Monday Magic! - Valentine

Monday Magic...Valentine!

StuckTogether	MonkeyJune	KoppelStudio
Lydibug1	thecosieposie	lle04c
joce1962	theshabbybouchic	whiteobsession
balasfieh	thekingdom	heartfelthomemade

Introducing my 19th installment of my new weekly feature, Monday Magic! These Etsy.com sellers all share something special... Fabulous work! Yet, somehow like many sellers on Etsy are wondering where all their admirers are! So this is where I feel it's time to showcase the undiscovered talent of Etsy, on Monday each week so they have a chance to shine like the best of Etsy do :)


All of the sellers names can be typed into the navigation bar on your browser followed with ".etsy.com" (dot etsy dot com) to take you to their stores. Otherwise click on an image to go directly to their listing!


I am now taking requests for next weeks Monday Magic Expo. If you would like to be a part of it, you are required to have less that 20 sales in your Etsy store, and the theme is Love! Contact me via convo @ http://moonangelnay.etsy.com to send in your requests, plus a link to your suitable item :)

Have a fab week!

moonangelnay xxx

SUNDAY... Coffee and Cake

Sunday - Coffee and Cake
weekly musings, articles and mostly babble...




Hermit Or at least I have been feeling a bit like a hermit, rather than actually being one. I guess it's because for the past week I have lost a couple of nights sleep (pregnancy related) after already having insomnia for many weeks, on top of trying to do my duties with my son, housework, Etsy stuff, research and somehow managing to take my son out to his various groups and little friend meetings. Being tired isn't the thing really, I guess it's just the whole lack of time I have spent really thinking about much else but the above, which oddly has left me feeling like I've been a recluse all week. But in all there has been some progress from all of this. My son is asking the all fun "why?" questions now, I made and listed loads of new prints in my Etsy store including a 2010 Calender dedicated to my print "Dreamweaver", my little baby has stopped booting me so hard now that she's running out of room!, and relating to the Etsy/blog side of things I've managed to move things around a bit, sorting out my unactive Project Wonderful box (I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed!), finally getting back into throwing my name into more search engines/directories and also ticked a few boxes on my to do list that have made a grand difference in my incoming traffic.
I thought I'd mention one thing that has been positive this week in terms of advertising, because it's something I reckon anyone could benefit from if they're prepared to take a little bit of time daily to make that bit of difference for their website/blog. Last year I came across something called "Link Referral" which is a great directory of various businesses that ranks your page based on a credit system... ie: requires some input from you, and input from others to position your webite in the big list on there. You have the option of paying something like $35 monthly if you don't think you can spend time daily doing the things it recommends you to do, which has the advantage of sticking you in the top 10 of your chosen catagory, or like myself you can just do the 5 things daily that consist of visiting a number of listed sites, writing short reviews, favouriting and contributing in the forum. Initially when even the idea of registering (I hate form filling) was frightful, finding out that you had to do these things daily to give yourself a good chance of being noticed seemed pretty far fetched, if not setting off alarm bells considering like most people that's tried and tested free advertising sites, they either bring you frig all traffic, or give you a tonne of poor quality traffic. So I was wary... but I thought I'll give it a go... there were loads of Etsy shops on there so I thought "hey... I'll conform for a day and see what the results will be like." The site claims to bring between 20-60 new people to your site if you rank high enough, which obviously means that doing it the free way means you may not get that much, but would probably notice a difference. And if I'm totally honest, the following day after checking my Google Analytics, I was pretty shocked to see a dramatic increase in my traffic. Dramatic I say because since my month of being ill, my traffic had dropped to an all time low. So you can imagine I was pretty pleased! But would this be consistent??? So 5 ish days later I'm still clicking and typing away on there for an hour or so a day (managing 2 sites n all) and hey presto, my traffic is still improved and the peak is definitely due to this site. The best bit is, even though it's not hundreds of people (yet... i hope) it is for once QUALITY traffic... people who are obviously looking into the niche I have stuck my work into and are visiting out of genuine interest. No click throughs, and high bouncers. Well worth it. So anyone out there that has the time try out Link Referral. See what is does for you. It may not be a massive thing unless you catagorise yourself into a popular catagory, or give them money so you don't have to do anything, but you will notice a difference.
So now that I have completed this post I'm torn between sitting still and knitting, or maybe working on a host of new prints I have planned... I think I may knit... I find a lot of tranquility in doing that to relax lol!!!

moonangelnay x

FRIDAY - Friday Finds... Paperbella

Friday Finds... Paperbella


This is my 13th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy, and VERY glad to be back into the swing of things again with this! Up until recently I was worried that I would never be able to be consistent with weekly updates again lol!!!

Back to business! I want to introduce someone I found on a fab website that I have (stupidly) avoided like the plague up until now out of sheer laziness to fill in a few details. I'll explain more about that on Sunday, but yes today's interview is with an excellent paper artist and mobile maker called Paperbella! I really do have the baby bug at the mo so anything that catches my eye that could relate to cute lil squishy things sets me off on one! Yet I have to be honest when I say that the mobiles from this artist could quite easily cascade from my own ceiling for how fabulous they are, I don't think I could let the kids have all the fun now could I? Besides my color radar, the great variety in designs, shapes, types of mobile are plentiful and are easily suited to a range of age groups beside kids that enjoy the idea of a little burst of fun in a room in their home! At least I think so! So on with the interview to find out some more!


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)







-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Elizabeth Logan, I am 28 years old. I live in Springfield, Missouri and I am probably the biggest homebody you've ever met!

-- What is your business about then? Paperbella is all about handcrafted paper mobiles, garlands, and decorations for all occassions and living spaces. They are bright, fun, unique, and modern chic. I think that my shop announcement says it very well, "Paperbella décor will bring a whimsical element to any room and be a true eye catcher and conversation starter" Just about everything in my shop is hand cut. I do not use die cutters to make my shapes at this time

-- How did Etsy come into your life? I think I discovered Etsy much too late in my life. I came across Etsy by stumbling onto it out of the blue from a google search in 2007. I'm surprised how long it took me to actually get started opening a shop on there. I wanted to be as prepared as I could. I did this by reading the forums, and the Storque articles on how to operate a shop on Etsy, I learned a lot, and I am still learning!

-- Are you working a day job too? I do work a day job. I work at a local hospital where I do EKG's, stress tests and holter monitor studies. Some hospitals have their radiology department do these but we're our own department here. I work 2nd shift. I love it and have been doing this for 3 1/2 years.

-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I've always been into creating things ever since I was little but it became unleashed as I was preparing for my wedding in 2007. I made these flower petal vines for the wedding decor, invitations, favors (with the help of the family) and I made my jewelry and the bridesmaids jewelry. I found a newly discovered passion for creating beautiful things by hand. I became mesmerized with it and haven't stopped since.

-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I am inspired by everyday life; beautiful nature scenes, different things that I see, think or read about, and different memories I had growing up. I don’t just think of what I would like personally, I think of what others might like to have hanging in their living rooms, office, dorm room, or any living space that will evoke an emotion of passion and inspiration.

-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? mmm,...peaceful......colorful.....dreamy

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? I am still searching to find a balance with my day job and creating. All I can say is that I do not have a consistent schedule. I usually get up early when the house is quiet and have time to myself. I usually stay close to the computer in our office, but this is also where I have my work station. I wish I could say that I get right down to the nitty gritty and crank out my mobiles and new creations day in, day out but in reality, I have a tendency to day dream and not be as productive as I would like to before it's time for me to get ready for work at my day job. My day ends shortly when I come home and unwind with my husband, then it's bed time usually around 1am. Lately, anyway.

-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? I love working with textured cardstock paper, of course! but I am wanting to learn how to add embellishments and use different textures in the future.

-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? My ideal vision is to be the best wife, mother, friend, and business women I can be, doing what I love to do. In a few years, my husband wil be done with his masters degree and be a US Army Chaplain, so we will have a military life. I hope to still be doing this, only on a larger scale. I would also like to start a family in the next 5 years.

-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I like to read and learn new things on how to improve my business, like researching ways to help promote my business, brainstorm ideas, and one day, I'd like to start my own blog. I heard all the cool kids are doing it. When I'm not doing these things, I love to spend time with my husband watching movies, playing games, cooking with him, and playing and going on walks with our puppy, Marcello. We're the perfect family unit right now and I love it so!

-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? aprons, milk glass vases, handbags, hair accessories, pillows, and other home decor items. I'm a sucker for anything romantic, retro, and feminine.

-- Any last words? My life has been so blessed, and I thank God for it all! I really like where I am right now in my life and I am eager to see what Paperbella can accomplish in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would like to extend a discount to you all. Mention this blog in the comments section on your order, and I will add on a 10% discount!

Monday Magic! - Near Undiscovered Wonder

Monday Magic...Hint of Spring!

BonBonBazaar	Armillatadesigns	annieyoungarts
BeadAttitudes	plainjanecards	scottmansfieldphoto
whimzwhirled	michaelapoeppingart	ByImmertreu
WianStudios	EsmereldasEssence	stevenmillsart

Introducing my 18th installment of my new weekly feature, Monday Magic! These Etsy.com sellers all share something special... Fabulous work! Yet, somehow like many sellers on Etsy are wondering where all their admirers are! So this is where I feel it's time to showcase the undiscovered talent of Etsy, on Monday each week so they have a chance to shine like the best of Etsy do :)


All of the sellers names can be typed into the navigation bar on your browser followed with ".etsy.com" (dot etsy dot com) to take you to their stores. Otherwise click on an image to go directly to their listing!


I am now taking requests for next weeks Monday Magic Expo. If you would like to be a part of it, you are required to have less that 20 sales in your Etsy store, and the theme is Valentine! Contact me via convo @ http://moonangelnay.etsy.com to send in your requests, plus a link to your suitable item :)

Have a fab week!

moonangelnay xxx

Back in Action

Sunday - Coffee and Cake
weekly musings, articles and mostly babble...


Back In Action It's been a busy few days, and for a change I feel like I'm on track with things! Including doing some new stuff like furthering my web presence on the blog, getting more exposure for the Monday Magic-ers by bringing them into the Etsy Treasuries, even getting a few new prints on the go :) I also sold a copy of Coco Pink earlier in the week which brightened my spirits and a lot of my efforts in recent days have has really positive responses from all that have been involved (and especially the kind few that have returned kind gestures of their own!)
I thought to myself on Monday that it'd be great if I could bring more views in for the Monday people that manage to get featured and thought I'd see what would happen if I created an Etsy Treasury, themed on our newest stars to Etsy... and it has had a tremendous response, I have to say I am really pleased with the feedback so far and I have decided that every Monday Magic group will get inclusion in any treasury I manage to grab (you have to fight for the things!) from here on. I don't know how many people pay attention to the stats of sellers when they find shops and items through Etsy search, or even if anyone checks Etsy pounce regularly which I do try and do because you never know what little surprises you may find with the emerging talents as opposed to what is already known to be fabulous with the established Etsians. I think the treasury on top of the Monday Magic post, although only focusing on 12-16 sellers a week is a step in the right direction for giving the newbies a chance to shine and get acknowledged before they and their items get smothered under the increasing amount of items and sellers adding themselves to Etsy every day. It's something anyway!
A couple of people got in touch with me with lovely kind gestures of their own which I thought was very nice of them, and wanted to give them a shout out because they're so lovely!
TurcoArts, a fellow photographer may I add sent me a message thanking me for showing interest in their work and offering 10% off any purchases, not only for me but anyone that I refer to his store in the future. I told him I'd mention this in the blog which I know made him quite happy and to remind anyone that visits his store from the link on here that plans to buy a photograph, to let him know that you had a referal from moonangelnay! Also I wanted to share a gesture from Wintergarden on Etsy whom kindly included my print Against the Grain in her gorgeous spotlight on byhand.me which is well worth checking out, its a stunning collection of items as is her store of beautiful knitted flowers! Thanks ever so much for that!
So regarding the community my fingers have been very busy on my keyboard! In my own little world however when not chasing my son and being booted from the inside by the baby.. and housework, I have somehow found the time to get a couple of new prints and like I said earlier, get some further word out about things like the blog and also my store... Infact I made an interesting discovery earlier whilst checking out the vault on CraftCults heart-o-matic site and found out that my print Twilight Rose had made the front page on Etsy on September the 18th 2009!!!! LOL! I never knew! I wish Etsy would tell people when they make the front page! At least I know why it's had a zillion views!

Anyways I'll leave the rambling at that as I have a new week to focus on after this and more newbies to find!

moonangelnay x

FRIDAY - Friday Finds... SOiNTOiT

Friday Finds... SOiNTOiT


This is my 12th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy, and my first one since the End of November! Eeek! Don't worry though I'm in better health now and Christmas is nice as far away from being able to disrupt too much of my blogging for now :)

Today I am posting an interview with Pam, a carvedboard artist known on Etsy as SOiNTOiT! By nature I am quite the hippy and I do tend to feel attracted to things that burst with color, contain spiritual undertones or have a very naturalistic feel to them. So for me to stumble across Pam's store was a wonderful find in my hunt for my usual Monday Magic-ers funnily enough! But her work is so unique and beautiful. I love the way they have a very ethnic feel to them, as well as the way they reach out to you (quite literally!) and the colors of the rainbow dance around each piece! I had to ask if she would be interested in an interview about her work and store. And obviously very pleased that she wanted to, so I am very pleased to share on my blog this week another very new and talented artist on Etsy that deserves all the exposure and interest I suspect she'll get in the future on Etsy :)


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)



Tell me a bit about you. (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you’re at it.) My name is Pam Reinhardt. I’m 56. I live at a lovely lake in Northern California. I’m married, a mom and ‘gramma’. Random fact: Colors 60 feet below the surface in warm, tropical waters are indescribably and breathtakingly vivid.

What is your business about then? I don’t have a business! I do, however, have a passion and I enjoy directing that passion. So, I guess that’s my business. The direction of my passion right now, is my artwork. My artwork is uniquely mine and that is empowering. (I suppose I could organize my closets or clean out the junk drawer---nah!) I also like putting myself in situations that bring on extreme learning mode as I seem to thrive on learning. Putting my artwork out there is extreme for me. It’s inherently satisfying.

How did etsy come into your life? I’m running out of wall space! AND I like the etsy community AND I like learning new skills and I like art exposure and meeting talented and creative people.

Are you working a day job, too? Big smile! Sigh! I’m a recently retired public school band director and classroom music teacher. I’ve stepped into a perpetual weekend mode and my husband and I can come and go as we please. I am blessed!

How long has the artist in you been ‘unleashed’? I’ve not had the luxury of uninterrupted time before. For me, creativity is time for exploration and experimentation and time to follow my ideas to a satisfactory completion. I’m fortunate to have a supportive and understanding husband who knows how to serve a good meal!

What has been the inspiration behind your business? It’s such a charge to follow a dream. It’s scary and I like stepping out into new territory.

If you could describe your products in 3 words, what would you tell me? Colorful. Unique. Eclectic.

What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? Wake up when I feel like it. Cup of coffee in front of the fire and check out the weather and the bird feeders. Do a check-in with my husband and rough out a day plan (looks like a good ski day tomorrow, hon….that kind of thing). Check e-mails, the etsy shop and facebook, maybe call my kids. (I babysit my grand-daughter on Thursdays.) Head to the den where my desk and supplies are and play for a couple hours, or go for a walk. I’ve been doing a lot of breathing and being thankful to God. Piddle around the house or in the yard. Love to read. Might drive to town and explore. We live near two beautiful Sierra Foothill towns full of great restaurants, bookstores, art galleries and boutiques. Never at a loss for something to do. We own a 20 acre parcel on a hill overlooking our lake and sometimes we go up there and just sit, listening to the quiet and dreaming and talking over our house plans. Like I said, I’m blessed.

What’s your favorite material and techniques to work with? Acrylics, oil pastels, encaustic, collage, mixed media.

What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? To continue to have a lot of fun at my art desk. If someone can get enjoyment from viewing my work I’m tickled. I wasn’t actually expecting anyone to show any interest. I’m totally doing this for myself. I love that what I’m doing gets reactions from people and they want to let me know what their reaction is. I wasn’t expecting that.

Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? Travel. Snow ski. Kayak. Hike. Camp. Scuba dive. Write. Visit with my kids.

What are you likely to search for on etsy? New artwork. Brightly and creatively arranged, colorful objects. Somebody doing something different.

Any last words? Yes! Watch for one of my CarveBoardArt pieces in the May 2010 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. (The Exemplar feature.) And, of course, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/SOiNTOiT and view my shop! This has been a fun interview! Thanks!