Friday Feature : Crafturday

Crafturday was started by Vanessa Aristide during her college days. Her favorite days were ones spent outside, on the lawn at UCSB, creating in the sun. Hours of endless creativity, which usually fell on Saturdays, were affectionately dubbed “Crafturdays” by her boyfriend. She was born in New York, grew up in Idaho, lived in a couple cities in Northern California (including San Francisco and currently Los Gatos), and studied abroad in Paris! 
Years later, fringe, dyes and crystals have become her expressions and obsessions. Her hope is to bring beauty into your life, starting with your home.

SFEtsy: Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
Vanessa: I started making fringe jewelry about 2 years ago. Besides being a classic bohemian staple, I love the way fringe swings back and forth while dancing. I started with armlets (dubbed "fringlets") after becoming obsessed with my mom's metal armlets from the 70s. I wanted to bring them back in a major way, this time with a brand new medium!

There was a lot of interest (especially around festival season) and from there I transitioned into chokers, headpieces and anklets. From there fringe wall hangings and the list goes on...I guess you can say I'm fringe obsessed!

My most recent collection involves quartz crystal as this stone has always been very meaningful (and beautiful) to me. I'm so excited to be branching into this new realm. 

SFEtsy: What inspires your creations?
Vanessa: 
- bohemian culture
- natural elements
- the ocean

 SFEtsy: What’s your work schedule/routine like?
Vanessa: Each day varies a bit for me. I’m trying my best to leave more space open to meet with other creatives and do collaborations (whether it be in design or photography). I’ve learned that a lot about selling your wares has to do with networking and referrals.
That being said, I usually check emails briefly (I’ve found it’s detrimental to go down the rabbit hole of online), and either get to creating a new design, shipping out orders, or photographing. It’s usually some combination of the three. There’s a lot of running around but it’s fulfilling to see my work go out into the world. I make sure to take creative/artistic type photos for social media everyday. It helps me get better at photography and staging the shoots has been rather fun!

 SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space— where do you create?
​Vanessa: ​I have a hot pink studio downstairs with high ceilings, a large work table, computer desk, etc. It’s very open and big. I need this space because of all my materials and product.

 SFEtsy:  W​hat tools do you use that are absolutely essential and make a huge difference in your day to day process.
Vanessa: Tools for creating designs usually involve crystals, clay, fringe, dye, chain, clasps, cords etc. Digital tools that make a huge difference are social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to market my wares. Gmail and dropbox of course, too.

 SFEtsy: ​How did you get involved with etsy?
Vanessa: I got involved with Etsy when it was gaining popularity back in 2012. My shop has evolved a lot since then. It started with mostly suede earrings! Then I transitioned into fringe festival jewelry, and eventually fringe decor where I found my niche (and love) for home decorations.

 SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your etsy shop?
Vanessa: ​At first I wanted to say marketing, but I think it’s all about photography to be honest. What’s the point of marketing your shop if your photos aren’t creating a strong and cohesive vision? People to a large extent are buying a feeling or mood, not the product itself. ​

I guess my biggest challenge would be believing in my own photography abilities and realizing that I am my greatest asset. Only the artist knows how they want the viewer to see their products. I’ve wasted a lot of time leaving it up to someone else (i.e. a photographer) to present my work. ​

 SFEtsy: ​What are your favorite tools or  apps that help you with your business
Vanessa: App-wise I use my Etsy Seller App to keep track of orders on-the-go. I use Instagram and Facebook to market. I use my website (includes a Shopify ecommerce section and a Wordpress blog) to communicate directly with the customer. I also use Mextures and DeluxeFX— they’re photo editing apps that have allowed me to get creative with photography. It’s been really fun!

​SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller.
Vanessa: ​To take your own photos. Develop your own style. You have to start somewhere, and once you get a style (through much trial and error) your shop will start to look cohesive because only you can replicate that style and see it through your lens. You really have to be the full creative force behind your brand (in my experience).

SFEtsy:  What's next for you?
Vanessa: ​I’m rolling out a couple new quartz designs (including jewelry and hair accessories) that I’m very excited about. Then I need to market my new collection, starting with a look book. This part is extremely fun for me though, as I’ve started experimenting with photography.

I don't have any shows on my radar, but have been stopping by a lot of SF shows lately to meet local artisans. I guess a big next step for me is meeting Etsy sellers offline! There's nothing like connecting with sellers in person. It is magical. 

You  can we find out more about Crafturday  at the following sites:
Blog: http://crafturday.com/blog   <----- For bohemian fashion and outfit posts!
Website: http://crafturday.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/crafturday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crafturday
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crafturday
​

Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.