Chaos Into Art

There is one thing that I have learned by looking at all of the Oklahoma Shops on Etsy. There is no way that I could choose just one favorite. I love doing these features for my blog and I would like to share why.

Etsy is a on line site that promotes handmade and vintage merchandise. It's fun to look at the pictures and read the descriptions of each item, but to truly appreciate each item, you really need to know more about the person who put their time, effort, craftsmanship and most importantly their love into each and every thing that they make. So, I challenge you...Read the artist's profile, check out their blogs, take a look at their flickr pictures, and read their MySpace pages. When you are through, the purchase you make will mean so much more to you.

Chaos Into Art


Chaos Into Art is one of my new favorites. With an assortment of "one of kind cards, bags, and gifts from reclaimed materials," you are sure to find something that you love. In addition to these wonderful things, you can find unusual vintage and recycled supplies.


I asked Jessie to tell us a little about herself.....

Hello! My name is Jessie, aka samann1121. I'm a twenty-something who just finished up college and got married about a year and a half ago. I've been crafting since I was young. I often used recycled materials, because I didn't have any money, and that's what my mom gave me to work with. Now I use recycled materials because they are not only unique, but reusing them adds a little more beauty to the world.

My crafting obsession got taken up a notch during college when I 1.) started working as a seamstress at a just-off-campus appliqué and embroidery shop, and 2.) discovered Craftster.org. The job destroyed my latent fear of sewing machines, and the amazing people on Craftster constantly inspired me. Craftster is where I first heard about Etsy. I signed up days after Etsy officially launched, and I've been working at selling my wares there ever since!

I was born and raised in Tulsa, and I miss it terribly -- my family no longer lives there, so I don't get to visit very often. My husband and I are now set up within biking distance from OU's main campus, where he's pursing a PhD, and I'm crafting up a storm in our tiny little house.

I have self-diagnosed craft ADD, which accounts for the great variety of items available in my Etsy shop. I mostly stick to sewing and paper crafts. I also love to shop at garage sales and thrift stores, which means I'm constantly finding vintage clothing and supplies that I can't pass up. A lot of these end up for sale in my shop.

I just did a successful home show featuring my items, and I have two craft fairs scheduled within the next month. I'm also starting to get some consignment deals. This is very exciting to me -- crafting for a living is possible, and it's becoming more and more of a reality for me!

Corduroy Patchwork Christmas Stocking

Oh how I love this stocking! Made with vintage recycled corduroy, it is a real treasure. It is padded, lined, and has an inside pocket perfect for gift cards.

This stocking takes me back to a simpler time. I can just imagine hanging stockings on the mantle, sipping hot chocolate, and getting ready for Santa's visit. In a time where Christmas has become so commercialized, it is so refreshing to find the one thing that can bring back such fond memories.

Road Atlas Note Card Set

I had to smile when I seen this little note card set. They brought back memories of childhood trips, my parents pulling over to the side of the road to figure out where our next turn would be, and the excitement of going somewhere new.

The set is made with an outdated U.S. Road Atlas. With different cities on each card, each set will be as unique as your travels.

While looking in Jessie's shop, I realized exactly what I loved about it. Memories. The Harvest Flowers Pouch reminds me of my Grandma's embroidery, the Board Game Coasters remind me of playing checkers with my Dad, and The Munsters Note Cards bring back memories of watching television with my family.

Whether you purchase something that brings back memories or you want to create new ones, Chaos Into Art is the perfect little Etsy shop to find just what you are looking for. I am sure that you will enjoy it just as much as I do.

Claudia's Burning Ink

Each time I look at someones Etsy shop, I am always curious about the artist. Truly believing that I am not the only one, I decided that I wanted to feature artists in my blog. How could I possibly not introduce Oklahoma artist.



I am fascinated with Claudia's Burning Ink! I love things that are out of the ordinary and Claudia's purses certainly fits into the unique category.



I asked Claudia to tell us a little about herself.......

I'm Claudia, I'm a daughter, an artist, a wife, a jewelry maker, a daughter-in-law, a painter, a sister-in-law, a fun loving person, an aunt, an animal lover, a brat, and I'm spoiled. One thing I'm not is a sister, I'm an only child, hence the spoiled part.


I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. I've moved away a few times, Florida, Morro Bay CA, Santa Monica CA, and now Oklahoma. Yukon, OK.


I've been making crafts and artwork since I could hold something in my hand. My mother is a crafter of many materials. I don't think I hardly owned any store bought clothes till I was in third grade. My mother taught me my love for all things handmade and photography. My first piece that was in a "show" was when I was 3 years old. It was where you put paint on cookie cutters and put them on paper to make images. Mine was very abstract. I love all kinds of art and love trying new projects. I really admire people that can blow glass and throw clay. I've tried both, my glove nearly caught on fire with the glass blowing. I don't do art that hurts. I'm left handed (that's why I'm so cool) and my teacher for my pottery class couldn't figure out how to teach me.


I enjoy looking at old art as well as new. I love that I live near OKC and can go to the Museum of Art whenever I want. I love that art is in our everyday life, whether it be by nature, or by man, it is all beautiful.


I'm really glad I found Etsy. Moving here has been ruff on making new friends, but this site has given me a door to people with interest like mine.

Keeping My Heart Safe

I love this purse! The first thing that I noticed about Claudia's designs was the similarity to tattoos. This is Claudia's personal purse modeled after one of her closest friends tattoo. I like tattoos...on other people. Since I am a BIG Chicken and totally opposed to pain, Claudia's purses will give me an opportunity to carry around my tattoo.







Love, Live, Laugh

How sweet!!! I think we all need to be reminded sometimes to love, live and laugh. What better way than to carry our treasures.

Claudia's creations are so special. Through my life I have owned a few purses and trust me when I tell you that, with the exception of the one I am carrying now, I can't remember what they even looked like. I know that this would not be the case with Claudia's purses. Art that touches us can not be forgotten. Take a look at Claudia's Shop. You will find some wonderful purses. They will make great holiday gifts.

Made In OKLAHOMA!

Have you noticed that I have added a list of links to other Oklahomans who have Etsy Shops? I had to share my secret...Oklahoma has some the most talented artists living in it. I have lived in the great state of Oklahoma all of my life and as much as I love to travel, I am always happy to get back to my home.



Maybe you didn't know....

• Oklahoma's state capitol is the only one in the world with an oil well drilled beneath it.


• Oklahoma is the 3rd largest gas producing state in the nation.


• Pawhuska, OK had the first Boy Scout troop in America (1909).


• Sylvan Goldman of OK created the first rolling supermarket cart.


• The first parking meter was created in OK and installed in OK City in 1935.


• OK is the winter quarters for more circuses than any other state.

You would be amazed at the talent that has come from the state of Oklahoma. To name just a few....

• Garth Brooks - Musician


• Reba McEntire - Musician


• James Garner - Actor


• Brad Pitt - Actor


• S.E. Hinton - Author


• Toby Keith - Musician


• Carrie Underwood - American Idol Winner


• Ron Howard - Actor/Director


• Chuck Norris - Martial Artist/Actor


• Will Rogers - Humorist

The list of famous Oklahomans could go on and on, but for every Oklahoman you have heard about, there are many more that we haven't had the opportunity to see their beautiful work. The Oklahomans on Etsy are a perfect example. So...take a look at their shops. You will see why we are so proud to say that something is Made in Oklahoma.

DoG MAFiA HoliDOG Raffle

Something To Bark About!The Etsy Dog Mafia is excited to announce their Holidog Raffle starting Nov 1st and running thru Dec 10th.

You could win over $200 worth of DOGtastic goodies donated by mafia members just for shopping with the mob!

Every purchase you make of a DOG related item from a participating mafia member shop gets you 1 ticket per item. There is no limit how many tickets a person can have... so the more you shop the better your chances!

Buyers will automatically be entered w/each purchase.

See all the wonderful donations on Flickr.

The PAWticulars -

Raffle contest is open to all etsy.com registered users.

Only DOG related item purchases count. 1 ticket per item - no limit.

Items must be purchased at participating etsy.com member shops only.

2pawprints.etsy.com

anniessweatshop.etsy.com

art4milkbones.etsy.com

bad2thebone.etsy.com

bentleysbones.etsy.com

ccsfashions.etsy.com

frumsglassmenagerie.etsy.com

haleyshandmades.etsy.com

howlinhounds.etsy.com

leafpeople.etsy.com

myaimistrue.etsy.com

temjtc.etsy.com

Purchases must be made between Nov 1 thru midnight Dec 10th

Opt Out - if for any reason you don't wish to be entered in this raffle promotion you may opt out by contacting the shop owner or the dog mafia.

Mafia members & their families are not eligible for this raffle.

The lucky winner will be announced on Dec 12th. Prize package will be mailed the next day.

The Dog MAFiA is a group of artists & Etsy.com sellers who specialize in handmade items for DOGS & the people who love them.We create all kinds of wonderful handmade goods with a common theme - our love for dogs. See our blog etsydogs.blogspot.com

The Dog Mafia supports the BUY HANDMADE Holiday Campaign. (link) Dogs DiG Handmade too!

JoJo

What a Cutie!!! Jojo is my newest little friend from way up North in Canada. Her Mom was so nice to send pictures of her in her little Jackolantern Dress. To get an idea of how small Jojo is, she is wearing one of my XX-Small Dresses. The neck is only 7 inches, the girth 7 1/2 inches and the length is 6 inches.

China Doll

China Doll

I love to get pictures of my little friends wearing their new clothing. It has always been the bright spot in my day to see what each little dog looks like wearing something that I have made and as much as I enjoy seeing these pictures, I enjoy even more knowing that their Moms and Dads are smiling just like I am.

This week, I received these adorable pictures of China Doll. She is so tiny! She is 1 year and 4 months old and weighs only 2 pounds and 7 ounces. After seeing her pictures, I knew immediately why she was named China Doll. I am so exited to have her and her Mom as a part of the CC's Fashions family.

Etsy Halloween Costume Contest

Chloe is a little caterpillar.
She is the perfect model.

Chloe always has to look at the camera.

Have you ever noticed that the things that we think that won't take very long to do, always end up taking the longest to finish? That is the case with my Halloween Costume Contest entry. After hours and hours of making green and white pom poms, I am finally finished with the costume and it has been listed.



I'll be honest, there was a lot of whining that went along with this project. My fingers hurt and after a while, I started questioning that it was a good idea. In the end, I am very pleased with the way the costume turned out.

Time Flies

Where do the days go? You know that saying, "Time flies when you having fun". Well, I've got some bad news. Time flies when you not having fun. Don't get me wrong, I have had a really good week...it's just that you never get everything done that you need to do.

Sales were pretty good this week, but the downfall is that my inventory needs to be built back up. So, this week I am concentrating on new dresses. It seems a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but my customers like to take Christmas pictures of their little dogs, all dressed up and looking pretty. If you are planning on using these photos for Christmas cards, order early so that you have plenty of time to get them back and ready to mail. If you have something in mind, just let me know. I do a lot of custom work.

Back to the holiday at hand. My goal is to have my entry for the Etsy Halloween Costume Contest ready to list by Wednesday. I'm still not telling what it is, but so far it is turning out to be adorable. I'll be putting pictures on my blog, so be sure to check it out.

Hooray!!!!! It's Friday!!

Ever since I was little, I have loved Friday! I can understand how that was exciting way back then; I didn't have to go to school on Saturday and later, when I had a "real job", it was the end of the work week. With that being said, I often wonder why I still get excited about Friday. My little shop is behind the house...I'm home all week...and I work on the weekends.

I think I know why...My husband who does have a "real job" is home over the weekend. Every Friday night, we meet friends for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. There are times during the weekend that I take time to do the things that I want to do. In a nut shell, it's different than the rest of the week. The weekend is designed to break up the monotony.

Today has been a really busy and great day! I got a call from one of my customers and we had a really good visit. When you sell online, its difficult to form the one on one relationships that you may have with a local customer. The phone call made my day. Then I got an order for five of my dresses. Isn't that exciting!! I finished mending some jackets for a groomer that has my clothing in her shop and sent off my package for the Dog MAFiA promotion that is coming up.
I also had a chance to visit with my mail lady for a few minutes. She's the best!

I have also been working very hard to get my entry ready for the Etsy Halloween Costume Contest! I'm not going to give anything away just yet, but I will be showing you a picture next week. I will tell you this.....I have making green and white pom poms all week long. I can't wait until I'm actually getting everything put together. Won't be long now.

Now I'm off to change clothes and get ready for my Mexican food. I'm about to starve.

The Dog MAFiA

Today I became a member of an Etsy group. The Dog MAFiA is a wonderful group of people who "specialize in handmade items for dogs & the people who love them." I don't know why I was so nervous about joining a group. I guess it goes all the way back to getting picked last in first grade. I don't know what I expected, but I was made to feel very welcomed. I am sure that I will learn a lot by being a part of this group and I hope that everyone will take a look at their blog.

Christmas Is Coming!!!!!

Wow!!!! Can you believe it's already the middle of October? I have been working very hard on all of my Fall and Halloween merchandise and low and behold, it's time to start working on things for Christmas.

I remember when I was a kid, (a long time ago) Christmas merchandise wasn't even in the store until after Thanksgiving. I walked into the store yesterday and the Christmas things were already being stocked. I personally wish they would wait and yet I know that it is time for me to start listing Christmas merchandise. Why you ask? If I don't, I won't be able to assure my customers that it will reach them by Christmas.

Pet apparel is really a great holiday purchase and gift idea. Just remember that a little dog may be wearing a dress, but it brings great joy to their owners. That's what I love about my job the most. I can't tell you how many smiles I have seen when a dog owner puts their little dress on their "baby". If you are planning on taking holiday pictures for Christmas cards or gifts, what better way to include you dog.

The Trip To Town

Every Sunday, I sit down and plan out my projects for the week. I call this the unattainable list. I know from experience that I will never be able to get everything done, but I do get a feeling of satisfaction every time I mark something off of the list. Sometimes, you just have to learn to go with the flow.

I work everyday and rarely take an entire day off, even on the weekends. So...after 15 trips to the refrigerator, without finding something to fix for dinner, it's time to make a trip to the store. I live 15 miles from town, so I try to make the trip worth while. I made a trip to the bank, shipped out packages at the post office, and picked up supplies before I started loading up the grocery basket. I sure wish I hadn't been hungry. I was like a kid in a candy store. Everything sounded wonderful and I just had to have it.

I finally made it to the car, got everything loaded and was on my way back home. About half way between the store and my house, I realized my cell phone was not in my pocket. (Visions of searching the store aisles were going through my head.) I had to pull over to find it. Fortunately, my Mom had her phone to call me on my cell phone. No....I didn't answer.....but I found my phone in the back floor board.

On my way again, when I realized that all of these wonderful things that I had purchased were going to have to be unloaded and put away. What was I thinking? Finally, I'm home and everything is out of the car and at this point, I'm just tired.

After a short break, I head out to my shop, checked email, looked over the list, and realized after wandering aimlessly that I'm not getting anything accomplished and the world had not fallen off of its axis. I quit...went back to the house...and enjoyed a somewhat lazy afternoon.
Tomorrow...the list will be twice as long and I'll be kicking myself over and over. I think I'll read this again to remind myself how much I enjoyed a little slow time.

A Pirates Life For Little Verdell

Today I spent all day in my shop. First, I had to clean up, so that I could at least have some order to the chaos. I usually clean everything up, sew like crazy for a couple of days, and then clean up again. You just can't be creative without getting a little messy. Who am I kidding? For me, it's a lot messy.

I'm always amazed by the really organized people in this world. If you aren't amazed by a really organized person, then you probably are one. Trust me when I say, I am truly amazed. Being organized just does not come easy for me. I have to have a list to get things done. It's purpose is to keep me from getting to distracted.

I have a friend who I could walk into her house at any time and ask where something was and she could tell me without having to leave the comfort of her chair to look. Batteries? Back left corner of the third drawer from the right. For me, I would not only have to get up, I'd spend thirty minutes to find the dead batteries that I should have thrown away.

Today was a pretty productive day. My shop is clean, orders are ready to go for tomorrow, and I did an inventory of all my merchandise. After all of that was done, I decided to make something new.

I finally decided to make a pirate costume and who better to try it out than Little Verdell. I know that I make and sell pet apparel, but Little Verdell isn't up to speed on this process. He doesn't like to wear anything that feels too confining. (His legs are so short, it doesn't take much.) He will wear a hat and bandannas so the little pirate costume was just perfect for him.

Customer Service

As a small business owner, I have learned very quickly that customer service is the most important part of your business. Without it you have nothing. I realize that it is important to have quality merchandise, keep great records, etc...but without customer service, there isn't going to be a need for any of the other great skills that you may have.

An online business is unique because your customers will never be able to walk in your store, touch and inspect your products, and form an opinion of you based on your looks or personality.
It is very important to develop a relationship of trust with your online customer. I can only imagine how our customers must feel. They see something they love and then have to take a chance that could involve them losing their hard earned money. For this very reason, I feel that it is my job to make them feel a little more comfortable about their decision.

What makes great customer service? It's not what happens when things go right that makes great customer service, it's how you handle things when they don't.



Communication is Key

• I respond to every email that I receive in a timely manner.
• I check my email several times each day to assure that my customer or potential customer doesn't have to wait long for a response.
• I don't make promises that I can't keep. I would rather lose a sale than have an unhappy customer
• I send an email to customer whenever their order is shipped
• Each order has a hand written thank you card with contact information.
• It's very important remain professional even when you feel that you are being treated unfairly.

Shipping

• All orders that considered ready to wear are shipped within 2 business days of receiving a clear payment.
• Custom orders are shipped within 7 business days of receiving a clear payment.
• Each package is carefully packed.
• Delivery confirmation is added to every order.
• Insurance is always available.
• It is my responsibility to make sure that my customer receives their order.

Returns

• I always do my best to avoid returns by doing things right the first time.
• If a customer is unhappy with their purchase, I make it right.

I know that every small business owner does things differently, but I can assure you that the successful ones know that their customers are the back bone of their business.

Little Verdell

At my house, we have two pets, a miniature dachshund and a fish. I'm sure that we have a fish for a 2nd pet because the dog is just too high maintenance. He needs to be the center of attention at all times and against all Dog Whisperer rules, we let him. He is the pack leader and we don't even try to be.

Little Verdell is 9 years old. Yes, his name is Verdell. (Try going out in the front yard and yelling that name.) Little Verdell was a gift for my oldest son's 18th birthday and he chose the name. After a while, my son move away from home, married, etc....but the dog stayed with us. At this point, my son can come to visit, but Little Verdell is here to stay.

Today, we went to the groomer to get our nails clipped and get a bath. What takes the groomer 15 minutes to do, it takes both my husband and me an hour and a half. Why? Because Little Verdell acts like a spoiled 2 year old and refuses to sit still, snaps at us, and in general makes us wish that we had never tried.

The first time I took him to the groomer, I warned her over and over about how bad he was. And wouldn't you know it, he acted like a perfect little gentleman and made a huge liar out of me. Undoubtedly, she is a pack leader.

All ended well....Little Verdell smells great, his nails are perfect, he looks so cute in his little bandanna and was ready for a nice long nap when we got back home. Goodness, a quiet, non-yapping house is nice.

Oh, the fish doesn't have a name, doesn't care, and is very, very, quiet.