One Year Already?

My friends at PAFA reminded me this morning that my Etsy shop is one year old today. It would have slipped by me unnoticed had they not brought it to my attention. Thanks, guys and gals! 2011 was certainly a good year sales-wise, though my shop doesn't reflect as much because I did a lot of off-line selling. I attended several craft shows and although I sold, I'm thinking now that I won't be doing them in 2012. They are so much work, the fees are going up, the attendance seems to be going down, and all things considered, I'd rather reach a worldwide audience than a handful of folks passing by my booth. That said, I do enjoy getting out and meeting my customers - something we can't do in cyberspace. Or can we? Maybe not in the same, face-to-face way, but certainly this blog, Etsy teams, and social media sites (where I fail miserably to understand or maintain) serve to take that place. I have "met" many wonderful people through blogging and networking online, and I know as I put in more online effort (on my to do list) I will meet even more. I truly love what I do, silly as seems sometimes...and I give thanks every day for my ability to do this. So - I'm going to post an Anniversary Giveaway here tomorrow. I'm off now to get it together....

A Visit With Countryside Cottage

This week we're visiting Donna at Countryside Cottage. Don't you love her prim hearts? What is your name and the name of your business? Hi I am Donna and Owner of Countryside Cottage. How did you get your name? We live on a dead end road in the country, and out any window you see the countryside and I dream of having a little cottage out here to be my studio some day. So thus the Countryside Cottage, it seemed to work. How long have you been in business? I have been in the craft business for 18 years. Been on Etsy since August 2010. Really got more serious with painting, the last couple years. Who or what inspires you? I'm inspired by the outdoors, other artist, books, craft magazines and spendingway to much time in Jo-Anns and Michaels. LOL! What is your creative style, primitive, country, folkart? My style I would have to say all the above, but as I envolve more as an artist myself, I am turning more to the primitive and folk art styles. I love the time worn look of the primitive style. What medium do you use in creating, clay, fabric, altered art, wood etc.? I have used a variety of mediums such as fabric, acrylic paints, upcycled items. Where can we find you