UberArt

I love to write. I'm a collector of journals. Some I write in, some I draw in, and some I just look at because they're so pretty I'm afraid to mess them up. Beth's lovely hand-bound journals are pretty enough to fall into that last category, but I doubt I could resist doodling on those pristine white pages! She creates focal points on some of the journals with sculpted clay, and this detail is a perfect transition to the other focus of her shop: polymer clay pendants.

Beth started UberArt when she found Etsy, thanks to her husband spotting an article in a business magazine. Since she has an interest in a variety of crafts she was not sure what sorts of goods would fill the pages of her site as time passed. “My main inspiration comes from being with other artists. I love working alongside others, sharing a creative aura and seeing the things we all come up with.”

Beth juggles being a full time mom to a toddler, and a part time crafter. Like many parents, her crafting time is found during nap times and once the little one has been tucked in bed at night. She has the constant support of her friends and family, “ [They] are always interested in my latest creations, or at least pretend to be!”

“I think my “Sand and Sky Journal” has become my signature item. I grew up near the beach and really enjoy incorporating seaglass into my work.”

I encourage everyone to take a peek in her shop, the photos are stunning, and you'll no doubt find a lovely treasure to make your own.

Spiderbite Boutique

Spiderbite Boutique is a story of success on the Etsy scene. Her fuzzy hand bound monster journals, “Nightmare Snatchers” are instantly recognizable. Each one is colorful, expressive, and has personality. Who wouldn’t love to write in a book like this?

Sarah went to school to become an illustrator, but found it difficult to hold down a full time job and find time to paint. She decided to start creating and selling her Nightmare Snatchers so that she could devote more time to her art. “I am a full time crafter at this point. Hopefully I can stay away from getting a “real” job indefinitely.”

Spiderbite seems like a perfect name for a shop featuring monsters that eat nightmares, but there’s a story behind the name. Growing up, little Sarah had several trips to the emergency room, breaking out in hives and other uncomfortable maladies. They finally discovered that she was allergic to spider venom, and unfortunate little Sarah was always stumbling upon them. Her father jokingly called her Spiderbite, and years later when she was searching for a shop name, the creepy-cute Spiderbite Boutique fit the bill.

“I like to use all kinds of materials to make things. Part of the fun is finding something new to work with. Working in a new and alien material can bring about a childlike wonder that you forgot you could have.” For her books, Sarah likes to find fluffy, fun faux furs. Sarah is also an illustrator, and paints with acrylics and watercolor.

Sarah is working on another project with writer friend Thomas Evans (who write the Nightmare Snatcher poem). The two are working together on a children’s book, so keep your eyes open for it in the future!

“I find that some of the best advice I have ever gotten was to not be influenced by contemporary art. Instead if you find someone you like in the modern day, find out who influenced them, and get your inspiration from there.”

Sarah had some great advice for fellow shop owners:
“Just keep plugging away. If you do something you love and you do it well, people will eventually come around. Also be sure to diversify your venues. Owning 1 little online shop works for some people, but most of us have to spread the work around.

And when things are slow, make stuff. I’ve been trying to make myself listen to this advice and not obsess over my little shop. Don’t get too caught up on the selling part and forget that you started this venture so you could create.”

Papersilly

“Loving what you do is reflected in the work that you do. It is seen in the care and detail that you put into your products. It is seen in the creativity of your designs. Your products are like your fingerprints your leave behind-----they are unique only to you and they reflect who you are as a person, a crafter, and an artist.”
~Rowena Saenz of Papersilly

When you visit Papersilly, you’ll be swept away immediately by the fun and vibrant paper selections that are used in each hand assembled piece. Journals, note cards, photo albums and more can be found in an array of decorative, feminine papers. Rowena has tried her hands at many different crafts, but her favorite is working with papers, and it shows. She loves to work with papers that come in collections because of the cohesive nature of the designs. “I love beautiful paper designs and color combinations that just catch your eye and draw you to the paper.”

While Rowena works a full time job at a law office, she’s always creating in her mind. “I can only craft part time because I work during the day. No matter where I am or what I am doing, I am constantly thinking about new products and implementing ideas.” She tries to spend every moment she can crafting, before and after work as well as on weekends.

Rowena’s supportive husband encourages her to create and devote her time for the crafts that she loves. She is also a member of the Etsypaper street team.

When asked if she has any advice for other Etsy shop owners, she urged people to act like a business if they expect to be treated like one. “You must have a strong work ethic and responsible and ethical business practices. Good customer service must be your top priority. You must be proud of every item you list for sale and anything less than your best is a disservice to your shop, your reputation, and most of all, your customer.”

Click to visit Papersilly