Meet Etsy Seller Avry Couture Creations

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Avry Couture Creations

Avry Couture Creations has been selling on Etsy since November 2011, she sell adorable baby headbands and lace petti rompers. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
After realizing there is absolutely nothing cute in the stores around here we live for newborn and baby hair accessories, I began designing my own little creations. My little girl had the craziest hair and wearing a headband just made sense, not to mention made her look fab. We got compliments everywhere we went, that's when I began my Etsy shop.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Avry is my first and only daughter. I love Juicy Couture, and added in creations just so I wasn't stealing Juicy's thing.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I was surprised that my shop took off so fast, I had orders in first week. Being able to do something I love for work is amazing. When I began I still was working full time as a medical Esthetician. Slowly I cut back days and now Avry Couture Creations is full time. It is so fun making new headbands and outfits for the seasons and holidays. Nothing is better then seeing fan photo's of their little girls in my own creations. Makes my day.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/160904000/baby-headbands-childrens-headbands
Some thing like this is the most fun. All the details make it one of a kind.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
More then anything it is finding a proper balance between work and family..

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
There is a headband for any style and age in my shop. From the daintiest to the most glamorous extra big headband, there is truly something for everyone and every budget.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Laid back, friendly and helpful.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Relax with my family.

Avry Couture Creations is offering 15% discount to all our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "AVRY2" at checkout.

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Meet Etsy Seller Msliesenfelder - Retro Family Works

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Msliesenfelder

Msliesenfelder has been selling on Etsy since 2007, she makes childrens clothing using retro style fabrics and vintage sewing patterns. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I have been sewing since I was 8 years old. This is when my mother taught my sister and I how to sew and we began making our own school clothes. Since I have had 4 children, my interest in sewing children's clothing came naturally. One day, I was shopping online and bought a couple of vintage children's patterns. Then I sewed my youngest daughter a dress from one of the patterns and the rest was history. I have amassed an embarressingly large collection of over 500 sewing patterns (Mostly over 30 years old and for kids) and I add to it throughout the year. So, armed with these historical patterns and a love of designing and sewing kids clothes, I opened my etsy shop in 2007.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My official shop name is msliesenfelder but my shop title is Retro Family Works. I took a class in college called "Arthurian Romance" and the text book was a book called "Mallory Works" which meant the collected works of Mallory, who wrote accounts of the Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. So, since I wanted to sew clothes for families that were made from retro patterns, it seemed like a suitable (and cool sounding) name for my shop.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The joy that I found when I could make my clients happy using my sewing and design skills was the big surprise for me. I find that I get a kick out of reading the positive messages from my clients when an outfit has tickled them or their child.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I would say that one of my favorite items to create is my reversible toddlers' scalloped pinafore. It is adorable on and I am challenged to find new, fresh fabric combinations to sew it in since it has contrasting fabrics on each side of the garment. Also, the scallops are a couture touch that I love to add.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Definitely my biggest challenge is finding enough time to sew and keep adding new items to my shop. I also have a full time job outside of my etsy endeavors and it takes up way too much of my time that I would love to be spending creatively!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My philosophy is to have fun and to always be developing new retro fashions to add to my shop as well as to also offer long-time customer favorites that are tried and true. I like to work with customers to create one of a kind garments perfect for their child.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I think others would describe me as amusing, detail oriented, and a person who loves words, spelling and grammer. Okay, they might also call me wacky.

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not sewing, I love to go on nature walks with other families, travel all over the world and shop for new patterns and fabric!

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?I would love to open another shop someday that would be called "The Best of Etsy" and would feature garments sewn from patterns created by other Etsy Shop owners. I would love to promote some of the great patterns being produced here!

Msliesenfelder is offering 20% discount to all our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYBLOG20" at checkout. Valid on orders over $15 and until October 31st 2013.

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Meet Etsy Seller GirliePearlie3

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop GirliePearlie3

GirliePearlie3 has been selling on Etsy since October 2010, she creates adorable childrens clothing. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Since I was the youngest in my family, I had the privilege of making custom- made clothes for my three nieces. As they became older, I missed sewing those lovely, classic garments. I desire to make clothes so that each little girl feels beautiful in a one of a kind outfit.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Actually, Girlie Pearlie was a nickname both my grandmother and mother called me. When I was young I enjoyed dressing in very feminine clothing with jewelry. Pearls were, and still are my favorite jewel. To me, they represent timeless beauty which I strive to accomplish in my clothing.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I think the most pleasant surprises have been meeting such wonderful customers from all around the world. I also have been amazed at my customers ability to custom design their own clothing as a custom in my shop.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My China Doll Pillowcase dress is very special to me. Most everyone who has ordered that dress, has adopted a child from China. Being adopted myself, I find making that dress an extra special blessing! I also released my first collection: " Pearls Summer Cottage". I am very proud of that line as well.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My mission is to provide quality, classic clothing that can be passed down for generations.
My Philosophy is to treat others the way I want to be treated.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Its always hard to answer for someone else, but I think most people would describe me as kind, considerate, humorous, and passionate about sewing.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I teach a course in Psychology at a local community college which I thoroughly enjoy! My other hobbies include: cooking, antique shopping, gardening, and reading.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I want to thank Etsy Kids Team for allowing me to share my shop with all of you. I am humbled to be apart of a group of such talented individuals.
Let all you do, be done in love 1 Corinthians 16: 14
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GirliePearlie3

GirliePearlie3 is offering 10% discount to all our blog readers for the next 24 hours. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "GIRLIEPEARLIE" at checkout. 

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Meet Etsy Seller BabywearbyBabs

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop BabywearbyBabs

BabywearbyBabs has been selling on Etsy since January 2011, she sells handmade trendy boutique baby clothes, hand knit sweaters, booties, socks, accessories all in bold beautiful colors and textures. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I have always loved to create and I have done macramé, needlepoint, crewel, and lots of sewing in the past. I decided to take up knitting again when the financial crash of 2008 kept me awake at night. Knitting was a way to keep my hands and brain occupied on other things while utilizing the creative side of me. I ended up with so many sweaters, socks, and booties and no grandchildren so I decided to see if other people might like what I created - and Babywear by Babs was born.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My shop name is pretty straight forward. I only knit for children sizes newborn to around 2 years. And Barbara is my given name but some people call me Babs - a nickname I rather like, hence: Babywear by Babs.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I was surprised at just how difficult it is to be noticed and appreciated by the wide world out there. I thought that "if you open it they will come" would apply to me and I soon found out that you have to work hard to be noticed and you have to provide quality, unique products. Since opening my shop I have learned Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Wanelo, and several other social media sights. And I work it every day along with creating the inventory to keep my shop stocked.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favorite creations are my fisherman knit sweaters. So much time, creative energy, and mathematics are involved in coming up with a new design that fits properly. Once completed there is a real sense of accomplishment and joy. I love the texture, pattern and beautiful wool colors I use to create these sweaters that I think once finished they are really works of wearable art.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Knitting takes time and it is hard to keep my shop inventory at a level that I consider adequate. Others say you need 100 items in your shop to be noticed - well I have a hard time keeping more than 30 items in my shop at one time. Perhaps that is a blessing because it means that items are selling and not just sitting there looking pretty.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My personal philosophy is be different. Create something that will be a joy for someone else to own and wear that is high quality and cannot be purchased at Target or even Bloomingdales.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Probably as introspective and detail oriented.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Oh, I cook for my family, exercise, take yoga classes, and work in the family business. Knitting is actually a stress relief for me.

BabywearbyBabs is offering 10% discount to all our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "BLOG10 at checkout. Valid until December 31st 2013.

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Meet Etsy Seller PatrioticPrincess2

Today we would like to introduce you to Keena

and her Etsy shop PatrioticPrincess2

PatrioticPrincess2 has been selling on Etsy since April 2012, they create and sell beautiful dresses for little girls. Today they are sharing a little about their shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Patriotic Princess2 began when I was looking for a unique dress for my Grandbaby to wear for her 3rd birthday. I ordered one from online which I loved, but there were so many elements about it that I wanted to change to make it better. So the next month I designed a dress and loved it so much I started offering them for sale just to see if there was any interest. I was still Active Duty at the time, so I sold part time for the first year only taking a few dresses in between my work schedule. 4 months ago I officially retired and opened my shop full time. From there it just started growing.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My shop name was originally Pretty in Pink Dress Designs. When I first opened my shop on Etsy it was on a whim. I did not research or put any thought into branding. I was still active Duty Air Force and just dabbling part time into what I thought was a hobby. Since then I have retired from The Air Force and decided to take a break from Human Resources. I started making small changes to my designs and tweaking my shop and new that I needed to change my name to something that suited me and my personality. Patriotic Princess2 is me.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
That people are just as enthusiastic about my dresses as I am. I love hearing from my customers and getting pictures of their precious girls wearing my creations. It is the best part of having my own shop.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love all my dresses, but if I had to choose it would be any of my Military dresses. The Armed Forces will always have a special place in my heart.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Establishing business hours because I feel like I am doing some aspect of Etsy 24hrs whether it's sewing, packaging,marketing or communicating with my customers it's hard to stay organized.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
It's important to me that my dresses keep little girls looking like little girls. I like my dresses to have lots of twirl and ruffles so that the girls can look and feel like princesses.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Silly, nice, loud, hyper

What do you do when you aren't working?
I love spending time with my family, going to the zoo, the lake etc...

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I'd love for my business to grow to the point where I can use this as my sole income for my family. I absolutely love what I do. I truly believe that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

"She works with her hands in delight." Proverbs 31:13

PatrioticPrincess2 is offering 15% discount to our blog readers. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSY15" at checkout. Valid until 28th September 2013

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Meet Etsy Seller MaxandMeDesigns

Today we would like to introduce you to Stacey

and her Etsy shop MaxandMeDesigns

MaxandMeDesigns has been selling on Etsy since September 2012, they sell beautiful, unique art and jewellery handcrafted using vintage postage stamps from all over the world. The perfect keepsake gift for someone you love. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Max & Me Designs began when I was looking for a unique piece of art to hang in my new baby boy’s nursery. While cleaning out the cupboards I came across my old stamp album and decided to use the stamps featuring boats, cars, trains, sports and animals to create something as special and unique as my new baby boy. And so the very first Max & Me Design was born.... The original piece, a monogram of the letter M, still has pride of place in his room.

Before I knew it I was selling my artwork at local markets, on my own website and at selected retail outlets.  While my designs began as nursery decor the range quickly developed to include designs and products that will appeal to everyone, whether you're young or simply young at heart.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My little boy, Max, was the inspiration for the very first piece of Vintage postage stamp art so “Max & Me Designs” seemed like the perfect name for my business.  Max is now 1 and a half and he’s the perfect CEO!

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
It seems that everyone has a family member who has collected stamps at some time in their lives.  I am always amazed by the generosity of people who send me their old stamp albums.  I feel very honoured that they would entrust a piece of their family history to me.  Many people order custom made designs which include stamps from their family's collection.  It's a lovely personal touch that makes the design a true keepsake.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favourite creation (at the moment) is the With All My Heart Vintage Postage Stamp Art.  This unique artwork is handcrafted using genuine upcycled postage stamps from all over the world.  The heart outline is created using a range of handcut hearts in different sizes.  It is one of my best sellers and is often purchased as a gift to celebrate the arrival of a new baby or for an anniversary (the first wedding anniversary is traditionally a paper gift).
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/125869565/love-heart-vintage-postage-stamp-art

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I love selling my products on Etsy but as the handmade market continues to grow it can be hard to be discovered in searches.  I've found that building a connection with people via social media and Etsy teams like Etsy Kids has made me feel like a true member of the Etsy community and allowed me to show my products to a wider audience.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
All of my creations are built on the idea of upcycling everyday items into something that will be valued and treasured.  I love the nostalgia and history that is inherent in every piece, and always wonder about where each stamp has been and the stories they could tell.

How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Organised, creative and determined

What do you do when you aren't working?
Hmm, well I guess that depends on how you define "working".  As a mum who works part-time as a primary school teacher and also runs her own small business there aren't really many times that I'm not working in some sense of the word.  So I guess the answer would be sleeping ;)

Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country? 
The handmade movement is very strong in Melbourne, Australia.  There are a range of amazing handmade markets of which my favourites would be the Warrandyte market, Red Hill market, Finders Keepers, Piccadilly Market, Huckleberry Market and the Fine Design Market.   I love visiting a market on the weekend and not only being able to support local artisans but also knowing that I have bought something that is unique and special.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Feel free to find Max & Me Designs on Facebook to find out what goes on behind the scenes www.facebook.com/maxandmdedesigns

Would you like 10% off your first order? Simply join MaxandMeDesigns mailing list to find out about exclusive offers, enter into our monthly subscriber only competition and receive 10% off your first order www.maxandmedesigns.com/mailing-list

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