Member Feature - Chester and Lola

Name: Sara Rothko Hauschildt
Shop Name: Chester and Lola
Brief Product Description: Jewelry, cards, and gifts for people who love birds


What is unique about your product? I focus solely on imagery involving birds, both in the papers I use and the jewelry components I include.

How did you get started? I just got sick of seeing so much wonderful handmade stuff and thinking "I could do that" -- but never actually doing it. Finally I just decided to DO it.

Where do you get your inspiration? My two lovely parakeets (that would be Chester and Lola), wild birds... also from the steampunk movement and the magazines put out by Somerset Studio.


What excites you most about your work/shop? That people really like the product!

Describe your workspace/workroom. We have an extra bedroom in our house and so I have an entire room with a table, some shelves, and a window seat! There's also a sofa bed for a little inspirational nap. ;-)

Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? Face to face is a lot easier. I'm not very adept at marketing online yet.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? If I can still do this, I'd love to be doing it!


What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? My creativity.

What do you like about EtsyAustin? It's a great group that provides lots of encouragement and support to its members!

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. I'm a barista and obsessed with pulling the perfect shot of espresso.

You can find more Chester And Lola at...
Chester And Lola's Etsy Shop
Chester And Lola's Website
Chester And Lola's Fan Page

Member Feature - GemJunkie

Name: Kelly Owens Pratlett
Shop Name: GemJunkie
Brief Product Description: Gemstones and Jewelry Supplies online, handmade earrings and necklaces in person

What is unique about your product? I try to choose really fun, bright, colors and whimsical shapes for my supply shop so that the selection is different than what the average jewelry supply shop carries. What makes my handmade jewelry unique is the price point. All my earrings sell for $5/pair. I do this because I think it's really important for women to have fun, funky, unique accessories that don't cost a small fortune. I love variety and I like my customers to be able to afford variety as well.

How did you get started? My sister saw a necklace that she loved in an Anthropologie catalog. It was over $100. She couldn't afford it and she thought she might be able to make something similar. So, she did some research online, ordered some supplies and a month later she taught me how to make jewelry. The rest is history.


Where do you get your inspiration? I am inspired by everything: nature, gemstones, bead stores, other artisans, my family, magazines. There is style everywhere and you can use what you see and morph into something totally your own.

What excites you most about your work/shop? About a year ago, my husband allowed me to take over the second half of our office. So, I hung one of those old accordion-shaped drying racks on the wall. Then, I hung hundreds of strands of beads, in rainbow order, onto the rack. I call it my "inspiration wall". Any time I get stuck and need an idea, I just stare up at all the gems and beads hanging there and something calls my name. It's instant jewelry-making gratification!

Describe your workspace/workroom. My workspace is one of our spare bedrooms. It has a vintage couch, a teal-blue accent wall, two desks (one for making jewelry and the other for packing orders) and more shelves than you can shake a stick at.


Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? I don't have a preference. I think they both have totally separate advantages and disadvantages. That's one of the reasons I sell supplies online and my handmade goods in person. I love to talk about my craft and what inspires me to create. So, in-person marketing works really well for me and my earrings. I sell supplies online because they're a little bit less personal. If you take really great photographs and can write a killer description of the supplies, they pretty much sell themselves.

The key to being successful online is customer service. If you get an order on Monday, you should ship it Tuesday. This is a mantra I live by because, as someone who makes jewelry and sells supplies, I can't tell you how frustrated I've been, waiting over a week to receive an order I placed for supplies I needed, like, yesterday. I am not a patient person and I think most crafters are similar. They choose supplies as they need them, not in anticipation of what their next creative endeavor may be. So, like I said, ship your orders, and similarly, answer questions, in a timely fashion. I strive to answer any convo I get on Etsy the same day I receive it. So, if I don't have a definitive answer for the person writing to me, I still respond and let them know I'm working on it for them. Going the extra mile earns you a loyal following.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? Oh, gosh. I'm pretty happy with the way things are trending right now. I hit 1,500 sales in my Etsy shop in April 2010, so in five years, maybe I'll have 5,000+ sales. Maybe I will have developed an earring line I can sell online rather than just in person.

What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? My ability to give great customer service. With my earrings, I'm always willing to customize them to make they're something a customer really wants and will wear. With my supplies, I try really hard to answer questions as soon as I get them and ship orders the same day or next day at the latest.


What do you like about EtsyAustin? I like the sharing of ideas, the ability to be inspired by other people and their crafts and the friendships that I've made.

What do you think makes EtsyAustin Street Team unique? Austin makes the EtsyAustin Street Team unique. I feel like the culture of Austin is the kind that fosters creativity, open-mindedness and friendliness. That being said, I think EtsyAustin is particularly unique because of the sheer spectrum of artists we have. People make everything from felted purses to jewelry to clothing to fimo clay sculptures to feather-covered headbands.

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. There's nothing particularly surprising about me. My sister is Tracy of polishedtwo, and she's the one who taught me to make jewelry. Our mom was crafty our whole lives, making us sock monkey, dolls and doll clothes when we were little. She still dabbles in crafts, from crocheting flowers to wet-felting purses and making cute, little bubble refrigerator magnets.

You can find more GemJunkie at...
GemJunkie's Etsy Shop
GemJunkie's Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
Kelly's Facebook Page

Feature - LovePeaceFamily

Name: Bridget Reynolds

Shop Name: lovepeacefamily
Brief Product Description: handmade for the whole family


What is unique about your product? I create a lot of my designs. Some things are inspired by other craft projects, but for the most part I like to come up with things that are totally unique.

How did you get started? I think the craft bug bit when I was still in the womb. I have been doing something artistic or crafty for as long as I can remember.

Where do you get your inspiration? Mostly, my family. My husband and daughter are a constant force of support, love and inspiration. Usually when I come up with a new idea for a project, it is because I have had the thought, "I can make this for C, or M!"

What excites you most about your work/shop? The end product. Since almost everything starts out as just an idea floating around in my head, I am never sure what will work and what wont. I like the satisfying feeling of seeing the real version of a thought, even if it didn't come out right the first time - which is usually the case!

Describe your workspace/workroom. Ha! Non-existent! I use our dining room for a work room. It is a total pain, and I am eagerly waiting to get an actual work space.


Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? Both! Online there is always so much more to see. Your market can change every day and you can showcase so much more of your product. But you lose out on really connecting with your customers. Buying something handmade is so much more personal and even more so when you get to meet the person who made it.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? I have no idea, gave up on trying to predict the future a long time ago. Sometimes the journey is far more important than the destination.

What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? Imagination.


What do you like about EtsyAustin? Networking with some truly gifted people in the Austin craft/art community.

What do you think makes EtsyAustin Street Team unique? The effort the team puts into being part of the local scene. We all love our city and I know that is a huge part of what makes our team thrive.

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. I tend to be a jack of all trades within the art spectrum. I have studied painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and print making during college. I have also taught myself how to sew, knit, and make pretty pictures with pixels. If it's artsy or crafty, I have either done it...or will get to it eventually!

Etsy shop: lpfdesigns.etsy.com

Blog: lpfdesigns.com
Facebook: LPFDesigns
Twitter: @lovepeacefamily

Renegade Craft Fair - Austin

Right now, at least a dozen EtsyAustin team members are gearing up and getting ready for this coming weekend's huge and highly anticipated Renegade Craft Fair.

The Renegade Craft Fair is a large-scale Do-It-Yourself event featuring hundreds of independent artists and their unique handmade items. RCF is held in cities across the US every year - including Brooklyn, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles & now Austin! The fair is known for being one of the first events of its kind, and for having top-notch indie-craft artists and designers who travel from all over the map to participate.

The fairs are juried, so that only the best arts and crafts are available. At RCF you’ll find all sorts of cool handmade stuff including clothing, housewares, posters and prints, plush items, ceramics, jewelry, stationery, and more. The fairs also feature choice local eateries, marching bands, entertainers, DJ’s, raffles, workshops, photobooths, and other festivities!

This FREE TO ATTEND craft, art, design, and DIY spectacular will run May 15 & 16, from 11am – 7pm each day, and will be held at the Palmer Events Center! Get a sneak-peek of who will be setting up shop at this year’s Austin event on the Artist Page!

The Palmer Events Center is located at 900 Barton Springs Road and offers low-cost parking in their garage adjacent to the building!

This event is huge and you won't want to miss it! See you there!

Feature - eebits

Names: Will and Elizabeth O’Connor
Shop Name: ebits eco-friendly handmade jewelry
Brief Product Description: eco-friendly jewelry and more

What is unique about your product? We use eco-friendly materials, packaging, and keep a green shop. Our products are very affordable for everyday wear, and nothing is off limits. Right now, we’re making jewelry with recycled guitar picks, and we’ve been known to make jewelry from leftover Lego blocks, recycled bottle glass, and anything else that we can think of.

How did you get started? Elizabeth was in a car accident in July 2009, which resulted in losing her job. Since she was unable to work and stuck at home, she began creating jewelry to keep busy and feel productive. Friends and strangers commented on how we should sell our jewelry, so that’s what we’ve been doing. Since our main objective is not to make money, but to have fun and to have others enjoy our products, we keep our prices as affordable as possible.

Where do you get your inspiration? From our kids, from nature, from other crafters, and mostly out of thin air.

What excites you most about your work/shop? It’s great to be able to make jewelry in our house while the kids are playing, sleeping, or making a mess.

Describe your workspace/workroom. We do not have a designated workspace, which makes life interesting. Usually, there are various trays of beads and findings on out-of-reach counter tops. We use ice-cube trays, cleaned egg cartons, or any other containers we can find around the house to work with. We also use all recycled packing materials.

Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? Face-to-face sales are preferable. Certainly it’s less work to bring your products and allow people to see them in person than to try and portray their value in photographs and online descriptions. But since we have two small children and “day jobs,” it’s not always practical to make it to live shows. We are somewhat limited to online sales.

Where would you like to see yourselves in 5 years? Aside from healing from the accident, I think we would like things to stay pretty much the same. Obviously, our kids will be older, but perhaps we will have another child by then, and perhaps not. We’d like to keep the jewelry business because it is fun and we hope that people enjoy our products. We consider it “art therapy.” We’ve also thought about hosting Jewelry Parties, where our friends can select the beads and materials they like, and we will construct their jewelry for them.

What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? Sense of humor! Between the children and recovering from injuries, we are so thankful for all that we have. When things don’t go as planned, all we can do is be grateful that we have each other. When we make mistakes, we try to laugh and learn, and we hope that we’re teaching our children to do the same.

What do you like about EtsyAustin? If making jewelry is our Art Therapy, then EtsyAustin is our Support Group. As a newer member of the team (we joined last Fall), we didn’t know what to expect. But we have received invaluable advice and support from the team. Even folks who have never met us are willing to provide their support. This may include loaning us a table for a show, or suggesting helpful hints for our business, and everything in between. Despite the variety of people on our team, we are all committed to each other's success. We expected just a small amount of competition between team members, but it’s just not there. It’s the opposite. We all support and encourage each other. It’s an amazing environment that we’re lucky to be a part of.

What do you think makes EtsyAustin Street Team unique? The EtsyAustin Street Team is as Weird as Austin. The products and artisans that make up the team are so varied—from baby products to screen-printed items, to needlecrafts and jewelry. There are a lot of us who make jewelry, but we were surprised how unique each jeweler is from the others. The team has very experienced artists who create extremely valuable art pieces, and there are folks like us, who make everyday fun stuff. And Team EtsyAustin members make everything in between.

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. Will is from California, and Elizabeth is from Michigan. We met in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2000. We have two young boys, Max (5) and Sean Henry (18 months). We live in Pflugerville (between a Rock and a Weird place).

Derby Days Trunk Show & Spring Fashion Event

Soigné Boutique will be hosting is FREE spring fashion show and event this coming Thursday, April 22, 2010. The show will feature a Kentucky Derby theme and complimentary Mint JulepsBuffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon prepared by Master Mixologist Garrett Mikell.

Misha Maynerick Blaise, a new member of Team EtsyAustin, will have a trunk show as part of the event.

Thursday, April 22, 6 - 8pm, Fashion Show at 6:30

4800 Burnet Road, Suite 420

Soigné Boutique offers Austin women a nice selection of trendy yet affordable clothes, jewelry and accessories.

Lone Star Ladies Present Shop Austin

This event is not to be missed! Meet the Vendors and check out the excellent selection of EtsyAustin Team members participating this Saturday.

Be one of the first 30 shoppers and get a Goodie Bag filled with awesome items like jewelry, accessories, mini wallets, magnets, t-shirts, tote bags, coupons to dozens of local business, plus so much more!

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $10. Cash only at the door, please. $5 of each ticket sale goes to the scholarship, FRONTIER.

Parking available in nearby garages and free on the street.

Feature - Illustrated ink

Name: Leila Hijazi
Shop Name: Illustrated Ink
Brief Product Description: Painted wood pieces, plaster sculptures, paper goods, and prints.


What is unique about your product? People seem to find my colorful combination of folk art and tattoo design unique.

How did you get started? I've always created art, but 3 years ago, I decided to dedicate myself to it full-time. With the development of more venues for artists to sell their creations on-line, I felt it was the right time to be true to myself and give my art a chance. I quit my day job and became completely focused on getting my business off the ground. I haven't looked back since!

Where do you get your inspiration? My work is inspired by old school tattoo design, "Day of the Dead", Catholic icons, and folk art.

What excites you most about your work/shop? I love getting up in the morning, knowing my day will be filled with painting. I get very excited when I get a new idea for something I'd like to create, and I can't wait to list it in my Etsy shop.

Describe your workspace/workroom. My studio walls are a deep red, and have shelves from the floor to the ceiling (my awesome boyfriend and his Dad built them for me). The shelves are filled with my found objects, vintage treasures, plaster pieces I've cast, supplies, and occasionally a napping cat. I also have a computer desk, printers, a table for shipping and supplies, and a large painting space. My favorite spot in my studio, is my "Catholic Corner", it's filled with Catholic statues and prints. Most of the pieces are vintage. I also have a rosary and prayer card collection. This area in my studio is always inspiring to me.


Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? I definitely prefer on-line sales. I'm not shy, until it comes to selling my art in person. People that visit my booth are always complimentary and kind. It definitely makes me feel great to see people enjoying my work, but It's been a struggle for me to be comfortable talking about myself and my art. I've met so many great people on-line and in person, and I love that part of the business.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? I'd like for Illustrated Ink to continue to grow, and to still be enjoying selling my work on Etsy and at select shows. Hopefully, having more time for myself that isn't so business consumed.

What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? Organization! You have got to juggle e-mails, keeping your on-line store updated, shipping, creating new pieces, preparing for shows, ordering supplies, and keeping track of your financial numbers. Meanwhile, you still have to fit in your life and time for those that are most important to you. You definitely need to be organized, or things will start slipping through the cracks.

What do you like about EtsyAustin? I love that EtsyAustin is local and involved in getting art out to the community! I love my city, and I am thrilled to be part of a homegrown team.

What do you think makes EtsyAustin Street Team unique? I think the regular meetings are unique and an important part of any team. I'm looking forward to meeting the other artists and getting to know them.

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. Before I became a full-time artist, I was a personal trainer specializing in boxing. I still have a few clients that come to my house weekly and I train them in punching technique and on the heavy bag. It's a great workout and good stress relief! :)

EtsyAustin @ 78704 for SXSW - Meet Your Crafters!

Please allow me to introduce Stacey Samuels of vintagerehab.etsy.com. She has been making great old finds even better for 3 years. She told me “My fascination with vintage jewelry and love of design inspired me to create new family heirlooms out of vintage treasures. I hunt for the most beautiful antique lockets, pins, tie clips, beads, chains, clasps and other vintage finds. Then, I transform them from someone else's castoffs into your very own fortunate find.“ Seeing something great in what others think is a lost cause is where she excels.

Lori Hooks of adornmodern.etsy.com has been making jewelry for over 10 years, but metalsmithing for 2 and a half years, which is a medium near and dear to my heart. Lori told me that she began by making jewelry for friends and family for birthdays, weddings, and other occasions. I had to know how she came to metal work and she said “I had wanted to try my hand at metalsmithing for years. When I finally took a class, I couldn't believe I waited so long. Most of my current designs are in sterling and copper, but I am trying to incorporate more stones and beads again.” I can attest that once you pick up a hammer it is hard to put down.

Tina Lewis of tinalewis.etsy.com is a favorite of my sister—she is a sucker for anything having to do with pottery. Luckily, Tina’s work is impeccable. She has been working with pottery since she was a teenager, but has had her own home studio for about 3 years. Tina told me “My sister and I learned pottery in high school from a local potter in our neighborhood. She was a great teacher and went way beyond the ceramics offered at our local public school. I am inspired by all the wonderful potters and ceramic artists in Austin, Texas and the World.”

Ebits eco-friendly jewelry is one of our great duos. Will and Elizabeth O'Connor of ebitsjewelry.com have been making jewelry for 12 years. Elizabeth told me that out of a tragedy came a new way to connect with the world. “I was injured in a car accident last summer, and was unable to work. So, I started spending more time making jewelry to keep from getting cabin fever, and I started selling it online and at shows.

Pauline Jacobson of coralreefdreams.etsy.com has been making jewelry for 3 years, but has been in the art world for much longer. “I have been an artist/crafter since childhood. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, and in 2001, after a 30-year career in graphic design, technical illustration, and cartography, I began a new career as an artist, mostly doing watercolor painting and photography. I began designing and making artisan jewelry about 3 years ago, and became hooked, so now that's what I do full time. I feel like I have found my calling at last!"

You never know where you will find you next great inspiration as AJ Kosarek of AJthePurple.etsy.com found. She has been knitting for over a year, and drawing forever, and told me that her handmade creatures were inspired by another crafter. “I came across some knit creatures and decided I needed to learn how to make them. Luckily a friend and my mother-in-law were both willing knitting teachers.”

And finally there is me, Megan Russell. My shop name is demiduval.etsy.com where I sell my metal work. I have been creating functional items out of steel for 9 years, but I came to the craft by accident. I answered an add in the paper to be an artist’s assistant thinking I would answer phones and fetch dry cleaning. When I arrived at my interview I was asked to work with large machines and hammers. It all worked out well. As it turns out I like to hit stuff.

There are many more crafters who will be out tomorrow, so stop by and check everyone out. We hope to see you this weekend. Have a great time at SXSW!

EtsyAustin @ 78704 for SXSW - Meet Your Crafters!

This Saturday March 20^th EtsyAustin will be out at the 1600 block of South Congress. For those of you who are not familiar with that area, look for the air stream trailer with the giant cupcake on top and the little village of white tents. If you have not checked out Hey Cupcake! it is worth the line you will have to stand in. For those of you not familiar with the EtsyAustin team, I will introduce you to a few of them now.

I will start with Kelly Owens Pratlett of GemJunkie.etsy.com. She has the coolest and most reasonably priced earrings in town. She has been making jewelry for 6 years and she has it down pat. When I asked how it all started for her she said, “My sister saw a necklace in a catalog that she really wanted but couldn't afford. So, she did some research online, ordered all the supplies, and we taught ourselves how to make jewelry. We've both progressed since then, but that's literally how the magic happened!" I love that wanting to make her sister happy turned into a business.

If you are a bath nut, Samantha Hlavaty is someone you need to get to know. At her store NepenthesBathtime.etsy.com you will find great soaps for everyone you know. My favorite is the glow in the dark bubble bath, which I am not to visit my nieces without. She has been honing her craft for 6 years now, and although creating soap and bath products began as a hobby and a way to diffuse after a stressful day of work, that hobby has morphed into a full time business. Samantha told me that “As a child, I loved to raid my mom's gardens and make little concoctions using the flowers and herbs... really I have loved bath products, aromatherapy and botanicals for as long as I can remember. This love met with my background in Art, 3D Animation, and Design to create the Nepenthe's Bathtime line.”

Now we move on to Jasmine Turner who has been making jewelry for 5 years. You can find all of her fantastic work at thejasminegallery.etsy.com. She told me “I began making jewelry because I wanted to make unique pieces for me to wear, and I also thought it might be a good creative outlet. I grew up in a crafty family doing stained glass, pottery, sewing and many other art forms, and I knew that I wanted to continue learning new skills. I initially invested a lot of money into my set-up over a few years, buying ropes of pearls and every gemstone I could find, but at the time I had a very busy job as a project coordinator for a natural gas company in north Texas. I quit that position at the beginning of 2009 to travel internationally, and came to Austin at the end of last year to focus on my creative side. It's been one of the best decisions I ever made! I have really grown as a jewelry designer, have a great set of calluses, and have finally begun to see some monetary profit as well!” Be sure to drop by this Saturday to check on this traveler's take on jewelry.

And now an introduction to Carol Bradley of CarolBradley.etsy.com. She has been creating jewelry for over 10 years, and she told me that it all started when “I bought a necklace at an antique show and wanted it to be a little shorter. I went to a bead store for help on my lunch hour and ended up taking an extra hour. I went back to work with a shorter necklace and the first pair of earrings I made.

More soon...

-Megan Russell of DemiDuval.etsy.com

Feature - Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson

Name: Camille Jackson
Shop Name: Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson
Brief Product Description: I make brightly colored Swarovski crystal jewelry that incorporates vintage findings, laser cut acrylics, and a few kitschy/kawaii pieces.


What is unique about your product? Overall, the way I combine elements. As far as I know, I'm the only jewelry creator in Austin who works extensively with Swarovski crystal flatbacks. On a bigger scale, I use a broader range of pieces (i.e. in what I have seen, most stick with only using vintage finds or only using laser cut acrylics or only using newly made bright kawaii pieces).

How did you get started? Like most other crafters/designers/artists out there, I started by making jewelry for myself and my friends!

Where do you get your inspiration? Fashion, music, art, niche aesthetics. I think it's dangerous and inhibiting for creators to limit what they derive inspiration from. I'm inspired by beautiful designs I come across in magazines, punk rock and goth music and style, 1920s-1950s fashion, old Hollywood, 20th century art, the list goes on. Colors in general are inspiring to me as well, which is part of the reason I love working with crystals—the array of colors available is more extensive than you'd think.

What excites you most about your work/shop? Finding new pieces to use is always exciting. I also love shopping, so when I order supplies, I get my kicks two-for-one style. Meeting new artists and shop owners in Austin has been a real trip, too. It's truly amazing and awe inspiring to see so many people creating so many different works in just one city.

Describe your workspace/workroom. I fantasize constantly about having a workroom devoted to making jewelry and neatly storing supplies. On Apartment Therapy, I've seen innovative ideas about using cut-out spaces as work rooms, and they're completely practical for small apartments. As is though, I currently have a rolling storage case and a dining room table that work well enough… and an understanding roommate who doesn't complain when I leave a mess on the table.

Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? Both and neither. In the 21st century, online marketing is a great way to show what you create to the world even when you're starting out. I've actually sold a few pieces to some girls in London (which is one of my favorite cities in terms of music and fashion, though I've never been), and I love that I've been able to do so with a small business. On the other hand, I love Austin, and the people who live here are wonderful. When you sell in person, people can convey their appreciation for your work, and that's one of the best intrinsic motivators to continue creating jewelry for me.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? Embarking on leaving my mark in the world. Whether it's through this or music or law/government, I can't say.

What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? Being able to ask for help and advice from the fellow artists and crafters I know in Austin (most through EtsyAustin actually). On my own, I don't feel that I possess that much knowledge about being business savvy or creating jewelry, but I feel that the members of EA, Babes in Biz, and various other artists I've worked with at shows collectively have a wealth of knowledge that they are more than willing to share.


What do you like about EtsyAustin? The diversity of the work people create is quite remarkable. I don't know that I could dream up most of what our members make.

What do you think makes EtsyAustin Street Team unique? The collective talent and knowledge that the team possesses. We are, after all, over 100 members strong and it shows in what we've been able to do as a group in a little over a year and a half (that's how long the group has existed). The community feel that the group provides is reflective of that of the city of Austin, and it continually reminds me why I love being a part of the group and the city itself.

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. By day, I'm your typical admin secretary, but by night, I'm a jewelry creator… and a musician. I've had a musical instrument in my hands since I was ten and am grateful that I still play. Over the years, I've learned piano, flute, piccolo, bass, and now guitar. I love being able to create and play music and hope to eventually play and share that with everyone who will listen... ya know, besides my neighbors.

Craft Riot! - Meet your maker

The Craft Riot! is just a week away. Start your shopping list early by meeting our revolutionary hand-makers...

Lovely Day
What is the number one holiday pick from your own shop?
Lovely Day designs are starting to incorporate feathers; look out for these beauties. Feathers make all occasions festive!

What do you want people to know about your shop/products?
I want to inspire smiles. Every handmade bauble is one-of-a-kind beautiful, to add a bit of lovely to your day.

Best handmade Christmas present ever received?
The first gift my partner gave me was a fish tank. While he did purchase the tank itself, he filled the tank with rocks and sticks and plants he collected. He created a beautiful underwater world from found objects.

My shop is: lovelydayonline.etsy.com