HAWAII ETSY ON KHNL NEWS!!

Kathi Palmer Michelle McCall Angela Kennington

Indie Crafters Selling Handmade Goods on Website

Sep 12, 2007 03:53 PM
(KHNL) - If you're looking to buy or even sell a handmade item, there's a website created just for what is called, Indie Crafters.

This site is a user driven online marketplace, with thousands of international homemade items. It's only two years in the making but experts are already saying it could be the next big thing on the net.

Move over Ebay, here comes something etsier.
Local crafters are going global on Etsy.com, a site to buy and sell all things handmade. But unlike Ebay, Etsy uses set prices rather than an auction-based system and everything must be handmade.

With thousands of sellers hailing from around the world, there's a whole list of unique things . From jewelry to blankets and artwork. And that's not all, there's even cupcakes on there.
In Hawaii alone, there are 55 sellers. Kathi Palmer is one of them. She's the creator of Isabella Smiles.

"I personally sell jewelry that I handmade myself," said Palmer. "I sell earrings and bracelets and necklaces."

Michelle McCall sells origami artwork and Angela Kennington sells baby items plus she's working on a line of hand bags.

But these local crafters say Etsy is more than just a place to sell and buy things, it's a community forum.

"Alot of sellers are supportive of each other," said McCall. "You can get a lot of input. It's an inspiration. They inspire you to do something you wouldn't normally do."

And what you wouldn't normally find at your local store, you'll find on Etsy.
"Why spend your money on stuff in Walmart that looks like everything else when you have something special that someone created with love, " said Kennington.

Anyone can set up a free account on Etsy. There are currently 200,000 members internationally and about 38,000 of those use Etsy as a marketplace to sell their handmade goods.

MAKEOVER TIME!!!

So... I feel like I need a new look. I found this fun (and free) website that allows you to "test" out new hairstyles, colors and makeup for a brand new you! What do you think of some of my new looks??

Please take a sec and vote for the one you like best... because I think its time to create a new me!!!

Hawaii Etsy Team on KHNL News!

I am a part of a wonderful new Street Team on Esty, we are the Hawaii Etsy Street Team, hear us roar!

Kathi (http://www.isabellasmiles.etsy.com/) was able to gain interest from KHNL in regards to Etsy and more importantly the Hawaii sellers on Etsy! She, along with Angela (http://www.amkstitches.etsy.com/) and Michelle (http://www.3dcranes.etsy.com/) promoted Etsy, Hawaii Sellers and themselves, which I think is awesome for all of us!

For an inside take of the interview check out their blogs:
http://amkstitches.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-gonna-be-on-tv.html

http://3dcranes.blogspot.com/2007/09/television-cameras-nerves-and-etsy.html

WAY TO GO LADIES!!

I Love My Photography Light Box!!

Just bought myself a photography light box and LOVE it! I have been redoing all of my jewelry photos and see a huge difference. It really shows the quality of my items, which can only help my sales right?

I also finally sat down and did some new jewelry designs. Check these out!

TROPICAL SUNRISE CUFF BRACELET

BLUE HAWAII NECKLACE

DREAMS OF HAWAII NECKLACE

KIDS HAWAIIAN PRINCESS PEARL NECKLACE

For more info on these creations and to see more of my work, please visit my online shop at

http://www.kealalegacy.etsy.com

Aloha A Hui Hou!

Introducing... Keala Legacy Creations!

http://www.KealaLegacy.etsy.com PLEASE VISIT MY WEBPAGE!

This is my very first company. I currently do handmade jewelry for adults and kids, cell phone charms, and hand painted lightswitch covers, but will be adding MUCH MORE as time permits!

A little background into my company:

All items are hand crafted on the north shore of the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. I have lived on the North Shore all of my life and learned many great things from my family about the joys of arts and crafts.

I was first introduced to arts and crafts by my Grandma and Pappap. Grandma used to let me sew my very own stuffed animals. The one I remember most would have to be a little bunny dolly. He was made with White fabric and red rosettes. I was so proud of my little creation and it must have made an impact for me to remember it all these years later! My Pappap taught me how to draw and introduced me to pastels. Some of my very first drawings are pastels, and not too shabby if I might add (I was only 8 years old or so).

My love of creating was also influenced by my mom. She would draw cute pictures for me on my paper bag lunches. I would have a bunny, or a pretty lady or some silly picture just to make me laugh! she also used to sew matching dresses for me and my sister.

My sister is also one of those crafty types. Always the one to say, why dont we just make it ourselves? Her strengths are definitely opposite my weaknesses which actually makes us a pretty crafty pair.

Now, the name Keala Legacy Creations actually came from my mom, and is born from a very deep love of my family and my Gammie. My Gammie was a beautiful woman, strong but kind, loving but stern. She really got us all into jewelry. We used to call her the QVC Queen because she would order all kinds of rings, bracelets and necklaces for us. And I guess the love for jewelry has carried on through the generations! Now my daughter sits with me and watches me create my jewelry.

Thus was born Keala Legacy Creations... from a great love of my family and the influences they have made in my life.

http://www.KealaLegacy.etsy.com PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE!