Getting to know Kelly of 5LittleMonkeys

I sat down for an interview with Kelly. Here is what we talked about. Be sure to visit Kelly at all her links.

Andrea : What region do you live in?
Kelly : I live in Queens, which is a borough of New York City. We live close enough to enjoy all the city has to offer, but far enough away to not be right in the middle of the insanity.

Andrea : What kind of items do you create?
Kelly : I like to make almost anything. I get distracted really easily because I want to try everything! I enjoy making jewelry and things for babies and little girls. I recently learned to knit, so that is my current obsession. Look for knitted items in my shop soon.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8739926
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9262069

Andrea : How long have you been creating?
Kelly : Since I was a little girl, but now that my kids are getting bigger, I have a little more time to do things I enjoy.

Andrea : What or Who are your creative influences?
Kelly : Growing up, my mother was always doing some kind of needlework, whether it be knitting, crochet, or needlepoint. She inspires me to make beautiful handmade items. Etsy artist are also so inspiring. By seeing their beautiful creations, they make me want to go beyond the ordinary and make something really beautiful and one of a kind.

Andrea : Do you work outside of the home/studio?
Kelly : I have been a stay at home mom to my five kids for almost 12 years. I will be starting a part time job very soon as the swim coach for my kids' team, the Barracudas http://www.ciybarracudas.com/index.html

Andrea : If you could be in someone else's studio or kitchen, whose would that be?
Kelly : I'd love to spend time with Martha Stewart. She just has so many creative ideas for every area you could think of from meals to decorating to parties.

Andrea : Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your goals with your business?
Kelly : I hope to still be coaching swimming and helping those kids achieve their goals. As far as my business, I hope to be able to devote more time to it as my kids will be older, and have a customer base that comes to me when they need a gift or just want to treat themselves to something special.

Andrea : Do you sell wholesale/consignment?
Kelly : Not at the moment, but I am open to any and all possibilities.

Andrea : Where else {besides etsy} can your products be found?
Kelly : I have a few items for sale at Texas Art Spot in Corsicana,TX. I also sell on ecrater http://www.5littlemonkeys.com and http://www.madeitmyself.com/

Andrea : Are you a member of any organizations or have any affiliations?
Kelly : I am a member of FAM, Fabulous Artistic Moms { http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com }and Etsymom { http://etsymom.blogspot.com }, both street teams on Etsy.

Andrea : What is your education as it pertains to your craft?
Kelly : I have a B.S. in business management. I'm not sure if it's helping out all that much at the moment, but I am trying to educate myself on all the marketing tools we have at our disposal on Etsy.

Andrea : What is your favorite part of creating handmade items?
Kelly : I love the whole process from coming up with an idea to gathering the materials to putting it all together. But my favorite part of all, by far, is when it's all done, and I can show off what I've done!

Etsy FAME for Valentine's Day

Etsy FAME is full of wonderful Moms who craft. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Below is just a small example of what you can expect from our Etsy FAME members.

So come on over and look for something special for your Valentine this year.


1. The Pretty Peacock - Gorgeous Guitar Pics Personalized and Eco Friendly
2. Mad Hatters Pottery - Soy Candle - Handcrafted Ceramic - Cabernet Scented
3. Macaroni & Glue - The Definition of Feminine - Simple & Sassy Blank Notecards
4. Annie Howes - Heirloom Sterling Silver Photo Pendant
5. Merkaba Jewelry - Peppermint Red, White, & Pink Soft Scarflette with Button & Fringe
6. Valeries Gallery - Felted Bangle - Holiday Red- Large
7. Sweet and Tranquil - Sensual Woman Soap
8. A Sugar Affair - Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
9. Chamberry Cherry - Fairy Princess, A Tutu, T-shirt and Crown, Costume for baby or toddler
10. Francisbel - Valentine Pink and Red Heart Purse
And we have many more Etsy FAME members who make a vast variety of goods!

Getting to Know Carissa Black

I sat down for an interview with Carissa Black. Here is what we talked about. Be sure to visit Carissa at all her links and if your ever in Connecticut, visit the shops who sell Carissa's items.

Andrea: What region do you live in?
Carissa : I live in Connecticut, so the East Coast.

Andrea: What kind of items do you create?
Carissa: I create handbags and all of the accessories to go with them.

Andrea: How long have you been creating?
Carissa: I have been creating "officially" for about 5 years now. I have always loved designing and sewing.

Andrea: What or Who are your creative influences?

Carissa: I find that the artists on etsy really inspire me. There is so much creativity. It really makes me push myself. I also really love fabric. It is fun to look at a design or color and imagine all of the wonderful things it could become.

Andrea: Do you work outside of the home/studio?
Carissa: I work out of my home. I would love to have my own studio some day.

Andrea: If you could be in someone else's studio or kitchen, whose would that be?
Carissa: There was an etsy artist on the Martha Show a year or two back who had a one room studio in the cutest little house. It looked like a playhouse, but was big enough for all of her things. It was whimsical, fun, inspiring, functional, and right in her own backyard.

Andrea: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your goals with your business?
Carissa: In 5 years I want Carissa Black to be a household name. We can all dream can't we? No really I just hope that I still love creating and doing what I do.

Andrea: Do you sell wholesale?
Carissa: Yes, I do wholesale and consignment.

Andrea: Where else can your products be found (name B&M stores or internet urls, including your own)?
Carissa: Here are a list of shops where you can find me at.
My online shop at www.gardencris27.etsy.com
I also sell at the following boutiques:
Yummy Goods in Cape Cod, Massachusetts http://www.yummygoods.com/
Bella Boutique in Alaska http://www.shop-bella.com/
Indigo Lily Co. in Cochester CT http://www.indigolilycompany.com/
Piper Maypop in Farmington CT http://pipermaypop.blogspot.com/
A Whole Lotta Bags in Bangor Maine http://www.awholelottabags.com/

Andrea: Are you a member of any organizations or have any affiliations?
Carissa: Of course I belong to Fabulous Artistic Moms. I also belong to the Connecticut Etsy Street Team.

Andrea: What is your education as it pertains to your craft?
Carissa: I haven't had any formal training, except for high school home economics. All of my sewing has been self taught.

Andrea: What is your favorite part of creating handmade items?
Carissa: I love to have an outlet to express myself. It is just plain fun!