Seller of the Month: purposedesign

Julie - Montreal - Canada



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

My name is Julie Pedersen, I am the brains (and brawn) behind purpose design. I run things out of my design lab in Montreal, Quebec. I have been designing homewares for about 4 years now.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

The products I sell are mostly kitchen-related, magnetic spice racks, spice kits and the like. I am kind of a foodie, so designing food-related things is very satisfying for my inner chef.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

Well, I really wanted to start selling my work online. I painstakingly designed a web site in the summer of 2006 that no one ever visited (but me) and I thought, there's got to be a better way to get my stuff out there! Then I saw an article about Etsy in one of my fave magazines, Dwell. The rest is history, baby.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

I started making handmade items when I was becoming very tired of being an art director in advertising. It was an outlet for me to create what I thought was cool.

As for the type of products I make, that goes back to a downtown apartment I lived in with a VERY small kitchen (read closet). I had to be creative with storage, so I made a magnetized spice rack for myself because I was tired of spices raining down on me when I opened my overflowing kitchen cabinets. Friends suggested that I try to sell them to other space-challenged individuals, so I gave it a try.

I've had a great experience on Etsy and a good reaction to my products I think because they are very different from a lot of what is being sold there. I think that having an interesting product that sets you apart is a common theme to many other seller's success on Etsy. So I guess my advice is to create something fresh and interesting and people will find you and love you for it. And always try to be a nice person.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

I am currently designing a line of blackboard homewares, an area that I have experimented with before. I have magnetic blackboard coasters up in my Etsy shop now that are getting a great response. (you should go take a look, wink, wink)
I am REALLY excited to get the rest of my new line up for sale on Etsy soon.

I am also dreaming of designing a kids line sometime later this year, or maybe next year, I'm a busy girl.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

I love indie design and support it with all my heart because design is SO important in my life. All big, fantastic, life-altering design starts with one person with an idea. It's humbling when you think about it.

I still find it amazing that I can create things and put them out there in the world and other people want to hold them and look at them and own them. That's one of the best parts of my creative process. I find that totally cool and gratifying.

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you could have a wild animal for a pet, what kind would you have?

Um, something that would scare away the squirrels and pigeons that are living in my roof. A cougar? An elephant? Of course, then I would have a cougar or elephant to deal with...

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Seller of the Month: Ottoman

Summer - Oregon - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

My name is Summer (yet, I usually go by Ottoman) and I have a BFA in Sculpture and Printmaking. Crafting has been my way to be creative, yet be a mom.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

I opened my shop with the Moss Collection, items that have been needle felted to look like moss. I really tried to push the moss idea in as many ways possible, which includes: pincushions, sachets (most of which can be used as pincushions), accessories, jewelery, and housewares. I will also be debuting my new Cork Collection this week which is very exciting!

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

What attracted me to Etsy is that it is visually stunning and clean-lined, I opened my own shop as a creative outlet and to start my own business without overhead. It's also wonderful to be associated with a website that promotes handmade items.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

I started making handmade items as a child, but in regard to crafting, I just recently started this adventure; prior to crafting, I concentrated on fine art. I started selling on Etsy in October of 2007. I'm pretty new to Etsy, but my tip for current/future sellers is to make what you love!

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

I have so many favorites on Etsy! I tend to be drawn toward work that has a lot of thought behind it, similar to conceptual art; I also love things with clean lines, and work that has been made with sensitivity to the environment...oh, and I do like kitcsh.

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! Would you rather live in Antarctica or the Sahara?

I guess the Sahara; I think I would have a better chance at survival.

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seller of the month - GoBuggy

Machiko Munakata - Illinois - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

My name is Machiko Munakata and I am a mom, wife, in my 30s, hooked on toys, who couldn't train her dog.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

I make felt foods. I started to make them so my daughter and I could play with them.
I pick foods that are familiar from my upbringing, and foods that I liked the aesthetics of.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

I was introduced to Etsy from a friend also a seller (kristinpavelka). I love the fact that I do come across a shop far away from my town. I also like the conveniece since I have a baby girl and it was easy to set up. The customers have been very nice and supportive. I think that is why I want to stick with Etsy.

I also like finding quirky wonderful people who can share my weird interests.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

My background is in Ceramic/Sculpture so I have been making things with my hands for a while. I started Etsy in Sept of 2007 and the store is especially inspired by the birth of my daughter. I am a newbie so i don't have good tips but I have learned from others that making something that I like is the most important thing-- And I agree. I think you can see that in other shops and I hope that comes through in mine.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

This is always a difficult question to answer. Well, if I can promote Etsy in general, that might be easier for me. I always think that buying handmade things are not just buying a product, but also sharing and supporting the maker's vision and piece of their world.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

I have not had the pleasure to cruise through many shops yet--- I hear there are close to 100,000 shops? But few I have found are lovely prints (Deardodo and yellowmonday) and potteries (kristinpavelka--- okay, she is my friend but she is quite the potter). I also love shops that have toys, characters that the seller has made up. I probably cruise through Geekery more often more than other categories. Geekery moves the world go around!!!

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! What is your mostest favorite kind of sandwich?

As of now, it is French Dip. The sandwich can be swimming in that dip.

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seller of the month - fringe

Dennice Mankarious - California - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

Dennice Mankarious, wife, mother, sister, daughter. fiber fanatic. perfectionist.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

i design scarves, cowls, shrugs, capelets, shawls, lariats and many other items. i have a wide range of fashion styles from high drama to urban prairie to appeal to everyone, i hope. i feel that accessories make the outfit, and are a perfect form of personal expression. i make my creations in hopes that whoever wears one of my items will feel self-confident and divine.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

i sell on etsy because it's the perfect venue for my life style. it gives me a lot of freedom and the site is designed in such a fabulous way that you can give your shop your own personal style very easily. it has been an excellent learning experience for me and i have been very successful on etsy. plus, i'm my own boss. yippee!

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

i started selling my creations several years ago, but not seriously. i didn't become focused and serious until i joined etsy back in January of this year. my humble advice to sellers is to do your research, take pride in your work, take good photos and list frequently. etsy's wikki has wonderful articles to help everyone who wants to take their shop on etsy seriously. it's how i did it. i didn't have a mentor, i just read everything i could lay my hands on that etsy had to offer me.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

i have many shops and sellers that i adore here. i will say that leavesofglass, talula, boringsidney and bayousalvage are my top four. and they are all run by exceptional businesswomen.

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you could live in any shaped house (a round house, a hexagonal house...), what would you like to live in?

i think of all the shapes out there in this big, beautiful world i would choose a u-shaped house with squared corners. the inside of the "u" would be floor to ceiling windows overlooking the center of the "u" which would have a swanky pool and lounge area. yep. a girl can dream can't she?

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seller of the month: WeeFolkOutfitters

Sean Fulkerson - Youngstown - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

I'm a furry little gnome of guy who goes by the name Sean Fulkerson and makes fairy doors for a living.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

I offer a variety of fairy doors that I handcraft from solid knotty pine. I have about ten standard designs I came up with, but each door I make takes on a personality of its own -- it's all up to the wood. I also have a gnome outhouse I make (which I really need to list on Etsy), and I've been planning on making windows but just haven't had the time.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

Etsy was mentioned to me by an acquaintance a few months ago. I really liked the idea of a "handmade only" website, but wasn't sure my doors would sell there. So I lurked on the site for a while, reading the forums and trying to get a feel for "how things work". I sell almost exclusively on Etsy now.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

I've been making stuff from wood since I was a wee gnome living in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. Even though I've never been a stranger to sawdust or hammers, my first real attempt at making money from woodworking was only about four years ago. I made up some grapevine wreaths with a wooden character in the center -- Santas, snowmen, angels -- and ended up selling quite a few of them. After that, I went into furniture making -- Mission and Shaker style tables. That didn't go so well (small shop, big stuff). This past summer was when I was first introduced to fairy doors. An online friend who knew I made stuff asked if I could make her some fairy doors. At first, I thought she was nuts. But then I started researching them and ultimately found my true calling. I love making the things.

The only real tips I have for anyone thinking of selling their crafts on Etsy is that you *have* to participate in the community. Get on the chat rooms. Participate in the forums. Sell yourself without selling yourself out (or short). I've made some great friends on Etsy in just a short while.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

Why buy fairy doors from me? I've been told mine are the finest fairy doors on the web -- and not just by Etsy buyers. If you're looking for something really unique that can't be had for any money at Walmart, check out my doors. They're fun for kids of all ages and look as good in the garden or next to a tree as they do on a bookshelf or against a baseboard. The trick is to put them in non-obvious spaces -- let them be discovered instead of shown off.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

One of my favorite shops on Etsy is Spidercamp's. We've bought two of her goofy bunnies so far. My daughter has taken possession of "crap" bunny and won't give it back until "yippee!" bunny gets here.

Otherwise, I think everyone should watch where they step so as not to squish any wee folk.

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you could invent a new flavored chocolate, what kind would you pick?

Bacon. Bacon smothered in chocolate would be killer (or chocolate smothered in bacon).

Featured Items

seller of the month: kimwestad

Kim Westad - New York City - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

My name is Kim Westad and I'm a ceramic artist currently working out of my studio in the Bronx.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

I'm currently focusing on functional ceramics using porcelain- bowls, cups, vases and my favorite, Whirls. 2007 has been an amazing year for my work. I've designed and produced three new collections and have been very happy to have my work recognized by several media outlets including House Beautiful and Las Vegas Home and Design Magazines.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

I'm currently selling in boutiques and galleries throughout the U.S., as well as online through Etsy. Etsy has been a wonderful resource, allowing me to present my work to a huge online community. I've sold pieces to clients in Singapore, Australia, Canada and the U.S.. It's allowed me to reach a much broader retail audience as well as introduce my work to galleries and wholesale buyers.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

I've been making handmade items for as long as I can remember, though I only started my ceramics business in 2004. On a whim, I started selling on Etsy in January 2007. It turned out to be one of the best business decisions I've made.

I think that presentation is everything and I make sure to present my work and myself in a professional manner. I take pride in offering quality pieces as well as concentrating on customer service. I do my best to make sure that the descriptions of my work are clear and my photographs accurately represent the work. Good communication is a must.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

I know that my quality of life is definitely dependent upon my surroundings. It's probably true for most people, but I am certainly more comfortable and happy when I am surrounded by the people, animals and things that I love. That thought goes into each piece that I make. I work very hard to design and produce unique, quality pieces that I hope my customers will be happy to use and have in their homes. My work is very much about the process, working with each piece from inception to completion. I live with each piece throughout that process (which sometimes lasts several weeks), though I know that the work ultimately doesn't belong to me. Each Whirl, bowl, cup or vase is created with the hope that it will enhance the surroundings of its new owner.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

It's October and I'm still waiting for Fall in New York.....

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you had a tree house, what would you put in it?:

Indoor plumbing.

Featured Items

seller of the month: sudlow

Rachael Sudlow - Kansas - USA



WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):

My name is Rachael Sudlow, I'm a mid 20's full time artist. I live in the heart of the midwest in Kansas & and I'm slightly OCD about making my work...at least I love it, because i'm constantly creating. You can always find new designs in my shop at least weekly.

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

http://sudlow.etsy.com is my main selling outlet & I peddle my jewelry. For the most part, I make what I think I'd like to wear & then post it on etsy & see how the reactions are. Pieces like my Peapods & Monet's Waterlilies series have been bestsellers. I'm always on the hunt for new colors & beads & trying to learn new techniques.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

Because it's the best full time job I've ever had. I quit my dull office job & haven't looked back. It's really fulfilling to work with customers directly & to create new pieces based on their preferences.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):

I started making art & jewelry ages ago, back in highschool. I went to the Rhode Island School of Design & that further pushed me. After leaving school I worked a regular job for awhile + just making items for myself. when I discovered etsy in November 2005, I was hooked. Things have gotten better & better from there & I've learned a lot. I always put 100% into my shop & my work, & I think it reflects that. I tell people the key to selling is quality pieces & good photography. Fast, good customer service is always a plus & doing custom work doesnt hurt as well.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

Because you're getting an original work of art. Most of my pieces start from the basics...a plain sheet of metal, a few beads & some chain...I hand saw, form & solder all my pieces, including small components like clasps. I have amazing customer service & often get custom special orders done within HOURS rather than days. I'm willing to alter & customize my pieces to suit your needs, whether it be a different color, a special stamped message or the length or size.

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should check out, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

I'm heavily involved with my street team, EtsyMetals. They are my creative muses & a great sounding board for my work. Our group site is http://www.etsymetal.com & it has a listing of all the members & showcases some incredible talent that's worth checking out.

Also, if anyone is in the NE Kansas region, I teach at the Lawrence Arts Center in Lawrence, KS...I'm happy to get new people in to hammer, saw & create.

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you could design your own wellies, what would you want on them?::

Bumblebees...I'm really into bugs right now.

Featured Items

seller of the month: MyHandboundBooks

each month i will be supporting an etsy seller who i believe creates unique and interesting items. the first seller of the month is myhandboundbooks! :D


WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):



Rhonda Miller - Nova Scotia - Canada



I am a bookbinder - unemployed librarian & web developer - mommy & spouse.

shop MyHandboundBooks.Etsy.com
blog MyHandboundBooks.Blogspot.com
email pertelote [!at] ns.sympatico.ca

WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):

MyHandboundBooks.etsy.com is my shop. I make books. Lately I have been doing most of my books with limp leather covers, but I also enjoy making hardcover books using as much Japanese paper as possible. I especially like to learn about really old bookbinding traditions, and then try to replicate them.

WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):

When I first decided to sell online, I went to Ebay because I thought it was the easiest option. Since then a number of people recommended Etsy and when I finally took the time to check it out, I loved it instantly. So I switched to Etsy as my main outlet.

WHEN (When did you start making handmade items?

I started bookbinding about six years ago when I took my first bookbinding course. In an previous life I tried making and selling jewlery. And even before that, my mother and I did a lot of crafts using dried flowers and wicker, very trendy at the time, and people bought the stuff...but that was a long time ago.

When did you start selling on Etsy?

I joined Etsy in March 2007. At that time, I was working full time at an office job and seemed to have a lot of downtime so I was able to do a lot of the early work setting up the shop and preparing listings on company time.

Any tips for current/future sellers?):

Make your photographs as good as you possibly can. Of course we are not all photographers, but it is really important to have nice pictures. If you take some photos and they are blurry, then start again and take new ones! Don't ever use blurry photos.

WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):

I want to make books that people will like, and so far, people seem to like them. I want to make books that are functional, durable, beautiful, and unique, and they are. I try to make each of my books unique so if you have one of my books, you can be pretty sure that nobody else has one quite like it!

FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should check out, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):

Everyone needs to see this video on YouTube, especially if you are a book person in any capacity. Even better if you are a book person who has worked in the IT industry.

The Medieval Helpdesk - A monk is learning to use a new technology (the book) and has to contact the help desk for user support.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ

Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! What is your favorite constellation?:

I like The Hunter, mainly because I can always find him and be sure that it is him. Most constellations elude me and I am never sure if I'm looking at ursa major or ursa minor :\

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