An Interview with Createdbylaurie & Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.

Meet createdbylaurie Etsy shop owner, Laurie.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

It's always hard for me to describe myself, doing it alone for my Etsy site took me a long time... Can I copy and paste it?  :)   I am a mother, I say that first because it is a huge part of who I am. I love being a mother, I have a nurturing personality- always trying to find a way to help someone out while I am getting something done for myself. All 4 of my children are boys... I am in a new marriage now and was hoping genetics would help with a girl.... nope  :)  So I do enjoy making items for girls when I can! From the time I was little, I have always been crafty and creative. In elementary school I remember making a catalog of items I owned for my brother in case he wanted to "buy" something. In high school I was known for my writing. I like to rotate what kind of things I work on. I will bake different things for a while- love decorating cakes, though I need to find people to give them to! During my last pregnancy I really got into painting. Now I am really into sewing!

What made you want to become an artist?

I don't think there is any one thing that made me want to become an artist. Its just who I am, since i was little. From writing, decorating, painting, baking, sewing... I enjoy it all. I find it relaxing, and just what fits me.

What is your favorite item to create? 

Right now it would have to be stuffed animals. Who knows a few months from now.  :)

What advice would you give to new artists on Etsy?

I would say to be persistent and not let yourself feel small or crushed by the 'well established' stores. Everything takes time and just to focus on what your doing and make sure to keep enjoying it. I myself am still fairly new. I opened my shop in mid Jan. At first it was a little overwhelming looking at shops who were making similar things. But I told myself not to compare and feel pressured, and just keep focusing on what I do and why - Because it is what I enjoy.  :)

How do you promote your work?

I just recently started promoting my work on Craigslist. It helped bring in some custom orders at no cost- which is always a great thing! In the past I have placed ads online for the local newspaper, though my husband is stationed in an incredibly small town where the main stores are Walmart and Safeway! Eeek! We will be moving in a couple of months to San Diego area, so I am hoping to join in some craft fairs which I have done when I was younger. It's a great way to hand out lots of business cards to future customers. Another thing I do right now is give coupon codes/discounts to customers , so they can refer a friend if their friend is interested in my work.

Do you have any websites connected to your shop (blog, facebook, twitter)?

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Created-By-Laurie/136326423106563

What is the inspiration for your work?

My children. Its so great when they watch cut pieces of fabric get sewn, turned right side out and stuffed how they light up and smile. It gets me thinking and planning a list in my head of other projects to start.

Do any of your items go toward a special cause? 

Not at the moment.

Do you have a job outside of Etsy? How do you handle both? 

I am very fortunate right now to be a stay at home mother. I worked in the past and know how exhausting it can be, and it always seemed like there was never enough time. So I know I am blessed to have the time to enjoy being a stay at home mother right now and work on my crafts.

Where do you create?

Right now I have a little work space on the side of the living room, I can sit and sew while my youngest little guy (7 months) plays with his toys. His jumper is close to my machine so sometimes he sits and watches me.  :)

What are your goals for your shop?

My goals would be to just slowly see progress with viewers/customers. As long as I am moving forward, even slowly... then that's an accomplishment!

You have a chance to win this stuffed elephant with a bow!

How adorable is this elephant?!

You even get to pick a bow to go with it!

 Here's how to win-

Mandatory Entry:

 Visit createdbylaurie's Etsy shop and tell me your favorite item!

Bonus Entries:

Each one of these is a contest entry. 

Please post a separate comment for each that you do with your email address.

Heart createdbylauire Etsy shop.

Become createdbylaurie  Facebook fan.
Invite your friends to become her Facebook fan as well.

Blog, tweet, or post on Facebook about this giveaway.

(one entry for each)

Become a follower of my blog.

Enter in another giveaway on this blog & let me know what giveaway you entered.

Comment on any non-giveaway posts on this blog & let me know which post you commented on.

~*For any entries requiring you to blog, tweet or post on facebook please leave the link where you did so with your comment. Thank you!*~

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2011. 

Sunday, April 24, 2011 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants 

and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. If no email is listed I will choose another winner. Winner has one week to respond to my email to claim his/her prize after initial contact. 

I am not responsible for the shipping of this prize.

Contest open to U.S. residents only.