And the winner of the $20 shop credit to Rainbow Lollies is... ninajoleisa!
Congrats to ninajoleisa and thanks to everyone else who commented!
Showing posts with label focus on. Show all posts
Showing posts with label focus on. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
SewZinski Giveaway Winner!
Congrats Darcy! You are the winner of the Geo Bloom porcelain travel mug from SewZinski! You will be receiving an email soon.
Thanks for everyone who commented. Don't forget we still have two more giveaways going on right now!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Focus On... Rainbow Lollies {And a Giveaway!}
This week's Focus On feature comes all the way from Melbourne, Australia! Cassie over at Rainbow Lollies makes the cutest colorful things. In her shop you can find bookmarks, earrings, hair accessories and more. I'm especially fond of this gang of owls. I want one in every color :)
Cassie is giving away a $20 shop credit to one lucky winner!
Also, head over to her shop for 10% off on all items! Just add coupon code: FRIEND10
Tell us a little about yourself:
I love earrings and all kinds of fun jewelery. I started out by making fabric button earrings using all kinds of yummy fabrics from old to new, classic to modern. My purpose is to make it fun, colorful, sweet and affordable to everyone. I want everyone to have something in their jewelery box that they can wear to match their everyday outfits. As time goes by I expanded my love of fabric covered buttons to include rings, pendants, brooches and hair accessories. Everyone can have a choice to pick something from each section to match or mix it up for a bit of uniqueness.
My second love is felt. I love the wonderful range of colors with felt fabrics from 100% wool, mix blend or even craft felt. Every piece of felt is a color masterpiece and begs to be turned into something pretty. With felt, I enjoy making little animals. The smaller, the cuter, the better! You can view my felt creations in my Etsy shop as magnets, bookmarks or even embellishments for your craft projects.
Everything in my shop is open for custom orders and I love to get e-mails/ convos asking me to make something special :)
How do you promote your business?
Currently I promote by being active on Etsy forums, teams and Twitter. In future I am planning to set up a blog and of course, the ever popular Facebook Fan page.
Sum up your craft in 5 words or less:
Fun, sweet, cute, colorful and love
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
I have many favorite Etsy shops and it is hard to tell which is number 1 on my list. Instead I am going to give a special mention to this shop and seller on Etsy who has been a constant support and friend to me since I first started. This special person is Su and her shop is Alice Loves. Su makes the most gorgeous comfortable and easy-care clothes for toddlers and preschoolers using quality designer prints. Her daughter Alice is her model and test drives every piece of clothing. If it survives on Alice, you can be assured that you are getting something that is of good quality! Do check out her shop or send her a convo saying hello.
Any advice to other crafters?
I still consider myself as a newbie as there is so much to learn whether on Etsy or elsewhere. I am not an expert in crafts or selling them but I love doing what I do. I wouldn't call this advice but more of sharing my experiences - do not do just for the sake of getting an income. Do it because you love it. Of course everyone wish they could quit their day job and craft full time (me included) but not many of us can afford to do it. It takes off the pressure and less stressful (financially) to you and your loved ones if you do not rely on your Etsy shop as main income UNTIL you are fully established with a steady stream of sales with minimal promotion. This is when you know your work has reached a wide audience and buyers come to you because they love your work and want to have a piece of it in their lives.
*******************************************************************
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -
First entry (mandatory):
- Visit Rainbow Lollies, Heart your favorite item and leave a comment telling me about it.
Extra entries (optional):
- Heart Rainbow Lollies on Etsy (leave 1 extra entry)
-Follow Rainbow Lollies
on Twitter (leave 1 extra entry)
- Purchase an item from Rainbow Lollies & leave a message to buyers that you were referred to her shop from this blog post (leave 5 extra entries!)
- Blog, Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link (leave 3 extra entries)
- Follow our blog via Google Connect (leave 1 extra entry)
Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time April 11, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on April 12, 2011 and will be emailed promptly.
*******************************************************************
Monday, March 21, 2011
Focus On... Emu Attacks {And A Giveaway!}
I was browsing through the Night Owls team on Etsy a few weeks ago and came across a very cute avatar {I'm a sucker for cute avatars} along with a pretty rad shop name; Emu Attacks. It made me laugh out loud {literally} because I once got chased by a rabid Emu at the Louisville Zoo. Ok, maybe the whole rabid part is up for interpretation. But he did chase me and I'm pretty sure he was in attack mode.
Anywho, Emu Attacks. Love the name, love the shop. Jessica has been kind enough to offer up a notepad/notebook combo for our lucky winner.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I'm originally from the D.C. area, but I came to Providence for art school and I stuck around after graduation. I love living in Providence! It has many of the things bigger cities have; lots of other artists, tasty places to eat and it's close to Boston. I went to school for illustration so I love drawing and creating narratives with my work. The things in my shop are really a combination of my interests ie: pattern, travel, food!
I'm very inspired by other things I like; books I'm reading, food I'm cooking, patterns and of course Japanese culture. I lived in Japan for 6 months and it had a huge impact on me and my art. I met amazing people, ate delicious food and saw beautiful things. Travel in general always invigorates me! I don't tend to have a lack of ideas, just a lack of time really.
I am constantly drawing and I tend to work on a few projects at the same time. Whenever I get stumped on one I take a break and switch to something else. For the fabric patterns and stationary I've been making drawings in pen and ink and scanning them. Then I can play with the color palette and how I arrange all the shapes together. I had a friend show me how to place things into repeat on the computer and since then I've felt much more comfortable using the computer to color and finish work.
I wanted a place to showcase my work on the internet. I'm interested in getting work as a textile/surface designer and this was sort of a chance to try that out and create stuff that I have complete artistic control over.
What is your favorite music/movie/tv show to craft to?
Haha! Awesome question! It depends on what I'm working on... I watched a lot of Top Chef when I made food patterns and watched some documenteries about NASA and the space program when working on my astronaut pattern. I love the Sookie Stackhouse books on audiobook! They are the right level of trashy fun to keep me entertained.
hmmmm...you tell me! I guess I just try to make patterns and images based off of things I'm passionate about. I hope that people see that when they look at my work. I try to create things I would want to buy and that are fun to make! I also try to consider how my items will be used so they can be well made. I know that there are a million tote bags floating around on Etsy so I try to create something unique; a reversible tote with a Japanese side and an American side so you can flip it depending on your mood!
I have so many favorites! It's amazing how much variety there is on Etsy. I love it when something has a purpose + a sense of humor: like these planters, these coasters or just super cute and handmade
Sum up your craft in 5 words or less:
funky fresh cute handmade
I'm pretty new to the Etsy community and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to bring people to my shop. I really appreciate it when people see my stuff and mention other places they think my work would sell or ideas for products. I have a blog where I show my process, what I'm thinking about and I have lots of photos of Japan! I'm trying to do a better job about blogging since I think it is a great way to generate interest in your work and to connect with other artists doing amazing things!
{Blog}
{Website}
*******************************************************************
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -
First entry (mandatory):
- Visit EmuAttacks, select your favorite item and leave a comment telling me about it.
Extra entries (optional):
- Add EmuAttacks to your favorites on Etsy
- Add EmuAttacks
to your circle on Etsy
-Follow EmuAttacks
on Blogger
- Purchase an item from EmuAttacks
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Follow our blog via Google Connect
Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time April 4, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on April 5, 2011 and will be emailed promptly.
*******************************************************************
In June, Jessica and her boyfriend Robin will be cycling 100 miles around Lake Tahoe to help raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They both hope to raise $4250 each. As of today Jessica is at 39% and Robin is at 36% raised. As an incentive to donate, Jessica has agreed to give away a notepad or notebook to anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more. It goes to a great cause and hits home for me since my Grampy died of Leukemia. I'm heading over there now to make a donation. You should too!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Cozy Knits For You Giveaway Winner!
And we have a winner!
Congrats Ruth, you've won the set of 6 hand knit rainbow hearts.
You'll be hearing from us soon :)
Thanks to everyone who left comments, hearted, Tweeted and spread the word.
Don't forget to head over to this week's Focus On and Giveaway!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Focus On... SewZinski {And A Giveaway!}
I'm super excited about this week's Focus On post. It's features the one and only SewZinski. One look through Sarah's shop and I was instantly in love. I mean, look at all that color! {And for those that don't know me, I'm a huge (HUGE) travel mug fan. I'll have to post something on that later. It's really quite obscene} Anyways, her shop is full of fun stuff like the said travel mugs, hand-stitched leather wallets, hair bows, coasters and more!
Sarah has even generously offered up this Geometric Blooms porcelain travel mug to one of our lucky viewers!
Sum up your craft in 5 words or less:
colorful, eco-friendly, modern, folk, pop
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Sarah. I'm an Iowa girl transplated to Florida, living and working in what I like to refer to as the craft cave in the Pineapple Compound. I designed furniture for a folk art furniture company for over 10 years, then decided to take my part time indie craft company, sewZinski, to full time and work for myself. I am a self taught embroidery artist and I love working with resourced materials. I've recently added hand painted ceramics as a new sewZinski line. I enjoy being able to bounce back and forth to different mediums. It keeps my brain fresh and designs ever changing and evolving.
What made you decide to sell on Etsy?
When I started making hand embroidered wallets locally in Des Moines years ago, I was doing 60% of my business with custom orders. I also had pieces that I created ready to sell but no real way of sharing my work without building my own website, which I didn't have the time, patience, or money to do. I also wanted to reach a larger audience that appreciates handmade over Walmart. Etsy was the perfect solution.
Tell us a little about your creative process:
I'm a pretty spontaneous person when it comes to design. I rarely draw out the images first on paper. I usually just dive right into drawing directly onto whatever medium I happen to be working with and see what happens from there.
Color is usually my first inspiration. It instantly triggers a memory, mood, or overall theme for the piece I'm doing. The rest just happens from there. I guess it's pretty organic, I'm not really a linear thinker.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I love history and anthropology, so I pull a lot of inspiration from different cultures and their story telling and heritage. Pop culture and nature play a big part in my designs as well.
How does your craft stand out from the rest?
I think the fact that I am self taught in the art of drawing and embroidery makes my work have it's own distinctive look. I like to embroidering flowers, or drawing ships, but they are my own made up versions of the real thing. I would never call my work realistic. It's my own crazy mind's version of a flower or ship. A more stylized version. Plus I really like color and I think it shows in my work.
How do you advertise your products?
The one thing I realized within the last couple of years is crafting for craft's sake is great, but if you want to sell your work you have to be active in social media.
Twitter's played a huge role in that for me. It's helped me make a personal connection with like minded people that also enjoy crafting and the arts, and it's also helped me spread the word about what I do for FREE, which is a bonus.
I've started using my Facebook page a little more, but because I'm a twitter addict, I tend to find more time intensive. I also have a blog, but again I need to find more time to post to it.
Etsy Stalker, Papernstitch, Holiday showcases online, Soopsee, Flickr, Cargoh and various other websites have helped me get the word out about what I do. Blog mentions are great too!
{Etsy}
{Blog}
{Twitter}
{Facebook}
{Flickr}
{Website}
What is your favorite music/tv show/movie to craft to?
I love listening to podcasts while I work: Missed in History, This American Life, Doug Loves Movies, RadioLab, Hardcore History, Pod F.Tompkast, the Nerdist. I also enjoy a little pre-war Blues, and whatever station I'm in the mood for on Pandora..
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
I will admit I'm a bit of an Etsy junkie, so my favorite Etsy shop's change on a weekly basis. There's just so many amazing artists and crafters on there. Right now I'm really into Pyxus dress's, Nervous Sysytem's jewelry, and I will always be in love with Ashley G.
*******************************************************************
We've got lots of ways to win this weeks giveaway!
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -
First entry (mandatory):
- Visit SewZinski, select your favorite item and leave a comment telling me about it.
Extra entries (optional):
- Add SewZinski to your favorites on Etsy
- Add
to your circle on Etsy
-'Like'
on Facebook
-Follow
on Blogger
-Follow
SewZinski on Twitter
- Purchase an item from
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Follow our blog via Google Connect
Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time March 28, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on March 29, 2011 and will be emailed promptly.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Focus On... Moon Flower Creations
This week's featured Etsy artist is Salina from Moon Flower Creations. I purchased a gorgeous felted bowl from her last month. The first thing I do when I get home from work in the mornings is take off all of my jewelry and put it in the bowl. It's the perfect size and I don't have to worry about it scratching my rings and earrings up :)
You can also find Salina at her other Etsy shops:
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a homemakin' mother of 4. I love saying that.:)
I have been pretty crafty and artistic for almost as long as I can remember. I do remember really getting into drawing and making things when I was about 9 years old. I think that I realized then, that when I was creating, I was truly happy. I feel the same now. If I couldn't express myself though my art I would be totally and utterly depressed.
I have been pretty crafty and artistic for almost as long as I can remember. I do remember really getting into drawing and making things when I was about 9 years old. I think that I realized then, that when I was creating, I was truly happy. I feel the same now. If I couldn't express myself though my art I would be totally and utterly depressed.
How does your craft stand out from the rest?
Well, my books seem pretty unique maybe? My felted bowls are cool, but I guess I don't really feel that my things stand out all that much from anybody else who makes similar things. I am pretty pleased with what i do though.:)
How do you promote your business?
{Blog: Moon Flower}
{Twitter}
I joined some Etsy teams and participate in the discussions, and that's about it.:)
Sum up your craft in 5 words or less:
earthy, upcycled, simple and beautiful
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
There is way too many that I like to say that but I will say that my favorite type of Etsy shop is the ones that have things made from things found from nature, kraft paper, recycled and handmade paper, linen material, burlap and jute twine, felt, glitter, vintage, french style, cottage style, earthy style, and so much more!:)
Any advice to other crafters?
For the one's just getting started or who feel like their stuff isn't selling fast enough, just keep trying to figure out ways to get noticed like joining teams and their discussions, twitter, learn better picture taking techniques, because having great pictures for your listings is so important. Don't give up on what you love to do. Keep tweeking whatever needs tweeking and through perseverence, success will come. At least that is what I like to think.;)
Head over and check out the rest of Salina's awesome creations!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Focus On... Cozy Knits For You {And A Giveaway!}
The week's featured Etsy artist is none other than the fabulous Cozy Knits For You. Everything in her shop is bright, colorful and hand knitted with love. I purchased one of her cup cozies last month and use it all.the.time. It's great because I like my tea atomically hot and it keeps my hands from burning. I still need to get around to ordering some of her cat toys for the boys.
This week you can win a set of 6 hand knit rainbow hearts.
{Seen in the second photo}
Aren't they adorable?!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a 30 year old stay at home mom who loves to knit. My daughter and her friends inspire me all the time. I like to make toys that inspire imagination in children and I also like to make things that serve a good function while making things prettier.
How does your craft stand out from the rest?
I like to think the quality and creativity help me to stand out. Also my use of color.
How do you promote your business?
{Facebook}
Sum up your craft in 5 words of less:
Sorry I need 6 words ;o) unique colorful mother knitting with love!
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
BinkysFudge. Her fudge is amazing. But beware it is like crack once you take your first bite you're hooked!
Any advice to other crafters?
Do what you love! It will show in your work. Also you have to put work into getting your name out there. It doesn't happen overnight.
*******************************************************************
We've got lots of ways to win this weeks giveaway!
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -
First entry (mandatory):
- Visit CozyKnitsForYou, select your favorite item and leave a comment telling me about it.
Extra entries (optional):
- Add CozyKnitsForYou to your favorites on Etsy
- Add CozyKnitsForYou to your circle on Etsy
-'Like' CozyKnitsForYou on Facebook
-Follow CozyKnitsForYou on Blogger
- Purchase an item from CozyKnitsForYou
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Follow our blog via Google Connect
Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time March 14, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on March 15, 2010 and will be emailed promptly.
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