This week we are pleased to Spotlight Whimsea Designs
How long have you been with Etsy?
I joined Etsy in October to get a feel for how things work as a seller. I've been a huge fan and Buyer on Etsy since 2008 though. I finally set up my shop in it's entirety in January 2010
What is your favorite part of being an Etsian?
The Etsy community is amazing and so supportive! My favorite part of being an Etsian is the reward of designing my own jewelry and accessories for women that love staying fashion forward without breaking their budget.
When did you start your craft/collection/hobby (whichever applies)?
Designing my own pieces started when I was young. I always lived in outskirted towns where the shopping was minimal. As a yound woman I wanted to be as stylish as all the trends I saw in magazines so I found my creative side and started handcrafting my own pieces. The greatest part about designing my own jewelry is finding vintage pieces, deconstructing them and designing them in to something more fabulous than what they started as. The hardest part about desiging my own jewelry is resisting the urge to keep one of each piece for myself!
Will 2010 bring anything new for you, your shop or your blog?
You'll see more pieces designed with vintage up-cycles. In 2009 I designed a lot of beach inspired looks and while you'll still see plenty of that in 2010 I want to bring more of the vintage chic beach look to women! I'm just learning the art of blogging so hopefully that will bring amazing things and get the word out about WhimSea Designs as well.
What do you think has helped you to be successful?
Facebook has been one of my greatest marketing and advertising tools. I've been so blessed to be able to connect with women everywhere. I've made some amazing connections with women that own their own boutiques in other cities that would love to carry some of my accessories! Who could ask for anything better?
What are some of your favorite blogs? (links please)
I'm such a newborn when it comes to blogging. I just started recently and honestly, before this month the "blog" world was a complete unknown to me. I must admit though I'm lovin' Lafes Hidden Treasures Blog!!
Favorite Etsy shops?
Katarina Couture - designs THE MOST AMAZING handmade hats with vintage flair! So fun!!
Icing 101 - designs THE MOST FABULOUS flower accessories you'll ever see...a MUST to check out!!
Family Attic - designs THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Vintage Inspired Cottage Home Decor!
Audrey and Grace - designs THE MOST GORGEOUS authentic vintage reproductions....dresses, purses and wraps!
Lafe's Hidden Treasures is my new greatest find! I love lookin' for unique and amazing vintage finds...I've had my eye on a few things!
Customer service is very important; do you do anything special for your customers?
I take great pride in making sure I'm always available to assist my shoppers! Whether it's a custom design order or a Buyer that may have a question concerning an individual piece I design. I often include a "free gift" for shopping with each purchase as well!
Packaging is a huge part of Etsy, do you do anything different?
I gift box and wrap each jewelry piece I send out because I believe presentation is everything. Whether you've gifted yourself or someone else it's always exciting to recieve a beautifully wrapped gift!
Family is number one, first and foremost! When it comes to relaxing I love driving down to the beach, digging my toes in the sand and feeling the warm sun on my face! Whether I'm with family or just by myself it truly is a slice of heaven. When it comes to having fun in life...many will be suprised to know I'm a "Daddy's Girl" at heart...I love the outdoors. Camping, fishing and getting dirty 4-wheeling are the highlights of a great weekend!
What do you consider to be your treasure? (anything from childhood to your shop) eg baby doll, a special rock, etc
My treasure in life isn't anything materialistic. It's the love of my family and the amazing husband God has blessed me with! Nothing on earth could ever compare or take their place!!
Anything you want to say here....
Be sure to follow WhimSea Designs at http://www.whimseadesigns.blogspot.com/ for the latest in what's on my studio table! I want to take a special moment to say "Thank You" to Lafe's Hidden Treasures for this opportunity to be hightlighted! Thanks for all you do to support shops like WhimSea Designs in our endeavors! You've made my week!
Beautiful find Nancy, I'm actually starting a similar thing (on a smaller scale)on my blog as I have the time. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. I adore that first necklace. I love etsy...so many inspiring artists and crafts people.
ReplyDeleteThat first necklace is gorgeous. Thanks for the feature. I love Etsy.
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