British Sellers on Etsy

Treasury Challenge # 6

2012-02-21T21:52:00.000Z

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until 6th March. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play!

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge6' and 'British etsy team'

Inspirational item:

Recycled Ring Pull Necklace by TinkanDesigns

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "British etsy team" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

If you have an Etsy account, but not a shop, you can still participate and win! If the winner doesn't have a shop, they'll be asked to select their favorite treasury from the "Honourable Mentions" list, to be next week's Inspiration Shop.

Treasury Challenge #5- closed.

2012-02-21T21:13:00.000Z

The Treasury Challenge#5 is now closed with the winning treasury being:

'Nostalgic Britain' by Annabel of TinkanDesigns

British Sellers on Etsy team members on the Front Page of Etsy!

2012-02-17T20:45:00.004Z

HappyLaika

OlibanumAromatherapy

Treasury Challenge #5

2012-02-07T11:05:00.000Z

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until 21st February. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play!

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge5' and 'British etsy team'

Inspirational item:

Only ROCK N ROLL Screen Print - Rolling Stones Poster - Retro Music Lyrics Print by ThreeChordPrint

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "British etsy team" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

January Birthdays!

2012-01-31T10:19:00.000Z

Coramantic

RoseyDreams

nuvonova

konyskiw

BeckaGriffin

ArtySandp

flittybits

AlteredEras

Dollydripp

Quick Lino Printing Tutorial by Pininkie.

2012-01-14T16:58:00.004Z

Click here to see Pininkie's quick tutorial on Lino Printing! Thanks for sharing!

Needle Felted Easter Egg Tutorial.

2012-01-02T14:59:00.002Z

Thank you to WoollyTreasures for sharing her Needle Felted Easter Egg tutorial!

Hand-drawn Fused Glass Pendants Tutorial.

2012-01-02T12:54:00.000Z

Sjegan would like to share her tutorial on How to make Hand-drawn Fused Glass Pendants! Click on the link to see step by step instructions!

Member on the Front Page!

2012-01-02T10:25:00.006Z

Well done to SecondHome for recently making it on the Front page of Etsy!

Our Giveaway Winner is...

2011-12-11T11:21:00.000Z

.....xielithium27!

Thanks to all who entered our Giveaway and look out for another one in the future!

Pinterest Uncovered.

2011-12-10T09:47:00.001Z

I've often stumbled across Pinterest and also wanted to join it but there are so many things to join online so I held back! Anyway, our lovely team member Thea from fibrous is sharing us her tips and tutorials for using Pinterest! Read it all here!

Team member on the Front Page of Etsy!

2011-12-10T09:38:00.001Z

SecondHome was another lucky team member to recently make it on the front page, beautiful!!

Team member on the Front Page!

2011-12-10T09:31:00.001Z

'British Sellers on Etsy' team member HappyLaika was very recently fortunate enough to be on the Front Page of Etsy 3 times! Here are the treasuries they were in!

TEAM CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! WORTH £50!

2011-12-04T16:00:00.000Z

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!

This is the first ever British Sellers on Etsy Team Giveaway with the opportunity to win up to £50/$78 worth of goods! ...Whether it's for yourself or to give as a gift!

The winner can choose to claim from 5 of the 11 shops indicated below and the Giveaway is open Internationally!!

TO ENTER (mandatory):

#1 Tell us what you want for Christmas, it's as easy as that!

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (optional):

#2 Follow us on Twitter. - @BritishEtsyTeam

#3 Blog about our Giveaway. (Please provide a link!)

#4 Tweet about our Giveaway.

#5 Like our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Britishsellersonetsy

#6 Browse the Etsy shops below and tell us which 5 shops you would want to claim from if you won!

Each thing you do is equivalent to one entry, so there is a maximum of 6 entries! If you do all 6, please leave 6 seperate blog comments to indicate this - even if you are already following us etc!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/scunjeebabe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterederas

http://www.etsy.com/shop/daydreamdestination

http://www.etsy.com/shop/definitelykaty

http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitella2011

http://www.etsy.com/shop/linnir

http://www.etsy.com/shop/madmumknits

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nuvonova

http://www.etsy.com/shop/magpieslaundry

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pennyfarthingdesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturaprints

The Giveaway ends on Saturday 10th December at 4pm UK time. Winner will be randomly picked and announced on Sunday 11th, and will have one week to respond so please ensure that there is a way for us to contact you by - Facebook, Email, Twitter etc... Good Luck!

*'Excluding Shipping' indicates that the full shipping cost is to be paid regardless of the product cost. For example, if you have £10 to spend in a shop but the item you want is £8, with a £2 postage cost...you will still need to pay the £2.

**'Free Shipping' indicates that the winner can spend the full £10 cost on products in a shop with no additional cost to pay.

Felt Beads Tutorial.

2011-11-27T10:15:00.001Z

Click here for step-by-step instructions on making felt beads by sfeltaccessories!

Pet Cape Tutorial.

2011-11-27T10:09:00.001Z

Thank you to ClaireyLou for sharing her tutorial on making a Pet Cape! Click here to get step by step instructions!!

Team members at Things British!

2011-11-26T10:31:00.001Z

A few months ago, a new shop called 'Things British' opened in London's Carnaby Street and several of our members were invited to sell there! Here is a compilation of some of our shelves in the shop! Be sure to pop by if you are ever in London, you will find an abundance of things to buy, especially for the run up to Christmas!!

AlteredEras - Also includes some exclusive pieces!

Clairey Lou Creations

Sara Norwood

nuvonova

SomethingWonderfulUK

rheaclements

pennyfarthingdesigns

CassiopiLondon

Team member curated Treasury on the Front page of Etsy!

2011-11-26T10:27:00.001Z

Lucy from FluffyDuck curated a beautiful Christmas treasury which made it onto the front page of Etsy!

Treasury Challenge #4.

2011-11-23T23:11:00.001Z

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until 3rd December. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play!

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge4' and 'British etsy team'

Inspirational item:

Felted Wool Bowl Turquoise Teal Mauve by thatfuzzyfeelingetsy

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "British etsy team" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

Treasury Challenge #3 - closed.

2011-11-23T22:59:00.001Z

The Treasury Challenge#3 is now closed with the winning treasury being:

'Feeling Festive' by Liz

...with honourable mentions to SallyFaye for 'Make it handmade this Christmas' and Abigail Pine for 'A Wise Old Owl Sat In An Oak'.

Thank you all for you beautiful entries and I hope you have all enjoyed participating!

Team member on the Front Page!

2011-11-21T20:42:00.001Z

Well done to SimonAldersonGlass for making it on the front page of Etsy today!

Team member Birthdays - November

2011-11-12T12:20:00.001Z

Happy Birthday to our Team Members born in November!!

BearFollowsCat

BlackbirdExperience

post082010

RebeccasEmporium

thestrandline

VeeDubz

TheLittleWrenShop

ThePrettyBoutique

Raccoontail

blackunicorndesigns

chocolatecupcake

dementedsnowflake

FabPins

JustAddWater

LynnBaileyPrintmaker

lulisplanet

Team member on the Front Page of Etsy!

2011-11-10T09:43:00.001Z

Well done to huiyitan for making it on the Front Page of Etsy today with her sterling silver weather forecast studs!!

Treasury Challenge #3

2011-11-08T09:14:00.004Z

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until 21st November. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again on the following Monday.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play!

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge3' and 'Britishetsyteam'

Inspirational item:

Christmas Owl Handmade Greeting Card by FluffyDuck

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "Britishetsyteam" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Use themes from Etsy's November Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

7. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

Treasury Challenge #2 - closed.

2011-11-07T08:50:00.001Z

The Treasury Challenge#2 is now closed with the winning treasury being:

Lady Grey - Gifts for a sophisticated lady by FluffyDuck

...with honourable mentions to Abigail for 'Take a Deep Breath', LadiesLinniR for 'I have my corset and I know how to use it' andHannah Greatorex for 'E is for England'.

A new challenge will commence on Tuesday 8th November with a new inspirational item from the owner of the winning treasury. Thank you all for you beautiful entries and I hope you have all enjoyed participating!

Treasury Challenge # 2.

2011-10-22T16:41:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until Friday- the 28th. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again on the following Monday.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play!

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge1' and 'Britishetsyteam'

Inspirational item:

Ruffled Blue Corset by Freya42.

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "Britishetsyteam" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Use themes from Etsy's October Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

7. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

BiqueArt on the Front Page!

2011-10-21T21:56:00.002+01:00

Well done BiqueArt for making the front page of Etsy last month!

Treasury Challenge #1 - closed.

2011-10-21T21:44:00.002+01:00

The Treasury Challenge#1 is now closed with the winning treasury being:

Autumn Fire by Freya42

....with honourable mentions to Ode to the Brit by QuiltedBlissByNadine, Asian inspiration by FluffyDuck and Bonfire chic by RedGreenQueen.

A new challenge will commence on Tuesday the 25th with a new inspirational item from the owner of the winning treasury. Thank you all for you beautiful entries and I hope you have all enjoyed participating!

Treasury Challenge #1

2011-10-16T12:17:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the British Sellers on Etsy Treasury Challenge!

To take part, simply create an Etsy treasury around the Inspiration Item. If you win the challenge, the next inspiration item will be something of your choice from your own Etsy shop.

The Rules

1. We'll run this challenge until Friday- the 21st. The winner will choose a new item from their shop and we will start again on the following Monday.

2. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment) and the description "This is an British Sellers on Etsy Challenge entry! Anyone can play! Find out how to participate here.

3. Include this week's Inspiration Item anywhere in the first 2 rows of your treasury.

4. Do not include any of your own items or more than one from the same shop.

5. In addition to the Inspiration item, you must contain at least 3 items from British Sellers or members of this team.

6. While the challenge lasts, be sure to change out any items that disappear from your Treasury. Do NOT replace the Inspiration Item if it sells.

7. Use team tags 'BETchallenge1' and 'Britishetsyteam'

Inspirational item:

Red Coral Wire Wrapped Earrings by Shalotte.

Recommendations

1. Follow this blog!

2. Leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! This helps others find your treasury more easily.

3. Members - You can post your treasuries in this week's entry thread, on our team forums. And DON'T forget to tag your items "Britishetsyteam" to make it easier for participants to find you!

4. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

5. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. Please also share your treasury on the British Sellers on Etsy Team Facebook page!

6. Use themes from Etsy's October Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

7. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other British Sellers on Etsy Team challenge treasuries.

If you have an Etsy account, but not a shop, you can still participate and win! If the winner doesn't have a shop, they'll be asked to select their favorite treasury from the "Honorable Mentions" list, to be next week's Inspiration Shop.

October Birthdays!

2011-10-15T14:19:00.001+01:00

Happy Birthday to all our Team members born in October!! JBroughtonPhoto

AlisonMooreDesigns

WoadButterfly

victoriaenglishcharm

Lybo

CLScraftcreations

coldhamcuddlies

dollyknits

cloudhopping

Shalotte

RiasanBoutique

PersonalPresence

Halloween.

2011-10-15T13:44:00.001+01:00

With Halloween coming up, it made sense to feature some great finds on this theme!

AlteredErasblacksunshineiow

amth13

tyney123

pennyfarthingdesigns

DollsAndDaydreams

freyagushi

SallyFaye

urbancookieUK

Tutorial.

2011-10-14T13:21:00.000+01:00

Part I of Shalotte's tutorial on how to make an Art Quilt Style Mixed Media Canvas was previously published on the blog...Part II is now also available!

Tutorial.

2011-09-25T09:51:00.000+01:00

How to make an Art Quilt Style Mixed Media Canvas - Autumn Owl by Shalotte (Part I)

September Birthdays!

2011-09-23T22:18:00.000+01:00

A huge Happy Birthday to our team members born in September!

pennyfarthingdesigns

bluedaisyglass

AMIdesigns

PatchworkMoose

lilylilybet

akcflowerdesigns

TheLaughingButterfly

NelliJoy

ChanelledCreations

KarrahDesigns

AliceAndFlorence

Butterflysue

Team members on the Front Page of Etsy!

2011-09-04T08:33:00.001+01:00

Team member SimonAldersonGlass' Treasury 'A bolt out of the Blue', also featuring other team members, made it to the Front Page!

Cute!

2011-09-03T08:53:00.000+01:00

Fuschia Dinosaur Resin Brooch by urbancookieUK

Felt Gingerbread Man - Sugar Plum by GinisBoutique

Curious Critters Greetings Card by thecurioustreehouse

Orla Kiely Small Car Park Print from creativemummy

Crocheted Converse-style Red Baby Booties by crochetbypamela

Team members on the Front Page!

2011-08-31T23:08:00.004+01:00

Not just one, but a few 'British Sellers on Etsy' team members on the front page of Etsy!

Tropical!

2011-08-19T22:12:00.001+01:00

Wheel of Colour - Aboriginal Style Original Acrylic Painting by BiqueArt

Handmade paper fish collage on quilted calico by KathrynOaten

Pink fascinator hair flower by RedsRibbons

Funky Retro Designer Cushion Covers, Lime and Grass Green Palm leaf on Black by wickedwalls

Cannibalistic Macaws original signed oil painting by afropumpkin

Hand painted 4ply yarn-tropical orchid flowers by KnitwitOriginals

Hawaiian Lei style red and yellow flower bracelet by RosieJo

August Birthdays!

2011-08-06T08:46:00.001+01:00

Since there are so many of us in the 'British Sellers on Etsy Team', I thought it would be better to celebrate all the birthdays in a month together!

juliebull

ClaireyLou

nearerthemoon

PoppysGarden

madmumknits

Retromagination

CoraxStitchery

Numbers14

pennyfarthingdesigns

bluedaisyglass

Stripe.

2011-07-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

80 Candy Stripe Buttons BRIGHTs 1.8cm by BigFish

Blue Tones Striped Painting - Set of 3 by konyskiw

LXIII Abstract Painting by UK Artist Jazz Green

Decorated Clothes Pins/ Clothes Pegs / Clips - STRIPES - Set of 5 by jellybeanstudio

Woven Striped Cushion by HelenFoot

Fairtrade hand painted long handled tote by WittyHearts

Happy Birthday HauntedSummer!

2011-07-10T07:47:00.000+01:00

The 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team wishes you a lovely day!

Check out her shop!

Mexicana!

2011-07-10T07:00:00.000+01:00

Yellow and Red Senorita Face Earrings by LilygraceOriginals

Hot pink agate and shell chip cotton necklace by anacdesigns

Purple Feathered Fascinator- mini hat by RedsRibbons

Love Card by Snowdon

OOAK Suzani Pillow cover - Genuine wax print batik/ "grain sack" burlap by SISTERBATIK

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull baby toddler Blanket by carouselbelle

Happy Birthday Baban!

2011-07-07T07:41:00.004+01:00

Wishing you a lovely day from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Check out her shop!

Wedding.

2011-07-02T09:19:00.000+01:00

Wonderland beaded flower tiara headband AS SEEN IN 'YOU AND YOUR WEDDING' MAGAZINE by fabledreams

Goddess Laurel Branch Bracelet with Swarovski Pearls by HartAndBloom

50 Custom Printed Wedding Pouches by nuvonova

Fascinator Headpiece by TiarasAndFascinators

Handmade Flower Bouquet by fashmore

Swanson - Silk duchess satin hourglass gown by AlexandraKingBridal

Happy Birthday amooma!

2011-06-30T12:23:00.002+01:00

Wishing you a lovely day, from the British Sellers on Etsy Team!

Check out her shop!

Featured Seller

2011-06-28T11:53:00.001+01:00

This weeks featured seller is Becca Thorne

Please introduce yourself and your business
I'm a freelance illustrator, working in lino cut. I sell original prints on Etsy, as well as working on commision for commercial publishers and private clients. I have a somewhat unique style of lino printing, ever so slightly retro, a little bit Medieval but also contemporary and organic. I grew up in the beautiful and ancient Forest of Dean and studied illustration at Falmouth College of Arts in Cornwall, and both places greatly influence my work. I love to incorporate simple but dramatic landscapes into my prints - jagged mountains, stormy clouds, choppy seas - and use textured paper and printed linework to create movement and depth.

When did you establish your business?
I finally became a full time, self employed illustrator in 2008, so I've been going for about 3 years now. Before that I'd been working part time as a groom while promoting my work and trying to get noticed by potential clients.

What prompted you to start your own business?
I took BA Illustration at college, followed by an MA in the same subject, so I'd known for a fair while that I wanted to illustrate. After graduating in 2005 I went travelling for a year and, on my return, set about entering lots of competitions and open exhibition call-outs to try and get back into the illustrative mindset I had before I left. I entered and ultimately won a competition run by the Saatchi Gallery and HarperCollins to design a book cover for a new book by Sean Dixon. That gave me the confidence boost and exposure I needed to quit my job and throw myself headfirst into illustration.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?
I like to hang out on our allotment; weeding, harvesting, sowing, digging. I've got a greenhouse for the first time this year, so I'm in there quite a lot, tending my tomatoes and peppers. I also read a heck of a lot, and love to go walking.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I hate the telephone, I can't even explain why, but I really do hate talking on the phone. I'm terrible at it!

What is your favourite…?
Colour: I like all colours. Having said that though, my first choice when looking at paint for a room is always red. Or orange.
Animal: I love horses. They're such beautiful animals and have a history with humans to rivals that of dogs. They've been with us through work, leisure and even war. When they truly trust you they will do anything you ask of them, and follow you anywhere. If they don't they will fight against you with all their might.
Season: That's really tough. Can i pick two? Winter: beautiful hoare frosts and snows, sitting by an open fire around Christmas time supping mulled wine or cider and eating wintry pies, all wrapped up snugly. But I also love the heat of summer, freeing my feet in flip flops, going for long walks in the sun, sitting in pub gardens, having the freshest of fresh food from my allotment, watching Wimbledon, wearing pretty frocks and swimming in the sea.
Movie: There are so many! But here are a few that I've seen dozens of times and haven't yet tired of, in no particular order - Juno, Wall-E, Disney's Robin Hood, Watership Down, Last of The Mohicans, Withnail & I, The Royal Tennenbaums, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pan's Labyrinth... They might not be the greatest movies of all time, but they're my favourites.
Book: Again, so, so many. Here are a few - Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Attwood, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and pretty much anything by Mario Vargas Llosa, John Irving, John Steinbeck or Louis de Bernieres. And I've just realised there aren't enough female authors in that list.
Blog: I often find myself caught up on the Go Fug Yourself blog. It satisfies my guilty love of seeing celebrities in pretty (and not so pretty) frocks, and adds in a healthy dollop of humour without critising the women's bodies. Also, the ingenious Hipster Hitler, Hyperbole And A Half and Cake Wrecks.

When did you first start working in your chosen discipline?
I first tried lino cutting in the first year of my degree back in 2001, though I only got into it properly in my third year, and that's when it stuck.

What inspires you?
All sorts; Medieval and Anglo Saxon art work and illuminated manuscripts, Art Nouveau prints and posters, Japanese woodblocks, shadow puppets, the natural world, books, music, my peers.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?
A couple of years ago I worked on a fully illustrated copy of Beowulf for the Folio Society. When I began my illustration degree I dreamt of working for Folio, so it was a real honour to have them as one of my first clients. I created illustrations that were based on artwork from the time the poem was first written, somewhere around 700 - 1000AD, but that were also obviously contemporary to now. The finished book was beautiful, with my cover design blocked in gold onto a rich, red cloth cover with a golden slip case also embosed and blocked with my design. Inside my illustrations decorated every page. http://www.foliosociety.com/book/BWF/beowulf

What are you working on at the moment?
I've just finished work on my first ever pet portrait, which was a lot more enjoyable than I expected and is definitely something I'd like to do more of.

How did you hear about Etsy?
I gradually started becoming aware of Etsy through friends who were beginning to sell work on the site, and through various blogs where other artists and craftspeople were advertising their Etsy wares.

What do you like about being part of Etsy
I like the feeling that everyone on there is there for the same reasons I am. It's great to feel part of a growing community of people who are eschewing cheap, mass produced products in favour of hand made, one-off goods that maybe cost a little extra but mean so much more.

Where else do you sell your work?
I sell my work as giclee prints and as ipod/ipad/laptop skins, iphone cases and T-shirts on Society6 and I have a few printed cotton products available on Envelop. I'm hoping to add more to both sites soon. I also have greetings cards available in Mary Portas' Living and Giving shop in Primrose Hill and What Alice Found in Boscombe, Dorset, through South West Artwork, who also sell my cards in their online shop.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?
I'm hoping the work will start to pick up again soon and keep building from now on; there's been a real lack of illustration work available over the past year. My partner's recently decided to go back to uni to start a new degree, so it would be great (though unlikely!) to be able to support us both before he graduates, and maybe even be able to afford the odd camping trip for us both now and then.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
A good web presence is really important if you want people to find you online (or even if you've got a physical shop), and people seem to feel more confident in your work the more they know about you. It's good to share, so let people know where you're from, where abouts you are now, and try to be friendly or at least informative in your profile. A blog is a great place to share a little of your life with your customers and/or fans and keep people up to date with what you've been up to, whether in work or your personal life. I've recently discovered Twitter, which has a wealth of like minded and helpful people eager to share hints and tips and promote you (and for you to do likewise), and is a great place to share links to your work, shop, blogs etc.

Becca's Links
Website: http://www.beccathorne.co.uk/

Etsy shop link:http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeccaThorne

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beccathorneillustration

Blog: http://beccathorne.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BeThorney

White.

2011-06-25T09:00:00.001+01:00

One of my favourite colours, or 'non-colour' shall I say! Definitely keen on wearing more white this Summer too!

Personalized White Hearts-Large by sarahandbendrix

Porcelain Dish 86-365 Dish a Day Project by seaurchin

Vintage White Flower Buttons by PressButtonA

Simply Soap by BobbinsandBalms

Large White Leather Journal by marcadeartspress

Happy Birthday...

2011-06-23T19:20:00.011+01:00

Happy Birthday picocrafts from the British Sellers on Etsy Team!

Lace.

2011-06-18T11:24:00.001+01:00

Five Porcelain Round Lace Buttons by melissaceramics

D Ring Fabric Belt, Linen and Lace by SlowLaneMade

Vintage French Linen Handprinted Heart,Wedding Decoration by vintagetags

Crochet Cushion Cover by Baban

Light Green Tatted Lacy Earrings by Decoromana

Gorgeous Vintage Handmade Lace and Lawn Handkerchief by Butterflysue

Featured Seller

2011-06-15T09:02:00.005+01:00

This weeks Featured Seller is Di Sandland

Please introduce yourself and your business

Hello Britain! Okay, maybe that’s a bit over-dramatic. Let’s start again.
Hello; my name is Di Sandland and I started up my Etsy business last month. It says 2008 on my profile but that was because I registered so that I could buy some glorious lampwork beads. I have been astounded at the response to my etched sterling silver findings, which seem to have caught the imagination of quite a few people.
I am lucky enough to live in beautiful North Devon; Exmoor and Dartmoor are both within easy reach, as is the wild Atlantic coastline. How could you fail to be creative when surrounded by such natural beauty?

What Prompted You to Start Your Own Business?

I started making silver jewellery about two years ago now; prior to that I was using glass beads and semiprecious stones. I came to the field of semiprecious stones through my fascination with the spiritual and health-giving properties so many of these minerals were reported to have. What piqued my interest was the fact that, whenever a difficult situation at work was on the horizon (I worked in the NHS, so tense situations were pretty much par for the course), I would wear a large red jasper pendant because I always felt a touch more confident with it on. Then, purely by chance, I happened upon an article that said of red jasper:

Jasper gives one the courage to speak out and have personal independence.

It couldn’t have been coincidence, could it? So, in the throes of a new-found obsession, I nearly buried myself beneath a mountain of semiprecious stones. I used them to make jewellery and Moon Cottage Jewellery was born. Don’t go looking for it though, because it doesn’t exist any more; although I do still own the domain name.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?

I’m a freelance web content writer, which I do for two-and-a-half days a week and, as my mum used to complain, I’ve always got my head in a book. Even if today that book is a Kindle.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That, when I was very much younger, I was a Playboy Bunny of the croupier variety. And, when I was older and fatter, I was a Senior Midwife on a labour ward.

What is your favourite: Colour: Animal: Season: Movie: Book: Blog?

Ooh, I’m very fickle so my favourite colours vary with my mood and the day of the week! I tend to veer towards fiery autumnals - russet, ochre, gold – although just lately I have found myself being drawn towards Mediterranean blues and aquas.
I am a cat person who loves dogs. My own cat is called Floozie because, when he adopted us, I thought he was a she, and she rolled on her back for anybody.
My favourite season is between seasons – June, just as spring is becoming summer and nature is full of promise. By the same token I find September and the coming of autumn very sad and melancholic.
I rarely ‘do’ movies, although if I had to nominate my all time favourite it would be Thelma and Louise. As far as books go, it depends which author I am into at the time. Since being given my Kindle for Christmas I have discovered many new authors and I’m having a whale of a time.

When did you first start working in your chosen discipline?
I started working with silver about two years ago when, having joined Cookson’s Jewellery Making Forum, I realised that simple silver smithing was within the reach of most people.

What inspires you?

That’s difficult to say, really. I love nature and her colours but I think that closest to my heart is the English language and the power of words. I’ve been searching for a way to make my jewellery more meaningful for ages. I wanted to etch but I didn’t think I’d be safe with nitric acid – I am very clumsy. Then I discovered Edinburgh Etch…

What’s your favourite piece of work that you have created?

Unless it’s gone horrible wrong, my favourite piece of work tends to be my most recent piece of work. A friend, who makes jewellery and lampwork beads under the name of Tartan Trout, recently asked me to make some tags for her jewellery range. These etched silver beads never made it to the tag stage; instead, old Trouty used them in this beautiful bracelet.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently I am heavily into etching and making feature clasps and beads
I’m desperately trying to complete all the orders in my book so I can experiment with a few ideas I have in mind!

How did you hear about Etsy?

I can’t remember, but my first visit resulted in the purchase of very pretty set of lampwork beads.

What do you like about being part of Etsy?

The feeling of being part of a team, particularly since I found British Sellers on Etsy!

Where else do you sell your work?

Nowhere at present because I’ve been too lazy to revamp my website. When it is online it’s at http://www.disandland.co.uk

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

Just to be happy, for my family to be happy, and to have enough money not to worry.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.

Where else can we find you online?

Website: http://www.disandland.co.uk (but it’s currently offline)

Etsy shop link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/disandland?ref=si_shop

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dianne.sandland

Blog: http://www.disdiary.co.uk

Twitter: @disandland

Di Sandland would like to offer readers of the British Sellers on Etsy Blog free shipping on all purchases until midnight on Wednesday,13th August , 2011. Enter the code BSE at the checkout

NEON.

2011-06-11T10:00:00.005+01:00

Neon colours have been really prominent to me lately... I have seen people wearing it head to toe, bits and pieces, and lots have it on their nails...I can happily say that it is everywhere! Here are some of my favourite UK neon finds!Super Bright Striped Sock Monkey by Sunsetgirl

3x large lime green spotty polkadot buttons - 34mm by theCrafterie
Pink, Lime and Aqua Felt and Button Cuff by NuadaAccessories
O patent vinyl orchid cocktail hat by avaraylondon
Set of 3 Hot Pink Ninja Companions by Lilley

Happy Birthday...

2011-06-05T21:35:00.004+01:00

...to urbancookieUK from the 'British Sellers on Etsy Team'!

Happy Birthday...

2011-06-03T18:02:00.005+01:00

..to anacdesigns from the 'British Sellers on Etsy Team'!!!

Happy Birthday..

2011-05-26T10:47:00.002+01:00

...to blondesbackyard from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Happy Birthday..

2011-05-25T10:42:00.002+01:00

...to nicolayallop from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Featured Seller

2011-05-24T15:38:00.002+01:00

This weeks featured seller interview is with Izzy of They Died For Beauty

Please introduce yourself and your business

My name is Izzy Diccoco and I run "They Died For Beauty" on Etsy

When did you establish your business?
I've had my Etsy shop for about 16 months now, and in that time its evolved a fair bit.

What prompted you to start your own business?
I love crafting, I love taking photos, I don't necessarily have the time to go out and about to craft fairs as my other day job is working with children on a part time basis. I wanted an outlet to be able to set up a store and Etsy, with its ease of use seemed to fit the bill. To be honest when I first set up the shop, I didn't really have a clue how it was going to develop.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?
When not creating, I am either doing my other job, spending time with my two daughters and partner, reading, watching movies, enjoying the outdoors and a nice glass of wine. I am an ex journalist so I have a couple of personal blogs I keep just to keep my hand in. I would definitely get a restless brain if I couldn’t write.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I was a journalist, moved into PR/Marketing and worked my way up the ranks. (I quit and took a huge pay cut to work with kids), I climbed to base camp at Everest when I was 18. (18,000ft give or take).

What is your favourite…? Colour: Animal: Season: Movie: Book: Blog?

My favourite colour is most certainly Purple, I love a Giraffe but Tigers are majestic so that's a close call, hmmm seasons....love Winter for the clean crisp feeling in the air, but you also can't beat flip flop weather! My favourite movie? I always joke that I just can't pick one favourite film, I'm a bit of a film buff, but Luc Bessons Nikita is top 2 for sure and recently I loved loved loved Inception, which will end up being an all time favourite. My favourite book is Haruki Murakami's Kafka On The Shore and as for blogs....I love Dr Ben Goldacre's Bad Science.net and Hubble telescope engineer Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy Blog

When did you first start working in your chosen discipline?
I've took photo's forever, but recently acquired a good DSLR after some years of being without one so I have been thinking more and more about what images are good, similarly with jewellery and card making, its just something I've always done. I am a big fan of the home spun type gifts, so I make for family and friends anything and everything from cards to candles to scrapbooks, jewellery, soaps and bath fizzes etc. What I'm doing with the Etsy shop is just a natural progression of that now I have more time.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by such a wide range of stuff. Music is a big one, you might see that a few of my jewellery pieces and photographic prints are named after songs or lyrics from songs, films also get me going. I've been producing some digital artwork lately and its a bit surreal and on the theme of dreams, although its not literal take on what happens in the film, that has definitely been inspired by my love of Inception.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

My favourite piece of work I've created is a Photographic Print called Walking On A Dream which was took on a recent holiday to the Isle Of Skye. It was a bit of a fluke photo as I was just taking some random shots of my two girls as we watched an amazing sunset whilst out on an evening walk, but I really love the way it turned out and the title is from a song which I had been wanting to use for ages....it all just fitted together perfectly.

What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I am working on my new store and putting some new stuff up on The Nightingale Sings. I planned to make some more jewellery today but my 4yo has just come down with Chicken Pox so not sure how much I might get done in between waiting on her hand and foot (she's milking it). I'm planning more in the All Your Dreams Belong....digital artwork series and working on some mini luck dip gift bags to start selling in my Etsy shop, which will contain some signature pieces from my range or work (think jewellery, mini scented candles, art work etc) and some surprises.

How did you hear about Etsy?

I actually heard about Etsy through a friend who bought her wedding dress from an American seller, I went on the site to look at her dress and found myself favouriting lots of shops myself!

What do you like about being part of Etsy I like the ease of use of Etsy, you can run a store without having any knowledge of web design and code and ecommerce
solutions etc, its literally set up and go and also the support network and forums.

Where else do you sell your work?
I also have some limited items on Folksy under the same name, as its more UK based I think and also my own new website www.theydiedforbeauty.com which is a partnership with my friend who also sells on Etsy, all designed and that by myself!

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

I'd like to be able to make the craft and design business a full time thing, this is the goal for this year, if I can earn around what I do in my part time day job then I'd quit tomorrow! Although I enjoy the work that I do, I'd like to be able to devote my time to creating and crafting as its where my heart lies …..the feeling you get from making something be it jewellery or a card or taking a great photograph is like no other in terms of how it makes me feel achievement wise.
The more I can concentrate on this business also, the more I can have time for my family also and get them involved.
I've already got some ideas for some whimsical photo art using my elder daughter as a subject.....

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

I've learnt that you are the master of your own ship and you can sail it more or less wherever you like, a bit of a cliché I guess but true. I never thought I'd quit the world of PR/Marketing for less pay and job security but I did, and now a few years down the line I earn enough to be comfy working part time and have more and more time as my youngest daughter grows to throw myself into other areas such as the art business. That's because I made a conscious decision that I was going to do this, ramp up the making output and use my marketing and business development experience to support the move.

Izzy's Links

Website

Etsy Shop

Facebook
The Nightingale Sings
Blog
Twitter

NEW SELLER SPOT - Vespertine Silver

2011-05-20T14:13:00.008+01:00

Unique handcrafted Fine Silver jewelry made in England. New Seller Verspertine offer stunning whimsical jewellery that you long to wear. You can view their ever expanding shop below:
www.etsy.com/shop/VespertineSilve r

Happy Birthday..

2011-05-20T10:35:00.004+01:00

...AndiaCreations from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Featured Seller

2011-05-17T18:21:00.006+01:00

This weeks Featured Seller Interview is with Michelle Shaw of Cardinal Virtues

Please introduce yourself and your business
Hello my name is Michelle Shaw and I am an artist living in Leicester. I run a charity and craft business called 'Cardinal Virtues', where I design and make my own crafts, along with arranging charity art exhibitions where I sell mine and other artists work with all proceeds going to Leukaemia Research.

When did you establish your business?
I arranged my first charity art exhibition in December 2010 and everything else has evolved from that point, really. I wanted to publicize the event and the artists who donated artwork to sell, so I started a website and blog. Which then led to an Etsy shop where I sell artwork, jewellery, textiles and any other bits that have been donated by artists in Leicester.

What prompted you to start your own business?
The charity art exhibition was really successful and I have since collaborated with Leukemia and Lymphoma Research in the Midlands, who have asked me to arrange another one this year. So the business was a way for me to merge everything together under one name 'Cardinal Virtues'.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?
These days I am very rarely not creating or thinking of new designs, but in any spare time I like to read because I like the escapism. My current book is Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban, my Mother in Law bought me a box set of the books which I am working my way through, and loving!

What is your favourite…? Colour: Animal: Season: Book: Blog?
Ooh these are difficult questions. Ok, my favourite colour is blue and has been for many years.
My favourite animal is the elephant, I can only answer this so quickly because I was talking about this only the other day. When I was at school and all of my (girl)friends had pictures of 'Take That' on their bedroom walls, I had pictures of elephants covering mine. I've always been fascinated by elephants and their social structures, which is very much like ours, along with their intelligence and interesting behaviour.
My favourite Season has got to be Winter, I do like the sunshine but I much prefer it when there is snow on the ground. I also love extreme weather like thunder & lightening.
My favourite book is difficult to answer as there are so many good ones out there. But I think I will go for The BFG by Roald Dahl, I'm a massive fan of all of his adult and children's books and of his brilliant imagination. I also really like Quentin Blake's illustration style, he was a big inspiration when I was starting out as an artist.
And finally my favourite blog has got to be Illustration Rally, which is a beautiful mix of inspirational artwork from all over the world. I entered a piece of artwork into their Ganbare Nippon rally to raise money & awareness for Japan, and was blown away by the artwork from other artists who entered. They also do a really fun rally of celebrity artwork. http://illustrationrally.blogspot.com/2011/05/ganbare-nippon-no-47.html

What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything around me, people, the environment, friends...everything.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?
The piece of work which I am most proud of as a business has to be the art exhibition, we raised over 1k for Leukaemia Research which was a great outcome. As an artist the crafts I really enjoy making are my textiles pieces, I have a new found love for felt.

What are you working on at the moment?
I have a few things on the go at the moment. I'm currently looking for a venue for the next charity art exhibition, and I'm creating some crafts for my sister's new cupcake business called 'Hiccupcakes'. My sister is making and selling cupcakes for all occasions & I have started a line of crafts in the theme of cupcakes which will be on sale on the website in the near future.

What do you like about being part of Etsy?
I really enjoy the community spirit of Etsy, as soon as I joined I was welcomed into circles and groups. There's a real team spirit in publicising others, which is also a bit part of 'Cardinal Virtues'. There are some amazing handmade pieces for sale, I could honestly spend a whole day browsing through the shops adding pieces to my 'favourite' lists. I also love creating treasury's, it's the best way to spend a Sunday morning.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?
My goal for the near future is for the next exhibition to go as well (or hopefully better) as the last one, to raise as much money for Leukaemia Research as possible. In the long term I hope to continue this into next year and for as long as possible.
In life I would just like to be able to continue crafting for as long as possible.

Michelle's Links

Website:
Etsy shop:
Facebook:
Blog:
Twitter:
'Hipccupcakes'

Michelle would like to offer British Sellers on Etsy Blog readers free P&P with 'NICE123'.

Featured Seller

2011-05-10T09:51:00.003+01:00

This weeks Featured Seller Interview is with SherryAnn of Retroimagination

Please introduce yourself and your business

Hello kindred spirits. My name is SherryAnn and I started my business, Retromagination, in January 2011. Retromagination is a shop filled with treasures I have found including antiques as well as vintage and retro clothing, jewelry and accessories.
When did you establish your business?
January 2011

What prompted you to start your own business?
I have always loved to share the treasures I find with others. Previously I sold antiques and vintage through the B&B I owned and operated, as well as participating in an antiques co-op style shop. When I was made redundant at the end of 2010; I decided now was the time to follow my passion.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?
I am always on the hunt for new treasures; either in reality or in my head! I love to travel and explore new cultures and history in different countries. I also enjoy writing and photography. I am lucky to share these passions with my husband.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That my previous career life was as a mental health therapist.

What is your favourite…? Colour: Animal: Season: Movie: Book: Blog?
I love all colours, animals and seasons. This goes with my need for variety and exposure to new and interesting things and adventures, as well as my passion for history and things from previous centuries and cultures.
My favourite music is anything by the Cowboy Junkies.

One of my favourite books is Four Letters of Love by Niall Williams, and one of my favourite movies is the Triplets of Belleville (it's one of the few I can watch over and over again!)

When did you first start working in your chosen discipline?

As a child, my grandparents were in the antiques business. They started my “collecting” from about age 2! I always loved assisting them and learned at an early age that the hunt for treasure is one of life's greatest pleasures!

What inspires you?
Cultures, history, people and their art/craft work. And most especially, travel to new places.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

I have many favourites that end up in my shop (many that are very hard to part with). However, I love the thought of someone else discovering my treasure and wanting to love and own it for a while! One of my current favourites is the fabulous Art Deco car coat I have listed. (pictured left)

What are you working on at the moment?
Planning further travels to continue the hunt for treasures! The top 5 places on my list currently are Greece, Portugal, Barcelona (Spain), Cinque Terre (Italy) and the Channel Islands (UK).

How did you hear about Etsy?
A couple old high school friends discovered Etsy and opened shops. I was inspired by the beautiful things available on Etsy and I thought it far exceeded other website based shopping sites.

What do you like about being part of Etsy?

The teams and sense of community are very important to me. I like the constructive criticism and warm fuzzy support you can get from such a variety of amazing people. I could only shop on Etsy and never anywhere else, there is so much great stuff out there!

Where else do you sell your work?
From my home currently however I wouldn't mind joining a small co-op shop in a little village nearby if the opportunity ever arose.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

Of course I would love to have enough success on Etsy to not have to do other work other than maybe some writing professionally. I would like to continue to travel for the rest of my life as often as possible and I hope there is never a time when I cannot do that. My husband, my soul partner in life and in this adventure, is my co-travelling/co-authoring foundation.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
Jump off that cliff! It's worth every thrilling second!

Retroimagination can be found online@

Website: www.Retromagination.com

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Retromagination

Facebook: www.facebook.com?Retromagination

Blog: www.Retromagination.com

SherryAnn would like to offer British Sellers on Etsy Blog readers a reduction in shipping on any order, small or large.
"Just convo me before purchase! I will honor this offer for a month following publication on the blog/website."

Happy Birthday...

2011-05-09T10:29:00.004+01:00

...to therainbowgirl from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

NEW SELLER SPOT - Kiln Fired Art

2011-05-03T11:17:00.008+01:00

An artisan working in various media, such as overglaze painting and fused glass, producing cuff bracelets, beautiful jewellery as well as stunning bottle cheeseboards.

www.etsy.com/shop/KilnFiredArt

www.firedartjewellery.co.uk

www.dichroicglasspendants.co.uk

www.flat-bottles.co.uk

www.kilnfiredart.co.uk

Happy Birthday...

2011-04-27T15:38:00.000+01:00

...SparrowPrimitives from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Featured Seller

2011-04-27T09:18:00.002+01:00

This weeks Featured Seller is our very own Team Captain Chiara Stone of CLS Creations

Please introduce yourself and your business

My name is Chiara Stone, I’m 30 and married with a little boy who is two and a half. My background is in design and I am a self employed graphic and web designer. I wanted to explore my creative side more so started CLS Creations in my spare time.

When did you establish your business?

Well CLS Creations really came about when I started making personalized Christmas decorations, these were felt stars which could be personalized with a photograph, and people loved them and the sold really well. I always like to learn new skills and I came across the U-Handbag site, bought a kit and made my first clutch bag, from there I started making my own patterns and the business grew.

What prompted you to start your own business?

I always liked the idea of working for myself and after my son was born it just made sense to become self employed. In 2009 I started my Etsy shop and put some of the bags I’d made on there, but I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing and didn’t know how to promote myself, plus my son was still only a year old and I was getting the web design business off the ground so closed the shop for a while.

We moved house a year ago and I finally had the space I’d craved and more time now my son was older to really be able to invest more time in CLS Creations.

What are you doing when you’re not creating ?

Building websites, spending time with my husband and my son. Managing the British Sellers on Etsy team and when I get the chance a bit of reading.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I used to be very shy, wouldn’t approach people, I wasn’t very good at starting conversations with new people and now I’m the complete opposite.

What is your favourite…? Colour: Animal: Season: Movie: Book: Blog?

My favourite colour is turquoise,

Animal is a seahorse I’m fascinated by them,

Season is definitely spring especially after a long winter,

Film is tricky, I have a few The Labyrinth, The Princess Bride, Green Mile, Legally Blonde. Books, well I love Harry Potter but I would have to say my husbands first book Illmoor Chronciles The Ratastrophe Catastrophe, it’s so funny.

And blog, I really like http://www.newdressaday.com/ it’s so interesting to see the results and how you can adapt a piece of clothing to look completely different.

When did you first start working in your chosen discipline?I have always loved to sew, I started off with cross stitch when I was younger, I remember designing a cross stitch of my Nan’s life as a birthday present for her and sewing it in the playground at high school, I’m amazed I didn’t get bullied as it wasn’t your usual break time activity.

Then in my early 20’s I made teddy bears, a hobby I introduced my mum too, she was much better at it than me and makes the most incredible artist bears.

But the bag making has really come about in the last couple of years, I’d quite like to try my hand at screen printing soon.

What inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me, nature, animals, retro styles; I quite like kitsch and cutesy things so a lot of my products reflect that. Functionality also inspires me as I will think what would be the best way to use this item what features would I like it to have whether it’s a new design for a bag or one of my new craft accessories.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

Hmm that’s a tricky one, but I think probably the Pink & Turquoise Cherry bag, I almost kept it but then decided to make myself something else instead.

I’ve had lots of comments on it, but it’s still waiting for a new home.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72137735/kitsch-cherry-pink-turquoise-summer

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m quite excited at the moment as I am working on a new range of wristlet bags, the Cherry one is already featured in my shop and there will be more like this to come. I also want to produce a range of little bags for little girls and I have started to play about with diamantes too as I love a bit of sparkle J

How did you hear about Etsy?

Do you know I’m not sure now, I think someone else I knew told me about it.

What do you like about being part of Etsy

I love the community and the variety of talent, I think Etsy is the place where you can find absolutely anything, no matter how weird or wonderful, Etsy will have it. I’m so proud of the British Etsy Team and how many talented members we have now, it’s approaching 1,700 now. I had no idea the team would become so huge when I started it back in December but there are a lot more British shops on Etsy than I thought!

Where else do you sell your work?

I also have a folksy shop, my own website http://www.clscreations.co.uk, and I sell on http://www.mudpool.co.uk as it’s currently free to list on there and there is no commission.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

Well I would like my businesses to continue to be successful, I would like to push the boundaries of my creativity and continue to learn new skills, and on a personal level another baby may be on the cards in the not too distant future, we shall see how things go.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

Follow your heart and be true to your art.

Always make sure you have the best possible pictures of your products, every so often stand back and try to be objective about your shop and think about how it looks to a potential customer.

Where else can we find you online?

Website: http://www.clscreations.co.uk/

Etsy shop link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CLScraftcreations

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clscreations

Blog: http://clscraftcreations.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/clscreationsuk

Happy Birthday...

2011-04-24T15:33:00.003+01:00

...Kezylou from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Happy Birthday...

2011-04-20T21:57:00.004+01:00

...TaitGallery from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

NEW SELLER SPOT - KINDERKRAFT

2011-04-19T23:23:00.005+01:00

The British Etsy Team is all about exposure for our members, in this new spot we will be introducing you to shops new to the team with low sales that need a little bit of visibility for their lovely products. If you would like to be featured please email britishetsyteam@gmail.com with the details of your shop and some photographs of your products.

So this week the shop selected is KINDERKRAFT

A couple of words from shop owner Gill
"My name is Gill and together with my daughter Gemila we make up Kinderkraft! We share our love of all things creative in our hobby of making unique padded names for babies, teens or adults and words for decorating the home.
I started making padded baby names 25 years ago when my daughter was born and after a long break we have begun again, this time together.
We hope you enjoy our names as much as we enjoy making them."

You can buy online from KinderKraft at http://www.etsy.com/shop/kinderkraft
and visit their Facebook Page here

Featured Seller

2011-04-19T10:13:00.000+01:00

If you are a member of the British Sellers on Etsy Team and would like to be considered for the Featured Seller Interview, you can now download the interview questions at our Submissions Page

Giveaway!

2011-04-16T08:21:00.006+01:00

This is one amazing Giveaway - 'British Sellers on Etsy' team member CorsetLacedMannequin has teamed up with Period Living and is giving away two of her beautiful mannequins, worth £190! The winners can choose out of 10 designs.

Deadline: 4pm 3rd May 2011.

For more information and to enter the Giveaway, click here.

Preview of this weekends BNR

2011-04-14T12:23:00.003+01:00

The preview for the BNR is now up so you can go along and have a browse.
Opening Hours will be:
7pm-12 midnight Friday 15th April
8am - 12 midnight Saturday 16th April
8am - 12 Midnight Sunday 17th April

Featured Seller

2011-04-12T10:18:00.000+01:00

This weeks featured seller is Hannah Golding of Sweet Trash

Please introduce yourself and your business

I’m Hannah Golding and I make fabric based jewellery for my online shop Sweet Trash.

When did you establish your business?

Well, I think I’m still in the establishing stage! I first started Sweet Trash on Etsy a few years ago but saw it more as a hobby and wasn’t sure whether there would be any interest in my kitsch jewellery. Then last year I had some of my pom pom jewellery on sale in Selfridges and did two successful pop up shops. I had such great feedback from customers it really boosted my confidence and I decided to relaunch my Etsy shop and start contacting a few shops about stocking my wares. At the moment I’m working on some very large, very bright pom pom necklaces for Redmutha store in Brighton.

What prompted you to start your own business?

I wasn’t enjoying my job and really missed my Art School days so thought I should put my textiles degree to some use. I wouldn’t call Sweet Trash a business yet but I would love to do more pop up shops around the country and see where that takes me.

If you make handmade items, when did you first start working in your chosen discipline?

The range of jewellery in my online shop is pretty diverse but I started

making my kitsch felt brooches about 3 years ago and then last year

I became interested in upcycling and started making leather brooches

from old sofas and handbags and pom pom necklaces from t-shirts and

plastic bags.

What inspires you – either to design/make something or the selections you choose to stock?

I love anything 80s- I would love to live in a Cyndi Lauper video! So my fabric box is full of rollerskate, cassette tape and kitsch polka dot fabric. Aside from the 80s addiction inspiration mainly comes from materials I stumble across, I love to use strong colours and texture in my designs.

How did you hear about Etsy?

From another craft friend who was already selling on there. I was selling jewellery on Ebay and was finding it too expensive so was told to try Etsy.

How did you feel when you made your first sale on Etsy?

Really excited! I threw in loads of random freebies I was so pleased! When you see how many sellers there are on Etsy it’s amazing that people find you!

What do you like about being part of Etsy

I love that the other sellers are so supportive and genuinely interested in seeing what others make. I recently took part in the British Sellers treasury game where you create treasuries consisting of UK sellers and then those featured do their own treasury including one of your items and so on. It was great to see and chat to so many UK sellers and even find some who live locally.

What advice would you offer other Etsy sellers out there?

I think it’s important to have an online presence whether it’s on twitter, a Facebook fan page or both. If nothing else it’s a great way to meet other crafties and find out about upcoming events.

Would you like to offer the British Sellers on Etsy Blog readers a special offer?

Ooh go on then, use TRASHYTHANKS20 at the checkout and get 20% off your order. Offer ends 30^th April.

Where can we find you?

Etsy shop link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweettrash

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SweetTrash

Blog: http://www.sweettrashbrooches.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ahjuicyfruit

Floral.

2011-04-09T23:00:00.003+01:00

With it finally being warmer in the UK, and stores are bringing out their Spring ranges, all things floral have been catching my eye!

Painting, original oil, floral abstract, spring blossoms - 15 x 11, "Fugitives" by Mossmottle
Floral glasses case by evabdesigns
Laura Ashley Full Sized Product Display Mannequin Dressform - Amy by CorsetLacedMannequin
3 Yellow Dahlias - artificial flowers by hfcsupplies

FIRST SALE FEATURE Stripes and Stars

2011-04-08T10:29:00.006+01:00

Stripes and stars creates beautiful felt brooches, with intricate detail made to a high quality. Discover this shop today.

Happy Birthday...

2011-04-06T20:00:00.001+01:00

...to UtopiaUF from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' team!

Featured Seller

2011-04-05T08:40:00.001+01:00

This weeks featured seller is Jacqui of Pennyfarthing Designs

Please introduce youself and your business

My name is Jacqui and I live on the top of a hill in South Oxfordshire with my husband Mike. Our nest is now rather empty as both our children have flown but this does mean I have been able to take over their old playroom to use as my workshop. This is in fact, a loft room over my kitchen, with a view out across the countryside to the Berkshire Downs, very windswept but very beautiful.

I keep a few chickens clucking around in the garden and we have also raised some pigs recently, although thankfully these were not kept in the garden! We also have a beloved VW campervan, Doris, now lovingly restored and an important member of the family since the children were very small!

My Etsy shop is called Pennyfarthing Designs. I create handcrafted jewellery, much of which is inspired by the Steampunk movement. I love to incorporate upcycled watch pieces, keys, buttons and old coins into my jewellery pieces and often embellish them with Swarovski crystals.

When did you establish your business?

I began experimenting with jewellery styles just over a year ago and opened my shop on Etsy in August 2010.

What prompted you to start your own business?

Over the last 30 years I have had a very varied career. I worked in IT for 15 years; this was back in the days when the computer took up the whole ground floor of the building! I left IT when I had my children, as flexible working was not possible in those days and I wanted to be a hands-on mum.

Since then I have done many things and my current day job is helping students with learning difficulties at a local college. While I have enjoyed it all and love my current job working with students, I have always been frustrated at having no creative outlet.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and was off work for almost a year. I know it sounds like a cliché but my illness really made me realise that we only have one go at this life and I had better get on with living the rest of mine, how ever long it was going to be! The first thing I did was to throw a huge 50’s themed party to celebrate my 50^th birthday, complete with jukebox, 50’s frocks, Teddy Boys and a fish and chip supper. Then, back to the day job and start thinking about what I really wanted to do.

If you make handmade items, when did you first start working in your chosen discipline?

My daughter wanted a necklace for her birthday and found an amazing one we both loved. Unfortunately, it had already been sold but I was so inspired by some of the pieces we had seen, that I wanted to have a go myself. I did loads of research and pored over lots of photographs before I eventually took the plunge. I found a wonderful pocket watch on Ebay, hunted around the internet to find a beautiful angel wing and eventually created a necklace for her.

Over the next few days she was approached by several people in London, all wanting to know where she had got the necklace and some even asked if I would make another one for them!

This was my lightbulb moment! All paths then led towards Pennyfarthing Designs.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes simply from the pieces laid out my worktable. Opening a package of beautiful watch parts is so exciting! Often, as soon as I see them I can see the finished piece of jewellery.

Other times, I may have watch faces, mechanisms, coins, embellishments and crystals that I keep rearranging until I am happy, much like doing a jigsaw, except that the ‘correct’ solution is simply down to me!

How did you hear about Etsy?

I found Etsy several years ago, as I love to trawl the internet for interesting and beautiful gifts for other people. The stores on Etsy were a revelation!

How did you feel when you made your first sale on Etsy?

Thrilled! It felt as though my jewellery making was becoming a proper business!

What do you like about being part of Etsy

I love the feeling of belonging to a community. Knowing I can ask for advice from other people who run small online businesses is great as their experience can be invaluable. I love the fact that I am constantly discovering beautiful new items, handcrafted by other Etsy members, without even trying!

What advice would you offer other Etsy sellers out there?

Do plenty of research before you start! Check out what other people are doing, check out what actually sells and be sure you have something to offer that people are going to love. Once you start, take the best photos you possibly can, and get involved on Etsy! I made the classic mistake of thinking I had finished the job by opening my shop. Wrong! Opening is only the first step, sadly it is easy to be completely invisible in such a huge marketplace and you need to work, work, work at keeping your profile up!

Would you like to offer the British Sellers on Etsy Blog readers a special offer?

Coupon code BLOG10

Where can we find you?

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pennyfarthingdesigns

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pennyfarthing-designs/141808115861644

Happy Birthday...

2011-04-01T19:19:00.006+01:00

...to empresseccentric from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' team!

FIRST SALE FEATURE: Gabby's Bizarre

2011-03-31T14:02:00.007+01:00

This undiscovered shop is still waiting for it's first sale, a beautiful selection of salt dough ornaments and fridge magnets with plenty of choice available. We don't think Gabby will be waiting for her first sale much longer!

www.gabbysbazaar.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/GabbysBazaar
www.gabbysbazaar.blogspot.com

Featured Seller

2011-03-29T09:47:00.000+01:00

This weeks featured seller is Anna Jackson of Black Cactus in London

Please introduce yourself and your business

I'm Anna and my shop is Black Cactus In London where I list hand printed fabrics and the home wares and accessories I make with them.

I have recently opened a Supplies shop where you can find lots of fabrics and small project packs for your special sewing work - Black Cactus In London Supplies.

When did you establish your business?

Not that long ago, less than a year.

What prompted you to start your own business?

After too many years of working in offices I was (very happily) made redundant, so I thought 'Hmm what do I really want to do now?'. The choice was clear - finally set up that print studio you've been dreaming about and get busy!

If you make handmade items, when did you first start working in your chosen discipline?

I originally studied Fine Art and majored in Printmaking. Lots of things interest me and I've tried a lot of different mediums, but have always come back to Printmaking. I love every time I lift the screen or press to see how the print turns out.

What inspires you?

Largely objects and shapes from nature. I like how every little thing seems the same but on closer inspection is unique in it's own way. For example, every leaf is different from the next and I enjoy capturing that.

I also enjoy having fun with my designs and making fabric you might not expect to see like my Peeved Rabbit and Tally Ho! prints.

How did you hear about Etsy?

Etsy has been in my head for so long now I can't remember how or when I first heard about it. I think it must've been mentioned in an article somewhere. No great Eureka moment but it's a great facilitator for the handmade market.

How did you feel when you made your first sale on Etsy?

Hooked!

What do you like about being part of Etsy?

Etsy's a very attractive and functional website so although the competition is fierce it's a great vehicle for your product. And since joining the British Sellers on Etsy Team I've enjoyed the feeling of community too and it has really enhanced my experience.

What advice would you offer other Etsy sellers out there?

I haven't been selling long enough to really give advice beyond saying the usual thing about how important photography in your shop is and to use social networking to help increase your views.

Would you like to offer the British Sellers on Etsy Blog readers a special offer?

Please use the code 'British Sellers on Etsy' for 25% off in both shops.

Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.blackcactusinlondon.com/

Etsy shop links:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackcactusinlondon

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackCactusSupplies

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BlackCactusInLondon/126871154010462?ref=ts

Blog: Coming soon on my website!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BlackCactus

Happy Birthday...

2011-03-28T20:00:00.000+01:00

...to AlexisSoutham from the 'British Sellers on Etsy' Team!

Mother's Day Ideas.

2011-03-26T20:00:00.001Z

With Mother's Day approaching on the 3rd of April, here are some great ideas I came across from UK-based Etsy sellers!

Eleanor unique ooak vintage rhinestone and enamel flower statement necklace by talulahbelles
Reusable Canvas Shopper Tote - Eco Friendly by MunchkinCreative
Pendant necklace green amethyst and sterling silver by whirligigjewellery
Red Poppy Clutch Purse ideal evening or Summer Bag - ONE OF A KIND by CLScraftcreations
Romance Shabby Chic style Fabric Flower Envelope by SlowLaneMade
Needle Felted Goldfish Earings by RebeccasEmporium
Hand Embroidered Linen Journal Occasional Owl and Flowers by Once Upon A Seaside Garden by juliebull
My fair lady blue and hot pink netting bracelet by PrettyThingsFromWing
hand knit women's wool socks, UK 4-6 US 6-8 by sockysocks
Large Clear Heart Mommy Birthstone Charm Necklace - Mother's Day Gift by PoppySparkles
Coconut Natural Soap Bar - Home Made Soap (VEGAN) by Karramandi
Ceramic Love Heart Brooch Pin - Turquoise Blue Mother's Day by CeriWhiteStudios