Friday's Featured Etsy Seller (and a Giveaway!) --MonkeyTreeCreations!!

I've decided to change up my Friday's Featured Sellers segment a bit and interview some of my teammates for awhile. I'd love to get to know them better, as well as other selling venues besides just Etsy. This first new interview comes from The Spotted Box team member, MonkeyTreeCreations. She has some amazing herbal products in her shop that were developed to help her own family, and she has generously offered a Stress Balm giveaway for one lucky reader! More details after the interview...

-What is your shop name and URL?

My shop name is MonkeyTree Creations

The URL is http://www.monkeytreecreations.etsy.com/

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

I am a working mama with an amazing husband, two silly puppies and a sweet little boy. I’ve been crafting since I can remember, and am passionate about anything crafty.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Mostly herbal items, but occasionally, I’ll list a baby or bride related project that I really liked, or a set of greeting cards.

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

I am a member of the Spotted Box street team.

-What inspires your creations?

My family inspires my creations. Everything in my shop was blended based on a need my family had. My skin care tea bath was blended because the little guy had a horrible chin rash from teething drool and my stress balm was blended to help me transition back to work.

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

I credit my mom with my love of all things crafty, as she always had something hands on for us to do. I’ve been paper and fabric crafting since I was very small. I have been interested in herbs for a very long time, and began learning in a direct way, early in my pregnancy. I am finding that the more I learn, the more I want to know and am hoping to do a full herbal apprenticeship this spring and summer!

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

My favorite current item is the stress balm.

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

When I went back to work, I was pretty anxious and really stressed. One of my friends recommended wearing some St. John’s Wort infused oil, which I did for a few days. I found that it really helped to calm me down, but it smelled awful! So I headed off to the kitchen and blended up the mixture that is currently available. I love it! I wear it to work instead of perfume every day. A few of my co-workers have started wearing it too!

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Passionate, crafty, busy

-What do you like about Etsy?

I am hooked on treasuries right now~ I think it’s a great way to find sellers that I wouldn’t have found on my own.

-What makes your shop unique?

The passion I have for my craft is really reflected in what I make. I exclusively use high quality ingredients and supplies and certified organic herbs. I feel that this yields a better product that you can feel good about using on yourself or your baby.

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

Don’t be shy about reaching out and “talking” to people by convo or by using the custom or alchemy feature.

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

I have a craft blog that I try to update weekly. I’m planning to do some giveaways in the month of April, so please drop by! http://www.monkeytreecreations.blogspot.com/

Now more about the giveaway:

1. Giveaway will be open for comments for one week and will close at 12am on Friday, March 6th. Winner will be drawn by random number generator on the morning of Friday, March 6th.

2.You can earn 1 entry in the giveaway by visiting http://www.monkeytreecreations.etsy.com/ then coming back here and telling us your favorite item in the shop.

3. You can earn additional entries by: following my blog; posting/ linking back to my blog through Twitter, your own blog, or another social networking site (please post the link to the post in your comments); or ordering from monkeytreecreations. Please post a new comment for each new entry you qualify for.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED TO ENTRIES. CONGRATS KAT C!

The February Spotted Box

This was another great box and had a lot of variety! There literally was something for everyone in my box this month, so we'll use almost all of it again.

--$5 coupon from Small Moments (need to go shopping still!)

--free hairbow coupon from Baby of Mine (yay!)

--alcohol-free perfume from Scentsory Creations

--Calendula Calming Creme from Face of the Wave

--Chamomile Citrus lollipop from Simply Heaven Lollipop Shoppe

--Lip Balm Samples from Clear Hills Honey

--Graham Cracker Soy Candle from The Melting Pot Candle Co. (yum!)

--Lavendar mini-sachet from ReFabulous

--1oz. Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar from Country Soaps by Marlene

--Chenille Ice Cream Cone from The Chenille Chef (this is adorable!)

--upcycled/ recycled crayon from InkyAndie

--Peppermint red/ white playdough from Sublime Playdough (this smells really good, too!)

--felt cookie w/ pink heart from Luscious Little Treasures ( I think, this came out of the bag quick!)

--hair clippie from HairCandyBowtique and bow from IHeartBowheads (a little too big for her fine hair right now, but we'll save it)

--Cloth wipes from Naturally Nested and Mystical Baby

--earrings from Tiffany's Trinkets (love these!) and Let It Shine Jewelry Designs

--Quilled Gift Tag from Bags N Wipes N Things

--Crochet Stitch Marker from Crochet Frog

--Earth pin from Gaea Graphics

--Lavendar Rose of Sharon seeds from fluffnflowers (hubby loves these!)

--Blank Notecard from T and Little S Designs :)

--Vintage and newer ephemera sample pack from Artistry Creates

Looking for me online?

My Spotted Box samples for February have been highlighted on a few blogs recently. I really love how these Amy Butler collage cards turned out. I was able to utilize scraps from my overflowing stash of scrap paper.

From IHeartBowheads blog:

http://iheartbowheads.blogspot.com/

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--South Paw Studios!!

This week's featured Etsy seller is another Ohioan--yay! that just happens to make beautiful jewelry and even has a wholesale bridal jewelry line that sells nationally. Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?
South Paw Studios
http://www.southpawstudios.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
We are a military family. My husband was active duty Army for 6 years, and now he is a full time member of the Air National Guard.
My father has been a glass blower for the past 29 years.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell unique and chic, jewelry designed and handmade by me.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
None at the moment, but I have a petition pending for membership in JET (Jewelry Etsy’s Team)

-What inspires your creations?
I get inspiration from everything from a shower curtain, to sunsets. I know that sounds cliché, but really there are great color combinations in sunsets.

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

Early on, I dabbled in almost every medium from ceramics, batiking, silk dying, watercolor, and sewing to photography, but it was in jewelry design that I found a good niche. When my father, a glass blower, gave me a book on jewelry design, I delved further into the art. I have been active in the jewelry trade for ten years. My collections have grown to include custom bridal jewelry, a wholesale line that I sell nationally, and numerous one-of-a-kind pieces. I am continuously evolving and staying up to date on the fashion trends and new ideas in the industry. I am the sole artist behind South Paw Studios- there are no production lines or kits used in my work. I use only the finest materials such as Swarovski Austrian Crystals, imported Venetian glass, precious gems from India, cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls from Hong Kong and sterling silver.
My process is very free; I don’t really sit down with something specific in mind. I just look at my bags of beads and baubles and go from there. It depends on my mood and time. If I have the time, I love making an elaborate one of a kind creation, but other days, I focus on production or marketing.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
My one-of-a-kind Chalcedony Orange faceted Necklace is my favorite at the moment.
Description:
This necklace feature chunky, "onion cut" faceted chalcedony orange drops drape the center of this necklace, accented by fuchsia pink tourmaline 3mm faceted rondelles. Measures 16 inches with an adjustable clasp up to 18 inches. Bright piece, eye catching. This piece is a one of a kind. Great for the summer.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20328981
retail $59.95

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
This piece is my favorite because I love using the more exciting, not so safe colors and shapes. I know this piece is not for everyone. I simply love the chunkiness of it. It has some weight to it, which I personally love. For the summer it matches a lot of the colors that I wear. I have received so many compliments for this necklace, yet it remains unsold. No one to take it home. But again, maybe it is just the universe telling me that it is really mine.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Blessed, collected, a thinker (I am an Aquarius, I can’t help myself)

-What do you like about Etsy?
I love their LOW fees, and that people really DO buy on there. They keep things fun and unexpected for buyers and seller alike. Unlike other sites that just get too stuffy with fees on top of fees, Etsy’s seems to know what they are doing, yet march to their own drum. They think outside the box, offering different ways to search for things, instead of just keywords searches. I believe that keeps things fun and more interactive for the customers. And the treasuries, to me, are sort of a competition. I love them. It really is a fight to get to create one.

-What makes your shop unique?
I feel that I offer functional jewelry that you can wear everyday with jeans and a simple white t-shirt, yet you can wear it to a formal function if preferred. I don’t want my customer to seem pressed on the thought of “I love this necklace, but where am I going to wear it?” I want them to be more, “I love this necklace, and I can wear it with anything”. I want there to be “No Fuss”. Jewelry shouldn’t be complicated, it should be enjoyable. That is why I feel I create jewelry that is much more appealing and affordable to a wider range of woman, from the younger jewelry lover to the seasoned shopper.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
My advice is to have good photography. I invested in a great Nikon SLR camera, and it has been worth every penny. I have been in the jewelry business 10 years and counting, and this camera is one of the best business decisions and money well spent, ever.

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

Cupcake Toppers!

Just wanted to show some quick pictures from Little S's birthday party. These are available in almost any color combination/ design you can come up with for the toppers!

The Spotted Box is on Sale Today!

Just went on sale at both Etsy and Hyena Cart. I can not say enough good things about how much I love this box, both as a contributer and someone who gets a box each month. It's a fabulous way to try new products and find out about other sellers!

Boxes are limited!
www.thespottedbox.etsy.com

Little S Turns 2 Today!!!

In celebration of her birthday, I'm not doing a lot of work today, so that we can play and enjoy our time together. I can't believe that it's been 2 years already!

My Friday's Featured Etsy Seller segment will be back next Friday. Thanks for understanding!

Custom Orders! Custom Orders!

Custom orders and Alchemy requests have been very good to me over the last month or so. I'm currently working on 3 custom birthday banners, a custom set of handstamped cupcake papers, 30 chipboard letters, and trying to finish up items for my daughter's birthday party this weekend. I'm thrilled that I'm busy and that the custom banners have been very well-received!

BUT....I won't be listing any new items in my shop (other than the custom orders) or on my blog this week. I promise to have great pictures of the cupcake birthday party items in action next week.

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Inkpony!

Love, love, love this shop! I'm gradually making the switch to making my own household more organic, and while I started with cleaning supplies, disposable items, etc., I'm starting on clothing now when possible. In their own words, Inkpony "creates stylish, organic goods 'for you and your babe.' " Their shop is pretty amazing (and very affordable for organic wear!), and I love how much I learned about these fellow Moms and sellers through this interview. Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?

inkpony. We are the ponies of ink. Happy ponies, of ink.

URL: http://www.inkpony.etsy.com/

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

Erica: I love to travel…have been to 10 (maybe more?) different countries, and have lived all over the us of a. I love yoga…it is my life…it helps me live, breathe, be. I have way cool parents. I hate scary movies…nightmares.

Juliana: That one's a bit hard to narrow down...tsss. Each of us have our own interests + quirks. we're both mothers (Erica's baby girl, Ajna, will be one at the end of this month and Juliana's baby boy, Alasdair, is creeping up on 19 months and she's due with a little lady in April), which always makes life much more interesting. In addition to fueling inkpony, Erica devotes her time to yoga and the djembe. Juliana devotes most of her time to tony chachere's cajun spice. yum.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Juliana: We sell "conscious art for you and your babe," which breaks down to: stylish screenprinted stuff. organic onesies + tshirts, yoga mat bags, tote bags, snuggly rag quilt blankets, changing pads... Have an idea? We'll give it a shot.

Erica: Conscious, wearable art for you and your babe.

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

We belong to the naturalkids team. It rocks--all natural, baby.

-What inspires your creations?

Juliana: Our babes, mainly. We were inspired to create stylish duds that were as good for the environment as they were for our own babies. a desire to find more 'urban' kids clothing fused with organic goodness led us to screenprinting + creating our own. Now we love the process, and particularly love getting that goodness out there.

Erica: life, people, situations, suggestions, each other, the heat of the moment

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

Erica: Internet, asking questions, forums (Ju is good at that one), other people, trial and error, fly by the seat of my pants.

Juliana: We learned to "do what we do" through tutorials and imagination. The process of screenprinting is actually quite involved and time consuming. throughout different layers of the process, we had to adapt and learn different things. As you do in any creative process, I suppose. To produce a screen, which produces a print, you first have to create/sit through all of the following: a design, sizing, transfer, frame, screen, emulsion, dry, burn, rinse...it's a beautiful process that has led us to patience and more and more creativity.

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

Erica: I have to choose 1! hmmm… yoga bag (active listing) and gray onesie w/ red camera print (sold). That’s 2…I know.

Juliana: Tough call. really. I have a boy and I'm pregnant with a little girl. right now, I'm digging the organic red dandelion onesie. That pops to mind without even viewing the site. I also really love anything seahorse...

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

Erica: I worked really hard on the bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19455279 and that was one of my favorite onesies ever…since I HAD to choose http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11867642

Juliana: It's simple and subtle. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18569824 -

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Juliana: eager, imaginative and easy-going

Erica: strong, innovative, fun-loving

-What do you like about Etsy?

Erica: The community…that everything is handmade…you can get to know the people you buy from.

Juliana: Coming across all the amazing handmade goods + super stylish sellers.

-What makes your shop unique?

Juliana: We're organic. We have color. And we have killer prints. That's unique to the world of babies.

Erica: Hmmmm…again…tough for me to narrow it down…our onesie color selection and screenprint design selection are pretty out of this world…haven’t seen anything like it yet.

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

Erica: Make your presence known.

Juliana: Sellers: it can take some time to get going. We're still slow-going. Participate in forums and get your name out there using applications like twitter, facebook, etc. (all the silly things). Buyers: keep buying!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?Juliana: We have a (super-duper novice) website. It's basic, but it's us... for now. http://www.inkpony.com/. We have posted a cool movie, and soon you'll be able to see more photos, too. You can also check out what we love and love to do at: http://www.inkpony.wordpress.com/.

Erica: http://www.inkpony.com/

http://grabbagreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/inkpony-giveaway.html

http://etsyitemoftheday.com/sundance-film-festival-clothing/#more-613

Gift tag sets help--please vote in poll or comment!

I had a really good response to my Valentine's Day gift tag sets, and I'd like to start offering more tag sets. I'm wondering if the set of 10 for $3 was too many tags for a lot of people. Should I offer a smaller set of 5 tags? Sets of 2-3 tags? I'd love to hear some feedback, especially for the upcoming holidays and events.

How many gift tags would the average person need for Easter, teacher appreciation/ end of school year, etc.? I'm also planning to make seasonal tags and birthday tags. Help!

Custom Clipboard, anyone?

It's really a good thing that I love the whole pink/ brown cupcake scheme because it's pretty popular. :)

Here's a custom order large clipboard that I just made for another Etsyian. She wanted her shop name on it, so that she could use it to hold her invoices and paperwork. I love how it turned out!

I can work with you to create your own personalized clipboard in either the 6x9 or 9x12 size. These make great teacher gifts, too!

Even in the middle of winter, GO BUCKS!

My brother just forwarded me this video from YouTube. It's a Buckeye fan using his snowblower to create the script Ohio in his front yard. Love it!

Now my husband would enter a Michigan joke here, but I'll just leave you with the link. Make sure your volume is turned up, and GO BUCKS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L-fVwcGBlU