Who’s Who Wednesday: Say hello to RbDesign!

1. Introduce yourself. Where are you from?

 I’m Reagan Branham. I am originally from central Illinois and now live in St. Louis. I am a page designer at a newspaper and a part-time interior design student, in addition to having my etsy shop. I am part of a three-cat household, which is, yes, too much (I had two, then my boyfriend and his cat moved in).

 

2. What is your shop name? What is the story behind the name?

 My shop is rbdesign.  Hmmm…I guess it’s not as original as it could be, but it’s straightforward. I make jewelry and household items out of recycled and reused products such as Scrabble tiles, skeleton keys, and magazines.

 

3. How did you get started? Is this your full-time gig?

 I started my tinkering around with Scrabble tiles about 3 years ago. My friends were getting married and they love Scrabble, are big wine drinkers and love to throw parties. So I made them a complete set of Scrabble tile wine charms – all 26 letters!

 

4. What items do you sell? Which ones are your favorites to make?

 Out of sentimentality, the Scrabble wine charms are still my favorite items to make and sell, though I’ve never made another 26-letter set. My most popular item is my Scrabble coasters, which are also really cute and a great conversation piece.

vowels scrabble wine charms, set of six

 

5. What inspires you? Who influences you?

 I have a graphic design background, so I love looking at old signage in downtown St. Louis, as well as old architecture. The lines, use of color, and all the details are so interesting to me. I don’t know how that translates to my etsy shop, but I am very inspired by it.

 

6.  Describe your workspace. What book is near you right now?

 My desk is sort of homemade. I have two wooden shoe container storage systems at each end with a block of wood over the top. That gives me lots of nooks to put supplies in and helps keep me organized. And trust me, I need all the help I can get.

 

7.  Describe your creative process. What is your creative style?

 I love looking at craft shows to see what other creative people are doing and thinking of how I can translate it to my brand. I saw someone selling felt coasters a few years ago and it was a total “aha” moment for me. I went home and started thinking of how I could make coasters out of Scrabble tiles.

scrabble coasters, set of 6

 

8.  How do you stay motivated? Tea or coffee?

 Coca-Cola!

 

9.  Do you think feedback is important? How can you turn around negative comments?

 Feedback is critical to what I do! If a product isn’t working right or someone is unhappy with something it’s up to me to fix it and learn from that to make my product better. Many times negative comments aren’t really negative, they’re constructive criticism. It’s led me to put more pictures and better descriptions of items up so buyers understand a product better before they buy it. I’ve also tinkered with designs based on feedback I’ve received. I’ve found that most people really want to help you succeed, you just have to be willing to listen to them.

 

10.  Are you on any teams at Etsy? Which one are you most active? Do you think they are helpful?

 I’m on many teams but my favorite is the Etsy Success one. It’s hard to make connections on Etsy since we’re all over the world, but this is a great way to talk to other sellers and learn from them.

red recycled paper earrings

 

11.  How do you feel about your life right now? Any advice for new Etsians or those wanting to take the plunge into selling their artwork?

 Swamped! I’m working, going to school, and have a small business. That’s probably one thing too many. But I love all three and wouldn’t give any of them up. The advice I’d give to people wanting to sell on Etsy is to go for it – but do your homework. There are tricks to reaching buyers, getting your work seen, and putting your best foot forward. If you take the time to really learn how to use Etsy to the fullest it’s a great tool.

 

Wolves or Mountain Lions?

 Mountain lion! An 8-foot long cat that weighs 90+ pounds is crazy awesome!

PERSONAL LINKS
rbdesign.etsy.com
facebook.com/reaganbranhamdesign
twitter.com/reaganbranham

iHeartFaces challenge: Best Face Photo from May

Another iHeartFaces challenge!  I am on a roll entering these…maybe one day one of my pics will make it to the finals 😀  Anyhow, I chose this picture of my E because it sums him up perfectly, so sweet and yet mischievous all at the same time!  We were on a swamp tour in Louisiana and there was a spot on the boat that was open to the river (scary, right?!) and he kept trying to go to that spot.  This is the face I captured right before I nearly dropped my camera (with my new lens) to grab him…because hubby was where?  Oh yeah, checking out the huge gators in the water

my lil' dude

 

 

 

psst…here is one of the gators!

tick tock tick tock

 

Mosaic Monday: Father’s day poetry contest!

Hello lovely readers!  I am spicing things up by having a poetry contest.  I would love for you to write a poem about your father, father’s day, dads, etc…  Post it in the comments and you could win all three greeting cards shown in the mosaic 😀  Winner will be chosen June 9, 2011.  Good luck, Bon Chance!!

3 recycled greeting cards_handmade by me

Favorites Friday: Clothing for Kiddos

I thought I would do a post of my favorite shops that feature clothing for the kiddos.  There are some really cute handmade stuff out there!  And I have had a chance to see (and order) some of the items myself.  Check them out and give the shops a shout out 😀

1.  I totally love owls and this little skirt is way cute!  Hoot skirt by LULObird.

hoot skirt

2.  I love sign language…taught my daughter when she was young!  I actually made a shirt with her name spelled in sign language, but this one is much cooler!  Personalized Name in Sign Language by Westmama.

personalized name in sign language

3.  I love little kids in hats!  I bought a hat from this shop at the Crafty Wonderland two years ago for my son.  This one is way cute for a little girl.  Bluebell hat by Muluk.

bluebell hat

4.  I guess I better insert something for the little guys now…and what little guy doesn’t like bikes?  What a cool t-shirt!  Fox on a Bike Shirt by DarkCyclingClothing.

Fox on a Bike

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend, ya’ll!!

Who’s Who Wednesday: Jewelry By Irina

So I have decided to move the interviews to my home page and have links to the earlier interviews on my Who’s who page.

Introduce yourself.  Where are you from?

 My name is Irina Stasevsky.  I am a jewelry designer .  I am in Chicago now, originally from Belarus.

How did you get started? Is this your full-time gig?

I started working with wire when I was 8.  I always loved stones.  4 years ago I took some classes at the local bead shop.    It’s still not my full time gig, but I am hoping …

What items do you sell?  Which ones are your favorites to make?

I sell hand made jewelry. I love making rings

China Chrysocolla wire wrapped ring

What inspires you?  Who influences you?

I am inspired by nature.  Color combinations I see outside of my window influence me.

Describe your workspace.  What book is near you right now?     

I have containers with silver parts, pliers in tool holder, beading mat on a desk, and drawer storage card  with stones and pearls .  The ‘Wire jewelry’magazine is near me.

Describe your creative process.  What is your creative style?

I see colors first, than I would sketch something, making it- would be much faster than first 2 steps.  I like to say I am more traditional, but I would try modern as well?.

Do you think feedback is important?   How can you turn around negative comments?

Feedback means a lot to me. I was fortunate enough with 100% positive feedback, but I am sure I would’ve work something out with my customer.

Larimar Blue Crazy Lace necklace

Are you on any teams at Etsy?  Do you think they are helpful?

Yes, the Etsy Success team and I think it is very helpful.

How do you feel about your life right now?  Any advice for new Etsians or those wanting
to take the plunge into selling their artwork.

I feel really good.  Join teams, read Etsy Guide, participate in forums, and work on your pictures.

Wolves or Mountain Lions-

neither.

Beauty in Yellow- sterling silver, Chinese crystal beaded bead

Links:

Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybyirina

Website

 http://www.jewelrybyirina.com/

Twitter  @jewelrybyirina

I Heart Faces challenge: Yellow

E and the yellow car

My little man hanging out at grammy claire’s house!  He loved being in Louisiana…lots of outside time.  The rain did not stop my NW kiddo from playing outside 😀  Check out some of the other challengers at I Heart Faces!

Favorites Friday: A treasury

Fais do-do, it’s Friday!!  I would love to say that I was having a Fais do-do myself.  But sadly I need to stay in and rest for my long run in the morning, twelve miles to be exact 😀

Here are a few of my fave things…enjoy!  Have a great Friday for me!

‘Fais do-do ‘ by BleuOiseau

Send the kiddos to bed (fais do-do) and Party!

romance in paris eiffel towe… girlscantell $6.00	Black knee length skirt-The … ZoeChen $52.00
Sand Shrimping – Fine Art Ph… pddesignsimage… $18.00	Wide Leather Wristband – Flo… aosLeather $20.00
SHE-SHE Ellen dress sheshepdx $148.00	London calling ParisPhotograp… $12.50
Metro Paris, France, Public … VeloNoir $28.00	Urban Chic… “Island&q… AWEshop $78.00
My Pretty Power 8×10 Fine Ar… TheLightFantas… $18.00	Camera Bag in Honey Mustard infusion $69.00
Stay in Lane Car Tunnel Orig… lillith $12.00	Peach & Mint Floral Locket violetbella $24.00
Beer Soap- 100% natural cold… RootsSoapCo $5.00	Picture of New Orleans River… Briole $30.00
retro red recycled bike cloc… 1byliz $55.00	sophisticated abstract wine … MarianneLoMona… $27.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Mosaic Monday: Festival International de Louisiane

We have been back from Louisiana for about two weeks now.  Amazing how time flies!  We had a great time visiting many swamps, seeing cool birds, and LOTS of gators 😀  This was E’s first trip to Louisiana and I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself.  Even A was having a blast, in fact, she told us that she didn’t want to go back to Washington.  In her words, “it is cold and rainy and not fun there.”  Haha!  That is the kind of attitude spending almost 24/7 in the sun with only a bathing suit on all day in April will bring you!  She has gotten over it of course…all her friends loved having her back and she got to check out the kindergarten classes!

Any hoot, here is a little mosaic of the best festival in the world!  If you ever get a chance to get to Louisana, head to Lafayette in April for Festival International de Louisiane.

Published!

So I have been working on this book for a couple of days now and just uploaded and published!  Right. Now.  Crazy!

Check it out here:

Le Feu by Ashleigh A. Coyner | Make Your Own Book

*Big Smile over here*

Treasury Tuesday: Le Citron, s’il vous plait

Because it is sunny outside and I like lemons.  Check out this treasury…I picked them somewhat randomly based on the word citron (no teams today).

‘Le Citron, s’il vous plait’ by BleuOiseau

Birds Pin Set in Citron Gree… KateDolamore $6.00	Unexpected Angels at Bunker … pixiecampbell $24.00
Ultimate 9 Pocket Gray and Y… GlamBaby $69.00	an Upcycled ‘Citron Bomb… sparkyjones $65.00
Lemon Cream – Silk Kanzashi … PetalMix $31.00	Infant Romper Vintage VW Bus… thebirdandelep… $36.00
6 Upcycled Absolut Bottle Pi… sandmanglasswo… $60.00	Special Size Sale – In The L… AmeliaKayPhoto… $4.00
Dinky Dots in Citron ToonDesign $12.00	French Baby Bleu Collection:… SayItSweet $24.00
Women’s Upcycled Skirt -… themodernmarig… $36.00	Bohemian Chic Reversable Pil… habitationinc $32.00
50 CITRON yellow business ca… rikyandnina $6.00	Last Kiss Goodbye, print DiegoHopscotch $15.00
Lemon Original Oil Painting artbymsr $45.00	Citron Presse – Pure & Natur… Yriss $6.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.