Monday Member Interview: Sihaya Designs

Christina of Sihaya Designs creates handmade artisan jewelry, from iridescent fairy wing earrings to shiny steampunk necklaces. She also offers custom pieces and earring club subscriptions.

Follow Sihaya Designs at:
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How did you come up with your shop name?
'Sihaya' is a name I have used since I was a teenager. It is from Frank Herbert's 'Dune,' and means "desert springtime." As it is also my dance stage name, it seemed natural to use for my jewelry as well.

What do you do when not crafting?
I am an ATS bellydancer, and I perform with two troupes on the East coast: Verve Tribal and Transcendence Tribal. We have performed at the Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival for the last few years (under the pseudonym of The Fairy Ring Dance Collective) and look forward to dancing there again. Kubiando!

What's the best question anyone has ever asked you?
From a wide-eyed four year old: 'Are you REALLY a fairy?" And of course, the answer was "yes!"

Monday Member Interview: Erthe Fae Designs

AJ of Erthe Fae Designs makes a variety of steampunk and tribal jewelry, from beaded necklaces to chandelier earrings, crystal bracelets to unique anklets and more. Every one-of-a-kind item is handmade in Arizona with a dazzling variety of beads.

Follow Erthe Fae Designs at:
Etsy
Blog
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter


How did you come up with your shop name?
Ok, I was a 16 year old roleplaying nerd. I didn't give any thought to the fact that my name should be something that people would remember how to spell. So I named it for a world I set some games and stories in (Erthe) and one of the races that lived there (human-sized faeries, aka Fae), with a Designs at the end for good measure. On the upside, I can always get the user name I want on whatever site I go to!

What advice would you give to other Etsy sellers?
Diversity! Don't just rely on Etsy, Facebook and Twitter to advertise your work. Get out there and do some craft shows, gift your work to friends (mine continually get asked where they got that fabulous necklace, and then direct *their* friends to my shop). If you make something wearable, wear it all the time! Always carry business cards!

What do you do when not crafting?
I am a semi-professional tribal fusion belly dancer, performing as a soloist and as part of the Best Troupe Ever (in my totally biased opinion). I'm an avid reader and I love to write, though these days my writing is mainly focused on blog posts. My blog Politely Worded on civil communication often features letters from FAEteam members. I also love tabletop roleplaying games like Earthdawn and Legend of the 5 Rings, and I'm currently playing Guild Wars 2.

FAETeam is Steampunk’d

Under the new guidelines for posting treasuries, here is our first all-FAETeam member treasury!

From AJ of Erthe Fae Designs, where beautiful, one-of-a-kind fantasy jewelry is inspired by fantasy, mythology, and the beauty of the natural world, comes this steampunk menagerie, “FAESteam”:

To view the description, just click on the item’s button:

	From Omar of Studio Rayyan:  "AeroPirum (mini print)"
	From Lithia of Lithia’s Creations:  “Black And White Goddess Cameo Necklace”
	From Kimberly of Night Lily Design:  “Dashing Mulberry Lace and Satin”
	From Deanna of Fantasy Art of Deanna Davoli:  “Fantasy ART Print 5x7 Steampunk Cyberpunk Victorian Gears”
	From Kelly of Trinket Alley:  “Lost In Time Amber Sea Glass Necklace”
	From Cat of Darkling Woods:  “Love Bird ACEO Limited Edition Print”
	From Sonya of Ancient Grove:  “OOAK Leather Lace Cuff in Deep Navy”
	From Sarah of Toadstools ‘n Treestumps:  “original steampunk inspired fae art doll, Inas”
	From Julie of Mermaiden Creations:  “Secret Garden Statement Necklace”
	From Mary of PhenomeGnome:  “STEAMPUNK BABY GARGOYLE STATUE - Fantasy Concrete Art”
	From Melia of Be Mused Art:  “Steampunk Belly Dancer Digital Reproduction/Print 5x7
	From Camilla of Danagonia:  “Steampunk Bracelet”
	From Jennifer of Jenniveve’s:  “Steampunk Fairy Wings Spinning Dragonfly Gears Keys Hearts Renaissance Mardi Gras Cosplay”
	From Corina and Julie of Earthfire Studios:  “Steampunk Ring - Dieselpunk Nut Ring”
	From Tara of Tara Nova:  “Tempus Fugit Necklace”
	From Shannon of Gypsy Moon Art Studio:  “The Poet. Antique Fountain Pen Nib and Copper Pendant.”