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!