Twisted Tree Occasions - New Shop Spotlight

I recently spent some time chatting with Jessica Morsillo from Twisted Tree Occasions.  Her shop just opened this June and offers gorgeous custom tags and confetti.

I love the handmade, but sophisticated feeling to Jessica's items.  Here is our Q & A -

Why did you decide to start your shop?
I decided to start my shop to separate items from my other shop (Twisted Tree Supplies).  I am recently married and made everything for my wedding including the invitations.  I have also been in several weddings since then.  I started adding the special occasion items to my other shop just to see how well they sold.  I ended up adding so many items that I decided to open this second shop.  I really enjoy designing all of the tags to make someone's special day even better!

What does your shop name mean to you?
My shop name came from a picture that I took several years ago.  I have always loved trees and taking pictures of trees.  On a walk one day, I came across this beautiful tree that appeared twisted. I took a picture of it with the sun shining through.  It is one of my favorite pictures.

How are you inspired to create your products?
I am inspired by everything and anything!  I keep a sketch book on my desk to jot down ideas as they pop up.  Sometimes I have customers who inspire me by just giving me a basic idea of what they would like.  Pinterest is also a very useful inspiration when I am feeling uninspired.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
Currently the wedding heart confetti is my favorite item in my shop.  The ones that you see in the first picture were actually used at my bridal shower.  They are just so simple and elegant.

What makes your shop unique?
My shop is unique because everything is able to be customized.  You can change the colors, sizes, shapes, or the wording.  I am very flexible and want the items to be perfect for your special occasion. My shop is also unique because it features some of my own hand drawn images for the tags that you will not find anywhere else.

What is your favorite part about running an Etsy shop?
My favorite part of running my Etsy shop is designing new items!  I love when someone contacts me about making something brand new for them.  Designing is definitely the best part!

What has been the hardest obstacle in starting your shop?
The hardest obstacle in opening my new shop has been time management with my other shop.  I do this full time, and I mean full time.  I am sometimes answering customers at one or two in the morning.  Just finding the time to design, make, photograph, edit the pictures, and create the listing has been a challenge.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from starting your shop?
The biggest lesson that I have learned from opening my shop is that I am making things for other people and not for myself.  It is easy to create things that I like but that does not mean that other people will like it or want to buy it.  While it is important to "brand" yourself and create a style, it is even more important in a business sense to create things that people will want to buy.

Jessica's shop is adorable, modern, and brilliantly minimalistic.  If you have a wedding or baby in your future, be sure to check her out at Twisted Tree Occasions on Etsy.


Images used with permission from Jessica and Twisted Tree Occasions.

Crafty Works Cornwall - New Shop Spotlight

Opened less than two months ago, Crafty Works Cornwall features a large variety of beautifully crafted items from reclaimed wood and metal.

Guy is based in Cornwall, England.  He creates delightful mirrors, candle holders, and home decor. He has a gorgeous stock of Halloween items in his shop at the moment for the upcoming holiday.

  

Here is what Guy had to say about his shop - 

Why did you decide to start your shop?

I have been making and exhibiting locally for some years, but had never ventured into the world of online selling.  A friend with an existing Etsy shop persuaded me to sign up, and I haven't looked back.  I had sales within a fairly short time of opening, which was encouraging.  As I'm not currently exhibiting my work in any local galleries, Etsy provides me with valuable feedback about my new creations, which I love.

What does your shop name mean to you?

Crafty Works was a name I came up with off the top of my head about five years ago when I attended a festival and needed to call myself something.  It's kind of stuck.

How are you inspired to create your products?

I use mostly reclaimed materials, so I'm usually inspired to create by finding a nice item and then visualizing what it wants to be made into.  I also draw inspiration from the natural world which is right on my doorstep - I live in the country side and very near the sea - as well as the rich and varied history that reclaimed materials often have.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

Probably my sea glass sun light catcher.  Because I so enjoy the process of working with sea glass, from the collecting, cleaning, and arranging, all the way to finishing the design.

What makes your shop unique?

I think my shop is unique because what I make is unique.  I have many more designs waiting to be listed.

What is your favorite part about running an Etsy shop?

My favorite part of running an Etsy shop is the appreciation I get from people who see my work.  The forums have also been very valuable and are a great friendly place to chat with other sellers and get support and advice.

What has been the hardest obstacle in starting your shop?

The hardest obstacle I have had to overcome has really been me and my dread of self promoting.  I have had to put that aside somewhat in order to grow my shop, and get to grips with social media and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from starting your shop?

I think the biggest lesson I have learned has been to get on with it, get on out there, and show off my creations.

It is clear that Guy is an artist who takes great pride in his work.  His designs are simply beautiful, one of a kind, and would make a wonderful addition to any home.  This is definitely a shop to keep your eye on, and I am please that Guy decided to join us on Etsy.  Please head on over to visit Crafty Works.