Meet Etsy Seller The Polka Dot Tot Spot

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop thepolkadottotspot

ThePolkaDotTotSpot has been selling on Etsy since January 2007, she sell handmade birthday shirts for boys and girls and more! Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
It started when my daughter was a few months old...... The whole mass produced - "made in China" toy scare was going on so I was looking for some alternatives for my baby girl to play with. I can upon a pattern for some super cute cloth blocks so I made a few for her and for some friends and they were a hit! I was cloth diapering her at he time and started selling the blocks online on the Diaperswappers "work from home mom" forum just for the fun of it. People were snatching them up as it was right before Christmas. I couldn't believe people were actually liking something that I made enough to pay me for them! Crazy huh? I truly felt honored and was beyond excited about it! So it just bloomed from there and I found Etsy and my stock kept growing and expanding to what it is today...approx 400 unique items!!

What is the story behind your shop name?
Every name I thought of on Etsy someone had already taken so I just kept playing around with words until I came up with "The Polka Dot Tot Spot" Yeah, its a mouthful but its mine!

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The time it takes to keep it going. Its not just having the items, its promoting, renewing, restocking, updating, answering emails, creating new items, and of course filling orders! I am glad my kids are both in school now so I can concentrate on work while they are away and still have some mom time when they are home! Working from home is the best!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
This is a hard one! Usually whatever is newest is my favorite! I LOVE to make new things, this is most definitely the part that is the most exciting as I get it use my creative side! I would have to say the birthday shirts and birthday banners are my favorite though. Each birthday only comes once so I think they should be special! Oh, my new birthday bunting shirts are super fun!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?Customer service is the most important thing! I always try to get back with my customers as soon as possible and get there items made and sent out quickly. I think if you don't have that, people wont come back and repeat buyers are a big part of sales. I really do love my customers! Especially the ones that take time to let me know they love their item and even send photos of their kiddos using something they got from me!

What do you do when you aren't working?
I love photography, gardening, hiking, and spending time with family and friends! I also like decorating and remodelling! My house has so many layers of paint I think if the nails fell out it would still hold together!

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?Thanks Etsy Kids Team for letting me share a little about my shop and myself! I'm so glad to be part of the team!

ThePolkaDotTotSpot is offering a 10% discount in her shop at the moment. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "MEETTHETEAM10" at checkout. Valid until January 31st 2014.

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Meet Etsy Seller LuckyLizzys

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Lucky Lizzy's

Lucky Lizzy's has been selling on Etsy since January 2013, she sell handcrafted apparel for sweet little ones. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Simply put, my daughter. She is the youngest of five children and my only girl so you can imagine how much fun I was having on Etsy buying her Handmade clothing. It got to the point where I was picking out fabric and requesting dress styles from a few of my favorite sellers. Having never sewn a stitch in my life, I started to study the art of sewing. I took classes at a local fabric store where I totally fell in love with the whole process of designing clothing. As they say, the rest is history!

What is the story behind your shop name?
I came up with with my shop name because a few special people in my life call me Lizzy and I feel lucky to be doing exactly what I want to be doing with my life. Not everyone can say that!

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

I have been most surprised at how quickly Lucky Lizzy's has grown and how many great buyer relationships I have for formed in such a short amount of time. I have buyers that come back every season now to get my latest creations. I love that!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
It's so hard to choose! My best selling item to date is a colorful winter tree peasant dress. It's a classic look that holds a bright, bold design beautifully.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
My most challenging aspect of running Lucky Lizzy's is time. There is never enough of it! However, I'm very lucky that I have a large sewing studio where my children can play beside me as I work so I never feel like I'm missing out on special time with them. This morning my daughter brought in her pillow and blanket and slept while I worked. I have the best of both worlds.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I do not want anything to get in the way of little girls kicking a ball or climbing a tree. My clothes are easy to play in and full of color. And since I do have four boys and sympathize with not being able to find cute boys clothes, you will always find boys pants available. My favorite, you ask? RRRR, has to be my pirate pants!

What do you do when you aren't working?
I'm a taxi driver. I take my kids to Tae Kwon Do, preschool, soccer, you know, the typical Mom duties.

What makes the coming holiday season special for you?

It's my first one on Etsy and I'm just trying to keep up! I can't believe how many little ones are wearing Lucky Lizzy's for their family Christmas cards!

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Meet Etsy Seller Justsewstinkincute

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop justsewstinkincute

justsewstinkincute has been selling on Etsy since September 2012, she sell handmade kids clothing for boys, girls or matching outfits for the whole family (mum and dad included!). Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
My grandmother was a 'master' seamstress, and I had always wanted to learn to sew. Once I did, I became fascinated with the whole process! From selecting fabric to watching the pieces come together into a beautiful garment, I was hooked!! Being complimented on my creations by strangers, family and friends coupled with the delight of my daughters (whom I was sewing for) only fueled my fire! I wanted others to experience that delight as well!!

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

It's certainly a surprise at how many new friends I've made along the way! From satisfied clients whom I've worked with as well as fellow crafters who are willing to pass along tips and trade secrets, new acquaintances have definitely been a blessing!!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I have a 'secret fetish' for matching pieces! Because of that, I thoroughly enjoy mother daughter and family sets!!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Excellence is key! Love and attention to detail go into every stitch!!

What do you do when you aren't working?
"I am the homeschooling mother of seven, four boys and three girls! That keeps me pretty busy!! I am also an fitness fanatic, with MMA style cardio kickboxing being my favorite workouts. A good show on Food Network hooks me every time, and I enjoy trying new recipes. I am also an avid reader, with John Grisham being my favorite author.
My family and I also enjoy Bible study as well as a variety of activities together. "

justsewstinkincute is offering a 10% discount in her shop at the moment. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "BLOG10" at checkout. Valid until 14th December 2013.

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Meet Etsy Seller Buttonowlboutique

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Buttonowlboutique

Buttonowlboutique has been selling on Etsy since May 2013, she sell handmade unique and beautiful room decor and accessories for children. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Button Owl was created after my search for unusual and unique products for my daughters rooms. I couldn't find anything I really loved and so designed and made my own, then realising that others were looking for these types of unique products.
I have absolutely fallen in love with working with felts as they are available in so many beautiful colours and allow me to create beautifully tactile products while still sticking to a designed shape. I combine all the attention to detail and techniques I have learned in the past, adding small details and embellishments to Button Owl products.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I spent many hours brainstorming for a relative name for my shop and eventually decided on Button Owl, as owls are usually perceived as a neutral (neither male or female) and wise creature. I thought button suggested something craft related and most importantly the name doesn't describe a particular product.
I thought this would allow me to expand product ranges in any direction I found most enjoyable!

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I was surprised when I first set up about how hard it was to actually be found online. With alot of reading Etsy blogs and advice from others, I slowly learned about ways to make products more visible and think will always find it an ongoing learning process.
I was very pleasantly surprised at how many people contact me asking for custom orders and the fantastic ideas they have, which in turn help inspire me to make other exciting products.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love creating my large cushions as I just love the finished soft cuddly cushion and the felts are so soft and colourful. My Space Rocket cushion is one of my favourite items to create (although not the easiest to create at all) and also one I find myself making the most!

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
My most challenging aspect at the moment is being able to find time to work and post my products and looking after my youngest daughter full time. It is however a good challenge which I love!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I love creating items which are completely designed from scratch and very individual and unique. I believe that each item should be created with the love and care that I would appreciate in something I buy.
I love the thought that my products are out there making children happy!

What do you do when you aren't working?
I have two very young daughters who are 2 and 4 years old, so I spend most of my day taking either taking them to and from school and classes or entertaining them! I try and fit working in after they go to bed so have turned into a creative night owl.

What makes the coming holiday season special for you?
I love Christmas with small children as it is all so magical and eagerly anticipated. I've always really enjoyed creating unique Christmas items for our home and now absolutely love the fact that my goodies are now making their way all over the world to help make Christmas magical for others too.

Buttonowlboutique is offering a 10% discount in her shop at the moment. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYKIDS10" at checkout. 

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Meet Etsy Seller Plumberrycouture

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Plumberrycouture

Plumberrycouture has been selling on Etsy since June 2013, she sell handmade kids clothing. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I have always had a love for sewing and creating things. However after my own daughter was born in 2011 , my passion was reignited and I began making her items here and there. My husband suggested that I begin the process of setting up my own boutique to sell the items and thus Plumberry was born!

What is the story behind your shop name?
My name is actually a homage to the two women who taught me to sew, My grandmother and great-grandmother. They both were wonderful seamstresses and also both had tons of fresh berries always growing in their gardens, including a giant plum tree. My cousins and I always found great joy in picking berries and fresh plums during the day to eat on. Plumberry was a way to honor those two phenomenal women while giving a nod to one of my fondest childhood memories.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The amount of dedication and work it can take to be everything all at the same time. Larger companies have departments such as accounting, customer service, and shipping, however as a solo business owner I have to wear all of those hats plus some! If you do not truly love what you do it can be easy to burn out and give up, but I'm blessed to have an awesome support system in family and friends that help me however I need.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love anything that is bright and girly! My personal favorites are Peasant dresses and the ruffled bib Peggy Sue Dress with the matching ruffle pants. My daughter likes anything that is "fancy" and I love making anything that makes her smile!

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not working i love to spend time with my husband and our three kids. We love to visit parks and the museums. I am a bookworm so I can completely spend a day immersed in a book! I also love board games and love beating my hubby at monopoly and scrabble!

What makes the coming holiday season special for you?
I LOVE the holiday season! From the food and decorations, to being able to enjoy time with family and friends, I live for it! Christmas is special to me as a Christian for obvious reasons, but this holiday season is special because it is my first year as a business owner. I am looking forward to my items being given as gifts. That is so humbling to me to be chosen to celebrate such special moments. I am also looking forward to spending some time creating a few items to donate to a children's home. I live a blessed life, and though a simple handmade dress might not be much to some, it can mean the world to a child who isn't as fortunate.

Plumberrycouture is offering a 15% discount in her shop at the moment. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "GIVETHANKS13" at checkout. Valid until 27th November 2013

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Meet Etsy Seller ChildishThoughts

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop ChildishThoughts

ChildishThoughts has been selling on Etsy since January 2008, she make items for young children in hopes to get Mom a few quiet minutes while out and about. These items are fun quiet time activities for out on car rides, at the doctors office or just a little peace and quiet at home. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
At the time it was me and my son, we started the shop just for something fun to do and to keep us off the streets getting into trouble. Not that a 25 year old Mom and a 4 year old boy can get into too much trouble, but it was safer to stay at home and play with fabric than to be out and about.
My son was really into it, he enjoyed picking out fabric and helping me design items, so we fell in love with our little ideas right away.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I wanted something fun and that was comical, I think my shop name fits that perfectly.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
What surprised me most is how much it has flourished. And also how addictive it is, 5 years later and we are still having soo much fun creating and selling our little items.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My most favorite item is the crayon aprons, they are just sooo much fun to make, I love all the pleating, and just the over all look of the finished item. Its not a best seller and I don't get to make very many of them on a regular but still my favorite.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
The amount of competition there is can sometimes be over whelming and challenging, like when I have new item something I haven't sold before, I find it hard to want to put it in my etsy shop, for fear that it wont sell and be buried in all the other listings, but once I have it out there I realize I was just being scared for nothing. And I realize the competition is what makes it fun.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Just to do what is fun for me, I also like to try to do something out of the box and different than what the norm is, maybe a step up from the normal.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Bake and play with my kids, they are what got me started on this and they are what keep me going.

ChildishThoughts is celebrating their 5 year anniversary on Etsy by offering everyone a 10% discount in their shop. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "JAN5YR" at checkout.

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