Introducing SquishyBee

Today We Introduce You To Cortney from SquishyBee

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?

I loved arts/crafts and a friend mentioned etsy. I had never heard of it before so when I checked it out I was instantly a fan and knew this was for me!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?

I had the hardest time coming up with a name I thought suit. I spent more then a week thinking and making lists until it hit me. It was right in front of me the whole time! SquishyBee is what we call my second to youngest daughter. Not only did it suit my shop perfect it was very special to me as well :)

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

I think these are too cute! http://www.etsy.com/shop/yalipaz

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?

That people actually wanted to buy my items enough that it has been a huge success for me! I thought I might sell something here and there over a period of months but I am at the point I am booked with custom doll orders through the rest of the year! I keep the smaller things like the onesies open for custom orders though.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Finding time. I have 4 kiddos, I am a stay at home mom and home-school so finding the perfect balance has been hard. I want to make sure my husband, kids, and house stay my number one priority! It has been a long time of trial and error with time management but I think I am getting to the place I want to be.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products? I only sell what I would buy and make sure each item has a quality to be proud of. I put my name on each item because I stand behind what I make.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?

laid back and crafty

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?

The music to my ears while I create is the sounds of my children :)

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?

Helping my kids with school or doing something nice with them, sometimes a date with my hubby, cleaning.... all the things that need to be done. I don’t have much time for any extra besides that!

SquishyBee $50.00	SquishyBee $12.00	SquishyBee $15.00	SquishyBee $12.00
SquishyBee $12.00	SquishyBee $19.50	SquishyBee	SquishyBee $19.50

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Introducing Mamma 190

Today We Introduce You to

Diana from Mamma 190

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?
I always liked the Etsy community, I started as a buyer and I was always fascinated about all those wonderful things I found on Etsy, and their the excellent workmanship. I learned how to sew after my daughter's birth, it was like a fresh breeze, then I felt ready to open my Etsy shop.

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?
It is not a great story indeed. I was "arch190" already on Etsy, it is my online nickname. Nothing special, it comes for "architect", 190 is just to add some numbers I needed once to log in, they come from a phone card that was on my desk that day. When I opened my Etsy shop I was "arch190" already and it is was not possible to switch to "mamma190". I changed "architect" to "mamma" (that means "mom" in italian) since it has a deep and sweet meaning. The "mamma" in Italy is everything, all things made from a "mamma" are the best and most loving things you can get. This is what I want to relay by naming my shop "mamma190", to say that you will find the most loving, caring and special things there, made from a mom. Like getting a hug and a kiss from your mom.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
Oh yes, I have many favorite Etsy shops! What tempts me the most are those beautiful shops where form, shape and design have a strong character. One of my favorite shops lately is BiscuitCuit (http://www.etsy.com/shop/BiscuitCuit), it is a beautiful shop offering handmade wheel thrown ceramics. I'm fascinated with what this girl makes. I can say, in first person, her work is just perfect.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
It surprises me everyday to be able to travel “everywhere” through my shop and my craft! It fascinates me since I love traveling, to know a little piece of me is somewhere out there in this big world, it makes me very happy. It is also amazing to be in touch with all of these wonderful people, sellers, buyers and sometimes, to become real friends!

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Promotion and getting noticed is really challenging. Finding your place in the intricate Etsy universe is not easy.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
As I said before, I want to communicate through my craft that beautiful mom feeling most of us know, that warm touch, how special you feel when someone cares about you and makes special things for you. For me quality and innovation are also very important. Quality through beautifully made items, perfect workmanship, nice natural materials. Innovation through tradition and simplicity.

Q: how would someone (other then you) describe you?
As a very tenacious person, funny and ironic. My husband and my daughter would say I make great bread.

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?
I usually turn on the radio when I'm working. My favorite radio station, when I work usually play a blues program and later a reggae insert. I confess I don't like this reggae break very much but it fits while I'm working!

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?
After work I spend lots of time with my little daughter. When the season is warm and sunny, we love to go around Milan on our bike to our favorite playgrounds in the city. Please, don't think about it like "lovely and easy days", sometimes it gets hard since I have a house to keep and some architecture work to do.

Q: please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
I live in Italy. I have to say that the kids commercial market in Italy doesn't suit me. I don't very much like the idea of dressing kids as little adults that you find here, imitation on the scale of a grown up outfit, sequins for little girls and structured polos for little boys… Also toys and books are made to raise "little adults" since childhood. Fortunately Italy is in Europe, Europe is not so big and it is easy to find influence from other countries, like France or Scandinavian countries, where they have that touch that I love from childhood: simplicity, color, comfort, imagination, fun.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Thank you for inviting me to take part in this interview series. I feel really lucky and happy to make what I make and, the most important thing, it allows me to be close to my daughter and to experience being a mom.

'Introducing Mamma 190' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

arch190 $34.00	arch190 $12.00	arch190 $36.00	arch190 $9.50
arch190 $42.00	arch190 $27.00	arch190 $42.80	arch190 $26.00

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Introducing Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes

Today We Introduce You To Elizabeth

from Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?

I have always loved children's clothing and longed to see more classic, sweet clothing in the marketplace. Having lived in France, I fell in love with their style for children's wear. The color palate is more mellow and if there are prints, they tend to be sweet florals and classic patterns like polka dots or gingham. I decided I would like to bring a little bit of that into my line. I sewed most all of the clothing that my daughters wore when they were little, and l was always asked where their clothing was purchased. Which then led to them asking me why I didn't sell them. That was in the late eighties and nineties, before Etsy! I would have been in heaven had Etsy existed, since I was a stay at home mom in those days. I decided to do it now, even though my daughters are now in their twenties, because I simply adore children's clothing!

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?

Well, I love the storybook aspect of it. I once read a children's book where one of the sentences read, "and they flew upon gossamer wings." It reminds me of some sort of tiny fairytale figure flying on an insects back with luminous wings. I wanted my shop to have a storybook feel to it.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

I love to support fellow Etsy sellers! A few of my favorite shops are Holland Fabric House, Robert Ryan, and Elsa Mora. The list is really endless, because there are so many talented individuals on Etsy.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?

How kind some of the shoppers are that want special orders. I worked with three very nice ladies with good results.

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

I suppose it is the most popular challenge, and that would have to be getting your name out there to have more traffic going to your shop. Also knowing how to price your work.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

I'm very meticulous with my sewing, and nothing leaves my house if it isn't perfect in my eye. That means all seams are pressed and finished nicely, and the construction has to be able to stand the test of time through washing and wearing. Most of all, I would love to think my clothing is timeless, and can be handed down without looking dated. I also believe in using the finest fabrics in natural fibers I can get a hold of.

Q: how would someone (other then you) describe you?

An artist with a keen eye for color and style, and a good cook!

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?

Most people would be surprised, given my age, that I listen to alternative/indie rock, and sometimes pop punk music. It gets me moving and keeps me alert!

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?

I love to cook and explore new restaurants in my area. I love to travel when I can, with my family. I studied art history and museum/gallery display while in college, so you can find me strolling the many wonderful museums in San Francisco.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

If people want to get to know me a bit better, they can visit my blog: www.elizabeth-mackey@blogspot.com/

'Introducing Gossamer Wings by Ailesdiaphanes' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

ailesdiaphanes $35.00	ailesdiaphanes $59.00	ailesdiaphanes $65.00	ailesdiaphanes $150.00
ailesdiaphanes $49.00	ailesdiaphanes $55.00	ailesdiaphanes $35.00	ailesdiaphanes $55.00

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Introducing Knits By Gramma

Today We Introduce You to Susan from Knits By Gramma

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?
I started my shop at the insistence of my daughter. I was always knitting for my grandchildren and they thought that my items would sell.

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?
The story behind my name - Knits By Gramma is quite simple. I am a grandma that likes to knit.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I cant really name just one shop as a favorite as there are so many.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I guess my biggest surprise with having my own craft shop was that orders came from all over the world. I have had so many orders from Australia.

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I find getting traffic and sales the most challenging. I use social medias and any other outlet I can find to get my name out there.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My philosophy behind my shop is to make beautiful products that my clients will enjoy. Also that their children will look great.

Q: how would someone (other then you) describe you?
I think someone who knows me would describe me as a great grandmother and talented knitter.

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?
don't usually listen to any music when I am creating. Silence works best for me.

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?
I don't work outside the home so I consider my job taking care of my etsy shop.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I would just like to share that I am a proud member of Etsy and really enjoying having my own shop.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitsbygramma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knitsbygramma/221695627867457

'Introducing Knits by Gramma' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

knitsbygramma $37.00	knitsbygramma $34.00	knitsbygramma $37.00	knitsbygramma $40.00
knitsbygramma $55.00	knitsbygramma $38.00	knitsbygramma $38.00	knitsbygramma $40.00

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