A Tea Inspired Treasury...with added Steampunk

I do love browsing on Etsy. The Treasury feature is a way to collect and share your favourite items. You can make up your very own window shopping experience, to save things for later, or do it as an exercise in artistic image arrangement.

Treasuries give shops added exposure...and the more people see an item, the more likely it is to sell! The one rule of Treasuries, however,is never to add your own items (if you are an Etsy shop owner). I love this 'Pay it Forward' (x16!) attitude. Sharing is the kinder path to success.

Have a look at my latest finds:

Interview with Emily Joy from Emi.Nation Artistry

This month's featured Creatrix

One of the things I love about Etsy is being to connect to fellow artists and creators with geographical distance being no problem, thanks to the internet and Skype video chats (ooh er, I remember when that idea was a thing of pure science fiction!)

I'd like to introduce you to Emily Joy, fellow Team Leader at In Here Life Is Beautiful and a talented Pyrographer. Just recently, she gave her shop a new look and has added many new items. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her work on an Etsy front page in the not too distant future...

1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?

Naming my shop was actually quite a difficult process. I didn’t want to be too specific, in case I decided to expand my brand and do non-pyrography items, so anything with burning or flames didn’t seem to fit. After many discussions about possible names, I was drawn to creating a shop name that was catchy, yet spoke to my mindset when I create. I felt like I was most moved by the concept of the artwork flowing from a divine source or that inexplicable part of humanity that pushes us all to create. Often, artists will say that their favorite or best work seemed have its own will or mind. It needed to come out, and the artist was happy to be the conduit. I often feel that way when I create. The word emanation means “from the source” or “flowing from the source.” I have a bundle of creativity floating in my body, and all of my art courses through me from that initial point. I decided to do a fun take on my name, Emily, and call it “Emi.Nation” – both to honor the definition of the word, and to create my own little Emily world!

I find it difficult to name exactly what was the main inspiration for my shop. I have always loved to paint, draw, sculpt, whatever I could do to get messy and make art! However, I never really took myself seriously as an artist. I had a driving impulse to create, but selling seemed out of my league. Friends, family, and teachers disagreed with me, often urging me to either take classes or open up shop. I think was their support and encouragement, coupled with my desire to grow and honor my artwork as something meaningful, that pushed me to open Emi.Nation.

Interview with Georgina of Atomic Girl Cosplay

A is for Apocalypse...

I'd like to introduce you to a fellow Creatrix that I have affectionately nicknamed "Cap'n G." She recently leapt courageously into working full time for herself and has found a unique niche in which to express her talents...

 How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?

Let’s start with inspiration. Ever since I can remember I’ve had an intense imagination, as a child I was labelled as being away with the fairies. As I’ve grown up it’s never left me, and has been poured into various projects, characters and creations but I’ve never been satisfied, nothing was ever enough and I always knew I could do more. As I got older I began to develop a love of cult movies and became an avid gamer. I loved everything about the genre – retro computer gaming, sci fi, fantasy, RPG. And all this added fuel to the imaginative fire. Things like Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, A Boy and His Dog, Fallout, Bioshock, Firefly all resonated with me. I loved the idea of a futuristic dystopia. I tried to bottle my ideas as writing, paintings, but nothing ever felt right. Then I discovered cosplay. There was actually a community of people who dressed up as their favourite characters, and to boot were proud of it! Then there was more, Steampunk, people created their own characters based on their interpretation of this collectively created sci fi universe of steam and pipes and cogs and engines. That was it, I thought, I can create my own world through costume. I can turn this vast imagination into clothing, accessories, photoshoots, storylines.  I thought I would do it through Steampunk, I had a love of the Victorian era, it seemed to fit. However, in one evening that all changed, I began to google for pictures of 1950s cosplay, fallout cosplay, apocalypse cosplay. I found a little, but not as much as I had expected. In an instant Steampunk didn’t feel right and my childhood love of gritty sci fi came back. And as usual with the way my brain worked everything was crystalised within an instant. The end game was there in glorious detail – I just had to get there. I wrote down three names on a piece of paper: Apocalypse Girl, Fallout Girl, Atomic Girl.

 

What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?

I create clothing, accessories and props which have the look and feel of being from a post-apocalyptic universe. Due to the Fallout games being heavy inspiration I decided to give the clothing a 1950s twist. Which ties in nicely with the fact I’ve always loved the 50s tailoring anyway. As this is such early days for Atomic Girl (I’ve only been open about a month and a half) I wouldn’t say I have a signature product as such. However, I do have some very grand ideas in mind which will be realised later in the year. I would hope, though, that my products, in their style, will have a signature. I would like to think that someone would be able to look at one of my products, be it a badge, computer accessory or piece of clothing and say “yep, that’s Atomic Girl”. My two overruling criteria are is it quality and is it believable.

 Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?

I’ve got a deep love for sci fi and fantasy, tv, movies, computer games and comics. I take a lot of inspiration from these sources to put my own twist on. I may see something in a movie I like as a concept, develop it, change it, add in some inspiration from a different source then design a product, or even a range. Mostly however things come to me in almost overwhelming flashes. I’m sure my brain is constantly thinking about designs on a subconscious level, then it’ll come to me in a sudden burst. I think very visually, it might be a product, a solution to a design problem, a photoshoot or even a whole costume concept.

What I hope will set me apart from other sellers is detail I put into my products and photography. I  don’t want to simply make an item then photo it in a studio setting. I want to create a world with my photographs, possibly even set up stories being told in visual form. I want my customer to feel like the more the buy from me the deeper the enter into my world. 

 What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Oh it’s got to be the finishing touches, adding the scuffs, the scratches, even adding mould to the corners of computer screens. I love to work into things.  

 

Metallic Grey Robot Face Badge

What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?
Your photographs are your strongest tool. They need to be crisp, bright and show off your product. Your customer can’t pick up your item, turn it over and check it out so do it for them in your photography. For instance if you’ve made a hat have a photo of it upside down so the customer can see the lining, if it’s a skirt photo it both on a model so they can see the fitting and on a hanger so they can see the basic shape. I find if you have a program like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements simply brightening the levels on a photo will turn a dull grey background to brilliant white and make the details of your product really sing. 

Atomic Girl Cosplay has a gorgeously grungy style still but she still makes sure her items 'pop', even against darker backgrounds. 

 What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?

There are quite literally too many talented artists, crafters and wonderful shops out there to pick just three. I am the captain of the Etsy team In Here Life Is Beautiful (In Here Life Is Beautiful) which is dedicated to people interested in the alternative. If you like steampunk, burlesque, goth, tattoos, rockabilly or retro then you’ll probably enjoy it. We have 326 members so far, I look through each new shop looking to feature people on the team’s facebook page and I’m always astounded with everyone’s individual talents and vision.

 Where else (other than Etsy) can you be found online?

Facebook is my main outlet I’d say, I’m on it constantly, it’s full of product photos, behind the scenes photos, chats from me and fun stuff I’ve found online.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atomic-Girl-Cosplay/195630810528234

I also have a twitter account which I’m still getting used to. I’ve got a bit of a mental block on twitter, I can’t seem to wrap my head around it!

https://twitter.com/AtomicGirlCos

A blog…

http://atomicgirlcosplay.blogspot.co.uk/

Aaaand a tumblr. Again, I’m very new to it.

http://atomicgirlcosplay.tumblr.com/

Thankyou very much, Cap'n G!* 

Make sure to visit Atomic Girl Cosplay on Etsy! Do leave your comments and question below, thanks.

*(For those of you who are wondering why I chose that nickname, it's because I'm one of the leaders in the Etsy Team "In Here Life Is Beautiful" and we imagine ourselves as the crew of a magnificent airship...I also have Georgina to thank for doing The Navigatrix's recent makeover and for being my lovely model. Add Matt of Arcane Armoury to the mix, as he recently instructed her on a few modelmaking techniques. Expect the unexpected!)

And Z is for...  

What...another Giveaway?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Yes! To celebrate achieving 1001 Likes on my Facebook page, I am happy to announce that you have another opportunity to win!

This time, The Navigatrix is offering two prizes: a £10 Voucher and a one-off, Steampunk unisex adjustable Canon Ring!

I really do value all the support a simple Like and a kind comment offer. Of course, I'm aiming to sell every item in my shop and challenge you all to buy things almost faster than I can make them!

Tell your friends! If you have a blog and would like a Giveaway widget to share my competition with more folk, just ask. I am also aiming to support my brother (of ArcaneArmoury) and my Etsy Team Captain (of Atomic Girl Cosplay ) so there are entry options to help them get more fans, too.

I look forward to your company, wherever we may meet across the vast aetherweb....

Welcome to my Shop!

Giveaway!

The Navigatrix Is One!

I opened my little Etsy shop on the 14th of February last year. To celebrate The Navigatrix's first anniversary, I'm having a giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is the first time I've tried Rafflecopter, so do bear with me!

The Prize is this:

So, give it a go, tell your friends and let me know what you think.

Good luck!

Dressing Up for the Occasion

Co-creation is a wonderful thing!

I may be a one-woman business but I do not work alone. The picture above was possible because of two very special people, who also happen to be designers, creators and Etsy shop owners. My brother Matt (of Arcane Armoury) and I welcomed our Etsy Team Leader into our homes this week. Georgina (of Nevermore Dolls) Captains the Etsy Team In here Life Is Beautiful. 

The Navigatrix hadn't been around long when I stumbled across this team. I liked the atmosphere and the wide range of shops that dared to be different, so I joined. I posted a fair bit and soon I received the invitation from the Captain to become a leader. I'm still learning as I go but when I come across something useful, I tend to share it for others' benefit. Feels good, you know? Of course, I invited my brother to join us, too. I've seen this team grow from less than 100 people to nearing 300 now.

Since I'm talking about 'IHLIB' (it's a long name to type!) it seems fitting to mention that it had its first anniversary on 20th January. To celebrate we asked team members to post a picture of one of their items that best reflected the team, in order to collect them together and have a 'Pinterest Party' (my phrase). We got some great entries that you can see here: Pinterest Party Board. 

So what happens when Etsians get together? We had ideas about what we wished to achieve in the time we had. Georgina is preparing to open her third Etsy shop (her first was Unusual Fascinators). If you'd like a sneak peek at her efforts, go and look at Atomic Girl Cosplay. I've seen what she has achieved so far and I can't wait for her shop to open! Matt, a trained modelmaker with over 15 years of experience, took 'Cap'n G' under his (X) wing and introduced her to mould making and casting and she took to it like a duck to water. In return, we both have ideas to help Arcane Armoury grow and evolve. One week just isn't enough! Matt and Georgina 'pulled an all-nighter' in order to things made to a certain degree of finished :)

The highlight for me were the photoshoots. Firstly, Georgina modelled some of my new creations and a few currently listed ones to enhance the photo selections. Here are some of the beautiful results:

Green Velvet and Brass Butterfly Choker

"Turquoise Fancy" Beaded Chain and Earrings set

...and then it was my turn!

Now, to be honest with you, I'm not the most girly girl. Make-up and even jewellery tend to be reserved for special occassions. I only own nail varnish, lipstick and mascara (though after this experience, that will change). I think this was the first time I'd ever had my hair in rollers, too!

Georgina had promised me a makeover. It's great when others can see potential where you cannot. I know that good photos are a large part of the recipe for success on Etsy and 

help to bring out the potential in your lovingly crafted items. I know also that good photos help with shop promotion and that people like to know who is behind the creations, so I happily agreed to get all dressed up in my Steampunk costume and let her use my face as a canvas. Here are some behind the scenes pictures of the photoshoot: 

Getting the skirt to hang just so.

Behave yourselves, curls!

Me and Cap'n G ;)

    

There's a good view of the new items from here!

We all had a great time and it was lovely to work together. Etsy has brought us together and helped us to inspire each other. See what you can find there today...

I do love reading your comments and look forward to connecting with you, even if just for a moment. Wishing you a Fantastic February,

Sally-Ann ♡

Celebrate Love!

Steampunk, Steamgoth, Neo-Victorian inspired Valentines Cards

The new range of OOAK* Valentines Cards

I'm still getting used to this online shop lark. For one thing, I'm used to getting myself in the mood for certain celebrations only a few weeks in advance. In stocking a shop however, it seems that you need to be months ahead! I can't quite see myself being ready for 'Christmas in July' (though I probably will promote any appropriate items around then). So although it's still January, allow me to be a little forward thinking in presenting these Valentines Cards: 

These were made possible thanks to a little co-creation. I found a wonderful graphic designer on Etsy who states that she is happy for her designs to be used in the creation of items to be sold on Etsy: Vectoria Designs

Each card is a *One Of A Kind creation. I printed the graphics on bronze card, both sides and have also decorated the interior of each. Rivets and brass clock hands, a brass butterfly and lace make these cards as special as the intended recipient is to you!

Each card comes with a printed envelope, slightly modified from Vectoria Designs' original.

The thing I love about upcycling - yes, the lace and brass decorations are re-used - is that every creation comes out differently.

If somebody came along and wished to mass produce one of my designs and would do so ethically and ecologically, I would probably say yes (I am intending to create a really successful business here and I've only so many hours to do it in!) However, one thing I love about my little Etsy shop is the creativity that working with various, limited materials inspires. I do like to find a theme and express it in various ways, so when I found these beautiful, grungy, neo-Victorian downloadable designs, ideas came rushing forth!

There is another reason to celebrate February 14th... The Navigatrix will be One! I'll be doing something special to celebrate....watch this space!

January has been a great start to the year. The Navigatrix has made more sales than usual and has been featured on not one, but two blogs! Take a look (explore their other posts and Follow them if you like what you see): Megans Beaded Designs and Tinytipis Blogspot. Thanks to the authors of both for a warm welcome!

Etsy Treasury 'I'm in Love with a Steampunk Pirate'

Bear with me, I'm still working out how to add things to blogs, so here's a screenshot of my latest Treasury (if you know of a better way, please leave a comment). Here's the LINK.  Romance, adventure, swash with a touch of buckle... enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Do share this with anyone who might appreciate it. Leave comments, too - I love to know what people think. Suggestions, constructive criticisms, links to relevant material and generally positive feedback are all greatly appreciated!