Meet Mia Nichols, Social Media Specialist

Mia Nichols owns a small social media management business, Social Media by Mia. The business handles social media for all sorts of companies, with a specialty in social media for crafters and jewelry makers. Learn more by visiting http://socialmediabymia.com.

1. What made you decide to start a social media business?

I love social media. I love figuring out what works to get people engaged. So, it made since to put what I love to use.

2. How did you choose to specialize in working with businesses related to crafting and jewelry making?

I love doing crafts and making jewelry in my spare time. However, health issues and issues with my hands keep me from doing it very often. It made sense to me to put my two loves together to form a business.

3. What do you think makes for good, engaging content when it comes to social media posts?

A combination of things. Videos and quotes from other parts of the internet, photos and links to your products, and general commentary.

4. If someone is posting regularly but finding that people don't seem to be interacting much with their posts, what are some strategies you might recommend?

Set up a social media schedule. Figure out what types of posts you want to post on what days. Then stick to the schedule. Find out what times of day work best for posting based on who is engaging.

5. For people who are just starting out in their craft-related business, what are your top three pieces of advice?

1. Set up your social media accounts so people can find you.
2. If you can afford it, hire someone to do your social media for you, so you have more time to focus on what you love.
3. Just keep at it.

Thanks, Mia!

Meet Donna Riner Weber, Author

Donna Riner Weber is the author of Scrapbook Your Christian Faith. A series of events and experiences--including chronic illness, early retirement, and her pleasure in becoming a grandmother--inspired her to reexamine her life, and she began writing stories of her faith to her family and friends. Learn more about Donna and her work by visiting https://www.faithbook101.com.

1. What is "faithbooking," and how did you first learn about this practice?

"Faithbooking" is the art of creating a scrapbook about your Faith. The "Faithbook" is your scrapbook with scriptures, pictures, prayers, and stories about God's presence in your life.

Several years ago due to chronic illness and daily pain, I had to stop my teaching career. I had been in the education field for 18 years, and it was a shock to my system, when the doctors told me I would not be able to return to work.

I believe that God has a special plan for you and me and each one of us. The Bible tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11 (TLB)

I didn't understand.

"But God, what is your plan for me? I thought it was to teach my middle school students." I cried. I prayed. I wrestled with what God wanted me to do. I knew it wasn't to lie around on the sofa watching TV and waiting for Him to call me home to Heaven one day.

I felt God was whispering in my heart to write stories of how He's been faithful to me and my family. So I started jotting down notes and throwing them into files.

2. What motivated you to write Scrapbook Your Christian Faith?

Around the same time that I was starting to jot down those notes, my cousin (Nora) came to visit our family. She brought her scrapbook. While I was amazed at her beautiful layouts, I knew I could not do anything like that because I have never been an artistic.

But the seed had been planted and I was interested. I attended several 101 level scrapbook classes at local craft stores.

After I created a few pages, I felt that something was missing. It was my Faith. It's a huge part of my life and I wanted evidence of my Faith to be on the pages I leave for my family and future generations.

But how could I combine Faith and Scrapbooking?

I tried to find a book to help me. At that time, there were lots of books on scrapbooking techniques but only a few on the "Faithbook" aspect.

So I set out to write the book I needed as a beginner in Faithbooking. I entitled it: Scrapbook Your Christian Faith--the Beginners Guide to Scrapbooking Your Spiritual Legacy.

3. I like that you say that you don't have to be artistic to create a meaningful scrapbook. How has scrapbooking become a creative outlet in your life?

As I continued to take scrapbooking classes, I found more and more fun tools were being created which meant even a non-artistic person like me could create a scrapbook layout.

I did not understand the techniques, tools, or even the language--but I was thoroughly enjoying the creative process and wanted other people to feel they could start participating in Faithbooking as well. In writing Scrapbook Your Christian Faith, it was important to me that everyone who wanted to leave their spiritual legacy could understand the basics to get started.

4. Would you tell us a little more about your ebook? Does it contain photos and visual tutorials as well as text?

Inside this guide, the reader will:

• Discover which scrapbook tools and supplies you need to get started
• Know how to tell which scrapbook supplies are safe
• Find out what's really in Faithbooking for you and your loved ones
• Discover the differences in adhesives, albums and cutting tools
• Find out which types of scrapbook papers are best
• See examples of layouts
• Understand basic terminology

Bonus Lessons include

• Step-by-step lessons on how to do matting
• Step-by-step lessons on paper piecing
• Instructions and resources for creating your titles

Readers can learn more about the book by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ScrapbookYourChristianFaith.

Thanks, Donna!

Meet Tina Cauthorn, Artist and Etsy Seller

Tina Cauthorn is a retired buyer from Fred Meyer, a division of Kroger. She has put her creative skills to work by having fun with buttons. Her "Button Factory" is in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Tina buys all her buttons on Etsy, on eBay, and at antique stores. So many Buttons, so little time! Check out Tina's button frames and other creations by visiting her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/allbuttonedupbytina.

1. How did you decide to focus on making and selling button frames in your Etsy shop?

I saw a button frame in an antique shop and I thought, "I can do that." I went home and found an old picture frame and started gluing buttons on it. I still have my first "creation," and when I look at it, I realize how far I have come. Once I made enough to give away frames as gifts to friends and family, I decided that I should try selling them. I initially did a few craft shows. Boy, is that hard work! Everyone at the craft events was talking about Etsy. I looked into it and figured I would give it a try! My product seems to find the right customer base on Etsy.

2. What do you especially like about working with buttons--and how do you choose the buttons to work with in your creations?

When I worked as a buyer, I did a lot of design work, and this was a great way to challenge my creative side. One of the things I did as a buyer was buy "Novelty Underwear." All those boxer shorts with hearts on them for Valentines Day? I kind of took that idea and transferred it into button frames. It's fun to think of ideas. Holidays were easy! But then, I thought "Minions." What about "Wine," "Weddings," and "Watermelons"? I love that my customers send me a request for something special, and I'm able to make it happen.

3. In searching for buttons online and offline, how do you distinguish antique buttons from more contemporary ones?

When I started binging on buttons, I bought a lot of buttons on eBay--by the POUND! I got all kinds of old, vintage buttons. Since then, I've gotten very discriminating in only picking buttons that I know will complement what I already have. I've had to add new, current buttons into my assortment. It's tough to find nice, vintage rhinestone buttons or vintage button in bright, vibrant colors.

4. You have some great reviews on Etsy! What has been your experience in selling on the Etsy platform?

I've always said that Etsy is really a fabulous community. I find almost everyone I've dealt with has been a pleasure. I use my many years in retail to set my standards for my shop. "The customer is always right," and I want to make sure its a pleasant experience. I know I love it when I get a package from Etsy and its nicely wrapped and presented. I've had a lot of the sellers I buy from become regular customers. It's a nice world.

5. What is your advice to others who want to start selling arts and crafts projects online?

I think if you want to start selling online, you need to do your research. What is out there? What is the pricing? Does it compare with what you do? I know my first frames were not as nice as they are now. I did not start selling on Etsy until I had it perfected. So, make sure you are putting your best foot forward. You won't get repeat customers if things are not well put together and presented nicely. Think about how you like to receive things. Be patient. It took me awhile to sell my first frame, but now my sales are pretty steady: steady enough for me to say I am an "artist," even if the medium is glue and buttons!

Thanks, Tina!

Meet Anakiz, Artist, Craftsperson, and Etsy Seller

With her two friends Zeynep and Meltem, Anakiz runs the Etsy shop Nakkashe. They make and sell a variety of crochet jewelry and accessories for ladies. The Etsy shop allows them to make money while doing what they love. Anakiz and her friends live in Turkey.

1. How did you decide to start an Etsy shop?

Four or five years ago, I resigned from my day job. It was very stressful, and I was working late hours. Then we moved to another city where my husband's family live (Mersin). Being alone in a new city pushed me to do something. In the past, I had always earned my own money, and just being a housewife did not make me happy. I took sewing and needle lace classes and developed my crocheting skills. Then I started to design and make crocheted jewelry. While searching the internet to find out "handmade" bazaars, I found Etsy and opened a shop, with limited items at first.

2. How do you choose the designs, yarns, and fabrics to make for your shop?

Crocheting is an art in my culture, and there are many supplies made specially for this. I buy lots of "oya crochet" threads in almost every color, and I buy any fabric I like if it is suitable to make a scarf or neck scarf. Regarding designs, I'm inspired by cultural motifs and nature (especially flowers).

3. What is your process when it comes to working collaboratively with your friends to create items for your shop?

I was alone when I started my Etsy shop. Then Zeynep , my best friend, joined me. Finally Meltem joined the team and we are now three crochet-loving ladies. Sometimes we all together make a design and choose the colors, materials, etc. Other times we do our own pieces. We are a nice team and good friends.

4. What have been some of your best-selling items so far, and how do you hope to grow your shop in the future?

Thread crochet necklaces are our best seller. We hope to open a small brick and mortar shop and take wholesale orders from different countries.

5. Is your work influenced by traditional Turkish arts and crafts?

Absolutely yes! Thread crochet and needle (sewing needle) crochet and scarves are very famous in our country. And our moms taught us crocheting at very early ages.

Thanks, Anakiz!

Are You Teaching Your Kids to Sew?

Have you ever thought about teaching your kids to sew? When I was a kid, you had to learn on a big, adult-sized sewing machine. Where's the fun in that?

Today, kids can learn to sew on sewing machines that are specially made for kids. These machines are simple in their appearance and functions. They also are easy to thread with a foot pedal that depresses easily. And of course they are made to withstand the wear and tear that kids tend to inflict on, oh, everything.

There's a very nice-looking line of sewing machines for kids featuring Hello Kitty designs. Click here for more info. The page I've linked to is part of the Best Sewing Machines for Kids site, which is a good all-around resource on kids and sewing. The site includes detailed reviews of four different Hello Kitty kids' sewing machines made by a company called Janome. The different models are designed with kids of different ages in mind. Prices start just under $100.

I was always a bit intimidated by sewing machines as a kid. I have to wonder if I'd be more into sewing today if I'd gotten started with a kid-friendly machine myself!

Meet Chuck of BurlapUSA, an Etsy Shop for Handmade Burlap and Lace

BurlapUSA is an Etsy shop which sells handmade items created in the USA from burlap and lace. Burlap is 100% natural and biodegradable, and the shop carries unique items for home décor, weddings, and bridal.

1. How did you first become interested in working with burlap?

I used to sell wholesale burlap fabric, but I saw the demand for handmade crafts from burlap fabric, so I started making the table runners using burlap fabric and lace.

2. Why do you think the combo of burlap and lace works well?

I knew it was a great combo after seeing the photos of burlap and lace runners at weddings.

3. Do you find that more people are looking for natural and biodegradable materials when planning weddings?

Yes I do, and I am glad I am a part of it.

4. What are some uses for burlap when it comes to home decor?

Curtains, aisle runners, rugs, coasters, place mats, and table runners are all popular.

5. What else would you like readers to know about your products and your Etsy shop?

They are all handmade out of 100% burlap fabric and top quality lace.

Thanks, Chuck!

Original Crochet Work by Michele Whittaker

Based in Yucca Valley, California, Michele is an artist and craftsperson whose mode of expression is crochet. In her own words, she makes "elegant crochet dresses for elegant ladies." Michele's Etsy shop carries a variety of crocheted items, including dresses, tops, and tanks for girls and adults, plus a really lovely selection of clothing for babies and reborn babies. She also makes bags, bracelets, gloves, and other accessories.

A unique aspect of Michele's work is that she doesn't use a pattern. She takes notes as she works, so you will find similarities among her items, but each one is a one of a kind creation. If you're looking for a custom item, send Michele a message because she is a friendly person who puts a lot of love into her work and will collaborate with you to make just the right piece.

From now through August 15, 2014, Michele is having a special 50% off sale to celebrate her birthday. So celebrate with her and order something special today. I'm always glad to support independent artists and craftspeople on this blog, and if you watch the YouTube video below, you'll see a slideshow of her work and know what I mean when I say that she puts a lot of love into it.

Meet Laura Dufresne, Artist and Craftsperson

Laura Dufresne is an artist in Montreal, Canada who creates unique handmade items. She currently specializes in fabric bow ties and coin purses / cell phone cases. If you like work with a geeky-cool aesthetic, be sure to check out Laura's creations. Learn more about Laura and her work on her website called Retroactive Legacy and in her Etsy shop.

1. What inspired you to start making handmade bow ties?

That's kind of a strange story. My boyfriend and I both have an affinity for geeky items and are both aficionados of the creative process. As my sewing skills grew, I found that smaller accessories with bold or interesting themes or characters became more important than the overall look. As a result, I tested a bow tie. I made a simple, Spiderman-themed bow tie for an event we attended. I received a number of responses--and to my surprise, excitement, and horror, people wanted to order them from me.

The experience blindsided me; I had no clue what to charge, how to proceed, and whether selling handmade bow ties made any sense at all. It turns out it does make complete sense because current mass-produced bow ties are poorly made, kind of boring, and mostly are pre-ties, which detracts from the allure of self-tied knot.

So in essence, what inspired me the most was the ideal of a great tradition, brought into modern times, made into something more interesting than the novelty ties our dads would wear once a year.

2. I see you are expanding into coin purses and cell phone cases. How do you get ideas for your products?

The coin purses was first inspired by this awesome fabric I found on Spoonflower featuring cameo skulls. I wanted to really showcase the skulls because the entire look was so well done. I thought it appropriate to create something heart-shaped and it just so happened that I had a batch of purse frames in my crafts stash. I tested patterns until I found one that suited the fabric perfectly and voila.

I think fabrics often inspire my work: I don't want to do what might be obvious with them; I want to do the unthinkable, the out-of-the-box, without over-reaching and not being relatable. There should be some sort of connection, but it won't necessarily be immediately obvious.

3. How do you choose the fabrics to use in your creations?

For one, most of the fabrics I choose are not commercially available. I do sometimes use commercially available fabrics, typically when it involves creating something using a copyrighted character. I think copyright is extremely important and believe that as customers become more and more aware of the issues of copyright, this will become of significant importance in the future.

It is also important to me to support independent artists. I love finding independent designers and creating something that really highlights their work. Bow ties are great for this; all bow-ties have a "window" of sorts, and I look for designs that meet the size requirements for this 1" by 2" space.

My fishing tie is a perfect example. The fish on this fabric are quite large and take up a significant portion of the window. I chose it because it fit the personality of bow ties as the modern replacement to the ubiquitous novelty fishing tie of our fathers, and also because the dimensions that would allow me to showcase the fabric in a way that might otherwise have been overlooked.

4. As an indie artist/craftsperson, what do you feel are the pros and cons when it comes to selling on Etsy?

I'm really not sure about Etsy anymore. I have found that the philosophy that made me jump into the mix has been lost with the refusal to address resellers in the marketplace. It really has torn me apart. I could continue to sell there, and with a little more involvement, I know I would/could be highly successful, but I am still not very sure I want to continue with this medium. This is a discussion for another day and another interview.

In favor of Etsy, there are still numerous independent artists and producers on the website. It is essential we support that as much as possible. In doing so, we solidify the economic sense of maintaining a handmade marketplace. For myself, even if you don't buy my products, I hope you buy things through Etsy that aren't produced in factories.

Cons: often times it is hard to tell what is handmade. :(

5. What do you think that people creating handmade objects can do to make their work stand out online, where buyers are inundated with cheap, pseudo-handmade imports?

I think it is important not to jump on bandwagons. I know it can be hard to resist, but making a bow tie of blue boxes would be stupid-boring, because it's just too common. I don't want to be mean, but if there are a gad-zillion of something, there is just no way to stand out. If you want or need to be on trend, try to get ahead of the curve. Also, you really do need to KNOW your subject.

Research is the key to connecting with your potential customers. One of my most successful bow ties is a Godzilla bow tie, but customers are not directed to my product through the keyword GODZILLA, but through the keyword GOJIRA, the Japanese word for this awesome monster! Know the fans, know the lingo, and that is how you'll reach your key audience.

Thanks, Laura!

Introducing Artist Gia S. Monroe

I always like to visit artists' websites, and Gia S. Monroe has a fun site called Art Crazy & Trinkets. On the main page of the site, Gia currently has posted a variety of original images she calls "Original Crazy Art" which you can have printed on greeting cards. Her artwork is also available on calendars, t-shirts, posters, and more. Many of her images are figurative and show beautiful women; some have an element of fantasy to them, and all of them are vivid and colorful.

Gia creates unique art using multiple mediums. She also produces what she calls a "creature feature" which means the customer can provide her with a picture, and she will make a portrait as any creature/character that he or she desires; it's a one-of-a-kind piece of art and makes a fun gift.

If you click on the word "more" on the upper right corner of Gia's site, you'll find some other treasures as well. If you're looking for handcrafted three-dimensional art pieces, you can find beautiful butterfly night light terrariums in different shapes and sizes. There's also a health and beauty section which features all organic and naturally handcrafted products such as anti-aging creams and perfumes.

Gia is a creative person who works on a lot of different projects, and I wish her the best with her website and her artistic career. Check out artcrazytrinkets.com to learn more about her and her work.

Introducing Grandma Likes to Sew, A Sewing Machine Review Site

I've seen a lot of website with product reviews, but grandmalikestosew.com is one of the best I've ever come across. The content on the site is written by a mom and grandma who has enjoyed sewing and sharing her love of sewing with others for over 50 years. The emphasis on the site is on sewing machines, with special tips for beginners who want advice in buying their first sewing machine.

This is a useful site written by a well-informed author. If you want help in making a purchasing decision, you'll find detailed reviews with lots of information about different machines. As an example, check out the Brother CS-6000i review; this model is an inexpensive computerized machine, and the review gives a solid overview of the features and what you're getting for your money.

You can find reviews about machines with special features like embroidery machines, quilting machines, and heavy duty machines. There are also recommendations for helpful sewing books, plus a growing list of sewing resources online. It will be interesting to see how the site grows over time as the author has more time to share reviews and other content to inspire more people to take up (or continue!) with machine sewing. The site has a clean and easy to navigate layout, and I enjoyed the author's friendly and knowledgeable voice.

Madrid City Skyline: A Unique Ebook

This is a really cool idea that I've never seen before: the Madrid City Skyline is an ebook that you can download and then print out full-color patterns that you fold into three-dimensional models. There are step by step instructions for folding and assembling each model. It comes with 25 cutouts to download, print, and build. Find images and more on the Facebook page for the book.

The artist behind the creation of the book has taken care to create great graphic resolution, so your mini skyline will look realistic in its sharp details. This project was designed with collectors, designers, students, architects, and travelers in mind. And kids love it, too.

As someone who loves paper crafts, I was pleased to hear about this ebook. It's one of the most creative uses of the ebook form that I've heard of yet. And if you want to try it before you buy it, you can get two free samples on the book's website.

Introducing Vintage Candles Unwined, Maker of Natural Soy Candles

As a fan of candles made of natural materials, I was happy to learn about the natural soy candles made by Vintage Candles Unwined. And better yet, the candles are made using glass cut from upcycled wine bottles.

Vintage Candles Unwined is an independent company based in Boise, Idaho. They buy the cut and beveled glasses for their candles from a local company which employs individuals who have workplace challenges. The candles are hand-poured and do not include any dyes or chemicals; even the wicks are eco wicks which keep your home environment free of crude oil refinements that are contained in paraffin waxes. And after you burn your candle, you can reuse the glass as a drinking glass or small vase or pencil cup or...!

The company offers a variety of scents and will consider ideas and requests submitted by customers. They are currently in the process of designing a new label for their candles, and can add an image of any state you'd like to the labels of the candles you purchase. Each candle contains 8-12 ounces of soy and will burn for 50-75 hours.

Find candles from Vintage Candles Unwined at local retailers in Boise and online at http://www.vintagecandlesunwined.com and on Etsy.