welcome to our second new Shop Feature! we are thrilled to showcase the lovely work of kristen from k5art! enjoy our interview then use her DDH discount code to shop store-wide!
What made you decide to start your shop?
In August 2011, I was at a craft fair selling my photography. I wanted something to do in between customers, so I chose a DIY craft tutorial to try something new. After searching through a few of them, I ran across a tutorial for Scrabble Tile Pendants and I knew that was the one I wanted to try. I purchased all the necessary supplies and started creating them at the craft fair.
As people came in to look at my photos, they were intrigued as to what I was creating “behind the scenes” and I received so many compliments and questions if they were for sale. I decided that once they were dry I was going to put them out on my table for sale and see what happened. Guess what? They all sold by the end of the night and I even had two custom orders!
With the new excitement, I opened an Etsy store and began to refine the creating process and find the best products and techniques to use. Once I was satisfied, I took some basic photos and uploaded them here to Etsy with much success!
So from a craft project to what K5 Art is today, I have found a way to grow my creativity and create a fun line of products. I am still refining my shop and products all the time and finding new things that inspire me but at the heart of it all it’s just about finding something and using creativity to turn it into something fun and beautiful!
What type of products do you sell?
Upcycled Creations from game pieces such as Scrabble Tiles to computer parts such as Resistors. There is something here for everyone!
What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
When I had just started out I made a goal for myself to reach 50 sales and I did it! I'm now 10 sales away from reaching my goal of 100 sales!
What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
My biggest challenge is gaining new exposure and keeping a constant flow of sales. I have ʺburstsʺ of sales where a couple weeks I will have a bunch of sales come in but then the next couple weeks are pretty much dead. I would love to keep a steady amount coming in all the time.
What is the top selling item in your shop?
My top selling item in my shop is my Personalized Mini Glass Bottle Charm. People love the idea of being able to personalize the message inside for someone they care about!
Do you have a tip for others selling in the online community?
Get involved in a few good teams! I have found much success when I am actively participating in teams. At first I applied to a lot of teams, but the stress of trying to keep up with them all became overwhelming. At that point I decided to keep just a few teams that would be most beneficial and it has become much more manageable. The teams I have found most helpful are:
Daily Dose of Handmade https://www.etsy.com/teams/12070/daily-dose-of-handmade I have gained so much exposure and support through this team. We have an extraordinary group of people here and I would highly recommend this group to anyone!
Upcyclers https://www.etsy.com/teams/6610/upcyclers If you have upcycled items in your store or if you are interested in upcycling then this team is definitely for you! I have also gained much exposure from this team. They are supportive and have a great blog of features. They also have monthly challenges and are very fun to be a part of!
HandmadeMovement https://www.etsy.com/teams/7565/handmademovement This is the team that helped me get my start on Etsy! They host Sneak Attacks every week where we ʺattackʺ a new shop or a shop having trouble getting started on Etsy and bring them a flurry of exposure and sales! This is a great group of giving and supportive people and I would encourage you to check them out. I was attacked the beginning of this year and have gained tremendously because of it. I now sponsor attacks and give that feeling to others.
What are you currently working on/newest design or project?
I am currently working on my challenge entry for team Upcyclers June Creativity Challenge. We are to take a glass bottle or jar and upcycle it into something new and creative! I have a jar and a bunch of ideas I am working on now.
Other than that, I have a lot of computer parts and am working on some new jewelry using those parts so be on the look out for new earrings and pendants coming soon!
Do you have a favorite crafty/handmade blog/shop/resource that you go to often, if so what is it?
Daily Dose of Handmade http://dailydoseofhandmade.blogspot.com
Trees.Hides. http://treeshides.blogspot.com/
Love 2 Upcycle http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/
thank you so much, kristen! we love your eco-friendly style and great sense of humor! for all of our Daily Dose fans, kristen is offering an amazing store-wide discount at k5Art so use her exclusive DDH code - DAILYDOSE for 15% off your entire purchase! (Expires one month from today)
