Monday, September 29, 2008

Featured Seller



Tell us about yourself.(Name, Shop Name, Shop Link, location, etc)
My name is Casey and I live in the super craft-friendly and all around awesome city of Portland, Oregon. You can find my shop at thinkingmama.etsy.com I have a cute baby girl who's really more of a toddler now and I'm not sure when that happened. I have a master's degree in ecology and my love of science and nature can be seen in what I sell. I love natural products and try to live as 'green' a lifestyle as possible. My family strives to make the most sustainable choices possible in our daily lives and the items I sell in my shop reflect that as well.

What made you want to start crafting?
I've always enjoyed making things. From sewing with my grandma when I was young to learning to knit in college, creating beautiful objects have always been important to me. People kept telling me I should sell my knitting but it takes so much time that I really couldn't sell my items for enough to make it worth it. I had a display table at a craft fair a year ago that was just meant to show people how to felt sweaters and make things from them. I got such a great response from the items I had made to display that I decided to open my etsy shop and sell them. I love sharing my work with others!

What do you sell?
I sell many things but they're all made from recycled wool sweaters so there's a very clear style to my shop. The sweaters have been felted (shrunk) so they're soft, fuzzy and not at all scratchy. My main items are baby hats, coin purses/pouches and coffee sleeves. My items fall into several different price ranges and many are hand embroidered and/or appliqued with designs inspired by nature.

What makes you different from other sellers?
Most of my items are one-of-a-kind. This means that I may never be a really huge seller but I love everything I make. A lot of love goes into my crafting and I'm proud of all my pieces. I also love that all my items are made from recycled materials. A lot of the sweaters I use have small holes, are really outdated styles, or are given to me by people who no longer want to wear them. It makes me happy to turn them into modern, beautiful creations!

What advice to you have for other crafters?
If you want to be a successful crafter, find something that you love doing and learn to do it well! Don't be afraid to try new things but make sure that You've perfected it before you try to make a business from it. You need a unique style to stand out so don't be afraid to show who you are. People like crafts and art that shows some of the maker's personality.

Do you have an items in your store that you love? Tell us about it.
I really love everything! I have a special place in my heart for my Coffee Sweaters that have an applique of the caffeine molecule on them. Caffeine molecule designs were some of the first items I ever sold in my shop and they're totally unique. They also show a little of my science-geek nature.

Tell us about your newest item for sale?
I recently completed a custom order for covers for Sigg and Klean Kanteen style water bottles. I loved making them and will start regularly offering them in my store soon.

Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
Crafting is not my full-time job and I don't think it ever will be. That's in part due to the nature of my designs- they really can't be mass-produced, which is a good thing in my opinion. I also really like the field of environmental ed that I work in and wouldn't want to leave it. I like the challenge of creating new products, such as the water bottle covers I recently did, and see my craft growing and expanding in that way.

Where can we buy your products?
All my products are for sale at thinkingmama.etsy.com I am always open to custom orders as well!

Are there any other links that you would like to include?
I periodically send out a newsletter with updates about my shop, new products, etc. Also included are special deals and discounts for subscribers. You can sign up at ThinkingMamaNewsletter.blogspot.com

I also have a blog where you can see inside my creative process and get a glimpse of my life outside of crafting at ThinkingMama.wordpress.com

October Giveaway

To win, post a comment in my blog or add my blog to your followers. The prize is your choice of any 2 of the Halloween snap clips above. The giveaway ends on Friday, so that I can ship on Saturday and you'll have time to wear them all month! To see the listing for theses clips visit:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15174372

Please visit the original thread in Promotions:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5830953
to let me know that you participated!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Featured Seller

Let's hear it for RandomCatGirl!



Tell us about yourself.(Name, Shop Name, Shop Link, location, etc)
My name is Sarah Macklin and I run the accessories business Random CatGirl. Meow! You can find me at my main store, www.randomcatgirl.com and on etsy at www.randomcatgirl.etsy.com.

What made you want to start crafting?
Heh-heh. When wasn’t I crafting? I’ve always been a creative person (went to school for art) and loved working with my hands so crafting just evolved from my art.

What do you sell?
I sell jewelry, totes and purses, and kanzashi which is Japanese for hair ornaments.

What makes you different from other sellers?
I try to blend a unique style to my creations by mixing in different influences and cultures.

What advice to you have for other crafters?
Love what you do and try to do your best at it. Remember, there is always room for improvement and new ideas.

Do you have any items in your store that you love? Tell us about it.
I absolutely love my kanzashi. They’re made from a technique that I learned that is similar to origami. Instead of paper, squares of fabric are folded to make different flowers, cranes, butterflies, and more. It’s sadly dying out in Japan so I’m very glad that I learned how to do it.

Tell us about your latest item for sale.
Well, it’s a kanzashi as well. It’s made in the style of a cherry blossom and since I made it from a sushi print I made a sushi roll bead from polymer clay for the center embellishment. It was really fun to make.

Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
I would love to have my items in boutiques around my area and see one of my purses in a fashion magazine. I’ll get there eventually.

Where can we buy your products?
You can buy my products at www.randomcatgirl.com for my limited edition accessories and at www.randomcatgirl.etsy.com for many of my one-of-a-kind items. ^_^

Are there any other links that you would like to include?
If you’d like to see how I work and what else is going on with the random catgirl you can check out my blog at www.randomcatgirl.wordpress.com.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Featured Seller

This week's featured seller is Ellen from Just Add Memories.




Tell us about yourself.(Name, Shop Name, Shop Link, location, etc)
name= Ellen Sviatko, shop= www.JustAddMemories.etsy.com , shop name=Just Add Memories, location= Maryland

What made you want to start crafting?
About 3 years ago I discovered scrapbooking at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting
at my church and I have been hooked ever since! I love the idea of making a scrapbook item for someone and having it be an item they will treasure for years to come!

What do you sell?
I sell scrapbook items. I make custom scrapbook albums just for you. I also have pre-made mini scrapbook albums, journals, and scrapbook embellishments in my shop.

What makes you different from other sellers?
I have a passion for scrapbooking and I have my own unique style.

What advice to you have for other crafters?
Advice-Stick with it and do not give up. Also- If you do not record your memories of your life who will?

Do you have an items in your store that you love? Tell us about it.
I love all my mini scrapbbok albums. They become like my children. Each is unique and different. I also love the ribbon flowers I have in my shop.

Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
I would love to expand and grow as a scrapbooker and do more custom work for individuals.

Where can we buy your products?
You can buy my products on www.justaddmemories.etsy.com .


Monday, September 15, 2008

Follow this Blog!

You can now follow the Simply Sophia blog and stay up to date on all the happenings. Just click on the "Follow this Blog" link on the side of the page.

Start following today!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Mod Pink and Brown Clip Set


This is a set of 2 snap clippies. These clips are perfect for newborns and babies because the hold even the smallest amount of hair.

These clips are approximately 1 1/4".

Please contact me if you would like to order Simply Clippies in custom colors.

As with any small objects, please supervise small children who may handle the clip, as it could be a choking hazard. The buyer assumes all liability at time of purchase.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Fall Fun and Halloween Clippies

Two new sets of clips are now available. Currently you can only purchase them trough my Etsy store. Coming soon to the Simply Sophia website.

Fall Fun - set of 2 clips
These cute set of clips will compliment any fall wardrobe!

These clips are approximately 1 3/4" long. They are set on fully lined double prong alligator clips.

Set of 4 Halloween Snap Clips for Toddlers/Infants

This is a set of 4 snap clippies. These clips are perfect for newborns and babies because the hold even the smallest amount of hair. These clips are approximately 1 1/4".

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

New Clips for Sale


I am happy to report that I have a few new hair clips for sale.
The first one is made to match Gymboree's Ice Cream Social line. It is approximately 1 3/4" long.

The second is a maroon and black clip with a dainty rose attached to the top. It would be perfect with a Christmas outfit. This clip is approximately 1 3/4" long.

Both clips are set on fully lined double prong alligator clips.


Friday, September 5, 2008

Contest has ended


The contest is over. Congrats to Lola for winning the set of clips. Thank you so much to everyone who participated. We had over 40 people take part in the survey. Every bit of feedback that was given is going to be applied to my shop. I truly appreciate the time that you took to help me out.

Be on the lookout for the next giveaway!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Etsy Seller's Week long Promotions

Here are a list of some Etsy sellers and the promotions/specials that they are having this week. Please check out these great shops.

Simply Sophia
http://simplysophia.biz
Free Shipping on any order

FlutterByDesignsUK
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278048
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on my items (cheapest item for free & whilst stock lasts)

applepieorder
http://applepieorder.etsy.com
Labor Day SALE. All orders over $30 before shipping will get free shipping. Shipping costs will be refunded through paypal once payment is received.
Also check my sale section to see ONE DAY SPECIALS. Beautiful cocktails rings, earrings, necklaces and more await you!

Zoopri
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5058304
★ Themed Stickers ★ $2 Each! Hooray!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5058304&section_id=5573410
★ Shanghai Ribbons ★ Buy 5 yards, Get 2 yards FREE! Yay!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5058304&section_id=5450355

Bijou Beaute International, Ltd.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5392170
Free Shipping now through Sep 2nd.
New end of Summer markdowns.
Free mini Lola bag with any order over $100.00
Free Shipping on all orders $50.00 and over (daily)

Mineral Magic
http://mineralmagic.blogspot.com/2008/09/mineral-makeup-101-ebook-cd-is-here.html
I made a eBook CD
Mineral Makeup 101
An Informative Guide On How To Look Your Best

Kala Pohl Designs
http://kalapohl.blogspot.com/2008/08/september-giveaway-free-necklace-of_31.html
September Blog Giveaway - Necklace of Your Choice

missindie
http://missindie.etsy.com
10% off ANY order of $15 or more BEFORE shipping [just mention "myindie10" in the Notes To Seller section]
FREE GOODIES with every order!

Jewelry by Butterfly

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5159774
To win a pair of my Minty Green Flower Earrings just visit my blog at www.jewelrybybutterfly.blogspot.com and leave me a comment stating your favorite piece of jewelry from my shop. I will pick a winner at random September 21st so good luck!

onceuponatimeago
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6013087
www.onceuponatimeago.com
my goal is to sell everything within 4 weeks ,so make an offer on the items you want,(excluding christmas ornaments) i will come down on the price if I can... i will combine shipping as well
but please note i am going to bed so it will be sept 1st before i reply to you ... just convo me

Evermore vintage & destash
http://www.evermore.etsy.com
50% OFF ALL VINTAGE
I'll be listing more throughout the week as well, I'm trying to clear out my old shop so I can focus on my new one @ http://www.madebylaurenb.etsy.com

Jane Grafton Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5921741
Free shipping until midnight Tuesday, 9/2

La Chapina
http://lachapina.etsy.com
Earring Giveaway at http://huipil-crafts.blogspot.com/2008/08/friday-earring-giveaway.html. Enter on or before 9/4!

If you would like to add your promo to this thread please leave a comment in this format:
Your Shop Name
Shop Link
Promo/Special

Monday, September 1, 2008

Featured Seller 9/1- 9/7

This week's featured seller is Crystal from Pampered Ponytails.


Tell us about yourself.(Name, Location, Shop Name, etc)
My name is Crystal. I live in Thomasville, NC. I am 34 years old and a stay at home mom of three wonderful daughters. My shop name is PamperedPonytails, my daughter's named it for me!


What made you want to start crafting?
I have always been creative and loved to craft from an early age. My grandmother helped with that being a painter herself. I loved taking something ordinary and making it different from what everyone else had.

What do you sell?
I sell all kinds of paper goods. Anything from notepads to custom promo items, and anything in between.


What makes you different from other sellers?
I don't know how different I am from other paper good sellers, but I try to be. I like to try to keep things simple, but fun. I think that describes my style.


What advice to you have for other crafters?
Do what you love. Try out different techniques and apply them to what you do now. I have learned so much, just from listing to my friends and customers and applying it into my products.


Do you have an items in your store that you love? Tell us about it.
I love my mini notepads. I a paper junkie, so I love making them with all types of paper in various sizes. I have a minimus of 5 sitting around my workspace at any given time so I can jot down any notes or ideas that I have, so I don't forget.


Tell us about your newest item for sale?
My Owl Notes - a set of 5 note cards. These are just the beginning of the notecard sets that I am going to make. I love cute little embellishments and I will be incorporating them in different sets of notecards.


Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?
Keep doing what I am doing, but experimenting with new and different techniques. I would love to learn to sew, the one thing that I can't do yet, and use that with expanding my current products.


Where can we buy your products?
Currently in my etsy store right now.


Are there any other links that you would like to include?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27503031@N03/