in the cafe spotlight: Sun2Create

Featured Etsian: Sun2Create
Shop link: Sun2Create.etsy.com

Bright Yellow Sunflowers on Red Throw Pillow Cover (by Sun2Create)
Give us the basics:
I make removable throw pillow covers from good quality fabrics in contemporary and retro patterns. I also make market tote bags and travel-sized, lined, drawstring bags to use for travel laundry bags or large-project knit/crochet bags.

What’s your favourite smell?
Amaretto

How long have you been doing your craft?
I started sewing about 20 years ago. I sewed a lot when my children were small, then not so much during their soccer and cheerleading years for lack of time. My youngest just went to college and I have gotten back to doing many of the crafts I love.

Black and White Lined Market Tote (by Sun2Create)
What’s a normal day for you?
A normal day for me starts with my part-time job. I work in an office 25 hours a week. Then, I usually head home where I start cutting fabric or sewing pillows and market totes while my three-year-old grandson plays nearby. There are always several breaks to read him a book or play cars for a while. If I have new products to photograph, I try to do it in the afternoon while there is good natural light. After dinner with my husband and daughter, I usually take out my "idea book" where I keep my notes, patterns, color swatches and all sorts of things I jot down to remember. Late evening seems to be a very creative time for me. This is when I get a lot of clear ideas about what I want to do. I usually check email stop in the Etsy forums for a while before bedtime.

What advice would you give Etsy sellers just starting out?
I would advise new Etsians to be aware that they are not going to experience overnight success. I would tell them to be prepared to put in the time required to not only create a quality product but also to work at getting their product seen. Make their photos the best and most interesting that they can. Work at getting their descriptions to read clearly and eliminate spelling and grammar errors. And finally, do not get discouraged! Work at promoting your shop and your products. Get involved in the community on Etsy. It is a wonderfully friendly and supportive place to be. Ultimately, every seller must create their own success. But, if you love your art or craft, it is worth all the effort to put it out there. Seeing other people enjoy what you do is a great feeling.

Brown and Blue Damask Pillow Cover (by Sun2Create)