Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Marvelous Mom - Charity - Mama Hoot Designs
EtsyMoms is a team of fabulous women entrepeneurs who are moms first! Each Monday we "go behind the scenes" of a team member's shop to get to know more about her as a woman, mom and artisan. This week we take a peek into the life of the talent behind Mama Hoot Designs, Charity. Don't you just adore her shop name? And you will fall in love with her innovative, personalized creations for baby and you!Tell us about yourself!
I am a stay-at-home-mom to a beautiful girl, dubbed Lil Hoot (16 mos) and our fur-baby, Zeke aka Hoot Dog (4). I am also a Christian, an Army veteran, a cyclist, a knitter and a wanna-be baker. Becoming a mother somehow allowed me to release my fear of creative failure and just try new things. I don’t back down from a challenge and I tend to just dive right in.
What makes you unique as a woman?
I believe that we're all more alike than different but there are a few things that make me, me. I'm an open book.
What do you love about kids?
Hugs, kisses, endless curiosity, love of getting messy, smiles, laughter...it's an endless list!
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?Raising a toddler consumes most of my time, but I try to make time for morning walks, a few special messy activities, baking and bike riding throughout the week. I write stories and blog . I just finished a corduroy coat for my daughter. I have also started quilting and am participating in a Virtual Quilting Bee with some of my Ravelry Mom friends.
What is the address for your Etsy shop? http://www.mamahootdesigns.com/
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
Primarily personalized and custom gift items for babies, toddlers and Moms. My newest and favorite items are Growth Charts and Quiet Books. Both are personalized for the intended child. I even have a Create-a-story quiet book option where I write a story/rhyme to go along with the quiet book.
I also have crayon buckets, fabric alphabet sets, personalized blankets, birthday shirts and sundresses. I also design custom made-to-order tote bags, purses, diaper bags and shopping cart covers where the client can choose their own fabric and options.
Where do you create?
I took over a spare bedroom in our basement with two great windows. It is a great space, but still pretty bland. I have grand ideas, just not enough time to do them!
Where do you find your inspiration?
Primarily, my daughter and our friends' children. My favorite product, quiet books, were inspired by a quiet book sewn by my aunt when I was a child. It is a fun and interesting learning book for kids that also has intricate elements that are intriguing as a crafter.How did you get started in your line of business? It seems like most people answer with "I've always been interested..." and I did learn the basics from my mother and grandmother as a kid but it was not until a few years ago that I really got into it. I walked into my local yarn shop, learned to knit and got absolutely addicted. When I got pregnant I really got into sewing. Then my machine died and I started looking at new machines. My new machine really helped me unlock my creative potential and that's when my husband and I decided it was time to go ahead and open an Etsy shop.
Fabric Alphabet, $38
How do you promote your business?
I talk to everyone I meet and I take along or wear (or have Lil Hoot wear) something that I've made, even if it's not something in my shop. I blog and participate in other people's blogs.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I recently started my business so I am definitely still learning. Primarily, I have had to learn balance - between being online and creating product; between work and life; between shop owner and Mom.
I talk to everyone I meet and I take along or wear (or have Lil Hoot wear) something that I've made, even if it's not something in my shop. I blog and participate in other people's blogs.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I recently started my business so I am definitely still learning. Primarily, I have had to learn balance - between being online and creating product; between work and life; between shop owner and Mom.
Personalized Kids Fleece Blanket, $38What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Don't read too much. It is important to make sure you have yourself set up correctly and legally. It is important to make connections with other Etsians and crafters. But I found it absolutely overwhelming to read all the advice, rules, suggestions, etc. Make a product, love that product and promote it.
Don't read too much. It is important to make sure you have yourself set up correctly and legally. It is important to make connections with other Etsians and crafters. But I found it absolutely overwhelming to read all the advice, rules, suggestions, etc. Make a product, love that product and promote it.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
Most of my favorite online shops are places where I buy materials -
Most of my favorite online shops are places where I buy materials -
But not all of them -
What are your other sites ?
www.mamahootdesigns.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/MamaHootDesigns
www.twitter.com/MamaHootDesigns
Don't forget to stop by Charity's Etsy shop where she is offering you 10% off all purchases (excluding shipping)! Just mention "EtsyMom team" in the notes to seller during checkout. And leave her a comment here telling her which item is your favorite.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Halloween by Etsy Moms
, LJWood, Louloututu, CuteAndFun, twistedribbonsbows, Melondot, Terrbear37,CustomCrappyClothing, HotLavaClothing, AllYouNeedDesigns, rockpapertekla, Lavenderave, Happiestdaysdesigns
, ButterflyGem, Lilprincessbow, 2sproutsandalilvoice
Check this gift guide featured in Treasure East
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Marvelous Mom - Tricia - Handmade Whimzy
It's Monday morning, which means it's time to meet our Marvelous Mom of the week! We feature an EtsyMom each week with the hope that readers will in some way connect with her; whether it be through discovery of a similar background, a shared goal or finding a new favorite place to shop!Read on to find out how Tricia, of Handmade Whimzy, has put her seemingly endless talents to use while taking time off from her full-time career to be home with her son.
Tell us about yourself!
I am a 42 year old stay at home mom of 1 - a son who is 11 and started middle school this year. My "real" job is a critical care nurse but I’m putting my career on hold for awhile. I’ve been married for a hundred years and we have 1 dog and 1 cat. When my son is older, I hope to go back to school and get my Master’s and become a Nurse Practitioner.
What makes you unique as a woman?
I’m the only me there is!
What do you love about Kids?
They’re so much fun! Every stage of my son’s life has been filled with wonder. I love spending time with him and seeing the world through his eyes.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
Right now, I’m working on some pincushions that I hope to enter in our county fair Arts and Crafts contest in September. I’m also hoping I can turn them into some cool Christmas tree ornaments that would make great teachers gifts when December rolls around.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://HandmadeWhimzy.etsy.com
What do you off
er in your Etsy shop?The main thing I’m working on now are the aprons that I just started selling this year. I have full and half aprons. I also make beaded and ribbon bookmarks, which have been very popular. I originally sold jewelry but I’m slowly fazing it out so that I can concentrate on my sewing.
Where do you create?
I’m lucky enough to have my own craft room. It’s the smallest room in the house but it’s all mine. I recently repainted and rearranged. You can see photos here on this blog post:
http://handmadewhimzy.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-sewingcrafting-room.html.
I painted the walls a light aqua/turquoisey color and rearranged everything so that I have more sewing/cutting room. I love it! I spend all of my free time in there – sometimes just watching TV.
Where do you find your inspiration?
The fabrics I use give me inspiration. I only buy what I like and I buy in small quantities so that I only make 2-3 aprons from each style. This keeps me motivated to finish one apron so that I can cut into the next gorgeous fabric.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I started selling jewelry on Etsy 3 years ago. But as any Etsy jewelry seller knows, it is a hard category to break into as there is sooooo muc
h competition. I started sewing again on a regular basis a couple of years ago. Mostly just sewing skirts for myself. Then I decided to start making aprons. I made one as a "test" apron and got opinions on the design on my blog. After making several changes, I started listing them in my shop. Then I decided to just change the focus of my shop all together and let all the jewelry expire so that I could focus on my sewn items.How do you promote your business?
Promoting is really hard for me. I use my blog to show new items and announce sales. I use Facebook also. I try to list or renew something in my shop everyday. I hand out lots of business cards when I do local craft shows.I’d say promoting is definitely an area that I need to work on.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
That my family comes first. At first, I became so focused on wanting to grow my business and really make a profit that I forgot the reason I’m a stay at home mom is so that I can be available for my son. I’m staying at home so that I can volunteer at his school, go on field trips, help with homework and just be there. He’s my main focus, not my business. I’ll only have a few more years with him at home but I can work or build a business for years after that.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Really research what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re just doing it to earn a few extra bucks while you’re staying home with your children, then keep that in mind. Don’t expect the sales to just come rolling in because you opened an internet store. To REALLY get a business started takes a lot of time and money and you have to be willing to put your all into it.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
Amazon.com
Fabric.com
On Etsy I love to browse through card and soap shops. Those are my 2 favorite things to buy. I love the soap from sophiecls.etsy.com. She has my favorite – lemongrass scent.
I also love flandersfield.etsy.com and several other photography shops that I spend lots of time I don’t have clicking through and dreaming about where I would hang all the lovely pictures.
KathyPanton.etsy.com has been one of my favorites for a long time.
I also love browsing the handmade tote section and I always love the totes from PinkLemonadeBags.etsy.com.
I could go on and on about my favorites because there are some really great handmade things on etsy.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
My blog is http://HandmadeWhimzy.blogspot.com
My facebook pages are:
Personal page - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000426780198
HandmadeWhimzy page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tyler-TX/Handmade-Whimzy/107926789250020
Be sure to visit Tricia's Etsy Shop where she is offering you 15% off all purchases (excluding shipping)! The sale runs September 20th to September 26th. Just mention "EtsyMom team" in the notes to seller during checkout. And leave her a comment here telling her which item is your favorite.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Marvelous Mom Monday - Marsha - This n That Handmade Accessories
It's amazing what an abundance of talent mixed with a little encouragement can do! This week's Marvelous Mom, Marsha, is a wonderful example of the success that can happen when opportunity and preparedness meet. With such a passion for her work and the dedication to carving out time to build her business, there is no place to go but up! Let's find out how Marsha balances home life with running her Etsy Shop, This n' That Handmade Accessories.
Tell Us More About You!
I am originally from Jamaica, I am married to my wonderful husband AJ, and mother to 2 boys (Julian, 4 and Nigel, 2). I am also an Occupational Therapist and I work full time. We live in Lithonia, Georgia - southeast of Atlanta. Where do I find the time to crochet or make jewelry? I don't know but I find time because it's very soothing and enjoyable to me. Lately, I crochet more than I make jewelry because it's easier to crochet around the kids - there's no beads for them to get into!
What makes you unique as a woman?
That's a good question...I'm not sure what makes me unique as a woman, but I do know that I am a genuine person with a big heart, who loves to laugh and make others laugh. I like to surround myself with positive and uplifting people.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
www.jcurlsthisnthat.etsy.com
Striped Ripple Scarf - Orange and White, $20
hat are found naturally in the environment also prompt me to create. My inspiration for some items also comes from the desire to be different and not look quite like everybody else, but still stand out in a good way.
How do you promote your business?
I promote my business by wearing items that I've made for myself, and I promote on Twitter and Facebook. I now have a Facebook fanpage that includes a store front so that people can purchase items there as well. My husband, AJ, also tells people about my business which I appreciate very much.
I also like www.amazon.com, www.ebay.com, www.atouchofstardust.etsy.com, www.danieleleah.etsy.com, www.guchet.etsy.com, www.curlmart.com just to name a few!
Be sure to visit Marsha's Etsy shop and leave a comment here letting her know how much you enjoy her work!
Tell Us More About You!
I am originally from Jamaica, I am married to my wonderful husband AJ, and mother to 2 boys (Julian, 4 and Nigel, 2). I am also an Occupational Therapist and I work full time. We live in Lithonia, Georgia - southeast of Atlanta. Where do I find the time to crochet or make jewelry? I don't know but I find time because it's very soothing and enjoyable to me. Lately, I crochet more than I make jewelry because it's easier to crochet around the kids - there's no beads for them to get into!
What makes you unique as a woman?
That's a good question...I'm not sure what makes me unique as a woman, but I do know that I am a genuine person with a big heart, who loves to laugh and make others laugh. I like to surround myself with positive and uplifting people.
What do you love about Kids?
Children are so honest and funny! I also love how they imitate their parents in the different things that they do and say. You have to be very careful what you teach children directly and indirectly. What I love most is to hear a child's hearty laugh...it tickles me and makes me laugh just as much.
Children are so honest and funny! I also love how they imitate their parents in the different things that they do and say. You have to be very careful what you teach children directly and indirectly. What I love most is to hear a child's hearty laugh...it tickles me and makes me laugh just as much.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
www.jcurlsthisnthat.etsy.com
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I offer quality hand-crocheted fashion accessories such as hats, scarves, and neckwarmers. I am also going to be adding kitchen and bath accessories soon so I'm excited about that! I also offer handmade jewelry in my shop.
Flower Beanie with button - Brown and Beige, $15
Where do you create?
Mostly on my couch while I watch or listen to TV alone or with the kids. I also crochet as I wind-down for the day in my bed at night. I love to crochet in the car on road trips too while my husband drives. I get a lot done! When making jewelry, I'm usually a the the kitchen table long after the kids have gone to sleep.
Striped Ripple Scarf - Orange and White, $20How did you get started in your line of business?
Ever since I can remember, I've loved crafts. When I was little, an aunt taught me how to crochet and I thought it was the coolest thing! So for years after that I crocheted basic granny squares, then I got into weaving on a loom and cross stitch. When I was a teenager, I got into making beaded jewelry. When it became a huge fashion trend, I decided that I wouldn't buy anything that I could make myself! So, I then deviated away from needle crafts and got into jewelry making for quite a while. I even sold some items to friends and co-workers for the holidays to make extra pocket money. Late last year, I joined a social network where I met some other women who crochet and would post pictures of their projects. That inspired me to go back to crocheting, learning and re-learning techniques. I started making things and posting them on that site, people started placing custom orders, and then began to encourage me to open my own "store" online! That was the greatest compliment to me. Any artisan at some point wonders if people will like their work as much as they do. And they did! So, there began jcurlsthisnthat...from the encouragement and support of the ladies on that forum as well as my friends and family. My shop is called "This n That" because I make/sell different items vs. just hats or just jewelry.
Grey Newsboy Cap, $12
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from fashion trends that I see as well as colour combinations that strike me. I love taking pictures of people and scenery as well, so colours that are found naturally in the environment also prompt me to create. My inspiration for some items also comes from the desire to be different and not look quite like everybody else, but still stand out in a good way.How do you promote your business?
I promote my business by wearing items that I've made for myself, and I promote on Twitter and Facebook. I now have a Facebook fanpage that includes a store front so that people can purchase items there as well. My husband, AJ, also tells people about my business which I appreciate very much.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
Patience, patience, patience! We all would prefer for our items to sell like hotcakes right away! But it just doesn't work that way. Focus on promoting, taking good pictures and the buyers will come. I've also learned not to celebrate a sale until PayPal says the payment is complete! LOL.
Patience, patience, patience! We all would prefer for our items to sell like hotcakes right away! But it just doesn't work that way. Focus on promoting, taking good pictures and the buyers will come. I've also learned not to celebrate a sale until PayPal says the payment is complete! LOL.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
I would tell a new seller that having an online shop requires a lot of work if you are serious about wanting to sell. This is where your hobby truly becomes a business. There's a lot that goes into it, in order to get a lot out of it. Many of us have busy lives but you must set aside some time each day to focus on your business whether it is to create, take photos, or promote...or all of the above! Also, I've learned that pricing is important. Pricing your items too low can really hurt your bottom line and some buyers may equate low price with low quality. Remember that your items are handmade, not mass produced in a factory so take your cost and time into consideration when setting your prices.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?I would tell a new seller that having an online shop requires a lot of work if you are serious about wanting to sell. This is where your hobby truly becomes a business. There's a lot that goes into it, in order to get a lot out of it. Many of us have busy lives but you must set aside some time each day to focus on your business whether it is to create, take photos, or promote...or all of the above! Also, I've learned that pricing is important. Pricing your items too low can really hurt your bottom line and some buyers may equate low price with low quality. Remember that your items are handmade, not mass produced in a factory so take your cost and time into consideration when setting your prices.
I also like www.amazon.com, www.ebay.com, www.atouchofstardust.etsy.com, www.danieleleah.etsy.com, www.guchet.etsy.com, www.curlmart.com just to name a few!
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)? Twitter:
My facebook fanpage is www.facebook.com/thisnthathandmadeaccessories
Twitter: @Marshy_Marsh
On www.ravelry.com as MarshyMarsh
And I am frequently on these social sites about naturally curly hair as 'jamaicacurl': www.naturallycurly.com and www.curlynikki.com.
My facebook fanpage is www.facebook.com/thisnthathandmadeaccessories
Twitter: @Marshy_Marsh
On www.ravelry.com as MarshyMarsh
And I am frequently on these social sites about naturally curly hair as 'jamaicacurl': www.naturallycurly.com and www.curlynikki.com.
Be sure to visit Marsha's Etsy shop and leave a comment here letting her know how much you enjoy her work!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Marvelous Mom Monday - Sarah - Melon Dot Designs
It's Marvelous Monday here on the blog! Time to get up close and personal with our featured EtsyMom seller, Sarah, of Melon Dot Designs. Her designs combine fun and fresh with a touch of whimsy to dress your child in style!Tell us about yourself!
My name is Sarah and I am an artist, designer and mom living in the midwest with my husband and two littles, Ava, age 3 (terribly close to 4) and Hudson who is 21 months old. We also have a much heard dog named Izzy. My husband works crazy hours and so my business is primarily a nap and after bedtime venture. I have so many ideas that I want to see added to my shoppe and so many projects that I want to do just for myself in the near future. Before having children, I taught in an elementary school; however, after Ava was born I developed a passion for kid’s style and design and have since opened Melon Dot Designs. I am also writing a blog called Little Citizens of the World. I feature lots of amazing designers and products, from the divine to street-style cool. There’s also a lot of my life as a mum and the world as viewed by my littles mixed in. It seems that new things are happening all the time, we are a busy little family.
What makes you unique as a woman?
Honestly, I am unique just because I am me. I try to always be myself—if you think about it that is not always the easiest thing to do in the moment.
What do you love about kids? 
What is there not to love? They have so much energy, they have a fierce love, they want to know it all, see it all, and try it all. It is fun to play with them while being a kid again myself.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am a stay at home mom and I am embracing these fleeting years. Someone once told me that some moments may seem never-ending but, the years will pass by so quickly. And, when that tantrum strikes again, I remind myself of this and I look at my two littles and wonder how they have grown so much in the short little time that they have been in my world.
I also love to read and craft with my kids. I am also working with a local art gallery to bring more kids’ activities to our small town. Again, there are lots of things that I want to try and photography is one of them to add to the list. Since it is still summer we are also big on being outdoors and whenever we can we like to be in the water.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
In my shoppe right now, I am offering ‘unique custom clothes for littles.’ I {heart} custom orders. I use wool felt, eco-felt, and designer fabrics to create appliqués. I have also just added embroidered pieces to my shoppe.
Where do you create?
I create in my little corner of the house….i.e. the dining room table. It is off to the side in our home and well, I really don’t think that the room would get used for its real purpose anyway. I dream of my own crafting room some day and stash away photos in a file of things I desire for that room and my future dream house.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I am inspired by so many things. I have a very long list of blogs that I follow so there’s alwayssomething that sparks my thoughts. I also love just listening and watching my kids. They always have something creative or imaginative to add. Fabric also plays a big part in design and I find delight in browsing through the local store.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I was given my grandmother’s sewing machine awhile back and to do all her craftiness justice I started tinkering with sewing and have not stopped. I just wish I could have asked her to teach me more—that lady knew everything.
Blooming Flowers tee, $20
How do you promote your business?
I am just starting out and really hope to continue promoting and finding new ways to get the word out. My husband is a big supporter and I try to make sure that he always has a business card or brochure with him. Also, I didn’t even realize it but, I just reached my one year shoppe anniversary!!! That may require some celebrating in the store!
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
My business is a way for me to still be a me that is not just a mom. This is a venue that allows me to be creative and try new things. That said, I don’t let my shoppe take over my life. My kids can do that all on their own.
love you to the moon. rocket tee, $20
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Make sure that what you are doing has meaning and value to you. And, always love what you do. Life is to be enjoyed.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I have a terribly long list of favorites on Etsy with such a wide range of talents and items.
www.jcrew.com
www.target.com
www.urbanexpressions.etsy.com
www.lovemaestore.etsy.com
www.bauerdesigns.etsy.com
www.sewnnatural.etsy.com
www.poppytalkhandmade.com
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
http://www.melondot.etsy.com
http://www.littlecitizensoftheworld.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/melondot
Be sure to visit Sarah's Etsy shop and leave a comment here letting her know how much you enjoy her work!
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