Member Feature: Butterfly Feet Digital

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Please join us in welcoming Sherri of Butterfly Feet Digital, our featured member!

Butterfly Feet Digital

Tell us about yourself.       

I am a Christian wife, mom (to three wonderful sons, two of whom are married to delightful ladies) and grandma (to adorable twin girls). We are retired and love to spend time hiking in the beautiful nearby Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

When did you open your business and what make you decide to do so?

I have loved paper crafting for a long time. I got started printing greeting cards at home using a software program, but soon realized I wanted to learn to make my own computer designs. I learned how to draw with the mouse, and was happy to learn I could make a patterned background. In 2010 a relative on Etsy told me about it, and I joined and put a few simple items up for sale. It’s been fun and I continue to learn new things. This item was my first Etsy sale:

Tell us a bit about your products.           

I have a variety of patterned background papers for scrap booking and card making, and really for any sort of paper crafting. I added printable calendars in 2013, and then printable planners in 2014. It seems they are my best sellers. I also have a few printable card making kits, and a few custom invitations. The chevron calendar has been one of my best sellers, and it is included in the chevron full set planner.

What inspires your work?           

Color combinations and art of various kinds. This recent paper pack kind of shows how I love putting designs and colors together in a complementary set:

What are your future goals for the business this year? What is your dream for this business?         

I simply have new things I want to develop. There are so many designs to create in different color combinations. I have a digital pen that I love to draw with, and have lots of ideas brewing. Calendars and planners have to be remade every year, and I want to add new designs in that category as well. Of course, I would like to figure out what sells the best from my shop and focus more on that, letting go of things that never seem to sell. My dream is to make more of the art I love, and hope others like it too!

What makes your business stand out from businesses that sell similar products?

There are a lot of very talented digital artists on Etsy, and sometimes to be honest the competition feels overwhelming. Still, I love what I do, and we all have different styles and areas of focus. My shop is all my own original art, and I have a variety that is a bit eclectic. Lots of shops have pink paper packs, but they are pretty much unique. This is one of my own personal favorites:

Tell us a bit about your work space. Do you have a separate studio?

My “office” is also our guest bedroom, but I do have two desks and closet space, so it works for me. Since my computer is essentially my main tool, I can fit comfortably into this room and create lots of new designs, such as this abstract watercolor set:

What have you learned since opening your business that you wish you had known before hand?

It might have been a good idea to put together more items to list before I actually opened because it gets hard to find the time to create new things. The shop itself is a lot of work, and I don’t think I realized that.

Any advice for those thinking about selling on Etsy?

Patience and hard work, and don’t be afraid to focus on what you love to do.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do to unwind and have fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I got a Cricut for Christmas! I’m happy happy happy. Now I can use it to cut my own patterned papers into cute little scallops and all kinds of things, so fun! Can you imagine this cupcake set printed and cut up into scallops, or even cupcakes?

What is your favorite quote?

I love the Old Testament book of Proverbs 31, and find encouragement for creating all things handmade:
(verse 13)
She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.

Where can people find out more about your business?  

My About Page:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflyFeetDigital/about

  Is there anything else you’d like to share?         

Thank you for featuring my shop! I love the team!

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If you would like to be featured, please go to the CIJ Etsy Forum and fill out the questionnaire. Please note you must be a member of the CIJ Etsy team to be featured.