Spotlight Sunday: SweetMellyJane

what a great seller! SweetMellyJane is a great member of the LDS Etsy team- let's get to know her.

How did you get started on Etsy?
A good friend of mine has a shop (http://foggynotions.etsy.com) and she suggested I try selling a few of my homemade items on Etsy.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Utah, attended and graduated from USU, met and married my hubby, had four kids, and along the way I've had a lot of fun!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I teach 20 piano students, teach my two preschoolers preschool, read a lot, and try to keep my house clean and three square meals on the table.

What first made you want to become an artist?
As a small girl I loved watching my mom utilize her talents. She is a wedding cake decorator, and an incredible seamstress. I've seen the joy that creativity brings to her life, and I have always wanted that same sense of fulfillment.

Please describe your creative process.
I try to make the most of the quiet moments when my kids are content (at least for a minute).

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
My daughters' blessing dresses. My mom made one for my older daughter, and I made one for my younger daughter.

How do you promote your work?
I am actually pretty old-fashioned when it comes to marketing my items. Occasionally I participate in a giveaway, but for the most part I just spend my time creating new items and relisting the old. I don't blog, facebook, twitter, or anything else.

Name your top five books:
Here are some of my recently-read favorites:
Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Picture books by Sarah Stewart
These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?
I only sell items that I have made or created to make my own home and family a better place to be. I hope that my customers feel the same way when they've purchased one of my products.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Become part of the Etsy community! Purchase a few things. Spend a little time in the forums. Comment on treasuries and create your own. Heart other shops and items. Join a team or two!

In ten years, where would you like to be?
Right where I am now; home with my kids around me! A few extra dollars in my wallet wouldn't hurt, either!

What is your favorite item from your shop?
My baby slippers!

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenvannaCreations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beehivekitchenware
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jodyaleavitt
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cachecreekquilts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/monpetitviolon

How has selling on etsy changed your life?
Selling on Etsy has enabled me to make a little money in the comfort of my home. It has encouraged me to gain some skills in photography, marketing, packaging, time management, and computer stuff. I have learned a lot, and I've met some great people.