Introducing Pish Posh Creations

Posted Thursday, May 31, 2012


Today We Introduce You To Dana from Pish Posh Creations

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
My mother in law bought me my first sewing machine right before my first son was born. At the time I thought I would just mess around with it to fix hems and make a few throw pillows. But it was such a rush seeing what I made that it became more and more of what can I do next. Next thing I knew family and friends were asking me to make something for them or for a gift they needed. It kind of just blossomed from there. I've never looked back since.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
I was looking for something that was fun, whimsical, and sounded kid friendly. Then one day something my grandmother, who I adored, used to say popped in my head. "Oh, Pish Posh!" She used the term as meaning either, "Don't bother" or "That's absurd!". But despite the meaning I fell in love with it. I felt that it would've made her proud knowing that she inspired me to use her favorite term as something positive. Originally, I wanted to just use Pish Posh, but pishposh.com was already taken and I wanted something that I could use as my website address so the Creations was added.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I have too many to name and would hate leaving any of them out so I'm just going to plead the 5th on this question and say them all! :)

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The thing that surprised me most about having my own etsy shop and website was that it has become so successful. What I see as a creative outlet, a passion, or you could even say my designing getaway, others see as the piece that they've been searching for. To truly see them enjoy what I have to offer is my own little sewing HIGH!

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Finding time to manage my business. Since I'm the sole proprietor of Pish Posh Creations I'm the designer, creator, photographer, writer, customer service, inventory stockman, shipper, etc. And that is all on top of running a household of 3 kids and a husband. (OK, we'll say 4 kids- HA)

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I do not sell anything that I wouldn't buy for myself. It has to be high quality and really make a statement. I'm not one to work in an assembly line making 10 of the same items. I enjoy making things different then the one before. Yes, it takes a lot longer, but it is so worth the wait.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
OH, this is a good question! Um... I would say people think I'm friendly, bubbly, helpful, there when you need me and there when it really counts. That I'm an honest person, therefore I don't steal ideas from other companies or sellers. What I make comes straight from my imagination.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I love my itunes! I set it on shuffle and crank it up! On even given day you will hear me rocking to anything from Third Day to NickelBack to Katy Perry to Michael Jackson to LMFAO to Rascal Flats to Black Eyed Peas and then to Jeremy Camp.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Is there such a thing as not working (creating)? I do like to read and go to the gym. However, while I'm at the gym I'm daydreaming of the next big thing to create so I guess that doesn't count. Ha

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I truly LOVE the life I live! I have an amazing husband that has a great job so that I can have the freedom and flexibility to stay at home. My 3 boys are now all in school so it makes it easier to work sewing during the day. My nights are a different story because every night is either a practice, game, or club meeting for one of them so I'm a taxi service from 5:00 on. Another thing about me that separates me from most people is that I'm an aunt to QUADRUPLETS! They are so much fun to be around, but also so exhausting, 3 boys and 1 girl now age 8. I really don't see how my sister can do it! You go sis! One other thing that I'm pretty proud of is having one of my crib beddings featured on the Discovery Channel. It was featured on the TV show 17 Kids and Counting (now known as 19 Kids and Counting). We used to live near where the Duggar Family lives and they purchased one of my bedding sets for baby #18. It was so neat seeing one of my creations on TV!

*** Come and play for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to use at PishPoshCreations.com! Simply become a fan of Pish Posh Creations Facebook Fanclub (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pish-Posh-Creations/91399859372) and follow the link to sign up for your chance to win!

A winner will be chosen at random June 6th and notified via email as well as on Pish Posh Creations Facebook Fan Page.

* $50 must be used on a pre-existing item. Cannot be used toward any custom request.

EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Congratulations to the winner of our May's challenge, Twins Backyard Baby Romper & Dress w-Hats by ttykes!
Trendy Tykes is a gorgeous store of exceptional gifts and items handmade for babies and toddlers.  All products are heirloom quality, and feature a special touch of a unique embroidery embellishment.  Please be sure to visit this wonderful Etsy store, right here!


This month we had some fantastic entries.  Many thanks to all that participated and we look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations next month.


June 2012 EtsyKids Team Desktop Background

Here is the desktop calendar for June 2012! This month the theme was red, white and blue!! Getting ready for July 4th celebrations!! You can see a treasury of all these items here and here.

1024 x 768
1280 x 800
1920 x 1080
Featured shops: MyLittlePixies, sweetsmilesbaby, KPCreations, jennifernoeldesigns, ABabyNotion, roseprintsonline, thebitsybeau, LiliBugBoutique, LadyBeez, yourblissfulday, allthingsforbaby, melondot, TheRoyalDetails, BabyAccessories, tootoocute4you, tinystitches, VibrantTrains, ChewChewsCloset, Avabowtiquee, ApplesauceCrafts

Sensory Activity:: Body Painting

Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012


What do you say when your child wants to use their body to paint? YES!

I taped 4 pieces of paper together, set out some finger paint and brushes, took her clothes off and let her go to town. She had a blast!

{Just be ready for bath time right after...it gets pretty messy.}






If you like this post and want to see more toddler activities please visit my blog, Tutus and Tea Parties. You can also follow me on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.

Introducing Ali Bean Baby

Posted Thursday, May 24, 2012


Today We Introduce You To Kari from Ali Bean Baby

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
2 ½ years ago, after living out of the country for 6 years, my husband and I were at a change-point and were both looking for work in a very changed economy. One of my daughter’s-in-law encouraged me to start making little girl dresses to sell on Etsy. It was something I could “do”, but I had “been there, done that” with a couple of sewing-based businesses, and I really wasn’t interested in sewing and selling. But then we went to visit our little grand-daughter for the 1st time and I made her two pillowcase dresses. Rachel, my DIL, and I looked for fabric together and I loved what we found and how they turned out! So I returned home and for the fun of it, and to satisfy Rachel, I opened an Etsy shop and listed them, and to my surprise and excitement they slowly started selling. The two original dresses continue to be good sellers, with the original photos of my grand-daughter when she was 7 months old!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
My grand-daughter’s name is Ali, and her mom and dad and brother call her “Beaner”. So AliBeanBaby was a perfect fit!

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I don’t have a favorite one – but I love looking for shops that have unique items, or things my hubby and I can’t make. Examples would be the barefoot lace sandals from dachuksb7196’s shop in Latvia; and Me & the Boy, both their name and their bath items.

Q:W hat surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I have had a few good surprises. One was that I was able to let AliBeanBaby develop bit by bit without feeling pressured to have it all in place before I started. Another was that one of my initial objections to starting this kind of business was that I didn’t want to make items just for the sake of selling them, but I wanted to make items FOR someone. And with an on-line shop I have been able to that, one order at a time. And, I don’t need a large inventory -- I can have as many or few fabrics and supplies on hand as I want, and can try something out and it if doesn’t sell I can try something different.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
It is challenging not having consistency with sales. Sometimes it is crazy-busy and sometimes there are no sales at all. Initially this was more challenging, but now I have fun with the busy times, and use the slower times to work on new items. Or just take a break. Another challenge, which is also a good thing, is the size of Etsy, and finding how to connect a little more personally. That has happened somewhat with EtsyKids.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I wanted to have clothes that were quality made, able to be custom fit, and affordable, and yet eye-catching and fun. That meant that the designs needed to be simple to make. I started sewing at a young age and didn’t like the way patterns were put together, and instructions always confused me so I started making my own patterns. Being able to do my own patterning has helped me to be able to keep the construction time down so that I can keep the items within the price range I want.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
I had no idea how to answer this, so asked a friend. Creative, multi-tasking, interested in many, many things, precise and thoughtful, not static.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
Mostly I listen to contemporary Christian music and contemporary instrumental.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I started working a 30-hour-a-week “job” in August so with that and AliBeanBaby I don’t have a much non-work time. I do enjoy cooking, it’s a great way for me to “center” when things are busy or chaotic, and both my hubby and I like a wide variety of foods, so we are always trying new things and have fun working together in the kitchen. We also spend the warmer months of the year finding new places to walk, being out in as much nature as we can find in the city. And, we love being with our grandkids when we can!

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I have 5 sons, and Ali was my 1st granddaughter, so I really didn’t have any experience in little girl’s fashion. My DIL Rachel’s input on styles and fabrics is really what has created AliBeanBaby’s “brand”. I don’t feel so un-experienced now, and do have input, but still rely heavily on her thoughts and ideas. We live in different parts of the country, so we have done it all long-distance – with a lot of skyping! It’s been great fun to work with her!

Under the Sea Craft Projects

Posted Wednesday, May 23, 2012

By Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Finding Nemo is all the rage at my house these days, temporarily bumping Lightning McQueen from most-favored-toy status. We’ve borrowed ocean books from the library, visited aquariums, and pretended we were Nemo and his friends.

So, when I started planning the monthly arts and crafts activity for my MOMS Club, I scoured my Kid Stuff Pinterest board for simple projects related to ocean creatures. I settled on two painting projects: paper bowl jellyfish and paper plate fish.

The jellyfish were inspired by this project from First Palette and this one from Creekside Learning. I told the kids we were making octopuses; as we moved along with the craft, they informed me the octopuses looked more like jellyfish. I went back and looked at the original ideas, and of course, they were right!

We started our jellyfish by painting the bottom of paper bowls. Some kids painted the whole thing; others, like my son, just painted the base of the bowl. I glued googly eyes onto each one. We used tape to attach streamers around the bowl for tentacles.


The fish were inspired by these beautiful paper plate tropical fish from Crafts by Amanda. For the fish, give each kid two paper plates. Have them paint one to be the fish body and help them draw fins on the other plate (or draw them for little guys), and paint those shapes.

When everything is dry, cut out the fins and tape or glue them into place. Draw an eye or attach a googly eye. Too cute!


Here are some other fishy crafts we’ve tried or want to try:

Paper plate octopus, via Artsy Craftsy Mom

Egg carton fish, via Crafty-Crafted. Ours are still a work in progress; we need to add stripes, fins, and eyes.

Squishy fish aquariums, from Teach Preschool (one of my favorite blogs!). We used light blue hair gel and added food coloring to make the gel bluer.

EtsyKids Design Challenge: It's time to Vote!

Posted Monday, May 21, 2012

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open until May 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "April Showers bring May Flowers". We received a bunch of fantastic entries from some talented people. Please vote for your favorite item from the list below.

EtsyKids Design Challenge for May: April Showers bring May Flowers

Posted Friday, May 18, 2012

(via)

"April Showers bring May Flowers" is our challenge for May, picked by our last month's winner SwishDesigns.  This month we'll be featuring hand made items inspired by spring flowers, plants, rain, clouds....

EtsyKids members will have until May 20th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from May 21st to May 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE!  In the meantime, please click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

Introducing C Cooper Designs

Posted Thursday, May 17, 2012


Today We Introduce You To Cheryl From C Cooper Designs

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I started my Etsy shop when I first heard about the site. I wanted a place where I could share my love of sewing and design.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
The business name came from a business name my Mother and I had when we sewed and designed bridal wear, Collins-Cooper. When I changed direction in my sewing business I decided on “c.cooper designs” which still represents my maiden name and my married name.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I have several shops that I really like on Etsy. One of them is SoManyColors for some beautifully hand dyed scarfs.

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The positive compliments that I get.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
One of the most difficult things for me has been getting traffic to my shop. I have much work to do in this area.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I love to sew and I love to be creative. It's important to me to give my customers a quality product. Every item in my shop is one of a kind with quality fabrics carefully chosen and with professional construction.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
artistic, fun-loving, caring

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I actually love a variety of music, so it varies...soft rock, reggae, pop, etc.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Spend time with my family and my girls (dogs), gardening and a variety of art projects.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Recently my daughter, Abigail Cooper has joined me in sewing for c.cooper designs. She is very creative and talented and is a very valuable addition to our shop. And we have a great time together.

Bring the Outdoors In: Grass Clipping

Posted Monday, May 14, 2012

By Christine of Belly Bear Baby Gear

Now that we are well into the season of spring many of you out there are seeding your lawns and watching them grow.  With plenty of grass seed on hand, you have the opportunity to create a fun sensory/fine motor growth opportunity for your children.  All you'll need is some top soil, grass seed, a dish pan and some children's scissors.

Let's begin: Have your children help you fill your dish pan with a few inches of dirt and sprinkle a liberal amount of seed on top of the dirt.  Let your little ones help water the seed and dirt.


Then place your pan in a nice sunny space.


Now will be the time for patience and learning.  Encourage your child to help you water the seeds over the next couple weeks as they sprout and grow.  As the grass begins sprouting, bring the pan down and let your children have a feel.  Ask prompting questions such as: "How does it feel?" and "Is the grass long or short?"


In approximately 2-3 weeks, you will have lovely lush grass in a pan which will possibly prompt your husband to ask, "When you're done with this, can I transplant it to the dead spot in our lawn?"  Until then, it's time to get out the scissors and invite your child to snip away.



Young toddlers will need help learning how to hold the scissors and snip the grass.  You can show them how to use both hands and open and close the scissors.  As always, this activity should be done under close adult supervision, even children's scissors can hurt.  While your child trims the grass, you can ask prompting questions such as, "What do the scissors do?" and "What is happening to the grass?"  Also allow children the opportunity to simply feel the grass with their hands.  My little ones even tried sticking their toes in the tub!

Older children may enjoy a variation on this activity.  Using an old nylon, sprinkle some grass seed into the toe, pour some dirt on top of the seed and tie off the nylon.  You can then draw a face onto the nylon with a permanent marker and water it regularly.  You will soon have a little nylon person with grass for hair.  Your child will enjoy giving him a haircut!

This fun activity meets several early learning standards as noted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Science:
-Use their senses to learn about objects in the environment. discover that they can make things happen and solve simple problems.
Physical Development:
-Infants and toddlers/twos have multiple opportunities to develop fine-motor skills by acting on their environments using their hands and fingers in a variety of age-appropriate ways.
-Children are provided varied opportunities and materials that support fine-motor development.

Enjoy this fun learning activity with your children and maybe even grow a small patch of grass for a lawn in need.

Christine can be found online on her blog Belly Bear Baby Gear, facebook, and her etsy shop:



Introducing Wild Things Funky Little Dresses

Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012


Today We Introduce You To Kristy from
Wild Things Funky Little Dresses

Q: What motivated you to start your shop? / What is the story behind your shop name?
I’m a mum of three living in the heart of the rural Lancashire hills in the UK with a career in fashion designing childrenswear, products, and fabrics for UK retailers for many years, as well as fashion lecturing. After the arrival of my youngest, and third little ‘wild thing’, Lila, I decided to go it alone to spend more time with them. Wild Things Funky Little Dresses just evolved, and grew organically really, after buying some small lengths of gorgeous fabric with a desire to make something to inspire my daughters. I guess it’s in my blood now to do this as I started making anything and everything at a very young age, back in the crafty 70’s, and then into the avant garde 80’s when as a teenager it was the only way to be ‘different". It was my late grandma, Florence who inspired me, with her huge walk in wardrobe of gowns and hats, and a sewing box full of goodies, and of course my mum who showed me how to work through paper patterns at an early age. I guess if I wasn’t outside playing, I was inside making things. Now it’s my children who inspire me. Their love to dress up, and their playful imagination, coupled with my love for simple bold colour and imagery, and Scandinavian simplicity, gave me a starting point. I love simple shape and pattern, which translate beautifully on to simple A-line shapes for dresses and macs (=raincoat). The range includes animal creature dresses (fox), ’picture’ dresses (rainbow), and contemporary print dresses. The character dresses have been hugely successful as they offer a high quality contemporary alternative to the dress up clothes little ones love to wear.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I believe your little ones should have fun, feed their imagination, and love the clothes they wear." I think the simple print, colour ,pattern and whimsical imagery, as well as their practical versatility, make Wild Things Funky Little Dresses irresistible to children and style conscious parents alike. I’m trying to create clothes which are loved by children and adults alike ,help promote play, and evoke a sense of fun. I also believe in reviving skills passed down for generations which have been almost lost through over mass production. I’m very proud to be producing here in the UK too.

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
Selling online has been the biggest learning curve for me. It was something which made me step outside my comfort zone, but I’ve found an amazing network of supportive like minded businesses makers and designers out there. Thanks to all of you!!

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Of course dealing with individual customers can be a challenge, but it’s a pleasure to do when you receive such lovely responses and stories of the dresses being worn. I also love the idea of selling globally to a niche market,which makes personal contact all the more worthwhile and rewarding.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ninainvorm
http://www.etsy.com/people/DollsAndDaydreams
Thanks to both Nina (ninainvorm), and Sarah ( dollsanddaydreams) for endless mutual support,and for being such prolific creators themselves.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Tenacious, passionate, determined!

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I tend to listen to the radio whilst I’m working, especially late at night. (BBC Radio 2). I like being entertained and listening to the variety good radio throws at you.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I live in a beautiful part of the world in the heart of the Lancashire Hills in the North West of England, so we have beautiful unspoilt countryside on our doorstep. I like nothing more than to spend a day exploring the ‘fairy woods’ behind our home with the children and the dog.

Q: Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
The UK childrenswear market tends to be saturated with over complicated, over designed co ordinated childrenswear, but which lacks a fresh approach. I’m trying to offer a fun but contemporary alternative. ‘Handmade’ has become a big thing here in the UK over recent years, which has provided fantastic opportunities for small makers to showcase their work to a hungry audience who are looking for something with a story and a bit of soul. There seems not to be a platform as consistent and up to the minute as etsy to allow makers to sell their work in the UK.

Where the Wild Things Are

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012

In honor of beloved children's book author, Maurice Sendak, who passed away yesterday at the age of 83, we pay tribute with a selection of items that remind us of one of his most beloved stories ... 'Where the Wild Things Are.'



Flowers for Mom

Posted Tuesday, May 08, 2012

By Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Mother’s Day is just a few days away, and if the kids aren’t sure what they want to make for Mom or Grandma, this quick craft might be just the thing. She's sure to love it!


Here’s what you’ll need:

Cardboard egg cartons, cut into individual cups
Paint, markers, and/or crayons
Green pipe cleaners
White paper
Tape

I started with this adorable May Day bouquet idea from Alphamom but made egg carton flowers instead. I thought it would be more fun to get messy with paint than markers. My son had a great time mixing colors, and eventually he abandoned the paint brushes and just used his hands.


Once your flowers are dry, poke a hole in the bottom with scissors and thread the pipe cleaner through. I wound up a bit of the end inside the flower to keep it from sliding out.



To make the basket, print out and cut the printable sheet from the Alphamom craft. Decorate the basket and handle. My son opted to create stories on the baskets with crayons and garden stickers.


Tape the cone together and add the handle. Fill with your flowers, and watch Mom and Grandma smile!

Book Nook: The Three Questions

Posted Monday, May 07, 2012

From Cherice of InnerPiecesGallery.

Jon J. Muth’s picture book for children is aptly titled. The three questions introduced in The Three Questions might at first seem a little odd, especially to today’s modern child. The questions themselves have a slightly unnatural rhythm to them which makes them difficult to imagine ever speaking out loud. This strange rhythm makes much more sense once we realize the questions originate from Leo Tolstoy’s short story titled (Hmm, can you guess it?) The Three Questions.

Muth’s book expresses his own passion for Tolstoy while beautifully sharing the author’s study of Zen in a way that children can understand.

Muth’s watercolors add a peaceful beauty to every page. Most importantly, the engaging images lead us at last to the ANSWERS of these meaningful three questions. No spoiler alert here. You’ll have to read this delightful story to learn the answers for yourself.

Parents, don’t miss the author’s note at the end of the book. It offers even more insight into the inspiration behind this empowering book for children.

Find InnerPiecesGallery, online via blog, twitter and Etsy Shop.

InnerPiecesGallery, EtsyKids Team nor Etsy is affiliated with the books author(s), illustrator(s) or publisher.  This review is provided simply for the joy of sharing good books and for supporting the work of inspiring authors.

Introducing Chichiboulie

Posted Thursday, May 03, 2012


Today We Introduce You To Gretchen from Chichiboulie

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
Chichiboulie began on a bit of a whim after creating my oldest daughter's birthday invites 7+ years ago. A friend had said to me a long time before and in a completely different context "fake it 'til you make it" and so that's what I did and set up shop that day though I'd never sold my artwork in the past! I had, however, always loved drawing and with 2 little ones at home, I didn't want to work outside of the home. Chichiboulie allowed me to get paid to do something I love while working from home. It was just perfect!


Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
Ah ha! I get asked that a lot. Chichiboulie is actually one of the pet names my husband calls me. I suspect the "chichi" bit came about from an evolution of the French words "chérie" and "chieuse". I'll let you look up that last one for anyone curious enough. The "boulie" is completely and totally random! It just seemed to fit the light-hearted, fun attitude behind the art I was creating at that time.


Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
One favourite??? Is that possible? I have so many favourite Etsy shops I couldn't possible choose just one. At the moment, I really love these among so many others: http://www.etsy.com/shop/camelliatune?ref=seller_info http://www.etsy.com/listing/91365018/maria-severyna-black-and-cream-striped http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaractacusPots?ref=seller_info http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthwareClay?ref=seller_info


Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
Learning how much I hate bookkeeping considering the amount of financial work I did in my past life as a fashion buyer. But besides that, I think the most pleasant surprise was the feeling of community. Although I work from home in my little studio by myself, I don't feel cut off from the world as there are so many opportunities out there for communication, support, advice, friendship even online. A less pleasant surprise, though one that is very important, is realising what a small fish in a big pond you can be. Things move so fast and there are truly so many incredibly talented people out there, it can get very competitive at times. But competition does often lead to creation so it's all good in the end and pushes me to learn new techniques and improve my art and products.


Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Since I started selling on Etsy, my priorities have changed so at the moment I feel pretty laid-back about my Etsy selling. Definitely more so than in the past! In the past I think I could get overwhelmed by the amount and level of talent out there and by trying to figure out how to make my mark in all of that. I feel more settled now and feel like I've found my niche.


Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I don't think I've ever really thought of this in a concrete way, but since you've asked, I would have to say that for me Chichiboulie represents playfulness and the happiness that can be seen in our children. I tend to think of it like a warm, sunny, summer's day. Besides that, I do strive to have a strong sense of customer service. I don't consider a product or project finished until both I and my client are satisfied with the result. I can get pretty obsessive about it, but I think it is worth it. I love the contact with my clients and hope that when they receive their final product be it a print, a painting, invitation or.... that they open the package and find a smile.


Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Eeps! Uhm, on a good day or a bad day? I'm more than a little bit of a perfectionist which can be both a good and a bad thing. But besides that, I think (hope) people would say I am open-minded (though somewhat strong-minded too) and outgoing and usually wearing a smile. And apparently funny, though I was told recently that I may not realise that I'm funny. I'm still trying to figure out if that's a good thing or not...


Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
Oh it can vary. A lot! Anything from Amy MacDonald to the Pogues to Mika to Wagner. Really just depends on the day and my mood. I even have Doris Day and Right Said Fred next to each other on my playlist.


Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Besides running after 3 kids and taking care of the house and dog, I'm also currently studying to become a therapist. I've found a true passion for psychology, just like in art, and my hope is to eventually be able to combine the two and use art as therapy in my practice. Oh, and I'm finally taking an art class because I thought that could be useful. Actually, it's because I'm working on newer paintings and moving in a slightly different direction, but I think Chichiboulie will be around for a while yet!


Q: Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
I feel like France is catching up when it comes to the handmade movement. When I first arrived here, I found it quite frustrating as there didn't seem to be much going on. Since that time, the market and interest had grown a lot and online shops as well as markets are popping up more and more, especially in the past 2 years. I find there to be quite a big difference in styles between the US, UK, and other English speaking countries and France. It can be a challenge coming up with products to suit both. More often than not, I end up making products specific for each market.


Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I think I've chatted myself out actually! Maybe just a big thank you to EtsyKids for all the hard work the team does in promoting handmade children's products. It's a fabulous team with so many creative and ambitious members!

EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Posted Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Congratulations to the winner of our April's challenge, Puppy Birthday Invitation - 5x7 printable digital invite - Stripes boy printable digital invitations by SwishDesigns!


"Puppies puppies everywhere! My little boy was in LOVE with puppies at this age - any and all kinds! So a puppy party is the PERFECT theme for his birthday bash!"

Swish Designs is a perfect stop if you need an amazing invitation for your party or an announcement.  This Etsy shop is full of them!  You can visit it right here.



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...