Looking Back on 2008 for T and Little S

--I had my first Etsy Sale in April 2008.
--Created custom wedding scrapbooks, custom polaroid guest book, digital scrapbook via Scrapblog, baby shower invites, bridal shower invites, recipe books, Lego album, and more for Etsy and other online customers.
--Learned to love trading with other Etsy sellers via the trade games, secret shopper games, etc. Have long since dropped the games but still welcome a great trade!
--Branched out from just paper bag albums, premade pages, and other scrapbooking items to include most paper crafts and decoupage items for the home.
--Starting blogging at least a few times a week, if not every day, in the fall of 2008.
--Joined 3 Etsy Teams- EtsyMoms, EtsyColumbus, and EtsyScrap
--3 Consignment Gigs- The PinkMoonCupcake shops in Powell, Ohio; Smoothie Brews coffee shop in Pataskala, Ohio; and just recently PrimandPosh Boutique online!
--Did 2 local craft shows (in between family weddings, showers, etc.)
--Joined Artfire and Twitter to continue to market and look for new online venues.
--started setting monthly goals for myself, adding new items to my shop more frequently, etc.
--Ended the year with 375 positive feedback and 234 sales!! (mind you, some were trades and from the games, but they were still positive experiences that I learned from)

More great things to come in 2009!!!!

A Slight Price Increase in the New Year

Starting January 1st, I will be increasing the price of a few items in my shop to cover additional costs on my end. I do still give bulk discounts on many of my items if you need a larger quantity.

Post-it Note Holders (these come w/ the post it note pad and the binder clip)--from $2 to $3
--I now ship all of these in a cello bag making them perfect little gifts, party favors, etc.!

Small Altered Clipboards--from $5 to $7
--I will be adding more embellishments and personalization!

Large Altered Clipboards--from $8 to $10
--again, more embellishments, quotes, and personalization!

Now's the time to stock up if you love them!

Sale and Updates!

All of my fall/ winter/ Christmas items have been moved to my sale section of my Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5324821&section_id=5696788
to make room for new items that I will start listing on January 1st!! I have listed a few new Vera Bradley coaster sets this week, but more items, including Valentine's Day coasters, cards, etc. and party supply sets are on their way!

Also, my very supportive hubby bought me a new laptop for Christmas as "an investment in T and Little S Designs" (his words, not mine). How sweet is that? Just another reason why I love him. :)

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas yesterday and happy holiday season. I was thrilled to be able to give so many handmade gifts for the holidays from other Etsy sellers. Good luck with after Christmas sales today!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, no matter what you celebrate. We'll be celebrating Christmas with our families tomorrow, so we're busy today cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts, etc. I'm taking a few days off of my blogging, but I promise an update of some sorts this weekend.

New Artfire Shop!

While I'm taking some time away from listing new items in my Etsy shop, I have a few goals to accomplish for the new year. The first being to find another online avenue to sell my items. The higher fees at 1000markets made me a little nervous, even though it's free to list. I decided on Artfire after reading about their new $7/ month for life verified member promotion! Listing is free, no fee after the sale either, just $7 per month to list. I spend way more than that on Etsy w/ listing, relisting, etc. I also like that you can list up to 10 pictures per listing, and it's much faster to me to list items. Everything is on one page, instead of 4-5 separate pages to create a listing!

So......check out my new Art Fire Shop! www.tscrapper.artfire.com If you decide to sign up, please use me as a reference!

I'm slowly adding new items to that shop and checking more items off of my professional to-do list (join Twitter and use it daily for marketing--done, find another online venue--done). My next big goal is to redo some of my pictures for both shops.

I have been busy, I promise!

I feel like I've neglected my blog a bit the last two weeks, but I swear, I 've been busy! I finished up all of my custom orders and Etsy orders for holiday delivery, then I started working on my personal Christmas cards and some of the little one's scrapbook. I'd love to have her album up-to-date again before the family comes over for Christmas!

I've also been working on ceramic coaster sets for a new consignment deal with a shop in Houston, Texas called Posh and Prim. She wanted floral/ pink/ girly/ shabby chic coasters for her shop. These aren't my personal style at all, but I think they turned out really cute! I just thought of my Aunt who decorates in these styles and tried to create what I thought she might like. How did I do? Let me know what you think.

Are you on Twitter?

After reading in the Etsy forums that Twitter can be a valuable marketing tool, I signed up for it about a month ago. I must confess--I have no idea what I'm doing on Twitter at this point! I don't really post sales, updates, new items, etc. on Twitter because I only have 6 people who are following me there. How do I find people to add? I'm tscrapper there, too.

If you're on Twitter, please follow me and share your tips! I'd love to post new info. there, too, once I can figure it out. I have some great Valentine's Day items that are almost ready, as well as some altered frames and party supplies to be introduced in my shop on January 1st!

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Vintage Scraps!

This will be my last Friday's Featured Etsy Seller post until after the holidays, then I've got some great shops already lined up for the new year! Enjoy the great vintage finds here!

-What is your shop name and URL?

Vintage Scraps http://VintageScraps.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

Last Spring, I was one of the 20 finalists for Country Living Magazine's Woman Entrepreneur of the Year!

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I create vintage, usable collage art- journals, cards, and home decor.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

A local team, NCTriangle, and to the bbest team.

-What inspires your creations?

The antiques themselves.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I found some old ads tucked into in my grandmother's cookbook, and thought, "This would make a hilarous card" and then it snowballed from there.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

My Paris Flea Market assemblage is a favorite.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

I love France and flea markets.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17454008

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

I'm a fun, sarcastic, lover of God.

-What do you like about Etsy?

I love having my own store that I can run while in my pajamas, drinking coffee.

-What makes your shop unique?

The vintage graphics I use are copies of all the originals I own, not reproductions, and each piece includes at least one original graphic.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

It takes a little time to get it going, but it's worth doing!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?http://VintageScrapsbyMeg.blogspot.com/

The Spotted Box

I heard about The Spotted Box about a month ago and loved the concept of a box of sample-sized items created for the Mom and little one in mind. Boxes are sold on the 15th of each month on both Etsy and Hyenacart until they are all gone, BUT if you send in 60 samples of your own item, you can earn a free box for the month. That's exactly what I did for December to try out a box of my very own while doing some advertising. I will also be in the January box.

The actual spotted box you receive is adorable and can easily be reused as a gift box, etc. My box was stuffed to the top w/ coupons, a gift certificate, and samples. Yay!
Earth School--lesson ideas, blank Amy Butler notecard from me using recycled cardstock and the new Ecofriendly Amy Butler papers, holiday card from AtoZcreations, free soy lotion from crochetfrog, Butteredparsnips (not really sure what the sample is)--I will definitely use all of these except for maybe the last one until I find out a use.
Doggie biscuit from Stylinpuppillows (will give to my brother's dogs), zipper pull? from SweetPeaBoutique, sample candle from Candles, Favors, and More, really cute wipe/ washcloth from Funky Giraffe, yarn from Beemerknits (my daughter is using this as a doggie tail for dress up)--will use all of these samples
2 full size headbands? from Snozzberries 'n Dreams, earrings and bubble magnet from tea & laundry, Tangerine Dreamsicle lip balm from Herban Lifestyle, Circular Needle Marker from In Stitches, snowflake diecuts and red Christmas/ button ? from Just Add Memories, toddler bracelet from Tiffany's Trinkets (my daughter loves this!)--will only use a few from this group probably
earrings from Let It Shine, bobby pin w/ flower from Craftalicious, fabric wipe from Dagny's Promise, DingleBalls wool scenter from LuvBugDiapers, Pomegranate Lip Balm from Frost Fish Cove Soaps, toddler butterfly bracelet from StellaJane, (will use most of this grouping)
Nosewipers from BabyVagabond, Study Putty from Picnic Basket Crafts, sample potholder/ hotpad from Jekuthiel's Handmade Gifts (being used as a washcloth for my daughter's dolls now), hair clippie from ??, soap from ?? --will update the ones I'm not sure on when I find the cards again (will use all of this grouping)

I also received a $5 gift certificate from Little Painted Polka Dots! I'm thrilled w/ this box and can't wait to receive the January one. Now to figure out my own samples to send for that one.....

Don't Forget to Vote ---------->

Only a few hours left to vote in my poll to the right of this post. I've got some new ideas and things I'm working on for the new year, but I really want to know what all of you are the most excited about! Please vote and let me know. :)

ONE LAST SALE BEFORE THE NEW YEAR!!!

While I'm off at my brother's wedding this weekend, I decided to have one more sale before the new year. Feel free to shop your heart's out, and I will ship Monday morning for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

****Weekend sale (Saturday through midnight EST on Sunday)--free first class shipping on all paper items (notecards, tags, cards, post it note holders, etc.), and ceramic coaster sets are only $10 each! I'll refund money through Paypal when I return on Sunday and ship on Monday!

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Randi100!!

Today, I'd love to introduce you to Randi of Etsy's This and That Shop. She combines painting and photography beautifully in this shop and has lots of unique gift ideas!

What is your shop name and URL?

My shop name is This and That http://randi100.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

I was a Montessori preschool teacher for 15 years. I gave that up in May to stay home with my children and to try and make it as a craftsperson fulltime.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I sell a little bit of everything in my shop. It ranges from handpainted ornaments, to cards , to photography.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

I do not belong to any street teams at this time.

-What inspires your creations?

My children inspired my creations, I started to craft after my first child was born. I am also inspired by color. I love to see what colors work well with each other.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I don't really have a set creative process. I work when I am inspired with a new idea.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I really like the photo treasure boxes.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

It is my favorite because it incorporates painting and photography, two of my favorite things.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16276201

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

perfectionist, creative, patient.

-What do you like about Etsy?

I like being able to display my work for others to see and I like being able to share advice on the forums.

-What makes your shop unique?

I feel my shop is unique because not only is everything handmade but all of my work can be customized also.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

For sellers I would say that if you have a dream of being an artist then you should go for it, don't let anyone or anything stop you. For buyers, enjoy it on etsy. If you are looking for something handmade you will find it here.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

http://Thisandthat-randi.blogspot.com

My really cool Christmas Cards this year!

I love to learn new things, so I was able to combine this new technique w/ my love of a certain designer's paper to make these AMY BUTLER 3-D CHRISTMAS TREE CARDS!!! Can you tell that I love them?

I learned the technique of making origami 3-d Christmas trees here:

http://www.theartofinking.com/my_weblog/2008/11/quick-origami-tree-tutorial.html

Then, I changed up the card design to make it my own creation, and Voila! I do plan on learning more origami creations like this for the future and selling them in my Etsy shop.

Planning for the New Year--Please Vote!

I have a few new ideas for my shop for the New Year, and I'm really excited. I will probably have a sale after Christmas to empty it out a bit. Here are my new items that I will be adding (please vote --------> on your favorites):
--custom banners for birthdays, holidays, etc.
--monogrammed notecards and stationary (Amy Butler and others)
--altered wood frames and wooden blocks

I will also be raising the price slightly on a few of my items to help offset my additional cost.

Last Day for Custom Orders for Christmas is This Wednesday!

Due to the fact that I'll be busy all weekend w/ my brother's wedding this weekend and I need to finish my own Christmas gifts after that, the last day for custom orders for holiday delivery is this Wednesday, December 10th! So, make sure to get those last minute orders in for stocking stuffers, custom recipe albums, ceramic coasters, etc. Gift certificates make excellent gifts, too, and I do offer custom gift certificates in any amount you choose. These can be mailed to you for a gift, or I can email them directly to the recipient.

If you don't need them for the holidays, feel free to continue to place custom orders, knowing that my delivery time may be a little off over the next few weeks.

Friday Featured Etsy Seller--Sun2Create!!

Meet Mary of Sun2Create! She has beautiful pillow covers and more and is on my list of shops to visit if and when we ever move and decide to redecorate. I love this shop!

-What is your shop name and URL?

Sun2createhttp://www.sun2create.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

I love to do all sorts of hobbies involving textiles, primarily sewing, but I also knit and crochet. I have three almost grown kids and a wonderful little grandson who also lives with us.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I sell throw pillow covers, market tote bags and travel size laundry bags made from colorful, high-quality fabrics. I am about to introduce a line of smaller items such as lunch bags, clutches, pouches and scarves, great items for gifts!

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

I belong to the Design Style Guide (Interior Design) team, and the Wild, Wise, Witty Grandmamas Team. I also belong to two regional teams, Etsy Mississippi and the SEUS (Southeastern U.S.) Team.


-What inspires your creations?

I am inspired by color and pattern. Images in nature, such a birds, flowers and foliage are all inspirational to me. I love finding new fabrics with great texture and/or designs.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I started sewing when my kids were small, mainly to save a little money on buying clothes. I gave it up during the busy soccer and cheerleading years, but now I am enjoying it more than ever. I spend a great deal of time searching for unique fabrics. I usually hold onto a fabric for a few days before cutting so I can be sure about what I want to do with it.


-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I had fun making the aqua pillow with the upcycled embroidery. The inserted fabric looks like a sari, very unique!http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15304035

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Creative, inquisitive, colorful

-What do you like about Etsy?

I like having a place to showcase my craft. But, my favorite thing about Etsy is the sense of community and helpfulness from other artisans.

-What makes your shop unique?

Probably my selection of unique and interesting fabrics.

What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

For other sellers, I would say be patient and understand that building a craft business is a process that is not going to be accomplished overnight. Make the best product you can and believe in it. Then, just keep working at it.For buyers, just continue to support artists and crafters by buying handmade whenever possible. It would be nice to communicate to sellers about what you like or dislike about your shopping experience with them so they can improve their business.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

Visit my blog at http://www.themarygoround.blogspot.com/

November and Black Friday Sales!

November was a great month for T and Little S Designs! I was able to trade for several Christmas gifts again and purchased several others. I had 17 sales for the month, not counting the items that were trades, and earned 38 shop hearts during the month! Yay!!! I really feel like things are starting to come together, and this is really turning into a nice part-time income while doing something that I love.

During my Thanksgiving weekend sale, I had 10 sales and had inquiries about a few others! I was thrilled!

Thanks again to everyone who visited my blog or my shop during the month. I'm hoping for bigger and better things to come, as I focus more on my business planning and organizing in the new year!

Crickett's Answer for Cancer

As many of you may remember from October posts, I have had two relatives pass away from Cancer in the last few years with my Aunt being in October. She was very close to me, and I really miss her. Well, during my recent sale, I sold some coaster sets to Carole, who operates a nonprofit organization called Crickett's Answer for Cancer in memory of her cousin and close friend. Her aunt operates the organization with her.

Here is what Carole shared:
One set I purchased is a breast cancer awareness set for my aunt, who lost her daughter 2 years ago. Together we operate a breast cancer nonprofit in memory of her (my cousin and close friend). She died at the age of 39 only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. You can learn more about what we do at www.crickettsanswerforcancer.org.

We are still in the early stages of operating this nonprofit, but are already raising money and helping women with breast cancer. But it's amazing how hard it is to give money away. Women always think someone else needs it more than they do...always putting others first!! Feel free to pass on the link to friends and family too. We're working to get all the exposure we can, so would appreciate your help if you're able to do so.

This is a fantastic nonprofit that is working to help women win this battle. Please share the above link with your family and friends to help raise awareness.

Cyber Monday!!

Today is the busiest online shopping day of the year, so are you shopping online? I have most of my Christmas shopping finished already (thanks to Etsy!), but I do have a few more things to get.

--easel or art desk for the little one, toddler table and chairs

Don't forget that I have BOGO 1/2 off through midnight EST tonight, so it's a great time to stock up on ceramic coasters, dry erase tiles, recipe books and cards, etc.

Holiday EtsyFest is in Full Swing!!!

Don't want to deal with parking, long lines, crowds, cold weather, etc.? Shop in your jammies with us today!

Make sure to check out my shop, as well as the other shops participating, for fantastic deals on Black Friday through Cyber Monday. My own shop has BOGO 1/2 off everything in the store! 1/2 off item must be equal or less value to qualify, and I'll refund money through Paypal throughout the sale.

More details are in Wednesday's post!

Thankful

I just wanted to make a short post about what I'm thankful for this year. I'm truly thankful that I have a wonderful husband who works very hard to provide for our family and that I'm able to stay home with our daughter. I treasure every moment of reading, playing, hugging, etc. that I have with her each day. I'm so thankful that she is in our lives to brighten each day. I'm also thankful that we have a nice warm house, plenty to eat, and friends and family who care about us enough to call or email most days to see what we're up to.

On a business note, I'm very thankful that T and Little S Designs has really started to take off this year. It not only brings in some spending money for us, but it really gives me a creative outlet and the chance to grow as an individual. I love that. I've met so many wonderful people through Etsy and other online venues that I'm now able to call my friends.

One more day until Holiday EtsyFest!!!

In my shop, I'm offering Buy One, Get One 1/2 off on all items in my shop! The 1/2 price item must be the same price or less, but every item in my shop counts (custom orders included). Use coupon code 'etsyfest' in the notes to seller to get this deal. Refunds will be given through Paypal.

The list of all of the shops participating in Holiday EtsyFest, as well as groupings by category, is at:

http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/one-more-day-until-holiday-etsyfest.html

All shops are having sales from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday and sale info. should be posted in their shop announcement on Etsy.

Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Shopping!

My Amy Butler Christmas Tree--A Work in Progress

The inspiration for my Amy Butler Christmas tree idea came about for two reasons.

1. I've always wanted a really cool, designer Christmas tree but didn't want to spend a fortune.

2. I was tired of my 21- month old daughter beheading my other ornaments. Yes, you read that right, a few of them are without heads now after being dropped on the floor.

I needed an idea for decorations that would not only look great but also be toddler-proof. I also thought I might want to add pictures to them later, so I wanted a flexible design that would give me some options for future years. Hence, the new Amy Butler Chipboard Ornaments.

These ornaments are made out of chipboard shapes (my personal ones are currently square and circles in case I choose to add pictures and make them frame ornaments in the future). I can cut a variety of shapes--stars, hearts, snowmen, trees, etc. in sizes from 1" up to 5 1/2". They are sturdy and durable without being heavy, so they will not weigh down the tree branches or dangle excessively to tempt your toddler or pet.

So, what do you think? I'm planning to list the first few ornament sets in my Etsy shop later today.

My experience with Own the Hour

Let me start by saying that this is a relatively new site that works to promote Etsy shops at a really cheap price. It's much more cost effective than an Etsy showcase, and it's only 50 cents per hour. They post your items on twitter, facebook, etc. ad spaces during your hour. Own the Hour spaces open up at midnight the day before, so I just happened to be on Wed./ Thurs at midnight to purchase my Friday spaces.

So....I purchased 5 hours on Friday night, from 7pm to 11pm. I wasn't sure how a Friday night would work but I thought I'd give it a shot. I did get more views and more hearts during that time but no additional sales from this. I would definitely do this again though and maybe try a different day, etc. I may try Black Friday or sometime next weekend during my sale. I'd love to hear other people's experiences!

www.etsy.ownthehour.com

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Echos Art!!

She has some fabulous jewelry that is photographed beautifully! Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?

Echos Art- http://www.echosart.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

I am a stay at home mom to three boys- ages 9, 6, and 1 year.I am a craft addict. My studio is overflowing with every kind of craft supply you can imagine. I won a jewelry contest at Urban Girl bead shop two years ago.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I mainly sell jewelry, but I also carry gemstone magnets and bleached t-shirts. Plus there will be some new items coming up for x-mas!



-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

I belong to Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM), Etsy Moms, and North Dakota Street Team.

-What inspires your creations?

I am inspired by nature a great deal. The individual stones inspire me with their colors and shapes giving me ideas of how to use them.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I received an Associate in Arts degree in college, and took A LOT of art classes. They helped prepare me for the design aspect of jewelry making. As far as the actual jewelry making process, I taught myself by reading and lots of practice.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

My favorite piece would have to be Natural Obsession- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11773639 because my favorite colors are brown and green and I love turquoise. I always look at that piece and think hmmmm.... should I really sell it???

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

I would describe myself as creative, quiet and passionate.

-What do you like about Etsy?

I love Etsy because there are so many wonderful artists together in one place and everyone is friendly and willing to help one another.

-What makes your shop unique?

I believe my jewelry is unique because of the colors and stones that I put together.It's funky, eclectic, earthy and always gets attention. I also like the fact that a wide variety of people enjoy my work. It isn't just for a certain age group or type of person.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Be patient and enjoy what you do!!!!!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

If you have any questions or would like to ask me something, email me at echosart@live.com or convo me on Etsy.

I'm owning the hour Friday evening!

I just found out about a new site where you can advertise an item in your Etsy shop for only 50 cents per hour! Since it's reasonably cheap advertising, I booked a few spots for Friday evening. So, if you have nothing better going on from 7pm-11pm Friday evening, check out my coasters at www.etsy.ownthehour.com

Wish me luck!

Holiday EtsyFest Coming Soon!

I decided to participate in the Holiday EtsyFest that's taking place from Thanksgiving Day until Cyber Monday. There are lots of shops participating and having great deals over the holiday weekend. More details coming soon!

Ah, a beautiful moment!

Just got the little one settled down to nap, so I'm here eating red velvet cake and watching the snow out the window. It's perfect!

I've met some great sellers lately. I just had an amazing trade with Jocelyn of thelittleLOVEbug. She has several designs of felt food for little ones to play with, as well as other items in her shop, and she's a fellow EtsyMom! Her corn set was featured as the November Best of the Box in the Spotted Box. Congrats!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5531757

Photo updates from the Lego album and new Amy Butler coasters!

Just some photos of the custom Lego album w/ plenty of space for a photo of your child's lego creation along with a description of what it is, etc on embossed Lego paper, as well as some new Amy Butler coasters. These are my new favorite! Might be because I have a purse in the same two patterns. :)

It's My Birthday! Sale!

It's my birthday, and I want to have a sale! I'm loving how the custom recipe cards and albums are turning out, and I'd love to make more. So......

I'm offering 20% off all custom recipe cards and custom recipe albums all weekend (Friday evening through Sunday evening!)! Just mention "happy birthday" in the notes to seller.

All other orders will receive 15% off and a free gift from me by telling me "Happy Birthday" in the notes to seller.

Friday Featured Etsy Seller--buffet!

Another great seller, all of the way from Hong Kong this week! Enjoy!


What is your shop name and URL?

buffet - http://www.buffet.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

My little sister and I own this etsy shop together! I'm an office lady and she is a baby clothing and accessories designer. We live in Hong Kong. Let's see we both like to travel...probably because Hong Kong is just a city compare to other countries...so we love to go out and see new things and experience the world. Both of us always act like a childa though we are not that young anymore...but this is how we enjoy our lives when there are always so many disasters<<--meaning our day-to-day problems among us.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
Mostly supplies...mainly cute and lovely ones...any kind of supplies we see that are suitable for our shop...also we do handmade items too but not many^^""..we got a full time job u know...so we only have little time to do our own crafting..but we are trying hard on that!! We want to offer items that other etsians may not be able to find in their own countries^^...also my sis do banner/business card design too!!

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

none...cauz we dont have much time...and because of the time gap....we think at this moment we cant contribute much to the team...so we've never joined one.

-What inspires your creations?

For me, I like to create with my instant ideas..I create what I have in mind at that time! So most of the time I would have to try a lot of time to get the final result! but I love the process!!

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I would first imagine the final result in my head and then start work it out...through the process I do a lot of testing and may not succeed at the beginning...but it feels great when the final item is finished.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

Currently I would say the cute cards packhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16438570We sold another different set before...I love it because in one box u got to have 72 different style of cards....i always love to use these kinds of cards to write thank you note to my customers...maybe i m too greedy haha...love to have surprises!! and these cards are so cute btw!!

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)as above

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Fun! Simple! Playful!

-What do you like about Etsy?

I love the whole etsy society and the environment! People are great here! You see people selling supplies to other etsians...and then they use these supplies to do handmade items...and then all etsians buy these items back for their uses....Just like a little society!! Just love it like that....so hope this will last forever without any kind of pollution u know!

-What makes your shop unique?

Besides normal supplies items...we love to find some exciting and special ones and suggest on how u are going to use these as supplies and to create your own handmade.for exampleshttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13278545http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15874432of course...items from Hong Kong is another feature...and we can prove that international shipping is very fine! Just see our feedbacks...customers got item safe and sound!!

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

To believe in yourselves! When we first start out this shop...we think it's hard...and it's really hard...but then when we got our first sale...we know it really works!! of course u need to play fair and obey the rules too!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

we do have a blog but to be honest we update it quite slowly hehehe....but we are improving now!!http://buffettoday.blogspot.com/

Custom Recipe Album Updates!

I mentioned that I would post pictures of the custom albums I've been working on lately. Here are some of the finished recipe album! She wanted pink/ brown and a girly-girl look, and I love how this turned out. I'll post some of the Lego album soon, too!

Custom Orders and Upcoming Sale Dates!

Depending on the size of the order, custom orders are running about 1-2 weeks for me right now. Please get those holiday orders in early if you're planning a set of ceramic coasters, photo coasters, dry erase tiles, premade scrapbooks, etc. as gifts!

Look for my upcoming birthday sale on Saturday and a Thanksgiving weekend sale in my shop with a special deal and code for blog readers! Make sure to check my blog on Saturday for my birthday sale info. this weekend and check back again for the Thanksgiving deals on Black Friday and throughout the weekend.

A Sweet Toddler Moment

First a little background--we go to Music, Movement, and Me class every Tuesday, and the little one loves it there. At the end of class, there's always a quiet song where the little ones get a stuffed animal out of the basket to cuddle with to end class. My little one always get this little stuffed kitty cat and talks to it the whole song. It's really pretty cute. Two weeks ago (our last class before vacation last week), someone else got the cat first, and I spent the whole song explaining that we had to share the kitty, it was ok to have another animal for the day, etc.

Now to today's class--It came time for the quiet song, and the little one spent time going through the basket and looking at each animal, etc. because this is a big decision, right? In the mean time, another little girl (who happens to be 2 1/2 years old) found the kitty cat and walked over and handed it to my daughter. How sweet is that? She remembered that the kitty cat is my little one's favorite one! My little one told her thank you, and it was a very precious moment. The other Mom was pretty proud (and should have been of her little sweetheart!).

If only adults could get along so well....

New Amy Butler Papers and Gift Certificates!

I now have gift certificates listed in my Etsy shop and custom amounts are available. They're the perfect gift for someone who loves Amy Butler, a busy Mom who needs help w/ her children's scrapbooks, a scrapbooker who would love some new embellishments/ die cuts to use, etc. These can be emailed to you or the recipient or printed and mailed in a gift wrapped box.

I also have the new Amy Butler Faded Lotus China papers now!!!! I absolutely love them, as they're beautiful papers, and I love the fact that they are printed w/ soy ink on recycled post-consumer waste papers. Beautiful papers that are environmentally-friendly!!!

Any of my items (blank notecards, matchbook albums, post-it note holders, tags, mini notecards, etc.) can be made in any of the Amy Butler papers. I have all of the Belle, Sola, and now the Faded Lotus China papers ready to use! These come in a card sleeve and make a beautiful gift for the Amy Butler fan.