By Contributing Columnist Jay aka HaffinaCreations

One of my favourite things to do is lose myself in a well written fantasy world, filled with magic and mystery and all manner of creatures, so naturally I am drawn to artisans who create items drawn from fantasy. One such artisan is Meri Greenleaf from Elfing Creations. She kindly agreed to answer my questions

What will people find when they drop into your studio/store? What types of items do you sell?
Fantasy art and accessories, but everything is very eclectic: crocheted art dolls, runestones, costume ears (like elf, hobbit, faun, etc), horns, hemp jewelry, chainmaille, cartilage earrings, dreadfalls, crocheted bracers and cuffs… all sorts of randomness.

How did you come up with your studio/ shop’s name?
Elfling Creations comes from my fantasy alter-ego who is half-Wood Elf/half-Halfling (an Elf/Halfling or Elfling for short); this is also where my alias Meri Greenleaf comes from- that’s the name of said alter-ego. Since almost everything I make is inspired by fantasy, it works well for my shop.

How long have you been selling online?
I started selling some art (mostly crochet) here and there on Etsy in early 2007, but I didn’t really start concentration on my business as more than a hobby until 2009.

What lead you to join Etsy?
One of my friends had mentioned Etsy- I can’t remember if she had already opened a shop there or had just been buying things, though. Anyway, it sounded like a great idea, so I started listing my jewelry and crocheted things there.

What is your favourite feature on the site?
The street teams- I love being able to interact with other artists who share my interests.

What tips/advice would you give to others considering joining the site?
Definitely work on your photography to get good, clear, bright photos. I’m still learning how to take good pictures (my early ones were so terrible I’m amazed I sold anything), but when selling online it’s vitally important to be able to show off your work.

How do you want people who visit your studio/shop to feel, what mood are you attempting to create?
Like they just stepped into an elven forest, into a world of fantasy, magic, and color. That’s what I’m going for, anyway!

What types of things do you do to try and create that feel/mood?
Almost everything I make is fantasy-related, and I have a tendency to work in greens and browns with lots of leaves and flowers. I’m a wood elf through and through so I have to remember that people do like colors besides the greens, blues, and browns that I gravitate towards.

What is your favourite tool or material to use at the moment?
As much as I love all the art I do, I think crochet is my absolute favorite. I love how you can do pretty much anything with a ball of yarn and a hook; I can turn it into clothing, ears, dolls, accessories… pretty much anything.

Are there any skills or techniques that you would like to learn, or materials that you would like to work with, aside from what you already do?
I’d love to learn how to spin on a spinning wheel someday. I can spin on a spindle, but I’d really love to be able to use a wheel, too. I’d also love to learn how to crochet wire (I crochet and I do some work with wire, but I haven’t combined them) and I’d love to learn more chainmaille weaves. And drawing- I’d love to get better at that.

Are you still selling the same kind of items as when you started selling, or has it changed with time?
Definitely changed- I made a lot of simple crocheted things like wristbands to start, but as I’ve gotten more practice I’ve been making more intricate crochet like dolls, and the regular earrings I used to make have switched over to mainly cartilage ones. I can do a lot more types of art now than I could to start, so I’m making a wider variety now, too. (I have a very short attention span, lol!)

Which part of being an online seller do you find the most challenging, and what do you do to deal with that?
I have a really narrow target demographic, so my main challenge has been getting the people who are looking for fantasy accessories and art to find my shop. I cater to the Renfaire population, I think, and I’m not entirely sure if they’d know to check Etsy for things like that. Thank goodness for sites like Google, which I think is how people are finding me- and I’m assuming search engines help people find out about Etsy too, so it’s win-win!

How do you balance your online and offline life?
By not having much of an offline life, lol. I have health problems so making and selling my art is my job right now; otherwise seeing friends is pretty much the only other offline thing I’m up to doing right now, and they don’t mind when I bring my craft supplies along. Being creative with my art and writing (I do some fantasy short stories and run a “Dungeons and Dragons” game) helps keep me sane and gives me something fun and distracting to do while I work on getting better.

What kind of supplies do you always seem to buy, even if you do not really need them?
Yarn. Ye gads, it’s like my yarn stash is spawning- and the fact that friends and family will sometimes gift me with found or randomly acquired yarn is *awesome*! I can never say no to yarn because I can always find a use for it, and usually pick up a skein whenever I’m at the craft store. I always end up with more yarn than I could possibly use- yet I never seem to have the color I need on hand, so that means I need to get more. There must be fiber-imps stealing from my stash while I’m not looking.

Delve into the world of Elfing Creations on Etsy. You can also find her on ArtFire and her own website.
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By Contributing Columnist Jessica Lunk of InkBlotCafe

Online tutorials are awesome, but it’s always interesting to try a new technique for the first time. I wanted to see for myself how to make t-shirt yarn.

It looked easy enough online, but I did run into
some difficulty. Sharp scissors are a must. The best method would be to use a rotary cutter and ruler to get a really consistant yarn gauge.

Here is a slideshow of my first attempt.

The finished product, should look similar to this:

Sample and finished product pics courtesy of DevilMakesWork

Tracy Smith of Cinnamon Jewellery

If you’re anything like me – inquisitive, curious or just plain nosy(!) you’d like to know a bit more about who lies behind those online shops………..

Although smaller than Etsy, Folksy has a thriving and ever~growing community of talented designers and crafters. I’d like you to meet two of them…………

Introducing Christine Begg, owner of Folksy shop Planet Events Direct Trimmings and Accessories

How long have you been selling on Folksy?

I started selling on Folksy in April 2009.

What type of items do you make and sell?
I would describe myself as an all around crafter who loves to make and create….from jewellery items created with ornate beads and crocheted pieces right through to patchwork quilts: it’s one big creative melting pot.
Whilst being a crafter myself I recognise that many individuals also have or indeed want to improve their crafting skills and like to purchase quality components to do so which is why I like to stock a number of craft items in my shop such as mother of pearl buttons, fabric pieces, loose beads, furnishing trimmings, jewellery making findings plus lots of hints and tips !

What inspires you to create ?
My background is in Soft Furnishings so the sewing machine plays a large part in my creative world and I am one of those individuals who finds inspiration all around me. I love to use colour in a controlled way so for example if I see beige or magnolia walls I automatically start thinking “Which colours can I introduce to these surroundings to compliment it” rather than “Right I am going to change that completely”…… for me it’s a lot to do with complimentary touches, especially as a lot of my work does involve making items for other people who much of the time know exactly what they want.

When the items are for personal usage and to sell on to potential customers Ii tend to look to the current seasons to inspire me, so for instance in autumn I lean towards chocolate/deep reds/mulberry shades to add warmth to the colder air and in summer it’s all about shades of blue, soft & vibrant pinks alongside big splashes of cool glacier colours.

Is it a full~time job or hobby?
Full time. For me being creative is really a way of life and I do believe that you really do need to put in the hours to reap the best from any business. It’s hard going working for yourself, especially in the current economic climate but like many other self employed individuals you just push on…..working with colours & textures always helps to lift my mood when necessary so you could also say that there are many therapeuatic aspects to being creative which helps to make the day seem easier.

What are your best sellers?
Mother of pearl buttons & Furnishing Trimmings. As I mentioned before I have customers who like to get stuck in creatively themselves and as such I try to accommodate their needs as best I can by supplying ready-to-go items which can be easily incorporated into creative projects.
Knitters & Crocheters keep me on my toes button-wise as they are always looking for nice buttons to add the finishing touches to their lovely hand knitted items !
I must also add that in addition to my Folksy shop I also operate a very robust Mail Order service and keep customers in touch with what I’m up to and items which are currently available through a bi-monthly newsletter which is normally sent by post. I then get to engage with my customers on a more personal level, who in turn will let me know the types of products and items they are searching for, which then gives me a better idea of what to stock in my shop and through mail order.

What are your plans for your Folksy shop in 2010?
Sew-your-own couture inspired cushions and other Soft Furnishing items.
Many people want to create a signature theme around their homes and soft furnishing items are the easiest and most cost effective way to do that.
In this modern day people are short on time and want to “get creative” with the minimum of fuss and I hope that the pre-cut ready-to-go items which I will be offering will offer them the chance to revamp their surroundings without being a drain on their time and resources.

To see more of Christine’s products & to follow her crafting adventures & creative ramblings go to –
Christine’s flickr group

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My NEXT Folksy shop owner is Danni Clarke of nelliD2, home of quirky resin jewellery & handbags

How long have you been selling on Folksy?
I have been selling on Folksy for about 1 year.

What type of items do you make and sell?
When I started nelli D I made handbags and various homeware items…I used to have another shop nelli D homeware, but I didn’t have the time to spend on both so I decided that I would concentrate on the girly items..much more me anyway!
In my shop you will find one of a kind handbags, this includes totes and clutch bags and purses, I love applique so they all get an applique treatment.
On the jewellery front, people will know me for my massive collection of junk jewellery…I LOVE IT…so about a year or so ago I took myself off to a resin course…. it was brill, loved every minute and it has taken me a while to hone my craft but it’s only recently that I have started selling it properly…… I am finally happy with how it looks.
So to conclude in my shop you will find fun,fresh handbags and resin jewellery and sometimes the two are combined!

What inspires you to create?
I love design (I have a degree in printed textile design from Saint Martin’s), past and present and love looking at new trends and designs. This could be from old photos or flicking through magazines, but what I truly love is colour and texture…….this mixed with fairytales and sequins = my shop!
I also have a slight obsession with all things British (which I think shows ever so slightly in my shop) I used to live in London and I love the quirkyness of the people there and the smells and sights of the City, so this all inspires my work. I also love culture and I think that this is evident in the sequined bags I make, they remind me of Morroco and India with all the amazing patterns and foods available…….sumptuous!

Is it a full~time job or hobby?
At the moment I am spending all of my time crafting but due to a pending mortgage I have just secured a place in the police as a pcso (Police Community Support Officer), this does not mean I will give up…….its in my blood!

What are your best sellers?
Key To My Heart pendants, the Teapot brooch and the Union Jack bags…..which I can’t make fast enough!

What are your plans for your Folksy shop in 2010?
As I have said before I have combined my jewellery with my bags and I want to continue this trend, but I will have to plan this one, I am also working on chunky necklaces.
If I can make it happen (ie win the lottery) I would love to get a screen printing system up and running (this is what I did my degree in ) but I think this one will take a bit of time to sort out !

Check out danni’s blog and Danni’s website (in progress!)

Thanks to both Christine & Danni for this article, enjoy their slideshow!

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Pic courtesy of Muchinalittle

By contributing columnist Barbra La Bosco aka All About the Buttons

My mother used to say “Smile & bite your cheek…I know what you’re thinking but smile instead” and boy, is that advice good for those of us who do craft shows and meet buyers in person.

Fortunately,my recent show was pretty good but I still had many opportunities to bite my cheek. These comments were honestly what I heard:

 1-Oh, now I know what to make with my mother’s buttons.
2-Did you knit this? (Yes) No way…
3-My grandmother made something like this only it was better.
4-All this is is a ribbon and a button (regarding a bookmark).

Now, my sarcastic side was gnawing at my cheek while my little bitty mature side, smiled and smiled and smiled with my mother on my shoulder. But the smiles came easy as I recalled the comments like “Oh, this is so clever” and “This is beautiful. My (blank) will love it”. Across the aisle from me was an elderly woman selling scarves and dried flowers. Everytime someone picked up a scarf she ran out from behind her table with a scowl on her face. She did not make one sale all day and her work was lovely. She literally scared everyone away.
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We are so used to the anonyminity behind a computer monitor that in person we must pause and while we wonder why people say what they say, we can only control our reactions. They want to make conversation. They want to appear interested. And maybe their grandmother did do it better and they forgot to bite their cheek! Anyway, my 2cents for today….smile!
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Happy Trees courtesy of Paper and String

3 Little Gingerbreadmen courtesy of Daintiedesigns

Brandy is Knittaddiction on Etsy.com

She is a mom of twin 7 year old boys, a wife to her childhood crush,
and is obviously addicted to knitting; along with tea, tattoos (although has none),
the British flag, Mini Coopers, sheep, English bulldogs and Great Danes..
She home schools her 2 sons, and helps her husband run a small business in
their honeymoon town in Southern Colorado.

Also a lover of music, she has taught herself to play piano, drums, and acoustic guitar,
and serves the music team at their church, playing the piano.

A self professed “Jane of all Trades”, aside from knitting, if she doesn’t already know
a craft, she will learn it when compelled.
Brandy was drawing since she could hold a pencil, and sketching floor plans for houses

as young as the age of four; She was raised on a ranch in Az, and with a father,

grandfather and many other relatives that made their living as contractors,

she’s also not afraid to get her hands dirty.

She is newly employed at her local Yarn shop, and is now living the knitter’s dream.

Look for her on Facebook. (Facebook fans get special discounts ;0)

View her photography on DeviantArt.com.

Visit her Etsy shop.
Share Knittaddiction’s bio on Facebook!!!

ARTICLES by KnittAddiction:
Oak Bush – Tree Series
Aspen – Tree Series

Andrea W. offers unique shawls, scarves to enhance not only your wardrobe but to make you feel pamper and be the center of attention. All of this you can find at Andrea Designs.

I started knitting using two needles and crochet since I was in high school. When I was in college I learned to knit using a knitting machine. I was able to make from sweater to dresses. I worked as an instructor for the Singer knitting machine. I loved it. My classes were always full, my students learned from put the machine up to knit sweaters, baby dresses.

When I got married and came to the United States. I did not bring my knitting machine (big mistake). After years working as a Supervisor in a Call Center, I started missing knitting, and knowing that in the great US people really value handmade products, I started to think about to create my small business designing sweaters and sell them. I started to look for a knitting machine, realizing they are so expensive. Finally I got one. I started doing shawls and scarves. I learned where to get the yarn, however also I started finding beautiful yarn that I could not use in my knitting machine, then I started again knitting using the two needles designing scarves, shawls, ponchos, baby jackets, shrugs to be able to use these beautiful yarn.

I am a Supervisor in a Call Center, I am bilingual. I love to read in both languages English and Spanish. I love to translate, that help a lot at work. I have a wonderful husband, we are a team. I live in the great state of Texas. One of my dreams is to have an alpaca ranch or farm to be able to spin my own alpaca yarn.

I am fascinated with my craft, I love yarn, I love to work with fine yarn like alpaca, angora, merino, cashmere. I like so much when a person see my product and tell me “wow it is so beautiful”; reason one of my scarves I name THE WOW SCARF. They are made of 2 thread of peruvian alpaca yarn, could be a combination of French or Italian acrylic and to finish the border of the scarf is finish by crochet using a French acrylic that feels and looks like fur. The end product is so soft, warm and beautiful.

I tried to create every night, when it is possible. However I need inspiration to do it. My inspiration is the yarns by themselves; when I look at them, in my mind I am seeing combination of colors, textures. If somebody wants me to do something for them my inspiration will be that person, I will look how she dress, her personality, I will ask what she is looking for and provide her with what I am thinking for her. My motto is my customer satisfaction.

You can visit her lovely Artfire shop here:

www.AndreaDesigns.Artfire.com