10 Reasons You Should Buy Handmade this Holiday

Article submitted by StoryBuilderToys

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching (most retailers already have their Christmas items on the shelves) it’s time to start planning your holiday shopping lists. This year why not be adventurous and try buying some handmade products for the ones you love? Why should you buy handmade instead of the usual store bought products you’re used to, well I’m glad you asked. Here are ten reasons why you should shop handmade for the holidays.

Floppy Bunny by StoryBuilderToys

1. Be original. Handmade products are usually one of a kind or produced in small batches so you don’t have to worry about gifting something the person already has or giving the same gift as someone else. Instead you’ll be able to find something just as unique as the person you’re shopping for and nothing brings a smile to someone’s face better than knowing you really cared enough to find them the perfect gift.
2. Support people, not companies. By giving your business to local artists and crafters you’re helping build a better economy without lining the pockets of overpriced corporations who’s only interest is the bottom line. People care about each other, companies care about themselves and getting as much of your hard earned money as possible. A crafter will appreciate your business while a corporation demands it. The choice seems pretty clear.
   

   

   35" Play Silk by TheEnchantedCupboard
   

3. It’s more environmentally friendly. Handmade items are usually made from natural raw materials with much less waste and machine emissions than mass produced items. If your goal is to leave a smaller carbon footprint on the planet that you can’t go wrong with locally produced handmade items.
4. Build a personal connection with the person making your items. Craftspeople love what they do and not only does it show in their work, but also in their attention to customer service. Have a question about how something is made or what inspired it? Ask away and the crafter will be thrilled to tell you all about it. Handmade items have a story and a history that mass produced products will never have.

   

   Magnetic Story Board from sosimplesosweet
   

5. Avoid shopping at the mall. Holiday shopping can be pretty crazy and sometimes even dangerous as the days tick by. Why not save yourself the trouble of finding a parking space and braving the overcrowded big box stores by shopping local boutiques, craft fairs or even online handmade outlets like Etsy. Finding the perfect gift for a loved one should be fun, not frantic.
6. Get it customized. Since the items are made by real people you can often ask for little extras like customization or even fully commissioned work to your exact specifications rather than having to settle for whatever the store has in stock.
   

   

   Wooden Yo-Yo by AmandasAngels

7. Handmade products are made with passion. Crafters pour their time, talent and passion into everything they make. Store bought items might all be the same size and specifications, but they will never have the heart or soul that a good handmade product is made with.
8. Quality counts. Because even the raw materials are individually selected by hand more effort is put into the quality of each individual piece. Crafters want each and every product they make to be of the very best quality as a testament to their work They don’t take mass produced shortcuts or shortchange the customer by using lower quality materials, just the best material carefully crafted into the best possible product.
   

   

   Matching Game by applenamos

9. More unique choices. An individual making a handfull of something is able to be more adventurous than a corporation which must sell ‘x’ amount of a product to be able to turn a profit. This means that handmade products can afford to be more unique and creative than store bought products.
10. More value for your money. Handmade items are made to last. While mass produced items must be made quickly for as little money as possible handmade products are made from only the best materials and techniques. Corporations don’t mind if their products break down over time, then you’ll just have to buy another one. A well cared for handmade product on the other hand can last generations. Perhaps that is the reason people are still crafting by hand today even with all the advancements in technology trying to render them obsolete.

Toy Lamb/Sheep by woolies

Bonus Point! Know where your gifts come from. There is something empowering about taking control and making something yourself, or at least supporting someone who does. It’s making a conscious decision to spend your money on a quality item instead of a mass produced product built by machines and underpaid workers in a distant country. Show support to your local economy and buy from artists and crafters in your area this holiday season.

Are you going to buy any handmade products this year? Share your handmade gift ideas in the comments section.

Find StoryBuilderToys online: Blog, Facebook and Etsy Shop.

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Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women that have served and continue to serve our country!

We are so thankful for the sacrifices you and your families make every day.

Here is some infomation right from the source on 

 Veterans Day History

This was taken from http://www.va.gov/

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Introducing SilvaWare!

Today we introduce you to Walter from Silva Ware

• what motivated you to start your shop?

I use to work (a decade ago) for a handmade children's decor company. Did all the New York gift shows and such... While doing all this stuff for my employer, I came to a realization that there is a market for "EVERYTHING" and "ANYONE"! So, I decided to use my illustration and Furniture Design background to start my own brand.

• what is the story behind your shop name?

Years ago, I use to go by the name "Walter Silva Gift ware." A group of illustrators that I get together with suggested "Silva Ware" though technically on Etsy my shop name is WalterSilva But my company outside of Etsy is Silva Ware.

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

I have a bunch of Favorites, here are two: I love Jenny Mendes work and shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennymendes She has a very unique voice that is original and FUN! Love her illustrations and sculptures! I am also a big fan of Suzanna Scott aka Sushipot: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sushipot Suzanna's collages are a result of bits of Ephemera, composed, "stitched" and then mounted on wood blocks and or vintage book covers. I have a few of her Art Blocks in my studio.

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

There are a few things that surprised me, like the impact you can make on people around the world. Friendships with other Artists via Etsy. Why 70% of my customers are from California and 15% International?...

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

Photography is my biggest challenge! I took a lot of photos classes in Art school too. I have worked very hard at this and it is just so time consuming. Thank GOD for Photoshop and my Photo tent!

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

Hand made gifts for all!

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

Ambitious, Bold, a "go" getter and Passionate!

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

Lately, I only listen to National Public Radio and Pod casts. But, I love Brazilian Jazz, French and some Italian Jazz Cabaret! I love World music.

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

I love hunting / shopping for treasures, like vintage toys, games and books.

But, if the weather is nice, I love taking long walks at the park or on the beach.

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

I contribute some design "ideas" and "tutorials" to the following blogs

http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/ One of my favorite tutorials I would like to share with Etsy Kids: http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/2011/06/awesome-kids-wall-peg-board.html and http://decorhacks.com/2011/10/instant-art-straight-from-a-thrifted-puzzle/

Thanks for your time and wish all much success with there shops!

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Paris in a Gift Box Shared by Nikky of Juny And Milo

Doesn’t it seem that in early November Christmas is still far away? The leaves are changing color, it has gotten chillier outside and Christmas decoration keeps popping up in stores; but it’s still a little over a month until the 25th of December.

Then, all of a sudden, the big day is here and Santa is knocking at the door. ‘How did time fly by so fast?’ is what I’m asking myself every year.

So it’s a good time to start browsing for presents for loved-ones now.
As an EtsyKids member, where to start first if not with the shops of your team mates?

Paris and French style is always à la mode and having lived in Paris for quite some time now, it has been clear I chose the city of love and fashion as the theme.

True to the vision of EtsyKids, this selection is all about sweet surprises for kids and babies. Handmade spells “special” like nothing else and even if you’re not in Paris, these wonderful items will instantly put you in a French mood.

It hasn’t been easy choosing from the many Paris-designs by EtsyKids members and using the search terms EtsyKids and Paris / France you will find many more beautifully crafted items.


Salut from France,

Nikky
Juny and Milo
Blog
Facebook


Pictures courtesy of the following EtsyKids members:

Is there a cuter way to say bonjour? Melissa and Jen have designed this jewel of a tank top, which is also available as a onesie. If it was adult size I would wear it myself.

ByOhFiddleSticks

The Bonjour Tank or Onesie

Melissa and Jen

Languages made easy, with these artfully composed prints for children and grown-ups alike. In Grace’s shop you’ll discover color charts, nursery rhymes, color and the days of the week in French, English, Korean, German – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

GraceHesterDesigns

French Days of the Week Poster

Grace

Stylish babies and toddlers will love Maria’s aqua blanket featuring white Eiffel Towers adorned with lush flower bouquets. Beautifully backed with cuddly minky fabric.

NotyBaby

Aqua Eiffel Tower Cotton Blanket

Maria

Living in France, Gretchen is an expert when it comes to French design. Her elaborate prints not only take you to Paris, but invite you to a trip across the sea to London and lead you into a colorful fairy-tale world. Ps. Don’t miss her wonderful collections of printables.

Chichiboulie

La 2CV – Personalised Print for Boys

Gretchen

If you like being creative yourself, you will love Sandi’s pink Paris sealed bottle caps. Turn them into hair bows, magnets, decorate a photo frame, the possibilities are endless.

PrettyBowtique

Set 4 Eiffel Tower Sealed Bottle Caps

Sandi

Baby’s first trip to Paris. Melinda’s bib features “le métro”, pretty Parisian cafés, little bistros, French poodles and of course the famous Eiffel Tower.

HappyBabeeAndBeeyond

Paris Bistro Minky Bib

Melinda



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Fall Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

I’ve been waiting for fall since at least July, so when I found butternut squash in our farm share bag last week, I knew we were almost there. I planned one of my favorite soups for the first day of fall.

I’ll tell you right now – I don’t peel and chop winter squashes anymore. I have zero interest in fighting with the tough skins, and I’ve cut myself with the knife more than once. Instead, I bake them. Slice the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake skin up on a greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees. This can take 30-60 minutes (or more) depending on the type and size of the squash. But, it is way less frustrating than peeling it. It just means you need to plan ahead a little.



Let the squash cool, and from there you can easily scoop the squash out of its shell with a spoon. On thicker-shelled squash, you can sometimes just lift the shell off of the squash. I did that once with a pumpkin, and it was so cool.

Taking care of the squash is the hardest part of this butternut squash soup recipe, which I got from the side of a Silk carton a couple of years ago. It’s ridiculously easy and just about the only soup my nearly four-year-old son will eat.



Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

3c chunked butternut squash
3c vegetable stock
1 clove of garlic, halved
1c soymilk
Pinch of ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer the squash and garlic in the stock for 10 minutes. Puree in a blender, food processor, or with a hand blender, and return to the pan. Add milk and ginger. Reheat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bon appetit!
-Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

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Cupcake Dream

I love to hear from fellow Etsy boutique owners about their experiences and advice they can offer, and I know others do, too! Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting interviews with my fellow EtsyKids teammates (EtsyKids is an Etsy Street Team that focuses on sellers who make "stylish designs with kids in mind"). They have plenty of experience, and fantastic things to share!

I had the opportunity to do my first question-and-answer interview with fellow EtsyKids teammate, Tiffany, the incredibly talented owner of Cupcake Dream. (Doesn't the name sound oh-so-appealing??) Cupcake Dream specializes in "beautiful custom graphic design and handmade party accessories." (Stay tuned for a very generous Cupcake Dream offer!)

Here's Tiffany's story...

Love These Ladybug Birthday Straws
(Used Them in a Treasury!)

Boutique Name: Cupcake Dream
Contact Info Links: Facebook Fan Page, Etsy Shop, Twitter
Date Boutique Opened: Feb. 8, 2010

What Do You Sell: Custom party supplies: Invitations, cupcake toppers, favor tags, water bottle labels, and paper straws with tags

How did your shop come about? Any specific inspiration?
When my daughter was born, my husband and I decided we would take monthly pictures of her to show how she changes over the first year. Each month she would wear some new frilly creation and of course it always had to have a big bow to match. My hair accessory budget was growing out of control so I thought it would be best to make them myself. When I posted the baby pictures on my blog, I had several people ask where they can find the bows. That is when I decided to start an Etsy store. The bow business was slow but I continued adding small things (all children related) until it came time to plan my daughter's first birthday. After I completed her birthday invitation design, I knew the store needed a face lift. That is when I took my love of graphic design and party planning and created Cupcake Dream.

Do you have any particular rituals when you create? (In a specific room? A special time? While listening to certain music?)
With kids, it is hard to plan time to create. I usually try to work on designs during nap time.

The Invitation That Started It All!

What is your favorite piece in your shop?
It's really hard to pick just one design. However, there is one that I believe has more meaning than all the others so my favorite item would be the invitation that started it all (see right!)...

What do you like best about having an Etsy shop?
I really like helping customers create the perfect event. Being able to offer something unique to add a special touch to these memorable events is very rewarding.

Any new projects/designs in the pipeline?
I'm always adding new designs to the store. Customers want unique, innovative resources so I do my best to add new themes as often as possible. I feel like having more options allows the customer to find exactly what they are looking for or will offer inspiration so a custom invitation can be created.

Puppy Dog Boy Birthday Invitation

When/where do you come up with new designs? (A specific spot/thing you're doing?)
Nothing specific. Most of the time it just comes to me. There have been times when I walked through a store and saw an item that sparked a new idea. As soon as I get home I run to the drawing board and try to put together an outline. Eventually I will get to the final product.

Do you ever suffer from "designer's"-block? If so, what do you do about it?
Absolutely. When I was creating the wagon sports invitation, it started out as another car design. I was sketching and everything I came up with looked all wrong. Frustrated, I turned on the television to relax and take my mind off of things. The first thing on was a commercial with a kid riding a bike. So, I turned the car into a bike. That didn't turn out well so I kept trying until eventually the car was a wagon. I'm not sure how I went from one to the other, but there are many times when my "perfect idea" starts out as one thing and ends up completely different. When I hit "the wall" I always try to step away from what I'm doing and eventually the creative juices will start flowing again.

Owl Birthday Hanging Favor Gift Tags

What's the best piece of advice given to you about running your shop?
"Run the shop, don't let it run you." There are times that I forget the Etsy store is my hobby. It's something fun that I really enjoy doing. If it isn't fun, then I'm doing something wrong and need to take some time for myself.... regroup.

Some fun questions for Tiffany...

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? 
Without a doubt, Angelina Jolie. Not only does Angelina stay focused on her family and always puts them first, but she is real. She gets things done, doesn't let anyone push her around and lives her life as she wants it. I believe Angelina is a very strong woman and a great role model. 

Sip & See Girl Baby Shower Invitation

Who is your dream customer?
 I'm fortunate enough to say that I've had so many dream customers. Although, my favorite customer is the person who allows me to have creative license with their custom design. It's such an amazing opportunity to be able to take a few key words/details and turn it into the perfect invitation for someone. I also enjoy the customers who follow up with me after the party and let me know how the event details worked out for them or better yet, send me pictures! Repeat customers are always a pleasure as well!

What is your favorite food/favorite restaurant?
I'm a big sucker for Mexican food. I would probably eat cheese enchiladas every day if I could. (Me, too!)

If we looked in your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
Not much. Tomorrow is my grocery shopping day. Usually you would find all the boring products - milk, cheese, eggs, veggies, fruits and lots of yogurt! I like to have a cup of yogurt after I go out running.

Thanks, Tiffany, for such a great interview! As a special gift, Tiffany is generously offering a 15% discount on Cupcake Dream invitations using coupon code BLOGFAN!! Yay!

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Introducing Peppermint Pinwheels!

Today we introduce you to Stacey of Peppermint Pinwheels

• what motivated you to start your shop?

I have a terrible addiction to fabric and needed a way to support it!

• what is the story behind your shop name?

I'm not really sure how I came up with it, except that I do love the flavor of peppermint - candy, tea, mints. I'll even just sit around chewing on the leaves. Mmmm...that's making me think of mojitos! Whoops, off the subject there a little. But anyway, pinwheel blocks are one of my favorite traditional quilting patterns, and since I started off with only quilts in my shop, Peppermint Pinwheels it was.

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

There are really so many wonderful shops on Etsy, but one of my favorites is Papaver Vert. She makes these wonderful felted objects, of which I have a growing collection around the house!

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

How busy it would keep me. I get a bit obsessed with it and it's hard to step away and do the other things in life, like cook dinner and hang out with my family and friends.

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

Again, it's the same as what I found most surprising - the amount of time it takes. It's really hard for me to just walk away from my work, but since I have a whole life other than "Etsy seller," that's often what I have to do.

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

Colorful, fun and modern with a bit of vintage/traditional thrown in.

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

Hmmm...I'd be afraid to ask.

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

I love to listen to Pandora while I work. I shuffle a bunch of stations from hip hop to 80's Brit-rock and 60's soul. It makes for a nice variation!

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

I feel like I'm either working, or driving around town running errands, but that's probably not entirely true. Sometimes I get to hang out in the bath-tub with a good book!

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our October's challenge, 86. Pumpkin Onesie or Tee by thomaspark!

"Perfect for your little one for Halloween! Plump pumpkin is appliqued to a long sleeve white onesie or tee."


Thomas Park is fun!  This Etsy store is full of cheerful and stylish mix of clothing and accessories for girls, boys, and also women.  All are hand made in a wide variety of fabrics and colors.  It's a pleasure to visit and you can check it out right here.

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St. Martins Day Tutorial

{This post is brought to you by Stephanie from Toastie Studio}

It makes me sad seeing all the fun Halloween posts in blog land over the last few weeks. So many beautiful costumes made and decorations but in the Netherlands no one really celebrates it.
But we do celebrate St. Martins Day on 11th November!
On St. Martins night kids walk around the neighbourhood with handmade paper lanterns or candles. They knock at your door and sing you a little song about St. Martin in exchange for some candy.

Although St. Martins Day is not celebrated everywhere in the world, I am sharing a little tutorial to make paper lanterns today. You can always use the tutorial to make some lanterns for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
And if you like this printable check with my etsy shop in the coming weeks as I expand into party and celebration printables.

You will need:
Template (download here, includes small and medium template)
Coloured card
Tissue paper
Glue
Decorating materials, this can be what ever you have on hand, pencils, glitter, stickers, felt etc.

Print off the template onto your coloured card stock and cut around the edge and cut the 4 squares out of the panels. Score along the fold lines to make it easier later on.
If you are making the medium lantern, glue the two pieces together so it looks like the small lantern template and keep some scrap card to make the hanging loop.

Cut your tissue paper into squares big enough to cover the cut out panels and glue them into place on the back side of the lantern.

Turn your lantern over and take your decorating materials and make your lantern look super pretty! You can really use anything to decorate it with.

Once you have finished glue the end tab of the lantern to the other side so you get a square.

Then glue each of the tabs on the top two sections all the way around making the lanterns shape.

Now glue on the little handle strip, or use ribbon if you prefer.

In the Netherlands you can buy little sticks with string on one end and an electric candle attached so you can hang them from the stick to go out and sing with. But you can always leave them on the table with an electric candle inside.

NOTE these lanterns are made from paper, do not use a real candle in them as its a fire hazard!!

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6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

{This post is brought to you by Salinda from personalitychildrens}

October was breast cancer awareness month, and although it is a little late, Salinda from personalitychildrens has one last post to share on the topic.

6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

I had a mammogram today. Nothing crazy is going on, but my obgyn said I needed a baseline screening at my recent check-up. Here’s what I wish I’d known, or that I’m glad someone told me, before today:

1. Some recommendations suggest that women have baseline mammograms at age 35. I always thought it was 40, so my doctor really surprised me when he suggested I get a mammogram. (I’m only 35 29.)

2. The machine is this tall thing with a platform. You stand up, they line you up and smoosh. Why is it important to know you’re standing up? Well, I wear dresses and skirts pretty much all the time. Thankfully, I was in a blouse and skirt today and I only had to remove my top layer. So…no dresses.

3. No deodorant, powders, etc. Thankfully, a friend mentioned this to me last night at church. Apparently these can cause false reads.

4. It really doesn’t hurt. Really. I promise. It is uncomfortable, but for like 3 seconds. Honestly, it was easier than an x-ray at the dentist with those crazy films they put in your mouth that almost gag you. For the record, I did take a preemptive Advil dose.

5. Your mammogram tech is not a radiologist, so she can’t give you any diagnostic info. That said, Lisa (my friendly mammogram tech this morning) was full of information that I did need. She told me when and how I would hear from the doctor’s office. She also told me:

6. “Don’t panic if you get called to come in for more views.” Apparently, “re-dos” are quite common, mainly to establish that the baseline is all clear. Good to know.

So, that’s it. That’s what I’m glad I knew (or wish I’d known) before this morning. Is there something you could add to the list?

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Easy Last-Minute Halloween Party Ideas

Happy Halloween! Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks here. After Christmas, Halloween is probably my favorite holiday to decorate for and celebrate. We started our festivities on Sunday with a little party with our friends. (We wanted an extra night to show off my husband's crazy decorations and fog machine!) For a few weeks before the party, I kept my eyes open for cool, quick ideas (Thanks, Pinterest!). Here are a few of my favorites that I used over the weekend:

Clementine Pumpkins! (From The Princess and The Frog Blog)How cute are these guys?!?

Monster Masks -- Thanks, Sesame Street!

Cemetery Cake (From Family Circle)

(Ran out of time to bake? Modify store-bought cake, cupcakes, or brownies!)

We'll also give bobbing for apples a shot and filled the house with the smell of mulled cider. And, everyone enjoyed the cool witches' brew punch. I love this time of year!

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Halloween Personal Pizzas

Looking for a fun snack for a Halloween party or an easy dinner to serve Halloween night?  These personal pizzas are yummy, cute and simple to make.  Here's what you'll need:

1 recipe of quick pizza dough (see below) - makes ~20 - 4" pumpkins pizzas
Pumpkin cookie cutter, we used a soft grip one from Wilton
pizza or tomato sauce
mozzarella cheese
pepperoni
small paring knife

Directions:
Roll out pizza dough to ~1/4" thick.  Cut with cookie cutter, and transfer to prepared cookie sheet.  Leave a little space between each to allow for the dough to rise and spread while baking.  

Spread each pumpkin shaped piece of dough with sauce and sprinkle which cheese.  Cut a few piece of peperoni into smiles and eyes.  The picture below offers one suggestion for how to cut the peperoni.  Place peperoni pieces on each pumpkin pizza and bake for 5-6 minutes at 450 degrees, or until crust is done and cheese is melted.   

If needed you can carefully reposition eyes or mouths right after they come out of the oven.  Cool on a cooling rack and serve.  They can be made a head of time and warmed in the oven before serving.  Refrigerated biscuits or pizza dough from the freezer section, could also be used. 

Quick Pizza Dough Recipe 

1 pkg. quick rise dry yeast (aka 2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon honey
2-1/2 cups flour (1 cup wheat + 1-1/2 cups white)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Mix yeast in water in glass measuring cup or small bowl.  In a medium size mixing bowl, combine other ingredients.  Once yeast is dissolved, pour over other ingredients and mix well by hand.  Let sit in bowl 5-10 minute, or use immediately.  Flatten on greased pan.  For pumpkin pizzas, flatten using finger tips on floured counter for cutting.  Add toppings and bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes.

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Introducing Woolly Boo!

Today we introduce you to Selma from Woolly Boo

• what motivated you to start your shop?

Actually, it was my neighbor and a good friend, Rachel. She loves our bedding, and she thought it would be a great fit and a transition from the craft show circuit. This was back in 2009. I had two small kids, and having to travel for craft shows with them was taking it's toll on my sanity.

• what is the story behind your shop name?

The name was actually my husband's idea. We were brainstorming what to name this new business and we wanted to make sure that it has branding capabilities. Unfortunately, all derivatives of wool and baby were already taken. Then he said to call it "boo", because that was my term of endearment for him and our son. I was pregnant with our daughter at that time.

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

A few, actually. I love jewelry by FiligranaGallery and Metalicious, accessories by MontclairMade, stained glass by peaceloveglass, wall decals by WilsonGraphics, home accessories by MaidenLove, and the list goes on and on...

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

The biggest surprise was how many different people liked our products. And their geographic location. Then it was how much work it takes to network and sell on Etsy. I didn't like that part. It ate up my nights and all my free time with very little effect. However, I have to congratulate Etsy on the new improvements to the search options. It has catapulted us exactly where we should be in search results, and our views/likes/hearts skyrocketed. According to Google Analytics, we get over 500 unique visitors each week, and that is amazing.

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

Well, selling. We fill a very distinct niche in the baby bedding market, toddler bedding to be exact. And since we offer eco-luxury product, that narrows the market even further. Also, our use of organic wool has some people on the fence, because they are not familiar with the material. All of these melt away once people see our product in person, so we had to take to the road again.

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

We set out to make the experience of healthy and peaceful sleep available to all children. Our products might require an initial investment, but that is an investment that will pay out long term dividends. Because, there is nothing more wonderful for a parent than knowing their children are sleeping safe and sound. And creating healthy sleep habits for the children will help the children as they get older. This is what our products provide. We have two ingredients: organic wool and cotton. Not too much explaining and definitely no excuses. If you don't like it as it is, than it is not for you.

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

Assertive, passionate, and hopefully empathetic and caring.

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

That depends on a day. The easiest to write to is classical music, but when sewing I love to listen to a whole range of styles, from hip-hop and R&B to heavy metal and alternative rock. Yesterday it was Mumford & Sons, and today it's Black Eyed Peas. I like good music, so I try not to limit myself to English-speaking artists. Buena Vista Social Club albums are on a regular rotation, as well as Tinariwen.

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

All my free time is dedicated to my family, my husband and my kids, just because there is so little of it. The kids are at that amazing age where everything is "why?", and I absolutely love it.

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

We would like to say thank you to all the wonderful EtsyKids members who have supported us over the years by making us their favorite and including us in their treasuries. We love the community feeling that has been created and we congratulate everyone, especially the team leadership, on the amazing accomplishments.

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Halloween Wreath DIY Times Two!! by The Sewing Loft

The cooling night air is starting to settle in which means the leaves will soon turn and the fall season will be here soon! To prep for the change of seasons and Halloween I thought it was time to add a wreath to the door. This super simple craft will transform your front door in no time flat! You just need to pick- will you make it spooky or sweet?

This project is for sewers or all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Materials:

• Wreath form (I picked up a 14" straw wreath from my local craft store. $3.99)
• 1/2yard muslin
• Colored Tee's (I used cream, orange & black)
• Straight pins
• Scraps of fabric
• Sewing machine or needle & thread
• Optional- Sequins or buttons

Basic instructions:

1. To cover the wreath form I ripped the muslin into 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" strips. Just clip the fabric at the selvage and rip from side to side. This will create a frayed effect and help create the "mummy" look. (no ironing is needed!)
2. Using straight pins, pin the end of muslin on the back of wreath. (I even left the plastic on mine. This way it will not breakdown from the elements of mother nature!) Wrap the muslin around and around, pin in place.
3. .Repeat until the wreath is covered. (You could use hot glue but I like the option of "reusing" the wreath!)

4. Cut your tee shirts and scraps into strips of 1 1/2" wide. (Note, I made one black strip 3" wide. It created the big flower.) If you would like to use printed woven fabric for this step be sure to fold it in half, wrong sides together and then stitch. This will give you the print on both sides.

5. Using your sewing machine on a basic straight stitch - longest length, stitch down the center of each strip. Be sure not to backstitch and leave long tails at each end.(**If you do not have a machine, this step can be done with a needle and thread.)

6.Pull one thread of long tail to create gathers in each strip.

7. One strip at a time, pin to form at the stitch line. Wrap the strip around center and continue to pin in the center. Do not worry, the fullness from the fabric will hide the pins. When flower is desired size, trim strip and pin down behind fabric.

8. Alternating fabrics, continue to create flowers around form. I applied flowers to the lower portion of the wreath.

9. Once you have applied the desired amount of flowers you can create a "hanger" from the strips of ripped muslin . Just take one strip and create a loop at the top edge. Pin in place at the back of wreath.

Now, if you want to make your wreath a bit more spooky, you can add a spider webs and a few friends.

Materials:

• a few plastic spiders (I used a few rings from last year)
• bits from an old worn out wig (again, from last year)
• spray glitter

1. Cut a few thin sections of the wig from the underside. Tuck the strands in between the flowers. Pin if needed. Wrap the strands under and over until you have desired web. (Note- you can also use a store bought web.)
2. Since my web is black the spiders did not pop. So, I found a can of spray glitter in the art closet and added some sparkle! A few blasts and they were all set. Just simply tuck in place.

So, which one do you like better? Please share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

Be sure to visit The Sewing Loft and  her creations at:

 Etsy Shop

http://www.thesewingloft.etsy.com/

 Site

http://www.thesewingloft.com/

Blog

http://thesewingloftblog.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TheSewingLoftFB

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What Every Breast Cancer Survivor Needs ~shared by GigiCreations

One of our EtsyKids Team members, GigiCreations, shared this post of her volunteer experience at The Little Pink Houses of Hope Retreat who provide breast cancer survivors and their families some much need R& R.  Thank you Stephanie ~ GigiCreations for sharing this wonderful place with us.
 

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A couple of weeks ago, I was given the unique opportunity to volunteer at a Little Pink retreat. This one was held in Nags Head, North Carolina and it was my first trip to the Outer Banks. Little Pink Houses of Hope provides beach retreats for breast cancer survivors and their families. This is an emotionally-charged week with an outpouring of love like you, quite possibly, have never experienced in your life.. seriously. Little Pink has sponsored 7 retreats this year, with plans to offer more in 2012. If you're interested in a domestic mission trip like no other, you can apply to volunteer with them directly on their website.


One of the activity highlights from the week was hang gliding at Jockey Ridge State Park in Kitty Hawk with Kitty Hawk Kites. Amazing day! Seeing these survivors enjoy their families doing things they had yet to experience was sheer delight. We giggled and cried a LOT that evening and loved the gorgeous sunset over the bay in the distance. Truly a day to remember :)
I thought you guys might enjoy seeing our view from Nags Head :) Here are quite a few photos!

The village where the LPHOH Volunstar House was located..

   

See the crab below?

Hiking the sand dune to get started gliding!!

People on another dune looked tiny!

That was ME with a perfect landing, thank you very much!!

It felt really amazing to be out there.. so beautiful.

The instructors carried those gliders back up the dunes over 50x.. I can't imagine doing that all day long!

One of the LPHOH Volunstars with our Kitty Hawk Kites instructors.
studs

Our smallest glider getting locked in.

Take off!!

To infinity and beyond!!!

One of our instructors

Another Volunstar conquering her fear of heights and the unknown.

Sunset over Jockey Ridge

Hope you guys have a super week!!

Hugs,

GigiCreations

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