Etsy Shop Feature: A Cup of Sparkle

Finally, the promised new shop feature! My apologies for the pictures not showing up (boo blogger for technical problems). :( There are links to everything though, so go check them out!

Etsy Feature: A Cup of Sparkle

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Melike, and I am the hands and the brains behind ACupOfSparkle. I am originally from Turkey and am currently living in Seattle. Jewelry design and crafting has been always a hobby for me since I was very young. I am a big fan of gemstones, gold and silver.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Turkish, feminine and creative

How long have you been crafting?

ohh.. I can't even remember. My mom is a super creative person who does all sorts of crafts. I have been crafting with her since I was very young.

When did you start selling on Etsy, and what inspired you to give it a try?

I launched my jewelry line 'A Cup of Sparkle' in December, 2010. I have a treasury of beads and jewelry supplies that I have been collecting for a long time. I like wearing jewelry and have two

sisters, so I was mostly making for myself, my friends, and family. I love the business side of things and I thought I should give it a shot and share my jewelry with others out there. I had a lot of
encouragement from my loving husband.

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

I have a puppy that I love spending time with. I also kayak and ride bikes with my husband. Other than that my full time job takes most of my time. I also have a blog – acupofsparkle@blogspot.com – that I use to write about what inspires my creations, and to share tutorials and other handmade arts and crafts by other Etsians.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I am glad you asked this question. It is funny :) I am a very organized person normally, which is also a part of my job at work. However, when it comes to my craft space, which I call "A Cup of

Sparkle Laboratory," I have all of beads and supplies scattered on a table and couple drawers. Mess is how I get creative. Seeing colors and combinations together opens up new ideas for me. I don't believe in the necessity of organization in crafts. I think it is ok to be disorganized and creative at the same time!

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.
Colorful, quality, cheerful

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?
I have very different designs and lines of jewelry; from crystal and pearl wire wrapped beading to beaded wire jewelry; but, my favorites are the bird nest branch necklace, green pearl circle of love necklace and sparrow bird nest keychain. I offer most of my jewelry and accessories in custom colors, where I give the option to my customers to pick any color and number of beads they want.

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Etsy is full of very creative people, which is the thing I love about Etsy. One of my favorite shops is StorkandMe , the owner is a friend of mine who is extremely talented. I also like Eidrasa and MaaPstudio

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

Go for it! If you would like to pursue a business and have had the idea on the back of your mind to start a shop, I think you should give it shot! Be ready for a lot of work though, as Etsy is very
competitive and running your shop will take a lot of time. Stay positive and keep it fun!

Camping...Be Back Soon

I'm going camping this week, and won't have access to modern technology. Therefor, I'm postponing my next shop feature until next Monday the 25th. (Also, since the last one got delayed a little due to blogger issues.) Anyways, have a good week and I'll post about my adventures when I get back.

Etsy feature: Moon Stone Designs pics

These are the pictures that won't cooperate with me.

They're as follows (from top to bottom): shark hat, sheep hat, sewing/work space, and orca hat. I hope you enjoy the new feature and check out her shop regardless of my technical issues.

Etsy Feature: Moon Stone Designs

It's still not posting exactly as I want it to, but I'll just post things separately. Here's a link to the post with pictures: http://arainydaydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/07/etsy-feature-moon-stone-designs-pics.html

Etsy shop feature: Moon Stone Designs

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a crazy busy woman! I always seem to tackle the impossible and succeed most of the time. I am a mother of three boys. I live in a house full of BOYS, even our dog. I was a mother at 16 and still managed to finish high school and I went on to college, and I am the only one in my family to get a college degree. I am now a work-at-home mother and home school my 6 year old in between creating and selling my fashion accessories.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Creative, responsible, silly

How long have you been crafting?

I have been crafting since I was a child. I was always interested in how to make everything. My mother and grandmothers taught me many things, and I just keep learning new things.

When did you start selling on Etsy and what inspired you to give it a try?

I have been creating and selling as a side job for many years. I opened my Etsy shop but I really took a lot of time to build it up before I got serious. The fleece animal hats really started after my 5 year old had brain surgery and a shunt placement in the spring of 2010. We spent an entire month at the hospital and when it was time to leave, his hair was gone, he had horrific scars, and a bump from the shunt. I really didn't like having to explain to everyone in the grocery store why his head look liked that! People really couldn't help stare. So, I started making fleece animal hats for him. They turned out amazing and I kept making new designs, people really liked them, and then I started selling them on Etsy. I now sell them around the world. I keep making them for my kids and because I love to see people wearing the hats and having a great time. They are the perfect mix of function and fun.
I continue to be connected to the Seattle Children's hospital and I regularly send hats to children there as well. On my site, you can purchase a hat at a discount and I will send it directly to a child at Seattle Children's Hospital on your behalf, or to the hospital of your choice!

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

I am passionate about my kids and working hard to be sure they have all that they need to become amazing, fully bloomed, adults.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I am a somewhat organized crafter. I live in a very small house and my studio is also my bedroom. My workspace started in the living room, but I moved it to the bedroom so that I could shut the door! It works great as long as I keep it clean.

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.

Colorful, fun, affordable

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?

I always adore my new designs. The two newest designs are the Orca Whale and the Great White Shark. My all time favorite is the lamb, because it is so soft and adorable.

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Butterflygirldesigns: gorgeous glittering battings for spinning wool

TianaCHE: fashion accessories, expensive, but amazing

JustHatched: cool wooden puzzles for little ones

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

If you have something unique to sell, get some really great photos. Be patient and diligent. Read the forums and connect with others. Don’t give up, just get better! Be bold.

Etsy Feature: Earth Roots Jewelry

Yay, it's another Etsy artist feature Friday! I hope you enjoy getting to know other local Etsians as I am. :)

Earth Roots Jewelry

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am recently out of high school, and enjoy spending my time crafting and creating music. I am a singer and songwriter, and I also enjoy painting and watching films.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Old soul, friendly, creative

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was about 8 years old.

When did you start selling on Etsy and what inspired you to give it a try?

I used to own a vintage clothing store on Etsy but felt sharing my own creations was more fulfilling. I opened my new store, Earth Roots Jewelry in May 2011. I want to share what I create with others :)

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

Music. I am going to college in the fall and will be taking music along with herbology courses. I enjoy nature and try to incorporate it into my art and jewelry.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I'd say I'm a bit of both messy and organized. I keep all my things in one room, but if I have an idea there are beads and paint all over!

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.

New, unique, earthy

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?

The painting is my favorite because it took much time and effort. I also like the colored bead necklace and ring.

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

I enjoy many shops. Mainly I look for supplies, natural soaps and perfumes, and vintage dresses.

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

I think they should go for it! Though my new shop only has a few items and starting new is difficult, sharing your work with the world is a beautiful thing and Etsy helps you achieve that. Try to market your store to friends and family and have them pass it on. Also, join a team!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget the next feature is in two weeks. If you'd like to be featured e-mail me at arainydaydesigns@gmail.com