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You are here: Home / Etsy Love / Etsy Artist Spotlight – The Little Red Door {Giveaway}

Etsy Artist Spotlight – The Little Red Door {Giveaway}

By Kim Layton 46 Comments

Artist Spotlight

Today’s spotlight is on a very successful Etsy shop…The Little Red Door! I’ve always loved her little clay houses and you won’t want to miss a word of this post!

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Toni and I love to play with clay. In my shop I offer ceramic miniatures and an assortment of wheel and hand-built dishware. I’m in my seventh year of pottery and while I am a potter, I consider myself more a ceramic artist. My specialty is little houses. I love cute tiny things!

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What inspires you?

I find inspiration in so many places – mostly from nature and traditional ideals. Beautiful trees and flowers and animal life, and the comforts of home and family. But then there’s the pop-culture junkie side of me that compels me to make finger Ninjas.

What’s the best thing about where you live?

My family and I live in a bucolic little town in the middle of the Great Canadian Prairies. I love it here. Big blue skies, rolling green fields, peaceful quiet, farmers market, knowing all of your neighbours personally, never locking your doors, all that good small town stuff.

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Is your shop a business or hobby to you? Did you start out that way?

I found out about Etsy from a friend, who opened her shop www.littlebear.etsy.com in 2005 (old schooler! ) I was enchanted by the whole place, and thought for a very long time about opening a shop and what I could offer. By the time I was ready to take the plunge I knew what I wanted to make – little houses – and named my shop to reflect that. At the start I offered a real hodgepodge of items: ceramics mixed with vintage, supplies and crafts and updated it only occasionally. It was a hobby back then but over the last 2 years I streamlined my view and it has very much evolved to a definite profitable business. Business is work, of course, and I work many hours each day contributing to the smooth running of my shop, whether it be creating, listing, sales, or networking.

How do you promote your shop?

I have done and will continue to do all these things to get my shop seen:
– Purchasing ad space on craft and handmade blogs.
– using Twitter to announce new items
– Joining handmade communities
– Leaving business cards on public corkboards, car windshields, tables, benches.
– Being appreciative of my customers. Many of my sales are returning clients and I let them know how much I value their support. Word of mouth referrals are worth their weight in gold.

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What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Be original. Be positive. Be professional. Know what your talent is worth and price accordingly. Have good photos <- very important. Promote! Realize that there are rarely instant success stories – have patience and be prepared to commit yourself and work hard.

Could you share with us a couple Etsy shops that you love?

Mooshoo – wonderfully handpainted wooden goods
Photography by Eduardo Cervantes – incredible photography
staceyrebecca.etsy.com the original! – felt finger puppet maker
Frizzelstix – rubberstamps & fabric
ruffeoheartslilsnoty – mad visionaries, mondo style!

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Where can we find you?

In addition to The Little Red Door I also have a vintage shop Little Red Mercantile where you’ll find beautiful treasures from years gone by.

I opened a shop for my non-ceramic crafts as well: Spaghetti Jones.
Home of the Beep Boop Robot greetings and future felt goodness!

Please follow me on Twitter. I follow back most all craftlicious tweeps. My tweets are 80% Etsy related, 20% ridiculous.

A little something extra…

One Everything Etsy reader will win a custom house of their own! Just visit The Little Red Door and leave a comment about one of the sweet clay creations! Good luck! {giveaway ends 7/12}

***This giveaway has ended…congratulations to Cherie!  Thanks for all your sweet comments! 🙂

Thanks Toni! It was so much fun getting to know you better, and you had some wonderful tips for other Etsy sellers!

~Kim

Related posts:

  1. Etsy Artist Spotlight – Amy Gaines {Giveaway}
  2. Crafty Tote Bag Giveaway {Handmade & Craft}
  3. It’s All About Buttons {and Fiber} — Giveaway
  4. Pride and Prejudice on Etsy

Filed Under: Etsy Love, Uncategorized Tagged With: Etsy Artist Spotlight, Giveaway, The Little Red Door

Comments

  1. Dorothy Spencer says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    What great tips for someone like me who is new! I saw her featured on the main page the other day. Seeing her little houses, thinking of home, I cannot get Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros out of my mind “Home is where ever I’m with you…”
    .-= Dorothy Spencer´s last blog ..Cooper Young Festival- =-.

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    I like the little red mushroom ceramic tile and stand! All her stuff is adorable, thought!

    Reply
  3. Steph says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    I love Toni’s shop. I have some of her little houses are they are fabulous! This mini tv is also adorable:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50752656/little-red-tv-miniature-clay-television
    .-= Steph´s last blog ..Im with the Band necklace =-.

    Reply
  4. Erin says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    I am always seeing The Little Red Door creations on the front page of Etsy. They always stand out. They are adorable! I am especially loving the Merry Christmas village. It would make a great addition to my Christmas decorations!!
    .-= Erin´s last blog ..Blue Shell Dogwood Rosary – FREE SHIPPING =-.

    Reply
  5. Judy of Artsy Clay says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    What a charming shop! I love everything but I think my favorite is the little white heart home (and what an adorable bunny).
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50752338/little-white-heart-home
    .-= Judy of Artsy Clay´s last blog ..Day Brighteners =-.

    Reply
  6. Harley Williams says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:40 pm

    LOVE these little houses! I have followed her for a while on Etsy. The little gnome houses are just too adorable 🙂
    .-= Harley Williams´s last blog ..im making this so hard- =-.

    Reply
  7. Ange says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    I love everything! But I love the ACEO and the trio of trees:)

    Reply
  8. Holly says

    July 6, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    Love the little houses…:)
    .-= Holly´s last blog ..CUSTOM LISTING FOR minggusandmoob =-.

    Reply
  9. buttercup caren says

    July 6, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    Oh, I adore Little Red Door – all of her creations make me smile. 🙂
    The little white church is quite sweet – can’t believe it’s the size of a penny!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/47560772/little-clay-house-rustic-country-church
    .-= buttercup caren´s last blog ..Etsy Front Page ♥ Misty Mountain Morning =-.

    Reply
  10. Spice Berry Cottage says

    July 6, 2010 at 11:10 pm

    I’m in love with your MADE TO ORDER – MERRY CHRISTMAS Little House Village with Christmas Tree!

    Reply
  11. Holly M says

    July 6, 2010 at 11:33 pm

    Love the little house with the blue roof and red door, I see them all the time in treasuries, so cute!

    Reply
  12. Katie says

    July 6, 2010 at 11:43 pm

    So cute!

    Reply
  13. JANILEE CLARK says

    July 7, 2010 at 12:09 am

    absolutely love the twisted gnomes house my grandchildren and i have built a hobbit house from reclaimed branches pine cones pods but with your gnome houses our enchanted village come be placed within our loft at the ranch house
    .-= JANILEE CLARK´s last blog ..DIY Printable Pink and Brown Zebra Party Collection =-.

    Reply
  14. Zemphira says

    July 7, 2010 at 12:14 am

    I LOVE the little red door! i feel like i have watched this lovely shop evolve.

    my favorite little houses are the ones with the hearts for doors. so cute!!!
    .-= Zemphira´s last blog ..Tiny Fabric Art Quilts =-.

    Reply
  15. Angie Tieman says

    July 7, 2010 at 12:20 am

    Oh my! Those are adorable! I see my new gift for all of my friends, I love the custom initial houses!
    .-= Angie Tieman´s last blog ..The Play Date Cafe Challenge 36- take a moment =-.

    Reply
  16. Skooks says

    July 7, 2010 at 1:46 am

    Everything is so cute! I loved the little panda. <3

    And this little guy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/48584560/little-red-mushrooms-ceramic-tile
    .-= Skooks´s last blog ..You Asked- I Answered- YOU DID IT- Mermaid Tails =-.

    Reply
  17. Elisa says

    July 7, 2010 at 2:48 am

    Those little clay things are so cute! I love the ones which form the word HOME. Congrats Tony, you are able create fantastic worlds in just few cm! ^^

    Reply
  18. Eva SB says

    July 7, 2010 at 3:45 am

    They are all so adorable!
    My favourites are the Little Red Door Clay House and the Little Red Door Houses – Glazed Ceramic Card.
    .-= Eva SB´s last blog ..UK handmades Red Bird Jewellery Giveaway- =-.

    Reply
  19. Carmilla says

    July 7, 2010 at 8:48 am

    I love the Speckled Gnome Home!
    my email is erica(dot)terranova(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  20. jessica says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:37 am

    I loved looking at all your suggestions for favorite etsy shops. I really loved the photography by Eduardo Cevantes, but i am a little bias since i am a photographer myself 🙂 I have also become a new twitter follower. thanks again for the great post!

    Reply
  21. Michelle says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:50 am

    So sweet, I would love to own one of the first churches!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/47560772/little-clay-house-rustic-country-church

    Reply
  22. Lindsey says

    July 7, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I’ve been admiring this shop on etsy for a while! I just love the little houses and would love the “Home” set!

    Reply
  23. Cherie Klinger says

    July 7, 2010 at 10:59 am

    I havebeen in love with these clay houses for awhile now. I think they are adorable and hope I win!
    .-= Cherie Klinger´s last blog ..Japanese Chiyogami Paper Pendant Necklace =-.

    Reply
  24. Dagny K says

    July 7, 2010 at 11:07 am

    I love the Little Red Mushrooms Ceramic Tile!

    Reply
  25. Wren says

    July 7, 2010 at 11:20 am

    Thanks for introducing me to this awesome shop- I love little things too and those little houses are the cutest. My favorite is the Big Little Clay House with Red White and Blue. I love it’s little red door and turquoise roof- 2 of my favorite colors.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50751242/big-little-clay-house-red-white-blue

    Reply
  26. Catherine says

    July 7, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    The custom house favors are genius – – wish I could have my wedding all over again. I also like that you can do custom colors!
    .-= Catherine´s last blog ..On to July =-.

    Reply
  27. burlap+blue says

    July 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    LOVE this shop! The custom houses are adorable, and love that they are participating in Christmas In July w/ their Noel House! xo

    Reply
  28. Shannon says

    July 7, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    I ♥ The Little Red Door. She is a fab Twitter follow and a great Canadian to boot!

    I really REALLY like her custom initial house. What a great keepsake.

    Reply
  29. Katy says

    July 7, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    The custom LOVE houses are so adorable!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/40420919/made-to-order-love-little-house-village

    Reply
  30. Katy~TheCountryBlossom says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    Oh! I love the Little Clay House – Rustic Country Church!!! Sooo cute! I also love the houses with the letters on them!!! 🙂
    .-= Katy~TheCountryBlossom´s last blog ..For the love of Homemaking -amp Routines =-.

    Reply
  31. Emily says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    I want a whole little town and some trees! I’ll need a custom set.

    If only the mushroom came with a monkey.

    Reply
  32. Marci Girl says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    I love the little twisty trees..so cute, it makes me want to create a little village with tons of little twisty trees. So creative, love it!

    Reply
  33. Teresa says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    How awesome! These would make incredible house warming gifts!!

    Reply
  34. Steph B. says

    July 7, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    I love the tree and house sets. So cute. I would love to have a custom house!
    .-= Steph B.´s last blog ..Wool Felt Penny Rug – Cora =-.

    Reply
  35. Kari says

    July 8, 2010 at 7:50 am

    These are so cute and unique! I love the Christmas Noel houses.
    .-= Kari´s last blog ..Flashback 80s Music Video – Something About You =-.

    Reply
  36. Nicole says

    July 8, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Thanks for the giveaway! I love The Little Red Door! It is so hard to narrow it down to one choice, but at this moment my favorite item in her shop is: ACEO Little Red Door Houses – Glazed Ceramic Card – Tile.

    This ACEO would make a great addition to my collection!
    .-= Nicole´s last blog ..Baked Apple Granola – All Natural – Preservative Free – Tastes Great =-.

    Reply
  37. Sheila says

    July 8, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Oh my gosh, how -darling- are these?? Love them! How creative of Toni, and good eye Kim for finding her! I would choose an “E” or an “S” from the initial series! Although… I love the HOME and the LOVE too. Darling! What a cute idea for wedding favors too! Love!

    Sheila
    .-= Sheila´s last blog ..Woo Hoo- -or- Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder- =-.

    Reply
  38. Rose says

    July 8, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    I like the little mushroom easel.

    Reply
  39. Susan G says

    July 8, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Oh – I loev the little red ones with turquoise roofs. And the Canadian one is adorable!!

    Susan

    Reply
  40. Danijela says

    July 8, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I adore little houses!I like ceramic card and 25 custom little house,oh how to choose?

    Reply
  41. Lorena says

    July 8, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    These little houses are so so cute!

    I love these examples of custom made houses, i love the tallest one in orange and yellow, and the medium one in aqua and white with the little heart 🙂

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50779457/custom-little-house-your-colours-your
    .-= Lorena´s last blog ..Slovakia -amp Switzerland JEWELRY – World Cup Month- =-.

    Reply
  42. Natalie says

    July 8, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    Thanks for featuring an awesome artist! I’ve loved littlereddoor FOREVER! I ordered 2 custom houses with initials for my sister’s new office & she loved them too!

    My new favorite? The Little White Heart Home.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50752338/little-white-heart-home

    Reply
  43. Amanda says

    July 8, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    I am in love with the Rustic flared serving dish! I’m in need of serving dishes and this would be perfect!

    Reply
  44. CathyH says

    July 11, 2010 at 1:08 am

    Love these little houses, my favorite is the little clay house and tree set. Would look so cheerful on the window sill

    Reply
  45. Ginny says

    July 11, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    Love the Little White Heart Home
    .-= Ginny´s last blog ..Online Demand Learning for Todays iGeneration =-.

    Reply
  46. Amanda says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:34 am

    What a sweet shop!! I’m quite smitten with the Little Red Door Clay House! Beautiful!!
    .-= Amanda´s last blog ..Bouquets for Jaclyn =-.

    Reply
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