Item: Funky Fuchsia Ring
Seller:  ellesbeads

I have been blogging daily about my favorite Etsy items since November 2008, and I really think my Etsy Item of the Day submission form has been the best thing I’ve done thus far!  There are so many awesome Etsy shops to see, and giving sellers the ability to share their work with me really helps me to see Etsy.com much more quickly!

This entire week, I have been sharing my favorite items from sellers who have submitted their shop via the site.  In case you’ve been missing out on the fun this week, here are the other item I’ve featured this week:

Clothespins with Recycled Japanese Paper

Illustrated Bookmarks

Goat Milk Lotion and Soap Gift Set

Today, I am featuring an Etsy shop by Elle Carmon.  Elle’s shop is called EllesBeads and I am pretty much obsessed already!  This ring featured above is selling for $15.00.

If you are loving the bright colors and serious funk, you can browse her entire shop.  Just click the shop name (EllesBeads) at the top of this feature.  You can also find Elle on Facebook, Twitter, and Blogspot.

This Etsy jeweler is a 22 year old paralegal, with a side business making jewelry and fabulous accessories.  Interestingly, Elle only started crafting almost a year ago.  Browse her shop and you will understand my shock!  She started selling her work on Etsy in September 2009.

“Beaded jewelry is my passion but I also enjoy upcycling and sewing,” Elle told me.

When she’s not crafting Elle says she is usually working at her day job.  I bet there are many sellers out there that can relate!

“I’m a big TV fan and spent several hours a week catching up on my favorite shows and tweeting about them. I also visit my family a lot on the weekends as they only live about an hour away,” she says.

Elle says she frequents suppliers who sell on Etsy.  “My favorite craftsperson though is probably The Ash Grove,” she told me.  “She’s done all of the graphic design work for my shop and website and is a wonderful person to talk to.”

I am always interested to hear what advice sellers give to others who are new to the site or struggling for sales.  Elle says to be patient, but proactive.

“Don’t freak out that you don’t have hundreds of sales in your first month (or if you don’t have any). Be aware that selling takes time. It also takes effort too. Don’t sit back and expect that sales will just come. Go to the forums and virtual labs and find out about how to write descriptions, optimize for search engines (SEO), etc. Read the Seller’s Handbook and Etsy Guide to SEO. Be patient and persistent and your sales will come,” she told me.

Looking for other great advice?  Be sure to check out my feature of SoapDeli for some killer tips!

Elle plans to continue expanding her shop’s selection throughout the year, especially in her queer pride line. She is also going to be working hard at craft shows to try and establish a local customer base.  Best of luck on this Elle!

- Jackie