Meet Nicolette of Decomp

Nicolette of Decomp is one of my fellow Etsy Recyclers Guild team members. We somehow started up dialogue a few days ago and I told her I really liked her stuff. She makes really great recycled jewelry and accessories from old bullet shells, bones and feathers. Very in tune with the earth and recycling. Like I said, her stuff is way cool!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Nicolette and I live near lake Michigan. I’ve been a freelance portrait artist for 5 years. I enjoy designing conceptual accessories, clothing and jewelry for my Etsy shop on the side. I've had no formal training in drawing or sewing, just the impulse to create.

When did you first start designing/crafting?

I have always been crafty, you name it, I’ve done it. My passion for drawing is where the urge to ’design’ originated from. Planning out how to make something is the first and best part. I starting making Barbie clothes, jewelry, wallets, even cell phones (ha ha) made out of paper when I was a little child. Paper and tape were best materials. :D Then I really got into beading and designing outfits as a kid. Tubs of beads and sketchbooks EVERYWHERE. I enjoy the challenge of creating something, new no matter the medium. As I got older, I learned how to sew and started making my own patterns and fabricating my designs. The items I made were mainly for myself. People locally became interested, so I was encouraged to start selling my creations.

Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art/design?

I’ve always been compelled to draw subjects the way they look in real life. I focus on capturing every detail in my illustrations and paintings. I soon realized that I am a perfectionist for imperfection. I’m so inspired my nature and the imperfections it creates. I try to incorporate this creativity, not only on paper, but in everyday life. The use of organic shapes brings life to ordinary things, such as a bag or scarf. I love to use recycled materials and found objects. I try to find a use for something so that it does not go to waste. Leather scrap that’s been well worn and aged, is one of my favorite materials. Wool and silk in its natural state are a pleasure to work with. Layering different textured fabrics has also become one of my staples. Finding beauty in the perfect combination of textures and colors is what I strive for in each completed piece. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with vintage and antique items, hence a few vintage pieces in my shop.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I only started making things for my Etsy shop a year ago, using old ideas and designs from items I made for myself. Obviously, you get better at something the more you do it. I’ve learned what works and what doesn't, so the items in my store are better in terms of quality and durability.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get most of my inspiration from nature. Growing up, I was either outside or crafting. I have always found the natural world to be extremely fascinating. I try to incorporate natural textures, shapes and colors into my creations.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

So far, only local commissions and in my Etsy shop.

What advice can you give other designers/artists when selling their items?

Just be yourself, make what you want to make. Show the world what you have to offer. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have many sales or views at first, it will take time. That’s about it, as I have a lot to learn as well. :D

Describe yourself in three words:

Innovative, perfectionist, autodidactic

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

I’ve been contemplating selling my custom portraits in my Etsy store, so keep an eye out for them in the near future. I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Etsy community. Meeting such interesting artists and seeing their creative recycled items is what also inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing! Keep recycling!

You can find Nicolette of Decomp online at the following places:

Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Peta of REforma

Peta of REforma is an artist who lives in Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. She makes really cool upcycled/recycled jewelry from plastic.

Tell us a little about yourself.

About myself... I love wind, storms, mist, green tea, red wine, black olives, steam, ping pong, table football, poker, drawing, writing, Jean Paul Belmondo and biting people. I enjoy unusual and extraordinary stuff, so I surround myself with them. I´m quite a collector of everything from sea stones to cheesy gold accessories.

When did you first start crafting?

At age seven, when I equipped my fish aquarium with thoroughly selected rocks. I also created a feeder for hummingbirds and was very sad and disappointed that no one ever came...well they don´t live in Czech Republic, I realized years later.

Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art/design?

There is so many kinds of trash around.. that means unlimited possibilities of crafting! When I walk around town, I always meet some irresistible pile of garbage and my imagination starts to persuade me to look in it.

Plastic is the most favourite material for me. I realized there is something like a scale of precious plastics... like green plastic bottle is something usual as a copper but non-transparent pink one is really big hit...it´s a diamond between bottles (no surprise there is always some strange artificial soda with horrible taste in it, so there is almost nobody buying it).

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I hope my work is getting more simple and pure. On the other hand, I have an idea of the line “Haute Réforme” :) It would be dramatic, rich and opulent.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Hmm...At the bottom of the coffee/wine/blueberry juice/another wine?

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

In few shops in Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Hradec Kralove). Online in my Etsy shop, Fler and Yiuco.

What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

Be seen and heard. And make nice crafts of course:)

Describe yourself in three words:

Broken-nails, scarred-knees, red-hair.

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

A little bit about ecology. Don´t stop look around and realize that everything is connected with everything. But don´t freak out, keep balance and be happy.

You can find Peta and REforma online at the following places:

REforma on Etsy
Facebook

This interview post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Interview with Harriete of Harriete Estel Berman

Since joining the Etsy Recyclers Guild team, I have admired designs from our fellow team member, Harriete Estel Berman. Harriete makes gallery quality jewelry and sculpture pieces. All of her jewelry is made from recycled tin cans. I would like to personally thank Harriete for taking time out of her busy schedule to give me an interview for our team blog.





When did you first start crafting/making jewelry?

Actually I have been working with metal since 1971 when I took my first metals class in college. From the very beginning I discovered my material, metal. Since then besides my BFA in metals from Syracuse University and MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

I supported myself for years with my technical skills working as both a jewelry and a silversmith doing repairs. Using my technical skills from silver repairs has given me the confidence that I can make quality work with just about anything.

Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/design?

From 1980 to 1988 I made a series of domestic appliances that dealt with women’s roles in our society and social commentary. Scroll down on my sculpture page to view the appliances.

Since 1988, I’ve been working with vintage steel doll houses and recycled tin cans. That was 23 years ago, way before the current passion for recycling and thinking green.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

Early work was only sculpture and I only made a few pieces a year. Since about 1998, I have also made jewelry and Judacia.

Recently my use of recycled materials has expanded beyond recycled tin cans to include post consumer pencils, electronic waste, rulers, yardsticks, and plastic. Click here to view more recycled pieces.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everyday life, advertising and our consumer society. Some of the pieces are actually named from magazine ads or television advertising such as "Nice and Easy, Even if Your Marriage Doesn't Last Your Color Will," Clairol Ad and Measuring Compliance.

Projects from recent years include work about our educational system inspired by surviving as a parent of two K-12 students - Pencil sculpture .

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell a selection of pins and earrings at Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy, Object Fetish Jewelry at Harriete Estel Berman on Object Fetish and my own website.

In addition, I am experimenting with two trunk shows this spring. Past exposure for my work includes galleries, exhibitions, and museums.

What advice can you give other crafters/artists when selling their items?

I am committed to helping the arts and crafts community. Artists and makers can find years of advice, ALL FREE and available on line. They can read my blog where I provide words of experience on my blog Ask Harriete and the Professional Guidelines.

I also teach workshops and organize the Professional Development Seminar.
There will be a workshop near Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen on April 9th and 10th, 2011.

There will also be a Professional Development Seminar in Seattle at the Society of North America Goldsmiths on May 28, 2011.

Information from past Professional Development Seminars is available here.

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW TO PRICE YOUR WORK?

Last year’s Professional Development Seminar program about pricing continues to be an extremely popular resource. The PowerPoint Presentations by our speakers and the Question and Answer Discussion with the audience were recorded and combined with the Slide Share Presentation so that you can experience the presentations that our audience saw in Houston.

I recommend that you listen to the Slide Share PowerPoint Presentation first, then listen to the podcast.
GO TO THE Professional Development Seminar page on the Harriete Estel Berman’s web site or click here.

PRICING INFORMATION CONTINUES on ASK Harriete.

With a month long series including pricing variables, understanding overhead, indirect cost, cash flow and more when pricing your work. Find all these posts on ASK Harriete .

Describe yourself in three words:

driven, energetic, creative

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

Please consider sharing the resources in the Professional Guidelines at ASK Harriete with your fellow artists and makers to make our community stronger.

You can find Harriete online at the following places:

Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy
Harriete’s own website
Facebook
Twitter
Object Fetish
Crafthaus
Linkedin
Youtube

This interview was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Susan of SM.art Designing

Susan makes really amazing one-of-a-kind purses out of used book covers. Her book purses are all super cute and all have character because they're made from vintage books. She lines each book purse with lovely fabric and adds extra details to make the bags stand out.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Susan Temple and I live in Connecticut with my husband Charlie and our two corgis, Peanut and Tulip. I am a Graphic Designer by profession for over 30 years. I design marketing materials for all sorts of client including banks, hospitals, even a WNBA team, and I love my job. And I also LOVE to make book purses!

When did you first start crafting?

I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. I always knew I would do something creative. When I was young I wanted to be the person who illustrated the sewing pattern catalogs. The ladies at the fabric shop would save the out dated catalogs for me and I would draw the pictures over and over. I learned to sew when I was 13 and I made all my clothes for years. I made coats, suits, even a bathing suit once. I love to hand make! The satisfaction of saying I made that, the choosing of the materials, the creative process, it’s all therapy for me.

Please describe your work in detail. What’s your favorite type of crafting/art?

Right now my favorite craft is my book purses. But I have gone through periods of different crafts. I do a lot of jewelry. For years I cross stitched. I love decorative painting. My husband bought me a jig saw one year! But my first love remains fabric and sewing. Although I don’t really sew the book purses, my understanding of construction has really helped.

I hunt for books in used book stores, salvation army depots, yard and tag sales. I never, ever use new books because I respect the original intent of a book. It’s meant to be read and cherished. But after that, why should it sit on a shelf collecting dust? However, rare and fist edition books are also a no-no in my book (pun intended). Those are special and should remain intact. There are some gorgeous old readers I found that would make incredible purses, but no way. They need to remain intact as a reminder of our heritage.

My creative process is Zen like... I get into a groove and before I know it hours have passed and I hardly knew it. I have a little transistor radio that I put on NPR and just zone out. I am incredibly lucky that I have a ‘craft room’. I am also extremely lucky that my husband is a very talented cabinet maker. I had a craft cabinet that was around 25 years old and it was literally falling apart. He recreated (and improved on) a new cabinet for me. And come to think of it, having that new cabinet gave me the space and comfort to really explore my craft. I am very blessed.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

In terms of my book purses I have become faster, my decisions are easier to make because I’ve paid attention to the process. I know what works and what doesn’t, and I know that I need to stay true to myself. I have only been doing these purses for a year and just recently I feel as if my “apprenticeship” is over and now I am reading to explore the next level. I’ve been experimenting with embellishments and options for handles. I am working on designing my own handles out of reclaimed wood. It doesn’t take a lot of fabric to make a book purse so I’ve been keeping my eye out for fabrics from thrift stores. If a shirt is made of a beautiful fabric, why not? The more recycling the better.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I was inspired to create my first book purse by my sister, who is an avid reader and aspiring writer. For her birthday her husband gave her a Kindle. My thought was-- what a perfect way of transporting a Kindle than in a purse made from a book cover. I gave her the purse as a gift and she loved it. Her reaction made me decide to make a few more, just for myself. But then an obsession was born! What keeps me inspired are the covers of the books and fabrics, some are plain but to me I see the possibility of adding this fabric and that ribbon, envisioning the final purse. Nature inspires me, I find the seasons in New England to be my inspiration lately.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell my book purses online in my Etsy shop. They are also available at a gallery in New Haven, CT called Elm City Handmade. And I am very excited to announce that they will also be available this spring at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace in WI. I also sell by word of mouth, and through connections on Facebook. It’s growing everyday.

What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

I’ve sold things that I’ve made on occasion, but nothing I made was ever accessible enough to market. My father was always encouraging me to sell my crafts, but it’s really hard to make any money from crafting. You have to work super fast with materials that don’t cost a fortune to be able to meet a price point people can afford. My book purses were the one thing that put me where I could make a modest profit and put out an affordable product. But the best thing about any craft is the enjoyment of doing it and I really enjoy making the purses. It marries all my skills as a graphic designer and crafter in one unique item. Plus my love for books! If there is one thing I am guilty of it is I WILL judge a book by its cover. As a graphic designer I just can’t help it.

One thing I know for sure is if you want to succeed, you must love what you do. You also must be the best at it and price it correctly. Never, ever sell work you are not proud of.

Describe yourself in three words:

I was going to say Very, Very Loud... but instead... Caring, Logical and Talented

Is there is anything else you’d like to share with us?

I think the best thing I learned about this particular journey is to overcome my fears. I worried that people wouldn’t like my purses, or they wouldn’t be good enough. I really had to move though that in order to set up my Etsy shop. My friends and family are incredibly supportive with their advice and compliments, which really helped. I cannot stress this enough-- do what you love. If you love it, and that’s all you get out of it, then you are far ahead in the game. That’s my advice... Oh and always keep a bowl of ice water on your craft table when using a glue gun! Happy crafting.

You can find Sm.art Designing online at the following places:

Sm.art Designing on Etsy
Sm.art Designing on Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Coffee Talk with Heather of Texas Vintage: The Interview

Texas Vintage Things:  From Houston, with love, Brooch $30

Q: Tell us all about you.

My name is Heather. I'm a mom to a cute little boy named Dominic and a five year old Akita named Hana. I am a native Texan and currently live in Houston, Texas. I went to college in Chicago for fashion design. I sell vintage jewelry, clothing, accessories and mid century modern stuff when I get my hands on it. I also make handmade items and other crafty things. I like to cook (not bake), blog, travel, go to estate sales and craft. I hate housework, although I clean everyday.

Sheer dress, $38 at Texas Vintage shop.

Q: Why vintage clothing?


I'm not quite sure really. I remember going to thrift shops in junior high and high school. I've always loved really old things. I love vintage clothing because it fits women in the right places. Especially 1940s-1950s garments. Women actually had real waistlines. I prefer the more fitted vintage garments. Not the big, circle skirt type garments and party dresses. I love looking at those garments and studying their construction, but they're not my style.

Texas Vintage Things offers everything from fashions to jewelry and then some!

 Q: What was your best find ever?

I have a few. One of my best finds was probably a 1940s Adrian suit. I've also had a few pieces of Miriam Haskell jewelry. One Miriam Haskell necklace cost me about $75, but I turned around and sold it for $750. I also found a pair of Miriam Haskell Baroque pearl earrings within a "lot" of jewelry. The woman obviously didn't understand how valuable the earrings were and sold me the entire lot for $10. I turned around and listed those earrings on auction and they sold for over $200. Pretty sweet!

Heather and son Dominic Summer 2010.

Q: What other things do you love besides vintage clothing ?

I adore vintage jewelry as well. I also LOVE mid century modern furniture. I've been replacing pieces of our furniture with MCM furniture when I find pieces I like. I also like Hollywood Regency style stuff, but it doesn't fit with our decor. I just like to look at it!

Vintage Pin

Q: When did you start selling online ?

I started selling vintage stuff on eBay during college to make some extra money, then. I started selling vintage clothing on eBay when my son was three months old (in 2007). I did pretty well on eBay this last round. I was a Powerseller for several years as well as a top rated seller. I even offered consignment to people in Houston, which actually worked out well for me. I was able to make a commission on items that I didn't have to buy, just sell. I closed my eBay shop this past fall (2010) due to continued fee increases and lack of sales.  *(unlike Etsy, who allows you to list an item for only twenty cents, gives you five free picture and a free shop and takes a very small sales fee!)

Q: What brought you to Etsy?

I have two Etsy shops :vintage which is Texas Vintage, handmade which is Mattie Reid Chicago. They  were both open a few years ago. Etsy is a friendly, happy site compared to eBay. I like Etsy because all of the shop owners are crafty and/or like vintage. eBay wasn't like that at all. I also like how Etsy has teams. eBay never had anything like that. It's a nice change.

Mod Halter Dress, $40

Q: Tell us about challenges of selling online and what you have learned....

There are many challenges to selling online. People can't see your face or talk to you in person. Since closing my eBay shop and focusing on my Etsy shops only, I've basically started all over. Traffic just pours into eBay, but it seems like you have to work so much harder on Etsy.

In order to sell online, photo's really matter. They really do. If a potential customer cannot see the details of your item, even if the item is amazing, why would they buy that item. You also have to give complete and accurate descriptions of your items.

If you are selling vintage garments, you have to measure the shoulders, bust, waist, hips, inseam, length, etc. The customer has to know that this garment is going to fit them when it arrives. It the item is damaged, you have to list that information as well. I put my reputation on everything. I want to win that customer for life, not just one sale.

A new camera in tow, Heather has been working on her pictures. I love this brooch!

Selling online is also challenging because people have to find your shop. You have to utilize or try and utilize various social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Indiepublic, etc. You have to network with other sellers, retweet their tweets on Twitter, repost other sellers posts on Facebook and hope they will do the same for you. What goes around comes around, hopefully. I will say that I work way more for myself, selling online, than I did when I worked in a corporate job.


WRAP UP: We can learn a few things from talking to Heather.  First, it's never too late to start over.  It may be time to take a good hard look at your Etsy shop and see what you need to work on.    Secondly, you have to work hard at your Etsy shop.  Promoting others on your blog, Facebook, or tweeting other's finds (and hoping they reciprocate) is a very good tip and something that is proven to work!    Heather also features a lot of shop interviews on this blog, and both her Mattie Reid Chicago blog and her Texas Vintage Things Blog.  If you want to do an interview, contact her!

Catch up with Heather and show some love:

Shop: Texas Vintage Things

Blog: Texas Vintage Things

Facebook: Texas Vintage Things

Shop: Mattie Reid Chicago

Blog: Mattie Reid Chicago

Facebook: Mattie Reid Chicago

Twitter:  HERE