Coming From Where I'm From - EAOC Collective Blogging Event

"Proud member of Etsy Artists Of Color"...that's what I have posted in the announcement section of my Etsy shop. It's not just an acknowledgement that I'm part of a street team. It is a true representation of how I feel about the diversity of this team and the talents of it's members; artists of color. EAOC is made up of artisans from the world over. Although the majority live right here in the United States other countries represented are England, Tanzania, France, China, Sweden, Canada, Holland, Malaysia, Jamaica and Botswana. 186 members (as of today) strong and I am proud to be able to bring my experiences growing up in my little space in Michigan to the group and learn from each of them, as well, about the areas where they live and what has influenced their works.

For as long as I can remember I have been involved in some sort of crafting. When I was in grade school I made a clay dish. It was the ugliest thing I had ever made but I was so proud of it. Not only was it lopsided I had painted it with just about every color that was in font of me. Another time I drew a picture of an African mask that was freaking fantastic, if I do say so myself. I wish I still had it with me. Paper maché? Who didn't make paper maché something in school? Photography, painting, melting crayons between sheets of paper to make some type of abstract 'art', glue, glitter, beads, buttons and glass. Sewing, stenciling, candle making, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, designing, arranging and planning to do more. Fortunately for my customers my work is more focused and precise. ;-)

My maternal grandmother used to sew doll dresses to donate each Christmas to an organization that collected dolls for needy children. She'd spend all year sewing these small dresses and packing them away until it was time to send them off to dress the dolls. That is where I learned the basics of sewing. My paternal grandmother could also sew. Let's just say I had the best dressed Barbie of anyone I knew. She also attempted to teach me to crochet. I say attempted because that little granny square drove me nuts so I gave up on it...until recently. After many years I still remembered what she taught me and it was a lot easier for me this time around. My mom made floral arrangements, just because. She'd make them and give them away. It was her way of relaxing, getting lost in the crafting process. I can really relate to this because when I'm busy mixing, blending or formulating I get lost in the process too.

One of the things I like and can appreciate about having grown up in Michigan is the change of seasons. The snow of winter, rain of spring, heat of summer and color changes of fall. It has helped me to adjust to the times, adapt to my surroundings and to be able to work with what's available to me. The change of seasons helps to keep me from becoming complacent. Much like EAOC Michigan is a place of diversity not only in its weather and vegetation. Many cultures call the Great Lake State home.

These are just a few of the things that have influenced my work. Why did I start making body care products? Short version: after having used a good number of products that didn't react well with my skin I set out to find a way to make what I needed myself. After all, having tried my hand at so many forms of crafts I knew I could do this too. Thus began my journey into handmade body products. This eventually led me to soap making, then on to natural perfumery. I love what I do and even if I wasn't selling I'd still happily craft away making body care products for myself and family.

EAOC Members participating in this blogging event:

http://electricstorm.blogspot.com

http://calabashcreations.blogspot.com

http://paintergirlworld.blogspot.com

http://thatcrochetguy.blogspot.com

http://akusearornaments.blogspot.com

http://allnaptural.blogspot.com

http://wanderingmoonpr.wordpress.com

http://35thofmay.blogspot.com

http://parisbohemiansoul.blogspot.com

http://sydneyaustindesigns.blogspot.com

http://potsanddishes.blogspot.com

Laugh

I am a member of Etsy's Artists of Color street team. Within our group is formed the Purchase Empowerment Club. In this club each participating member commits to making a monthly purchase from any member within EAOC. Last month my purchase was from Angelina of Angelina Fong Designs. This month it was from Gina of Urban Adornments. As I was window shopping I came across these Laugh earrings and had to have them. I thought they were cute but it was the one word, LAUGH, that spoke to me. The transaction was very smooth and I had them within the week. Thank you Gina for a great product and great customer service.

Get In Where You Fit In

Crafters are really crafty. (Ya think, Lisa?) This goes beyond the art or craft itself. We have to be innovative in all areas. Over the past month Etsy Artists of Color street team members have been featured on the EAOC team blog. One of the questions asked is "Where do you create?" The answers varied but one thing is true: not everyone has the option of working in a studio so we must work with what we have. As I was reading today's post about Robyn, of SydneyAustinDesigns, I had to laugh at her response to the above question.

"Where do you create? In a corner, on a little black table."

I hadn't given it much thought before. Usually I pull out my supplies and just get to work. My "blending room" is wherever I take my Ikea 5 drawer storage unit. Soapers may know exactly the one I'm talking about because the smaller drawers are the perfect size to be used as 2 lb molds (I hear Alton Brown repeating "Multi-task, multi-task."). I keep all my small bottles of essential oils, tinctures and chunks of resins in there along with my notebooks, pens, highlighters, scent strips, pipettes, vials, labels, scissors and tape. When it's time to start blending I pick the whole thing up and move to where there is a quiet and unoccupied area. The same goes for soaping or making other B&B products. I have one large storage unit that I keep my supplies locked away in. When it's time to get crafting I take out what I need and drop it into a Rubbermaid bin (except for the lye, of course lol) and carry it to where I'll be working.

It would be nice to have a place where I could just walk in, have a seat and start working. But for now I'll keep carrying around my Ikea shelf and Rubbermaid bin, like Linus and his blanket.

Spicy Rose Scented Body Balm

This creamy body balm warms to the touch so you can easily rub on the areas needing moisturizing. Sweet floral with warm spicy notes.

Angelina Fong Designs

In the midst of ridding my home of all clutter I get this crazy idea to redecorate. I'm only thinking of doing one room right now but just the thought of redecorating makes me excited and a bit anxious at the same time. So I focused on one small area of the room that is odd shaped and not really being utilized. It's a small space but large enough for a comfortable chair and narrow end table. I decided this will be my reading area. Not much to decorate really but it's a start. I began to search around for slip covers and pillows and any other accessory that might fit.

Being part of the Etsy Artists of Color street team, a group of crafters of color who sell on Etsy.com, I am virtually surrounded by talented artisans and I had to look no further than to Angelina Fong of Angelina Fong Designs for what I needed. Angelina is the creative mind behind the beautiful home decor brand that bears her name.

I purchased the Marrakesh Pillow Cover with it's lovely shades of green and gold stripes. I also bought matching fabric coasters. Each piece is so well made. I'm very happy with my purchase and you can bet I'd shop there again.

Visit Angelina's shop at Angelina Fong Designs .

Salt Bars

Salt bars have become a favorite of mine. Made with a high percentage of organic coconut oil and sea salts these bars are a must-have addition to your handmade soap collection.

Clay Facial Masks

Clay masks are used to help draw impurities and excess oils from the skin. Add a weekly mask to you facial cleansing regimen for a complete spa experience.

Calendula & Vinegar Herbal Hair Rinse

Use this light and lovely herbal rinse when your hair is feeling exceptionally oily. Made with organic raw apple cider vinegar infused with skin and hair loving herbs. And don't worry. Because this is a diluted product it won't smell strongly of the vinegar.

Herbal Foot Soak

Our feet. Quite possibly the most neglected parts of our bodies. And you know if you don't take care of them they will pay you back. Pamper those babies with a warm soak loaded with herbal goodness. This foot soak is scented with lemongrass and spearmint.

EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt

Etsy's Artists of Color street team will be sponsoring a summer themed treasure hunt June 18-21, 2009. There will be lots of great prizes.

Details:

• the treasure hunt will run for 4 days (June 18-21) from 12 noon until 12 midnight EDT
• visit participating shops and find special letters hidden within product listings (as a product photo)
• using the letters that you find form a phrase that pertains to summer
• the phrase changes each day
• 10 winners per day will be selected randomly from correct entries
• sorry members of EAOC, you're not allowed to play

An official treasure hunt thread will be posted in the Etsy Promotions forum with all participating shops listed and details on how to submit your unscrambled phrase.

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Etsy: teameaoc.etsy.com

Twitter: @eaoc

Facebook: groups.to/etsyartistsofcolor

MySpace: myspace.com/teameaoc

Blog: eaoc.blogspot.com

EAOC Gift Guide Showcase & Challenge

This month the Etsy Artists of Color began a new challenge.  As a way to spark creativity we are picking themes each month and creating an item around it.  Each challenge item will be featured weekly in our new Gift Guide & Showcase on the team blog.  Please visit the link below to see featured artist Akua Designs and read the latest interview by member Native Talisman Art.

Etsy's Artists of Color team blog:

http://eaoc.blogspot.com

How Rude :-)

I say Happy New Year to you all then disappear for a few days. :-) No worries!  I still luv ya! I have been working on a few business matters, getting my shops in order and trying my hardest to take halfway decent pictures lol.  I'll be launching my website soon also. Finally, since I've only been holding the domain for, what, 2 years?

Besides that:

I am the new team leader for Etsy's Artists of Color street team.  Yay me!  Those not familiar with EAOC, it is a team of minority Etsy sellers from all over the world.  Not only is the US represented, we have members from the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Barbados and Spain.  I know this will be a challenge but I'm up for it.  Looks like I'll be putting my new schedule to test. 

Etsy Artists of Color on Ning

Day 11 - Aku's Ear Ornaments

This Giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who participated. You may continue to leave comments for the artist, however they will not be entered into the draw. Still, why not show some love. ;-)

From Aku's Etsy bio:

I’m a Taurean…all about the earth…the sun…appreciating natural colors and textures. Most of my creations incorporate warm metals like copper and brass, clay, horn, wood, and glass beads…and a very deliberate love for what I do. There is a very simple “mother earth” quality to my work.

I came to know of Aku, owner of Aku's Ear Ornaments through Etsy's Artists of Color street team. Through my interactions with Aku I've found her to be a very down to earth, generous individual. I am fortunate enough to own a pair of Aku's earrings, and I adore them. When you visit Aku's Etsy shop kezzmit.etsy.com, you will see many ear ornaments in lovely warm earthy tones. The colors, shapes and textures are so appealing. They are lightweight and very feminine...very sexy! Don't believe me? Check'em out for yourself. ;-)

You can find out more about Aku's Ear Ornaments by visiting:

kezzmit.etsy.com

(blog) Art + Music = Bliss

twitter.com/Kezzmit

Thank you Aku for participating in this giveaway. What do you win if you are selected? Two beautiful pair of earrings from Aku's Ear Ornaments. Pictured below are Outono and Kusema. You will also receive a jewelry pouch from Blossoming Tree.

1)To enter visit the featured artist's website or other online shop and look around. Come back here and comment on any item.

2)Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on Dec 17. Start Dec 14 at 12:01 AM and ends Dec 16 at 11:59 PM.

3)One entry per person. Duplicates will be discarded.

4)International guests are welcome to enter, however I reserve the right to exchange any item that is restricted by or may cause a delay in customs.

5)You must leave a way for me to contact you be it an email address, blog, twitter id, website or online shop (Etsy, DaWanda, Artfire, Silkfair, etc). The winner will have 48 hrs to respond otherwise an alternate will be selected.

Day 8 - The Ivory Magnolia

This Giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who participated. You may continue to leave comments for the artist, however they will not be entered into the draw. Still, why not show some love. ;-)

Dedra Brown Harvin, owner of The Ivory Magnolia, is a pastor's wife and stay-at-home-mom of 3. According to her bio, she is a self-taught bath and body product formulator with 15+ years of experience in fashion merchandising, management, and consulting. Says Dedra, "I take special pleasure in handmade items...whether I'm buying them from indie artisans, receiving them as gifts, or making them myself."

The Ivory Magnolia brings paradise to the body with natural, high quality, 100% handmade bath and body products. Their products do not contain harsh detergents that cause skin irritations, but are loaded with natural ingredients guaranteed to soften, nourish, and recondition the skin. Luxurious products made fresh and delivered to your front door. 

The Ivory Magnolia products are made in a pet-free and smoke-free environment.

Dee is also group leader for Etsy's Artists Of Color street team.

Find The Ivory Magnolia on Etsy.

Thank you Dee for participating in this giveaway. The winner of this draw will receive one of The Ivory Magnolia's Winter Roses Satin Body Cream along with an eye pillow and temple balm from Blossoming Tree.

The rules are simple:

1)To enter visit the featured artist's website or other online shop and look around. Come back here and comment on any item. 

2)Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on Dec 17. Start Dec 11 at 12:01 AM and ends Dec 13 at 11:59 PM. 

3)One entry per person. Duplicates will be discarded. 

4)International guests are welcome to enter, however I reserve the right to exchange any item that is restricted by or may cause a delay in customs. 

5)You must leave a way for me to contact you be it an email address, blog, twitter id, website or online shop (Etsy, DaWanda, Artfire, Silkfair, etc). The winner will have 48 hrs to respond otherwise an alternate will be selected.

Etsy Artists Of Color Big Giveaway

The Etsy Artists of Color street team is hosting a giveaway! Here's your chance to win a gift box of handmade goods by 10 street team members. Head over to the team blog for rules and to enter. Good luck!

Artists Of Color blog

Crazy, Crafty, Cool ~ Meet Patrice Harrison of The Soap Seduction

My passions are soap and candle making. I also love to dabble in jewelry and paper crafts. I am a banker by trade, but a crafter at heart. I developed my passion for everything handmade from my late mother who believed that if it's made by hand, it's made from the heart. I never appreciated that sentiment when I was younger because I always associated something handmade with being "poor." I spend all of my free time making soaps and candles, not only to develop my craft and potentially make a living off of it, but to relax. For fun, I like to make jewelry. It's wearable, but I hardly think it's sellable. I run two blogs right now: Crazy, Crafty, Cool which is all about my craft addiction, and Fat, Black & Losin It with my sister Myia.

I've been crafting seriously for about a year now. It started as a joint venture with me and my late fiance Spencer. I was the creative mind, and he was the marketing guru. Together we started to create some buzz surrounding our soaps and candles, but now that he's gone, I've become the crafter and the seller. Selling is not my strongest point, so I rely on social networks and forums to get the word out about my crafts. I decided to sell because I made some homemade body scrubs for co-workers, and they were so impressed with them, that they asked me to make them more. I knew at that moment that I was on to something, and it just naturally evolved into soaps and then candles.

I get my inspiration to create from the fragrance oils I buy. My soap specialty is MP (melt and pour) crafting, but I also make CP (cold processed ) soap as well. I love FO's, and I'm always buying them. I then search for molds that I think would best suit that fragrance. Also the FO helps me decide if the soap is actually going to be MP or CP. It's weird, but it works for me.

Right now, my biggest challenge is organization. My head is constantly flooded with ideas, so I make sure that I keep my trusty notepad with me at all times so I can take notes, jot down a thought, or just make to-do lists.

Right now I promote on my own website, The Soap Seduction, my blog, Twitter, and Etsy. Etsy has been wonderful because it has a built-in audience. The traffic is already there. I make sure to actively participate in forums at least once daily. I also try to blog at least 3-4 days a week. Twitter right now has become an obsession. It's quicker and easier than blogging. You can just drop a line or two at any time. You can announce sales, giveaways, new products, new blog posts, whatever. I also buy select ads on blogs where I know there's a solid readership that will attract site visits.

My plans for the rest of 2008 is to are to close out strong. Right now I'm preparing for the holidays-packaging, products, website layout, promotions, everything. I haven't decided if I'll do any holiday craft shows this year. They're way too stressful for me.

Blog link: http://bubblesandflames.blogspot.com

Thank you Patrice for taking the time out for this feature!

Brianna Belle: Handcrafted Jewelry and Vintage Finds

I'm a twenty three year old african-american business woman! I've always been very interested in fashion and creating my own style, and I have a lot of ideas about changing the fashion industry to be more inclusive: to make things more affordable, more size friendly, and unique. I'm a plus sized woman myself, so I understand how difficult it can be to find affordable, chic clothing, especially in vintage shops, so, I do make finding plus sized vintage pieces as much as a priority as making high quality jewelry.


How long have you been crafting and what made you decide to sell?
I've been crafting pretty much all my life. My mom and aunt inspired me because they constantly made their own decorations for different holidays and it was something I got to do with them as a sort of girl's night thing. Around high school and college, I started out making my own clothes, trinket boxes and jewelry. I tried to sell some of my trinket boxes via livejournal, but nothing sold, so I was discouraged and quit. I discovered the handmade wares on etsy.com, just as a buyer for a while, and then after taking some time off from college and having some financial freedom, I decided to open my own shop. It took about two weeks for me to realize that I wanted to turn my crafty hobby into a real business and move into the brick and mortar world someday.

What inspires you to create?
I'm inspired by modern and vintage fashion, as well as what I want to wear. I see things in catalogs or on celebrities that I like and think to myself, "wow, I can make that", or "I can make something that looks just as good or better and make it available for other people for a low price".

How do you organize your time?
Since I just opened my store, I spend a lot of my time promoting. I would say that I spend six days a week doing something for my store. I'm either running around myspace, facebook, livejournal or the etsy forums trying to increase visibility of my store. I am slowly but surely creating new products and when I do create new pieces, I spend about two hours a day working on them.

How do you promote your work and where can we find it?
I promote my work via livejournal from my blog there: http://briannabelle.livejournal.com/ Also, from the myspace associated with my store: myspace.com/shopbriannabelle

What are your business plans for the remainder of 2008?
Before the year is up, I would like to increase my sales and have a steadily growing customer base. I'll be honest, I genuinely bust my butt in terms of promotion. I do everything I possibly can to get my name out there, and I do feel like all the hard work will pay off before 2009.

Tisa's Creations Cards and Stationary

Etsy Buy Handmade tisascreations

My name is Tisa, mother of 2, and wife to an awesome, supportive hubby! I have a twin sister, my number 1 fan and supporter (well she and my husband are tied as #1) I love anything to do with paper, I create hand stamped cards and personalized stationary. I describe myself as fun, honest, sassy, classy and one of a kind!

How long have you been crafting and what made you decide to sell?
I purchased my first scrapbook 20 years ago (man, that makes me feel old). I've made candles and I've completed several oil paintings. Every paining in my house - I've created! But,I've always loved all kinds of paper. About 5 years ago I started to make my own cards by rubber stamping. My friends and family then started asking me to create cards and invitations for them- so I did. With the support of my husband and sister, I decided to sell. I never thought I could sell any of my items. Currently my customers are mostly local.

What inspires you to create?
I get inspired by everything...fabrics,nature, kids - I can get ideas from almost anything.

How do you organize your time?
Organize my time? Is that really something that can be done? Just kidding. My time is very limited. I'm currently working full time, serve on a PTA Executive Board and starting this business. So I create whenever I get a free moment. I'm always carrying my computer or my sketch book - EVERYWHERE!

How do you promote your work and where can we find it?
I promote my work by signing up for craft fairs, word of mouth and of course etsy. You can find me at:
website: www.tisascreations.etsy.com
blog: www.tisasspot.blogspot.com

What are your business plans for the remainder of 2008?
Business plan for the rest of the year...I plan to network as much as possible. I would like to out source all my printing as well as start to offer letter pressed cards and stationary.

Do you have a blog for people to keep in touch with you?
www.tisasspot.blogspot.com

Meet...Callidora

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a homeschooling mom of 4. I am very active in my local homeschooling community. Crafting is my therapy and helps me cope with all the craziness in my life. I have been crafting most of my life. While I lived in Arizona, I had my own tailoring business. Some of my creations included wedding gowns and evening wear, as well as business casual or Sunday dress. Along with sewing, I love to knit! I crochet a bit, but I love knitting more or something that combines both. I also dabble in jewelry a bit. I have to many pokers in the fire for sure!

How long have you been crafting and what made you decide to sell?
I've been sewing since I was 13; crocheting since I was 5; knitting and jewelry making for the last couple of years. I also used to do tole painting, but my husband said it was too much and that I'd better give something up!

What inspires you to create?
Colors! I see colors of fabric or yarn and I think "that would look great as a skirt! Or a purse!" Also, a need - if a birthday or holiday is coming up, I try to create based on that theme.

How do you organize your time?
I sometimes feel like I don't! 3 days a week, I dedicate the full day to crafting. I check my emails and shop morning, noon, and night. In between, I homeschool or work on new designs.

How do you promote your work and where can we find it?
I promote my work through giveaways on my blog and other people's blogs. I blog :) I have my info in my email signature and I participate in Etsy Teams. Right now, you can find my work on Etsy and you can custom order through my blog as well.

What are your business plans for the remainder of 2008?
I am actually in the process of opening my own online store. I plan to do some local craft fairs and I am starting a line of modest clothing for women and girls.

Keep up with Callidora by visiting:
http://tlcsays.blogspot.com