Holly Day Blog Hop!!!!

Beginning to day at 6 pm EST, Check out all of the fabulous holiday-themed projects, gift ideas, and more from our wonderful EtsyMom Blog Hop Contributors from around the world!! HOP ENDS TONITE, DEC 11TH AT MIDNITE PST!

www.crazyadorable.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop-giveaway-with-ornament.html

http://signature-sterling.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://allyouneeddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop-with-etsymom-street.html
http://tctliebel.typepad.com/life_as_we_live_it/2010/12/its-a-holly-day-blog-hop.html

http://rikrakstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop-sweet-salt-dough.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsy-mom-holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://camelotstreasures.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://homemadebyamanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-hop-holiday-inspiration.html
http://annavirginiafashion.blogspot.com/2010/12/piggy-peeps-baby-shoes-pattern-holly.html
http://mylavenderave.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-days-blog-hop-delicious-fudge.html
http://babyjives.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-silhouette-ornament.html
www.babyswank.blogspot.com/
http://babysindulgencebyjocelyn.blogspot.com/2010/12/rocky-road-fudge.html
http://handmadewhimzy.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop-from-etsymom-team.html
http://katekatenyc.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop.html

http://caramagic.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-holly-day-blog-hop-pleated.html
http://onlyterrastreasures.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-make-your-own-chinese-takeout.html
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-do-some-holly-day-hopping.html

http://quirefly.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-fun-cranberry-pudding-with.html
http://cinnamonspicecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/come-blog-hop-with-etsymom-team.html

http://handprintlady.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-tutorial-gift-from.html

Here's how it works:
1. Hop through each of the blogs listed above to get fabulous holiday inspiration and leave a comment. If you are starting at a blog in the middle of the Hop, start back at the EtsyMom Blog. You may have to scroll down a bit on the blogs to find the Blog Hop posts as the week progresses.
2. Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
3. Enter to win our giveaway by doing any of the following. For each thing you do, you will be entered into the drawing one more time:

~Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
~Leave a comment on the Holly Day Blog Hop posts for any of the blogs listed above between Dec 5 and Dec 11, 2010.
~Join the EtsyMom Blog email list (fill out the form in the right hand column).
~Become a follower of the EtsyMom Blog! Just click the "Follow" button in the lower right column.
~"Like" the EtsyMom Facebook Page.

Share about this Blog Hop on your own blog, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on Facebook, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on a message board or forum, posting a link to this page.

To let us know you've done these things, please come back to the EtsyMom Blog post and leave a comment for each thing you did, i.e. one comment for posting on your blog, another comment for posting on facebook, and another comment for joining our email newsletter. If you post it all in one comment, it will count as one entry.On December 11, 2010 we'll choose a winner using the Random Integer Generator from random.org. The winner will receive this super sweet gift basket full of handmade holiday goodies, including

a pair of Turquoise Earrings from http://www.stoneymistdesign.etsy.com/

a greeting card from http://www.homemadebyamanda.etsy.com/

a lampwork bead bracelet by http://handmadewhimzy.etsy.com/

sterling silver and Swarovski pearl/crystal holiday earrings by

http://www.etsy.com/shop/signaturesterling

a cream colored cotton scarf given by http://www.zoegirldesigns.etsy.com/

a raincloud ornament from http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyjives

a matching splat mat and baby bib from http://www.babysindulgence.etsy.com/

two pair of earrings from http://quirefly.etsy.com/
a gift pack of over 30 pages of vintage paper ephemera by http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage

a lovely sustainable stocking from http://www.rikrak.etsy.com/

a set of holly jolly gift tags from http://cinnamonspice.etsy.com/

a set of toddler pajamas in a style of the winner's choice from http://heatheregley.etsy.com/

a $15 gift certificate from http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com/

A gift certificate from http://babyswank.etsy,com/
A Custom copper heart necklace from http://www.etsy.com/shop/ct2designs

Winner's choice of a custom digital design from http://allyouneeddesigns.etsy,com/

Today we're sharing a yummy molasses cookie recipe, brought to you by zoegirldesigns.etsy.com

This recipe was given to me by my friend of many years, Emily. Her Mother and Grandmother both have used this recipe during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It has now become one of our favorites! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Molasses Cookie Recipe

¾ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

¼ cup molasses

1 egg

2 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon ginger

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. It works better if you use your hands to mix. Roll dough into small balls and then roll the balls in a bowl of sugar. You can use white sugar, or the pretty colored decorating sugar, whatever you prefer. Grease cookie sheets and place cookies on sheet. Bake at 375º for 7 to 9 minutes. I prefer my cookies chewy so I bake for 7 minutes. Enjoy!

Now, please take the opportunity to visit the next blog in our hop: http://www.crazyadorable.blogspot.com/

Marvelous Mom Weekly - Anne - Felt It

As a mom I always think about our environment as it will impact the future of our children. So with great excitement I am introducing today's marvelous mom whose items are all made with Eco-Felt Fabrics. It helps too that her items are really really cute! As you can see below, she has a very busy craft show schedule too. If you are in the area, stop by the craft show listed below and say hi to her! You can also see her beautiful items in person too!

Etsymom: Anne, Felt It (http://muppetloon.etsy.com/)

I am a SAHM of one 2-year-old daughter and an inner city high school teacher currently on child care leave.

I have always loved to make things, even as a small child. I have especially loved working with fibers and textiles.

For many years, cross-stitch was a pastime that I enjoyed. When I moved to NYC, my students learned how to crochet in an after school program and I became fascinated by the range of fibers that were available. I am just learning how to crochet now. At the time, I had chosen to take up knitting rather than crochet and was able to teach many of those same students the art of knitting.  That process took on an entirely new perspective when a couple of the students wished to learn how to sew. It renewed my passion for sewing that I had originally inherited from my mother, the quilter.

The tissue cozies began as graduation gifts for my students to take to college.  Something that I had handmade with a specific meaningful image for each student. The students and parents liked them so much that I was encouraged to extend the project.

So, here I am... experimenting, stitching, and creating new designs, structures, and crafts for myself, for my friends and family, and now for others through my etsy shop. Felt It items are all made from Eco-Felt Fabric. This felt fabric is made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles! Another score for the planet!
Woo hoo!

My favorite items in the shop currently are the pin cushions

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40373235) and eco felt balls

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39860337). My daughter loves
to play with them and so do I!


2010 Craft Show Appearances:

March 27: Crazy Crafty Cool - Congers, NY
http://www.crazycraftycool.com/crazycraftycool.com/Welcome.html

April 17: Ossining Spring Fling - Ossining, NY
http://www.americantowns.com/ny/ossining/events/ossining-campgrounds-spring-flin/g

April 24: {NewNew} Spring Holiday Cavalcade in Berry Park
http://www.thenewnewny.com/events.html

May 8: Crafts in Chelsea - NYC, NY
http://www.thenewnewny.com/CraftsInChelsea.html

June 13: SOWA Boston
http://www.southendopenmarket.com/

Anne Messley
Felt It
http://www.muppetloon.etsy.com/
You may also find "Felt It" on facebook.com

August's Featured Shop: mamasmagicstudio

This month's featured shop is mamasmagicstudio. Owner, Jen Johnson, believes that "something magical happens when human hands create beauty where there was none before." Her shop currently offers a variety of handcrafted items including: jewelry, knitting needles, dragonfly ornaments, bookmarks. Some of Jen's favorite medium are beads, semiprecious stones, and wire. She has always enjoyed crafting, taking after here mother who was a handcrafter now creating gorgeous quilts. She fondly recalls the handmade Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls her mother made to sell at a local boutique when she was in grade school. As an adult she has tried her hand at many different things: quilting, basket weaving, knitting, doll making, beading, hat making, sewing. In the future she would like to try felting, paper-making, crocheting and woodworking and it has always been her dream to learn how to work with glass.
Jen made her first sales of her handcrafted goods when she was in college....nearly 20 years ago, long before she imagined the existence of her Etsy shop, Mamas Magic Studio, which opened in July of 2008. Jen was actually introduced to Etsy through Craigslist in 2005, when she was thinking of opening an online shop for her baby friendly beads. Etsy was a perfect fit and she opened her firts shop, BabyFriendlyBeads.etsy.com, in February of 2006. This shop offered a unique line of breast feeding jewelry, inspired by her own experience as a mom. Jen enjoyed a great run with Baby Friendly Beads until late 2008 when the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) came into the spotlight. Designed to protect consumers, specifically children, from toxicity in their products, the CPSIA was born of good intentions as a result of the toxic lead paint scare from toys mass produced in China. Though, as many people know, this legislation is greatly flawed and does not take into account the difference between massive corporations, such as Matel, and the small cottage industry, including stay at home moms such as Jen. Blanket, end-unit testing is required across the board and HUGELY and negatively impacts the handcrafted sector putting many small companies and crafters out of business. So...in July of 2008 (before the CPSIA), Jen decided to open a second Etsy shop that would allow her to offer a wider variety of handmade items.
Jen refers to her primary job as "C.H.E.O. - Chief Home Economics Officer" of her family's little bungalow. Happily married for more than 12 years, the couple have a 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter. Before staying home, Jen wore the hats of high school English teacher, artist's model, college composition instructor, and swing dance teacher. Until becoming a mother, she had "never dreamed of opening my own business. But I love it!" With two little ones at home, Mama's Magic Studio is a "very part-time operation"; work gets done in small bits during the day or late at night or when her "wonderful husband" picks up the lack allowing her the free time to accomplish some work. After years of struggling with finding that elusive concept of balance, Jen has abandoned the concept all together stating that it is an overrated idea. She prioritizes and makes to-do lists, but doesn't push herself to achieve the impossible act of "juggling on a tightrope". Things "get done".
Some of the biggest challenges Jen has faced as an Etsy shop owner aside from the CPSIA, include taking quality pictures. She is also challenged to run her business on a shoestring budget. Finding ways to promote herself without "feeling like [she's] hawking [her] heart on some virtual street corner." She is a member of several Etsy teams to help with promotions. "Probably the biggest single challenge: finding time, using it wisely, not getting overly frustrated when the time i interrupted, as it so often is."
Last month Mama's Magic Studio participated in its first craft fair and Jen had an incredible time and plans to do more. Her knitting needles were also featured in a Storque article.
Jen's family is truly the joy of her life; "without them, Mama would have no magic!". She is a published poet, an aspiring children's book writer, and she can hula hoop!

May's Featured EtsyMom Shop

The EtsyMom shop being featured this May is SeaSpriteSoaps. SeaSpriteSoaps.etsy.com specializes in handmade cold process soaps from food grade vegetable oils and butters. SeaSpriteSoaps came to being about ten years ago...shop owner, Stephanie, had written several books and advertised them online. A woman who made herbal soaps and lotions offered to trade one of her books for one of Stephanie's, and so it began. Stephanie loved the "kitchen alchemy" of "creating something that's both useful and beautiful and smells great from scratch." She was hooked. After Stephanie and her family began using her soaps. they swore off store bought soaps. She made so much soap she started giving it away to family and friends.
When she closed her private practice in psychology, she decided to start selling her handmade soaps online at her domain shop, seaspritesoaps.com. Stephanie noticed many of her blogging friends mentioned Etsy so she decided to check out their links. SeaSpriteSoaps.etsy.com went live in July of 2007.

"My favorite part of making soap is the satisfaction of creating what I view as a necessity, soap, from distilled water, lye and oils. I like tweaking my soap formulas to get a good balance of conditioning, cleansing and bubbles."

"My least favorite aspect of soap making is cleaning up!"

All tools, utensils and molds have to be wiped clean and washed by hand in hot water before being placed in the dishwasher in order to ensure that no residual fragrance or oils are left that might effect the next batch. Admittedly, though, Stephanie says that one of the hardest parts is having to wait to use her new soaps; it takes at least a month to cure most of her soaps to achieve a hardness and mildness that is usable.


Since retiring from psychology, Stephanie no longer leaves the home to work, but stays busy at home...writing books, maintaining an online tutorial on PhotoImpact, teaching image editing classes online, creating characters for a 3D modeling program called Poser. Soap-making has gradually become her main focus made possible by a wonderfully supportive family that take an active interest in the business, often suggesting new fragrances or marketing ideas. Her children also help out with wrapping soaps and packaging them when time is short and orders are large. Stephanie is really happy with the positive feedback she has received and works hard to provide the best possible customer service she can by responding to questions and convos right away, shipping promptly and including samples or other goodies with each package she sends out.

Stephanie has been married 28 years and lives with her family in Naples, Florida near a wonderful beach. After earning an MS and PhD in clinical psychology from Virginia Tech, she began her career as a mom at the age of 41. She has two children, one daughter and one son. "They are great kids and it's such an adventure watching them grow up and become the people they are meant to be." The family also has several beloved pets: two Welsh Terriers, two cats, a zebra finch, a Ball python, lots of fish in the backyard lily pond. Her latest "quirk" is that she has become a devotee of the Food Network. "I think it's really improved my cooking! For Christmas last year my husband got me a set of beautiful Cuisinart pots and pans. What's funny is that as an unrepentant feminist, this did not offend me at all. I've been using old hand-me-down, dinged up pots and pans for so long, it's a pleasure to have beautiful new stuff to cook with."

April Birthdays

Join me in sending wishes to the Etsymoms celebrating their birthday this month:

4^th: gyniphr, twojoysart, PlaidGiraffe

6^th: obabygear

7^th: littlesomethingextra, BDFcreations

8^th: pampermeplease

10^th: Arctida

11^th: teetee

14^th: myaphrodite

15^th: lizzypops, cocobeans2008

18^th: LiliesOfAnnwn, bloomingpixels

19^th: Pumpkinheadbabyco, adelicatefew

20^th: littleglimpseslittleglimpses

21^st: MaggieMooDesigns

22^nd: slymagpie

23^rd: joeyandaleethea, abiscloset, playswithmud

26^th: Giggleberry

28^th: mysparetimedesign

30^th: Triz, thisandthatteam

Current Events

*Monthly Chat Thread*
Make sure you stop by the team “Chit-Chat” thread in the Teams & Events section of the Etsy Forums. This thread lasts all month long. The purpose of this thread is for the moms to get to know each other, share their blog links, talk about what’s going on with Etsymoms, share funny stories about the kiddos, etc. Please try and keep your promotions in the weekly promo thread. Stop by and say hello!

**Weekly Promo Thread**
Also, make sure you check out the EtsyMom Weekly promo threads in the Etsy Forums. Many EtsyMoms are featured in these threads every week! There is a new thread posted every Wednesday. Everyone is encouraged to participate in promoting! So please, stop by and promote yourself and other Etsymoms. Help us help each other! To find the most recent thread, go into the forums and search Etsymom and look for the most recent date.

**Kiddie Health Concerns Thread**
This is going to (hopefully) be a monthly feature as part of the Empowerment newsletter. QuirkyDolls has offered to do a Q&A type of article to post on the blog each month. So head on over to the Invision Board and post any kiddie health questions you might have. QuirkyDolls has a good list started; we just need YOU to add to it! You can ask anything! It can be short and sweet or very detailed. Whatever question is on your mind, let it out!

**Giveaways, Contests, Swaps, Etc. Thread**
Who doesn’t love a good giveaway, a cool contest or a fun swap? Now there is an official thread to share this info! You can post any kind of giveaways, contests, swaps, etc. They don’t have to be mommy or kid related. It can be anything! If you think someone else would like to know about it, then head over to the Invision Board and share the link with everyone!
I will also occasionally post them on the blog (if my schedule allows).

Right now, there is a really fun Easter Bunny Children’s Swap going on at Wee Pereas’ Blog. So make sure you check it out and sign up…but hurry, because the deadline is March 15th!

**Coupons, Coupons, Coupons and more Thread**
Did anyone watch Dr. Phil on 3/2/09? It was a money saving tips & tricks episode. He had Ashley aka Frugal Coupon Mom as a guest to share with everyone how she saves money by cutting coupons every week. I know I can sure use any ideas on stretching my dollars a little further! If you have any tips or tricks, or know of any good coupons websites, stop by the Invision Board and share them with all the EtsyMoms!

Easter Bunny Childrens Swap!

EASTER BUNNY CHILDREN'S SWAP

hosted by Wee Pereas

(click here for details)

March Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following EtsyMoms!

1st: sjcreations
2nd: KimCoxCrafts
3rd: sssmommy
MarchThirdDesigns
theclackhouse
7th: All Sweet
yourloveyboutique
9th: sewgirlyboutique
13th: mimosastudiosf
14th: deslynnwdesigns
16th: GraciousCreations
19th: cloud9designstudio
20th: PumpkinSeedMama
SugarBuzz
kardkreations
22nd: tammaleensbeads
23rd: llingdesigns
BeansproutCreations
24th: presentbydesign
25th: elephantshoeboutique
29th: blacksheepbags
30th: jodieflowers
31st: JanyMarie
bagsbychrissy
allissima


*Thanks to Heather of HandKnitHugs for putting this list together!*

February New Members!

Welcome New EtsyMoms! We had 59 new members join during the month of February!

divamommydesigns
ElleBowsAndMore
mlindseyphoto
cuddlebugscreations
Aslynnsafghans
IsLopi
mariasfavorites
DreamyStarryNight
littlebeautyboutique
tosweetpeafromme
PitterPatPrincess
treasurescreated
Sloanester
greatfulthread
creationsbycaseyfink
stuckinthecoop
princessdoodlebeans
KymminNC
elizatate
SophiaBellaMia
MagicMarkingsArt
lilyandlou
kerleyskreations
firstfruitsllc
BabyBums
lilyflysgarden
PreciousAccessories
SweetBabyCakeDesigns
blooop
liko18
imomzi
theprincessandme
sweetcrabhoney18
beckysglass
crochele
beadfriendly
bowz
triogirls
honeybunbakery
bdoodles
WFCBusyBees
BeanSproutCreations
kissablekreations
MyCreativeSideKG
yarnabees
thedesignermom
cuteandfun
ash0090
preppypeach
EmilysLittleTreasure
bluemonsterbows
graciebeanbaby
CowLickCutie
cynsationaltreasure
cressallcreations
lotsnmore
DimplesAndDiamonds
starknits

EtsyMom Current Events

*Reminder: "EMpowerment", the EtsyMom monthly newsletter is going to be posted throughout the month instead of having one huge post to read.*

February EtsyMom Events:

*Monthly Chat Thread*
In the Teams & Events section of the Etsy forums, you can find the “Chit-Chat” thread. This thread lasts all month long. The purpose of this thread is for the moms to get to know each other, share their blog links, talk about what’s going on with Etsymoms, etc.
Note: Please try and keep your promotions in the weekly promo thread.

*Weekly Promo Thread*
Also, make sure you check out the EtsyMom Weekly promo threads in the Etsy Forums. Many EtsyMoms are featured in these threads every week! There is a new thread posted every Wednesday. Everyone is encouraged to participate in promoting! So please, stop by and promote yourself and other Etsymoms. Help us help each other! To find the most recent thread, go into the forums and search Etsymom and look for the most recent date.

*EMpowerment Volunteers*
Do you like to write? Do you like to volunteer? Then make sure you check out this post on the EtsyMom Invision Board. We are looking for some more volunteers to help out with the monthly newsletters. Or if you have any ideas or topics, feel free to post those too! We'd love to know what kind of topics you would like to see more information on.

Happy Thanksgiving!

EtsyMom is kicking off the holidays with the Season Opening Sale! EtsyMom is having a team sale starting tomorrow, November 28! Search "EtsyMomSOS" (all one word) on Etsy to find participating shops! (Or, CLICK HERE!)

You can also browse sales by using this list:

jholtonquilts.etsy.com
sweetspiritdesigns.etsy.com
happyathomehandmade.etsy.com
highpockets.etsy.com
east4thstreet.etsy.com
zuzugirl.etsy.com
wylesstyle.etsy.com
cinnamonspice.etsy.com
keepyourbabyclose.etsy.com
squaresofflair.etsy.com
meeabee.etsy.com
frillerup.etsy.com
kuteklipboardsbyamy.etsy.com
meldewdesigns.etsy.com
tiltcreations.etsy.com
lilliputianmama.etsy.com
weezawear.etsy.com
cocobeans2008.etsy.com
totentots.etsy.com
kimdeanart.etsy.com
twozanyzebras.etsy.com
demandablue.etsy.com
lillipopsdesigns.etsy.com
berrycreekcandles.etsy.com
jaimesews.etsy.com
boodybabies.etsy.com
HannahsHands.etsy.com
butterflygem.etsy.com
peekabooproductions.etsy.com
donnapool.etsy.com
boldandsassydesigns.etsy.com
littleras.etsy.com

Thank you all so much for playing along in the EtsyMom Super Giveaway! 52 prizes have been given away already, and we still have 8 left to come! We are taking today off in observance of the holiday, but we will be back at it tomorrow, and on November 30, we are sending the Super Giveaway out with a bang by doing 4 giveaways!

Mommy Lyssa's Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER, ERIN, MAKER OF CHIMES!

Welcome to the 45th giveaway in EtsyMom's month-long SUPER GIVEAWAY!

Mommy Lyssa, a shop specializing in girl's hair accessories, is giving away this pretty set of bows!


These adorable Christmas taffetta bows are perfect for Christmas, or for just regular day wear. Made with quality ribbon, and heat sealed to last a life time! The winner will be able to let Mommy Lyssa know if they would like these placed on an alligator clip, barette, large or small elastics! Also, let her know if you would like the no slip grip added if your little one has thin/fine hair!

This item can be shipped within the US.

To enter to win these great bows, all you need to do is visit Mommy Lyssa's store, then come right back here and enter a somewhat detailed comment about the store.

Deadline for entering giveaway is 11:30pm today, Nov 23. Don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win! Please, original comments only. Duplicate and/or obscene comments will be deleted. For complete giveaway guidelines, please read the information at the very top of this page.

New England Gifts' Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER, LAURA!

Welcome to the 44th giveaway in EtsyMom's month-long SUPER GIVEAWAY!

This snuggly blanket comes from New England Gifts, a store brimming with cozy baby accessories!


Small Retro Dot Minky Blanket in a color of your choice! (See website for color selection)

WOW! This blanket needs to be felt to be truly appreciated!

This giveaway is for small (lovey) sized blanket made from a wonderful retro polka dot minky and backed in a coordinating solid color minky. The winner can choose from any of the colors offered on our website. (Blue/Brown/Tan retro dot backed in chocolate brown or blue; Pink/Green/Brown retro dot backed in chocolate brown or pink)

The two layers of incredibly soft fleece minky (minkee) give this blanket amazing softness, texture, and quality. The two layers are sewn together, then topstitched for durability and years of use. This blanket speaks to a parents style, and a baby's needs. This size is perfect to snuggle up to, or take with you on the go.

This item can be shipped within the US.

To enter to win this great blanket, all you need to do is visit New England Gifts's store, then come right back here and enter a somewhat detailed comment about the store.

Deadline for entering giveaway is 11:30pm today, Nov 22. Don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win! Please, original comments only. Duplicate and/or obscene comments will be deleted. For complete giveaway guidelines, please read the information at the very top of this page.

Wyles Style's Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER, I DO FACES!

Welcome to the 43rd giveaway in EtsyMom's month-long SUPER GIVEAWAY!

This wristlet comes from Wyles Style, a shop filled with purses, clutches, wristlets and mini-wallets.


Perfect for carrying by itself or putting in a larger bag, this wristlet features a gorgeous blue and brown damask pattern. It's lined in chocolate brown cotton fabric and it has a white zipper to keep all your things secure. The wristlet has been created paying close attention to detail and is sure to last for years to come!

This item can be shipped worldwide.

To enter to win this great wristlet, all you need to do is visit Wyles Style's store, then come right back here and enter a somewhat detailed comment about the store.

Deadline for entering giveaway is 11:30pm today, Nov 22. Don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win! Please, original comments only. Duplicate and/or obscene comments will be deleted. For complete giveaway guidelines, please read the information at the very top of this page.

And the EMCA goes to...

How about this giveaway? Isn't it awesome?! So many great prizes given away already, and so many left to come! Today is November 15 (already!) and we would normally be publishing the EtsyMom newsletter, but we have decided to skip it this month and make up for it by publishing our first ever holiday edition next month! (EtsyMoms click here to learn more about it!)

The EtsyMom team does a monthly "challenge" to encourage our members to curate as many Etsy treasuries as possible and the mom who gets the most wins the EMCA, aka EtsyMom Curator Award. Each month, the challenge goes from the 15th to the 14th of the following month, and we are here to announce the winner of the October-November round of the EMCA! Huge thank you for EtherealRhapsody for tallying up all the treasuries and writing the following article!

------

The following EtsyMoms are our high scorers of 4 or more Treasuries. Thank you so much for all your efforts and perseverance! It just gets more challenging as the festivities and the seasonal holidays descend upon us.

2QT4Words, mom to a little girl who models her TuTus. She also has quilts, and party favors to offer.

BoodyBabies, our first EMCA winner who if but for the fact that she won the previous EMCA would have tied for the award this round as well. Not only does she create baby accessories, blankets, gift sets, children’s clothing, aprons, banners, bags and totes but she is the one we have to thank because in addition to curating the treasuries, she has been almost single-handedly posts all the treasuries on the blog recently. Thank you so very much for your participation and contribution to this award!

RebeccasRags, a repeat high scorer who creates rag quilts, burp cloths, fleece blankets, tote bags and clothing. She has 3 kids aged 16, 11 and 3

StampinMom creates cards, gift tags, wooden letters and also has a special section for a creation by her daughter.

StitchinMommy, is repeat high scorer who creates cross-stitch baby bibs, note cards, ornaments, sachets and 18 inch doll clothes. She is mom to a 1 yr old.

WeezaWear is a mom who works in and outside her home, she creates children clothing, baby slings, women's clothing, hair accessories, Boo Boo Packs

Without further ado, 2QT4Words won with 7 Treasuries. Wow!

How many Treasuries did we score this month? 62! Hooray!

A BIG thank you to all including alphabulous, alycia, cinnamonspice, californiacreations, cindyjoy, domesticdays, flandersfield, jholtonquilts, jleighdesigns, peekabooproductions, sweetbeets, totentots, wylesstyle and zuzugirl for curating for the rest of us. Pictures say so much and watching how they are pulled together is exciting!

Just a quick reminder to review the short list of rules:
1. All items in the Treasury need to be from EtsyMom stores. We appreciate the honesty as it keeps my sanity come counting time.
2. You must mention EtsyMom in your title or subtitle.
3. You cannot win the month you are a sponsor.

So! Our 3rd round has already started as of November 15 till midnight, December 14th. We need Clickers and Commenters. Click and comment on every EtsyMom Treasury you can! Statistics of each Treasury are recorded and increase the chance of it making the first page of Etsy! It's such a validation to see that others are appreciating the effort by their comments.

Our sponsors for the November-December round are tiltcreations, monogrammingbytammy, and craftyslb. Thank you for volunteering your lovely stores!

MHolland's Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER, JAIMESEWS!!

Welcome to the 15th giveaway in EtsyMom's Month-Long SUPER GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is a set of 4 coasters MHolland, a shop full of handmade clothing and accessories for all ages!



This set of 4 handmade blue coasters are a great accessory for any room! The coasters are 100% cotton and are also washable. These coasters measure 4x4in.

To enter to win this set of 4 handmade blue coasters, stop by MHollands store, then come right back here and enter a somewhat detailed comment about your favorite item in the store (excluding the one that's shown here).

Deadline for entering giveaways is 11:30pm today, Nov 8th. Don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact the winner! Please, original comments only. Duplicate and/or obscene comments will be deleted. For complete giveaway guidelines, please read the section entitled "Super Giveaway Guidelines" at the very top of this page, so your entry will be valid!

EMpowerment

October 2008

THE VERY FIRST ETSYMOM CURATOR AWARD GOES TO…
By Rachel of EtherealRhapsody

How many Treasuries did we score this month? An impressive 64!
A BIG thank you to all including carottelychee, cinnamonspice, craftgirlalli, elizabear, etherealrhapsody, frillerup, jleighdesigns, kimcoxcrafts, littlebitsshabby, mimowha, pukingpastilles, rikrak, scrapadot, sistertosister, sweetbeets, thelittlelovebug, vivdstudio, weezawear, wylesstyle, 2QT4words for participating and coming up with lovely and creative treasuries! It was enjoyable to follow the thread and watch the excitement as each of you snagged a treasury!

Now of the big scorers – yes, I’m going to keep you waiting for the winner.

These moms snagged more than 4 treasuries each! Kudos to each of you with our thanks for giving our team wonderful exposure, we appreciate the time that you spent watching for a treasury to open up. In alphabetical order, here a little bit on each of them

BoodyBabies is a stay at home mom who creates baby accessories, blankets, gift sets, children’s clothing, aprons, banners, bags and totes.

BubbleGirlKnits is a stay at home mom who creates accessories, baby blankets, bath time fun, booties, clothing, hats for all ages, mittens and scarves.

CaliforniaCreations works full time from home and creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cards, tags, scrapbook pages, holiday fun and sells supplies

DomesticDays is a stay at home mom to be, counting the days to her bundle of joy (congratulations!) She creates aprons, towels and custom items

RebeccasRags is a stay at home mom who creates rag quilts, burp cloths, fleece blankets, tote bags and clothing.

StitchinMommy is a stay at home mom who creates cross stitch baby bibs, note cards, ornaments, sachets and 18 inch doll clothes.

And the 1st ever EtsyMom Curator Award goes to BoodyBabies with a personal total of 8 Treasuries! She will pick her prize from one of our 3 sponsors Craftgirlalli, EtherealRhapsody, WylesStyle. Thank you ladies for offering lovely prizes!

What do these top curators have to say about how they pick items for their treasuries? I asked them to give us some insight into the process and hints for those of us who might not have the time to create a Treasury but certainly appreciate the chance to be in one.

1. Clear, nicely cropped pictures with simple backgrounds
2. Tag your item carefully and be sure to include the color of your time in the tag, even go as far as a descriptive color like chocolate brown, raspberry red. And of course do not forget to tag your item as EtsyMom Team
3. Newly listed will be browsed through first. If your item has been listed very long ago, consider renewing it to increase its chances of being seen for a Treasury pick.

What an excellent response to our first competition! Remember the 2nd round has already started as of October 15 till midnight, November 14th. And as always, we need Clickers. Click in every EtsyMom Treasury you can, on every item as statistics of each Treasury are recorded and increase the chance of it making the first page. A comment at the bottom would also be a wonderful way to tell the curator you saw her work and it is being enjoyed.

Our sponsors for the October-November round are Butterflygem, Pukingpastilles and Sweetbeets. Let’s curate!

THE NEW EMCA BLOG!
By Brandy of Wyles Style

Due to the amazing response by EtsyMoms to the EMCA, we have decided to start a brand new blog dedicated solely to the EMCA! We will be posting all treasury screenshots on this blog from now on. We also have EtsyMinis for the sponsors on the new blog, the winner’s EtsyMini, links for you to submit your EtsyMom treasury for the EMCA, to sign up to be a sponsor for the EMCA, and even a link back to last month’s newsletter where we explained the EMCA and posted a treasury tutorial! You can find the new blog at TheEMCA.blogspot.com.


SUPER GIVEAWAY IS COMING!
By Kimberly of CinnamonSpice

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 giveaway, 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 everyday to receive one of over 50 prizes. Prizes range from an assortment of hand embroidery, vintage finds, hair clippies, baby accessories, paper crafts, 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 at EtsyMom.com beginning November 1st for giveaway rules and deadlines!

*To read all about the giveaway, and get advertising graphics, please visit THIS LINK!

CURRENT EVENTS
By Allison of CraftGirlAlli

EMCA
On September 15, the Etsymom Team started the “EtsyMom Curator Award” or the “EMCA”. The goal of this challenge is to see how many EtsyMom Treasuries the group could get in a month. Boy, oh
boy! We had a huge response to this challenge! The last I knew, we had over 45 treasuries curated!! Way to go, Moms! Each treasury is posted on the EtsyMom Blog for everyone to see. There is also an Official EMCA thread on the EtsyMom message board where you can find all the details and rules about the EMCA.

Monthly Chat Thread
Last month the team started a new “Chit-Chat” thread in the Teams & Events section of the Etsy Forums. This thread lasts all month long. The purpose of this thread is for the moms to get to know each other, share their blog links, talk about what’s going on with Etsymoms, etc. Please try and keep your promotions in the weekly promo thread.
Stop by and say hello!

Weekly Promo Thread
Also, make sure you check out the EtsyMom Weekly promo threads in the Etsy Forums. Many EtsyMoms are featured in these threads every week! There is a new thread posted every Wednesday. Everyone is encouraged to participate in promoting! So please, stop by and promote yourself and other Etsymoms. Help us help each other! To find the most recent thread, go into the forums and search Etsymom and look for the most recent date.

Calling All Traders!
Do you like to trade? Then you’ve come to the right place! The Etsymom team has started a “Trading List” for all moms who are interested. Trading is a great way to get your shop name out there and get some feedback. It’s also a great way to get some Holiday Shopping done! To find out more about trading and/or to be added to the list, then follow this link to the thread.

Team Chat Events
Etsymom is interested in starting up some chat events. There is a thread started, to post what times you would be available for chat.
We are also looking for some volunteers to “HOST” those chat events. All you have to do is go into the Etsy chat rooms and create a room titled “Etsymom Team Chat”. You would be responsible for keeping the conversation flowing. You can talk about anything you want. The purpose of these chat events are to get to know other Etsymoms. If you are interested in doing this, please contact CraftGirlAlli on Etsy or email me craftgirlalli@yahoo.com


FEATURED MEMBER
By Melynda of AngelHearts

Since a chill is in the air and colder days are right around the corner, we are all beginning to think about hats, scarves, blankets, etc...I am so excited to share Lisa Charbonneau's Etsy shop BubbleGirlKnits with you as she has some of the cutest designs to keep your little ones toasty this fall and winter season! I asked Lisa to share with us a little about herself, her family and shop. I also asked her to tell us what she thinks is the best thing about starting an Etsy business, and also any advice she can give to help us all.

"My mother taught me how to knit when I was 5 years old, the first real thing I made was a set of panda bears and I actually still have them. I knit my first sweater when I was eight, and I haven't stopped since. I learned to crochet from a book when I was teenager, but didn't crochet much until recently. I have made hundreds of gifts for family and friends over the years, mostly baby shower gifts, and have always been encouraged to sell my knitting. I became a stay at home mom when my son was born 5 years ago, our daughter followed 21 months later and we found it hard to make ends meet with only one income. I tried going back to work at night, but found the commute and lack of sleep too overwhelming. That's when I decided to seriously investigate a way to sell my knitting. I did a little research online and discovered Etsy.

I make hand knit and crocheted infant and children's wear for m y Etsy shop, Bubblegirl. I offer mostly hats, scarves, baby blankets and booties. I try to use only very soft yarn, I have sensitive skin and don't like to wear 'scratchy' clothes and I imagine children and babies don't either. I have found the most popular items in my shop have been my baby tassel hats and I have just started making the same hats in larger sizes for older children. My flowered beanies are also quite popular at my kids' school.

To me, the best thing about Etsy is being able to operate my own business with very little startup cost. I couldn't believe how easy it was to open my shop for just 20 cents to list an item! The Etsy community is also fantastic, from Admin to the other sellers, everyone is willing to give advice and help each other out, just like the EtsyMom Team. The best piece of advice I can offer someone getting started is to have patience and never give up. It takes time to make your first sale and build up a following. I'm still working on that, but there are so many resources on Etsy to get tips on marketing and promoting your shop like the Storque, the Virtual Labs and the forums. The one thing I keep telling myself when I get discouraged is a line from one of my kids' favorite movies, Disney's Meet the Robinsons, 'never give up and keep moving forward'. "

SPOTLIGHT
By Allison of CraftGirlAlli

The Spotlight Section is designated for any and all EtsyMoms that have been featured during the month. The feature could be anywhere, whether it is another Etsymom’s blog, or any blog for that matter, a local news paper, another online outlet, etc.

Sweetbeets was featured on Savvy Mom.

Anhoki was featured on CraftGirlAlli’s Blog.

The above mentioned EtsyMoms were featured somewhere during the month of August. For next month’s Spotlight Section, please contact Allison at craftgirlalli@yahoo.com or look for the thread in the Etsymoms Promotions section.

BIRTHDAYS
By Brandy of WylesStyle

Happy Birthday to all EtsyMoms who have October birthdays!

2nd: kazzalblue
3rd: Timeandsand
6th: madebymama
10th: CozyMoments, ribbonsncurls, reillybelle
13th: iHeartHandmade, rebeccasrags, babypeasandcarrots
16th: paulasstressart
23rd: cardoncreativedesign
24th: silvernstones
25th: NewEnglandQuilter
26th: MothersPreciousGems
29th: MamasLittleStuff, Frogwitch, TiltCreations
30th: RockerChic, MonogrammingByTammy
31st: BlackBird72

NEW MEMBERS
By Allison of CraftGirlAlli

Welcome to all the new members to the EtsyMom team who joined in September!

1313crybabylane 2QT4Words AbbeyLane abeachcreation accesoryalamode afdesigns agoodwitchtoo alfcreations allissima amyhatch angelanadesigns angelarbp apeekofparadise apricotsandlollipops arlenesgirlygirls ArtfulMommy autumnwhispers babus babybearsmama baruchslullaby bayanhippo beachcottagestudio bellflowertextiles bellytobaby benandlucyboutique berrysweetstuff bigyellowdog blacksheepbags bluesprinkle boldandsassydesigns boygirlboygirldesign buzzylittlebeads candleconfections catheavencrafts cathycahill catuzcate charisbella cocobeans2008 ColorOfDawnCreations craftsbyellen craftyslb crazypixie80 demandablue

Dhuni east4thstreet ellabobella ellajeangifts frillerup GelnScents getinmybelly gmistudio GoAskMalice gyniphr handprintlady hoganmer hollydazecreations hookedonthread IcingOnTheCupcake jemzy jerseygirls jholtonquilts JillyBeanQuilts JnSDesigns jodieflowers jpascarella1 KateEschbach katiesegel kimcoxcrafts kissmekatie lauramarne lettersandlullabies LHJewelryBoutique littlebitshabby LittlePaperDog marcyscreations maxandmagnolia mbpeik miapella MichelleW mimipea mimowha MomNMiaQuilts momofwildones4 monogrammingbytammy munchinmakings

muselady nameframes naturallyfelt nostalgems opusmuse pamperedprincessbows peanutbutterandella petalheads phoebeslanding picklepie pixelperfect planetdestiny RabbitPatch RachelMunoz rosieanne sage sammyrams sblaho sobeeitcouture shastinalynn sigmosaics SilverRoseDesigns smilemonsters sophiescloset Spoolofplenty sprinklesbowtique Stampinmom stickinthemud stonesofhealing suebeebuzz surfhoundsoapcompany sweetthingz Sweet Tweets teaandlaundry thinkingmama tiffanyc tiltcreations weezawear whiffybeanbags wickedgems yunny zuzubaby