Etsy Artisan Interview - Very Verdant

Meet the mom behind Very Verdant! Sonja joined Etsy 1½ years ago, but just recently became a member of the Etsybloggers Team, where I got to know her. I think I get a chance to talk with her every day (she's an active thread participate, like myself). There's a variety of items in her shop, for all ages. Even a handmade game or two, which I think is really neat. And you can take advantage of her Christmas in July sale, with 15% - 20% refunds via PayPal! So drop on by and look around, after you read this interview {:-D

• What's the name of your Etsy shop?

My shop name is VeryVerdant - it is intended as a play on our family name, Greene. So my shop is VeryVerdant or VeryGreene.

• What types of products do you sell?

My shop is full of items similar to those I have made as gifts over the years, for friends and family. Mostly I sell handmade sewn items but on occasion I like to make jewelry and crochet and cross stitch.

• What is your favorite item in your shop today?

My favorite items right now would have to be my Gracie Blanket. Our children love to cuddle up with us in the evenings and watch TV or a movie. The Gracie blanket is small enough for a lap quilt or for a baby blanket but it is also large enough to cuddle under.

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

Actually, a friend of mine, Jennifer ( www.monsterbugblankets.etsy.com ), introduced me to Etsy. I began as a buyer but before long I had caught the Etsy bug and began listing items in my shop in November of 2008.

• Are you involved with any of the Etsy teams?

Besides the Etsybloggers, I am also involved in the Castteam and Sheteam. I must say that I love being involved with other artists and crafters. All three teams are like a close knit family.

• Are there additional venues where you sell your work?

Although Etsy is my primary venue, I do have a shop at 1000markets and I like to set up a booth at local craft fairs and bazaars throughout the year.

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

I enjoy sewing the best but I have also dabbled in many other mediums. I love doing chalk art and drawing but that is strictly for my personal pleasure. I do cross stitch and crochet from time to time and also a little jewelry making.

• 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 by no means a professional but I know that lighting is super important. I love to take pictures outside and a somewhat overcast day is perfect for that. The rest of the advice I will leave up to those who know.

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

I do not have an online photo storage site. I could see myself spending way too much time there. Maybe I will make that a project for future consideration.

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

Selling my products is not a full-time job for me. I have been a homemaker for 11 years and have been homeschooling our four children for 7 years now. Selling my products on Etsy allows me to be creative and to earn a little spending money. I enjoy creating very much the spending money is bonus!

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

I have met so many wonderful and talented artists here on Etsy and have found that many of them are willing to share their knowledge and help others along. My best advice is to listen and always be willing to learn from others. Also stay active. I know that sounds like health advice but it keeps your Etsy shop healthy too. Stay active in your creating, in your listing and in your Etsy community.

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

Website (1000 Markets) http://www.1000markets.com/users/veryverdant

Etsy - http://www.veryverdant.etsy.com

Blog - http://www.veryverdant.blogspot.com

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/veryverdant

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Very-Verdant/119826377052?ref=s

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/veryverdantone


OK, my turn.

This back pack is so cute! I know it's basically for kids, but it would work great to run to the store with. I'm sure kids would enjoy using it for traveling, or maybe for carrying books. Love the fabric!