T.E.S.T. Interview: MadeByJacqueline

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 16^th in our series, an interview with Jacqueline of MadeByJacqueline.

What got you started in this art-form of card-making?

I got a scrap-booking kit as a gift and took a crop class; soon after I began making handmade cards for family and friends. With the compliments I received I started making more and participating in local craft sales.

How long have you been doing this?

It all started in 2007; however it was not until 2008 that it became a real hobby. Just last month I decided to open my etsy shop to share my handmade creations.

Do you do customized cards?

Yes of course. I actually just completed two custom cards for a fellow TEST member. She wanted a 40th card for someone that likes wine; and a 60th card for someone who enjoys reading.

Beside Etsy how do you sell and advertise your business?

I have my blog which I add to daily with new creations, card challenges and fun giveaways. Recently I have joined twitter (@madebyjacquelin); I participate in local forums and provide updates to my mailing list. I participate in regular craft shows (usually in the spring and fall).

What do you do as a day job?

LOL ... I am in engineering ... far stretch from art; but I love that my crafting is a great escape.


I'd also like to add that besides handmade cards I make a lot of unique paper crafts such as my tile art (see photo), post it holders (see photo) and friendship seeds (see photo).

Find more by Jacqueline in her etsy store, on her blog, or by following her on Twitter. If you check out her blog you can find a code for limited time free shipping sale (til Sunday)! You can also find her at the upcoming Huttonville Spring Craft & Antique Show.

Interviewed by Lady Dylana of dylanadesigns in March, 2011.

T.E.S.T. interview: Dylana Designs

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 14^th in our series, an interview with Lady Dylana of dylanadesigns.

How long have you been knitting or crocheting?

I have been crocheting since I was 5 and knitting for 25 years.


In your profile I noticed you have two etsy shops - what makes dylanadesigns different?

Dylana Designs sells knit and crochet designs and The Joy of Knitting (my other shop) retails new yarns, books, magazines, patterns, knitting needles and accessories, plus a few cross stitch kits. Brands like, Aero, Debbie Bliss, Fil Diamond Yarn, Inox, James C Brett, Patons, Sirdar, Stylecraft, Schachenmayr Nomotta, Kertzer, Vogue, to name a few, at excellent prices.


Do you make your own patterns? Where do you get you inspiration from?

I design and make all my own patterns. I get inspired and creative when looking at nature, architecture and colour. Customization is a major part of my business and I get most of my sales this way.


What is your favourite item to make?

I love to knit and crochet everything but my most fun thing to do is one-of-a-kind bags from different materials. I just made a bag from all biodegradable material.


What is your day-job?

I am an Office Manager/Executive Assistant with over 20 years experience.


Other then your etsy shop where else do you sell your items?

I sell at showcases and open houses.

My other business, The Joy of Knitting, is 12 years old.



Find more from Lady Dylana at
dylanadesigns and The Joy of Knitting on Etsy. Follow her on twitter @LadyDylana. Read her blog here. She also has an upcoming website for The Joy of Knitting and a Facebook fanpage The Joy of Knitting on FB.

Interviewed by Jacqueline from madebyjacqueline, in March, 2011.