Butterfly Chic Boutique Blog

What is your name? Todd Windsor

Where can people find you online? Well, first and foremost they can find me on Etsy at torchwoodstudio.etsy.com. I also have a MySpace page that I use for promotion, marketing and networking at http://www.myspace.com/torchwood_studio. Within the next month or so, my personal website www.torchwood-studio.com will be up and running. I also have a blog in the works http://torchwood-studio.typepad.com/torchwood_studio/ Hopefully, that will be up and running within the next couple of weeks.

What types of crafts do you make? I make unique handcrafted polymer clay functional art. Most of my pieces tend to be home/kitchen décor items or Holiday items. Mainly jewelry/keepsake bowls, candle holders, vases, pitchers, salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars and Christmas decorations. All of my pieces are created by using standard glass or ceramic items that I then cover with polymer clay in what ever pattern or theme that has recently inspired me.

How did you get into making unique polymer clay functional art? Great question with a funny answer! I have always made handcrafted gifts for my family at Christmas. I always thought that more feeling and thought went into a homemade gift rather than a store bought one. Anyone can buy a store bought gift…how many people can craft something original and specifically tailored to the person receiving the gift?

So, one year I was looking for a new gift idea that I could work with and I came across Polymer Clay. I played around with it thinking I could maybe sculpt some figurines. Well, I took my time and sculpted a baby Harp Seal (at least I thought it looked like a baby Harp Seal). Upon showing it off to everyone, I heard someone say, “Wow, isn’t that a really cute troll doll!” Needless to say, that was the end of my sculpting efforts.

Upon further meddling in the dark arts of polymer clay, I found that I had a knack for making functional art pieces and Christmas decorations that appealed to all of the women in my family. I then went on to make Military and Police themed items for many of the other cops that I work with.

What is your favorite thing about making unique polymer clay functional art? My favorite thing is just taking the hint of an idea and transforming it into a piece of art that others can enjoy. When I can take a few lumps of polymer clay, create a completely unique piece of art, and then see the look on a persons face when I give it to them…it just makes it all worthwhile to me.

What is your least favorite thing about it? All of my pieces are quite labor-intensive. Each piece (on average) can take between 6-12 hours to create from start to finish. Due to this, and working a full-time job, I can’t design and create as many pieces as I would like to. Also, the fingers tend to get a little sore from working with the clay for so long. But, as a close friend recently told when I complained about the sore fingers… “It builds character”

What is your favorite item currently for sale? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9926821
Why? That would be my Celtic Knot Jewelry/Keepsake Bowl. It was one of my first attempts at creating a polymer clay bowl with a Celtic knot and triquetras symbols inserted into the design and it came out so much better than I expected. As I closely identify with my family’s Irish heritage, this bowl has special meaning to me. As it seems to be a popular piece with so many people, I am in the process of creating other Celtic bowls that incorporate Celtic themes and symbology that resonate with me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, in your business? While I love working in Law Enforcement, I would really enjoy doing my art full-time in a dedicated studio. As I also teach at the Law Enforcement Academy, I would love to transfer those skills over to teaching polymer clay techniques to a future generation of artists.

Where do you create? I have set up a small studio within my home where I design and create new pieces. I also use this space to come up with new and innovative polymer clay techniques.

What inspires you? I can’t say that any one thing inspires me. It’s actually an amalgamation of things. My family, my work, things I see everyday. I also get a lot of creative inspiration by visiting other artists’ websites and seeing some of the amazing things they are creating.

What do you like to do besides crafting? Whenever it decides to warm up in NY, you can find me golfing, mountain biking, rock climbing or spending the day road tripping with some friends. I also like to visit art museums for the inspiration they provide.

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into making unique handcrafted polymer clay functional art? Do a lot of research. See what others are creating. Take all those techniques and styles and try to take them in a completely different direction. Experiment and see what works for you. As others before me have pointed out, never create something just because you think it will sell. Create and design pieces that you like, that you enjoy working on because your art is about you and what inspires you, not pandering to the lowest common denominator. If your art is known for its individuality and uniqueness then people will flock to your business. If you can create something not available anywhere else and, at the same time, its something that you find joy in making, people will find you and you’ll be constantly inspired everyday.

What are your current projects? Right now I’m working on some baby related items such as Nursery décor. I’m also working on some more home décor items with earth tone themes.

What is your favorite Etsy shop? I have so many favorite shops; it’s hard to pick just one.
Here’s a few of them:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5139320 – Copper Leaf Studios

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5418966 – RainWolf Studios

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5380797 – Lean Dog Pottery

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5467443 – Tim See Clay

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5504513 – Greenwood Studio

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5004997 – Marcia Palmer

Anything you’d like to share about your personal life? I’ve worked in one form or another of Law Enforcement for many years and I’ve been able to come home every night without serious injury. There are others who haven’t been so lucky. Due to this, a portion of all of the proceeds that I earn from my sales is donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in memory of Officers killed in the line of duty. “In valor there is hope”

What would you do if you won 10 million dollars? That’s easy! I would donate some to worthwhile charitable organizations, make sure my parents and sister were set for life and I’d then invest the rest. I would then move back to Florida where I would open up Torchwood Studio and spend my days designing new pieces and taking polymer clay in new and different directions. I would also hold free classes at Torchwood Studio for all aspiring polymer clay artists!

What’s your favorite:
food? Sushi
number? 9
color? Purple
blog? http://polymerclaynotes.com/
scent? Sandalwood
band? Red Hot Chili Peppers
song? Home – Michael Buble
movie? The Shawshank Redemption
book? Debt of Honor – Tom Clancy
ice cream flavor? Chocolate with peanut butter chunks
Starbucks drink? Caffe Mocha – with an extra double shot of espresso, whole milk and whipped cream
restaurant? Ichiban – it’s a local Japanese Steak House here in Syracuse, NY. Amazing food!

There just aren’t words to describe this artist! Unique, amazing, stunning come to mind, but don’t seem to do her work justice….You HAVE to check her out! Although she does amazing work with pencils she also has some great stuff on her website with beads and nails you simply MUST see!

What is your name?

jennifer maestre

What are your shop/site links?
http://www.jennifermaestre.com
http://jenmaestre.etsy.com
http://www.mobilia-gallery.com/artists/jmaestre/

What types of crafts do you make?
I make sculptures and jewelry out of pencils.

How did you get into making pencil jewelry?
Well, I have been making pencil sculptures for a few years now, and was trying to think of a little something I could sell when I had open studios, because the pencil sculptures are rather pricey, not the type of thing someone buys on impulse. I had commission to make a teapot with a handle out of pencils; I laminated and carved some pencils to make the handle. The effect was so pretty, I thought I’d try some jewelry using laminated pencils.

What is your favorite thing about making pencil jewelry?
The work seems to be finished at lightening speed compared to my sculptures. And, it is fun, like making little puzzles.

What is your least favorite thing about it?
Epoxy disasters, and not being able to keep up with orders, sometimes.

What is your favorite thing currently in your shop? (link) Why?
Not easy to answer, but- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10057854
because the colors are so vivid and there are lots of layers showing.

What makes your products special?
They are unusual, I’ve never seen anything quite like them. I’ve seen pencil art and jewelry, but not using these techniques.

Where do you create?
I have a studio in an old junior high school in Maynard MA. the school was closed, and turned into an artist’s building. There are about 70 artists, it is a great community.

What inspires you?
Nature, Ernst Haeckel, previous work, painters, sculptors. Egyptian art. Lots of things!

What do you like to do besides crafting?
Read, and watch project runway. Dance!

Walk us through your typical day.
Drink coffee while I check my emails, off to the studio- I have lots of different projects going all at once, so I never am quite sure where the muse will take me. I always have something to do, though.

The worst job I’ve ever had was….
Working at a frame-making shop, painting wood slats.

What is your favorite Etsy shop(s)?
Not so easy to pick! But, I love reform.etsy.com

What would you do if you won 10 million dollars?
Spend it on the Arts, somehow.

What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I was a great singer.

What’s your favorite:
food? Homemade salsa
number? 5
color? leaf green
book? Sheltering Sky

My advice for someone wanting to start a business-
Do something you really love to do, and have faith in your work. Also- try to keep on top of your paperwork- that includes answering emails.

How cute are these crochet eggs from Darcy777

and only $3 each

My featured shop today is Adobe Sol Designs. I discovered her on Etsy as I was in the forums one day and fell in love with her shop! Her metal work is AMAZING!! I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.

What is your name?
My name is Rebecca Bogan

What are your shop/site links?
Adobe Sol Designs:
http://www.AdobeSol.com
http://AdobeSol.etsy.com

How did you come up with your shop name/tag line or any unique product names?
Ohhhh good question! I really wanted a name that reflects my rustic and, sometimes, southwest style. I happen to live in an adobe house. Adobes are mud bricks. This style of mud house is unique to the southwest. Sol is the Spanish word for sun. We get lots of sunshine in these parts. Adobe Sol Designs just fit together for me.

What types of crafts do you make?
I design and make artisan jewelry using techniques such as wire wrapping, hand forging and coiling. I particularly like working with silver and copper metals along with artglass, gemstones, rocks and silk.

What is your favorite thing about making artisan jewelry?
I really enjoy designing and creating a piece of wearable art. It is my creative outlet and my sanity!

What is your least favorite thing about it?
Oh that’s easy.. the sore fingers I get after doing a lot of work with metal.

What is your favorite thing currently in your shop? Why?
My current favorite piece is the “Metal Music Bracelet”. This bracelet took a lot of time to make. I love the look of the oxidized sterling silver with the rock quartz. And the best thing.. the sound it makes when it is worn. Truly metal music!

What makes your products special?
Along with my rustic style, each piece is unique and handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and construction.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, in your business?
Lets see.. in 5 years my kids will be in college (hopefully). That will leave me with a lot more time to dedicate to my jewelry business! I plan to become more educated in metal working skills. Also I would like to learn the art of lampworking. “Growing” is the one word I would use to describe my business 5 years down the road.

What inspires you?
I am not inspired by any one thing. I am inspired by everything. I design while trying to sleep, watching TV, looking at pictures, the time of year, the weather… It is not a glamorous story but it is how my inspiration operates.

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into making artisan jewelry?
It is important to find your own niche. You need to develop your own unique style and not make items just because you think they will sell. Next be prepared to spend a LOT of time promoting and networking to get your name, style and personality “out there”. Set goals for yourself and “Plan” your business.

If you could work with anyone (person or company) who would it be?
To learn more about jewelry techniques I would love to just sit beside Eni Oken for a year or two. I really love her work. To learn ideas about wealth, investing and cash flow I would love to work with Robert Kiosaki (author of Rich Dad Poor Dad). I am currently learning by reading his books and tutoring with my husband who has mastered the art of “thinking”.

What are your current projects?
I have a necklace in the tumbler right now that I should finish tomorrow. It is made with a lampwork focal (made by Vonna Maslanka). I have added some wire wrapping, handmade charms, citrine and plenty of silver. I will start a special order Egyptian coil necklace tomorrow also.

Finish this sentence. “If I weren’t making artisan jewelry I would have
been a…”
Crazy lady with 100 cats!! LOL… I need a creative outlet!

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
Too many to list. Here are a few.
Ranch Wire:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5627965
Art wear Diva:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5290177
Art by TR:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=88704
Daisy Cakes Soaps:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=4894

Anything you’d like to share about your personal life?
On a very personal note… I am the mother of a 14 year old child recently diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes. I have a Charity Section set up on my website. 100% of the sales price of these items will be donated directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF does great work on finding a cure for this horrible disease. I am thrilled to be able to contribute.

What’s your favorite:
food?
The veggie deluxe sandwich at the local health food store.

number?
6

color?
Purple

website?
A new friend who takes FABULOUS pictures:
http://www.awolfsfancy.com/

blog?
http://jdmachope.blogspot.com/

scent?
After it rains

band?
Linkin Park - Going to see them tomorrow!

song?
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ - Judas Priest

movie?
Somewhere in Time

book?
Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer

ice cream flavor?
Pistachio nut

Starbucks drink?
Coffee - Straight up

restaurant?
Sadies - Mexican food

So yesterday I just sent out my 1st set of interview questions for my very 1st featured seller post. So as I was coming up with the list I thought about how some people don’t like to divulge certain info and some don’t like to share other info, so I made a huge list of question and told my featured seller to answer at least 10, more if she wished.

Then I got to thinking, well how can I ask anyone else to answer these questions if I don’t answer them myself? so…….here I go…..

*What is your name?

T

*What are your shop/site links?

http://www.butterflychicboutique.com http://www.butterflychicboutique.net http://www.butterflychicboutique.org http://www.myspace.com/butterflychicboutique http://www.flickr.com/photos/butterflychic/

http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/ButterflyChicBoutique

I’m ButterflyChicB on cafmom
Pretty much if I’m on a site I’m ButterflyChicBoutique or ButterflyChic

*How did you come up with your shop name/tag line or any unique product names?

For my shop name, I knew I wanted something with butterfly in it and something with boutique in it, so I played with words until I found something I liked. For my tag line I was stumped, totally blocked, all I knew is I wanted the word “dreams” in it….so I held a contest to come up with my tag line….

*What types of crafts do you make?
All types! My shop is set up for graphic design, paper items and fabric creations, but I also make jewelry, soap, bath salts, salt & sugar scrubs, I paint, ACEOs, you name I do it LOL I’m a craft junkie…. My favorite thing though is my paper boxes and bags, there is such pretty scrapbooking paper out there to work with ….. Paper is my favorite material

*How did you get into making your products?

I got into making cards and tag when I had my 1st business and wanted some nice thank you cards to put in with my orders. So I made my own, people love them and asked if they could buy some and it just took off from there… As far as my fabric stuff, I’ve been sewing since I was in 6th grade. And the graphic design, well I bought photoshop, had no clue, and decided as much as I paid for it I had better learn to use it, so I did.

*What is your favorite thing about your craft?

I love creating something out of nothing or ‘up cycling’ things into something new. Doesn’t matter what materials I’m working with, so long as I’m creating.

Paper is my favorite though. I love how many patterns and prints there are, weights and textures, color, how you can make it into so many things, embellish it with so many things, it’s just fun, like being a kid again. Plus it’s something I can do and I can set the kids up wit their own work station right beside me and “help” mama :0) (and my 4 year old has been know to work on actual orders, he like to fold the cards after I score them)

*What is your least favorite thing about it?
Promoting, I’d rather be making it than selling it ….but if I don’t sell, I can’t make more

*What makes your products special?
I don’t know what makes them special to anybody else, but they are all special to me cause they are a part of me. I pour a lot of time and love into each and every product I make.

*Where do you see yourself in 5 years, in your business?
Hopefully big enough to be making money but small enough I can still do it all myself and still have time to homeschool….

*Where do you create?
Currently, in my kitchen, I’m working on painting the studio so I can move my crafting stuff in there though

*What inspires you?
Being bipolar LOL All the colors and patterns…..

*What do you like to do besides crafting?
Spending time with my kids. Hiking, being out in the woods….

Walk us through your typical day.
Typical day, I’m up by 7:00am get dressed clean up a bit, check email, promote a bit, then the kids get up around 9 and I get them dressed, fix breakfast, start some laundry. Then I get on the computer to promote or work some more, fix snacks, change diapers, fix sippy cups, put the babies down for their naps, work with 4 year old on worksheets (homeschooling), clean up kitchen, fix lunch, more laundry, more dishes (no dishwasher) pop back on computer to check email/promote/work, hubby gets home and get the kids all riled up then goes out to work on this truck he bought to fix up and sale, then I cook dinner, eat dinner, Spend time with hubby and kids, give the kids a bath, clean up, take a shower, check email/promote/work, go to bed usually around 2:00-3:00am

*What advice would you give someone wanting to get into crafting?

Don’t under price your stuff, your time is worth money too.

*If you could work with anyone (person or company) who would it be?
I’d love to work with other small business owners to combine our products into something great. I love to make tags, thank yous and boxes/bags for other businesses, I like being part of their finishing touches. It’s that little extra that makes the difference.

What are your current projects?
Currently I’m spending most my time promoting my new site and new blog. I need to be working on more paper boxes and bags though, cause I’m currently talking with a fudge shop about them buying some for their chocolate covered strawberries and fudge samples, as well as cards for the fudge they ship or sale as gifts….cause I mean come on, fudge is the perfect gift! Send all your fudge to Butterfly Chic Boutique ….. LOL
Finish this sentence. “If I weren’t a crafter I would have been a…”

Housewife/stay-at-home mom with no income

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
Mine! LOL No seriously, I haven’t there are so many talented people on Etsy it’s hard to chose!

*Anything you’d like to share about your personal life?
I’m happily married to a wonderful man, I have 2 great VERY active boys (15 months & 4 years old),  1 awesome cat, I baby sit another little boy 4 days a week (17 months old) I’m an untreated bipolar (but not like Britney untreated out of control bipolar LOL), I’m a Christian

What would you do if you won 10 million dollars?
Buy a big house in the middle of 100 acres with a big fence around it, buy some cows, pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, horses, turkeys, and plant a huge garden, have become a recluse…..

Would you rather be rich or famous?
Neither!

What’s your favorite:
food?Mexican
number?7
color?Pink

website?urbandictionary
blog? http://88words.typepad.com
scent? fruity

band? Third Day
song? Too many to chose from!!!
movie? Pretty woman
book? To kill a mocking bird
ice cream flavor? chocolate
Starbucks drink? mocha latte with cinnamon
restaurant? Applebee’s

I want to thank Karina of Soap That Makes Scents™ at http://kreatedbykarina.etsy.com

For being my first guest writer for the blog. She did a great job on the article and I look forward to working with her again. Be sure to go to http://kreatedbykarina.etsy.com and check out her shop.

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*Tips On How To Sell Online*

After speaking with many craft persons in business, I hear over and over again that they want to put their work for sale on the Internet, but they don’t know how or where to begin.If you have ever browsed the net and ended up at other sites than the one(s) you were looking for in the first place, you know how easy it is to get distracted. This is even more true, when setting up your business on the Internet.An approach that I have found that works best is to start by making “to do” lists of the different online marketing avenues. For instance, your major activities should include:

* sell your work at online auction sites
* get listed in the major search engines
* seek links from other sites
* write articles to get publicity
* add affiliate programs to your site
* set up an organized email campaign to follow up with your site’s visitors.

Create a list of activities to be accomplished under each of those marketing tasks. Every day, plan to accomplish a group of tasks to promote your site. For instance, here are a few suggested actions to be taken daily:

* seek links from 5 craft related web sites
* post two auctions for your craft products
* resubmit your new web pages to the major search engines
* post an article to at least one media outlet about your craft site as publicity
* post a helpful comment on at least two discussion groups
* weekly, send an email newsletter to visitors to your site

I know many craft artists who never give much thought to marketing or planning offline or online. They just do the shows or get their store accounts and go along merrily until trends change and all of a sudden sales drop and they don’tknow what to do. With a little time spent planning, one can determine several alternative markets for sales. If one avenue slows down, you have other options for staying afloat.Answering the following questions will help you begin thinking about your marketing plan.

* What does your site do? What is the main benefit to your visitor? Do you want it to educate, entertain or sell? Do you want to create new prospects or stay in touch with regular customers? Do you want to attract more wholesale buyers? Are you looking for international buyers?

* Who is most likely to be your customer? What type of person is she/he? Example: age, sex, income level, education. Give serious thought to determining who are the visitors to your site(s). This is a big part of learning how it should be designed. You may have more than one type of visitor. For example, you may have U.S. retail customers, wholesale customers, catalog buyers, and international buyers.

* What other kinds of sites are your visitors likely to visit? For instance, if you make and sell quilts, people visiting your site might also be reached through sewing web sites.

You want your site to get visitors to do the following:
* interact with your site
* leave their contact information
* purchase something you are selling
* refer others to you

Create targeted goals for your online business and measure the results you get whenever you complete a phase. By working in measurable steps, you can pace yourself and track which efforts are worth pursuing further and which activities you should abandon. If you don’t work in stages, you may find yourself overwhelmed, scattered and consequently disappointed in the whole process.

Karina-
Soap That Makes Scents™
http://kreatedbykarina.etsy.com