Since I'm at the lake, things are running a bit behind schedule, I'm not getting into anything fancy, and I'll keep it short and sweet.
The winner of the beautiful wine glasses by Amy's Painted House is #5 with the email address bgeng@gmail.com!
Well bgeng, email me to get details on how to receive your lovely prize!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend my friends...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Interview with Amy's Painted House and More
At my first craft show back in the spring Amy and I shared a table. We chatted, watched over each others goods for bathroom breaks, and shared stories. My parents came to support me and ended up leaving with a painted item from Amy's side of our shared booth. It was a painted olive oil bottle that sits proudly beside their stove each day. Stay tuned for an awesome giveaway from Amy at the end of the interview.
Tell Us About Yourself: I am a self-taught artist. I have been painting for over 17 years. I began with stenciling walls. My favorite thing to paint are walls, by the way. I know I make my money painting glass, so you have to go where the money is. I began to teach myself how to paint by freehand when my children were in high school. I began by painting on items in my yard, and then progressed back inside to my walls. You could look around my yard and see the progression I was making. I continued to buy many painting books, primarily Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Painting books. I eventually became a One Stroke Certified Instructor. I continued painting on different items and once I started on the glass, the rest is history!
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: I sell hand-painted glassware, wedding favors, and gifts for all occasions. I also sell hand-painted pendants, wooden rings, book markers, and other items in my second Etsy shop.
What Brought You To Etsy: A friends mentioned Etsy to me back in November of 2007. I went home and immediately set up a shop. Like most things I have set up, I did not pay much attention to it. I really did not understand how to make it profitable at the beginning. My first sale did not come until the beginning of 2008. That is when I started to optimize my shop. It has really been a learning experience. In the spring of 2008 I joined the Etsy Team Columbus group. That is the best thing I could have done for my business. The wealth of knowledge I have gained from others in the group is truly priceless.
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I use keywords throughout my shop and listings. I focus on reading and learning as much as I can on great ways to promote your shop. I pay attention to what others are doing that seem to work. I use Twitter and Facebook. I have a blog that I try to focus on as much as time will allow. I write articles, instructables, and post my articles in other places such as Squidoo, Go Articles, and Wordpress. I also set up my pictures in places such as Flickr, and www.byhand.me. I use Google Base to place my products from my Etsy shop and regular website: www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com . I also place pictures in other places such as www.weloveetsy.com. I even use Craigslist. I also find time to comment on other people's blogs. I also make YouTube videos with my products.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I have to be honest, I do not have a favorite from my shop. I like all of it pretty equally. I am just excited when I actually get a chance to create something different. Large orders do not allow me the time to be as creative as I would like to be. I am often very excited to move on to different projects.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: My goal for the next few months is to become more organized, and to have a balance between work and my personal life. I really do not have much of a personal life right now. I would love to incorporate more ways to make money in my business besides having to paint. I want to push selling unpainted glassware, sell designs, and instructions on how to paint and make wire rings.
Favorites: I love Donna Dewberry's painting books. My favorite music is rock. My favorite band is Daughtry! (as if everyone didn't already know that) :) I enjoy being in nature and peaceful settings, especially if it is beside water. I love animals, and even though I am allergic, I have two dogs and two cats! I really enjoy going to concerts, eating out, and spending time with family and friends. I truly feel lucky to finally be following my passion which is painting, and doing something I love each and every day!
If you want to own an item from Amy's Painted House and More leave a comment before Friday (the 28th) at noon Eastern time. Amy is graciously giving away a set of 20 ounce balloon Tuscan Theme wine glasses for one lucky winner! (one is pictured in the above picture) Enter now!
Tell Us About Yourself: I am a self-taught artist. I have been painting for over 17 years. I began with stenciling walls. My favorite thing to paint are walls, by the way. I know I make my money painting glass, so you have to go where the money is. I began to teach myself how to paint by freehand when my children were in high school. I began by painting on items in my yard, and then progressed back inside to my walls. You could look around my yard and see the progression I was making. I continued to buy many painting books, primarily Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Painting books. I eventually became a One Stroke Certified Instructor. I continued painting on different items and once I started on the glass, the rest is history!
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: I sell hand-painted glassware, wedding favors, and gifts for all occasions. I also sell hand-painted pendants, wooden rings, book markers, and other items in my second Etsy shop.
What Brought You To Etsy: A friends mentioned Etsy to me back in November of 2007. I went home and immediately set up a shop. Like most things I have set up, I did not pay much attention to it. I really did not understand how to make it profitable at the beginning. My first sale did not come until the beginning of 2008. That is when I started to optimize my shop. It has really been a learning experience. In the spring of 2008 I joined the Etsy Team Columbus group. That is the best thing I could have done for my business. The wealth of knowledge I have gained from others in the group is truly priceless.
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I use keywords throughout my shop and listings. I focus on reading and learning as much as I can on great ways to promote your shop. I pay attention to what others are doing that seem to work. I use Twitter and Facebook. I have a blog that I try to focus on as much as time will allow. I write articles, instructables, and post my articles in other places such as Squidoo, Go Articles, and Wordpress. I also set up my pictures in places such as Flickr, and www.byhand.me. I use Google Base to place my products from my Etsy shop and regular website: www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com . I also place pictures in other places such as www.weloveetsy.com. I even use Craigslist. I also find time to comment on other people's blogs. I also make YouTube videos with my products.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I have to be honest, I do not have a favorite from my shop. I like all of it pretty equally. I am just excited when I actually get a chance to create something different. Large orders do not allow me the time to be as creative as I would like to be. I am often very excited to move on to different projects.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: My goal for the next few months is to become more organized, and to have a balance between work and my personal life. I really do not have much of a personal life right now. I would love to incorporate more ways to make money in my business besides having to paint. I want to push selling unpainted glassware, sell designs, and instructions on how to paint and make wire rings.
Favorites: I love Donna Dewberry's painting books. My favorite music is rock. My favorite band is Daughtry! (as if everyone didn't already know that) :) I enjoy being in nature and peaceful settings, especially if it is beside water. I love animals, and even though I am allergic, I have two dogs and two cats! I really enjoy going to concerts, eating out, and spending time with family and friends. I truly feel lucky to finally be following my passion which is painting, and doing something I love each and every day!
If you want to own an item from Amy's Painted House and More leave a comment before Friday (the 28th) at noon Eastern time. Amy is graciously giving away a set of 20 ounce balloon Tuscan Theme wine glasses for one lucky winner! (one is pictured in the above picture) Enter now!Friday, August 21, 2009
The Winner Is...
I hope the four of you don't fight over the bracelet! email me at gandm2007@gmail.com for information on how to collect your winnings!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
On The Road Again...
+ Just can't wait to get on the road again. Goin places that I've never been, Seein things that I may never see again, I can't wait to get on the road again.
Follow me as I tweet along the way...On A Limb Paper is on Twitter!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Reason I Was Up Until 4:30 A.M. Last Night
I had a deadline. The deadline was today and still there was much to do. And miles to go before I sleep...and miles to go before I sleep. I didn't mind though because the deadline was self-imposed. I'm leaving on a jet plane (car actually), don't know when I'll be back again (next week).
Just wanted to share the reason I was awake still at 4:30 in the morning.
I was folding...
cutting...
eyeleting...
velluming...
all for Melanie and Adam. Will share the whole invite in another post.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Interview with Adornments by Karla
A few months ago I did my first and only craft show. It was just a small neighborhood/elementary school thing and I thought it would be good to try out for my first time. It turned out to be pretty slow at my table and I have not decided if I'll do it ever again. But, with all the free time I had I got to meet and talk with the woman behind my next interview. She was full of encouragement and had a great positive energy throughout the day. Everyone, meet Karla from Adornments by Karla!
Tell Us About Yourself: I'm Karla Ross of Adornments by Karla, jewelry designer, crafter extraordinaire and proud member of Etsy Team Columbus. I make fun-spirited and affordable baubles with the intention of putting a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. I am also a stay at home mother of two, happily married for 16 years. Ohio is the fifth state I've called home...Florida, Alabama, Texas, and New Mexico were the others. So many of the people and places I've been make up parts of who I am. Travel is therefore one of my main interests, as are reading, exploring my creativity and helping those less fortunate.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: My Etsy shop contains bright and joyful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Occasionally I'll have other little miscellany thrown in such as magnets or pendants.
What Brought You To Etsy: Etsy came into my life at the perfect time...as I was looking for a venue to sell my jewelry creations on a regular basis and in a way which would allow me to do so to customers all around the country.
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I promote my shop via word of mouth, ceaseless distribution of business cards and blogging/facebook/twitter. My family, friends, and customers are all very loyal and help out with this quite a bit.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: Well, it changes often, but at the moment its this chunky turquoise necklace called "Colorado Springs" just because I enjoy the subtle texture and shades mixed together...it isn't what you normally expect from turquoise.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I'd like to do several things over the next six months...add new merchandise every week, find more marketing opportunities, improve all my photo images, and establish a more regular flow of sales. Right now, my sales can be very slow one minute and then intense the next.
Favorites: I have many faves:
Karla, thank you for an amazing interview and a wonderful giveaway as well.
Tell Us About Yourself: I'm Karla Ross of Adornments by Karla, jewelry designer, crafter extraordinaire and proud member of Etsy Team Columbus. I make fun-spirited and affordable baubles with the intention of putting a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. I am also a stay at home mother of two, happily married for 16 years. Ohio is the fifth state I've called home...Florida, Alabama, Texas, and New Mexico were the others. So many of the people and places I've been make up parts of who I am. Travel is therefore one of my main interests, as are reading, exploring my creativity and helping those less fortunate.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: My Etsy shop contains bright and joyful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Occasionally I'll have other little miscellany thrown in such as magnets or pendants.
What Brought You To Etsy: Etsy came into my life at the perfect time...as I was looking for a venue to sell my jewelry creations on a regular basis and in a way which would allow me to do so to customers all around the country.
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I promote my shop via word of mouth, ceaseless distribution of business cards and blogging/facebook/twitter. My family, friends, and customers are all very loyal and help out with this quite a bit.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: Well, it changes often, but at the moment its this chunky turquoise necklace called "Colorado Springs" just because I enjoy the subtle texture and shades mixed together...it isn't what you normally expect from turquoise.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I'd like to do several things over the next six months...add new merchandise every week, find more marketing opportunities, improve all my photo images, and establish a more regular flow of sales. Right now, my sales can be very slow one minute and then intense the next.
Favorites: I have many faves:Food...Cuban foods since that is half of my heritage, anything from the Japanese Steakhouse hibachi grill too! Also, I love down-home Southern style cooking, Cajun and Creole and fresh seafood.
Music...my tastes are varied. Right now I've just picked up a CD by Corinne Bailey Rae. Before that it was Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. So, I like popular dance stuff, also classic rock and a splash of R&B, as well as alternative.
Books...I am an almost obsessive reader. I recommend to everyone: The World Without Us by Alan Weissman and The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner (both nonfiction). For fiction, I enjoy Christopher Moore, Nick Hornby, Dennis Lehane, Cormac McCarthy, and Ann Patchett.
Movies...All over the place here, but usually anything with Viggo Mortensen in it is good in my book! While I enjoy lighter stuff such as Bridget Jones Diary, I also like sci-fi and action adventure. Sometimes it's the soundtrack (She's Having A Baby) or the sweet small picture of the film that makes it for me (Life as a House). The Color Purple is wonderful for the incredible performances by the ensemble cast too.
Karla, thank you for an amazing interview and a wonderful giveaway as well. Details: Leave a comment to win the Champagne Wishes Bracelet shown in the picture above. Comment must be left by Friday, August 21st, at noon eastern time. Winner will be announced on Friday.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Anniversary #2
7 years ago today I was a girl from Ohio who was in Maine on her first date with a boy from Ohio who would later become her husband. Was that confusing? 
5 years later we were back in Maine for our wedding. (Image from rehearsal)
Today we celebrate our 2nd anniversary.
5 years later we were back in Maine for our wedding. (Image from rehearsal)Today we celebrate our 2nd anniversary.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Polymer Clay Pen Winner
Congratulations TZel. You have won the polymer clay pen from Mel's Clay! Click on the contact me button to send me your info for shipping! Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Happening Right Now
Downstairs:
Husband is building shelves for the pantry.
Making up his own words to a Taylor Swift song.
Looking awfully cute in that tool belt.
Upstairs:Printing, cutting, folding, assembling things for 3 different weddings.
Listening to Pandora (Dave Matthews station)
Wondering how to decorate that last wall in the new office.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Interview with Mel's Clay
What an amazing group of artisans on Etsy! What talent on Etsy Team Columbus! I'm so proud to be a member. I've got another fantastic interview today with Melanie of Mel's Clay. Stop by her shop and check out all the goodies! Stay tuned...giveaway at the end!
Tell Us About Yourself: I am a single mom of a teen aged boy. I am an accountant by day, but have many interests by night. When I am not working or doing community activism, I love to read a good fiction book, to take me away. I have lived in Ohio my entire life, so sometimes I need help to get away.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: I make many different things with polymer clay. I love to recycle items by covering them with clay. I also love to use clay to imitate other things, like jade, turquoise, amber, etc. I make my own beads, but I also make household items, like bathroom sets and knobs. One of my most popular items are my covered ink pens and altoid tins. I do everything by hand, from mixing each custom color to making the canes, which most people think are painted on. I use no paints, no molds, just good old fashioned elbow grease!
What Brought You To Etsy: I have worked in clay for years, given it as gifts, but stopped there. A good friend bugged me and bugged me to join Etsy and ETC. I am so glad she did. Thanks Karla (adornmentsbykarla)!
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I post in Etsy forums, Facebook, many other online forums, but mostly word of mouth.
What is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I love my jade and amber tins!
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I would love to get to the point that I have a steady income coming in, no matter the size, just something to count on. I would like to have a faster turn around time for listing things on Etsy. Sometimes, I get in creative mode and stuff piles up without being listed.
Favorites: Food, Music, Movies, Books, whatever you love: I love classic rock, Shawshank Redemption, politics, reality TV, cats, well, the list could go on and on! I love things deeply and find that I have strong feelings on a lot of things, so I have to stop somewhere!
The Giveaway: Your choice of pen from Mel's Clay.
Tell Us About Yourself: I am a single mom of a teen aged boy. I am an accountant by day, but have many interests by night. When I am not working or doing community activism, I love to read a good fiction book, to take me away. I have lived in Ohio my entire life, so sometimes I need help to get away.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: I make many different things with polymer clay. I love to recycle items by covering them with clay. I also love to use clay to imitate other things, like jade, turquoise, amber, etc. I make my own beads, but I also make household items, like bathroom sets and knobs. One of my most popular items are my covered ink pens and altoid tins. I do everything by hand, from mixing each custom color to making the canes, which most people think are painted on. I use no paints, no molds, just good old fashioned elbow grease!
What Brought You To Etsy: I have worked in clay for years, given it as gifts, but stopped there. A good friend bugged me and bugged me to join Etsy and ETC. I am so glad she did. Thanks Karla (adornmentsbykarla)!
How Do You Promote Your Shop: I post in Etsy forums, Facebook, many other online forums, but mostly word of mouth.
What is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I love my jade and amber tins!
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I would love to get to the point that I have a steady income coming in, no matter the size, just something to count on. I would like to have a faster turn around time for listing things on Etsy. Sometimes, I get in creative mode and stuff piles up without being listed.
Favorites: Food, Music, Movies, Books, whatever you love: I love classic rock, Shawshank Redemption, politics, reality TV, cats, well, the list could go on and on! I love things deeply and find that I have strong feelings on a lot of things, so I have to stop somewhere!
The Giveaway: Your choice of pen from Mel's Clay. About the pens: The pens are covered in handmade polymer clay canes. Once rolled and sanded, they are given a high gloss finish. When the ink runs out just replace with a new disposable pen.
How to enter: Leave a comment here before Friday (August 14th) at noon Eastern time. Winner will be announced on Friday.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
How does your garden grow?
It's been a very successful year for our new garden, but now things are winding down a bit for some of the veggies. We are about done with snow peas, string beans, zucchini, squash, and cucumbers.
We've still got a few things coming in though.
Carrots
Lots of tomatoes
Purple peppers (new to me)
Green peppers (that I hope will turn red or orange)
Tell me, how did your garden do this year?Friday, August 7, 2009
Giveaway Winner: Bird Coasters
Sam, look no farther for the perfect coasters because you've won the giveaway from T and Little S Designs. Contact me with your address and we'll get you all taken care of!***Get all the latest shop updates and giveaway announcements when you become my friend on Facebook!***
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Please Leave
Dear Aerosmith song from Armageddon,Please get out of my head. You've been here for days now and I'm officially sick of you. I'd like to be able to go about my day without your lyrics in my brain.
Thank you...and goodbye.
Click here if you want to be tortured along with me.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sewn Wedding Invitation
Someday I would love to work on a custom invitation like the one featured on the Merriment Design blog. The fabric, the stitching, the colors...everything is perfect. I may have to throw a housewarming party and make some fun sewn invitations for it! I'll have to find the perfect fabric...maybe something with little houses on it.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Interview with T and Little S Designs
Just a few short weeks ago I sent a message to my fellow Etsy Team Columbus members asking about doing some interviews. Would anyone be interested, I said. I got 2 replies almost immediately and then slowly others have filtered in. Traci, from T and Little S Designs was the second to volunteer and I'm so happy to have this interview with her today. I think you will all love her items made for your home and your parties as much as I do. Check out the giveaway at the end of the post as well!
Tell Us About Yourself: My name is Traci, and I'm a former teacher turned stay-at-home-Mommy to my 2 1/2 year old daughter, Sophia. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Wilmington College and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from OSU, and I swear that I use both degrees every single day with my toddler. I enjoy creating things with paper and through decoupage and love to give new life to boring or recycled items. I'm also currently learning to sew and make hair bows that I may sell at local craft shows, but don't currently plan to sell online.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: Ceramic coasters, party supplies/invites, shop supplies (thank you notes, etc). I'm working on a new line with more items for the home and additional party supply kits and themes.
What Brought You To Etsy: I decided to join Etsy the same time I started my own business. My daughter was around 6 months old, and I realized that I really needed a creative outlet in my life. a way to really grow as an individual in addition to as a Mom. I learned about Etsy through an article in a parenting magazine and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did!
How Do You Promote Your Shop: Right now, I promote my shop through Facebook, my own blog, alchemy requests, and occasionally through Twitter. I also regularly contribute sample items to the Spotted Box.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I have several that I really like, but I think my personal favorite is this set of funky bird ceramic coasters on blue. I love that the blue makes it seem a little retro but the funky birds give it a modern punch.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I really want to have a big holiday season and grow my business. I've really narrowed down my focus to decoupaged items for the home (coasters, with frames, light switches, and outlet covers coming soon!) and for the events in your life (party supplies, invites, coasters as favors, etc). I would love to get to 400 sales by the end of summer and 500 sales by the end of the year. I aim big!
Favorites: Food, Music, Books, whatever you love: Seeing as the only music I listen to and shows/movies I really watch are Dora or Diego, there's little time for my own tastes. However, I love to watch reality TV shows, Tori and Dean, home remodeling shows, etc when I get the chance. My music tastes are pretty eclectic, but a few of my favorites are Jason Mraz and Norah Jones. However, I've been known to turn up the 80's and 90's rock music when the little one is away. I really need to get my own ipod soon :)
To win your own set of funky bird ceramic coasters leave a comment! Contest will end Friday (August 7th) at noon, Eastern time.
Tell Us About Yourself: My name is Traci, and I'm a former teacher turned stay-at-home-Mommy to my 2 1/2 year old daughter, Sophia. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Wilmington College and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from OSU, and I swear that I use both degrees every single day with my toddler. I enjoy creating things with paper and through decoupage and love to give new life to boring or recycled items. I'm also currently learning to sew and make hair bows that I may sell at local craft shows, but don't currently plan to sell online.
What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: Ceramic coasters, party supplies/invites, shop supplies (thank you notes, etc). I'm working on a new line with more items for the home and additional party supply kits and themes.
What Brought You To Etsy: I decided to join Etsy the same time I started my own business. My daughter was around 6 months old, and I realized that I really needed a creative outlet in my life. a way to really grow as an individual in addition to as a Mom. I learned about Etsy through an article in a parenting magazine and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did!
How Do You Promote Your Shop: Right now, I promote my shop through Facebook, my own blog, alchemy requests, and occasionally through Twitter. I also regularly contribute sample items to the Spotted Box.
What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I have several that I really like, but I think my personal favorite is this set of funky bird ceramic coasters on blue. I love that the blue makes it seem a little retro but the funky birds give it a modern punch.
What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I really want to have a big holiday season and grow my business. I've really narrowed down my focus to decoupaged items for the home (coasters, with frames, light switches, and outlet covers coming soon!) and for the events in your life (party supplies, invites, coasters as favors, etc). I would love to get to 400 sales by the end of summer and 500 sales by the end of the year. I aim big!
Favorites: Food, Music, Books, whatever you love: Seeing as the only music I listen to and shows/movies I really watch are Dora or Diego, there's little time for my own tastes. However, I love to watch reality TV shows, Tori and Dean, home remodeling shows, etc when I get the chance. My music tastes are pretty eclectic, but a few of my favorites are Jason Mraz and Norah Jones. However, I've been known to turn up the 80's and 90's rock music when the little one is away. I really need to get my own ipod soon :)
To win your own set of funky bird ceramic coasters leave a comment! Contest will end Friday (August 7th) at noon, Eastern time.Thanks Traci! Be sure to check out T and Little S Designs on Etsy!
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