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Apr 19th, 2011 |
Etsy Tips
The most difficult thing about selling online – in your Etsy shop or otherwise – is getting noticed amidst the slurry and noise of the online marketplace. In March alone, nearly 400,000 new members appeared on Etsy’s crowded streets. Unless you’re one of the lucky few to be chosen for the Etsy front page, promoting ...
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Apr 14th, 2011 |
Vendor Virgin
I like to title this segment “Holy crap I got accepted!” The previous installment of Vendor Virgin covered narrowing down your choices for shows and applying to juried and non-juried shows. Once you’re accepted, it’s off to the races – let the preparation begin! After a few shows this will be old hat, but preparing...
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Apr 13th, 2011 |
Holiday
I loved Easter when I was a child. I swear to this day that I saw the Easter Bunny one night coming to hide the eggs. There are a million different ideas about how to decorate, celebrate and enjoy the spring season. I have compiled some great ideas for making your kids remember their Easters for ...
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Apr 12th, 2011 |
Holiday, Quick Crafts
Who doesn’t love gingerbread houses? These miniature creations of flour and candy are one of my cherished memories from Christmas time. The cute little dollops, miniature candy accents, frosting snow and candy cane doorways make me want to squeal with delight. I’m tortured every year waiting until Christmas time to make them –...
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Apr 6th, 2011 |
Etsy Spotlight, Undiscovered Treasures
Francis and Brigitte Liem from Studio Limón are a sibling design duo from The Netherlands that have created a trio of adorable characters with unique personalities. The sisters are working on an animated series and also offer cute products and free coloring pages on their website. Journey across the Atlantic to meet Bibi, Torro and Coco ...
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Apr 5th, 2011 |
Vendor Virgin
In the previous installment of Vendor Virgin, we gave you the resources to find upcoming craft shows in your area. Now with a list of potential shows in hand, it’s time to narrow down the choices to find the perfect craft show for you. Craft show considerations The biggest consideration is whether the show is ...
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Apr 4th, 2011 |
Editorial
The neon signs, the thrill of the hunt, the cackling laughter after securing the perfect item for your next craft project – garage sales are an emotional roller-coaster. Treasure hunters have different attitudes and strategies to scouring these urban flea markets. Find out what type of garage saler you are with our quick quiz. What ...
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Mar 31st, 2011 |
Vendor Virgin
Craft show virgin. It may as well be branded on your forehead. You’ve been to craft shows, maybe even purchased a few things. You’ve made your own crafts and had positive responses. It’s time to consider attending a craft show yourself, throwing your hat into the ring to challenge the teeming masses of artisans and ...
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Mar 31st, 2011 |
Etsy Spotlight, Undiscovered Treasures
Scott Evans from Bucket of Bolts creates charming sculptures from repurposed hardware. He has been crafting for several years and has honed his style and technique to produce unique artwork fit for indoor or outdoor decoration. Scott was kind enough to take some time and answer questions about his sculptures and crafting process. How did ...
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Mar 26th, 2011 |
Editorial
There is no better gift recipient for a thoughtful gift to than an expectant mommy-to-be. While some parents will register for baby items, I have a few guidelines that will help if you need to get a baby shower gift on your own. Several months ago it seemed that every woman in my office was ...
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Mar 24th, 2011 |
Etsy Spotlight, Undiscovered Treasures
Cynthia Cook of 3 Silly Monkeys makes adorable hand-made fabric animals and goodies for kids. She and her mom started out with a catalog of items aimed at retail shops six years ago, but found more success selling at craft shows and through word-of-mouth. How has it been teaming up with your mom as a dynamic ...
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Mar 22nd, 2011 |
Quick Crafts
Jenni Price has a tutorial on creating adorable bunny-shaped pancakes, decorated with chocolate chip eyes and M&M noses. This is a fun and simple project for Spring or Easter that requires only standard pancake-making supplies, food coloring and a few squeeze-bottles. Suitable to create for older children or just to decorate the end result...
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Mar 17th, 2011 |
Etsy Spotlight, Shop Local Colorado
I came across Grumpy Kitty Creations a while ago and was delighted to discover that the shop is right here in my hometown! I spoke with Beth from Grumpy Kitty about her adorable soaps, selling locally and getting started on Etsy as part of our Shop Local week. How did you get started making soap? Are ...
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Mar 17th, 2011 |
Editorial
The days of the general store on the corner are over. I wish I had fond memories to share of the times when mom and pop greeted you as you walked in and when you could buy a hammer, an ice cream cone and a carton of eggs all at the same tiny shop; unfortunately, ...
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Mar 9th, 2011 |
Etsy Spotlight, Undiscovered Treasures
Eric Swanson makes simple and durable hand-made wooden toys with the charm of the village toymaker. They are sold at farmer’s markets in Rhode Island and on the Calf Pasture Toys Etsy site. The toys are made using a cast-iron antique lathe from the 1800s on his small farm, alongside the real cows and sheep. ...
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Mar 9th, 2011 |
Editorial
There is just something so appealing about wooden toys. When I think of wooden toys, I imagine Santa and his elves working away in the workshop creating wooden toys of all different varieties. To a young child, a wooden cylinder can become the building blocks for a tower, a baby to tuck in at nap ...
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Mar 1st, 2011 |
Editorial
For many crafters, your crafting space is often limited, in some cases just a closet or a folding table in an already-purposed room. Since your craft space is your inspiration, it is imperative that your space be organized so that you can easily find your treasures. Inspiration and organization can be brought together using items ...
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Feb 20th, 2011 |
Editorial
I am not vintage. Don’t get me wrong, I love vintage items but the majority of vintage items in my home are circa 1980 not 1880—and that’s not a good look. As far as style goes, I haven’t worn lace since my attempt at mimicking Molly Ringwald’s prom dress in Pretty in Pink—also, not a ...
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