Ayana Features: Trista Bell

Today's next Ayana Feature is all about One of a Kind with Trista Bell. In this shop you will find jewelry, blankets, photography and supplies. If you are looking for handmade items that are sweet and simple to bold and beautiful with a little bit of whimsical, then this is the shop for you! So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Stephanie with Trista Bell!

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
Where do I start, I've been doing crafts in one form or another since school. I've always done sewing, floral arrangements, writing (which I could put you to sleep in seconds)LOL ,painting, and in the last few years I happened onto jewelry making and have been hooked ever since. I try to use gemstones, pearls, and swarovski crystals in my pieces. My pieces are more on the sweet and simple side. I love to try new techniques, but if its not perfect it will not be seen, I'm my worst critique. Every once in awhile I'll through in a BOLD piece.

2) How did you decide on your shop name?
When I found out about Etsy and decided I wanted to start selling, my biggest problem was coming up with a name. There were so many Stephanie's (Its a great name!) LOL, and I wanted something that would stand out. So, I decided on TristaBell, my oldest nieces name is Trista and the youngest niece is Isabelle. Just combined the two:)

3) What inspires you?
For me I think it a color or a shape that gets me inspired about a new project.

4) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
For me thats a hard one. I love all my pieces, but I guess my most favorite is the "Sea of pearls". I put my heart into every piece, so there all kinda in the favorite column.

5) What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
Promote,promote,promote! Get your name out there and I think the biggest is be patient. It gets frustrating at times, but when you make that special piece and the right person comes along, its all worth it:)

Here’s a fun question:
6) If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
Oh, boy!! I don't know the answer to this,LOL:) I want to say the Bionic Woman, but I don't think she was a super hero, not sure. If I was Bionic woman, I can run around at lighting speed and get my jewelry, sewing, and house work done in the fraction of time. Plus, I would have super human strength to pick anything up:) BUT,I do have to say I think everybody has alittle bit of villian in them.

Shop for your uniquely designed and crafted jewelry and other goodies at www.TristaBell.etsy.com

Ayana Features: Audzipan Design

Today's first Ayana Features is all about Awesomeness with Audzipan Design. In this shop you will find awesome glass, wood and bottle cap magents, decoupage boxes, banners, custom graphics and more. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Audrey with Audzipan Design!

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
My name is Audrey Mann, and I am a fun-loving, newlywed twenty-something with a love for design and a newly discovered freedom for design. I recently graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in Interior and Business Design, and my shop reflects a lot of my personal taste and style. However, my biggest sellers are custom graphics for other Etsyians!

2) How did you decide on your shop name?

I decided on my shop name based on a nickname given to me by a college roomie. We were huge fans of homestarrunner.com, and one of the girl characters is named "Marzipan." My roommate modified it to fit my name, and it stuck like glue. Marzipan + Audrey = Audzipan!

3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by birds, trees, nature, and most of all life in general. My husband is one of my biggest supporters, and he often brainstorms with me on new designs, ideas, and business plans.

4) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
My favorite item in my shop is usually my newest, because I am always so excited to create something new. At the moment, it is my Wooden Fridge Magnets with Awesome Animals. I just finished the design and assembly, so I am still basking in the rays of new creation.

5) What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
My advice to other Etsy sellers- Don't take yourself or your art too seriously! Art should be freedom, not a headache.

Here’s a fun question:
6) If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
If I could be any superhero, I would be Supermom. We don't have any kids yet, but I would like to continue creating and listing on Etsy while raising a family. It seems like I will need to be Supermom to do that!

Shop for your handmade magnets, decoupage goodies, custom banners and more at http://www.audzipan.etsy.com/

Promoting Others

I usually only feature one artist on Friday who makes some items with a floral theme, but since this is my blog, I'm going to do something a little bit different. Throughout today I'm also going to feature various artists just because I can. Today is all about promoting someone else. So stay tuned . . .

Ayana Features: Jennifer Squires Productions

This week's Ayana Feature proves that a picture is worth a thousand words with Jennifer Squires Productions. In this shop you will find stunning and fresh photographs of flowers, food, landscapes and more. What I love about this shop is that Jennifer can even make onions look amazing. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Jennifer with Jennifer Squires Productions!


1) Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
I have been photographing professionally since 1996, but I’ve been taking pictures my whole life. I opened my Etsy shop in February 2008 - it’s been great for me, I work from home but the Etsy community never lets me feel as though I’m by myself.My work covers a broad range of categories, from shopping carts to gerbera daisies, but I always find that I focus on the details of life.

2) How did you decide on your shop name?
I use my name for my shop name, so I guess it comes from good ole Mom and Dad.

3) What inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by the world around me and I use photography to search for simplicity and meaning in the beauty of the everyday.

4) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
Currently my favourite photograph is February Blues 3, one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been. It's where I became engaged to the love of my life.

5) What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
Spend at least as much time advertising off Etsy as you do on Etsy and don’t compare yourself to other stores, you have no idea how they’re marketing elsewhere.

Here's a fun question:
6) If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
Hmmm... What a great question! I think I'd have to be one of Charlie's Angels (uh-oh, did I just show my age?), because they are girls that kick butt and have some cool gadgets to help them along the way. And they know how to have a good time!

Shop for contemporary photographs at http://www.jennifersquires.etsy.com/ or http://www.jennifersquires.ca/

Sushi for you

I normally feature other artists on Fridays, but this just looked too good to wait. At first glance this looks like real sushi, almost good enough to eat. It's made of wool. Can you believe that? It was made by Wool By Willow. I first tried sushi when I was a freshman in college. My roommate convinced me to try something different. I even tried the wasabi, but my roommate did not warn me about it. For those of you who are going to try wasabi for the first time . . . a little dab will you do. I had to learn my lesson the hard way.

Ayana Features: Nora Dora

This week's Ayana Feature is all about crocheted memories (for me at least) with Nora Dora. In this shop you will find crocheted doll clothing and the cutest doll hats. This shop reminds me of my mother because she loves to crochet and used to cochet dresses for my barbie doll. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Noreen with Nora Dora!

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
I have crocheted all my life but during my office working years had put it off. Not too long ago my granddaughter was visiting with me and she brought one of her dolls and was play-making clothes out of cloth, just tying them on the doll. I was inspired to pick up my "hook" and make her some doll clothes. That small event has started a while new passion for me. It's endless the ideas and creative venues available, and I have made clothes for a multitude of dolls and trolls and lately have been obsessed with the beautifully unique Blythe doll. I am proud to say I am in my second childhood!

2) How did you decide on your shop name?
Back in the day when I was working in the legal field, several of us had last names that ended in "een" (Noreen being my real name). My nickname became ‘noradora' and it stuck with me and seemed like a perfect fit for my shop name.

3) What inspires you?
I don't use a pattern for any of my creations. I just pick up my hook and start crocheting, never knowing exactly what I am going to make. One of my sisters, who is an artist, sometimes sends me a list of Titles and color combo's with "why don't you make???"....that is one of the things that comes to mind that inspires my creativity. I do find encouragement to be inspiring.

4) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
The favorite item in my shop would have to be what I call my "Fly Me To The Moon" Blythe Outfit.....I call it my ‘signature outfit' as the color combo (blues and greens) was my first Blythe outfit and it sold within 24 hours of listing. I was hooked! She's my avatar and brings me smiles!

5) What advice do you have for other Etsy sellers?
I think promoting in the forums, hearting other shops, making treasuries, joining a street team and most of all good pictures are all pluses to help you get out there for people to find you. I also think commenting on blogs when you stop to visit brings people around to see you too.

Here's a fun question:
6) If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
Not sure if Samantha from Bewitched is a super hero....but I would love to have the power to just twitch my nose ....dishes done, house cleaned, weeds pulled out of garden. Wouldn't that be fun then I could just crochet more lovely creations!

Shop for your doll's crocheted attire at noradora.etsy.com

Ayana Features: Doll Closet

For this week's Ayana Feature, I'm presenting Doll Closet. In this shop you will find quality handmade doll clothing. This shop reminds me of my mother-in-law because she has a collection of procelain dolls. Since Mother's Day is coming up, I will feature shops that remind me of my mother and all mothers. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Christine with Doll Closet!

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
I have been into sewing for as long as I can remember. I started sewing doll clothes as Christmas and birthday gifts for my little sisters and soon their dolls had WAY too many clothes. Then came the idea of selling them. Actually I can’t take credit for that, my friend Ashley (http://ashesplace.etsy.com - who is also the one who told me about Etsy) got me into selling them at farmers markets and I took off.

I enjoy many other crafts also, such as knitting, quilting, cross stitching and the like. Another hobby I am really getting into is photography. I plan on setting up a second shop to sell prints soon.

2) How did you decide on your shop name?
Doll Closet. I wish I could take credit for it, but actually my mom came up with it. I really like it, I guess because it just makes sense.

3) What inspires you?
Shopping for fabric! I love it! Until I check out of course, LOL. There’s so many cute fabrics out there, it’s really inspiring thinking of all the things I can do with them.

4) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I’m not sure I have a favorite. I tend to like the old-fashioned dresses better personally, but right now I really like this one. The hat was a pain to make but it turned out really cute, don’t you think? =)

5) What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
Keep at it! Be patient. If people like your stuff, it will sell. You just have to give it time.

Here’s a fun question:

6) If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
Spiderman. He’s cool.

Shop for custom handmade doll clothing at http://dollcloset.etsy.com/

Ayana Features: Princess Tiffany Creations

Here's another Ayana feature just for you. This week it's all about Princess Tiffany Creations. In this shop you will find hair clippies, snap clips, bows, ribbon pens, headbands and crochet creatures. My favorites are the hair clippies, snap clips and bows. They are just sooo cute. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Sarah with Princess Tiffany Creations!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.

My name is Sarah (Tiffany is actually my chihuahua!) I have been making bows for about 2 years and crocheting for about 5 years. I offically listed my first item in my etsy shop on Januray 8th of this year and am having so much fun with it!

How did you decide on your shop name?

Tiffany is my 9 year old chihuahua! I was having one of the girls in my bow group whip me up a banner, but I did not have a name. She suggested the shop name, since she knows me and knows that I love Tiffany so much and the rest is history!

What inspires you? My bow making friends really inspire me, as well as the new clothing lines. As far as crocheting goes, I just love to make little animals that are cute and cuddley!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? My favorite right now is either Annabelle or Mary, my mini monkeys. I love them! They are so cute and something I would have wanted when I was a little girl.... heck I want them now!

What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?

Get your name out there as much as possible. Also take good pictures, that is what I am working on improving currently.

Here’s a fun question:

If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?

Not sure if this is considered a superhero, but I love the girls from the show Charmed! They have all these cool powers and save people. I think I like them because they have girl power also!

Shop for hair accessoires and crocheted creatures for your little girl at http://tiff705.etsy.com/

Ayana Features: Canvas Colors

While searching for all things floral, I found this wonderful shop called Canvas Colors AKA Colors1. In this shop you will find hand painted canvas flower flippers, animals and more. My favorites are the flower slippers, which look absolutely amazing. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Mary with Canvas Colors!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
I have been a needlepoint designer for about 30 years, I have my B.F.A. in ceramic sculpture and I'm from Lex. Ky now reside in Cumming Ga. north of Atlanta. I work as a graphic designer for a International Gift Co., paint needlepoints and teach ceramics.

How did you decide on your shop name?
The name of my internet shop is actually "Canvas Colors" I just shortened it.

What inspires you?
Beautiful art and nature insire me.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I have many things in my shop that I love, don't know if I have a favorite!

What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
Put as much on your site as you can, the more you have the more you sell!

Here’s a fun question:
If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
I would like to be one of the Incredibles!!!

Shop for hand painted canvas decor for your home at http://colors1.etsy.com/

Ayana Features: Dainty Diva's Boutique

While searching for all things floral, I found this wonderful shop called Dainty Diva's Boutique. In this shop you will find custom clothing and accessories for your diva. Even though I do not have a little diva, the items in this shop are just too cute to keep to myself. So for today's Flower Power Friday I am featuring Dainty Diva's Boutique!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
My name is Trisha and I am a SAHM mom to 2 wonderful kids that always keep me on my toes. I started making hair accessories for my daughter shortly after she was born. I had so much fun dressing her up with her custom made clothes and matching hair pretties that I decided to expand my designs and offer custom clothing as well.

How did you decide on your shop name?
I decided on the name of my shop because of my daughter. If you met her, you would know why. She is a tiny little thing but has a big attitude. Dainty Diva's Boutique just seemed too funny and fitting not to use it.

What inspires you?
My inspiration is my daughter. I enjoy dressing her up and seeing her reaction when she puts on things I made for her. As soon as she sees me on the sewing machine or working or hair accessories she immediately says " Is that for me mommy? " I just laugh and explain to her it is for another princess. She loves to help me pick out flowers for the headbands and taking her to the fabric shop is always an adventure.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
My favorite item(s) in my shop are my "Think Pink" items. I lost my sister to breast cancer last year. I had the idea to make things pink/breast cancer related and donate the proceeds to research in her memory. I belong to a wonderful design group called the PixieChix and they have joined me to do launch on April 13th donating proceeds to my breast cancer walk on May 3rd. I won't stop spreading the word and help finding a cure of this awful disease until it is gone for good. I hope nobody has to go through what our family had to March '07. It forever changed our lives.

What advise do you have for other Etsy sellers?
My advise for other Etsy sellers would be just to have fun. We are all on here to offer our talents to others to enjoy. Nothing feels better than to please a customer. I have met many wonderful people on here and even made some friendships from this fabulous site. I love it! I hope other Etsy sellers enjoy the experience of meeting new people and just have fun with it. That is what it is all about.

Here’s a fun question:
If you could be any super hero (or villain), who would you be and why?
If I could be a super hero or have any super power I would be John Coffey (played by Michael Clarke Duncan) from the movie The Green Mile. Anyone that has watched that movie will understand why I would want his power. I would heal all the sick people in the world and my sister would be here with us today.

Shop for custom clothing and accessories for your diva at http://www.daintydivasboutique.etsy.com/

Ayana Features: 1 Feb 08

Mizusugi's Designs

In this shop you can find ribbon ornaments, jewelry, handcarved wood pendents, pocket mirrors, key chains, bottle openers and my favorites flower hair clips and brooches. Now I know I'm biased about flowers, but who cares.....this is my feature. :D

Now unfortunately "my" Blue Mum Fabric Hair Pin has just been sold. *sigh* On the bright side I can always get a custom made hair pin. ;)

Here's a brooch that has not sold yet. (Ahem) Buyers what are you waiting for? These flowers are made with cotton fabric in a kanzashi, Japanese fabric flower, style. You can view more of these beautiful flower creations by visiting her Etsy shop http://mizusugi.etsy.com/
or going to http://www.flickr.com/photos/amizugirl/

All About Reciprocity

One of the virtues I live by is reciprocity, in that whatever you put out in the world (whether good or bad) eventually comes back to you. So I've been thinking about how I would go about promoting other artists. I have recently inlcuded a mini gallery of some of my favorite items on Etsy, some of which will hopefully be mine one day. Wahaha! (evil laugh) :D

I am also going to start featuring certain artists who have an "ayana creation." Ayana means beautiful flower in Ethiopian. So every week or so I'll be looking out for handcrafted floral items. I hope you enjoy my Ayana Features.