December Design Challenge Winner

December's Design Challenge had the theme "Elf on the shelf".
We had lots of lovely entries from our team member but the winning entry with the most votes was...

Christmas Photo Prop Hat, Elf Stocking 

by ThatsTheCutestThing

Wouldn't you love to use this hat a photo prop for your next Christmas newborn shoot? This elf hat features rich red and white colors with great stitch detail. The yarn used has a "polished" cotton finish, which not only gives it a nice glow for your camera, but is also lusciously soft for the little one wearing it. My crochet elf hat is also fun for everyday and makes a unique baby shower gift.

Here are some more lovely items from ThatsTheCutestThing

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December Design Challenge. It's time to Vote!

For December our Design Challenge theme was "Elf on the shelf" We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item! Voting is open until 29th December.

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Meet Etsy Seller TomboyNanny

This week we meet Etsy seller Tomboy Nanny.   TomboyNanny has been making fun items for children and adults, knitted and crocheted with bright, washable yarn since October 2014.


    

What motivated you to start your shop?
I'm a professional nanny, and I sometimes bring my knitting with me to work.  One day, my charge asked me to make him some web shooters, so of course, I did.  Other nannies and moms really liked my creation, so I started making different color combinations and one mom suggested I start an Etsy shop.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I've always been a tomboy, and I take pride in my career as a nanny.  So those two words describe who I am, plus I think it describes the kinds of things I make.  I love bright colors, sports and fun educational activities.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
That's a tough one!  I like creating different things at different times, but I love watching kids play with my web shooters and my dinosaur treasure hunt was a real labor of love.

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The sheer number of people selling online is amazing!  I was worried about the competition, but I was surprised at how supportive other sellers are in the forums and teams. 

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Titles and tags are still a mystery to me.  I tweak and edit mine as much as I can.  I wish there was a magic formula to it!  I try not to get too down about it, and just focus on creating new and fun items.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Everything I make comes from my 6-year-old charge's imagination.  Basically, I just want to make things that make kids smile.

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not nannying or crafting, I spend most of my time watching sports (see, I said I was a tomboy).  I love my Bears, Bulls, Cubs and Blackhawks, and I love trying out craft beers while watching.  I also love checking out new neighborhoods in LA with my husband.  We've been living here for over 5 years and we still haven't explored all of it.


I'm offering 20% your order with the coupon code ETSYKIDS


    

post written by Raising Green Kids

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Meet Etsy Seller Little Pink Canary

This week we meet Etsy seller Little Pink Canary.  Little Pink Canary offers high quality knitwear/crochet items for babies up to 2 years of age. She also make handmade dolls and amigurumi toys and has been open since November 2014.
    

What motivated you to start your shop?
Good question! I have been knitting and crocheting since I was 11 years old and learned to do so in Canada during my childhood. After a few quick lessons from my Aunt, I was knitting jackets/hats for babies and bugging my mum to buy me yarn and pattern books instead of the usual things an 11 year old girl would want. 
I am passionate about crochet and knitting (its my creative outlet). Even though my boys aren't babies anymore I still love to make things. Etsy provided the perfect platform to sell my creations and hopefully give them the opportunity to make their way to a new home where they will be loved.
What is the story behind your shop name?
Simple - I love pink and was looking for a name that could be associated with babywear. Birds came to mind and Little Pink Canary was born!    

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love making my cotton bunnies. I love seeing the beauty in simple things and feel that my bunnies fit into that category.
There are so many commercial products out there to buy for children that are mass produced. I feel that my handmade cotton bunnies are so simple and cuddly (just like a hug from a mum or dad) and really just the perfect gift for any child.
Blankets also have a special place in my heart. I love working with gorgeous Australian wools and cottons, dreaming up the perfect colour palette and slowly watching my blankets evolve into heirloom pieces. 

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The lovely support and feedback I received from my family and friends - including the public and feedback received from my very first customers. I still get pretty excited and honoured whenever someone buys something from my shop.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Stocking my shop and having enough hours in the day to make things to fill it. I've got so many ideas in my head and plans but there aren't enough hours in the day to make them come to life!  

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Quality and craftsmanship are very important to me - I take pride in the care and effort I put into making items and won't sell something if I feel it isn't 100% perfect to me. I really want my customers to be happy with the finished product. 
I recently had a lovely lady commission me to create crochet animals to match their family pets. I had so much fun making those little guys come to life.     

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not busy creating things for Little Pink Canary, I take care of my two young boys and husband and try to keep on top of things at home. Oh, and I also have a full time job away from Little Pink Canary!
I love working out at the gym, painting and baking (I own way too many cookbooks). I also can confess that I spend too much time on Pinterest and surfing my favourite blogs such as www.rosylittlethings.typepad.com and www.cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com and of course the blog that started it all, www.attic24.typepad.com.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I've recently discovered Instagram - its wonderful to connect with people from all over the world. I try and post daily snaps of what I have been working on and have developed a bit of a fan base which is wonderful. Look for me on instagram - I'm littlepinkcanary.

Thank you Etsy Kids - I am so thrilled to take part in this interview. Thank you.

Hope you visit my shop and remember - I love custom orders!   

Interview posted by Raising Green Kids

    





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