For February our Design Challenge theme was "Come Fly With Me"
We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item!
Voting is open until 27th January.
Meet Etsy Seller Little Luckies 2
Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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.
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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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Easy-To-Make Wild Bird Feeder
Posted Saturday, February 15, 2014
Kids love to learn about nature and a fun way to encourage them to help care for wild birds is to make a simple bird feeder. Bird watching and feeding is a great way to teach your little ones about the many varieties of birds and their habits. Watching the birds bring their friends to this fresh tasty treat is a reward for the kids, as well as, the birds.
Explain to your child that supplementing the food supply of our feathery friends is very important, especially during harsh winter conditions, to help guarantee their survival. Also, please remember that once birds start coming to your home to eat, they get used to the food being there so it’s important to keep feeding them throughout the winter months.
An easy-to-make pinecone feeder is a simple project that even young children can help create. All you need is a pine cone, string, and the food items you will use.
STEP 1: Assemble your materials.
STEP 2: Tie a string around the wider, stem end of the pinecone. Be sure the string is tied tightly so it doesn't fall when the birds arrive.
STEP 3: Mix ½ cup vegetable shortening with ½ cup oatmeal or corn meal in a mixing bowl until well blended. This amount should cover one large pinecone or two or three smaller ones.
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STEP 5: Pour the birdseed into a pie tin, paper plate or cookie sheet. Roll the pinecone in the birdseed until well covered.
STEP 6: Suspend the feeder from a tree branch where it can be easily seen from a window. Last, but not least, all you need to do is watch for your feathered friends to come and enjoy the meal you lovingly prepared for them!
Explain to your child that supplementing the food supply of our feathery friends is very important, especially during harsh winter conditions, to help guarantee their survival. Also, please remember that once birds start coming to your home to eat, they get used to the food being there so it’s important to keep feeding them throughout the winter months.
An easy-to-make pinecone feeder is a simple project that even young children can help create. All you need is a pine cone, string, and the food items you will use.
STEP 1: Assemble your materials.
STEP 2: Tie a string around the wider, stem end of the pinecone. Be sure the string is tied tightly so it doesn't fall when the birds arrive.
STEP 4: Thoroughly spread the mixture over the pinecone with a child friendly knife/spreader or use the back side of a spoon. This is rather messy, so have paper towels handy for hand clean-up.
STEP 5: Pour the birdseed into a pie tin, paper plate or cookie sheet. Roll the pinecone in the birdseed until well covered.
STEP 6: Suspend the feeder from a tree branch where it can be easily seen from a window. Last, but not least, all you need to do is watch for your feathered friends to come and enjoy the meal you lovingly prepared for them!
Thanks to Nancy Keesling of TutuCuteandMoore for sharing this fun project with us. You can find Nancy on Etsy, where she sells unique handmade clothing and and gifts. You can also follow Nancy on facebook.
Meet Etsy Seller Jenny Dale Designs
Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2014
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.
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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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Treasury Challenge #28 - Little Cupids
Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The theme for the EtsyKids Team treasury challenge #28 was "Little Cupids" in prepartion for Valentines day later this week.
Our team members created lots of beautiful treasuries featuring some amazing items, but the winner with 218 views is...
HarmonyGirlsClothing makes beautiful dresses and outfits for little girls. We love adorable party frock that is available in her shop. Visit her shop to see more of her wonderful creations.
Our team members created lots of beautiful treasuries featuring some amazing items, but the winner with 218 views is...
Thank you HarmonyGirlsClothing for creating such a lovely treasury!
HarmonyGirlsClothing makes beautiful dresses and outfits for little girls. We love adorable party frock that is available in her shop. Visit her shop to see more of her wonderful creations.
Creative Shoebox Craft
Posted Thursday, February 06, 2014
School has just gone back here in Australia after our long summer holiday. That means new school shoes for the kids and as a result I have a lot of empty shoe boxes.
Here are some creative uses for empty shoeboxes.
1. Kitchen cook top.
2. Car Garage complete with car ramp and parking spaces.
Team up with some gorgeous vintage cars from Piccolinavigli to zoom up and down the ramp.
3. Doll House. You could make a separate house like below or get creative and make each shoebox into a different doll house room and join them altogether.
This dollhouse is just perfect for some little kittens to play in the garden like these from Joelles Dolls.
4. Pirate Treasure Chest.
Combine this shoebox treasure chest with a pirate activity set complete with pirate map, gold coins and a pirate hat and eyepatch from Mels Creative Wishes.
5. Pencil Tidy.
Use some gorgeous crochet pencil cup organisers from CROriginals to keep the pens neat and tidy and standing upright.
Guest blog post by Mel
Mel's Etsy shop Creative Wishes, handmade Toys For Creative Play.
Mel Blogs at Melinda's Creative Wishes.
Here are some creative uses for empty shoeboxes.
1. Kitchen cook top.
Then make your very own felt play doughnuts from the DIY instructions from The Sewing Loft.
This dollhouse is just perfect for some little kittens to play in the garden like these from Joelles Dolls.
Guest blog post by Mel
Mel's Etsy shop Creative Wishes, handmade Toys For Creative Play.
Mel Blogs at Melinda's Creative Wishes.
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