I first met Beth Shorr through my now-husband Brendan who worked with Beth at The Daily Show (yes, that daily show). Beth and I bonded over our love of crafts, particularly knitting. She opened up her Etsy shop in 2007 and has been making cute handmade knits and crochetted items ever since.
As I’m about to launch my own Etsy shop, I thought it would be great to get Beth’s insight into her 3-year-old shop.
Beth and I are also currently featured in Vickie Howell’s book Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time. It’s out in bookstores now in the craft section. The book features pro crafters like Amy Butler, Jay McCarroll, Mark Montano, as well as 60 everyday crafters. Check out Beth on pg. 197 and my profile on pg. 233!
Special thanks to Beth for answering my questions. Be sure to visit her Etsy shop, Bshorr Handmade Designs.
Q: How did you get started with opening your Etsy shop?
A: I began knitting and crocheting after graduating college. I made many gifts for my friends over the years and finally listened to them in 2007 when they encouraged me to open up a shop!
Q: What were some challenges in setting up the shop?
A: Etsy is a wonderful place with many talented artists so the hardest part is making yourself visible. It’s still a challenge! I try to tag my items well and relist often. I also joined a couple of teams, which has proven to be helpful.
Q: What are some of your favorite handmade pieces that you’ve made?
A: I think of all of my items as my babies, but currently I’ve been very pleased with my pillowcase tunics. They are fun to make, it’s more freeform than any of my other items so each one is unique.
Q: Who are some of your favorite crafters out there?
A: I love all people who craft, but I think Martha Stewart is probably my favorite. It may sound cliche, but I heart her—she’s so fantastic and can do pretty much anything!
Q: How do you advertise your Etsy shop, bshorr handmade designs?
A: I don’t do any official advertising per se, it’s mostly word-of-mouth. I also use Facebook to help get the word out.
Q: How long does it take you to make your items?
A: It varies. This is not my full-time job, so I usually don’t sit down and make one piece from start to finish. I work on my bshorr stuff at night, once I’m home from my day-job. My hats usually take about 6-8 hours in total to finish, the scarflettes take around 6 hours as well. The pillowcase tunics are quicker, probably around 4 hours. My cozies are the quickest, since it only takes me a couple of hours to finish one of those.
Q: Have you sold at craft fairs? If so, how did it go?
A: I’ve sold at 2 craft fairs so far – the holiday handmade cavalcade produced by the NY Etsy Street Team, The {NewNew}. This is a event that the team produces from start to finish and both of my experiences were really great. I’ve noticed my things sell better in person, maybe it has something to do with people being able to touch the items and can experience first-hand how nice they feel!
Q: What are your favorite Etsy shops?
A: I have many favorite Etsy shops, but a few include Lingua Nigra, May Luk Ceramics and Supayana.
Q: What was your very first craft project?
A: My first craft project was a finger-knitted yarmulke I made for my dad in 3rd grade.
Q: Your five favorite craft items you can’t live without.
A: Knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape.
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