WE ARE NO LONGER USING THIS BLOG

2 months ago we moved to a forum with our new name "DESIGN STYLE GUIDE" so please find our new team blogs below:

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com - our Team Blog
http://interiordesignteam.blogspot.com - our Member's Showcase

If you used to be a member and would like to join us again or if you would like to join us as a new member, here is your invitation.
http://designstyleguide.ning.com/?xgi=8Sgu6NA

Thank you

Infinity Arts

As I hustle and bustle about trying to pack everything we own to make our move across the state tomorrow, all I can think about is our amazing team of creative minds and who I would like to introduce to you today. Drum roll please.......................and they would be Mary and Justin Potts of Portland, Oregon, the creative duo that are the master minds of Infinity Arts.

Mary and Justin create functional pieces for your home or office and fine art to accommodate any interior design need you may have. Art and wall clocks have been their main focus since 2000. It started out with vinyl records and has evolved to recycled metals and a replacement for the1/4" mdf called Arreis. A 100% recycled wood fiber, formaldahyde-free sustainable design fiberboard.

Have a peek for yourself! You won't be disappointed, I promise.

http://www.infinityarts.etsy.com/

OUR INTERVIEW WITH
STACEY BECK
of Citrus Tree Designs

POPPY - Original TtV Fine Art Photography Print

RIDE YOUR BIKE - Original Illustration Fine Art Print

REACHING - TtV Original Photograph Fine Art Print

Who are you?
Stacy Beck of Citrus Tree Designs

Where are you located?
Delray Beach, Florida…between Palm Beach & Ft. Lauderdale…Sunny South Florida.

What do you create?
Photography & Graphic Design

Where do you sell your creations?
http://citrustreedesigns.com, Atlantic Antique Mall, Delray Beach and various other small shop and galleries.

Where do you create?
In my studio in Delray Beach., (and sometimes from my bedroom where my home computer is located.)

What inspires you?
I often search the internet for inspiration…I love Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/citrustreedesigns/) and find so much information, color and ideas. Much of my inspiration is taken from nature. I live in a beautiful area close to the ocean.

Tell us about your featured item:
I don’t know how to choose! I recently asked a rather diverse group of friends to choose three of my Etsy listings so that I could choose the 3 most popular to submit to a gallery…there just was no clear answer…I guess I will go with Poppies…only because it often gets featured in Treasuries and has recently made it to the front page of Etsy a couple of times… I love the colors and how the petals appear almost paper-like in some places. I also like that it is in the TtV style I have such a fondness for…

Featured listing link for picture only:
http://mirror1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.26425481.jpg

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?
Currently part time…I would love to take this to a full time status..wouldn’t we all???

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?
I have a blog (http://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com) I cruise Craig’s list to find places to submit my work for exhibition both near and far. I comment on other artists blogs and flickr photos. I am active in the Etsy forums and try to be helpful to anyone who asks

What do you friends and family think of your creations?
My family and friends are so supportive. My sister is also an artist as was our grandmother. They are so encouraging and often will give me the push I often need to list an item I may not be sure of or submit something to places I wouldn’t normally submit to.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I am always creating…I see color and light everywhere. If you are asking about my job…well, that is creative as well. My sister and I run a small children’s clothing line where much of our combined art is applied. You can see that here: http://MakristaBaby.com. I also have begun designing gallery websites for others (ex.: http://mosaicsbymindysimbrat.com )

What are your goals?
My goal is to sell an average of 10 prints a week for now…from there I hope to further evolve.

How do you envision your creations being used by your customers?
I hope that my photographs and graphic designs bring a sense of serenity and joy and special meaning to the people that purchase them…

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I am very happy to have found the IDT ( it totally rocks!) …the support from other team members is astonishing. I also want you to let the others know that if anyone has questions about how to do something in photoshop, I can usually answer them.

Our 2nd BLOG

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that our 2nd TEAM BLOG is LIVE!

The Interior Design Team Member showcase

Please Visit
http://interiordesignteam.blogspot.com/

So here is what you need to know:

1. It will not look like that when it is all done...this is just the first stage where we just want to get all the minis in and we will make it look different when we have what we need to work with.

2. It is not difficult to submit your listing, but please read "HOW TO ADD YOUR ETSY MINI"
before you leave a comment.

3. Stores that did not include their store id# will simply not be included until they do.

4. If you have more questions, please read FAQ's

5. If you submitted your listing properly and do not see your mini, please be patient. The Interior Design Team Member showcase is run by volunteers from different time zones who will add your mini as soon as they can so please do not email them directly if it does not show up right away.

6. We have made a new policy regarding shops that can be featured here. You will find more details in our Saturday Email to all members.

7. This blog will soon be advertised to professional Interior Designers and so we cannot afford to have mixed items in our minis (Home Decor related mixed with jewelery or other categories that do not apply to Interior Design in general). We will start enforcing this rule starting today and if you have questions or opinions, please voice them in our Private Forum.
Comments regarding this policy will not be posted here.

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OUR INTERVIEW WITH
MYSTIC SILKS

Einstein E Equals Mc Two Silk Painting

Lonely Looking Sky Original Silk Painting

Cape Cod Bay Lighthouse Hand Designed Silk Pillow

Who are you?
I am a retired RN, mother of four, grandmother of eight, great grandmother of two. In between wearing all those hats, I also wear the artist's chapeau while creating my art work.

Where are you located?
Warren, Ohio

What do you create?
I enjoy creating silk paintings, designing silk pillows, and silk scarves. I also, enjoy creating with oils, water colors, and acrylics.

Where do you sell your creations?
http://mysticsilks.etsy.com, and at juried art shows.

Where do you create?
In the lower floor of my home, and sometimes I will bring a piece I am working on into my bedroom, to meditate upon, to conjure up what else might fit into a piece of art I am working on...

What inspires you?
Events, such as the 9/11 Twin Towers( I had to capture that horrific event in a silk painting), photos from National Geographic Magazine. Perhaps a photo in a gardening magazine may catch my eye, and I'll think, WOW!, this needs to be a painting!. My most recent painting is inspired by a story (Jonathan Livingston Seagull), and the songs that were composed and sung by Neil Diamond. One of the songs in that album is "Lonely Looking Sky" I titled the painting, "Lonely Looking Sky"

Tell us about your featured item:
Currently my featured item, which is also my avatar, is ~Silk Painting "Her Majesty, the Monarch".
Featured listing link for picture only: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6866898

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?
I would say it is a part time job.

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?
Well, I think to market one's creation, it is vital to be creative.

What do you do when you are not creating?
Thinking about what I will create in the near future, and being involved with my family.

What are your goals?
My only goal is to please others with my art work. Because when they are pleased by my art, I am very happy.

OUR TEAM SALE EVENT

OUR MOTHER'S DAY TEAM SALE EVENT IS HERE

If you cannot see this slide show, please click here:

Each participating shop will determine it's own terms, so "drop in" before May 11th and see what's happening! Links to the individual shops are listed below the slide show.

Many participating stores are offering 10% OFF EXTRA FOR BLOGGERS THAT ARE POSTING ABOUT THIS SALE EVENT ON THEIR BLOGS! If you would like to post about this event and get extra 10% off, please email Kristina Law and she will send you everything you need.

Participating Stores:

trpottery.etsy.com

mepottery.etsy.com
nicoleraephotos.etsy.com
quiltswithheart.etsy.com
CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com
Feeldesign.etsy.com
citrustree.etsy.com
Floradorainc.etsy.com
Straythreads.etsy.com
matechuk.etsy.com
Dianeclancy.etsy.com
Kathannah.etsy.com
Chaanda.etsy.com
Artenzie.etsy.com
Shadedmemories.etsy.com
Lightleak.etsy.com
Susannahtucker.etsy.com
TiffanyTeske.etsy.com
patspottery.etsy.com
Kristinalaw.etsy.com

Thank you for visiting all these wonderful stores

and have FUN SHOPPING!

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Do you remember LISA and her success???
She was features as an Etsy Seller last week.

1.It all started with Lisa being featured in many of our Treasuries.

2.That led to Etsy contacting her about an Interview.
3. Then she was featured: http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?featured_user_id=5372619 4. And here is her success story in her own words.

Thanks to all of you for your support ... and can I just say, "Wow!!! That was fun!" OK, it would have been better if I didn't stress out about is so much earlier, but I sold more in those 72 hours than I have since I started in November. I have over 1,000 more hearts and have been contacted by 4 different stores. There were also inquiries from Australia, Italy and Spain. I have a list of custom orders to make and loads of new friends. Again ... THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! for being such a great team. You rock.

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Revolution Money Exchange

Is a New Internet Payment Service (like PayPal) started by AOL Founder Steve Case and there are NO FEES to send or receive money.

You will also automatically get a deposit $25 cash into your new account when you sign up before May 15th.

For those of you who haven't heard of this yet, let me very briefly explain further.

As I mentioned, this new payment service is very similar to PayPal, with the major difference being that this new one doesn't charge fees or percentages.

You can use it to send or receive cash from anyone in the United States of America (for now, soon it will go international as well!). Receive payments on your website, your blog, your social networking profile page, etc.

This new payment service doesn't charge ANYTHING for you to email cash, make payments, or receive payments or cash from your family, friends, customers, website. social networking site, blog, etc.

Many large stores on Etsy are already using it and I attached a large list of them in our forum so you could go through and see if you like something on Etsy. Who couldn't use $25 to spend on Etsy?

If you do not find anything, you can always have it deposited into your checking or savings account and either save or spend just like any other cash deposits you already have in your bank account.

Use the green button on the right to sign up.

Once you sign up you can refer friends and every time someone signs up using your invitation, you get an additional $10 between now and May 15th. You can earn up to $500 from referrals.

MARIPOSA AVENUE WAS FEATURED ON ETSY - CONGRATULATIONS!

Lisa is our fellow member that you saw in our Treasuries so many times:) MariposaAvenue.etsy.com INTERVIEW

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff). Hello Etsy!!! My name is Lisa Furner and I live, work and play in Salt Lake City, UT. I’m originally from Oregon and still love to go back and visit. I miss it so much, especially the Portland Saturday Market. I came to Utah to study fashion merchandising way back when and just kind of stuck. I live here with my husband (best friend) and our 5 children. Yes, five. We were married just 2 years ago and have created our own modern day Brady Bunch life: two girls, three boys with ages 5,8,12,12 and 14. ***What I wouldn’t give to have Alice in the mix somewhere, even just to do laundry!*** Apart from creating things, what do you do? Let’s see, I work part time as a reservation agent for JetBlue and spend the rest of my time being a personal taxi service, tutor and cheerleader to our children. They are the funniest kids I have ever met, but between soccer, basketball, band, choir and such ... they keep me running! I am at least partially insane most of the time. We read, write, dream up business ideas and figure out new craft projects together. We actually converted an area of our basement just to store all the craft supplies and facilitate projects. If I happen to find any “free” time outside of all this, my husband (Scott) and I love to fly out to California for the weekend - or even a day for that matter. I also enjoy spending time with our extended family, reading, cooking and researching my next project. What first made you want to become an artist? I actually don’t consider myself an artist at all. (Did I just say that out loud? oops) I’m really more of a serial hobbyist. I love to give handmade gifts and I LOVE learning how to do or make something new. So, I’ve dabbled in things like sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, upholstery, jewelry and now a little bit of metalwork. I also love making multimedia projects on my iMac. My lifelong love is photography and I still hope to work with stained glass, hot glass and welding one day. Etsy is just the perfect place for me to showcase my work and share it with others. Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc). Inspiration for me comes from all directions. Let’s say I get a crazy idea like making these lanterns. I read everything I can about what it will take and then “consult” with Scott, who patiently works out the technical side for me. So, I give it all I’ve got and come up with a reasonable product. (I originally sold the lanterns unpainted and raw) Then, I listened. People loved the lanterns but wanted to use them outdoors so Scott found a powder coater who was willing to work with me and ‘BAM’ here we are with a wide range of colors and textures and an upgraded product. Then one day a fabulous Etsy customer asks if I can make her a sconce ... we work out the details and I have another new product. Since I knew that parents love the lanterns but can’t leave a candle in their child’s room, I decided to make a smaller version of the sconce and turn it into a nightlight. One thing leads to another and I keep expanding my line. My latest creation is a table lamp with the lantern as the shade. It’s fabulous and opens up a whole new concept for me. I posted the first few this week ... and I’m also dreaming up some great pendant lamps, so stay tuned. The hardest part for me is having to slow down and just tackle one project at a time. What handmade possession do you most cherish? I have two: the two beautiful doilies that my great grandmother tatted for me before she passed away and the baby blanket I made in college, woven on a foot treadle floor loom. (How often do you get that opportunity?) Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites (besides Etsy). Books: The Prophet - Kahlil Gilbran The Alchemist - Paul Coelho Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein Oh, the Places You’ll Go - Dr. Seuss Movies: A Knight’s Tale Ocean’s 11 and 13 Dan in Real Life Moulin Rouge Spanglish Bands: Ben Harper Van Morrison Matchbox 20 Dave Matthews Band Morcheeba Websites: designmom.com kidshaus.typepad.com yourheartout.com wikihow.com diynetwork.com What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy? Just a quick reminder that Etsy is fabulous ... but it does require a lot on our part. Aside from the regular advice about quality pictures and such, the most important thing you can do is join a team!!! INTERIOR DESIGN ETSY TEAM is my team of choice and I love it. It has made all the difference for me to have that support. What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see? Shop Local is great for seeing what fun artists are nearby and the Treasury is a great way to cross promote. I would love to see an Etsy Kids section. I know you can sell on Etsy if you are under 18 and have permission from a legal guardian; it would just be nice to find young artists easily. Kids need to have a creative outlet. They need to feel productive and accomplished and if they could have their own Etsy shop in a section just for them so they don’t get lost in the masses ... it could really make the difference in their lives. How do you promote your work? Like I said, I joined the Interior Design Etsy Team created by Kristina Law. It’s a great group of artists who focus on cross promoting through several different channels. I also sell at local shows here like Art Market, Beehive Bazaar and Oh Sweet Sadie. I gift a lot of small lanterns too to help get the word out in my social circle and share business cards with related artists so we can promote each other when we send orders out. In ten years I'd like to be... ... author of a few children’s books and have a slew of new talents/skills under my belt. **(Poor Scott) I love you babe!**

Previous featured sellers

tomatedepingles 04.28.2008 MariposaAvenue 04.25.2008 GarbageofEdenDesign 04.23.2008 rikrak 04.21.2008 malinb 04.18.2008 picapicadesign 04.16.2008 2ReVert 04.14.2008 51greenwich 04.11.2008 gaiaconceptions 04.09.2008 anniessweatshop 04.07.2008 birdversusbird 04.04.2008 GreenWayBabywear 04.02.2008 whitneysmith 03.31.2008 matechuk 03.28.2008 AtelierKanawa 03.26.2008

RECAP OF OUR ALL MEMBERS MEETING

We had a WONDERFUL meeting today! Thank you everyone for coming.

THANK YOU to Treasuries Team for doing an AMAZAING JOB of putting our name out there on Etsy!!!

Here are the main things we are focusing on right now.

1. ONLINE DIRECTORY OF OUR ETSY STORES FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS

David Meier (dmproductionandsales), from our team, is creating an ONLINE DIRECTORY specific to our members that is geared for PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS!
We have set up a new Profile questionnaire, in order to collect the data for the catalog.
We are asking that you all log into our member accounts at interiordesignetsy.ning.com, and fill out the new form as soon as you can.

Debbie (ShadedMemories) will collect all the info and submit it to Dave on your behalf.

YOU need to help us to build up this list of Interior Designers as well!!! Joanne (CoconutPalmDesign) will be compiling and organizing the list for us, so anytime you will come across and a Professional Interior Designer or if you already know one, please contact Joanne.

This will be an important tool to get your name out in those circles.
We will keep you updated on our progress as we move along. Thanks so much for you time!

2. OUR TEAM SALE EVENT

It is a sale for Mother's Day and it is called "My Mommy& Me"
Deadline for Submission is Apr.24th
The event date: May 1st - May 11th

1. You can find all the details on how to enter and the rules in our Private Forum Blog on ning.com under TEAM SALE EVENT. Please email your pictures to Kristie (kfeener).

2. The terms of sale are yours to decide, we will collectively advertise:)
That means that if you have blog or website we will want you to talk about this event there, we will also send you an HTML Code for the Slide Show.

If you do not have a blog or website you can still email people that might be interested! I will send you a link to the slide show.

After everything is set up, we want you to talk about this sale on your blog so your readers can come and check out this event collectively and thus creating an extra exposure to the stores that are participating in the sale with you.

Everyone else will be doing the same thing and so by advertising the sale on their blogs as well they will automatically introduce your sale products to their customers.

3. Tammy (twentyand four) has been collecting a list of bloggers that are willing to post about our Team Sale Events outside of our Team. She has 17 bloggers and the list is growing!

YOU need help her to build this list as well. And so anytime you see a blog you like that is related, please email her the link and she will start working with them. Then bigger this list grows the bigger the exposure we will get on the Internet for Each Sale.

TO SUM UP
The Most Important Thing We Need To Do Right Now
Is To Grow Our 2 Lists!
#1 Interior Designers List
# Bloggers outside of our Team


THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE FOR HELPING US MOVING FORWARD!

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