Meet Etsy Shop: Simply Swanky by Ashley

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Simply Swanky by Ashley

Simply Swanky by Ashley has been selling on Etsy since September 2011, they sell lovely clothing for babies and kids, as well as beatiful fabrics for those who want to make their own items! Today they are going to give us a little peak behind the scenes of their Etsy shop.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I started sewing 7 years ago after purchasing a machine to monogram for my 1 year old son and expected niece. I had always enjoyed puzzles, and after using my machine for monogramming I thought maybe sewing would be like putting together a puzzle. I was currently a resident just out of medical school and was looking for a fun creative outlet. I initially would sew for friends and family. My sister-in-law would host home shows for me to display items and take custom orders from her friends. I enjoyed making custom items so much that I decided to open up my Etsy shop.

What is the story behind your shop name?
When I was thinking of the name for my shop I chose Simply Swanky because the items are swanky yet seem very simple.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I never thought I would sell this much or that having an online store could be so much fun. I have really enjoyed all of the new people that I have been able to meet through the shop.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I really enjoy baby gift items. The baby layette sets have actually been my most popular items as well.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
The most challenging has been the influx of business that is unpredictable. I have a full time job as a physician and continue to sew in my spare creative time. It is difficult to predict how many orders I will have at one given time. With time constraints, the custom orders are the most difficult. I have extended the shop to sell fabric as well. The fabric orders are of course not difficult to fill and it still helps feed my creative needs.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I really enjoy sewing and love the creative outlet. i strive to make each item a little unique and finish it off with a professional look. I double check over each item to ensure the quality is top notch. I have young children so I can understand what it means to have clothes that will hold up to several washes. I work hard to get items out to customers as quickly as possible.

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I am not working in my Etsy shop, I am a mother of two little ones and a wife to a great husband. I am also a Family Medicine physician full time in a local clinic from 7-3. If there's spare time left, I play in a local tennis league.

Simply Swanky by Ashley is offering a 10% discount in their shop. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "SPRING10" at checkout. Valid until March 30 2014.

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Meet Etsy Seller FiddledeeDeeCraft

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop FiddledeeDeeCraft

FiddledeeDeeCraft has been selling on Etsy since November 2011, she sell stunning handmade felt food and felt toys for kids! Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
My daughter had an Etsy shop while she was in school, and she told me it would be a great place to sell the stuff I was making. She helped me with the setup and did all my shop graphics!

What is the story behind your shop name?
My family nickname is Dee. I wanted a shop name that included my name, and sounded fun. Yeah, 'fiddle dee dee' is just fun to say!

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The amount of time it takes for photos/editing, listing, and then marketing your shop. When I first came to Etsy, I had the 'if you make it, they will come' mindset. Wrong! But I found some great Etsy teams to get involved with. The help and support I find on my teams is great!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I like the pancake breakfast set. This set is one of the first things I started making in my shop. It's also one of my most popular listings.
This year, I'm adding some new dolls that can be customized (hair color, skin color). As I work on them, they are becoming some of my favorites, too!

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
It can be a struggle to keep items stocked and find time to add new ones. I have lots of ideas for things I want to make, but my time is so limited.
I don't like working on the same thing for too long, so I always have a basket full of stuff that's cut or in progress. Every couple of weeks, I have a cutting day for items I'm low on. While I'm cutting, I try to add something new as I go.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Pretend play is so much fun for kids, and it doesn't require any fancy equipment! When my girls were little, they spent hours in their play kitchen, pretending to shop for groceries or make dinner. I always liked to have things that encouraged their creative play. Now, these are the kinds of things I like to make for my shop, and the things I'll keep making for my grand kids.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Outside my Etsy shop, I work 4 days a week as an HR manager. My husband and I enjoy DIY projects around the house and yard, and we love to go camping. One of our daughters lives in South Carolina, near lots of places for camping and hiking. Our youngest daughter lives close by - I get to see her several times a week. We like to go to the gym together. I also have a little garden that doesn't get enough attention.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
In July, I'll be a first-time grandma! I expect our trips to South Carolina will become more frequent...

FiddledeeDeeCraft is offering a 15% discount in her shop on orders over $30. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "FELTFUN15" at checkout. Valid until March 31 2014.

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Meet Etsy Seller Dgmart

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop dgmart

dgmart has been selling on Etsy since September 2010. At the DGM-ART shop you can find everything for your colorful interior. Dgm-art loves creating decorations, curtains, blinds and pictures especially for kids and teenagers. Today they are sharing a little about their shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
My kids and my passion for creating things.
I am a painter, lover of colours and designing things. I started with oil and water-colour painting. Than I discovered silk and started to paint on silk - I have another shop, much more older then this one, on Etsy, dedicated to silk painting. There are scarves, but the main attention I pay on silk hand painted curtains. And because those curtains are very special and not for everyone, I wanted something more useful - for children room. But I must confess, that without my mum it wouldn't work. She is a great person, professional and she can sew very well. We are two and we support each other in good times and also in bad times.

What is the story behind your shop name?
My name is Dagmar and I like the shortcut dgm, and because I love art and I am doing art, I have it like: dgm-art. But on Etsy it is just "dgmart".
I was grown in the South Moravia - it is a part of the Czech republic, and there was great  opportunity to create things, draw and paint. I was attending the Secondary school of applied arts, especially the Department of painting, and that focused my attention to colours, decorations, patterns etc. And life went on, I moved to Prague - the capital of my country, I went to the University, met my husband and had two children. I was looking for a better job than I had since my maternity leave begun. I taught Art older pupils, but more I wanted to make my own art. And than I started with my great mum create, design and draw curtains from canvas.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The hard work in managing things. I have lot of troubles with marketing. I want more audience, but sometimes I don't know how to make it. I am still studying the Etsy Sellers Handbook, reading discussions and forums (I finally created a team!). Well I need to find my customers.
And when some customer comes, it is very cool! I like to cooperate with customers. I have to because each blind or curtain is sewn for somebody's room, needs special measurement, hanging option etc. And our customers are very patient, I love them and their ideas.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
Oh, I like everything, but especially sewn things. For example Giraffes and the City is great from the curtain section, The Blue eyed Girl from the blind section.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/56995718/color-blind-for-girls-blue-eyed-girl
https://www.etsy.com/listing/56740248/curtain-for-kids-giraffes

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Improve my business. Make it worthy.
I dream about being freelance designer, but I am still searching know-how of online marketing.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
We want to create no commercial products. We are no claiming to be millionaires, we want to stay humble and do really good and artistic curtains for children and their parents. We want to sell useful things.  I do not want to make things just for money, do not desire be another IKEA corporation.  Important is what children think about our decorations, we hope they are feeling well surrounded by our art.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I am drawing the lace patterns in these days - for the next silk curtains.  I am the painter, so I am trying to make other things (you can see my art here: www.etsy.com/people/dagamara). I am also a teacher, so I teach students the art of drawing and painting.
And of course I am a mum of 9 years old twins, so you can imagine my life, it is quite busy :-)

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
 I heard good tips from Henry Rollins – the American singer. Tips about how to reach what you want to do or who you want to be. These tips are: application, discipline, focus and repetition.

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Meet Etsy Seller Papoose Clothing

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Papoose Clothing

Papoose Clothing has been selling on Etsy since November 2010, she sell handmade beauitful outfits for children, from vintage inspired to creative modern pieces. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Three years ago I received the news that my sister was pregnant with her first child, and I wanted to make a few keepsake dresses for my new niece. I delighted in making such miniaturized items and all the dramatic bows and frills that come with designing little girls' clothing that I decided to take the plunge and open a shop on Etsy. It all sounds so much simpler than it really was and still is, but that's the short version!

What is the story behind your shop name?
I loved watching the movie Gidget as a child, and there is one particular scene where some girls insult Gidget by calling her a "papoose." I had never heard of the word before, so strange child that I was, immediately looked it up in the dictionary to figure out what it meant. The word has always stuck with me so when I was thinking of possible store names, it naturally came to mind because it was a favored childhood memory and an appropriate name.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I knew absolutely nothing about running a business when I opened a shop on Etsy, so everything surprised me. I didn't even have business cards; I basically had a shop name and a few sad items for sale. It is such a huge learning experience, and I am still growing and discovering new and better ways at being a small business owner. It takes constant work and determination to grow and get out of the "it's just a hobby, but here's my stuff" phase into a legitimate business you want people to take seriously.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love the Double Ruffle Bloomer Bubble Shorts because they are so darling and sassy. The design is simple but it really packs a punch, and the shorts can easily take your little papoose through all the seasons with the right pair of tights for colder months or wear them alone during hot summer days.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I continue to struggle with the photography aspect because pictures are the only source for potential buyers to make a decision based on looks. The description helps, but pictures can and should relay fabric details, color, fit, feelings and mood, everything. Great photography can really help a store stand out from the crowd, and separating yourself from everyone else and creating your own distinct brand is one of the biggest hurdles when selling on a site that grows daily!

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I firmly believe in fostering a child's imagination, and clothing was one of the first areas of my life I vividly remember expressing myself through. I know how it feels to wear the perfect little dress when playing make believe and "putting on a show!" I once gathered "costumes" so I could look just like Laurey scene-for-scene in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! while watching the movie by myself. I want to give your little papoose that same elated feeling and freedom of personal expression through handmade style.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I love to read books and watch old movies, but when I'm with my husband, we compromise and pick a series to watch on Netflix. We've been through several shows and are currently finishing up The X-Files. The show frightened me so badly when I was younger, but now I'm fascinated by all the theories and beliefs they write about.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I have recently released the Spring Summer 2014 collection, Bayou Bebe. It is inspired by the romance of Cajun Country in south Louisiana with all the mystery and charm of the bayous. This collection has been a love story for me because I grew up in Louisiana so I feel a deeper connection to this line than past inspirations. I hope this relationship is evident in the clothing and speaks to people on a meaningful level, not just superficially. Although I hope people like the clothes for their own design merit, I hope people can understand the thoughts behind it and that I did my part in relaying a story.

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Meet Etsy Seller Little Luckies 2

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Little Luckies 2

Little Luckies 2 sell handmade cloth / rag dolls & stuffed animals! Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I opened this little shop because I have the need to create, to keep my hands moving and to fuel my passion for smiles. My kids beds were overrun with toys I had made and, I was making toys for my nieces, nephews, and friends.  Still it wasn't enough to keep me busy!

I was trying to think ahead, the kids will be in school full time soon and, I really don't want to go back to the corporate life, it isn't  for me.  I want  to be able to do something that I love.  If I can bring in enough income to help our family, while doing something I love, it's a win win!  So, in 2013 I made a New Years resolution to open up shop and, was determined to keep it.  It wasn't hard with the constant encouragement from friends and family. So, in June I opened up my shop "little Luckies" and sold my first Etsy product in September.

What is the story behind your shop name?
little Luckies is all about they kids and our family. It means so much all at once!  That I'm lucky to have my little ones, that they are lucky to have both my husband and me. It's also a play on words with our family name :)

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
When I opened I started to feel a sense of self...  Mums you know that 'self' that kind of gets lost when you have kids :). I started to feel that I was worth more than being just a mum.  Don't get me wrong I love being a full time mum but, I was starting to feel lost in it.  For the past 6 years I've been totally focused on the kids and, the family unit. I wasn't doing anything that felt fulfuilling to myself as Susan- if that makes any sense.  It's been so nice to finally have something to call my own.  It takes so much effort to simultaneously run a family and have a small business on the side.  I'm proud of everything that I accomplish with little Luckies.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
Honestly, my favourite is the Rhino because I think it's a brilliant pattern!  Created by another etsy seller Pauline of Funky Friends Factory.  Most of what I make come from patterns she has created.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Getting noticed and sales!! Etsy is so huge its very hard to get people to find you. I know I have a good product that is handcrafted with great care and love, but as much as I network and,  do what other successful Etsy sellers suggest I still have only had 17 sales, most of which were generated through  Facebook.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Running a family, doing laundry (OMG the laundry!), driving everywhere and catching a few zzzzz's.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I will sew practically anything and I love a challenge.
I also, have a Facebook page where I like to post pics daily of the items I'm working on.  I like to keep my buyers informed and, share with them the process from, acutally sewing plush to, what that is cooking on my stove :).  It's kind of like a mini blog.

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Meet Etsy Seller Jenny Dale Designs

Today we would like to introduce you to

Etsy shop Jenny Dale Designs

Jenny Dale Designs has been selling on Etsy since February 2013 (happy 1 year anniversary!), she sell nursery art & decor for Children, including wonderful illustrations and poetry. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and I have been creating art for as long as I can remember.  However, it wasn’t until the birth of my son that I began to focus my attention of creating art for children’s rooms and nurseries.  Having taught kindergarten for 8 years, I have a profound respect for children and I believe they are capable, creative citizens.  They deserve to be surrounded by beautiful, thought-provoking works of art.  All of my paintings and illustrations are made with thoughtfulness, love and care. I also write poetry to accompany each one of my prints, giving children and parents a chance to engage in the artwork on another level.  I have been a fan of Etsy for years, and opening my own Etsy shop seemed like a perfect fit for my artwork.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I choose the name Jenny Dale Designs because I wanted a name that was reminiscent of my childhood yet unique to me as an artist.  My middle name is Dale and when I was a child my dad called me “Jenny Dale”.  Although I lost my dad to cancer 9 years ago, each time I hear my business name spoken aloud it is as though my dad is with me - watching over me…smiling…proud.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I have so much fun creating each one of my illustrations that it is hard to pick only a few!  I have a lot of fun creating characters out of birds and owls…and cats!  I have a lot of fun with my cats!

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
When I first opened my Etsy shop, I thought I’d immediately be overwhelmed with sales orders coming in!  Whenever I sell my work at craft shows and festivals I am always incredibly busy, but I soon discovered that selling online is a different ballpark.  There isn’t quite the same sense of urgency, so people tend to take more time to make a decision.  I also find that my listings are sometimes buried in a sea of other items that pop-up in a search.  I’m learning to focus more energy into promoting on-line sales and spreading the word about my shop through social media and advertising.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe children deserve to be surrounded by beautiful, thought provoking works of art.  Each one of my paintings tells a story through colour, characters and the poetry I write to accompany it.  I also think art should be accessible to everybody.  Rather than offer my paintings through traditional galleries, I choose to sell my prints online and at craft shows and festivals.  People who might not otherwise engage in my art, are able to do so because it is in a relaxed, familiar setting.  As a parent, I know we can’t all spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on art for our homes.  I strive to make my artwork affordable knowing that tastes change and kids eventually grow up!

What do you do when you aren't working?
Most of my time is spent with my wonderful son, James and my loving husband, Mark.  Our days are full of laughter and exploration.  Living near the mountains means I am never far from a trip to the Rockies to hike, snowboard, or just take in the scenery and check out the local galleries.

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