Funky, Stylish and Unusual

Let's meet Amanda Giesler, a talented student from Canada.

- How did you get started ?
I've really been crafty my whole life ~ I remember stringing beads so that I could have a beaded curtain for my room. :) Then through high school friends and boy friend became a priority. It wasn't until my 3rd year of university that I started crafting again. I found a wiki tutorial for making notebooks, and I loved it!! Then I was inspired by a friends necklace (http://pinkkiwi.etsy.com/ / http://jellybeans.etsy.com/ ) to make my button bracelets ~ and I haven't stopped since! She was also introduced me to Etsy and made me want to open up shop.

- Where are you from?
I'm from Verner, Ontario, Canada. This is a really small town, mostly french, and my parents own a tourist camp (now shut down) about 10 min out of town. So I grew up on around 100 acres of country / fields, on the river. It was great, but it really didn't offer me any opportunities to further my education (I'm a science geek), so I moved to Hamilton to go to McMaster for my second year of University. I'm now finishing up my 5th year (co-op program added on an extra year), writing my thesis and getting ready to do my Master's / PhD.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
All of my creations are one of a kind. I have a limited amount of paper, embellishments and buttons in any one colour or design, so I can't reproduce any of my items exactly the same.

- How long have you been doing it?

I've only been making bracelets and notebooks for a little over a year. When I was younger, I drew a lot, played with beads, made wreaths and dolls and such.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
This is really just a hobby ~ I'm a full time student and nerd. :P

- What inspires you?
My friend (http://jellybeans.etsy.com/), all of my supplies (beads, paper, embellishments) and random things, like the smell of coffee, the cloud in the sky or the play of light on water.

- What is your favorite piece (that you still have for sale) and why?
My favourite things change with my mood. But right now, my favourite item is "tip-toe through the tulips" chain and beaded bracelet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7848146

). I spent quite a bit of time on this getting it just right, and it looks soooooo pretty on. I love how the chain makes soft music when you move. And the colours are just gorgeous!

- How do you promote your work?

Through my blog (ulixis.blogspot.com), the forums occasionally (asking for trades), weloveetsy.com, indiepublic.com and facebook on occasion, family and friends. I really need to promote more, but I'm so busy with school...

- Where are you showing your work?
My items are only for sale on etsy, though I try to post pictures on my blog, weloveetsy, indiepublic and facebook.

- What is your favorite material?
Beads, paper and buttons... they are all sooooo pretty.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
I can't think of anything off the top of my head ~ I had a lot of good advice from my friend, from wiki and from the forums.. I knew I had to be patient and promote. I do wish promoting was less time consuming though... Oh, I wish I had learned about trading and contests sooner!

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Be patient and promote, promote, promote ~ oh, and take good pictures, that's key! Browse through the etsy forums for trades, games and contests ~ they're a great way to build your reputation and make friends!

- If you were an object, what would that be?
Probably a knife ~ I have a sharp sense of humor, and can be nasty if I'm in a bad mood ~ but I'm also very useful and multi-purpose.. I help people as much as I can.

- Anything else you'd like to add?
Not that I can think of... just that I love Etsy ~ it's such a great community. I'd also like to thank everyone who has given me the opportunity to participate (and win) in various contests!

- Her site: http://ulixis.etsy.com/
- Her blog: http://ulixis.blogspot.com/