July Featured Member - Ivonnardona!

This is the third interview in a monthly series of featured members from the POEST team. These interviews are a great way for you to get to know our team and its members, as well as get some great information and advice from seasoned Etsians!

Our second interview is with Ivonnardona of Ivonnardona's Creations and Mr. Moon's Originals.

What is your Etsy shop address and name? Where else can we find you?
My Etsy shop is http://tlsexton0913.etsy.com/. I can also be found at the following:
http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/ivonnardonascreations/
http://nolestyleandbeautyindulgence.ning.com/profile/IVONNARDONA
http://mrmoonsoriginals.etsy.com/
http://flickr.com/people/22747203@N08/
http://www.youtube.com/user/tlsexton0913/
http://www.ivonnardonascreationscom/
http://ivonnardonascreations.wordpress.com/
http://ivonnardonascreations.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1023783033/
http://www.blogcatalog.com/user/ivonnardona123/
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/ivonnardona123/
http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/IVONNARDONA/
http://snazzysites.gotop100.com/index3.html/ (#229)
http://cuteable.com/cuteable-finds-202/2109/


What is the main thing you make and sell in your store? What else do you make and/or sell?
I mainly sell jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cell phone jewelry, and various other items. In Mr. Moon's Originals, I sell handmade felt items and my mom's sewing creations.

How and when did you get started with arts and crafts?
I have done arts and crafts since I can remember. I have always loved "making" something or other. One thing that I can remember making in Kindergarten was a clay mouse. I loved that clay mouse up until it mysteriously disappeared. I'm not sure if my mom put it away or it accidently broke and she had to throw it away, I just remember loving its
ears!! LOL

Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everywhere and nowhere. I use the color theory for my pieces, sometimes. Mostly I like to just roll with ever comes up that needs to be created

What are your favorite materials?
I love metal, wire, glass beads, gemstones, clay, felt, and just about everything.

As a member of the Pagans of Etsy Street Team (POEST), tell us a little bit about your Pagan path and what being Pagan means to you, especially with regards to your art or craft.
I was raised Southern Baptist and went to church rigorously. I never felt what everyone felt, you know, the presence of the Lord, so I stopped going about ten years ago. My best friend, where I lived previously, was a practicing Wiccan and I found great comfort from her and she introduced me to Wicca as I had a very great interest in it. Since, I have been studying online and as a sole practioner. The Wiccan Rede is what caught my attention and I strive to live by it every day. As Wicca and Paganism are not always the most reverent of practices, I am still trying to figure out how to incorporate my love for them in my jewelry and felt creations.

What advice would you give to beginners in your art or craft?
Research, practice, practice, and practice. There is no such thing as failure and if everyone were to do what they love and loved what they did, we would all be much happier.

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers and those interested in opening up a shop?
Make sure to read through all of Etsy's guidelines and make sure this is something that you truly want to do and not just because everyone else is doing it. Be ready for commitment and make as many contacts as you can. Also, remember that Etsy is not the only outlet for selling your creations. Most of all, never give up and always persevere.

Is Etsy a full-time job? If not, what else do you do to pay the bills and how do you balance Etsy with that and other things in your life?
Etsy used to be full time for me, but not now. I am a partner in a drywall business, have an accounting company, and work part time at a candy store/warehouse. After almost losing my five year old due to a drowning accident, I am now only concentrating on positive things, of which, Etsy has not been for me. I add my items but have pretty much strayed from the full time status that I had going.