Meet Cynthia of Chapelgate Lane Mosaics:
Who are you?
My name is Cynthia Adams, and I have lived in Florida since 1980. I grew up in Baltimore. My day job is in nuclear medicine. I have a great daughter, and two young grandsons. I have been married for 3 years to Tommy, who is a great guy. I love spending time with my family, going to the beach, and reading.
How did you find Etsy?
I heard about Etsy from my daughter. A lot of people were telling me that I should sell my mosaics, so I gave Etsy a try.
What was the main inspiration for your shop?
My inspiration for my shop was my love of stained glass.
How did you come about your store name?
My real store name is Chapelgate Lane Mosiacs. Chapelgate Lane was my Grandma's street; I dearly loved her, so I used her street name. It brings back fond memories. (I am stuck with nuccynthia on Etsy because I originally signed up as a buyer).
What do you create?
My creative process varies. I love the beach and sea, so I do quite a bit with those themes. I also love Mexican Talavera tiles, and I have begun designing outdoor mosaics around those. Sometimes I just lay out different pieces of glass and tiles, and an idea comes to me. Or, I'll see a painting or object that gives me design ideas. I have also started doing mosaic jewelery, which makes for fun small projects.
How do you get past creative slumps?
I rarely experience a creative slump. I usually have more ideas than time to implement them. My mind is always working on my mosaics, and coming up with new ideas.
How has your work changed and evolved since you started?
I had been doing regular stained glass panels for quite a while, and decided to try mosaics. My first attempts were a bit "rustic." I just kept crafting and reading, and talking to other artists, so my mosaics have evolved into larger projects like mirrors and outdoor pieces. I learn every day, and I think my pieces are now of a quality that I'm, happy with.
What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
The thing I cannot live without is my imagination.
Do you have any future plans for your shop?
Mu future plan for my Etsy shop is to promote it more. I sell on other websites and I locally, so Etsy is just a part of my plan. I think mosaics really need to be seen in person for the buyer to "fall in love" with a piece. I am going to be in some craft shows this fall, and am going to try out a home mosaic party hosted by a friend.
I hope to develop my own website in the future, but haven't done so yet. I also sell on Artfire.
Who are you?
My name is Cynthia Adams, and I have lived in Florida since 1980. I grew up in Baltimore. My day job is in nuclear medicine. I have a great daughter, and two young grandsons. I have been married for 3 years to Tommy, who is a great guy. I love spending time with my family, going to the beach, and reading.
How did you find Etsy?
I heard about Etsy from my daughter. A lot of people were telling me that I should sell my mosaics, so I gave Etsy a try.
What was the main inspiration for your shop?
My inspiration for my shop was my love of stained glass.
How did you come about your store name?
My real store name is Chapelgate Lane Mosiacs. Chapelgate Lane was my Grandma's street; I dearly loved her, so I used her street name. It brings back fond memories. (I am stuck with nuccynthia on Etsy because I originally signed up as a buyer).
What do you create?
My creative process varies. I love the beach and sea, so I do quite a bit with those themes. I also love Mexican Talavera tiles, and I have begun designing outdoor mosaics around those. Sometimes I just lay out different pieces of glass and tiles, and an idea comes to me. Or, I'll see a painting or object that gives me design ideas. I have also started doing mosaic jewelery, which makes for fun small projects.
How do you get past creative slumps?
I rarely experience a creative slump. I usually have more ideas than time to implement them. My mind is always working on my mosaics, and coming up with new ideas.
How has your work changed and evolved since you started?I had been doing regular stained glass panels for quite a while, and decided to try mosaics. My first attempts were a bit "rustic." I just kept crafting and reading, and talking to other artists, so my mosaics have evolved into larger projects like mirrors and outdoor pieces. I learn every day, and I think my pieces are now of a quality that I'm, happy with.
What is the crafting utensil you cannot live without?
The thing I cannot live without is my imagination.
Do you have any future plans for your shop?
Mu future plan for my Etsy shop is to promote it more. I sell on other websites and I locally, so Etsy is just a part of my plan. I think mosaics really need to be seen in person for the buyer to "fall in love" with a piece. I am going to be in some craft shows this fall, and am going to try out a home mosaic party hosted by a friend.
I hope to develop my own website in the future, but haven't done so yet. I also sell on Artfire.
What is your favorite feature on Etsy? 
I love Etsy because you can find virtually anything you are seeking. I've found perfect invitations, jewelry and, of course, supplies. I try to buy supplies from other Etsy members.
Do you have a tip for other Etsy sellers?
Don't sell yourself short and price your items too low. (I have made this mistake). I think low prices actually hinder sales, and cause your work to be perceived as low quality.
Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
I don't participate too much in forums and other online sites. I'm too busy with work and my art, and I'm not sure that doing so really helps with sales. I do check out craft blogs and small business blogs like indiebizchicks.com to increase my knowledge about running a business.
I love Etsy because you can find virtually anything you are seeking. I've found perfect invitations, jewelry and, of course, supplies. I try to buy supplies from other Etsy members.
Do you have a tip for other Etsy sellers?
Don't sell yourself short and price your items too low. (I have made this mistake). I think low prices actually hinder sales, and cause your work to be perceived as low quality.
Is there an online "tool" that you like to use?
I don't participate too much in forums and other online sites. I'm too busy with work and my art, and I'm not sure that doing so really helps with sales. I do check out craft blogs and small business blogs like indiebizchicks.com to increase my knowledge about running a business.
Where in Florida do you live?
I have lived in Tampa since 1980. I am excited about going to see the Dale Chilhully museum. Pass-a-Grille beach is one of the best around. It has beautiful sugar sand beaches and is usually not overcrowded. Gasparilla events (Gasparilla is the big pirate party in February with parades, parties etc.)are symbolic of Tampa. The Gasparilla children's parade is great if you have a family. The regular parade tends to get a bit rowdy. Ybor City is known for nightlife, but it is a fun place to explore during the daytime; it has a lot of history and culture, and was the home of the cigar business in Tampa. There are various festival held in Ybor City, such as the Italian Festival, the Cuban Festival, and Cigar Festival.
If you were a dessert what would it be?
If I were a dessert, I would be a red velvet cake. I love cake!
If I were a dessert, I would be a red velvet cake. I love cake!
Beautiful work! I especially love the fleur da li (sp?)!
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I <3 that elephant - he is so very cute!!!
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