A New Etsy Shop That Will Leave You In Stitches

I am completely addicted to totes, my closet is full of them and when I saw this shop, I knew I just had to share with you the beautiful items this seller creates. I was so happy when she agreed to let me get to know her and answer a few questions so I could share this great shop with you.

It's my pleasure to introduce you to a new shop on Etsy called The 6'oclock Stitch.



1. Why don't you start by telling us your name and when and how you got starting crafting?

My name is Gina. I've always enjoyed making things but took up sewing to make toys and things for my toddler.

2. What made you choose your niche?

I enjoy creating things for my daughter and I love playing with new fabrics so I guess I just naturally fell into it.



3. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I love bright bold colors and whimsical prints. Anyone can peek in The Studio Window each week to see what I'm working on. Since each design is unique (I rarely duplicate), they can request notification by email as soon as any particular item is in the shop and available for purchase. Studio Window is at http://the6oclockstitch.blogspot.com/2009/02/studio-window.html

4. Do you ever get in a creative slump? And, if so, what do you do to pull yourself out of it?

Yes! Walk away! I usually find inspiration when I'm not looking for it.

5. How many hours a day do you devote to your craft?

I named my studio "The 6 O'Clock Stitch" because I have to get an early start every morning before the other demands of the day press in. Typically I put in several hours a day. It's just broken up into small increments as time permits.



6. Do you have a job outside the home or is your online business your full-time job?

I do not work outside the home.

7. Do you sell anywhere else in addition to Etsy?

No.

8. What would you say is the most difficult thing about having an online shop and what have you done to overcome it?

Getting the word out has to be the most difficult. I'm chasing every marketing venue that arises. You never know where your next customer might be!

9. What are your long term goals for your shop/craft?

Right now I have so many design ideas floating around in my head! I want to dabble in a little of everything and have a unique and varied collection of goods.

10. Do you do custom orders?

Not at this time.

11. Where would you say has been the most helpful place in finding information to help run your shop on Etsy? The forums, the help guides, other sellers' blogs?

All of the above. There's a wealth of info out there. You just have to dig a little to find what you're looking for.



12. I saw in your announcement that you do eParties. Why don't you tell us what exactly that is, how it works and how we can have one?

1. Sign up for a party date (instructions below). Parties run for 5 days.


2. You'll receive your eParty invitations with a promo code, good for 10% off all purchases (excluding shipping) to email to each of your guests.


3. INVITE as many people as you'd like! The more the merrier!


4. When your guests shop during the scheduled 5 day period, and enter their eParty promo code in the "Message to Seller" section at checkout they'll receive 10% off their purchases. Merchandise is shipped directly to each purchaser.


5. At the conclusion of the event, you will receive a hostess code, for a discount on your next purchase, based on the total sales (excluding shipping) generated during your eParty. Hostess discounts will be issued as follows:


Total Sales of $50 to $99 = 20% Hostess Discount


Total Sales of $100 + = 30% Hostess Discount


For more information OR to schedule a date for your eParty, email the6oclockstitch [!at] gmail.com [Subject: eParty]. Please specify your eParty date preferences. All dates are subject to approval by The 6 O'Clock Stitch!

13. If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about opening a shop on Etsy, what would it be?

Set aside some time each day to focus on marketing your shop. It will pay off in the long run.


Also, I would like to provide you and your readers with a COUPON CODE good for 10% OFF (excluding shipping) through March 1st. Enter code bj173609 in the Message to Seller section at checkout. 10% of the purchase price will be refunded after the transaction is processed.

Here are a few places in addition to Etsy that you can find Gina:

I blog at the6oclockstitch.blogspot.com
I tweet too! twitter.com/6oclockstitch


Not only is Gina extremely creative, but also a wonderful person for doing this interview for us. And if that wasn't enough, to offer us a discount for just learning about her - awesome!
So go visit her shop and don't forget to use that discount code in the Message to Seller section to get your 10% off.

Thank you so much Gina, it was fun getting to know you and your shop The 6 o'clock Stitch and I wish you much success on Etsy!!