Spotlight on Ana the Night Owl

Welcome to another Queer Etsy Street Team interview! This time we're talking to Ana the Night Owl who runs Tierra Dulce Shop with her older sister Martha.

What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? Currently we have things that we find and like – I end up digging out treasures packed away in my garage, things I find when I go treasure hunting, and things that we make from scratch. It is very much an outlet that suddenly became an obsessive project.

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else? I had set the Etsy up for my sister to have an outlet for all her creativity. She turned out to be the more ‘I just wanna make crafty stuff’ than the seller type. And so that is how I took over the account I had set up and soon grew to be Tierra Dulce Shop. Officially we began selling in 2011 and we are still going. I think we have had success when a brick and mortar shop in Portland started carrying our Tierra Dulce Shop Mexican edible sugar skulls, (which we now make as vegan candy) – CandyBabel and we found each on Etsy of all places! So I feel very proud that even though our small little shop is still trying to catch its stride, that our creations have touched others outside of Etsy. I want to find others willing to work with us and carry our labor of love. Hello out there!


The Original Mexican Day of the Dead Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skulls Mini Candy Handcrafted (6 Count)
What are your favorite materials to work with? We have such an eclectic array in our shop that sugar would be some of our favorite materials to work with by far. We do have beautiful soy soaps that are amazing, since we don’t test on animals (other than me) and they are made with such care – and very scientific. My sister is very scientific – she keeps notebooks with her formulas and processes on all her projects. Not to make her sound like a nutty person, but her passion is working with plants as biology major. Also my friends swear by them; I had a friend come out of surgery and her skin was held together with some sticky hospital type tape which had to be taken off and the wounds cleaned and then put a new bandage right back on – but the problem there was that the bandages left hard glue on the skin – she said she tried every product she could find to get rid of it, but everything she tried she became allergic to it. So I sent her a few bars of soaps to try out. I mean after all that, it could not hurt to try an alternative and sure enough it worked!

We also work the yarn and the charms. Going back to working on my stained glass – I have finally set up a workable space in the garage to be able to do that – so looking forward to build projects again.

What got you interested in your craft? At first, we started this a creative collaboration to help my sister in the Northwest. But since we are both a bit artistic we decided to get creative and share this project. We are trying to build something beyond Tierra Dulce Shop. For a living I teach at schools and every time I visit a new school – I hear the same story over and over again. Every school is facing some sort of budget cut or loss of very needed programs like arts and music. Because of this our adventure with Tierra Dulce Shop, we decided to use this outlet to build and to help schools fundraise for the arts. Whenever we make a sale we set aside the funds so we can start a non-profit aimed at helping schools. I know it sounds like a lofty goal – but this is the base, the start – and what way to build a passion – than starting with a passion. So to answer your questions – meeting people got me interested in my craft.


Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? I am very busy working most of the time – but when I do get time off I play music. I’ve been playing music since 7th grade and to tell you the truth it was my saving grace as a kid.

Most of the time, I’m thinking of new things to make and promote. At one time I was vowing never to join Facebook – I did not care about it – but when I took over the shop I really had to adapt and see how the heck I was going to make this happen. So I joined Facebook, and in joining that social site, I had a wall of people who had been searching for me on that thing. I had tendencies to fall off the face of the earth. I really enjoy it in some strange way now. Which reminds me, we also have a Tierra Dulce Shop fan page on Facebook ‘Like Us’ – facebook.com/tierradulceshop Let’s be friends!

Also, Feng Shui, ancient old traditions fascinate me – so I went to the library (one of my favorite places in the world) and self-taught myself the ways of the Feng Shui. And here is a tip for you, if you want opportunity to come knocking on your door, place a wind chime outside your from door. When I did it, not only was the sound soothing, new and more happy things began coming my way. Sound silly, but an ancient way of thinking can’t be too wrong

Oh, I forgot the blog I have that is mainly about stained glass and chocolate – Yes, two of my favorite things. You can find that at anathenightowl.com.


Does your queer identity come into play in your work? You know, my queer identity has been with me since birth – I remember being a kid and knowing that I liked that little girl with the kinky hair a bit too much. And when she found a little boy friend to play with instead of me, I became jealous! So I was aware of my queer identity for a long time but had no idea it would change my life. In my work it comes to play to a certain extent – I like to think that it is me and not my queerness that people like. My work on Etsy has not really said I’m queer, but it does not mean I’m not proud of the fact that I am a Lesbo.

Is there any advice you have for our readers? I think the readers are here for a reason – a reason that I had been trying to find a long time in my life. And that is solidarity and unity. I know they are here because they support the fact that we are great business people and love our crafts and want to buy them and support The Queer Street Team shops. But to also support LGBTQ people and end this crisis in our country and stand up for our rights (in the great Bob Marley’s words.) In California, we have had so many battles in government offices, in the street and in families to get equality – and soon enough we will get there. And even being on this web-blog is spreading the word that we are beautiful, smart and successful contributors to society. LOVE US READERS!

~ Ana Bernal aka Ana the Night Owl – Tierra Dulce Shop @ Etsy

Spotlight on LivingatNight's Mariana

Welcome to another Queer Etsy Street Team interview!  This time we're talking to Mariana from LivingatNight...


What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? Almost 100% Jewelry! (I'll explain that in a minute). The banner on my shop says "Chilean Design in New York City," because I design and make the pieces and they definitely have a South American design element with an urban, New York City flavor, which is where I live. I do work with vintage materials on occasion, because I like to give new life to things that have been around for a while instead of always producing more stuff in the world-- so that's my contribution to reuse, recycle, repurpose.

So my shop has artisan jewelry that is one-of-a-kind, sometimes custom made for a buyer who requests it, and I'm always changing designs to go with the seasons-- or when I have a wonderful new idea. My designs don't really follow trends in the mainstream fashion industry, but because I love jewelry and the decorative arts I am aware of what people are wearing in the City. I get a sense of what people enjoy wearing, what makes them happy and expresses something about them. For me, designing jewelry is not about following industry trends because those ideas are ephemeral-- in my small shop I enjoy making pieces that people will enjoy today as well as years from now.

I also offer prints of my brother's original art work, which he created when he lived in New York City with my elderly parents. They show the fusion of urban and more traditional, representational art.


Prints of Original Artwork by John David Romo: The Web
How did you first start selling on Etsy?  In July of 2008 I opened the shop with only two pieces: The important piece was a pair of earrings I designed titled "Breast Cancer Amazons" which I hand-formed in 14k GF with genuine blue sapphires. I made them to celebrate the people who fight against cancer- I have lost dear friends - and especially because my life partner had a mastectomy that year, underwent chemotherapy, and has been in excellent health ever since. The fight is far from over, of course, but I remember my friend and poet, Audre Lorde, who wrote Cancer Journals, who was one of the first African American women to write about cancer surgery, about reconstructive surgery and the pressure on women to wear prosthetic breast implants.

As it turned out, though, I had just begun to make jewelry for Overstock's artisan division, Worldstock, so I didn't continue with my Etsy shop then. Along with Overstock, I still had my job at ABC Carpet & Home, where my designs were getting known, and I taught literature part time at CUNY.


Iolite Sterling Silver Earrings
How long have you been selling? Since 2003! At that time I was teaching full time at Goddard College, in the MFA in Creative Writing program. It's a low-residence program, also called distance learning, which allowed me to live in New York and travel to Plainfield, VT twice a year for the intensive residency. The rest of the time, teaching was conducted through the mail and online. I had been making jewelry for a while, learning from my mother who was a multi-faceted artist, and from friends. The truth is I was fascinated by precious stones, and even though I had no desire to go around covered in diamonds, I enjoyed looking at jewelry everywhere. I mostly gave things away, but friends began to recommend my designs to their friends, and often commissioned pieces for special occasions.

One day, a former student who is also a web designer, (Jennifer Rumford, a lovely person and talented writer) suggested we work together on a website for my jewelry.  We called it Living at Night Jewelry Design, because that is the name of my first novel. But it fit, because I do make jewelry for evening as well as day wear; I get my inspiration at night while reading, writing, and even dreaming! The website was fabulous-- Jennifer added animation and she titled all the pieces with literary references, such as Dark Wine Sea garnet earrings (from The Odyssey), or Margarita's Necklace (from a poem by Rubén Darío). Unfortunately, no one ever bought anything from my website! Only from me, by word of mouth, so I consider that a compliment.


Moonstone Special Sale, faceted gemstone, vermeil wirewrap Chandelier Hoops Earrings
Do you sell anywhere else? Yes, I do have a shop on Zibbet and Craft Cafe, but most of my online sales come from my Etsy shop which I reopened in July of 2011. I write a blog on jewelry and all kinds of esoteric (and silly!) stuff where I feature some pieces that are not on Etsy. (See http://livingatnightjewels.wordpress.com) People can always order anything from me at livingatnight@me.com

What are your favorite materials to work with? I still love precious stones! My birthstone is Peridot, but I'm very partial to sapphires in all colors. Moonstone, Australian Opal, Apatite-- and of course pearls in all varieties. I enjoy working with pure copper, to shape it and hammer to obtain new color and texture. I use sterling silver and gold vermeil, and while it lasts, 14k gold wire and chain (at great prices). I also enjoy crocheting stones with silk thread onto silver hoops, for special designs with Larimar and Amber.

What got you interested in your craft? Literature- isn't that odd? I'd have to say it was my love affair with fantasy and romance as a child. In Arabian Nights and many other tales there were descriptions of fabulous gems that had special powers-- talismans. The idea fascinated me. I also grew up surrounded by visual artists, my parents, my grandfather, my uncles who were photographers, a family of very modest means in Chile in the 1950s. I wanted to do visual art but never felt I could. As an adult, my ability seemed to lie in creativity with language, but I sort of longed to be able to do something directly with my hands that would allow me to enter a different creative space. I think that jewelry design was something that was right in front of my face, but I couldn't see it!


White Pearl and Copper Pendant, handmade setting, fresh water coin pearl, high luster
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? Yes, writing and the making of books will always be inside me. I have two novels I'm working on, one in Spanish and one in English that I have put aside because of several tragic losses my family has experienced in the past three years. It's painful to write, sometimes, and my books have a great deal to do with family, immigration, addiction, loss, homophobia, and depression. So, because I've translated and edited books in the past, I co-founded a small bilingual publishing group, called Escritorial Press. It can be found at http://escritorial.org. We published three books in 2011, and we're working on a fourth this year. Next year we hope to publish a multi-lingual poetry anthology by children 8-18, in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

(You can read more about Mariana's writing on her writing blog at: http://marianaromocar.wordpress.com and check out her debut lesbian novel on amazon.com: Living at Night.)

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? Well, last night, my gf/life partner June, and I were playing Angry Birds to relax! I enjoy films very much, anything from boring intellectual stuff to glossy Hollywood movies. Naturally I love watching period movies such as Downton Abbey so I can enjoy the jewelry! Also, when I was 45, I decided to study martial arts. I had seen movies with Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li and thought they were the greatest. I got a black belt in karate and then continued with t'ai chi. I don't practice either one these days, but June and I both love dance. Our favorite date is to go to the Ballet at the Met, and then go have a cheap dinner at a NY diner.


14k Gold, Garden Sapphire Multicolor Gemstone Necklace. Red, orange, pink, lavender, mauve, amber sapphires.
Does your queer identity come into play in your work? Yes, I cannot separate myself into pieces anymore, and I think that's a good thing. I'll tell you a story. When I came out as a lesbian, I lost custody of my only child, my son John Christian. He was almost two-years-old. This was  the1970s in the state of Connecticut. I was 23 and was not very world wise. When I fell in love with a woman it never occurred to me to keep it a secret. It was a terrible time, and I don't think it would have been any better if I had been silent, but in those days many queer people had to hide from themselves if they wanted to live in peace. For 17 years it was a constant struggle to maintain visitation with my son. I remember once, making a strange looking necklace from a tiny carnelian and silver pendant, crocheting a web with orange thread and weaving in brown bird feathers I found in the woods. I realize now that it was a sort of talisman I wanted to create, for protection against the emotional onslaught of what I was living. I think that in any art we practice, be it painting, writing, design-- our real selves emerge  Art comes from a place we enter that we can't always consciously reach and yet each of us inhabit it at times.

When I make jewelry, I think there is an abstract sense of the "lesbian romantic," the Chilean woodlands, the Atacama desert, the New York City "vibe," all expressed in my work but they're not elements that are immediately obvious. When I make a custom piece for someone, I try to embody the person's nature in my design, and that space of connection is very special, unnamed, but understood.


Rainbow Suncatcher with Musical G-clef, crystals, Czech beads, cubic zirconia
Is there any advice you have for our readers? Oh, I've got advice on any subject. ;) Somebody stop me!
Here is one from martial arts that kind of ties things up... My karate teacher was a man of few words, Shuseki Shihan Wm. Oliver, born and raised in Brooklyn. We were watching a young star practice his kicks and jumps, leaping 3 ft up in the air. As an older student, I could only dream of jumping so high. "Watch," said Shuseki, leaning over to me. "You can tell exactly who a person is from their karate."

I puzzled over this, of course. You were meant to puzzle over it. If you're thinking of setting up shop and selling your work, remember that everything you are comes through whatever you do in life. Who you really are will show in your art work and in how you deal with people. So let us see you in all your glory! Creating a particular look is good, but make sure it makes you happy. You might be more formal in business than in personal life, but it's still you, and you have to love what you do. Enjoy!


Apple Green & Purple Link Bracelet, Hydrochrosite Green Briolettes and grape purple faceted cubic zirconia crystals in 14k gold fill links

Spotlight on 33norashmora33

Today we've taken some time to talk to treasury maven, Nora, who runs the queer-friendly shop....


What sorts of things do you offer in your shop?  Vintage notions of all kinds.
For all fabulous vixens, housewives/husbands, collectors, and just about everyone.

I carry an array of collectible vintage pottery and ceramics (Bennington, Halls, Rörstrand, Luray), milk glass, depression glass, vintage clothing from the 40's, the 50's, the 60's, the 80's, Vintage high heels, Collectible books, handmade silk scarves, handmade upcycled ipod/cell phone covers, Vintage jewelry, Plus size vintage, Vintage sizes for all body types (and genders!), restraunt-ware, Vintage menswear, Vintage ties, Vintage pottery planters, Vintage figurines, Ceramics, Vintage Barware, Designer Vintage, Vintage leather purses, Queer collectibles, and much more!

I try to find vintage items of all sizes, for all genders, for all ages.

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else?  I really started selling on Etsy because I was such an avid buyer and thriftier! It became a summer project that got bigger and bigger…..
I have been selling since June of 2011


40's Red Dress. Sexy Secretary Dress.
What are your favorite materials to work with?  I love unique vintage dresses from all eras. I am especially partial to the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
I also have a total affinity for depression glass and milk glass, I just can’t get enough of it!

What got you interested in your craft?  I’ve always been interested in fashion and thrifting. I also love to curate and take photo shoots, but I never had a desire to be in the mainstream fashion world. The etsy world fits me just fine. I grew up going to thrift stores for hours with my mom, so it’s in my blood!
Also, I have a few new projects up my sleeve. I am working of learning to paint on ceramics….and these ceramics aren’t gonna be ones to give to Grandma (unless your Grandma is Betty White or Helen Mirren). I want them to be saucy and shocking and fun. So keep a look out!


Vintage Men's Ties.
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop?  I was a DJ for 3 years in Montreal, where I threw queer dance parties and worked as a social justice organizer in the queer, diy, and trans communities there. I DJ around Brooklyn once in a blue moon, but I’m mostly hibernating these days and working on a Masters.

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time?  I just started a blog! I am finding it super fun. It is about my etsy shop, but also music, queer politics, femme identity, fun stuff and more. I used to write zines when I was a wee-little punker, and I am finding that blogging feels very similar.


60s Earrings Leather Roses. Vintage Earrings.
Does your queer identity come into play in your work?  ALWAYS! Language is very important to me, you can see this in my shop categories. Rather than men and women, I have “Ladies, Grrrls, Femmes”, and “Bois, Dudes, Men” I try to use both male and butch and gender queer models for menswear. I try to use queer femmes for women's wear. Or bois for women's wear and visa versa! I like to try to get people of all shapes and sizes, all colors, all genders. I’m not there yet, but I’d like to have a very diverse presenting shop, rather than the traditional waif-ey models that you still see in many Etsy shops. I wanna queer up Etsy with my shop and my treasuries, and supporting other queer sellers!


Photo by Xavier T., Montreal 2010
Is there any advice you have for our readers?  Realness Time:
Things don’t get better (mostly), you get Stronger.
“And if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?
Can I get a AMEN?” –Ru Paul

Spotlight on Ottoline's Oddities

Welcome to another episode of the Queer Etsy Street Team's Spotlight On...!  This time, we're featuring another great vintage-themed shop...


Her shop is full of vintage clothing and accessories, antique paper ephemera, handmade sachets (lavender, cinnamon, or anise scented), and upcycled trinkets. And even better, she donates 10% of her monthly proceeds to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit refuge for former farm animals!  How cool is that!?  But let's get into the interview...

What sorts of things do you offer in your shop?
I specialize in vintage ladies’ wares, paper ephemera, and items handmade using vintage components (hollow book safes and sachets for the most part).

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling?
I’ve been an Etsy fan for several years. When the results of various projects of mine started to pile up I decided to open a store of my very own.
I created my shop in February 2010, but didn’t start listing until December.


Woodland Life Vintage Ephemera
What are your favorite materials to work with?
I adore old books, lace, and chenille.

What got you interested in your craft?
I’ve been partial to vintage clothing and accessories for as long as I can remember. More than half of my wardrobe consists of vintage items. The quality and variety can’t be beat!
Old books make me happy, and turning them into quirky storage spaces is a great way to have more of them in my life.
And as for the sachets, who doesn’t like sweet smelling drawers?


Vintage Mod Floral House Dress
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop?
I’ve been experimenting a bit with photography, and I always love to make a mess in the kitchen!

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time?
I’m the business liaison for my neighborhood citizens association, a Planned Parenthood clinic escort, and I organize a monthly vegan baking swap. I read quite a bit--fantasy-ish interstitial fiction for the most part--, and I garden. The lavender I use in my sachets is homegrown!


Handmade Lavender Sachets: Lavender Fields Forever
Does your queer identity come into play in your work?
All facets of my identity contribute to my interactions with the world in one way or another, but I’m not quite certain how this specific part impacts things.

Is there any advice you have for our readers?
Oh, gosh. I’m still trying to work things out for myself. Hmm. I suppose my advice is to do just that: experiment with different things and find out what works for YOU.

Be sure to look for Ottoline on facebook and twitter, and if you have another other questions, she can be contacted at ottolinesoddities@gmail.com or via Etsy of course!

Spotlight on OldSkoolProductions

I love this shop!  It's like she's been rummaging in my mom's attic and pulling out the best stuff!  She's also in the process of opening a supplies shop...details to come soon!


What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? A wide variety of vintage and antique items, but I specialize in 80's pop culture like video games, toys, and more.

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else? For as long as I can remember I've been selling stuff on Ebay. When I came across Etsy less than a year ago, I knew I had to open shop. I still sell on Ebay and flea markets from time to time but I love Etsy and I devote most of my time to making my shop the best that it can be.


Mikasa Posy Parade Bowl
What are your favorite materials to work with? Anything vintage!

What got you interested in your craft? I love old stuff! I like to learn the story behind items, and I think its awesome when you can take something someone once cherished and give it a new life.


Vintage 1973 Tea Towel Calendar Bird Design
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop?  I'm always doing something. Right now I am working on making my backyard the Oasis I always wanted.

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my lovely girlfriend, and our four legged babies. I also love being outdoors, at the beach, playing games, watching movies, or just chillin with some tunes.


Vintage Lot of 2 Yellow Pillowcases Fabric
Does your queer identity come into play in your work? I think my queer identity makes me who I am. I find that being a butch, helps me relate to a broad spectrum of people, and the items I sell appeal to men and women alike.

Is there any advice you have for our readers? If you are passionate about something, then go for it. Never let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams.


You can also check out OldSkoolProductions at facebook by following this link here: www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Skool-Productions/176631815694532

Spotlight on ideology

Welcome to another Queer Etsy Street Team member interview. This time, we shine our Spotlight on...


What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? I offer handmade jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pendants.

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else? I first starting selling on Etsy and selling my handcrafted jewelry in general in October 2010. Etsy is my primary source for selling my items, but I also sell outside of the Internet through word of mouth, as well. You can keep posted on my shop and any other places I may sell via my Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/ideologyart and the ideology Twitter account at www.twitter.com/ideologyart


Light Violet and Dark Purple Pendant Necklace
What are your favorite materials to work with? I love working with semi-precious gemstones, crystals, and handcrafted glass beads.

What got you interested in your craft? I have always been interested in creating jewelry and have done so as a hobby for quite some time before beginning to sell my creations. I love how jewelry can work for people of all ages to express their individuality.


Green & Blue Amazonite Semi-precious Gemstone Earrings
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? In addition to my Etsy shop, I also paint, draw, write, and bake (often vegan) and enjoy being creative in any way possible in my life.

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? I also enjoy going to see live music, support local artists and artisans, go to festivals, learn about different cultures and subcultures, and spend time with my family, friends, and animal companions.

Does your queer identity come into play in your work? In part because of my queer identity, I consider myself very open-minded and accepting of various lifestyles and living situations. I consider my shop open to all people and am always open to suggestions, advice, and comments.


Rainbow and Black Handcrafted Glass Beaded Bracelet
Is there any advice you have for our readers? Explore your creativity in any way you can - however small or large - and use it for the better good in any way you can. :)

Spotlight on QuietMind

QuietMind is a wonderful shop featuring prayer beads, jewelry, and art, run by Brian Harrison who also maintains FoundAround, filled with vintage items and art & craft supplies, and BeadinAroundTheBlock, which has lots of bead and jewelry supplies.

Tell us how you first got started selling on Etsy? Have you been doing it long? Do you sell anywhere else, online or in person? I have been selling on Etsy for 3 years. I first focused on Beadin' then QuietMind and more recently have been adding inventory to FoundAround. My skull and skeleton line of jewelry is represented by Galleria de los Muertos in Phoenix, AZ and I belong to an Art/Vintage cooperative called Indie ArtHouse in Phoenix, AZ as well.


Wood Skull and Black Lapidolite Earrings
What are your favorite materials to work with? That is a hard one, I love working with so many different things that is why I make so many different things.

What got you interested in your craft? I have been creative all my life. Drawing, painting and making things has always been of interest to me.


Mixed Media Altered Art Work on 100 Year Old Window - Work in Progress
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? I am currently working on a line of mixed media/altered art pieces that fall under the theme of Ancestors. I'm using old objects, family pictures, large format negatives and what ever else gets in my way.

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? I garden and have a pond. I also have 3 pet birds a Sun Conure named Radiance, a Jandee Conure named Buddy and a lovebird named Little Bird.


8 inch Strand of 12mm Lapis Blue Sodilite Coin Beads
Does your queer identity come into play in your work? I never given that any thought. I am who I am, open and out in every aspect of my life.

Is there any advice you have for our readers? Keep at it, things go well and poorly at times just keep at it.


Vintage Remberance Calvalier Wind Master Lighter

Spotlight on KnittiGritti

What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? Hand knit accessories (scarves,hats, belts, etc), many of which are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else? 1) I actually discovered Etsy through the Queer Team! Do you guys remember the article that Curve Magazine did about a year ago, where some of you were interviewed - I thought it was awesome, and found Etsy.com and YOU because of it!!! 2) I've been selling for almost a year now - I began last summer, just knitting on my own, but then my co-workers liked my designs so much, they began placing orders left and right, and I moved to Etsy for more visibility (and have met some great people along the way!). 3) I still get face to face orders, but always direct them to make their payments thru Etsy - to keep things organized for me.


BABY DIVA SET - Super Snuggly and Stylish Infant to Toddler Sized Cashmere Wool Hat and Scarf Set
What are your favorite materials to work with? I love all sorts of different materials/textures - but my fave is when I have the opportunity to incorporate woven fabric into my knits - it always gives an edgier Knitti -er Gritti -er look (lol)

What got you interested in your craft? I come from a very creative family and have always loved clothing, accessories, and putting my own spin on things - I just wonder what it will evolve into next!


POM POM DAIQUIRI - Shimmery Summer Wrap
Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? Everything I do ends up i my Etsy shop :)

Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? Running around after my 3 kids, my lovely lady, and our 2 dogs. Plus I work full time in the banking field.


KISS ME, I'M IRISH - Glistening Green Rainbows Extra Long Medium Weight Spring Scarf
Does your queer identity come into play in your work? Hmm.. thats an interesting question. I wouldn't say in any OBVIOUS way - While anyone who knows me or reads my profile is made accessible to the fact that I am a Knitting Lesbian (lol) I don't have any rainbow patches on the brim of my hat or the trim of my scarves *wink* Maybe if we wanted to fit a stereotype, we could say that the bright "flamboyant* colors I use are a dead giveaway - but I think that would be kinda silly....


The ROXIE Over-Sized Hat: Refurbish Your Favorite Old Clothes
Is there any advice you have for our readers? Do what you love, take risks, and ENJOY YOURSELF!

You can also find KnittiGritti on facebook!

Spotlight on Dark Heart Designs

What sorts of things do you offer in your shop? Eye shadows, lip glosses, gift cards, gift sets

How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else? My friend told me I should open a shop for my makeup. I've been selling a little over a year, on Etsy & locally.

What are your favorite materials to work with? Mica! I love making glosses too but they're so messy.


DHD Gift Set
What got you interested in your craft? I used to see all these incredibly pretty eye shadows online but they were so expensive. Once I figured out how to make them (I didn't know you could & I was overjoyed when I found out), and make them cheaper, I knew what I wanted to do.

Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop? I always have something creative going on. I work full time with my father & we manufacture tents, ride tops, and flags at his shop in South Georgia. I do a lot of designs and patterns with him.


Vampire Heart Loose Mineral Eyeshadow
Besides art/crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time? I don't have net connection at home right now, so I spend a lot of my breaks at work saving web pages from Modish, Smallerbox, Handmadeology, Blacksburg Belle, & tons of other resources on blogging, creating, selling online, etc. There's so much you can learn from other people online and I don't want to miss all the good tips and ideas.

Does your queer identity come into play in your work? Hmm..this is a hard one. Let me see if I can hit the nail on the head. I think it's helped me to open my eyes to different people and how I can help them, even in some tiny way.


Dark Heart Designs
Is there any advice you have for our readers? Never give up, use criticism to grow, and never let other people make you feel differently about yourself.