Marvelous Mom Weekly - Maria - Vital Mother Moon

As a busy mom we always put our family first - kids, husband, pets - and sometimes we forgot about ourselves. So if you are reading this post, grap a cup of tea (or drink of your choice!), sit down and relax before continuing because the Etsymom that we are featuring is here to help you pamper yourself! Don't forget to visit her site to see the many wonderful items she offers too!

Etsymom: Maria - Vital Mother Moon (http://www.vitalmothermoon.etsy.com/)

I am Maria from Vital Mother Moon. I am a new mom - though not new at all to mothering. A Certified Prenatal and Postpartum Doula for the past 6 years and also a certified prenatal yoga instructor and a certified clinical herbalist! I have helped over 90 mothers and seen 90 babies brought into this amazing time and I have been devoted to the health and well being of women and their young babes for almost a decade!


On Etsy I make healing care products for body - inside and out. The products are made from my other social enterprise - urban farming! I own and manage a community-based urban farm in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA. There we grow our herbs and harvest and dry them for tea mixes, tinctures and salves! Everything is done right here in Pittsburgh PA and we are excited to see customers come from all over the U.S. to check out what this growing "green" city has to offer!

I am now officially a Mompreneur! My sun Negus Tafari was born on September 26th and he is an amazing little man. He sits in his chair or bounces in his jumperoo while I work on products, promotions and packaging! Its been a joy to share the business and soon - the urban farm - with him this year!

I am inspired continually by women herbalist across this world from Rosemary Gladstar ro Rosita Arvigo, Jeanine Baker and many others! I am excited to have received some of their knowledge to pass on in superior-quality herbal-based products through Vital Mother Moon.

You can become a fan of Vital Mother Moon on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/vitalmothermoon

or follow us on twitter at:
www.twitter.com/mariavitalmoon

And of course our etsy site is:
http://www.vitalmoon.etsy.com/

Anyone who mentions this article in their order will get a free sample-size Winter Healing Salve!

Welcome Spring Giveaway #7 - Paper Stork (Closed)

For those of you who loves to decorate your little one's room, this is the store that you must visit. Our giveaway today is sponsored by Jessica from Paper Stork (http://paperstork.etsy.com/)! In her store, you will find custom handmade, original and unique nursery and children's artwork. She also accepts customer order to create one of a kind party favors and supplies! If you are planning a birthday party, then hop on over to her store to see what she has to offer! Don't forget to come back here to learn more about Jessica and enter the contest!

What’s your store name and how long have you been an Etsymom?

My shop is The Paper Stork and I recently joined Etsymom. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, it feels like home (without the crying baby).

Tell us something about you, your family, your craft or your store?

I'm a full time Mama to two girls. I've always loved paper goods and crafting. While I was pregnant with my first kiddo, I couldn't find any nursery art that was special enough for my first baby. I created my first three nursery pieces and discovered my desire to create pieces for friends and family. I love the idea of creating a piece of art that will be part of such a special room in the home, the nursery.

Where do you get your inspirations?

I'm inspired by my children and the journeys we take together.

What is the first thing you think of when someone said “Spring”?

Sun shining, birds chirping and flowers blooming...oh, and in New England, snow melting!

Give us some ideas on how to have the most family fun during Spring?

We love to get outside with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and bikes. If it isn't too chilly, we'll grab a picnic basket and have some peanut butter and banana sandwiches outside. We keep it simple but fun.

Do you have a blog, facebook fanpage, twitter account or another store?

I have a blog, http://www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com/.

I also feature my items on my Facebook page, Barefoot By The Sea and have a tab for My Etsy.

The winner of this giveaway will get a beautiful Freshly Picked Flower Nursery Art

Mandatory Entry - Visit Paper Stork (http://www.paperstork.etsy.com/) and select one favorite item from the store, leave a comment with your email address (so I can contact you if you win).

5 Entries - Purchase any item from Paper Stork (http://www.paperstork.etsy.com/), leave 5 comments

1 Entries - Follow Etysmom Blog (current follower is also eligible), leave 1 comment with you user ID or name

1 Entries - Become an Etsymom Facebook Fan (current fan is also eligible), leave 1 comment with your user ID or name

1 Entries - Follow Jessica's Blog (http://www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com/ ), leave 1 comment with you user ID or name

3 Entries - Blog about this giveaway, leave 3 comments and the link to your blog post

1 Entry - Tweet about this giveaway, leave 1 comment each day you tweeted with the link to your tweet

***This Giveaway is open to US and Canada***

There are so many different ways to win. This giveaway will end on Monday Apr 5th at 11:59pm PST. Each entry is assigned a # and the winning # will be drawn by random.org and announced on this blog as well as emailed.

*****************************************************
Etsymoms, if you are interested to be the next Giveaway, please contact Alice at lilprincessbow@gmail.com for more information. Thank you and have fun!

WINNER!
The winning comment selected by random.org is #39
Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love the Happy Butterfly Nursery Art!
April 4, 2010 1:46 AM
Winner has been notified and will have 48 hrs to repsond.

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

Welcome Spring Giveaway #6 - Jarrett Baby and Jarrett Creations (Closed)

Did you know that this past Saturday is first day of Spring? I love the longer days and the beautiful flowers of Spring. And, I am happy to continue our Spring giveaway with Jarrett Baby (http://www.jarrettbaby.etsy.com/) & Jarrett Creations (http://www.jarrettcreations.etsy.com/) , two stores owned by our very talented Etsymom Kimberly. She is a busy mom and you can see why right below:

What’s your store name and how long have you been an Etsymom? Jarrett Baby & Jarrett Creations, and I have no idea! Sometime this last fall…

Tell us something about you, your family, your craft or your store? My name is Kimberly, I have a husband (David) and 21 month old daughter (Riley Anne), work full time and I run my two Etsy shops. Busy busy!

Where do you get your inspirations?

Other moms, what they’re needing when they have infants and toddlers. I try to make practical items at great costs, and of course in fashionable choices.

What is the first thing you think of when someone said “Spring”?

Babies! Spring time is a great time for new babies :) 

Give us some ideas on how to have the most family fun during Spring?

It’s all about family, Easter of course starts it off, then we have a slew of family birthdays as well as Riley’s in May where our ENTIRE family gets together.

Do you have a blog, facebook fanpage, twitter account or another store? http://www.jarrettcreations.blogspot.com/

www.facebook/jarrettbaby

The winner of this giveaway will get one Spring Time Towel Bib

Mandatory Entry - Visit Jarrett Baby (http://www.jarrettbaby.etsy.com/) or Jarrett Creations (http://www.jarrettcreations.etsy.com/)  and select one favorite item from each store, leave a comment with your email address (so I can contact you if you win).

5 Entries - Purchase any item from either store, leave 5 comments

1 Entries - Follow Etysmom Blog (current follower is also eligible), leave 1 comment with you user ID or name

1 Entries - Become an Etsymom Facebook Fan (current fan is also eligible), leave 1 comment with your user ID or name

1 Entries - Follow Jarrettcreations Blog (http://jarrettcreations.blogspot.com/), leave 1 comment with you user ID or name

1 Entries - Become a Fan On Jarrettbaby Facebook Page (http://www.facebook/jarrettbaby), leave 1 comment with your user ID or name

3 Entries - Blog about this giveaway, leave 3 comments and the link to your blog post

1 Entry - Tweet about this giveaway, leave 1 comment each day you tweeted with the link to your tweet

***This Giveaway is open to US, Canada & UK***

There are so many different ways to win. This giveaway will end on Wednesday March 31st at 11:59pm PST. Each entry is assigned a # and the winning # will be drawn by random.org and announced on this blog as well as emailed.

*****************************************************
Etsymoms, if you are interested to be the next Giveaway, please contact Alice at lilprincessbow@gmail.com for more information. Thank you and have fun!

WINNER!
The winning comment drawn by random.org is #19
momtoem said...

Fan Of Jarrettbaby on Facebook (lena naef)
lejn05@yahoo.com
March 26, 2010 3:25 PM
Winner has been notified and will have 48 hours to respond.
Please check your SPAM folder as sometimes my email is not recognized by your email.
If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be selected.

September Featured Shop: Zuzu Girl Handmade

This month's featured EtsyMom shop is zuzugirl.etsy.com. Here is what Krisit has to say....
"I am a passionate woman, perpetual decorator, avid photographer, habitual consumer, Etsy junkie, blogging fool & mom of two that adores designing pretty little things. I grew up in South Florida, spent a few years in New York City after graduating from the University of Florida (go Gators!) and finally settled in Marin County, California.  It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life and twelve years after arriving here I still look my surroundings in sheer awe.  When I'm not at my desk creating you can find me in the yoga studio or dancing, singing & doing art projects with my two darling children that simply crack me up every single day.  Gage is almost six and just started first grade.  Big man on campus!  Zuzu, my inspiration, is three.  

In  2007 I left a thriving career in retail merchandising to spend more time with my two young children.  It was the toughest decision I've ever made.  The first year went by pretty quickly and I was busy with a 6 month old and a three year old.  Then, about a year ago,  I was in a ballet class with my daughter, Zuzu.  The teacher handed us a pair of plastic shower curtain rings with beat up, but colorful ribbon streaming from them.  Zuzu and her friends adored them and they pranced around the room like little ballerinas.   I looked at these dance rings and thought simply, "I can make these.  And I can make them pretty."  It was basically at that point that zuzu girl handmade was born.  I started making the dance rings for Zuzu and her friends.  The dance rings inspired wands and the wands, matching headbands & halos.  I'd been shopping on Etsy for a few months so when my mother insisted I try to sell my work I  went ahead and opened a shop of my own there.  

In the first month one of my good friends saw what I was doing and requested a large wholesale order for her shop which sold out quickly.  I was also charged with the task of outfitting several ballet classes at the local gym with ribbon tutus and matching headbands for their recital.  It was quite an undertaking.   I had a blast but unfortunately, the time it took to mass produce those orders really stole time away from my Etsy shop and didn't allow me to actually sit and create.  I missed that and have turned down every wholesale inquiry since then.  I hope to be able to do both some day but right now there just isn't the time.  

My biggest challenge getting this business going has definitely been time management.  I think most stay at home moms & Etsy shop owners face the same problem.  It's a daily lesson in efficiency as I try to buy supplies, create, photograph, list & market (tweet, blog, facebook, flickr, chat...)  all in the few hours the kids are in school or asleep without losing too much sleep myself.  I definitely get frustrated that nothing is ever quite as perfect as I would like but I just try to be thankful for what I am able to accomplish.  I am a Merchant to the core and the fact that I am able to be home with my kids and use my own hands & creative instincts rather than for a corporate giant is so rewarding.  I can only hope to grow my business enough so that I might be able to earn enough income to continue with zuzu girl for many years to come but for now I am just grateful for today.

I am also a proud member of the  EtsyKids Team and a contributor to Modern Handmade Child Magazine."

You can check out all the beautiful items Kristi offers by visiting her shop at www.zuzugirl.etsy.com.

February's Featured Shop

"I eat, live and breath Florida Gator football!"

This month's featured EtsyMom Teammate's shop is Bold & Sassy Designs. Born and raised in Pensacola, FL, Tiffany moved to Atlanta after high school, where she met her husband of 5 years. Her family has recently returned to the Pensacola area (specifically Navarre) for her husband's new job. Bold & Sassy Designs opened shop on Etsy in July of 2008. Specializing in stationary and invitations, Tiffany brings 10 years of experience in the graphic design industry to the table. A work-at-home mommy to her 3-year-old son, Aidan, she not only operates Bold & Sassy Designs, but also runs a web and graphic design company, V Design Group. Tiffany draws inspiration for her art from many different places, but primarily from her son..."it's amazing the imagination of a 3 year old." She finds clients' excitement about their purchase to be the most satisfying part of her craft. "It makes me feel good to know that they are pleased and it was what they wanted." When asked the least favorite part of her art, her reply was "picking fonts-I have so many that I love that it is a real chore for me to decide which ones to use." She credits her success to her customers and her friends and family...."they are my walking advertisements-I do not pay to advertise." Although, finding balance between work and home life has been challenging since moving away from the support of family and friends, Tiffany has been able to integrate the two by setting aside blocks of time to work on orders and new designs and making sure to shut the computer down and focus on family when those times are up. She plans to continue to grow her business over the next years, although with plans for baby #2 within the next 5 years, she is unsure how a second baby will impact her goals for her shop in the future.