Etsy Artisan Interview - Memories for Life Scrapbooks

Where's the cake and candle? Edi is celebrating an anniversary - one year on Etsy! And she's done a great job, selling her scrapbooks. I can see why. They're all very unique and lots of fun. You can even order a custom made album with a family name. A great wedding gift. Here's more about the woman behind Memories for Life:

• What's the name of your Etsy shop?

Memories for Life Scrapbooks

• What types of products do you sell?

Pre-made albums, custom albums, embellishments, wedding invitations, party favors, anything paper really :)

• What is your favorite item in your shop today?

My Custom Name-Word Albums. They seem to be the most popular item as well :)

• How did you find out about Etsy? Where you a buyer before a seller?

I think I read about it in a scrapbook magazine. I opened an account to become a seller, but bought before I sold.

• Are you involved with any of the Etsy teams?

EtsyBloggers Team and the Iowa Etsy Team

• Are there additional venues where you sell your work?

Local craft shows, shophandmade.com, and I plan to add one more online venue yet this year.

• Over the years, what materials and mediums have you worked with? What's your favorite?

Right now most of my pre-made albums are made with chipboard. It makes a great base for the albums. I use TONS of cardstock and am starting to use canvas and fabric.

• Everyone knows images are important when selling on the internet. What's your procedure for taking photos of your products? Do you have any tips on taking better photographs?

I am starting to use the manual settings on my camera more and am seeing good results. I still need more practice, but that will come with time :) I use a light box I made myself using foam board. It works well for my products.

• Do you have an online photo storage site, where we can see more about you and your surroundings?

I have a flikr, but honestly don't use it often enough to promote it.

• Are selling your products a full-time job, or do you have an additional occupation, outside the home?

I am a crafter by day and a machine operator by night. I work in a factory that makes semi transmissions...not much fun, but it pays the bills. That's why I need my creative outlet when I get home :)

• We are all looking for good marketing advice. What's the best tip or trick you can share with us?

Don't be afraid to promote yourself. I hand out business cards to EVERYONE! My purse has scrapbook pages on it, so that always gets the ball rolling, then I hand them a card.

• Where can people find out more about you - do you have a blog, website, instant messaging account?

My blog is: http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com

• My turn! What's the storybeader's favorite item?

Baby Girl's First Year Scrapbook Photo Album Calendar. This book has so many cute pages in it: calendar and mats, a growth chart in the back, and more! Great for the proud new parents of a baby girl. Of course, there's a similar one for a baby boy!