Featured ETTeam Member: LindenAvenueDesigns

Only one more week until Christmas (who's freaking out??). I am happy to announce that this week's featured ETTeam member is LindenAvenueDesigns. Let's find out more about here shall we?

What’s the story behind your store, where did it all start?

When I first started making beads I knew that at some point I would like to sell them. I wasn’t really interested in doing craft fairs, etc., so I looked around for something that I could do online. I tried out that other “e” company, but I was turned off by the pricing and that I really couldn’t showcase like I wanted to without paying an arm and a leg. And, then I found Etsy and was so happy that in this venue I could list a lot more beads and actually have a little store. It has been a wonderful experience and I am still learning and growing everyday!

What can we find in your store?

In my store you can find handmade lampwork beads. They are in a variety of styles and colors and since I can’t really make up my mind about what I like to make, a buyer can always find something new in my store. And, as time goes by I will be adding jewelry that is made with my beads and silver.

Do you have any favorite items?

Oh, that is such a hard question to answer! One day I am just crazy about the chunky disks and then the next I’m loving what the high silver content glasses produce in the flame. I have one set that always amazes me called Elektra Gems. I make the beads in a variety of shapes, but it is the Elektra glass which is just amazing! The blues are so deep you can actually see shade when light shines down on the bead. I always have to explain when I list a set of these beads that I feel like I’m looking down from a plane and looking at a river as it cuts through the landscape. And, Elektra glass can also be iridescent too.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17634014

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14810981

Where do you get ideas for your products?

I take rods of glass and line them up. Sometimes, they may not even be in the same color range, but it is amazing what you can see. They might remind you of a couch you used to have, or the roses outside, or the Grand Canyon, but whatever an idea usually starts and I usually do some test beads to see how the glass itself reacts with the other glasses. And, some of my most interesting ideas have come from jewelry designers who want me to make a specific type of bead but only have a general idea on the color. That has really provided me with some fascinating combos of glasses that I really love!

What has been your biggest store challenge?

I have to laugh because it still is my biggest challenge! My banner! I don’t have Photoshop so I have been unable to incorporate my name into the banner. I just have the picture I want to use and that is all. One of these days I will get together with another Etsian, a friend who also does beads and work on this hurdle! Otherwise the rest of the store has slowly come together and like everyone else has learned on the job.

Do you have any advice to other store owners, especially newbies?

The hardest part is getting people to know you are there on Etsy among all of the other people who do what you do. My advice is to keep making what you make and listing. And, join a team if you can. It helps to visit with other people who are in the business and get feedback. The best place is Etsy’s forums. There is a unending amount of information there already posted and if you get bogged down and just don’t know what to do there are helpful people ready to answer your questions.

Thanks so much for the interview MaryAnn! I hope you all enjoyed learning a little more about another Etsy seller and don't forget to check out LindenAvenueDesigns great selections of beads!

Happy Holidays!

The girl behind the lama

~LMM