Meet Etsy Seller Rozies Pearls

Today we would like to introduce you to Tress

and her Etsy shop Rozies Pearls

Rozies Pearls has been selling on Etsy since November 2011, she specializes in handcrafted newborn and toddler bracelets, including unique bracelets for both girls and boys. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Randy and I were at a craft fair here in town and we were introduced to a lady that sells on Etsy. After talking to her I opened our shop a week later.

What is the story behind your shop name?
We don't have any kids so we named the shop after our German Shepherd, Rozie. you can find a picture of her on our about page. She's a cutie.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I thought it would be alot harder to get to the point that we are today in sales. This year so far we have a little more then doubled our sales with less views.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My Baptism bracelets. We have sold a couple so far and it just seems to touch my heart in a special way.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Getting views is the easy part but, the most challenging thing would have to be getting a sale.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Ordering the best supplies, keeping the prices low to help get sales and most important taking time to make each order perfect so when your little bundle of joy will someday be able to pass the bracelet down to his/her little one.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I have had friends over the years tell me I'm one of the most soft hearted caring person. That I take pride in my work and I would go out of my way to help someone in need.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I take care of the house, fix Randy his breakfast and lunches for work. I'm presently working on a Tigar hook rug.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
For years now Randy has been wanting to retire early. I felt like it was up to me to find something that would get us to that point in our lives. It's funny because every time we get a sale he says can I retire now? I can tell that someday I will be able to say well, honey the business is booming and you can give your 2 weeks notice. I can't wait for that day to finally get here.

Rozies Pearls is offering free shipping on all orders, valid until 29th May 2013. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYKIDS" at checkout.

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Meet Etsy Seller Zucchini Island

Today we would like to introduce you to Ioana

and her Etsy shop Zucchini Island

Zucchini Island has been selling on Etsy since June 2010, she specializes in creating lovingly hand knit baby blankets, baby knit hats, pixie bonnets and accessories for children and women, too. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
This is my second shop and it wasn't something like "Let's see how it goes". I just had the feeling that this is THE THING I want to do; and even if  weeks go by and I have only a few sales, I have this crazy feeling that the shop is doing perfect.
I know that everything that has to be will be at exactly the right time. So, I am patient  and do the work, learn the lessons and move down the road ahead.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My shop name. Well, that is a story to tell.
The shop itself, the name and the new me were born because of a real island, where I wanted to go, for no reason at all, for the last 3 or 4 years. I just felt that I had to go there. It is a island in North of Greece. It is where I found my inner peace, I found the new ME that was dying to come out.
I had this feeling of peace and calm and it felt like that "Aha!" moment in my life: "Here I am. This is WHO I am".
I remember one night waking up in the middle of the night and just hearing the waves and their rhythm, calm, over and over again...I kept that sound in my heart, I kept the bluest, deepest water in my memory and I often go there in my mind to find my inner peace.
Well, this is why my shop is called "Island" - it is my island where I am at peace, where I am happy. I take my "island" with me wherever I am. I wish to send out into the world little pieces of it, little pieces of love and peace.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I started my first shop: FlowersByKara with the idea to make an extra buck, besides my day job and what surprised me the most was the fact that it brings in so much more than an extra buck! There is a great joy just from a letter telling you someone enjoyed your creations, or their mother or their best friend. I love the freedom I feel when I work for my shop.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favourite creations are always my newest ones, but I still love everything I make. Mostly I love making the baby bonnets, specially for the baby girls, so I can add sweet flowers and butterflies.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
The most challenging thing for me is the marketing stuff. Pfff! Couldn't I just create and someone else do this job, please? So, bringing in the traffic for my shop is the master of the most challenging job. But, not complaining, I just need to learn more.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My personal philosophy is: "Be kind". I keep it close to everything I do, not only my shop. The shop' moto is: "Stitching seeds of love" and I do believe in it: adding in every stitch a little bit of love.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I have asked my friend what word would she use to describe me; she said "Creative" and then she added: "you are too nice for these days" I found it funny, but I do not agree that there can be too much of "nice".

What do you do when you aren't working?
I do have a day job - I still do. I planned last year to quit it when my daughter finishes 3rd grade - that is in June! I also manage a second Etsy shop, Flowers By Kara
And also keeping up with everything in the house, raising a kid, my job and both Etsy shops.
But I love to spend my free time my kiddo and my friends. I also love to swim, except I am not very good at it (go figure!)

Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
I am from Romania, in Eastern Europe, an ex-comunist country. It's only been 24 years since we became a democratic country. It was difficult to learn to live in a competitive economy, to create the competitive economy. The handmade movement is just starting to develop to a level that can be recognized and accepted as a way of living.
But if I were to tell that I want to leave a "secure" day job and stay home and knit, most people would say I am crazy! I hope that, little by little  the handmade goods will be appreciated and will become part of everyone's life.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
For all those who are thinking about having a go at doing something that they love:
Do you love what you do? Then do not hesitate. You will spend days and nights working with passion.
Experiences go up and down, from a huge smile when you read some fantastic feedback from someone, to complete frustration when a package seems lost in the mail.
So just give it a try, give it your BEST SHOT, so you will not regret what could have been!

Zucchini Island is offering 12% discount, valid until the end of May 2013. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYKIDS" at checkout.

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Meet Etsy Seller Dolls And Daydreams

Today we would like to introduce you to Sarah

and her Etsy shop Dolls And Daydreams

Dolls And Daydreams has been selling on Etsy since July 2010, she specializes in creating doll, softie, plushie and stuffed toy step-by-step pdf sewing patterns. All her patterns are easy to follow and will provide you with a high quality finished doll, perfect to sell or give as a gift. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
My life took an interesting turn after I organized a charity doll drive for the children of Haiti. I designed and offered an easy free doll pattern and the response was amazing. We collected over 500 dolls for the children and have since continued to collect, make & send out 1000’s to children in need all over the world. Through this wonderful work I received so many kind comments and requests for more designs and patterns and thus Dolls And Daydreams was born.

What is the story behind your shop name?
As a child I was taught that you can be whatever you dreamed to be. I spend most of my days daydreaming about doll designs and create patterns that allow other people to make their dream dolls no matter their skill level.  Hence, Dolls And Daydreams.  I hope that everyone's daydreams .. big ... or small come true!

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Staying up to date with site changes.  I was honored to be invited to test some new features for Etsy and since then my shop just gets thrown into the mix with all new tests!  Sometimes I log in and the layout has been changed with no warning hahahaha  It makes life interesting to say the least!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I create easy step-by-step photo tutorial PDF Sewing Patterns that allow others to make their dream dolls and softies no matter their skill level.
My patterns create quality products for kiddie winks to enjoy, something that reflected a child’s uniqueness that the maker can pour love into whilst creating them.
I also support Handmade Cottage industries whole heartedly!

What do you do when you aren't working?
Living life to the fullest in Arizona with my lovely hubby and 2 little kiddies (2 and 4 years old).  We love to all garden together on sunny days, teaching the kids to swimming and when it get's really hot .... arts and crafts!
When I get a bit of Mummy time, I love to paint and watch foreign movies :) .... and I do love Antique stores also but shhhhh I've been banned ... ... who new vinatage table lamps could be sooooo addictive?! hahahaha

Dolls and Daydreams is also currently doing a giveaway to celebrate her latest Cinderella Princess Sewing Pattern release. Visit her blog to enter.

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Meet Etsy Seller Little Snugglies by Val

Today we would like to introduce you to Val

and her Etsy shop Little Snugglies by Val

Val has been selling on Etsy since September 2009, she specializes in making beautiful crochet accessories for all ages. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

LSBV Classic Football Hat Multiple Sizes Made to Order

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

21.95 USD

LSBV Cowgirl Hat Pink Infant-4t Sizes Available

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

29.95 USD

Bad to the Bone Tushie Cover

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

19.95 USD

LSBV Silver Mustard Owly Multiple Sizes Made to Order

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

27.95 USD

What motivated you to start your shop?
My kids were my motivation to start my Etsy shop. My Mimi taught me how to crochet when I was a kid. I wanted a way to stay home with my kids, but also to find something that I enjoyed to do. I started off just making baby blankets, then my kids inspired my early creations and it just took off from there.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I am surprised by how much it is a REAL job. Most think that working for yourself isn't a real job. That because you are your own boss that you can do whatever whenever. I have to be disciplined with my work just as I would in an outside job to juggle family, work and life.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
It is challenging to come up with new creative ideas. I'm always designing something new. I want to provide my customers with unique creations.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I strive to make quality items that will last the test of time.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I've had others describe me recently as super mom. :) I like to think that I am most days!

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not working I'm spending time with my family. My husband is a Tech Sgt in the Air Force. We have four kiddos. Our three girls are 7, 4 and 2. Our little boy is 4 months old. They keep me busy. I wouldn't change one moment of the love and chaos for anything else in the world!

Little Snugglies by Val is offering 20% discount on orders of $20 or more, valid until the end of May 2013. To use the coupon, visit her etsy store and enter code 'ETSYKIDS52013' at checkout.

LSBV Dinosaur Photo Prop Set Made to Order

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

39.95 USD

LSBV Girly Golf Cap Pink Infant-Adult Sizes Available

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

24.95 USD

The Yellow Girly Bug Infant-Adult Sizes Available

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

24.95 USD

LSBV Traditional Girly Sock Monkey Infant-Adult Sizes

LittleSnuggliesbyVal

24.95 USD

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Meet Etsy Seller Handmade Cuddles

Today we would like to introduce you to Stephanie

and her Etsy shop Handmade Cuddles

Handmade Cuddles has been selling on Etsy since October 2010, she specializes in making lovely and colourful decorations and cushions for kids. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

Strawberry Cushion / Pillow Cover. Fruity red strawberry

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

GIant Rainbow Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in bright rainbow colours, perfect for kids room or birthday

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Kids Pirate Cushion Cover with Skull and Crossbones on Black Fleece Cushion/Pillow Cover 35cm/14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

Punk Rock Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in pink, black and grey colours, perfect for teen or tween bedroom

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

What motivated you to start your shop?
In 2009 I moved away from my family and friends in the UK to the Netherlands to be with my fiancé  I had always enjoyed crafts while I lived in the UK, but the move gave me more spare time to pursue it further. Since then my sewing skills have developed greatly and I just love the challenge of creating things from fabric and felt. I would properly keep everything I make, except I need to finance buying more materials (and wouldn't have the storage space to keep everything either!) So I discovered Etsy and began selling, then spread out to other online markets, craft fairs and shops in the Netherlands.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Originally I was Toastie Studio, which is the name of my website development company (I am also a web developer), but I wanted something cuter and more kid friendly. I spent more than a year trying to think of a name that was still free on Etsy and as a .com domain. Then one day "cuddle designs" came to me, but it was taken and a bit more brain storming led to "Handmade Cuddles" and I just fell in love with it. I had my new logo designed within an hour and am so happy with my new shop name :)

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The friends and connections I have built up since having an Etsy shop have really surprised me. Not speaking much Dutch I was difficult to find people who enjoyed crafts to chat to where I live, so joining the online community has been amazing and so inspiring.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I love bright pops of colour, they just brighten my day and I want to bring that to others. I love a fresh white wall with colourful bunting, or brightening a childs room with cushions and decorations that you can easily update as they grow. It is also super important to me that my products stand up to "kids play" so all my cushions are washable, and made with soft fleece and no zips.

Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
In the Netherlands the handmade movement is just starting to pick up. In the north where I live there are more and more craft fairs popping up, and slowly I meeting other like minded crafters. I am also finding that people here love to try making stuff themselves, so also offer kids craft birthday parties, and craft groups to teach others how to sew and make simple projects.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I don't seem to ever not be working! I have 3 businesses that I run (Handmade Cuddles, web design company and a craft supplies company), and I also work part-time as a postal delivery person. I suppose you would say I spend my free time sleeping, but also try to squeeze in some special time with my fiancé and have movie nights, or go out bike riding for fresh air (if it isn't raining).

Handmade Cuddles is offering 15% discount (excluding shipping) to our blog reader. To use the coupon, visit her etsy store and enter code 'ETSYKIDS15' at checkout.

Jungle Boy Star Garland - made with wool blend felt in bright jungle colours, perfect for baby room or parties

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Boys Boom Pillow Cover, in bright blue with comic style boom sketch. Cushion / Pillow Cover 35cm / 14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

Purple Heart Garland - made with wool blend felt in purple shades, perfect for kids room or birthday

HandmadeCuddlesShop

12.00 EUR

Girls owl pillow cover in light purple with white owl. Lovely cushion / pillow cover for girls bedroom, 35cm / 14inch

HandmadeCuddlesShop

15.00 EUR

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Meet Etsy Seller OddEDesigns

Today we would like to introduce you to Adyan

and her Etsy shop OddEDesigns

OddEDesigns has been selling on Etsy since June 2011, she specializes in making lovely tshirts, onesies and accessories for babies, toddlers and kids. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

Fireman Crayon Wallet, Toddler Gift, Quiet Activity Children's Art Take-Along Toy, READY-TO-SHIP

OddEDesigns

14.00 USD

Girl's Valentine's T-shirt, Nesting Doll Matryoshka Applique, Valentine's Day, 3T White Long Sleeve, READY-TO-SHIP

OddEDesigns

18.00 USD

Felt Flower Hair Clips, Happy Days, Set of Six, Two of Each Color, Green Teal Red Pink, READY-TO-SHIP

OddEDesigns

12.00 USD

Design Your Own Custom Layette with Two Onesies, MADE-TO-ORDER

OddEDesigns

28.00 USD

What motivated you to start your shop?
When my daughter was two or three, a friend taught me how to applique. It was so much fun, and I could brighten up any shirt in my daughter's closet, which I did. I loved playing with new fabrics and coming up with new designs. Soon, my son was born, so of course my talents were put to use with a new wardrobe for him. But I ran out of things to make for my kids, so I branched out to other members of the family. Soon, I had a random stack of shirts in a small corner of the office and no one to give them to! I took the plunge and started my shop on Etsy.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I have an unusual name -- Adyan. It's pronounced ODD-e-on. My husband's nickname for me is the first part of my name, "Ady" -- ODD-e. Hence, odd.e.designs.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The thing that surprised me most about having a shop online was how good I'd have to get at taking photos! My first photos were completely laughable. But I studied other shops, read up online, joined the teams and got advice there. I'm still not great at it, but believe me...My photos now are so much better than that first picture I put in my shop.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My shop's tagline is "fun things for little people." And I've stuck to that. I keep my items bright, simple, fun, easy to wear, easy to use, and affordable. I try to use fabric that is slightly unusual, stuff you won't see everywhere else.

What do you do when you aren't working?
In my "real life," I'm a middle school teacher, which keeps me on my toes. Then, of course, I'm a mother to two of the most beautiful, funny, whip-smart kids in the world. So working on my shop and making my products usually happens in the free-time between writing lesson plans, making dinner, helping with homework, grading papers, giving baths, attending meetings, and sleeping. But that's really okay, because working with fabric keeps me sane in a way nothing else can.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I'm so happy and proud to be a shop owner on Etsy and a member of the Etsy Kids team.

OddEDesigns is offering 10% discount (excluding shipping) to our blog reader. To use the coupon, visit her etsy store and enter code 'ETSYKIDS10' at checkout.

Rainbow Felt Hair Bow Clips, Alligator Hair Clips, Set of Six

OddEDesigns

24.00 USD

Personalized Star Tshirt, School Handwriting "Paper" Fabric, 3t, 4t, 5/6, 7, Your Child's Name, MADE-TO-ORDER

OddEDesigns

22.00 USD

Traffic Crayon Wallet, Transportation Cars Grey Toddler Gift, Quiet Activity Children's Art Take-Along Toy, READY-TO-SHIP

OddEDesigns

14.00 USD

Children's Belt, Dinosaur Ribbon and Webbing D-Ring, Brown Dinosaurs, Custom Sizing, MADE-TO-ORDER

OddEDesigns

14.00 USD

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