6th at Karpeles
Manuscript Library Museum, 453 Porter Avenue in Buffalo as well as the
Artists in Buffalo Spring Gift Show at the Burchfield Penney Art Center,
Friday and Saturday, April 26 & 27, Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo
Do you have any advise or suggestions for new sellers to etsy?
Keep
on plugging away! Post good photos; use Etsy resources to learn about
tags and titles, and find ways to promote yourself and your shop beyond
Etsy.
Where can you be found online?
Blog: http://alisonekurek.com/
Fecebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.kurek
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alisonekurek
*next week we get a chance to catch up Erica from P&E Collectibles!
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