I am Elizabeth Caye Patel, hence the name LizzieCaye. I am located in Frisco, TX, which is a suburb of Dallas. I packed up my car and moved to Dallas when I was 20. I moved from Bismarck, ND. It took me about 26hrs to get here and I stopped twice to sleep in my car along the road for 2 hrs each time. It was a great adventure, and a beautiful change of scenery.
I am married to a fabulously wonderful man, who is completely supportive of what I do. I love the fact that he has so much faith in me. We are expecting our first child in just a few weeks and are super excited to welcome her into our world!
I started going to one of the community colleges in Dallas and got a job as a nanny. I did that for one year, and then got an office job as a general clerk. I was talented enough with computers, that 3 months later I was given a large raise and a a real title. That launched my computer career, which lasted 13 years and with the bulk of it being focused on web application design, usability, and accessibility. What that means is applications, or websites that are intuitive to use (you don't have to hunt and peck), are able to be used by everyone(including the ability for readers to work, text sizes that are able to be resized for vision issues, etc), and pretty enough to have someone WANT to use them. Then I got tired of all the issues that go along with having a corporate job and quit in 2007.
I am married to a fabulously wonderful man, who is completely supportive of what I do. I love the fact that he has so much faith in me. We are expecting our first child in just a few weeks and are super excited to welcome her into our world!
I started going to one of the community colleges in Dallas and got a job as a nanny. I did that for one year, and then got an office job as a general clerk. I was talented enough with computers, that 3 months later I was given a large raise and a a real title. That launched my computer career, which lasted 13 years and with the bulk of it being focused on web application design, usability, and accessibility. What that means is applications, or websites that are intuitive to use (you don't have to hunt and peck), are able to be used by everyone(including the ability for readers to work, text sizes that are able to be resized for vision issues, etc), and pretty enough to have someone WANT to use them. Then I got tired of all the issues that go along with having a corporate job and quit in 2007.
My business name is my childhood nickname. It just seemed to fit and have a nice ring to it. I started my business to earn a little extra cash, and to have something to do in my free time. I'm not much of a shopper, except for shoes and handbags. I love having a beautiful handbag to compliment my outfit. I'm a classic dresser, but love to do colourful, fun & funky shoes and handbags. It's where I like to make a statement. For me, making the handbags came natural, based on my love for them.
Marketing.... I think one of the hardest things to truly figure out. I think the biggest part of it, is whatever you choose to do, be consistent. Figure out your own mission and vision and put it out there frequently and consistently. Oh, and don't give up!!
In 10 years, I'd like to have 10 people working for me, and be able to focus on the designing of the handbags and the running of the business. I'd have the 10 people do the sewing, and beading of items. As well as successful enough to move it out of my house.
I believe that buying items that are handmade and recycled is just one more way to help reduce the amount of freshly made products, and I think people value handmade items more then a factory fresh item.
The Etsy Recycler's Guild is a great group of supportive people. Tons of good information across the groups knowledge base. I truly enjoy being able to help out group members.
I grew up around artists, and for the longest time my best friend was someone who was a good 30 years older then me and a potter. Her name is Susan Davy. She is still an inspiration because she's never quit, always been consistent, but has tons of other interests. She's a great model. I believe that if you flit all over the place, and or burn yourself out, it's going to be hard to ever find success. You have to put yourself into what you do, without killing yourself at it.
2workingwomen.com
lizziecaye.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/pages/LizzieCaye/10150119714280145
twitter.com/#!/LizzieCaye
I grew up around artists, and for the longest time my best friend was someone who was a good 30 years older then me and a potter. Her name is Susan Davy. She is still an inspiration because she's never quit, always been consistent, but has tons of other interests. She's a great model. I believe that if you flit all over the place, and or burn yourself out, it's going to be hard to ever find success. You have to put yourself into what you do, without killing yourself at it.
2workingwomen.com
lizziecaye.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/pages/LizzieCaye/10150119714280145
twitter.com/#!/LizzieCaye
Andrea of Storybook Artifact is pictured above wearing her Vintage Indian Princess Charm Bracelet and Earrings Set that is for sale in her Etsy Shop!
1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).
Hello my name is Andrea. I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in cozy house with two men: my darling husband and little boy, Bobby. I am full-time “Momma”, and humble house wife with many projects and aspirations on bringing a loving and warm environment to our home. In my free time, I love visiting my twin sister, Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles (she is the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild); my baby boy, her little nephew Bobby, loves to spend time with his Aunt Jessy also. Jessica and I love getting together and bumping ideas off of one another on what we can do to make both of our Etsy shops better ... we work so well together.
2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I like how the initials of my name “Andrea Scott” matches those of “Storybook Artifact” ... I also like to think that this name for my shop is more of an achievement of mine, and also goal for me to work towards. I want each item in my shop to symbolize that special artifact thought only to be found in storybooks or fairytales. :-)
I was introduced to Etsy by my twin sister, Jessica, who also has a shop: Eco-Friendly Freckles.
3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?
Storybook/Fairytale, Victorian, Romantic, Tea Parties, Bed and Breakfast
"Is He the Man of My Dreams" original oil painting by Andrea of Storybook Artifact.
4. What or who inspires you?
My goals for myself and my shop are to be everything I hope to be: giving, thankful, playful, adventurous, kind-hearted, friendly, fun, imaginative, creative, and unique.
5. What are your best marketing tips?
I can’t say it enough: TAKE FABULOUS PHOTOS!!! Taking bright, clear, breath-taking/eye-catching photos insures visitors and treasury features. :-) It is the best and most logical promotion your shop will ever get.
6. In ten years I'd like to be…
Seeing my baby boy grow up into a generous and responsible young man; I hope my encouragement helps him. I look forward to returning to school and would like to think that I could excel in biology to become a professor of human physiology/health. I look at Etsy as a means of funding my son’s early education programs/private schooling.
7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?
It is the thought that counts. Handmade and/or vintage items are unique, thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones to treasure through generations.
8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?
I am a big recycler here at home with my family’s trash, repurposing things/getting crafty, etc.; plus I use cloth diapers on my son. I’d like to think that my pet-pevish efforts have reduced my family’s household carbon footprint to below average. I also enjoy purchasing eco-friendly and organic products and foods.
9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?
Get involved, make treasuries, be a good team member, pay it forward, be a blog author, offer to help, communicate, and be friendly!
10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)
My Etsy Shop
My Blog
My Facebook
1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).
Hello my name is Jessica. I live in Bixby, Oklahoma on a miniature horse ranch with my darling husband and two sweet cats (boy "Magnum" and girl "Nozomi") in our charming little barn apartment. I work part-time at Akin's Natural Foods Market as a cashier and in my free time I love visiting my twin sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact (she is a team leader of the Etsy Recyclers Guild) and her precious baby boy, my nephew, Bobby. They both bring so much light and happiness to my life! Andrea and I enjoy getting together and collaborating on what we can do to make both of our Etsy shops better...we work so well together; she most definitely helps me with our wonderful team too! ;-)
2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
All of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage art canisters have a glossy black background and small white freckles; which unlike polka dots are not perfectly symmetrical, hence the name "Eco-Friendly Freckles". These delightful freckles create a texture that is pleasant to feel, and a look that is unique and fun!
My grandmother found out about Etsy in a Woman's Day magazine article and she told me about it; she said that it would be a perfect marketplace for my upcycled decoupage art; when I discovered that I could sell vintage treasures too, I was so excited because I love buying and selling vintage items. Etsy has also been a wonderful venue for my organic kombucha scobies and homemade all-natural soap.
3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?
Recycling, Retro, Nature-Loving, Unique, Fascinating!
4. What or who inspires you?
My twin sister Andrea, she is a loving and amazing mother and her Etsy shop is flourishing beautifully; she continually inspires and encourages me to follow my dreams. She and I have always loved recycling; when we were little girls we used to pick up aluminum cans off the side of the roads to recycle; and we carryout our same passion for keep our beautiful planet clean for ourselves and our children.
My husband, Joe, and I find "earthship" architecture very inspiring. Earthships are passive solar homes built from natural and recycled materials...We plan on building one soon someday. I love how the rammed earth walls are created by recycling old tires and packing them full of earth; the perfect, strong form and foundation for a home...imagine how many tires you could recycle! The outside of the tire walls is covered with stucco to create a gorgeous, classic adobe style look; and many earthships utilized recycled colored glass bottles as little looking-glass windows; they can be displayed in many different patterns and when the light shines through, they look like glowing gems!
5. What are your best marketing tips?
Take bright, clear, breath-taking, and eye-catching photos of your shop items and continually work on adding more shop inventory; the more shop inventory you have, the more your shop will be seen when people search for something on Etsy!
Join an Etsy Team that has a weekly team treasury challenge, these challenges have been very beneficial for my shop because you are normally required to feature six or more team members and the winner of the treasury challenge will be featured in all of the participating treasuries for the week; this this means more promotion for your shop!
Become a blog author (if you love to write) on various Etsy Team blogs; at the bottom of each of your intriguing blog articles write "This blog article was contributed by *list your name and link to your shop name*". This is a wonderful way to get your shop out there...Plus, continually strive to get your shop featured (or even better, an interview about you and your shop) on BIG blogs (with 1000 or more followers); this has proven to be VERY successful for the selling of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters...my art!
Remember to not focus your efforts too far in one direction, don't get absorbed by your blog or the teams you are involved with while you neglect your shop; although everything can be beneficial for your Etsy shop, remember that "balance" is essential. Continue to list new items in your shop; and if you create your shop items, get crafty and enjoy what you do "creating something beautiful"!
6. In ten years I'd like to be…
On our family farm with two or more children! Although, my husband, Joe, and I have no children at the moment; we very much look forward to having some children someday. :-) We want to have a family farm with goats, chickens, and maybe a Jersey cow or two...along with a couple of miniature horses (since we have been taking care of miniature horses, we would love to have a couple of our own). We want to have a big organic garden and of course our earth-rammed earthship home! I hope I still have my Etsy shop and that it has flourished into a booming personal business both locally (through farmer's markets) and on the internet!
7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?
People should buy handmade items because they are often one-of-a-kind and made with love. You know that what you purchased was not mass-produced somewhere in a sweatshop with poor under-paid children making them...Instead you know that you are supporting an individual person instead of big corporate fat cats!
My grandmother always tells me that in her days "things were built to last" and she still has many of the same kitchen appliances and other housewares from when she was young. Perhaps she is right, in my experience, I have found this to be true in a lot of cases because the materials seem to be better...or the items just seem to be better made. Today we so much plastic instead of more sturdy, lasting materials like metal and glass. Also, when you buy vintage, I think you are essentially supporting "recycling", because a lot of these vintage items end up in a thrift store or worse "thrown out"! People are always buying "new" things", I love to explore the treasures of the past.
8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?
I love the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team because we have both handmade with recycled materials shops AND vintage shops! I also love that our team has been around for a long time and our previous team leader, Cindy of RetroChalet, has been the sweetest, most helpful mentor I could ever have asked for! She is the greatest and so full of passion; she has been the heart of the team...and as the new team captain, I strive to keep our heart beating strong!
9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?
I had a kind Etsyian once suggest that I use glossy Mod Podge on my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters because I mentioned to her that I was concerned about the oils from peoples hands damaging the magazine clipping images of my decoupage pieces...her advice transformed my art from great to SPECTACULAR! Now, I can't imagine making my upcycled decoupage tins and canisters any other way! This was monumental advice for the quality of my art, and along with my hand-painted freckles on each piece, I think the glossy Mod Podge encompasses my signature style for my little, one-of-a-kind masterpieces!
10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)
My Etsy
My Blog
My Facebook
1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).
Hi my name is Cindy. I live in the big city of Baltimore, MD but I'm a country girl at heat sneaking away to my cabin in the tiny town of Danforth, Maine whenever I can steal a moment. I left the corporate world 7 years ago to be my husband's Promoter and Marketing Agent. That is a job and a half. When I'm not helping him run his busy business, I like to write (I'm a published book author), I collect funky relics and make assemblage art out of recycled goods. Etsy is my stress-relief time!
I used to have an antique booth in a brick and mortar antique mall. I tried several locations, my last in Bel Air, Maryland. Since I am on the road so much this didn't really work for me--no time to go and straighten out my wares. I will also state here that I with Ebay since it started, but had stopped selling on them long ago due to rising fees, and an over-saturated market. When I joined Etsy there wasn't a big focus on vintage, and quite honestly there was a point where I wasn't sure if Vintage was on Etsy to stay. Since there weren't yet a ton of vintage shops I had a lot of name options. I wanted something that summarized what my shop would be. I came up with Retro Chalet after mulling around 10 different names with a friend, whose mother went "ding ding, Retro Chalet is so you."
3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?
Funky, Retro, Unique, Mod, Upscale Junque!
4. What or who inspires you?
I'm inspired by a lot of people. Artists like Harriete Estel-Berman, Leo Sewell, who use recycled products in their wares. Andy Warhol because of the "phenomenon". I'm inspired by Rob Kalin who founded Etsy, and Seth Godin who founded Squidoo--both for the visions they had. Tim Adam, a welder and jewelry artist who decided to start Handmadeology, just proves you can do what you believe in, or create a need for something that's not there. I am also inspired by strong women who reinvent themselves to stay in the limelight for generations, yet do so much for charity too such as Sharon Osbourne and Madonna. I am inspired by my husband who did what he loved and became great at it. Most of all I'm inspired by nature - when I'm at the lake looking at the lovely mountains and majestic colored skies , the sound of the whispering leaves through the tall old trees, this is where I do my best writing and creating.
You are your own best marketing agent. In other words, no one can explain or express your products like you. I learned a long time ago, not to compromise your vision or your voice.
As far as selling on Etsy, you have to work hard at it. You have to build a customer base and market your store. There are million of products here so make sure people are finding yours. You should be using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs to get your product out there. It requires time and dedication.
My #1 tip would be to cut down on this time by using "cheat" applications like "Networked Blogs", which you can link your blog posts to auto-publish to your Facebook and Twitter account. You will do less work but have all three areas covered.
My #2 tip is that everyone should blog and have a visible link to their Etsy shop at the top of their blog. Here's my article on it: www.handmadeology.com/proper-placement-of-your-etsy-link-on-your-blog-or...
My #3 tip is that practice makes perfect.
6. In ten years I'd like to be…
Looking out at my lake, working on book #5, and still selling on Etsy :)
7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?
Reusing vintage not only for decor but for functionality keeps these items out of the landfills. Many vintage items I find were made here in the USA, and they remind me of a time and era where people worked hard and this country was something grand. My Uncle took over my Grandfather's masonry business so that's 5 decades of masonry work in and around Baltimore. I can ride by the homes and say "My Grandfather build this..." or, "my Uncle built that wall." It makes me proud to see that kind of work.
When people can work so hard and produce something so wonderful with skill and pride, why not buy those products over mass imported products? Not to mention we have no way to regulate just how imported products are being made or if the work conditions (ie: child labor, chemical environmental issues, unsanitary conditions) are being met as these factories are in other countries. Sure--these products may be cheaper, but they also may be harmful to our environment and look at all the recalls. I feel if we continue the mass import trend and import cheaper products that aren't made here, that America is in real trouble because we've succumbed to giving up the ability to learn skills, trades and products. I'm so glad Mike Rowe addressed the Senate on this very topic. dsc.discovery.com/fansites/dirtyjobs/mike-rowe-senate-testimony.html
I would think most countries share that same perspective about their own wares. I'm so glad Etsy has a community where you can buy handmade and vintage goods.
8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?
Mostly I love the fact you can network with people that share the exact same views as you.
9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?
That you have to find your niche clientele, and that takes time.
10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)
I'm all over the place:
VintageChalet.com
MelmacCentral.com
IraMency.com
www.facebook.com/RetroChalet
RetroChalet.com (goes to Etsy shop)
twitter.com/IraMency
MAY 2011 Handmade Spotlight Award:
Re-Zip It
Green Recycled Vintage Zipper Brooch or Hair ClipHeather of Re-Zip It transforms recycled vintage zippers into beautiful wearable works of art! Her eye-catching creations are one-of-a-kind and handcrafted with stunning detail. Heather has been featured on the Today Show as a top 10 finalist in the Art of Reuse Contest sponsored by NBC, and she has also been featured in the LA Times!
We have awarded her the "May 2011" Handmade Spotlight Award here on the Etsy Recyclers Guild blog!
Sunflower Up cycled Zipper Flower Brooch or Hair ClipTell us a bit about yourself.
I am a full time working, married, mother of a beautiful
boy named Benjamin. I work in a jail, as a therapist, with
individuals that battle from issues related to drugs and
alcohol. This career choice came after growing up in a
family of addiction. I have a very stressful job and have
learned over the years that it is important for me to have
some form of stress relief. My creative mind allows to express myself while making others smile and keeping the earth GREEN all at the same time!
Pink Recycled Vintage Zipper Brooch or Hair ClipWhat inspires you?
Through my quest in creating an outlet for myself I was
inspired to work with old materials to make new treasures.
Zippers were attractive to me because I was reinventing
here conventional use.
Black Vintage Zipper Flower Brooch or Hair ClipHow did you start your business?
My process began with the search for zippers. I was
fortunate enough to find a lady that had 8000 zippers in her
basement, she acquired them from her great grandmother that
owned a sewing store. She had no use for the zippers and
just wanted to get rid of them. Little did she know that her
trash was about to become my treasure.
Orange Recycled Vintage Zipper Flower Brooch or Hair ClipTell us a about your creations; what do you want people to think when they see your products?
All my patterns have been completely inspired and
designed by me to attract a vast population. I only use
recycle vintage zippers that have the cotton metal
component.
Please visit:
ReZip it on Etsy HERE
Holiday 2010 Spotlight Award:
relove: The Interview
"Wait...don't throw that away! I can use it for one of my notebooks!"
Q: Tell us about the move to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn has affected my creativity in lots of interesting ways. I am surrounded by creative people and businesses all the time and this encourages me to think outside the box when I am crafting. Also, Brooklyn living is small. My studio is small so I find myself really thinking about quality rather then quantity. Lastly, Brooklyn has tons of opportunities to sell handmade crafts and hopefully by spring I will have a nice size collection of notebooks to sell. I plan on approaching some of Brooklyn's fabulous boutiques and craft markets. A long, cold winter will definitely help me stay on track and get some work done!
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| relove's notebooks combine upcycled components. |
Q: Can you tell us more about the process in which your notebook are created?
Each one of my notebooks are little works of art and I really enjoy selecting the pages from my collection of vintage and reclaimed papers. My paper collection is very personal. I have been collecting paper and envelopes for about 5 years and each piece relates to my life in some way. If you look closely at my books you will find pieces of old sketches I did in collage.
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| The insides of each notebook are unique, you never know what you may find. |
Q: Your books are amazing, I bought a bunch and gave them away to my family last year as gifts -- they loved them. I still use one for my art journal. I particularly love the vintage paper, where does all of that come from?
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| Vintage papers are found randomly placed in the books! |
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| "Checkmate" retails at only $14 in her store. |
Q: So where does all of this creating take place? Tell us about your studio!
My boyfriend and I built our loft bed/studio area ourselves out of partly salvaged wood and wood from a local lumber yard.
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| The relove studio, aka where the magic happens! |
