Featured Friday with ACAmour

Please help me welcome ACAmour from the Amy's in the Arts Team!!!

Chevron Diaper Bag

What is your first creative memory?

 I was always big into coloring books, sketch pads with water colors, decorating with glue glitter and sparkley things, but I guess my first creative memory was taking photographs when I was 7 and making collages out of the pictures.

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

I have been an artist all my life and have explored almost every art form you can imagine. I have been an active business artist for 6 years.



How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I found Etsy a little over three years ago through a Google search. I had just taught myself how to sew and decided to give it a go at selling my bags. I've been selling on Etsy ever since.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Au Courant Amour (ACAmour for short) means new love and I'd like to think that I am uniting individuals with their new loves all the time. While I love the full name of my shop, I thought ACAmour might be more memorable (and easier to say :)

Gold Chain Braided Bracelet

Are you an artist full time?

Oh yes. Even in the most mundane of tasks I find some way to incorporate art. I am now lucky enough to sell on Etsy and explore my creativity full time. I couldn't imagine my life any other way.

What inspires you?

Haute Couture collections, Vogue, color, other cultures, utilitarianism.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I try not to watch too much tv while creating because im almost always distracted, usually I'll just put pandora on shuffle and let it play my daily soundtrack.

Hand Embroidered Slouch Bag

Describe your work space

Haha, on most days a hot mess! while I try to keep everything organized and in its place when I'm working you're likely to find things piled and stacked on top of each other, fabric laid out all around the room and my cutting table overflowing with ideas waiting to be constructed.




What does being an Amy mean to you?

Through meeting other Amy's (Aime's, Aimee's) I've found there's usually a lot of power and a lot of personality behind a name so simple and short.

Where else can we find you?
acamour.com
acamour.etsy.com
facebook.com/acamour
twitter.com/acamour
pinterest.com/acamour
instagram: acamour

Featured Friday with Sunbreak Soaps

Please offer a round of applause and help welcome Amy and her Etsy shop Sunbreak Soaps

What is your first creative memory?

I think I was a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to creativity! I remember doing art projects in school as a kid, and I even took art in high school. But I always thought that I wasn't very creative - probably because drawing and painting just aren't my strength! I was involved in music and drama in both high school and college, so I used that as my creative outlet.

Lemon scented glycerin soap

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

After school, my focus turned to my career in real estate. When the market took a hit and I discovered that I was pregnant with twins in 2007 I took that as my message from the Almighty that it was time to quit! Thankfully, my husband's job was enough to cover our expenses, so I became a full-time mom. During that time I spent a lot of time perfecting my cooking skills and watching a lot of cooking shows. It wasn't great for my waistline, but it was awesome as a creative outlet! I thought about starting a business somehow involving food, but after looking into what I would need to do to make that happen I realized that just wasn't going to fit with my life. I have little kids and dogs, there's no way I'd be able to get a certified kitchen in my house! I thought, well maybe I could rent a kitchen somewhere, but then it would mean carting my kids somewhere to be in a less than child-friendly environment. So that left me kind of stumped.

I've always loved soap, but I thought that in order to make soap I'd have to work with dangerous chemicals, and that idea didn't sit well with me with kids in the house. But then I saw a blog article about melt & pour soap, and I was intrigued! Here was a craft that was somewhat like cooking, that was beautiful to look at and smell, and it didn't involve caustic chemicals! Bingo!

Soap bath crayons

This all coincided with my children growing up, and becoming less demanding of my time and able to entertain themselves for longer stretches of time. They just turned 5 in June. :)

So this past winter, we were sick with back to back colds for a stretch of 4 months. I was bored, tired, stressed out, and ready to try something new. Oh, and I felt like a hermit from self-isolation in the name of not spreading cooties. I decided, well, now's as good a time as any to learn how to make soap! I reserved every book in my library system about soap making. I read about melt & pour, cold process, hot process, essential oils, colorants, molds, and on and on and on. I read as much as I possibly could, and then I watched as many videos on YouTube as I could. This went on for several months, of just researching. Finally, in February of 2012 I made my first batch of soap. It was love at first pour! I got my business license, insurance, and Etsy shop in March and I've been making melt & pour glycerin soap ever since!

How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I've known about Etsy for quite a number of years. I live in the Pacific Northwest, an area that values small businesses and where the buying local movement is in full swing. I was a shopper for a long time on Etsy before I became a seller.

Gardeners herbal soap

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I came up with the name for Sunbreak Soaps, it was early spring here in the Northwest. I wanted a company name the carried meaning for local residents, yet had a bit of something that everyone could relate to. I know it may come as a shock, but it rains a lot here. lol Early spring is especially terrible in that regard. I needed some sun, in a bad way, and I thought that making soap was kind of like my sunshine. It brought me joy and fun during a time when the world was dreary and depressing. Making soap was my Sunbreak! And I hoped that's how people would also feel while using it.

Are you an artist full time?

I consider myself to be a full-time mom; part-time artist. My kids are always my top priority. We intend to start homeschooling next month, and I know that most of my time will be devoted to them. Making soap is my escape as a mom. It's my way of using my creativity (in a way that doesn't involve calories!) and regaining my sanity.

What inspires you?

I find a lot of inspiration while gardening. The smells and the colors often lead to soap. Cooking is also a big inspiration to me. I heard once that if something smells good together, it will probably taste good together too. So I try to think in reverse, if things taste good together then it will smell good together too! I also look at a lot of great "soap porn" online, and lately I found some inspiration on a trip to Seattle while looking at art glass. You can read about my art glass inspiration here sunbreaksoaps.blogspot.com/2012/08/art-glass-inspiration.html and here sunbreaksoaps.blogspot.com/2012/07/chihuly-me.html

2 lbs. homemade powdered laundry detergent

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Does childrens programing on TV in the background count? lol Honestly, when I'm not trying to entertain my kids so I can finish a project, I usually just like silence. Other mom's out there will understand what I'm talking about!

Describe your work space

My work space is my kitchen. We do have plans to set up a dedicated space in our garage soon. 

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Amy means beloved, or friend. To me, it has always meant love. Obviously my parents loved me very much to give me such a pretty name! I always used to hate it that it was so common, especially in school, but I'm happy with it now.



Easter Island Statue party favor soaps

Where else can we find you?


www.etsy.com/shop/SunbreakSoaps
www.facebook.com/SunbreakSoaps
sunbreaksoaps.blogspot.com/
pinterest.com/ariagirl77/
twitter.com/SunbreakSoaps
www.flickr.com/photos/sunbreaksoaps/
plus.google.com/u/0/103912059984689552578/posts

Featured Friday with Over the Fence Art

Everyone please welcome Amy Wright and her Etsy shop Over the Fence Art

What is your first creative memory?

My first creative memory would be my mom teaching me how to make pottery in our basement. She had her own potter's wheel and kiln. We would spend hours creating together.

Labradors running on the beach photography

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

I have always enjoyed creating custom birthday cards for friends and family. I have been artistic since I was a little girl.Sketching animals, photographing my surroundings. Always creating and finding joy in the process.Over the years I have found that art and photography are my true passions.
I have concentrated my efforts in building my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/overthefenceart over this past year.


How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I heard about Etsy through my cousin, who is also an Etsy shop owner.
My shop opened in Nov.2010 but it hasn't been until 2012 that I have been concentrating my time towards marketing and listing more.


How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name? Funny story. I had a picture of my three labradors up on their hind legs ........all with their front paws over the gate. That picture lead me to thinking "outside of the box" and "over the fence". Hence the name Over the Fence Art and Photography.

Two grazing bay horses sepia photograph

Are you an artist full time?

Life threw me a curve ball. Life changing divorce. New challenges and circumstances have lead me on a personal journey to find what makes me feel alive..I didn't want to put my heart into any 9-5 job. Art and Photography, nature and animals. Those are my true loves, my passion. So, here I am! Part of the Etsy community and enjoying every minute.

What inspires you?

I am inspired everywhere I look. By color, shape, arrangement. By far animals and nature are my top inspirations. I love to capture the whimsical joy on a dog's face or photograph that fleeting moment in time. It's the creative process of finding the moment, and recording it in art and photography that makes me happy. Seeing joy on other people's faces as they view my work is the ultimate reward.

Orange dahlias photography

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Every Sunday I listen to breakfast with the Beatles on the radio. Always sparks my creative juices. Old songs from my teens that are now on my ipod are always a motivator!

Describe your work space

My work space is "in transition". It is a room upstairs in our 1920's farmhouse. I will be painting it soon to add more light. It is cozy and I have favorite art pieces on the walls (other artists as well as mine), as well as inspirational quotes.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

"Being an Amy" means feeling honored to be surrounded,supported and inspired by other talented Amy's !


Where else can we find you?

You can find me on :
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/overthefenceart
facebook: www.facebook.com/overthefenceart
pinterest: pinterest.com/awinslow1/
twitter: twitter.com/#!/overthefenceart
email: overthefenceart@comcast.net

Featured Friday with Don't Panic Design

Please give three cheers and help welcome Amy Vanderhoof and her Etsy shop Don't Panic Design

Let's discover Amy's story...

Custom color chevron stripe bridal shower

What is your first creative memory?
We used to stay with my grandmother for two weeks every summer. I remember being in her backyard and painting used soda bottles with this green crackle paint. It was weird and cool and fun, and I still have that bottle. We also folded butterflies out of magazine pages. I remember being amazed that you could make something so pretty out of something so ordinary. 

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?
I have been actively creating art in my personal life for about 14 years, like collages and drawing (which I am terrible at). I began learning layout and design skills at a job I had in college, and slowly over the years I have added to that skill set. I have been making invitations for friends and family on and off this whole time. I've been in business for 9 months.

How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?
I had come across etsy before on stumbleupon, and came back to look at the unique jewelry (my first exposure to steampunk, which I love) and other things you can't find in stores. Last year, my sister encouraged me to open a shop. So I did, my first attempt at business, on the eve of October 31st, 2011. My first sale was November 1st, 2011, which was super exciting and very encouraging, because I didn't make another sale until January of this year. 

How did you come up with your shop name?
I had a hard time with this one. I originally tried to come up with something that had to do with Montana, but when it came down to it, I had to choose my life's motto: Don't Panic. Ever since I was in college, this has been my personal tag line, as I am prone to panic, and have dealt with many others over the course of my work who are panicking at the last minute of a project. But, things will get done, and they will be fine, so we should all not panic. Besides having a personal connection to this name, I felt it was apt in the realm of invitation (primarily wedding) design.

Custom colors thank you cards

Are you an artist full time?
I am a full time person. I work on my business all the time. I do lots of other things part time, including work two different "day" jobs, create and sew purses for myself and my friends, read and continue to learn, create, build (with power tools as often as I can), help my friends and family with DIY projects. Much of this utilizes the skills of an artist. I am not even sure I am a part time artist, much less a full time one. However, I use creativity every single day. 

What inspires you?
Helping people get something they love is the first thing that inspires me; after that, everything! I am constantly looking around myself and picking out the things that surround my life that I am drawn to, and then I pick out elements to incorporate into my designs. Art, nature, jewelry, color, packaging.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?
Just about anything can be on in the background, including nothing, and I probably wouldn't notice. I have eclectic taste in music, and what I listen to is dependent on how I feel on any given day. 



Save the date feather custom colors

Describe your work space

I work on my laptop, and I can do it anywhere. I sometimes sit outside, or at the kitchen table, or on the couch. My computer is well organized into a series of folders and my laptop desktop is usually littered with work in progress or proofing files. 

What does being an Amy mean to you?
It means simplicity, bravery, compassion, attempting to stay grounded, something red, and less is more.

Where else can we find you?
dontpanicdesign.etsy.com
dontpanicdesign.blogspot.com
facebook.com/dontpanicdesign

Featured Friday with Love for the World

C'mon and let's welcome Amy P. and her Etsy shop Love for the World for our Team Amy Featured Friday!!! I can't hear your applause...oh wait now I can. Thanks for clapping at the computer!

Bright floral decoupage wooden frame

What is your first creative memory?
My first creative memory has to be making Christmas ornaments in elementary school. Those were fun times!

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?
I have enjoyed creating and crafting since a very young age, but just recently joined etsy to turn my hobby into a business.


How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?
I first heard about etsy a couple of years ago when a friend of mine was selling handcrafted totes. I just joined etsy about a month ago as a seller.

How did you come up with your shop name?
Much of my photography features beautiful places I've traveled to, which got me thinking about how much I really love the world...hence Lovefortheworld!

"Believe" wooden home decor sign

Are you an artist full time?
I wish! I do have another full time job, but photography and crafting are my passion.

What inspires you?
The world - people, cultures, food, unique places

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I love watching HGTV while crafting, there is always some sort of show that fuels my inspiration!



Sunset in the Amazon Photography

Describe your work space
For my frames, I usually spread out newspaper on my large dining table and get to work!

What does being an Amy mean to you?
It means smiling often and being kind to others.







Where else can we find you?

For now, just Etsy, but who knows what the future holds!

 

Team Tips with Scheduling

I get asked all of the time..."how do you find the time to create all that you do?"

Today's Team Tips post will be a glimpse of my day and some scheduling ideas that have helped me, Amy Averitte and fellow Amy's in the Art member, our Team Captain Amy Dionne.

Just a little background about me:
I am blessed enough to be able to stay at home with my 2 year old toddler son and 9 year old daughter. I do not have to work outside of the home and I am successful through Etsy to help contribute to the household income with my shop fAveritte creations. I am a 95% custom shop full of lots of goodies for the young and young at heart. I have averaged 20 plus open orders since October 2011.

I also am a very structured individual and I like routines. When I decided to turn my hobby into a true business I knew I had to follow a schedule much like I did when I worked in retail with somewhat set hours to allow myself enough time to complete my orders and spend the afternoons with my family.

Here is a typical day for me:
5 AM - wake up

5 - 6 AM - check e-mails, facebook, re-list any expired listings, check teams and post to teams

6 - 7 AM organize my days production schedule

• I take this time to organize my orders by laying out my supplies and orders, any prep cutting if needed, prepping shipping boxes, photograph any new products or items

7 AM - wake up the babies and prep breakfast

• I also have the computer on the kitchen counter while I am prepping breakfast and cooking looking through Etsy, answering e-mails, I try to post to facebook and twitter, reply to any comments on my business page blog posts, edit any photos for any new listings I plan on posting that day

8 - 9 AM - eat and get ready for the day

10 - 12 PM - work on Etsy orders

• I am more motivated in the morning and have found that my toddler son plays well by himself and can self entertain himself better at this time...now I do get the usual requests to "dan Momma"(dance) or "choo choo Momma" (play with his choo choo trains) but I do get a good amount of work completed during this time

12 - 1 PM - prep and eat lunch

1 - 2 PM - put my toddler son down for a nap while responding to any morning e-mails, facebook comments, adding new listings

2 - 4 PM - I get to work with no distractions!!!

4 - 5PM - I am only focused on my son...we play, read, go outside, sing, march etc...

5 - 6PM - prep and eat dinner

6 - 7PM - bath time and getting ready for bed

7 - 9PM - quiet time with my son until he falls asleep

• At 8:30pm I have my son lay down in our bed while I work on the computer until he falls asleep. I use this time to complete my blog post for the following day, just recently I updated all of my listing descriptions ands tweaked tags.

9 - 11PM - I do quiet work like prepping orders for the next days production, cutting, sorting etc...

11 PM - I finally hit the hay!

Now to some tips that have helped me with my scheduling:

• Lists are my best friends. I use them all of the time! It helps me to keep what I need to accomplish for the day in the back of my mind plus it feels great to mark them off one by one!

• Multitasking is key for me! Like I said above, when I am prepping breakfast I have the laptop open on the counter working. While my son is in the bath tub I am seated on the counter or the potty with the laptop working. While I am uploading pictures to facebook or to an Etsy listing I continue to cut fabric or sew. Every second truly does count!

• If you can afford to buy already made supplies, then buy them! Most of my time was spent on cutting out white felt circles for eyeballs on my robot pillows...so one day I finally just ordered some pre-cut felt circles from a supplier on Etsy.
• Get your work space organized...it is great to have all of your supplies and tools in order. Below I have my fabrics separated into plastic shoe storage boxes from Walmart. They are great because they stack together and pull out like a drawer. I have given each color it's own box and labeled it...so great when I am needing a certain color for a project.

• Group like tasks together. I may have a pair of peace sign pillows that are scheduled to ship out tomorrow and another pair scheduled to ship out next week...but I will cut them together in layers. Or if I am using a certain color of thread for one project and know I need it for another project...I will go ahead and sew so I don't have to change my thread again or as often. It all takes time!
• Make templates for any items you repeatedly sell if you don't already use a pattern. All of my creations are not from patterns and are hand drawn by me...but I finally got smart one day and made me some cardboard templates.

• Ask family members to help with small tasks. My husband has helped turn many loot bags inside out after I have sewn them together.

Now here are some tips from Team Captain Amy Dionne and her Etsy shop Heart of Autumn. Amy does have a full time job outside of the home:

1) Organization is key. Don't spend half of your valuable time searching for supplies, cleaning off tables, or moving projects from one bin to another. Take the time to ensure the crafting space is ready to go when you are.

2) If your space is organized, then leave out the project you want to work on for the next time so you can pick right up where you left off and not have to dig the project and supplies out again.

3) Work during your "power" times if possible. I work on projects before I go to the day job because I am at my most creative first thing in the morning.

4) Use the five minute rule. When I come home from the day job, and am exhausted, generally the last thing I want to do is craft. I make myself work on a project for five minutes, and usually by that time I'm re-energized and the time stretches to fifteen minutes, then an hour quite easily.

5) Never underestimate working on a project for fifteen minutes. You don't have to get X amount done every time you sit down. Take the little time you have and stitch that seam, cut out the fabric, or sketch out a new design. Every minute counts and adds up.

Now each of us are different and unique just as our creations are. Some of these tips may or may not work for you...but hopefully you can benefit from at least one tip. If you have any more questions about scheduling, please contact me through Etsy.

Happy Creating,
Amy Averitte
fAveritte creations

Feature Friday with A. L. Stasiak Photography

Please give a warm welcome to Amy Stasiak and her Etsy shop A. L. Stasiak Photography

Now to discover Amy's creative story and journey...

Spider Web Dreamcatcher

What is your first creative memory?

When I was four years old, my grandmother was crocheting Sesame Street characters for all the grandchildren. I did not know how to crochet so instead I used my magic markers, glue stick, notebook paper, and safety scissors to replicated them. I taped them to the kitchen wall until the whole street was represented.

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

When does one really "become" an artist? I've always loved art and writing. I thought being a writer was my course in life but after seven years of college I began to doubt it. About five years ago, I picked up a camera seriously and never looked back. I absorbed photography like a sponge and taught myself photography and Photoshop by reading old textbooks and surfing the web. I opened a photography studio in Marshall, MI last May.

How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I have been on Etsy since May 5, 2012. My husband stumbled upon the website while looking for a handmade camera case for me for Christmas last year.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name is my studio name, that's who I am- ALStasiakPhotography.

Lucy

Are you an artist full time?

I am a full time artist who pays her bills with her night job at a casino.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by storytelling and the emotions invoked through at image. I like to make people see the wonders that really exist in this world.

Red Pop Zinna

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I love Pandora radio. I'm either listening to the Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Outkast, The Cars, or Patsy Cline station.

Describe your work space

My work space is covered in images I found either in my travels or personal pictures. I love being surrounded by inspiration.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Amy is who I am. I am beloved, pleasant and driven.




Where else can we find you?

www.alstasiakphotography.com

Feature Friday with Amy Kirkpatrick Fine Art

Another wonderful Amy's in the Arts team member featured today!!! Amy Kirkpatrick and her Etsy shop Amy Kirkpatrick Fine Art

Everyone please kindly say "howdy" and get your eyes ready for some real eye candy art!!!

Perched Orange Spot Butterfly

What is your first creative memory?

My parents owned a little small town newspaper when I was very young. They worked long hours so they set up a desk for me with a cigar box full of broken crayons. I was allowed to use any of the colored papers off the bookshelf nearby as long as I wasn't wasteful. I spent hours at "my" desk and when I was probably 5, one of the people that worked in the ad section asked me to draw a school house for them to use in an ad. I was so proud and i started calling myself an artist. I understand now that she needed a child's drawing of stick figures, but at the time, I thought it was because I was such a good artist.

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

I excelled in art through high school but it went on hold once I graduated. I was a legal secretary for a few years until I needed a roommate who turned out to be studying graphic design in college, and she inspired me to go after that degree. I started going to school at night, just two classes a semester, and I was shocked when I made As in both classes my first try. So, I set my goal and didn't lose focus until I graduated with a BFA with an emphasis in graphic design. This was all before computer design, so everything was done on a drafting table. It felt much more artistic back then. I still do graphic design but started promoting my watercolors in 2008 when the market took a dive. I needed something to fill my time because unfortunately, graphic designers are usually the first to get cut in a downsizing. Now, it's hard to break myself away from the freedom of painting.




Hummingbirds

How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I first heard about Etsy from an artist at a local street fair. We got in a conversation and she wrote it down for me. I think I came home and glanced at it, but I didn't think too much about it. I was doing okay selling on eBay. When eBay kept changing their policies and upping their percentage, it became too frustrating, so I took a closer look at Etsy. I loved that it was free to join, listings were only 20 cents each, were for 45 days instead of 7 days, and the Etsy take isn't painful like eBay has become. I've only been selling on Etsy for a little over a year.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop names isn't very creative. I tried to make it my full name, but apparently, there are a few other artists who share my name so it was taken and I had to abbreviate.

Elephants

Are you an artist full time?

Yes, whether I'm painting watercolors or doing graphic design, I am an artist full time.

What inspires you?

Beauty inspires me. There are many wonderful artists on Etsy and when I see one that inspires me, they will get a personal email from me telling them so.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I used to listen to a new age channel on Pandora, but since I upgraded my OS software, I can't get Pandora to work. So, lately it's been CDs of David Gray or Joe Bonamassa.


Describe your work space

I am truly blessed with my work space. It's a huge room over the garage. I have a computer station with Ikea furniture and a table in the middle for creating. I have long shelves on the wall for propping up my current works. There's a sink that is well used and two big windows offer a natural light source.I sometimes host a paint night with friends and my studio is perfect for that.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Amy is a Latin word meaning "Beloved." There weren't any other Amys around when I was little so I thought my name was unusual. Then one day I was at a lake and I kept hearing "Amy!" over and over. I counted four little Amys running around. I was so surprised. I don't really have a feeling about it. My mother wanted to name me Nancy Janine but my father was opposed. I can say I do prefer being called Amy.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Where else can we find you?

Presently, you can see a few of my butterfly watercolors from my 100 Butterflies in 100 Days series in the summer issue of Better Homes & Gardens special edition publication "Real-Life Kitchens and Bath Magazine," page 20, on sale until August 12. This fall, they will be in "DYI Magazine." Every now and then you might find me on eBay (ak_art08). My main website is full of my one-of-a-kind originals: AmyKirkpatrickFineArt.com

Feature Friday with A Full Cup Design

Welcome to our first Amy's in the Arts team member feature in a while...let's all wave hello to Amy H. and her Etsy shop A Full Cup Design...now please raise your arm and wave to your computer screen and say "hello Amy H.!!!"

Now lets discover some of Amy H.'s creations and her story!

What is your first creative memory?

My mother was always sewing. I remember a romper with sailboats on it that she made for me. I cried when I outgrew it. My first projects were sleeping bags and Christmas stockings for all my stuffed animals.

How long have you been an artist and an active business artist?

I can't remember a time when I wasn't sewing or working on a needlepoint project. About 15 years ago, I starting making purses, curtains, and pillows for other people. I took many years off to raise my sons. In 2010, once both boys were in school, I started sewing in earnest for craft shows, and I opened my Etsy shop.


How did you hear about Etsy and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I was a buyer on Etsy for a few years before I opened my own store in 2010. I probably heard about Etsy from my mother-in-law who sells antiques. She has had an Etsy store since the early days.

How did you come up with your shop name?

It is from an English proverb: "A full cup must be carried steadily." I envisioned my fabric creations helping people carry all their gadgets and necessary items with a sense of calmness and fun. In my own life, I try to find smooth waters and lots of laughs.

Are you an artist full time?

No. I have two boys and a house to take care of. I also work as a part-time instructional design editor and researcher.

What inspires you?

Nature, travel, food, books, my family and friends.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

It changes throughout the day - classical in the a.m., some jazz at lunch, and then some rock to get me through the afternoon.

Describe your work space

I work at my dining room table. Our dining room has windows on three sides, so it is the brightest room in the house. We live in the city on a steep hill. Our dining room is above the level of our neighbor's roof, so I feel like I am jutting out into space!

What does being an Amy mean to you?

A good friend to all - thoughtful and considerate, but also a lot of fun.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook

Twitter

Feature Friday...Just a Few of Our Favorites

This featured Friday is just a few of our favorite items from a few members of the Amy's in the Arts team members.

Our leader Amy Richardson from Designami is loving this pair of golden yellow Bohemiam style dangle earrings from Amy Jo and her shop AJBCreations.

Perfect to compliment your summer fashion and fun to wear. Show them off at the beach or wear them with a cute summer dress while browsing the local farmer's markets.

Leader Amy Averitte from fAveritte creations chose these custom made fabric letters from Amy Fowler and her shop Lucary.

Have fun by handing your child a letter and a basket, and having them explore the house and fill the basket with items that begin with that letter...great for helping children learn their letters.

Check back each Friday to see who will be featured from the Amy's in the Arts team!

Featured Friday - Meet the Captain and the Leaders of your Amy's In the Arts Team

To kick off our first Amy's in the Arts features...I would like to introduce you to your fearless leaders and their Etsy shops



Please give a "WOOT WOOT" for our Team Captain:
Amy Dionne and her Etsy shop Heart of Autumn

How long have you been on Etsy?

I'll have my one year Etsyversary on Saturday June 23rd!

Describe your creations in your shop

Art quilts, bags, notebook covers

Are you an artist full-time?

Nope - I have a full-time day job.

What is your goal as our Team Captain?

My goal for the team is an active community of networking in a safe environment.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Names are powerful, and sharing the name Amy creates an instant bond. No matter how different we are, or how different our shops are, we still have
a common element that brings this team together.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Website and Blog

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Now can we hear a "YAY YAY" for team leader:
Amy Richardson and her Etsy shop Designami

How long have you been on Etsy?

 I have been on etsy since 2008, however just became actively involved in 2012. I have joined several teams to include Amys in the Arts, Wired Team, and 2012 Jewelry Making Challenge Team.

 Describe your creations in your shop

I sell jewelry. I really enjoy wire-wrapping tumbled glass, shells, and anything that has a "natural" feel to it. I focus on jewelry making, but have begun to expand my product line to include photography, corn bags, hair accessories, and my favorite: Scarf jewelry. I pride myself on selling my jewelry at reasonable, affordable prices. I sell online but also frequent craft fairs in southern Maine.

Are you an artist full-time?

I am not an artist full-time, but I wish I could be. I work in health care full-time and creating is my way of destressing and it is very much a part of my everyday life.

What is your goal as a Team Leader?

My goal as a leader on this team is to engage the members. I have begun treasury challenges that offers opportunity for members to be promoted by selecting an item from their shop to serve as an "inspiration" for treasuries. I would love to see more members get involved. I also hope to start themed threads for the Amys to showcase holiday items, seasonal items, etc.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Being an Amy means being unique, being compassionate, helpful, and a friend. My shop name is Designami which is a french twist on "Designs by Amy" and "Designs for friends". "ami" in french means friend.

Where else can we find you?

I am not a social networking kind of girl, so you won't find me on facebook, twitter, etc. I focus on promoting on Etsy. I do have a website where I advertise my upcoming craft fairs. Visit my website at: www.designami.com


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Give a "ZING ZING" for your team leader:
Amy Averitte and her Etsy shop fAveritte creations

How long have you been on Etsy?

I joined Etsy as a buyer in 2009, but did not list anything in my shop until January of 2011.

Describe your creations in our shop

Fun, unique, bright, silly, custom and personalized decor and handmade toys for the young and young at heart!

Are you an artist full-time?

I am very blessed to be able to be an artist full-time and stay at home with my toddler son.

What is your goal as a Team Leader?

I will be featuring Amy's in the Arts team members on our team blog. My goal is to help provide another source of promotion and marketing to help broaden traffic to our shops and web presence.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

Strength. Creative soul. Caring. An abundant amount of sillyness and dancing. A passion for life and complete joy in the small things.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Pinterest

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And finally a "YOW YOW" for team leader:
Amy Barber and her Etsy shop ellasue designs

We will have to catch up with Amy Barber later on...she will be in charge of keeping up with our team Twitter.

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Please check back every Friday to discover Amy's, Aimee's, Amie's, Amee's...ok you get the idea...and their stories behind their creations and shops!

Treasury Inspiration Creation & Last Weeks Winning Treasury

Hi Team! Here's a fun game we can play that will help increase our teams exposure and will support Amys in the Arts!

Here are the rules:
-Create a treasury including the inspiration item in the first 2 rows.
-Try to include other "Amy" shops in your treasuries to help promote each other
-Create as many treasuries as you wish - Post your challenge treasuries in this thread
-The featured shop will choose their favorite treasury as the winner of the challenge
-The curator of the winning treasury will pick an item from their shop to serve as the inspiration piece for the following week, and we play again.
-Please tag your treasury "GoTeamAmy"
-The challenges will run for 5 days beginning on Monday and ending on Friday evening. This will allow the winner 2 days to choose their inspiration item for the next challenge.

Check out the team thread and view other treasuries created around the inspiration item here.

This weeks inspiration item is...

Gypsy Earrings, MYSTIQUE, Big earrings, Colorful, dangle earrings, bohemian jewelry, gypsy jewelry by AJB Creations

Check out Amy Jo's treasury Eye Popping Color! from last week that was chosen with the inspiration item from fAveritte creations - a pair of bright custom peace sign pillows.