Etsy's Handmade Blog
One of Etsy's Most Hearted: Elsita
Story by elsita
Published on February 13, 2009 in Etc 		Photo by

Elsita

For Valentine's Day, we at Etsy's blog thought we'd seek out the Etsy members who are the most beloved (or rather, be-hearted). We tracked six of out of the top one hundred most-hearted users and sought them out for interviews. They were totally surprised and pleased to find out! The sixth (and last!) in this series is Elsita.

Elsa Mora (her nickname is Elsita) is a multimedia artist living in Los Angeles, California with her husband Bill, who is a film producer, their children Natalie (5) and Diego (3) and Bill's son Miro (16). Elsa was born and raised in the island of Cuba, where she graduated from Art School in 1990 (see her story here). Elsa shows her work at galleries all over the world and she also spends lots of time doing family-related things. Elsa runs her own Etsy store named Elsita where she sells prints, toys, jewelry and other handmade creations. She also has a blog. 

Tell us how you first got involved with Etsy.

I was lucky to find Etsy in July of 2007 while googling the word "handmade," and I haven't been able to get away from it ever since. I tried to explain how I became an Etsy prisoner with the illustration in my shop banner. (A very happy prisoner! :) )

What's your favorite Etsy feature?

I love the Pounce feature. I use it whenever I have a chance because I get to see the undiscovered sellers. I am always excited to see people that are starting a new business; it makes me happy. I like to send supporting e-mails to new Etsians whenever I have a chance because I remember how much it meant to me when someone did the same thing in 2007.

How do you think you became so beloved in the Etsy community? (You've got a lot of hearts!)

I think that if you deeply love what you do and if you're willing to share it with everyone out there, then whatever you give is going to come back to you in the form of little hearts. I want to thank every person that has hearted my store: it means the world to me!

Who are your favorite Etsians?

As I write these words, I have a total of 506 stores in my list of favorites, and the list will keep growing. It is hard for me to mention only a few favorite Etsians, because I love sooo many of them for sooo many different reasons. Behind each store there is a story, a real person and that's what I love about this community: the diversity and the uniqueness of every member. But I will mention two Etsians that have a very special place in my heart:

1. arthursimo
Arthur is a young artist. He is autistic (just like my 3-year-old son) and he has the most amazing imagination. I have been in love with his creations since day one and I immediately became his collector. Just take a look at his store and don't miss the explanations of his paintings — they are amazing. He lives in Florida with his Mom, and I am planning to meet them one day.

2. knitalatte
Behind this store there is an extraordinary woman. I met Margie through my blog. We became good friends and then she started her own blog. I have seen her imagination and creativity explode thanks to the energy that she has gotten from the Etsy community. This energy is all over the Internet, making all of the creative people a strong and important force. She recently opened her Etsy store with great success and I want to wish her and everyone who is starting an Etsy store all the best!

What are you doing this Valentine's Day?

I am planning to eat lots of little chocolate kisses, the ones that have the cute pointy top. And I am planning to enjoy the whole day with my family.

Below you'll find some of Elsa's favorites. Check out the other Most Hearted individuals here...

Tags art, arthursimo, autism, Cuba, disability, Elsita, ETC, favorites, hearting, hearts, knitalatte, One of Etsy's Most Hearted, Season of Love, shopping, Valentine's Day
All articles in Etc
Related Items
This article was reported by:
elsita
shop . profile . contact

90 comments     Login to add your own!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1 p.m. dogties

Elsita makes great items.
Congrats on your hearts!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. LaireMarie

I can see why you aer so hearted - nice job!!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. PeppermintDaydreams

thanks for this elsita and etsy!
i definitely heart your shop!

now i'm off to check out arthursimo work.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. missindie

great items, you deserve all those hearts! :]
have a great Valentines Day!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. barretzz

Lovely items, Congrats and Happy Valentine's

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. FancifulForm

knitalatte's little fishy art photographs are adorable. Great article! ^.^

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. yaelfran

te quiero Elsita!!!!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. BPyarns

Wonderful artist! congrats on all the love :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. JeweledAmbrosia

lovely pics and seller!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. EJPcreations

Such a nice article!! I do love her creations!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. annarubyking

congrats Elsita! beautiful work!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

great article and I really loved the other article about your reflections on Cuba!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. sushipot

I heart Elsita! Happy Valentines to you and yours :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. CabbagesandQueens

Fabulous items Elsita...and many congrats on all those hearts, wow wee!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. isewcute

Love your shop & creative flair! I know what to ask Santa for this Christmas!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. isabellaslittleshop

I love Elsita's work. Congrats to you, Elsita!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. Shandells

I love her work, a good friend turned me on to her.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. bluetricycle

I can tell you love your work and have a great energy about you!
There's a great support among etsians. Arthursimo was one of the first people that hearted me when I started my shop-it's so nice to get a heart and learn all about the person behind it!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. loulouandoscar

Yay! A wonderful artist, so glad to see Elsita is amongst the most hearted, with very good reason. Beautiful work!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. YouAreYou

OOOOHHH! I LOVE her! So talented!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. joojoo

Elsita is a precious artist, she is also a very kind human :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. yumiyumi

Elsita is one of my most hearted! She's so full of kindness and joy.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. Fordos

Talented person! Her works touched my heart, and I became fan. :)Congratulation! :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. MoonLightSally

...such positive energy! Love it!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. tinyhappy

elsita has long been one of my favourite artists on etsy and in blog-land. she is beautiful and, i believe, a very kind human. inspiring, indeed!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. theworldinamatchbox

I'm relatively new to Elsa's world, (three weeks ago I found her Frida Kahlo dollhouse), and I'm amazed daily by her imagination, spirit, joy, and energy! How she creates so beautifully and so often, and with such diversity, still astounds me. A daily morning visit to her blog does me far more good than vitamins.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. Creativewithclay

What a wonderful article and beautiful work.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. laspottery

I love to read these stories...so inspiring. Elsa is so talented and her work is beautiful!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

omgosh! i met her at the good show and she is even more adorable and lovely and smart and funny in person! yea!!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. Pwackets

A great artist and wonderful, sweet person. I'm so happy to be a part of Etsy.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. CositasSeriasVintage

lovely article. beautiful elsita!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. signsofmylife

nice & sweet story - thank you for sharing!
i love arthursimo too!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. nightcloud

isn't this the best part of etsy - creative people connecting, supporting and inspiring each other; a healthy snowball becoming bigger... my best!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Elsita, I love your shop. The fairytale pieces are fantastic.
Great picks too!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Love her work!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. arthursimo

Hi Elsita
Thanks for promoting Arthur's art, he is very happy reading your comment. As his mom I thank you.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. DeborahVoizin

You have a wonderful shop!
Deborah

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. krize

Elsita is really unique artist, I am crazy with her papercuttings!! :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. knitalatte

Everything that Elsita touches turns to gold. She is one of the most creative and talented women on earth. I can't believe that will actually get to meet her this spring and touch those magic hands of hers.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. DeNovoStyle

I'm really touched by your favorites!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. Mwilson

You have unique classic style, Amazing choices as faves and ultimate creations...my, no wonder you are so loved! Smoochies~

Feb. 13, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. PatiR

Love her sight and her blog. She has been a favorite and an inspiration for a while. Like a breath of fresh air!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. luludesign

Great idea for a Valentine's Storque feature - I can't wait to read the blogs mentioned also!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. elisasherejewelry

Elsita is like a breath of fresh air. What a positive and supportive person!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

wonderful to meet Elsa!!
I love her sheep print - just amazing and surreal!
and thank you Elsa, for a beautiful collection in your treasury above!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. Waterrose

So wonderful to see you featured Elsita! I love your creations and your blog. Happy Valentine's day and be careful of those kisses they are addicting!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. Danielleorama

I want to be Elsita when I grow up! I hope one day I can branch out and remain as true to my own style as Elsita is able to do. Plus she f'ning gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. dearbirthday

elsita is seriously one of the most talented ladies of craft. whenever i look at her newest creations online i find myself calling whoever is in the room over to admire them with me. she's one of those artists who inspires you to work harder!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. voleurdebijoux

congrats! lovely creations, elsita! :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. noodleandlou

Yes!! One of my most favorite etsy shops for sure!
Elsita is an amazing talent and so unbelievably prolific!! A wonderful inspiration to us all:):) xox

Feb. 13, 2009 at 7:34 p.m. RubyStudios

Thanks for the nice article, Elsita! I was so tickled and fortunate to learn about Arthur when his shop hearted mine--such a great endeavor! By the way, I love your children's names! :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. cozyblue

great interview, elsita!
you are amazing and inspiring, as always :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. bijougirldesigns

I love Elsita!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. Doodlage

Elsita got my "heart" long time ago :) Her papercuts are absolutely magnificent!!!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. edieart

Gorgeous work in your shop!! And a lovely little interview :)

Feb. 13, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. sophiori

Wow! Such Authenticity in your work, words and favorites!
Thanks for sharing!

Feb. 14, 2009 at 12:48 a.m. eccoxile

yay! I heart elsita too! her blog is so wonderful and joyful, always makes me happy.

Feb. 14, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. Illusio

I enjoyed reading this. I don't normally read Storque articles, but I was drawn in by the smile:D

Lorrie
xx

Feb. 14, 2009 at 10 a.m. pogoshop

Boy, where have I been? I had never found Elsita until reading this. What a great discovery. Such a lovely person and neat artist. Thanks! She and arthursimo and knitalatte are my three new favorites. The Etsy community is so rich.

Feb. 14, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. lros2002

This is all so amazing and lovely

Feb. 14, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. JoyandWhimsy

you do beautiful work - and your papercut prints are amazing.

Feb. 14, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. danitashop

No wonder you're one of the most hearted!!! I haven't seen a thing you do that I don't love :)

Feb. 14, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. kristensteinfineart

I love your shop...your avatar and banner cracked me up!

Feb. 14, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. theaxx

Of course we've all favourites alsita - her work is amazing, inspiring and magnificent! From another happy prisoner!

theaxx

(www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com)

Feb. 14, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. jodieflowers

Wonderful!

Feb. 14, 2009 at 10:41 p.m. MyJunkyTrunk

Too cute! Love your shop!

Feb. 14, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. corid

i definately heart you elsita!

Feb. 14, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. waxandwool

And a very Happy Valentine's Day to you Elsita! I am thrilled to pieces that I "know" one of Etsy's most hearted. Such a creative and sweet person.

Feb. 14, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. LeLapinTriste

Elsita is one of my favorite etsy sellers! She is so deeply talented and a lovely lady! Thank you for interviewing her, she is an inspiration!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:35 a.m. minouette

Well-deserved! Congratulations Elsita!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. BlueCanvasStudios

Awesome idea for an article and Elsita, so glad you mentioned arthursimo. His drawings are just so imaginitive! Make certain to check out this Etsy seller!
Congrats to you Elsita. Beautiful prints and papercuts!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. threeredtrees

Congrats on all those hearts, Elsa! Each one is so well-deserved! Hope you get many more sales from this!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. brokesy

yay, elsita!!! so nice to see you as one of the picks! xo

Feb. 15, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. PinkCheeksStudios

Elsita deserves all the love she gets times a million! She is wonderful, her work and blog inspire me daily.

Feb. 15, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. Beadz2Pleaz

Well I never knew about you till this article and am really glad to have "met" one of the most hearted shops and persona. You are most talented and loved. :)

Feb. 15, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. BigHelmetHead

Que bonitas son todas tus creaciones. How beautiful and dreamy is everything that you create, I'm a huge fan!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. gretchenmist

great article, lovely to have found your shop. + 1 more heart :)

Feb. 15, 2009 at 11:46 p.m. makepienotwar

my first purchase was from elsita! yeah!!! i still love my little rosa!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 2:38 a.m. RoseMarieGallery

so inspiring, so delightful.
thanks.

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. giusypatch

I didn't know she is a film producer's wife :) but know her time ago and love her wonderful art!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. JudyJem

What a lovely article. You deserve every single heart and more!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. kutz

Elsita, congratulations, I always love to read something about you !!!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:07 a.m. yalipaz

I just love Elsita! She is a great artist. Everything she makes is a work of art!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. wristcandycreations

I love your work! Congratulations on your hearts!

Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. Donauluft

I am a new etsy seller from austria, not an english native speaker and besides not yet very confident using the internet, but I am learnig every day!
On my first day after adding my items, Elsita added me to her favorite sellers.
I was so happy!.. Thanks

Feb. 18, 2009 at 3:07 a.m. tamaradesigns

Elsita was the third etsian to heart *my* store and it really made my day. She is a very generous person and lucky for us, a prolific artist. I can't wait to see more of her work.

Feb. 18, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. VirginiaWho

i've only just discovered etsy and the more i read the more i like it. it really does feel like a community. i thought it was lovely when you said that u send new people a welcome email. it's awesome that this community has people like you. congratulations on all ur hearts and hello from australia.
eartha virginia

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. cushytoosh

What a wonderful job! To be sooo loved and love what you do!! Can it get any better

June 8, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. hiptobeasquare

Elsita is definitely one of the most talented people I've ever seen! Kudos to you!

Aug. 30, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. shellart123

Thank You for Hearting me,You are so sweet!!! That was my 1st!
I hope you recieve a gillion more hearts!

Previous Page | Next Page