Elfland

Today we have the great Shaina Mote from Los Angeles, CA of Elfland. She sells handmade clothing, bags and occasionally jewelry made from found metals or everyday objects. All the clothing that she makes is made from reclaimed materials. As you will see...she does not sacrifice style in the process.


What is your real life like?
I am only nineteen (twenty in a week!!!) so I don’t have any kids or anything like that. I hang out with friends- I intake as much art, in any and all forms as possible to fuel my creative endeavors. I play in my darkroom, in my journal, on canvas and on my sewing machine.
As far as my work schedule goes, I work for Elfland most days a week- working weird hours (ie: 4pm-4am) and one day a week for my father’s tree moving and preservation company as a photographer and marketing manager. (check him out: he moved and saved the largest tree on earth!)

What is your process?
My process starts with finding the right materials and let me assure you—I am very picky. I can’t stand fabrics that are scratchy, non-breathable or stiff. I always go for beat-up, faded men’s t- shirts, vintage silks, rare fabrics like woven gold, metallic thread, vintage hardware (buttons, zippers etc) anything that has true personality is for me.
Once I find the materials, I look at my inventory of fabrics. Some colors and textures play off of each other- I take it from there. Usually I am not sure what I am going to make when I walk into my studio, it just happens.

Business Goals and Vision...
My main goal for Elfland is to maintain integrity, hopefully that means making enough money for me to survive on!
My long-term goal is to start another line called mote (my last name, the smallest fairy in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream, meaning a minute speck of dust). Mote will be comprised of more “handmade couture” items if you will. This line will be a bit more polished and experimental versus Elfland’s everyday, ready-to-wear attitude.How do you market your business?
I market mainly through etsy.com and I rely heavily on word of mouth from happy customers. I also sell at an awesome boutique in the arts district of Culver City, called Indie Collective owned by a fellow etsian.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs,zines or magazines?
Not at this point. But I love picking up art, fashion and photography magazines like: Blindspot, Artforum, Zink, Nylon, (the upcoming designers section), Another Magazine, etc.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click on artist to see video)
Hard question… I’ll have to go with the B-52’s.
What inspires you?
Everything, but here are the highlights-
My mother, fairy tales and myths, circus, Anais Nin’s writing, junk, Henry Darger’s illustrations, dream life, off hues or diluted colors, bright or oversaturated colors, circles.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
The Secretly Aerodynamic Socialite because of it’s unique shape (third picture)
and The Halo Sculptress because of the rarity of the types of fabrics used. (second picture)


Am a fan of these places...
www.peoplescouture.etsy.com my friend, owner of Indie Collective boutique and gallery
www.sennatree.com my fathers tree moving company
www.fashionspot.com view independent designers collections here
www.lonelyplanet.com the dream of traveling
www.bottlevillage.com the inspiration for my bottle house
Find seller at...
www.shainamote.com
www.elfland.etsy.com
www.flickr.com/photos/elflandclothing
www.facebook.com

Triz Designs

Today I am glad to introduce Patrizia Tager (Triz) from Isreal of Triz Designs. She creates mostly OOAK wearable art and beaded jewelry using glass seed beads, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and fresh-water pearls. All of her pieces are designed and bead-woven one bead at a time. I confess...I have seen her alot on the front page and am always intrigued by the intricacy of her pieces and the mostly dark colors- which I tend to favor in what I choose to wear. So, here she tells us a little about herself.

What is your real life like?
I work as a desktop publisher for a publishing house. I'm a single mum of a gorgeous 4 year old boy. We have a gorgeous 12 year old black cross-Alsatian named Kaya. Before my discovery and total immergence into the wonderful world of beading I used to do a lot of sports; walking, tennis, swimming, karate, yoga… but now between my job and my son, every single spare minute I have is spent either beading or doing something related to beading.

What is your process?
The main tools I use are needle, thread and of course beads. The main techniques used in my work are bead-weaving, bead crochet and bead-embroidery, which has become my very favourite technique to use as I find it incredibly versatile and inspiring – it just gets my creative juices going! I don't have a specific process but I usually either get inspired by a particular colour, depending on my mood, or a particular bead or stone. When I find myself stuck for inspiration, I look through my favourite art and design books and I'm always sure to find inspiration from some of my favourite beadwork artists.

Business Goals and Vision...
My short term goals are to continue beading and learning as much as I can about this wonderful medium in terms of both techniques and history. In the long term, I would like to be able to quit my job and support myself with my beadwork and teaching.

How do you market your business?
I mainly market my work mainly on Etsy, by advertising on blogs and through the following sites:
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://divapreneur.ning.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://etsybloggers.ning.com/profile/trizdesigns
http://www.beadersshowcase.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://www.skwigga-zine.com/profile/TrizDesigns
http://thedb.com/TrizDesigns
http://www.seekingdesigners.com/trizdesigns

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me!!! All colours, all textures, art, architecture, antiquities, Italy, the sea, flowers, R & B music and the beads.

Who is your favorite musical artist? (click the artist name to see a video)
I have so many, but at the moment I've been listening to a lot of Mary J. Blige, I love her!!!!

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
This is so hard to say… I love all my piece they are my babies J but here are 2 of my favourites of the moment:
Purple Balagan - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13349610
Black Panther Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14987675

Am a fan of these places...
http://beadartoriginals.blogspot.com/ - newly formed group of amazing artists who create beads and who create with beads
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ - wonderful group of talented bead-weavers
http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/ - my favourite and most inspirational bead artist
http://www.bogal.biz/Default.aspx?L=EN – my favourite bead supplier
http://thelonebeader.com – amazing beaded art

Find seller at...
http://www.triz.etsy.com
http://www.triz-beadingmania.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/people/trizdesigns/

I've Been Tagged....Now What?

My featured seller today (Triz) send me a big thank you today by way of a tag....she cyber tagged me. Thanks a bunch Triz- I thought you liked me...did I say something? Post the wrong pictures? (Just joking)
Which means that I have to make a post sharing 7 things about myself -which is good (if you are a person that cares to know anything about me) and bad because I tend to be a rambling over-sharer and I have already shown that here in the intro. Okay- on with it I guess

1) Something interesting...I have been kicked off of Flickr twice this month. Who knows why....they can do that if they think you are selling so beware. Even more interesting is that I friended my old self with my new account because apparently people can see it but I just can't access it.

2)I sit outside on my patio- on my laptop all day promoting my blog and my jewelry while I chug gallons of Diet Arizona Iced Green Tea and smoke my brains out (don't judge)

3)I have bought three Japanese Chins in the last 6 months because apparently 4 kids is not enough and I want more babies...take a look at the cuties on my Flickr - but hurry because I don't have such a great track record there so far.

4)My favorite color is green- grass green- it makes me happy every time I see it.

5)I only wear black- I don't really know why ....When I want to buy something it just looks better in black.

6) My iPhone is my best friend and my right arm...texting may just be the best way to communicate ever!

7) I was born in Sheboygan WI which apparently got it's name from an Indian who sometimes thought his baby daughter looked like a boy and said to his wife one evening..."Look, she boy again." I don't know if I buy it though.

So....according to the rules of "tagging" this is what I...and my tagees must do....
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

The following bloggers are the faithful that post on my daily Etsy thread promoting their blogs. Consider yourself tagged
mayhemarts.blogspot.com
jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com
kalapohl.blogspot.com
theebonswan.blogspot.com
crayonmonsteretsy.blogspot.com
beneaththerowantree.blogspot.com
getartnow.blogspot.com

Deco Alley

I am pleased to introduce Priyanka Sodhi from Kitchener, Ontario Canada of Deco Alley. She sells contact cases and screw top containers with handmade clay and re-ment miniature pieces. Other items include cell phone covers, special edition cases, and handmade miniature collectibles.
I had her saved in my favorites on Etsy because I planned to purchase a contact lense case for my sister for Christmas. They have a very unique kitchy cuteness that is hard to resist. After agreeing to being interviewed for this blog she send me the sweetest email telling me that she was sending over some samples for me! Love that! I will post the pictures of them here when they arrive.

What is your real life like?
I recently got married and left my sales job to move in with my husband. He was so awesome to let me take this year off to try building my business and experimenting with different fields in design. All I have been doing the past year is working 12 hours a day on building my business, experimenting with new materials and techniques while taking care of household chores. I started running in July to help with releasing stress and keeping up energy levels and hope to run in some races next spring. My other hobbies include cooking and baking.

What is your process?
I am still at an experimental and growth stage. I do not really have a set process because I do not want to set limits on myself. I just read a lot, spend hours researching designs online and thinking! I am on a limited budget so I do not have access to many tools or materials. Things I use daily are air drying clays, toothpicks, and tape over popsicle sticks to hold things on when painting. Recently I have been working with silicones and resin to add another dimension to my miniatures.

Business Goals and Vision...
My short term goal is to really learn some good online marketing techniques and try to expand my current business on etsy. Long term I want to build a miniature empire in which one can buy supplies to make their own quality miniatures at home with little investment and no prior knowledge on making miniatures.
How do you market your business?
I am trying to build up traffic through my blog. Recently I signed up with Flickr and have registered with some blog search engines such at Techoranti. I am attending a miniature show in Toronto this month and hope to gain some experience and meet some more people locally.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I have subscribed to Inspiri Art and Craft blog and I have several other links saved to my bookmarks. Right now I am concentrating on reading books on business in general such as "What they don't teach you at Harvard Business School" by Mark H. McCormack. In the past self help books like Getting Things Done by David Allen give you some helpful tips on managing life especially when trying to market and grow you business but balance daily life.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I listen to a lot of R&B, Hip Hop and indie/rock type bands. I have grown up in the Middle East and I am of South East Indian origin so I have been exposed to many different types of music. I love Arabic music and listen to songs from Bollywood movies. Also my husband is originally from Sri Lanka so I am starting to listen to some Sinhalese songs too! Right now to improve my Japanese speaking skills (so when I get to visit Japan I won't be totally lost!) I have been listening to a Canadian/Japanese band called Monkey Majik. Here is a link to a fun tune on youtube

What inspires you?
I love music and colors! I always have my ipod shuffle with me. I am also a huge manga/anime fan. My inspired definitely comes from Japan since decorations on your cell phone and other personal belongings is a must! It is like a culture there and I want to bring this culture to North America.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
Its the head phones (sold unfortunately but they are just so cool especially if you listen to your ipod all the time like me) and my miniature bunny and bird because it's only 4 cm across, 2 cm tall and completely handmade.
Headphones
(pictured above)
Bunny and Bird
(pictured above)

Am a fan of these places...
1.crunchyroll.com for anime
2.ebay for new re-ment miniatures or rare ones
3.etsy just to browse new goodies that are listed daily
4.my email because I am obsessed with replying to people in a timely manner
5.google to randomly search for images and inspirations

Find seller at...
Etsy shop
decoalley.com is my blog and it has a link to my esty shop

Jangie

Today we have Angie Johnson from Orland Park, IL of Jangie. She sells functional ceramics, crocheted items like hats and scarves and cards. Her items have a stand out signature style that exude a very quality feel. Angie is also featuring me on her blog today so have a look at that also so check that out...

What is your real life like?
Right now I am taking art classes finishing up my bachelors degree.
I'm on the go between school, attending art museums and other cultural events around town, organizing meetings for my crochet/knitting Meetup group and of course creating more things for my Etsy shop. My boyfriend and I are also involved in a German culture organization that his family is part of and we'll be celebrating Oktoberfest this weekend. He also flies gyroplanes and I photograph his flights. I try to keep a running commentary going on my daily-life blog.

What is your process?
I love working with my hands. I've been crocheting for about 6-7 years now and I like experimenting with new yarns and techniques. I've also been doing ceramics for about that long as well and I really enjoy working on the wheel. Unfortunately I don't have access to a ceramic studio right now or I'd be making more functional items. I've also been working a lot with digital media like Illustrator and Photoshop and have been working on letterform design, playing with typography as you can see with the cards I sell. Basically my process boils down to practicality and function. I love designing and making things that people will love and use.

Business Goals and Vision...
I guess the adage that if you do what you love it doesn't feel like work is really true with my Etsy shop. I don't even really consider it an independent business because it's something I just love to do. I have only been selling on Etsy just over 2 months and I love interacting with the community, finding new artists that blow me away with their talent and creativity, and of course selling my items.
Short term I would love to make it to 10 sales, as I told myself I would throw a party to celebrate that goal. Long term I would love to find a market for my cards as I expand into more typography designs.

How do you market your business?
I have a page on WeLoveEtsy, pass out business cards everywhere I go (and of course work on crocheting wherever I go), swap cards with sellers who go to craft shows/send out promotional bags. I'm also in the Etsy forums a lot and part of the Artsy Danger Ladies Team on Etsy. One of the group things we do is have a 20% off on the 20th of the month sale.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I don't really subscribe to any business related blogs or anything, but I do spend time in the forums, learn from other sellers in Etsy Chat, and read Storque articles.

What inspires you?
I love intricate and beautiful design. I love bold colors, swirls, repetition, Islamic tile layouts, interesting typography, lovely paper, well done graphic design ads, and of course, beautifully crafted and glazed ceramics.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Hands down, Loreena McKennitt. You can visit her website http://www.quinlanroad.com for details and videos.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
My 5-pack of all occasion cards (pictured below)
Organic White Cotton Scarflette with Light Buttons
(pictured above)

Am a fan of these places...
Etsy, of course.
http://www.etsy.com
Any time I need inspiration, I visit this site (and wish I had a ton of money!) http://www.paper-source.com
Webcomics:
http://www.yhtcomic.com - You'll Have That by Wes Molebash http://www.daniellecorsetto.com/gws.html - Girls with Slingshots by Danielle Corsetto
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com

Find seller at...
http://www.angiejohnsonart.com - my personal fine art website. I need to update it... someday.
http://jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com - I feature Etsy sellers I love Monday-Friday with a special Friday post featuring a seller who commented on a previous post picked at random. :)
http://adam-angie.blogspot.com - my personal blog where you can keep up with my everyday life beyond Etsy.
Flickr!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jangievarnsen/