Introducing Kendrasred!

Today we introduce you to Kendra of Kendrasred

• What motivated you to start your shop?

When one of my best friends was married a few years ago, she hired gourmet taco trucks for her reception dinner. To support this amazing choice, I silkscreened an 'i love tacos' onesie for my baby to wear. It was a hit, and I began making them for friends, their friends and more friends' friends. My first listing was this silkscreened onesie (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/53264802), and my Etsy shop has evolved dramatically for me since.

• What is the story behind your shop name?

'Kendrasred' was my first email/screen name from back in the 90s, so I went with it again for consistency. But once I began taking my business more seriously, I referred to my shop as 'Big Bridge Studios' (though it remains 'kendrasred' on Etsy) -- not only do I marvel at the Verrazano Bridge everyday, and feel inspired by it, but Big Bridge is also a metaphor for bridging a gap, and finding my way to the 'other side.'

• Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

I have several, but I've been a long-time fan of www.nervoussystem.etsy.com and www.ashhilton.etsy.com -- both have exceptional jewelry. I also send my misprints to the upcyclers at www.citymade.etsy.com, who turn my botched tees into super cool bags and scarves and other great stuff. As far as business advice and inspiration, I always look to my super-savvy and super-talented friend at www.metalissa.etsy.com.

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

That so many people would love what I love making.

• What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Getting my name out there, finding ways to get more clicks, wanting like crazy to get on the front page and get featured and so on, but not sure/not confident about how to do so.

• What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

I've realized that if I'm not entirely confident about every single part of my product -- whether it's the fabric, the brand, the make up of the ink, the packaging, my business cards -- I feel uncomfortable, I lose gusto, and it stalls my success.

• How would someone (other than yourself) describe you?

I think I come across fairly confident and creative. Hard-working. Reliable.

• What music do you have on while you are creating?

Much to my husband's chagrin, I really love putting on the Music for Aardvark's channel that I created on Pandora. It's upbeat, unintrusive, and, like the smell of gingerbread, reminds me of how much joy being a mom has brought to my life.

• What do you do when you aren't working?

I'm a SAHM of a three year old boy, and we spend a great deal of our time at the numerous parks in Brooklyn and on walks along the Hudson River.

• Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

Even though I had worked several years in Manhattan in the graphic arts and in printmaking, it wasn't until I had my son that I started creatively 'winging it.' A gigantic high five to Etsy for providing me (and so many others) the opportunity to give my ideas a shot and put them out into the world.

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Tutorial:: Blow Your Nose

This is a super easy project that anyone can do! With allergy season hanging on for dear life, and cold and flu season right on our heels, we thought we'd help you cut some money out of your budget and some extra paper from the landfill, and share TheCrazyElephant's tutorial for making your own fabric facial tissues.

Michelle (TheCrazyElephant) says, my favorite fabrics to use for facial tissues are flannel, which can be 1 layer, or t-shirt material. This is a great way to use old shirts or other clothing items.

Once selecting your fabric, decide how large you would like them to be. I either use an actual kleenex as a pattern or work with the size of my fabric. Next you sew 1/4" from the edge and then cut around the square using pinking sheers.  And you are ready to use your fabric tissue. I like to use 1 layer of fabric for heavier materials like flannel, but do 2 layers for lighter materials.

We just switched to fabric last year and I am very happy! None of us got the crusty, red, dried out noses that we always got with paper. It was a very comfortable winter.


TheCrazyElephant blog.
TheCrazyElephant on Etsy.

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Best Witches

above:: Custom Halloween witches boot applique t-shirt by ThreeCsCustomDesigns

The Witches Pot T-shirt and Ruffled Pants by nwalkercreations

Good Witch T-shirt by jencdesigns

Witch Appliqued T-shirt by ChewChewsCloset

below:: Witch's Shoes w/Tutu Skirt Shirt and Ruffle Pants by gigglebabydesigns

Halloween Witch Boot Shirt by SewSeaminglySassy

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World Smile Day!

Happy World Smile Day!!

"Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile"!

"As is well known by now throughout the world Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. That image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

As the years passed Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace. Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day®. He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion. Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we. He declared that the first Friday in October each year would henceforth be World Smile Day®. Ever since that first World Smile Day® held in 1999, it has continued every year in Smiley's hometown of Worcester, MA and around the world.

After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honor his name and memory. The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day® each year.

This website was created to provide information about World Smile Day®, Harvey Ball and Smiley. Browse the archives to learn more about past World Smile Day® events, Smiley and his creator - Harvey Ball. And be sure to join the celebration this year on Friday, October 7th, and "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile"!"

This and more about World Smile day can be found on the World Smile Day Website http://www.worldsmileday.com/


Enjoy these EtsyKids Team items that will put a smile on your face.

Brooks Boutique

Cupcake Dream

Polkaprints

Snuggle Monkey Co

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Meet TheTrendyTot!

Today we introduce you to EtsyKids Team Member Jen of The Trendy Tot

• what motivated you to start your shop?

I've worked for many years in product development and consumer products marketing but gave it up to stay at home after my second child was born. Somewhere in between changing diapers and running to soccer practice, I re-discovered my creative side. I taught myself to sew and started making clothes for my daughter. People started taking notice and asking where I got her clothes and if I would make them for their kids. I loved the idea of having a small home-based business that utilized both my business background and my creative side, but I could still have time with my kids. I had been a buyer on etsy and loved the community. It was relatively low risk to set up a shop there, so I jumped right in and never looked back!

• what is the story behind your shop name?

I was looking for a name that conveyed I had cool things for little ones. I had a bunch of names and this one cleared my trademark search so I picked it.

• do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

Oh this is a tough one, I have so many shops I love! Aside from the obvious fabric shops, I love reiter8's recycled sail pillows and bags, tinybully's fingerless gloves and my most favorite etsy purchase of all was a whale from MorningStarDesign.

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

Honestly? How much work it really takes to get started. That first year was like having a new baby--I don't think I slept that entire year.

• what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Believe it or not, the business end is not the most challenging for me. I have a business background and MBA, so that part comes easy. The sewing was the hardest thing for me. I had never sewn anything other than a button until 3.5 years ago. I didn't even know how to thread a machine, much less a serger. I often found it frustrating that I couldn't execute the designs I had sketched out. I've really had to push myself out of my comfort zone and learn a lot about fabric, technique and equipment in a short time while others have been perfecting these skills for a lifetime. It requires lots of patience and focus. Thankfully I learn fast, and I practice A LOT. I've also become friendly with several other etsy sellers like Kiki from The Measure, Jayme from Lillipops and Julie from Zozobugbaby and they have taught me quite a bit!

• what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

I love making unique, bold, colorful, fun clothes kids love, but that are practical for mom and every day life. I despise those handmade clothes that can't be machine washed and dried. Who has time to hand wash or dryclean kids clothes? Clothes need to work for active kiddos who crawl, run, jump and get dirty. I use the highest quality materials in everything I do. I test all products on kids and in the wash before I sell them. If it doesn't hold up--it doesn't get sold. Happy Clothes for Little Ones. That's what it's all about.

• how would someone (other then yourself) describe you?

I think other people would describe me as creative and resilient. I'm a big believer of when a door closes a window always opens. Tomorrow is always another day to be and do something new.

• what music do you have on while you are creating?

My musical taste is kind of all over the place. I think the only type of music that I *don't* have on my ipod when I'm creating are rap and country music. I could be listening to Van Morrison one minute and old Cure albums the next. I also find classical music very stimulating to have on in the studio when I'm working.

• what do you do when you aren't working?

When I get free time to myself I enjoy interior design, reading, sailing, playing with my kids and hunting for the perfect find at local antique stores. ...And wishing I had more free time!

• anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

I always tell my kids at bedtime (especially when it's been a challenging day for them and me) that tomorrow is a new day--and a chance to start fresh. Take that opportunity!

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge, 48. Tutu Overalls - Custom - Fall Festival - You choose the size by TheVoodooKitten!

"Darling overalls with a tutu skirt. These are recycled overalls. 

The tutu skirt is made of over 75 yards of tulle in your choice of color or colors. Tulle length can be adjusted to your specifications too."

Cranky Cat Studios (TheVoodooKitten) is a fun store of handmade baby bibs, blankets, tote bags and accessories.  All are done in bright colors and cutting edge prints.  Please visit it here, to view their complete assortment.

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Recipe:: French Onion Soup

A great fall recipe for those cool nights courtesy of Niah Bella Boutique ...


Easy French Onion Soup

several thick slices of stale, or staled in the oven french bread
olive oil
red cooking wine
4-6 onions thinly sliced
one box each of chicken and beef stock, low sodium
two tablespoons of Italian blend seasonings
chopped garlic, or garlic salt
celery salt
sliced provolone cheese
oven safe soup ramekins or soup mugs....

In electric skillet with lid toss in the thinly sliced onions, or chop them if you prefer bite sized pieces, add some olive oil and slowly toss till caramelized, do not burn. Add in the dry seasonings and toss.
Poor the red cooking wine over the onions and let simmer for a min, long enough to open the two boxes of broth! Add both boxes of broth, and lower lid. Allow to simmer.

Once the soup has reduced down a bit you can ladle it into the oven safe mugs, leaving a half in or so at the top to accommodate the bread, place bread on top of soup and add provolone cheese, toast in oven till cheese is just melted, and serve.....

This smells so good, and can be made easily for company as everything can be done ahead and left to simmer till five minutes before serving when you place in the oven to toast... No one ever complains or goes home hungry when you serve comfort food, and this one can look so elegant!

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