How I got started: An Etsy Beginning.

Hi everyone! My name is May and I started selling on Etsy last August. I’ve been sewing since I was 14, taking Saturday courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. I decided to take it to the next level last summer. I found out about Etsy on BurdaStyle and decided to give it a chance. After a few months, I felt very at home. Many sellers have helped me grow and learn about advertising, taking photos, taxes, marketing, craft fairs, and among numerous other things. For the seven months I’ve been here, I must say that I have chosen the correct online venue to sell at. I don’t think I would have learned as much on my own or at any other site. Despite the major competition here for sales, there is a great amount of communication, respect and honesty on Etsy between sellers and buyers and other sellers as well. I hope the others around me on the site feel the same love I do! Being connected is an important part of running a business and Etsy has helped me build a lifelong network of friends and enemies (we are competing for sales you know!)

Check out May's: shop, twitter, fb, and blog. Please show her some love since she is offering my blog readers an exclusive discount.

Purchase of more than one item=10% off total

Purchase of more than two items=15% off total

Purchase of more than three items=20% off total

Using code Rquick10. Easy as that =) So get your shop/trade on!!

~If interested in telling the story of your etsy beginning please contact me renee.quick11@gmail.com~

I would love to have some fresh blood for my blog so if your interested in posting a funny story about your customer from hell or an order that went horribly wrong. Contact me about guest posting!

Looking for something new...

Hey everyone! Well I wanted to put the word out that I am looking for a few guest posters for my blog. It can be anything Etsy related. Love/hate, it dosen't matter to me. And if any of you are interested I am looking for 3 co-authors to do the blog with me. I think I'd like some fresh perspectives. So if interested in either email me renee.quick11@gmail.com or etsy convo me.

Thanks!

How I got started: An Etsy Beginning.

This whole thing started for me about two years ago when I was going to yoga class. I work in a research facility at a university and even though I love my job, it doesn’t always quench my creative thirst. Two times a week during lunch, I go to a yoga class that is in my building. The woman who teaches the class saw my groovy yoga bag and said to me, “What a great bag!”, to which I eagerly replied, “I made it.” She responded appropriately with a (gasp!) and said, “If you make some of those for me, I will sell them in my studio!” That’s how VirtuoSew was started. I made her about 6 bags and some hairbands.

People started seeing items and I started selling by word of mouth. I wound up at a craft fair and shared a table with a friend who I consider a very talented artist. She told me about Etsy and encouraged me to check it out. Just over a year ago, I opened my Etsy shop. I am constantly thinking about ways to combine fabrics, ways to improve my designs, and thinking of new designs! I still have a lot to learn and long ways to go, but Etsy makes the whole selling thing pretty easy. You get out what you put in, and you can’t always say that about your 9-5. If I’m not selling as much as I’d like, there is always something I can do to improve. I can do things in my own time, in my own way.

Etsy has given me the opportunity to be my own boss and reap the benefits of all my hard work.

A big thanks to Maureen from VirtuoSew! You can also find her on twittter and FB.

* If you would like to tell your story or guest post about something Etsy related please email me at renee.quick11@gmail.com*

Store name!

Ok guys so you know I am closing my shop but will reopen another. But the trouble I am having is a name. I created my shop from my buyer account so was stuck with my original user name. I want a hip, clever, and fun name. I will be selling mainly altered, handmade, and upcycled accessories and jewelry. SO any help or suggestions would be appreciated =)

Thanks!

So how about...

I've decided to concentrate on the same interviews I have been doing. And supplement with awesome tutorials, featuring random cool budget friendly items, and general nonsense. How does that grab you? So if you know of an awesome tutorial or anything cool, email me renee.quick11@gmail.com.

I promise to stop neglecting you guys. =)

Sea Glass Magnets

A set of four (4) genuine sea glass magnets..... Pure frosty white, chocolate brown, sea grass green, and gorgeous soft blue!! Use them to hang that special picture to your refrigerator or stainless steel message board!!! So beachy!!!

BUT WAIT!!!!! Included is one silver plated adjustable ring, stick that magnet to the ring and instant bling!!! Wear a different color each day!!!!

Price: 20.00

From: SeaFindDesigns

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
Etsy has the best traffic and fees.... hands down! It's hard to make a living (full time) just selling local.... It's an easy way to make my items available to the world and not just the neighbors! I tried other places and I always do best here.... so if it ain't broke... don't fix it!

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love to buy one of a kind items for my kids... They're friends always ask... Where did you get that!!!??? Supplies would be second!

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
Anything in alamodestuff ~ she's so chic!

4- Any advice for new sellers?
Great GREAT photos... personality and BE NICE!

5-And a favorite quote?
Never judge a man by the wrong that he's done... but by the right he does to make up for it! ~ My grandmother used to say that when I was little..... I follow it every day!

The vase is an upcycled glass vase that is covered in recycled magazines and sealed with a non toxic water-based seal. There is an eco-friendly theme of the vase.

The vase measures 5 inches high and 5.25 inches square.

Price: 20.00

From: Greencycledesigns

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else? - I found etsy through a friend who purchased a lot of items on here. When I found it, I absolutely fell in love with it. It brings so many customers to your business who might not have found it on just a .com site. I do sell my products at art shows and festivals, but etsy is the only website.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.) I love to buy jewelry. You can get the most fabulous original pieces from truly gifted artists. I'm the type of girl that loves to have something that no one else has! Etsy is the perfect gift site as well.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$? On etsy? Not sure I quite understand this question. I love the scrabble tile pendants that are on here. They are sold by several different vendors.

4- Any advice for new sellers? Do not be discouraged if you do not make a sale right away. Be persistant and definitely take advantage of the showcase options etsy offers. They are a great way to attract buyers!

5-And a favorite quote? Technology owes ecology an apology.

These coasters are handcrafted from top-quality tile and have an artist rendering of Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina. They are sealed with a waterproof sealant. Each coaster is backed with a non-skid cork backing to protect surfaces from damage. They come in sets of four and measure approximately 4” x 4”.

Price: 12.00

From: daisybeedesigns

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
I chose Etsy because it is THE PLACE to sell handmade items and it is so simple to use.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love to buy gifts as well as supplies through Etsy. I like to purchase gifts that are handmade because I love handmade items--not to mention the fact that it promotes other sellers' shops while also promoting Etsy.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?

Wow, there are so many that it's extremely hard to choose. I like the jewelry and personalized items in the handmade section and I like the crafting supplies in the supplies section.

4- Any advice for new sellers?

Yes, just make a couple of items and go ahead and jump in with both feet. I think some new sellers are afraid of the "setup" process, but it really is simple. There is so much information available for new sellers (Etsy handbook, etc.). If you can follow directions, you can set up a shop!

5-And a favorite quote?

I don't know who said this, but it's so appropriate: "Get Started, Keep Going."

Hen Pincushion

I have printed the pincushion with my own hen print. It is made from mustard yellow cotton fabric which is screenprinted and have a backing of a sweet matching floral fabric.
Filled with polyester filling.

Size: Approx. 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches. (Ca 9 x 9 cm.)

Price: 7.00

From: StrandRedeisgn

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
I chose Etsy because it is a wobnderful site and I feel completely at home here!
I'm going to sell on a new norwegian site too. It's opening next monday.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love to buy handmade cards, plush toys and jewelry, and soap and, almost anything, I guess... But I stay away from heavy and breakable items, since I live in Norway.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
It must be these fabolous buttons from artmind.

4- Any advice for new sellers?
Keep your shop "clean". Don't put all different sorts of items in it togheter. Try to keep one style. Take great photos. (Heard that one before?) Be friendly and give your customers an even better service than they expect. Always think quality! Visit the Virtual Labs.

5-And a favorite quote?

Favourite quote...not easy..."We learnt more from a three minute record, baby, than we ever learnt in school." (I'm a teacher...)

Tape Measure Watch

The watch band is repurposed from a vinyl measuring tape and closes securely with a silver colored snap. The band is adjustable by simply snapping into the next closure. The round watch face is a brand new Geneva quartz and stainless steel watch with a pearlized face.

Price: 20.00

From: undoneclothing

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
I had Etsy in the back of my mind for a few years before I started selling online...when I was ready to make the move, it was the obvious choice. And I'm so happy that I made the jump! I still sell my work in person, at a few shows and wholesale to B&M boutiques and museum shops.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love buying gifts on Etsy--they are always so unique and make a big impression on the recipient. In fact, this year I've bought most of my Christmas gifts here and I can't wait to hear all the "oohs" and "ahs" on Christmas morning!

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
Right now I'm adoring these recycled cufflinks from 2ReVert and just wishing I knew a guy who actually dresses up!

4- Any advice for new sellers?
Never stop trying to improve. I look back on my pictures and descriptions from when I started selling on Etsy and wonder why anyone even wanted to buy from me! You can always make things better so if you aren't selling, take a step back--redo your photos, evaluate your tags & sign up for Google Analytics. And listen to other people's advice! Sometimes they really do know what they are talking about and can even suggest new product ideas that you would never have dreamed of.

5-And a favorite quote?
"In the end, we are nothing more than smoke and memories...and maybe we might even become fairytales, someday."

Wedding Welcome Tags

4x6" tags 1.00 each

Tags can range from small squares at 4x4" to 4x6" rectangles or larger. Holes are optional. Minimum of 25 required

Price: 1.00

From: SimplYouDesign

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?

I chose it to sell my own art because of its wide selection and ease of use. Its such a great premise, creative people coming together to share their love of all things handmade. I could spend hours just browsing!

2- What is your fav thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts
etc.)

Definitely Gifts. There's something about a handmade item that really makes someone
appreciate it. And jewelry, I love baubles.

I am in love with these monogrammed metal wax seal pendants.

3-What is your current fav product (not in your store) under 20$?

I recently became a dog mom, so of course "Lola" had to have hand
stamped dog tags from makeyourdogsmile.

4- Any advice for new sellers?

Its all about how you present yourself. There are soo many beautiful items on etsy, and your photos are your opportunity to draw customers in, try to make them stand out. Take interesting, crisp pictures.

5-And a favorite quote?

My mother gave me this little plaque on my wedding day that has this quote
on it, I look at it everyday and it makes me smile.

"My once upon a time is now my happily ever after."

Womens octopus tee

Rare Urban Art Tee- Not in Stores
Any Size: S, M, L, or XL
Any Color: see charts
Screen printed in earth friendly ink of your choice

Price: 17.00

From: zenthreads

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
We chose Etsy because of its unique collection of handmade and one of a kind goods and felt it was a great place to showcase our custom printed t-shirts. We also sell on ebay and recently opened our own web store at zenthreads.com.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love the jewelry! Too many great things to choose from. Nothing is better than finding that perfect ring or necklace that no one else in the world owns but you.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
Flying Dachshund T-Shirt from MisNopalesArt- super cute!

4- Any advice for new sellers?

Sell something you are passionate about. Take good pictures, be patient, and do your research.

5-And a favorite quote?

Has to be from Tom Waits... "Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends."

Upcycled Vintage Earring Bracelet

Here is a sweet upcycled vintage pink earring bracelet. I added a vintage earring to the engraved Speidel bracelet. Lots of pretty pink beads with brass filigree bead caps. Gold tone metal. Measures 7 1/4 inches long when clasp is closed. It was engraved "Much Love Always Margo". Nice quality.

Price: 16.00

From: vintagelife

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?

I left eBay where I had been selling vintage costume jewelry since 1999. I found etsy in 1996 and decided to open my shop Emmas Gems. After a awhile I decided to open this shop to list my handmade jewelry. I enjoy making jewelry and I am always changing my focus! I have a short attention span and like to try lots of new things.I have another shop on etsy where I list my handmade jewelry supplies Sweet Vintage Emma. I also have a new shop on Artfire under my emmasgems ID. I just started over there but thought I'd give it a try.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)

Well, I buy a lot of supplies for a few of my shops. I think I spend most of what I make buying more supplies on etsy! I always need something! I have bought many gifts for my family too so it's a tie!

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?

Gorgeous magnets from rafya.
This is just one of many!

4- Any advice for new sellers?

To list new items as often as possible to keep your shop at the top of searches. Always work on making your shop the best it can be with good photos, etc. If you can afford to: renew once a day when you don't have new products to list. Pay attention to your shop. Answer questions quickly! I could go on all day!

5-And a favorite quote?

The road to success is always under construction---Unknown

Winter Meets Autumn

This is a fun little print of a
of the Red Maple tree in a early snow storm.

The Easel back Frame is 4.50 x 4 inches .
The Art is 2.50 x 3.00 inches.

Price: 13.95

From: dahliahousestudios

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/and do you sell anywhere else?
After graduating from college with a Fine Arts degree I became a partner in a Framing and Art shop in Grand Rapids Michigan. The frame shop connected me directly to the art community of West Michigan.
After residing in Grand Rapids for several years my husband and I decided that we wanted to raise our children in a smaller community in a rural setting where we could have a small farm and garden.
The trade off of to living in a smaller town is that venues for selling my art became limited. Selling on line became my best option.A friend of mine suggested Etsy a few years ago and it's been the best place to sell my Originals.
A few other poster and print companies sell my reproductions.
I also have galleries on Zazzle.com, Art.com,and Allposters.com.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I love to buy Supplies on Etsy,Unique clothing,and I do most of my Family Holiday shopping on Etsy. They all love Vintage.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
Lynette Clay's Etsy gallery is wonderful. I love everything in her store.
"Silver pearl night" is an original ACEO painting for only nine dollars:

4- Any advice for new sellers?
I think the key is inventory and advertising.I re-list my work on a daily basis.Advertising on weekends helps people find your shop. Hang in there !

5-And a favorite quote?

My Mother always had this sign hanging in the Dinning room, "Bloom where you are planted".
Its a good reminder.

Recycled Skinny Skateboard Studs

These have been finished in a non toxic finish and are mounted to a silver post. They are small but are sure to be noticed.

Price: 14.00

From: alldeckedout

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
We chose Etsy because it is such a great community of amazingly talented people. We spend hours just looking at all the stuff we didn’t know we wanted until we saw it and you know the buyers who are on here are looking for the same thing. There are so many fantastic items and they are sensibly priced. We are very thankful for Etsy.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
We are really big into buying stuff for our new pup Keitha. We are looking to purchase a sweater for her but there are so many wonderful vendors I just don’t know who to buy from and gifts for the holidays. I want to buy at least one thing for each of our family off etsy.

3-What is your current fave product(not in your store) under 20$?
OMG We didn’t even think twice to buy it! The wooden dinosaur we just bought for our nephew from Banished. He is going to love it! All of the other stuff in their shop so neat, we just might have to buy more….

4- Any advice for new sellers?
PICTURES! PICTURES! PICTURES! Everyone needs to see what you are selling and if your pics can’t do your items justice then your going to run into problems. Also believe in what you are doing because if you don’t, who will?

5-And a favorite quote?
You're smart enough, you’re pretty enough and gee golly people like you.

ok etsians I am making an oath to you that come new yr I will get back into the swing of this blogging thing. I am sorry I have dropped off the face of the planet! I am thinking of switching up my formula and was wanting some feedback from you guys!

Please tell me what you would like to see. More questions to the seller? Less questions? No questions? Items with a theme? I'm thinking of featuring more related items with no questions for the seller. Please guide me followers =)

See ya next yr!

DIY Shrink Plastic Necklace Kit

Included in the kit:
*4 Pre-Cut Shrink Plastic Circles
*4 Silver Clasp Sets
*4 Pieces of Hemp Rope (cut to your desired length)
*3 Colored Pencils (any colored pencil will work)
*Detailed Instructions.

From: sofacityaccessories

Price: 9.00

1. Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?

I chose Etsy because I have been a shopper on the site for several years. I love the idea of spending my money with individuals who put their time and love into creating their items. It's so much more personal than buying from a major retailer. I love opening a package to find a handwritten note from the seller. You don't get that anywhere else.
I also have several shops that I now work with in the U.S. and Canada, where I do consignment and wholesale orders. I guess it's the small town in me that gets me so happy thinking about people purchasing my items in places I've never been.

2. What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)

The thing I purchase the most on Etsy are supplies and services that I need for my shop, such as my banner(iluvdesign.etsy.com). I would never purchase graphic design services for my shop anywhere else. There's no need. There are such great artists right here.


3. What is your current fave product/SELLER(not in your store) under 20$?

I'd have to say that 5erg is high on my list. Silja, the artist, is extremely talented. Her work is very quirky and like nothing else I've ever seen. I love her work so much that I use it for my jewelry line. She has been wonderful to work with and is such a genuine, nice person. I never thought, joining Etsy, that I would soon have a business relationship with someone I've never met in Estonia. This is part of what makes Etsy so interesting. It unites people from all over the world.

4. Any advice for new sellers?

The best advice I can give is to stay true to yourself. Of course we'd all like to be a huge Etsy success story. But if you aren't creating items that you love to make, it really defeats the purpose. If I became a success by making things that I'm not passionate about, it would be no different than earning a living in any other industry. It's just another job.

5. And a favorite quote?

I don't like "inspirational" quotes. One of my favorites is a George quote from Seinfeld, which has no relevance to anything, but it makes me laugh.
"He's beboppin' and scattin', and I'm losin' it!"

The Kelly Pot Holder from Prettyinpurple.etsy.com

Ive used Joel Dewberry's light yellow demask and Amy Butler's polka dots. To protect your hands from the hot oven, roasting dishes etc, this beautiful fabric is covering Insul-Bright.

It measures approx 20.5cm square (8 inches). You can also use it as a trivit to protect your benchtops and dining tables from hot dishes.

From: Prettyinpurple

Price: 5.00

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?
I chose Etsy because I love their "Buy Homemade" theory. Don't get me wrong, I still buy from the corporate conglomerate shops, just not as much as I used to. If we all support each other then we would have less need to "go to the shops".
I also sell at various craft markets around Perth (Western Australia). Im a regular at the Mundaring Markets which is the second Sunday in the month. This is meant to be purely craft and fresh produce, however, ive seen some cheap imported stuff creeping in (not happy about that)

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)
I LOVE to buy my fabrics on Etsy. For a start its cheaper than what I can get it in my local shops, it gets delivered straight to my front door and i don't have to drag the kids to yet another fabric shop (cause they really like that - not).
Lately I've been searching Etsy for some really cool Christmas presents - I like to be organised and hate leaving things to the last minute.

3-What is your current fave product/SELLER(not in your store) under 20$?
My favourite Etsy fabric Seller would have to be Fabricshoppe. The fabric is beautiful and just what I want. Jody's service is fantastic and the postage is fast, which is really important to me as things always take longer to get to me "Down Under".
My favourite Perth Sellers are: Neddynibbles for really cute vintage inspired aprons, Delightsociety for devine soaps, Staceytara for unique jewelry and Trio for groovy Blyth clothes.

4- Any advice for new sellers?
Always answer convo's. List something at least every second day to keep your shop current and at the top of the list, even if it means re-listing something. Shop around and "heart" other shops because we all check to see who "hearts" us. This creats more traffic to your shop.

5-And a favorite quote?
"If its not your's don't touch it". It's not a famous one, just one that I say to the kids everyday!!!

Luck of the Irish-Four Leaf Clover Collage Pendant from naturellechic.etsy.com

This pendant measures approximately 7/8" square, 3/8" thick, (23 mm square, 5 mm thick), and comes with a silver plated bail.

Many of my glass shapes have been made by hand and are not necessarily uniform.

Due to the hand-made nature of my jewelry each piece is created individually and slight variations from the photo may occur.

Although my pendants are water resistant they are not waterproof.

From: naturellechic

Price: 16.00

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else? I sell through home parties, local craft shows and through Etsy. Many of my sales have been through wearing my pendants- sold right off my neck! As for the internet, Etsy has the widest handcraft buying audience and is the best showcase for craft items.

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.) I love seeking out the unique- a personalized item or something special for one of my 10 grandchildren. I just bought a hand crocheted hat for my Yo Gabba Gabba fan grandson-and he loves it.

3-What is your current fave product/SELLER(not in your store) under 20$? I love the crisp look of KathyPanton on Etsy. Most of her items are under $20.

4- Any advice for new sellers? Don't give up! Learn, Learn, Learn. I opened a store last year and had a total of no sales! but I read the forums and heeded the advise that friendly Etsians were giving. I improved my product-improved my photography-and started promoting under my new shop. I'm off to a good year with my on-line and direct sales.

5-And a favorite quote? The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
e e cummings

Vintage puzzle piece bracelet from dustydrawers.etsy.com

This really cool bracelet started with a gold cab setting bracelet on which I added really cool vintage puzzle pieces with postal stamp images. Very colorful. The pieces are sealed for extra durability. Measures 6.5".

From: dustydrawers

Price: 16.00

1-Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else? Etsy was recommended to me by a friend and I really like the look of the site as well as the large number of sellers. I only sell on Etsy - I couldn't keep up with another site!

2- What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)I love all the vintage jewelry supplies available on Etsy - they are well priced and the variety is amazing. I would never find these items on my own!

3-What is your current fave product/SELLER(not in your store) under 20$? I enjoy the mineral makeup from PUREnaturalMinerals. You can buy small trial size containers that cost around $5 which will last a long time. I had been using mineral makeup manufactured by a big company, but feel much better to be supporting another Etsian and getting a great quality product.

4- Any advice for new sellers? Have patience and enjoy what you are doing. Take really good pictures, they are almost as important as the product itself.

5-And a favorite quote?
"Don't believe everything you think" - a bumper sticker stuck to the back of a beat up old van. I loved it because I am a chronic over-thinker!