I have been working incredibly hard these days so I decided to make a trip to a show that I have done for the last two years but couldn't afford this year ($265 booth fee and 10% of sales ... youch!). Beneath the Wreath is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Junior League and is a wonderful high end shopping event that is invite only -- in other words, they ask you if you would like to have a booth there.

Featured Etsy Shop: Beth Singleton Designs

Featured Etsy Shop: silvermooncrafts

The Etsy community is full of a multitude of talented artists. Amongst this community of talent is an incredible team called InteriorDesignTeam (AKA DesignStyleGuide). This team is comprised of artists who create furniture, pottery, home décor, photography, paintings, various artwork, candles, lamps, bedding, and more.
If you are looking to redecorate or just for something special, search "interiordesignteam" to find these fantastic artists. Today's featured artist is a member of this talented team.

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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My shop name is Treecycle and I endeavour to sell woodturned items such as bowls, hollow forms, platters and sculptured pieces. I also make mirrors and small plant pots. At the moment I am hoping to add more items such as lamp stands, tea light holders and small vases. My partner makes greetings cards and one or two might make an appearance in my shop also.
2. What is your shop URL?

http://www.treecycle.etsy.com/

3. When did you start selling on Etsy?

June 08

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

Obviously with Etsy being worldwide it offers fantastic opportunities to enable my work to be seen and for me to see other beautiful creations which I wouldn't normally search for away from Etsy. Also no matter what time of day it is there is always someone prepared to offer help and advice via the forums if needed. It can also be counter productive because when I log in I find It so addictive to get away!!

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

Wood is such a fantastic medium to work with and can hold some wonderful suprises whilst being turned, in fact many a time I have had an idea for a piece then changed my mind once the grain pattern comes through! It also offers the chance to try various ways of applications such as paints, stains, oils and textures, resins etc, etc.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

Tough question this one! It is true to say that I do have favourites but to choose one mmm...well I will go for this one because I went with an idea and although challenging for me came out just as I envisaged, the form, the colour and how it finally 'sat' when finished.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12588380

7. What teams do you belong

Design Style Guide, a wonderful and friendly team!

8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?

On Etsy when time permits I enjoy going into the promotion forum, and away from Etsy I show at a few craft shows and enjoy handing out my buisness cards and spreading the word! I am trying to get more out of various other things like my space and flikr but not being into all this computer stuff find it hard to get my head round it all but I will...
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

I, like everyone else have quite a few and to choose a few again is tough but here goes...
If I didn't turn wood I would be tempted to have a go at pottery but could only dream as being as good as these people...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14565270
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8773008
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12830762
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8628222
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14525272
and as far as art goes..
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13034698
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8117104
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11311830

10. What do you do in your spare time?

I really enjoy attending rock concerts, listening to rock music such as AC/DC, Deep Purple, Rush, Aerosmith, Nickelback, the list is endless! Motorbikes feature heavily in my spare time, going for a ride out to our beautiful English countryside also offers touches of inspiration, and also the odd drink or two helps the chillout factor!!

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Even though I have not sold anything on Etsy yet (I am patient!) I love what I do and get a great buzz out of people hearting and commenting on my work, It makes me feel like I'm going in the right direction.

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I get to create my own Universe. I am an Artist. I live with paint in my hair and on my nails. And, I own one dress with no paint on it. ( For now...LOL) So the fact that I can paint all day, then sell what I love keeps me grinning from ear to ear.

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My Favorite item is actually not in my store at the moment. "In the Beginning" . This one will be in the Etsy CO-OP Craft Ad in Nov. and will go on sale Oct 20 th. It can be seen on my EBSQ art page and the Sidheforest Fan site on Facebook. I love this painting because it was the first painting I did the way I wanted, in the colors I wanted, in the style I wanted, and turned out the way I wanted. As an artist I believe that "self" being a part of the art is what sets different artists apart. And "In the Beginning" was when I began to discover my own path.
What teams do you belong to?
I am not on any Etsy teams yet, I've been a bit shy. But, I think I should change that and find myself a team of two to join. Any suggestions? hehe

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Bragging about how cool Etsy is. Too many people have not heard of Etsy and I love spreading the word. I am also absolutely head over heels for my Moo cards. But, my biggest fun promoting myself is learning to have confidence in me and my work, so that I can talk about it with others.

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Ok, I can so tell you about my favorites. I will try to make it a short list.
idea2lifestyle.etsy.com , bravegrrl.etsy.com are two of my favorite clothing stops!
oh, and elfland.etsy.com

then of course there's..... figurka.etys.com, buildersstudio.etsy.com, jodieflowers.etsy.com,
And obsoleteworld.etsy.com is one of my most favorite artist on Etsy!

What do you do in your spare time?
This is so easy! Reading, Reading, Reading....LOL I am an avid reader and go through books like potato chips. Early onset Rheumatoid Arthritis has taken away most of my gardening, but not yard sales, building a library, painting, and reading! Oh...and I will bashfully admit to being a bit of a facebook addict. hehe

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Thank you so much for helping create a wonderful day.