Featured Artist - 2monkees

This feature is a part of the Holiday Giveaway that I'm contributing to. Running the whole month of November, there are 30 incredible prizes to be won! It's easy to enter- just blog about one of the shops or items participating in the giveaway and then leave a comment (on the host blog) with a link to your blog post and your email address.

(Click images to view items.)
For this feature, I asked 2monkees a couple of questions. Here they are, along with her answers. :)

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am the mom of two active little boys. A lot of my life is spent hustling them around and keeping up with all we have going as a family. Our whole family likes being outside running around and most of our free time involves some kind of sport- running, soccer, hiking, biking or skiing. I started making jewelry a little over a year ago and have become fairly obsessed. I enjoy having a creative outlet for my time!

How did you first find Etsy?
I first found Etsy while trying to promote another business I was working with. I kept seeing references to "Etsy" on social networking sites but had no idea what it was. I was totally floored and hooked the first time I saw it!

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I first opened an account on Etsy about 18 months ago but it was not until the last six months or so that I became more involved with actually trying to have a shop.

What inspires you with your craft?
I find that I get inspiration from almost everywhere.... Sometimes it is something somebody says or something I see. Most frequently it comes when I am outside working out. Most of my jewelry has some sort of nature theme to it and my mind is often humming with new ideas as I am struggling through one of my slow jogs through the neighborhood.

What is your favourite item currently for sale in your shop?
I think my favorite item right now is this round Eyes Wide Shut Pendant. Last week, I thought I was finished making jewelry for the two shows I had for the weekend, than a catalog arrived that featured all these adorable bird pictures. I had to make this pendant. I love the detail of the eyes and the feathers.

What's the best advice you were ever given regarding selling on Etsy?
I think the best advice I was ever given about Etsy is to promote yourself outside of Etsy. Etsy has brought me many great things- wholesale orders, new community, etc but to be successful, you need to have sales outside of Etsy.

Do you have any upcoming shows, events or projects?
I am very busy with shows during the holidays and I will be keeping an updated calendar in my shop announcement.

If you enjoyed this Artist Feature, check out the ones I did on, lewesiaglass, jessijewels, CelticKnot, and hdawnparratt.