Garden Giveaway #7 Sponsored by Michelle from Made by Michelle

Hello, readers! How excited I am to introduce to you this fun Etsy shop...

Michelle was the only sponsor who came to ME to be featured during the May Garden Party. Her shop is filled with fun, one-of-a-kind jewelry I know you will like!

I had the pleasure of having a nice little "chat" with Michelle:

~The Interview~

Me: Hello, Michelle! I am so delighted to have you here in my garden to-day!
Do you think you could please tell me and my readers a little bit about yourself?

Michelle: Sure! I'm 24, and I live in suburban NY with my husband and our two cats who are like our children. I'm currently a housewife, taking a break from work due to Narcolepsy (a neurological disorder). Making jewelry is a way for me to bring in a little extra money from home. I actually enjoy cooking, cleaning, and other domestic things, so staying home suits me really well. I also love reading, writing, and photography.

Me: What inspired you to start an Etsy shop and how long has it been in full operation?

Michelle: I've always enjoyed making things. I like to draw, and my grandma taught me how to sew and knit when I was younger. I've been branching out, trying various crafts since. I hope to have experience working in every medium one day.

In high school, I started making cards and gifts for family and friends. People kept encouraging me to sell my work, and when I became obsessed with making jewelry, I decided to finally try it. I've been in business since 2006, though I only recently reopened my Etsy shop (I was selling on my own website for a while).

Me: What is your inspiration for your products?

Michelle: Everything, really - whatever interests me. Music, food, nature, books, etc. My favorite part of making jewelry is making my own charms and pendants, so I try to incorporate my hobbies and other interests that way. I like to show off my personality through fashion, and hope that other people do too. Sometimes, though, it's as simple as something I saw, or wanting to use certain beads. I think inspiration is everywhere if you look around.

Me: So, what is perhaps to you the most enjoyable part of being an Etsy owner and crafter?

Michelle: Well, being able to work from home is a big plus, but there's also the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something with your own hands, something you're proud of. Even better when other people appreciate your work. I know how excited I am when I find clothing or jewelry I love, and I hope people feel the same when they buy from me.

Me: What are some of your best selling item(s) in your shop?

Michelle: In the past, it was my ice cream cone earrings (which I hope to have back in stock soon). Recently, my monarch butterfly earrings have been most popular - those will be back in stock soon too.

Me: Do you have a goal for your Etsy shop this year?

Michelle: To get more exposure and make more sales. Nothing more specific than that; just keep doing what I've been doing to improve my shop and hope it leads to good things.

Me: Being an experienced Etsy owner, could you share a few tips with the beginner Etsy owners among us?

Michelle: I'm not that experienced, but here's what I've learned so far. Great pictures are probably the most important thing. It's the first thing customers see; you want it to catch their attention and make your product look as good as it does in real life. Photos and the description are the only tools you have to sell people on your work, so use them well.

The other big things are: networking, frequent shop updates, and patience. 1) Networking -- post anywhere you can (Etsy forums, treasuries, Facebook, blogs, Twitter, etc.). The more active you are in communities, the more you (and your shop) will get noticed. Hearting shops and items also helps with this. 2) Frequent shop updates -- either add new items often or renew existing ones daily, because Etsy often defaults to most recent listings first. Experiment with listing at different times of day to see when you get the most views. 3) Patience -- setting up and running an Etsy shop can be overwhelming and exhausting. Focus on one thing at a time, taking a break as needed, and try not to get discouraged along the way. Success WILL come! :)

Thank you SO much, Michelle for allowing me to interview you! I had such a delightful time and I hope this year you have much success with your Etsy shop. 

~A Peek Into the Shop~

Michelle has a sweet, little collection of beautiful jewelry she hand makes with lots of love...

Neat little earrings...

Bracelets...

And necklaces...

Her products remind me of sweet little eye candy but in jewelry form. :) 

~The Giveaway~

Sweet Michelle has generously offered to give away these delightful lovelies...

A beautiful pair of sweet Strawberry Chocolate Cake Slices. Are these not sweet? How lovely they would be dangling from ones ear. She did such a wonderful job on these.

Etsy listing description: 

These charms are triangular slices of cake - pink frosting on top and bottom with chocolate cake visible in center. Each slice is topped with white rosettes, pastel green leaves, and a red cherry. They dangle below pink beads for extra decoration.

Special SPECIAL thanks to Michelle for contributing these lovely earrings!

~How to Enter~

Required: You must complete the mandatory entry else all extra entries will not count. 
Required: You must leave separate comments per entry you complete.  

~Mandatory Entry~
{counting as one entry}
Visit Michelle's shop and let me know what your favorite item is!


After completing the mandatory entry you may: 

Heart Michelle's shop. 


Add Michelle to your circle. 


Follow my blog {worth two entries; leave two comments (let me know if you are already a follower)}


Tell me what your favorite book is. {I'm kind of looking for book recommendations to read over this summer. My favorite genre is definitely: HISTORICAL FICTION {Christian historical fiction is a favorite as well}}


Post about this giveaway. 


Leave a sweet comment at Michelle's blog. {Don't forget to tell her I sent you!}


Follow her facebook page. 


Purchase something from Michelle's shop. {worth five entries; leave five comments (don't forget to tell me what you bought!)}

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This giveaway is open to US young ladies only. 


Giveaway ends later this month. 


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I know you have your eye on these beautifully, delicious earrings. You may begin typing...NOW!!!!

Lots of Love,
Grace