I started my shop on Etsy in 2006 as Crafts from the Heart. I heard Joan Hamburg from WOR radio in New York City talking about Etsy and I thought I would give it a try. I think the listing fee back then was only a dime so I knew if it didn't work, I wouldn't have much to lose. Seven years later and two craft rooms crammed with fabric, I am still here on Etsy, but now with two shops.
I started out making magnets and buttons and then got the courage to actually use sewing skills I learned from my grandmother to start making gift bags, pillows, costumes, valances and more. I can't say my early items were top notch, but I have learned so much since then and won't sell any item I wouldn't be proud enough to have in my home.
I am going back to school to become a teacher so I am hoping to keep up sales to augment my income. My goal certainly is not to sell thousands of items. I want to stay small, make quality items and continue getting great feedback from my customers.