Friday, March 21, 2008

Friday Features No. 6 -- Featuring RavenX

Good Morning and Happy Friday! Today is the day we give away the "Best Friends" scarf from Fringe. And our winner is: ladavies. Congratulations! I will be contacting you soon!

Our Friday Feature today, features someone many of you might know....RavenX, whose shop name is Dirty Pretty Things. Raven is a "mixed media artist" based in Los Angeles, with a lot of different passions when it comes to creating. She has a very fun profile in her Etsy shop. Raven also has a "wunderfully creative" husband, mikiep.

Raven's creativity includes such wonderful items as Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak, Greeting Cards printed on the finest Italian cardstock, Delicious Long-Lasting Soy Candles, Clay Sculptures, and Acrylic Paintings. So let's get to know Raven a little better:

TDB: How and when did you get started crafting?
RavenX: Growing up, I remember helping my mum decorate cakes or sew clothes {both for Barbie and for us kids}. She always wanted to be a fashion designer, but like so many other women of that time, she gave up her dream to become a housewife and mother. She was thrilled that I later decided to follow her dream. I moved to New York City 2 weeks after high school with only $300, a dream, and a lot of perserverance…. I literally became a fashion designer with no formal school training. I stayed with that dream for 13 or so years of my life {and eventually got my degree in fashion design too!} …and then moved on to a different artistic side of myself, which is what I do now: acrylic paintings, sculpture, customizable greeting cards, yummy soy candles, bath salts, etc….


TDB: What is your favorite thing to make?
RavenX: Lately, I’ve really been into clay sculpture and pretty painted silhouettes. With clay you can have an idea in your head or sketched out on paper and never really know what you’ll come out with once your hands start to shape it. I’ve been working on new pieces for our Fall 2008 show here in Los Angeles. In the meanwhile, I’m hard at work on some sweet little cutie and some painted silhouette shapes that will be filling my shop soon!
TDB: To what do you attribute your success on Etsy?
RavenX: I am so happy to be where I am on Etsy, especially for only having been a member about eight months now. I have lots of great customers, some who have even now become friends. Many of them tell their friends about my work and are repeat clients, which is always the ultimate reward.
I think my success could be attributed to my doing what I want…mixing it up and offering all the things that I personally love to create. I don’t limit myself into just selling art or candles like many shops do. On one hand, offering only a single type of item is a plus on Etsy since there is no real way to move your store around and you are usually judged by what’s currently on your first page; but I feel that my store is more of a lifestyle…through my eyes. I love the store Anthropologie, so I wanted to create that sort of feeling, selling things that you might wish to have in all aspects or moods of your life. It's a work in progress. Of course I have yet to start doing clothing again…but in time, I’m sure I’ll be back to sewing again and will be offering off-beat wearable goodies too.





TDB: What advice would you give to an Etsy newcomer?
RavenX: Etsy success is all about promoting yourself and great customer service, like any other sales business. You’ll notice that when you’re not out “pimping” yourself, sales will go down. Etsy is so infiltrated with sellers now, that it’s hard to get noticed otherwise. Great photos and descriptions are also a must…think something you might find in a magazine. A sweet little blog with a following doesn’t hurt either…and it’s fun too! I have people find my blog and shop just by their “Googling” certain words. Ultimately, just keep doing what YOU love to do and the sales will follow.

TDB: What do you love to do when you're not crafting or selling on Etsy?
RavenX: Well, since the hubs is also an artist, there isn’t much time that were not being arty or working on our historic house that was last renovated in the Seventies! I also enjoy reading books on spirituality {currently reading the Oprah pick “A New Earth”}, going to low-brow art shows here in LA or eating Sushi. Now, that we have a house with a large yard, I also work in the garden a lot. I’m discovering a new found love of the flowers my mum used to teach me about when I was a child.

TDB: If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
RavenX: Oh, there are so many, but a main one would be to work in oil paints since I currently only paint with acrylics. Currently, I'm learning how to use a Wacom Tablet to draw and it takes a lot of time and practice!
…and this may sound slightly strange, but I want to learn to weld. I’ve always wanted to work in metal, but have not ever had the chance. ;)

TDB: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
RavenX: I am thankful to have been able to travel as much as I have so far…but two places that are still on my list are Iceland and Japan. I have always felt connected to the Japanese culture and think I was a Geisha in a past life. I remember studying the Japanese lifestyle when I was in school and I was always totally enchanted. I love their genuine curiosity, forward thinking and ability to see things totally opposite than we do here in the West.
*********************************************************
Raven has generously offered to give away some of her fantastic creativity. Up for grabs are:


  • Black Dahlia Card - Photographic image on fine Italian cardstock with envelope
  • Black Cosmos Card - Photographic image on fine Italian cardstock with envelope

  • Pink Floral Trio -3 Large Glass Gem Magnets

To Enter: Please visit Raven's Shop, then come back and leave ONE comment with your favorite item from her shop. If you neglect to follow directions, you will not be entered in the drawing. We do this because we really want to promote our featured artists, and that means getting people to go look in their shops! Thanks for helping out. Please make sure that we have a VALID email for you. I have more than once, had to re-pick a winner because someone left an anonymous comment and didn't leave their email!

Giveaway is open worldwide. Deadline for this giveaway is Thursday March 27th at Midnight PST.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Angie

PS...Don't forget to scroll down to the next post to try and win a month of FREE advertising here on The Downtown Boutique!

124 comments:

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great shop! I love the Lita & Birdcage handpainted art.

Linda

mverno said...

the bavarian chocolate

Eva said...

i'm a fan of mushrooms, so of course i'm going to have to say that i like her mushrooms the most! :D

ekrzemin@yahoo.com

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Great store! I love the mandarin ginger bath soak. (at least I think I would! haha!)

Fangirl Jen said...

I like the "Absolutely Stunning Vintage Pendant with Ornate Tooled Filigree".

HilLesha O'Nan said...

I really like the Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak. :)

Unknown said...

the soy candles

herrinfamily said...

Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak

Anonymous said...

I like the love parade clown!
Elaine
emrosser@shaw.ca

mar said...

The sugar kiss soy candle is my favorite at the moment - thank you

peg42 said...

I love the adorable sculptures and the soy candles, especially the Tropicalismo scented one. Thank you so much for offering this giveaway and please enter me. Thanks.

monica said...

im a sucker for bath products so id like to try the mineral soak

danosor said...

My favorite is the soy candles.

Annie1 said...

The "Little Love Bird"



nancyrobster@gmail.com

vboackle said...

i like the handpainted art.

Anonymous said...

I loved the The Sweet Escape Print - I Know Ive Been a Real Bad Girl - RavenX - Dirty Pretty Things

Anonymous said...

i'm digging the devil girl silhouette. i'd look on the bathroom door like a mens and ladies room thing going on.

denice
doozercries@yahoo.com

windycindy said...

Hello! I have been on Raven's site before and I love it. She is very talented and does a variety of wonderful things! I like her bath soaks, cards, candles and my most favorite item right now is her:
"Vintage Pendant with Ornate Tooled
Filigree!' Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

chromiumman said...

love the soy candles

Marissa said...

I like the funny looking Love Parade Clown, talk about a whimsical piece to collect. The Mineral Bath Soaps look very inviting as well, gotta love the apothecary style bottles.
Thanks,
Marissa :)
md-sweeps (at) hotmail (d0t) com

ky2here said...

I'm kind of obsessed with soy candles right now.

Sarah said...

What a fun and unique variety of items! I think that Sugar Kiss candle looks just delectable! That would be my pick!

RoyalCheryl said...

The parade Clown. It's no laughing matter, I want to Win. Happy Easter Everyone.

jessh1218 said...

Great shop...you feature the best artists! I love everything, but the devil girl and boy silhouettes are super cute!

jessh1218@hotmail.com

Tarasview said...

I think the cherry vanilla mineral bath soak sounds lovely!

taradawnrobertson at hotmail dot com

Bunny B said...

I love all the bath products but I don't have a tub. Her artwork is terribly cute!! I esp like Lita and the Birdcage.


bunnybox9 [at] lycos [dot] com

Caroline said...

I love her Little Love Bird.

Meredith said...

The Thai Lemongrass bath salts! How exotic!

David Johnson said...

I like the Madonna wheres the party Art card.

Traumajunky said...

I absolutely love the The Little Love Parade Clown. Something about him really grabs me. Thank you.

Donna said...

My favorite is the soy candles.

Anonymous said...

The Love Parade Clown is my favorite! Thank you very much for the giveaway =)

vanillaglitter@gmail.com

redron said...

the bavarian chocolate

Mar said...

the sugar kiss soy candle sounds yummy and the cute little mushrooms are just 2 of my favorites

Unknown said...

love the Devil Boy Silhouette!
Cute!
dansan826 at yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Mandarin Ginger Mineral Bath Soak w. Essential Oils and Vitamin E

Bebemiqui said...

The cherry vanilla bath soak sounds amazing. Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alice said...

Little Love Bird

Anonymous said...

I like the BIRTH Diorama the best, its very interesting.

krystald88[at]hotmail[dot]com

Heather B said...

The cherry vanilla bath soak sounds amazing

Jessilyn82 said...

The black dahlia and bunny love cards are gorgeous, I love unique stationery I go through it pretty quickly!

Anonymous said...

OHHH I love the bath soak and the glass magnets are very cool! I wanted to tamper with glass bead making but figured I'd burn my house down ;)
Hugs, Crystal
adkinsc123@lycos.com

Mary512 said...

I love the cute little mushrooms. great giveaway, thanks! hellomary018 AT yahoo DOT com

msrodeobrat said...

the soy candle in sugar kiss sounds delightful

Anonymous said...

The Pink Floral Trio - 3 Large Glass Gem Magnets are my favorites!

dbstout[at]juno[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Wow, what unique items offered! I really like the skeleton print made with Starbucks coffee. Very creative.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Lita & the Birdcage is sooooo cute!
email: stacysdesigns88@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Little Love Bird -love it :)

jennem said...

KEIKO Kokeshi Doll

Ivÿ said...

love Raven's site and this, too - KEIKO Kokeshi Doll! Kawai desu ne... :)

ivan[dot]manalansan[at]gmail[dot]com

KV Creative Designs said...

I would love to try the Sugar Kiss Soy Candle!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Unknown said...

I love "Cute Little Mushrooms"!
Thanks :)

bison61 said...

the KEIKO Kokeshi Doll was very sweet

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

bison61 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
mogrill said...

I collect mushrooms so I would LOVE those!

sachidewey said...

I love the Devil Girl Silhouette - cute and subtle!

Mary Crosson said...

"Alice and the Ravens" was my favorite. I've always loved Alice.

Kathleen W. said...

The Ginseng Pear Mineral Bath Soak sounds wonderful! Just what I need after childbirth!

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said...

DEFINATLY, the devil boy and girl silhouettes!

With six kids, five girls and one boy... they would be soooo cute to hang up in the living room, A cute way to display my children, and have a great conversation starter!

sandritocat said...

I like The Sweet Escape Print, since I was just helping my six year old son make his song list tonight (for some new gadget) and that is one of his favorites, I hearted it.

noreen said...

BUNNY LOVE Greeting Card ismy fave

Tally said...

Being the simple gal, I like the glass magnets!

Anonymous said...

oh i love the letterpressed heart greeting cards! hope i'll win

Angela said...

I'd love to try the ginger spice candle!

I added you on prizeatron too1
http://www.prizeatron.com

cltgrace said...

I like the sugar kiss soy candle..sounds yummy without the calories! Fun!

cltgrace@gmail.com

Lo said...

I really love all of the greeting cards (particularly the Alice In Wonderland design). I like to keep a stash of all-occasion cards, and these are perfect!

familyo at earthlink dot net

Julie said...

The Ginger spice candle sounds awesome!

Ellie said...

I love her bath supplies- the packaging is wonderful. I would especially love to try the Mandarin Ginger Mineral Bath Soak. Yay Etsy!

Ellie
www.panjo.etsy.com

Sarah said...

I really love the Wallpaper Print Pendant. So pretty!

Unknown said...

i love te soy candles, cool stuff

courtneyfoster82@gmail.com

mom2boys said...

I'd love to try all of her Long Lasting Yummy Soy Candles...Ummm

J_Mama said...

I'd love any of the soy candles!

JenO said...

I want the ginger spice candle, sounds heavenly!

nifferjeno at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I really like the Tropicalismo Soy candle as well as the art works Vantriloquist dumy and Gilded Ginger

littlelatina
edq143 at yahoo dot com

Ann said...

I love the Ginseng pear mineral bath soak, it already sounds relaxing!!
ann dot guns at mac dot com

phxbne said...

I would like to try the Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak w. Essential Oils and Vitamin E

Lisa C. said...

i am torn... but i came to choose.... barrington, the love parade clown... lol.. i'm a sucker for a clown.. :)

maryjanyne said...

Mandarin Ginger Mineral Bath Soak w. Essential Oils and Vitamin E

Bree said...

I love those soy candles! Great site!

Laura said...

I really love soy candles - I'd love to try the Blue Lotus candle.

maeflower said...

The Mandarin Ginger Mineral Bath Soak looks great.

Belinda said...

The Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak sounds wonderful.

Anonymous said...

soy candles

Anonymous said...

I like the Griffins flower garden magnet set in tin. Too cute!
dasybliss at yahoo dot com

frugallm said...

The Bavarian Chocolate Mint soy candle sounds DIVINE!!!

elkmeese@yahoo.com

Erica G said...

I like the 3 Little Cuties Hot Monkey Love Card.

Two Peas In a Pod said...

I really like the Griffins flower garden magnet set in tin. It would make a great birthday gift for my sister who is obsessed with magnets :)
Kyla

JOYVEN said...

I like the soy candles

Anonymous said...

I like the Personalized Beaded Pendant.

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

bunny love greeting cards

Anonymous said...

Soy candles

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

ellie said...

I loved the Letter pressed heart greeting cards. So unique.

rojosho@hotmail.com

ruth said...

The Lemongrass bath salts are delightful.

saubleb@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I think it's the vintage pendant!
doot65(at)comcast(dot)net
Elizabeth

Annie said...

My favorite item of hers is the Lita and the birdcage art and the bovarian chocolate mint soy candle -- YUM

kirkelyak@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Keiko Kokeshi Doll! Cute! And its my friend's name too, thinking about getting it for her!

Sand said...

Mandarin Ginger Mineral Bath Soak!

Terri Dell said...

the Ginseng Pear Mineral Bath Soak sounds good!

Zippy said...

the Ventriloquist's Dummy is GREAT

/\Heather/\ said...

I love the devil girl print. Hilarious...and sometimes, just a little bit true. haha!

yellowlabs said...

I would love to be pampered with the Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

I love the Bavarian chocolate mint soy candle. I bet it is yummy...

Thanks!

memetu said...

BATH SOAKS
I can't get enough bath soaks.

Anonymous said...

The birdcage art is just lovely. I also like the Bavarian chocolate candle.

Anonymous said...

love the candles :)

klp1965@verizon.net

Unknown said...

The CHOP SIOUXSIE Print is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

Starshine3 said...

The Butterfly Silhouette on Vintage Italian Mirrored Frame is beautiful. Definitely my favorite ^_^

Brooke said...

Water Lily Mineral Bath Soak!!!

Anonymous said...

I like the little love bird.

carissaad said...

My favorite item is the Personalized Beaded Bookmark or Pendant - Initial or Symbol.

purplepassion126 said...

I love the long lasting soy candles--all the scents appeal to me, but the Bavarian Chocoalte Mint is quite unique and sounds very delicious. :)

Misty Beethoven said...

I love GWEN! The Sweet Escape - I Know I've Been A Real Bad Girl print is most excellent. I'd like to see it available already in a frame.
P.S. I love Siouxsie, too! Rock on!

masonsgranny59 said...

TROPICALISMO Soy Candle sounds great!ty 4 the nice contest!

Taryn said...

GINGER SPICE - THEE Yummiest Soy Candle

Unknown said...

The Cherry Vanilla Mine...was a favorite. Actually, all of the products that were similar to this would be well used here.

Please include me...

Hugs, KJ

Holly said...

would love to get The Sweet Escape Print for a friend who loves that song!

melonkelli said...

I like the Wallpaper Print Pendant.

mrstrooper said...

Ginseng Pear Mineral Bath Soak ... I would love to try this!

Amira M said...

i love lotus flowers, and i love the lotus flower on wood...it would like great in my room

Unknown said...

Cherry Vanilla Bath Soak
rosans4@insightbb.com

Pretty Fun said...

Cherry Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak w. Essential Oils and Vitamin E comes in such a cute carton and a steal at $10!

sublimejen said...

I really love her ART! And would also love to try her bath soaks!! :)
sublimejen@gmail.com

KristenH said...

My favorite product is the BUNNY LOVE Greeting Card-Dirty Pretty Things by RavenX especially since I love rabbits. I just love it and it would come in handy since I write a lot. This is a great giveaway and I really hope I win. Thanks.

Raven said...

CONGRATS to Belinda, the winner of my give-a-way...and a big THANK YOU to everyone who entered!

I appreciate all of your sweetness and I'm so happy to hear that you love my work.

...and a super big special thanks to Angie of The Downtown Boutique for such an amazing feature. :)

xxx
Raven