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.

Back home and busy!

Back from vacation and caught up enough around the house to get started on some recent orders. I've got 4 custom scrapbooks (premade baby girl album, Dan Zanes concert scrapbook, 5x7 family recipes album, and a Lego scrapbook), as well as some coasters and tags to keep me busy this week. I'll post pictures later in the week as I get some of these completed.

Are you noticing an increase in sales from the start of holiday shopping? I've already started my shopping on Etsy for the holidays and signed the handmade pledge! I plan to get at least one handmade item for each person on my list for Christmas.

Friday Featured Seller--Northstar Jewellery!

This one is all of the way from Ireland! Enjoy!


-What is your shop name and URL?
My shop is http://www.northstarjewellery.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
Hmm, well other than jewellery making, I am an artist and love to spend my spare time (in between running a business, being a wife and mother etc etc!) painting and drawing. Apart from having my own successful business, it is my dream to have an exhibition of my paintings..and also to own my own horse. I'll get there eventually!

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I make handcrafted jewellery in a variety of styles for todays discerning woman.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
None as yet.

-What inspires your creations?
My inspirations are many...nature and the ocean in particular.. it could be the words of a song or a poem, people are also another big source of inspiration for me as well

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I am completely self taught, and I tend to create something on the spur of the moment, and then keep working well into the wee hours. I could go days without making a thing, but I always make up for it when inspiration hits :-)

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
My favourite item is 'Celtic love'. it is a necklace that was inspired by my ancestral roots, and my first ever wireworking experiment. It turned out far better than I ever expected it would, and I am quite proud of it for that reason.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
It is my favourite at the moment because it is different to anything I have made before and I have gotten so much positive feedback on it that I have been inspired to try a completely new jewellery making technique, and this has given me something more that I can put into my jewellery.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15250641


-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself
Curious, creative, kind

-What do you like about Etsy?
I like that it gives a person a way to get their work seen and commented on- both positively and negatively. I have not yet made a sale on Etsy but being on there has been a great source of learning for me, and I like that. I feel that there is always something more to be learned.

-What makes your shop unique?
I haven't seen any other artist with exactly the same style of jewellery as my own, and I offer free shipping on all items internationally as well :-)

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
If you are selling on Etsy, promote, promote, promote, because no one else will do it for you. Its hard work, but can be worth the time and effort that you put into it. Buyers, there is so much wonderful talent on Etsy so I would say shop around, and don't be afraid to give new sellers a chance- could be the nicest present you every buy for either yourself or someone else! AND, to both buyers and sellers, I would say please make allowances for the way that some words are spelt on different sides of the Atlantic- its not always typo's! Eg Jewelry/jewellery :-)

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
You buy my jewellery through my shop http://www.northstarjewellery.etsy.com/ and I also have another website which is linked to Etsy and this is http://www.doylejewellerydesign.com/
And I have a blog where you can read a little bit more about what I'm up to, features on other Etsians etc
http://www.doylejewellerydesign.blogspot.com/

Anyone out there this week? Anyone reading?

Vacation is going great, and I love spending time w/ my hubby and the little one. If you're ever in the San Antonio part of Texas, their zoo is seriously one of the best I've ever been to (and I've been to several zoos). It's fabulous! We also drove down to Corpus Christi the other day and spent the day at the beach in Padre Island. We found a really nice, quiet beach that we could drive and park on the beach, then play in the gulf, and the little one loved it! She spent most of her time chasing the birds up and down the beach. :)

We're already thinking of our next vacation! Anyone have any good vacation spots for toddlers?

Lucky #200? Will it Be You?

I'm currently at 188 sales w/ a few more that are in the works but not yet added to Etsy. I would love to cross the 200 sales mark in November!! I'm thrilled that business has been fairly steady the last 6 months for the most part and is picking up for the holiday season.

Who will be lucky sale #200 to receive a $5 gift certificate to my shop? That's right, the lucky person will receive a $5 gift certificate to use towards anything in my shop!

Better get shopping!

Want to see some new shops??

I have a few friends who just joined Etsy, and their shops could use a little love! I thought this would be the perfect time to send a little traffic their way. :)

Melanie of House of Lulu makes hair bows, clippies, custom embroidered photo pillows, and glove animals. Not to mention, her daughter is best friends w/ my daughter (as much as almost 2 year olds can be).

http://www.houseoflulu.etsy.com/

Sarah of SavvySarahDesigns makes taggie blankets, pacifier clips, fancy burp cloths, and adorable tutu onesies! She's a fellow scrapper friend of mine who has a son only a few days younger than my daughter.

http://www.savvysarahdesigns.etsy.com/

Don't forget to vote today!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Updates

I want to thank everyone for their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My Breast Cancer Survivor and Awareness coasters were featured on several blogs and treasuries throughout the month, and I will donate $3 per set of these coasters that sold during October. That means.....

I'll be writing a check for $12 to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research! (3 sets sold plus 1 set donated)

Every little bit helps to find a cure and fund additional research.

EtsyMom Super Giveaway!!!

Today is the day that my altered Christmas Clipboard is one of the giveaway items during the EtsyMom Super Giveaway for November. If you'd like to win one, please go to....

http://www.etsymom.blogspot.com/

and follow the directions to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

Etsy Mom Super Giveaway is Here!!

The Etsymom SUPERGIVEAWAY is here! The Etsymom Street Team is prepping for the holidays by taking the time-honored tradition of gift-giving to another level! Riding the wave of unity, harmony and excitement inspired by the Etsymom Trunk Show in September, our team tossed around a few ideas about our next team event. A little idea of having a giveway, where Moms would donate an item to be given away each day of November on our blog has morphed into a SUPER GIVEAWAY!! When the call for volunteers went out we had an overwhelming response of over 60 shops willing to donate a $10.00 in value item to this cause. Two winners will be randomly chosen everday to receive one of over 50 prizes. Donations will range from an assortment of hand embroidery, vintage finds, hair clippies, baby accessories, papercrafts, earthenware pottery and more. Perfect for gift-giving! There is a little bit of everything, so whether you like trendy, shabby chic, traditional or retro styles, you're sure to find something! Don't miss this ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA. Visit us here beginning November 1st for giveaway rules and deadlines!
http://etsymom.blogspot.com/

My day is November 2nd in the Super Giveaway, so make sure to visit the website if you'd like to win one of my altered Christmas clipboards! Go EtsyMoms!!