Friday Features No. 7 -- Featuring Karen Marie Designs

I know, I know, I'm a little late in getting this out, but at least it will be out before Friday is over. I've been a little busy this week.

Congratulations to Belinda, who won the notecards and magnets from Dirty Pretty Things (RavenXX)! Congratulations to TerBearCo. and Bella Symphony who won the two free advertising spots in celebration of our reaching 5000 visits. Can you believe we're already at 6000! We've had over 1000 hits in ONE WEEK! Thank you all!

Today's Friday Feature is all about Karen Marie Designs. Karen is a happily married Auntie and momma to a tuxedo kitty. She and her husband and kitty live in Virginia. Here's a little more about Karen:

TDB: When did you first start crafting?
Karen: I first started crafting when I was a kid. On the top of each Christmas list was always an arts and craft gift, from candle making to woodburning! I did even try, unsuccessfully, the "easy bake" oven. This could account for why I don't cook today! In any case, I recently began scrapbooking, and started to use beads in my work. One thing led to another, and over the past year, I started making jewelry, which I love.

TDB: I see you've been on Etsy for just over a year. How long did it take to get your first sale?
Karen: It was probably about a month before I made my first sale. Every sale there after has been just as exciting. It was especially fun when I sold a pair of earrings to someone is Australia! To think my jewelry has traveled farther than I have!

TDB: You have good, clear photographs, with some great "up close" shots. What's your secret?

Karen: After much struggling, I have begun to take what I feel are better shots. Of course, there is always room for improvement. The key for me was when I bought a "light box." What a difference this made! In addition, I use the macro setting, with no flash, on my camera. To finish it all off, I have been able to use what I have learned in a Corel Paint Shop Pro class to "finalize" the pictures.

TDB: There are SO many jewelry makers on Etsy. What do you think makes your jewelry stand out from the crowd?

Karen: I give my absolute all to making my jewelry. I love to work with Swarovski crystals, and unique beads. Hopefully others agree that my jewelry stands out due to the quality of my workmanship. I pay close attention to detail. For example, on my bracelets I will take the extra time to use wire guards to prevent the wire from wearing out against the toggle. I'll also use crimp bead covers for that finished look. I want my jewelry to be durable and to last!

TDB: When you're not crafting, what do you enjoy doing for fun?

Karen: If I'm not actually creating my jewelry, I am looking through bead books or on-line for various beads and bead findings. I also love to read books about jewelry making. I always want to improve my trade. My husband and I are big fans of College Basketball, so we attend games with a group of friends. We also love to spend time with our cat, Pargo, whom we spoil...just a little! In fact, you will see Pargo on my website modeling some of my jewelry! He is just mesmarized by the beads, and mostly, the string!

TDB: What's your favorite thing about Etsy?

Karen: I can't say enough about Etsy. I have just learned so much since joining. I love the fact that you can have contact with people all around the world! It has literally opened up a whole new world!! I am hooked!

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Karen's giveaway is a $20 Gift Certificate from her shop.

To enter: Please visit Karen's shop and find what you would buy if you won the $20 gift certificate. Then come back here and comment on it. ONE comment per person please. Please leave a valid email or make sure we have a good, quick way to get ahold of you. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 3rd at Midnight PST.