Meet Etsy Seamstress & Artist: BeckyKayDesigns

Becky Kay and her husband have a four year old son, who "keeps (them) very busy. He never stops talking and likes to make up documentaries about sharks and dinosaurs." Aside from being a busy Mom and wife, Becky has been hand sewing boutique style purses for two years. "I absolutely cannot sit still and like to keep my hands and/or mind busy all the time. I come from a family of crafters, so I guess it is in my blood. My mother, sister, sister-in-law and I all participate in craft shows together. In fact, we are opening another Etsy shop together called She Made It! (We just need to get our stuff photographed and listed." She describes her purses as quite simple and functional. "I'm not a big fan of all the frou-frou stuff. Where I go nuts, is on the fabric! I love bright, bold patterns and playing with color combinations." She also

plans to try needle felting. She does Etsy because she "loves it, but also treats it as a business." While it's not currently her full-time job, she hopes to make Etsy her career. "I would love to have consistent sales," she admits. "My immediate goal would be to get up to about five sales a week and just increase from there." She advises her fellow Etsy sellers "promote, promote, promote! Etsy is not a place where you can list your stuff, and then sit back and wait for it to sell. You have to let the world know that you are out there." Please check out her shop: http://beckykaydesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: UniquelyNan

Nan will be 44 on Dec. 10th and has been married for 21 years. She and her husband have two teenage children, 19 and 15. "We enjoy just sitting at home and spending time with the kids. Watching movies is one of our favorite things to do."

It's hard for Nan to describe her artistic style. "I have tried every kind of craft out there. I love using my imagination, re-using things and seeing what I can make with them." She's been creating since she was a child. "My Mom has always done crafts for as long as I can remember and I just picked it up from her." Etsy is just a hobby for now, but she hopes to turn into a full time job. She has only been with Etsy for three weeks and admits there is a lot to learn. "It is very addictive. I love it!" "Be very patient," she advises. "Don't expect to make a sell right off. I know it will take some time for just the right person to come along." Please check out her shop: http://uniquelynan.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: ClaudiasBurningInk

Claudia's new obsessions are wood burning and resin - and she has successfully combined the two in her latest creations: funky purses and frames. Despite having two favorites, she enjoys all mediums. "I'm left handed so I've had trouble finding someone that can teach me pottery, crochet or knitting. I tried glass blowing once, but my glove nearly caught on fire. I don't do art that hurts." She describes her unique style as eclectic. "Its really a combo of differnent styles, depending on the medium and my mood." Right now Etsy is a hobby for Claudia. "I have a M-F 8-5 desk job. I would love to do this full time. I hope when I have kids that I will be able to quit the day job focus on the kids and my art." She strives to get her craft out there and dreams of being discovered by DIY, HGTV, or Martha Stewart some day. "Be sure you read up on Etsy before you set up shop," dshe advises her fellow Etsians. "Be nice and others will be nice to you. Ask questions, there are no stupid questions, or answers."