Monday, November 7, 2011

Artisan Spotlight -- Mystic Wynd

7 Questions is our spotlight of our favorite artisans. Please welcome....


Karen, creator of Mystic Wynd!



1.      What do you sell in your shop?
It's probably not your run of the mill answer, but I like to think I sell an opportunity for expression.  The jewelry we wear and the accessories we use, in addition to the gifts we buy for other, can have an amazing influence on how we feel about ourselves, as well as our ability to create a persona based on not only our moods, but on how we want others to perceive us!

2.      What is your favorite thing about etsy?
Without a doubt it's being kept on my toes. By observing, researching, and interacting with other artisans, I think we all receive invaluable experience and inspiration to find our way through the maze of entrepreneurship!

3.      What is your least favorite thing about etsy?
I would have to say the lack of communication when changes are coming or something goes wrong. While it's getting better in some ways, it's still a lot to deal with when you're trying to stay on top of things that need to be done.


4.      What does your studio/workspace look like?
I share office space with my husband who telecommutes full time, and since his work is computer based, I'll admit I've kind of taken over more than my share, although I try to stay on my half of the room! The pictures show where I spend the majority of my day between my computer desk and my work station... and no, of course it's not always that neat!






5.      What do you do to relax?

Anything I do that doesn't have a deadline is relaxing to me... although I love spending time with the grandkids just being silly! 

6.      What accomplishments are you the most proud of?

On a personal level, raising three capable, caring, and hard-working children who have turned out to be wonderful parents as well is definitely the one accomplishment I am most proud of! On a business level, I'd have to say I'm really proud of being self taught in just about every aspect of my crafts, as well as blogging, and learning the online marketing side of business! 

7.      What are some of your goals for the next year?

I have two major goals on the drawing table for the coming year. One is to learn more about cold assemblage techniques to expand my jewelry line to include more steampunk themed pieces. The second is to open a shop where I'll offer some items implementing other crafts I enjoy like crocheting, knitting, sewing, painting, paper crafts and maybe even some photography!

I'd love to hear from you and welcome the opportunity to interact with you wherever you happen to be on the web. You can find me in these places -

Shop – http://mysticwynd.etsy.com
Blog – http://mysticwynd.blogspot.com
Twitter – http://twitter.com/mysticwynd
Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mysticwynd/ 
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Mystic-Wynd
Creating The Hive - http://creatingthehive.com/signup/mysticwynd

14 comments:

Erika said...

Thank you for being part of the team.

And what a great office space; the mural you painted is a great touch!

storybeader said...

I like your thoughtful answers; so true! And your workspace is great - you look super organized! {:-D

Memories for Life said...

Wow! Can I have your craft room!!!
And that pearl and rhinestone bracelet is gorgeous!
Loved your answer to the first question Karen :)

BeadedTail said...

I loved your answers Karen! I also love your craft room! Wow! That would be so much fun to work in!

Karen said...

Thanks for the great feature - and all the sweet comments. Trust me, the work area doesn't always look that neat - but I do like keeping things organized!

Glad you like the bracelet, too, Edi!

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen! I love your response to question one, selling and opportunity for expression. That's so great!

Rose Clearfield said...

Your office space is great! I love all of your plastic organizers. It's wonderful to be self-taught like that. I can say the same for just about all of my jewelry and marketing skills. You have a lot to be proud of! Looking forward to your new projects for this next year.

Sheryl Hastings said...

Great feature and Im SO JEALOUS of your workspace!!!

Kathleen said...

Lovely feature - nice to get to know you!

Splendid Little Stars said...

First off, let's just say your craft organization and work space is awesome!
It was great to learn more about you and your ideas of your craft, interacting with other artists, and etsy.
I look forward to seeing the items in your new shop!
It's great to have you on our team!

Honey from the Bee said...

What an organized space! I'd drive my husband crazy if we were in the same office so I have to give yours kudos. Great feature.

Karen said...

It's great to be part of this team :) I'm looking forward to working with everyone and watching all of us evolve this coming year!

As for sharing office space with my hubby... I'm just thankful that it was a gradual transition to him being home full time over the course of about a year. There's definitely been a lot to learn about our different work habits!

Linda E. Pruitt said...

I share a small space--our apartment--with hubby and we both work at home right now. I understand.

Judy Nolan said...

Karen, your work space looks so neat and inspirational! I can relate to your pride in being self-taught, and am looking forward to seeing how what you learn about cold assemblage translates into steampunk jewelry.