Blog Hop!

I've been participating in a weekly blog/shop hop on blog by Blue Eyed Blessings. Here's the link for you to link up as well:

The link-up is open until Sunday I believe so go check it out!

A Few Changes

First of all, I hope everyone is enjoying the latest Etsy feature!

Second, I added 2 new tabs above the posts for you to enjoy. I've talked about how much I LOVE treasuries as a way to discover new Etsy shops, and the talent everyone has. So now I found an app on Etsy that generates a HTML code for treasuries. One tab is treasuries a few of my items have been featured in, and the other is treasuries I've created. I'm hoping both lists will grow so be sure to check them from time to time and discover new Etsy talent.

That's all for today, and thanks for reading!

Etsy Feature: Earth Roots Jewelry

Yay, it's another Etsy artist feature Friday! I hope you enjoy getting to know other local Etsians as I am. :)

Earth Roots Jewelry

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am recently out of high school, and enjoy spending my time crafting and creating music. I am a singer and songwriter, and I also enjoy painting and watching films.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Old soul, friendly, creative

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was about 8 years old.

When did you start selling on Etsy and what inspired you to give it a try?

I used to own a vintage clothing store on Etsy but felt sharing my own creations was more fulfilling. I opened my new store, Earth Roots Jewelry in May 2011. I want to share what I create with others :)

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

Music. I am going to college in the fall and will be taking music along with herbology courses. I enjoy nature and try to incorporate it into my art and jewelry.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I'd say I'm a bit of both messy and organized. I keep all my things in one room, but if I have an idea there are beads and paint all over!

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.

New, unique, earthy

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?

The painting is my favorite because it took much time and effort. I also like the colored bead necklace and ring.

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

I enjoy many shops. Mainly I look for supplies, natural soaps and perfumes, and vintage dresses.

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

I think they should go for it! Though my new shop only has a few items and starting new is difficult, sharing your work with the world is a beautiful thing and Etsy helps you achieve that. Try to market your store to friends and family and have them pass it on. Also, join a team!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget the next feature is in two weeks. If you'd like to be featured e-mail me at arainydaydesigns@gmail.com

Treasuries are FUN

I created another treasury today, and it can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA0ODY5MTF8MzYxMzAzNDIy/purple-passion

I love making treasuries! First, I look through some of my favorite shops and items. Then I'll start searching for handmade items that fit the category. I love finding new shops and items every time I create a new list. I also enjoy looking at other treasuries, and of course being featured in them! Do you like creating treasuries? What kind of shops and items have you found by either looking at or making a treasury?

Just a reminder that this week Friday I'll be posting a new local Etsy artist feature! Be sure to check back on Friday!

Apology and a New Treasury

Huh, it's funny how fast the week can go by and I don't even realize it. I'm sorry that I haven't been writing much lately. I'm working at Shoreline Christian childcare this summer and I've been getting art projects ready for the kids. My craftiness is more than just knitting, crochet, and sewing because I'm loving the painting, gluing, cutting, and simple drawing that goes into these projects. Just thought I'd let y'all know that I may be a little m.i.a. during the next few months besides the bi-weekly Etsy artist features (!!!!). I made a new treasury today on Etsy. So here it is your your looking pleasure: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA0ODY5MTF8MzM5MTU2MjEz/summertime-in-the-northwest

I hope you enjoyed my first Etsy feature last Friday, and they'll keep coming! Enjoy the Seattle themed treasury!

Local Etsy Artist Feature!

This is my first time featuring another local (i.e. Seattle area) artist from Etsy. I hope you enjoy exploring other Etsy shops as I will try to feature a new artist every two weeks.

Featuring Happy Dog Buttons:

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Adventurous

Cheerful

Honest

How long have you been crafting?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t doing some kind of craft. My mom loves to do crafts, so it’s in the genes.

When did you start selling on Etsy and what inspired you to give it a try?

I’ve been selling at craft shows and street fairs and customers would always ask me if I had a website. I like the feeling of community at Etsy.

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

I love listening to music, I have it on all the time in my craft room and in the car.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I make attempts at being organized, there are shelves and drawers with files and containers, but my work surface is a mess.

Because I like many different crafts I have piles of material spilling out of the closet, drawers full of jewelry making and card making supplies. I would not let anyone take a picture of my work space.

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.

Fun

Stylish

Practical

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74244823/little-purple-johnny-jump-ups-pocket

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73436095/purple-bird-pocket-mirror

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75378344/i-love-heart-chicken-pinback-button

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

My favorite shop is Creations by M, I by a lot of my images from her, she’s great to work with.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/creationsbym

I love the cute little frogs in this shop. The descriptions are great. http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebyclifford

I also like Yesterdays Memories. I’ve purchased my address labels from this shop, the shipping is really quick.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/YesterdaysMemories09

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

I know a lot of people design their logos and are creative in writing, but I hired someone to help me get set up and I think it really helped me.

Also, make sure you have a large stock of items for your customer to choose from. Even if you specialize in just one thing, offer it in different sizes, designs, colors etc. That’s what disappoints me the most when I look at a shop and they only have 4 items for sale.

Thanks for reading today, and don't miss the next Etsy artist feature!

Frustrated to Tears

This post is just for my venting purposes and you don't have to read it. Although I'd like to hear feedback from people on the topic.

I found out this week through other Etsians that Taggies has a very very vague patent on "two pieces of fabric sewn together with ribbon loops". I knew all along that Taggies exist, but my Tag-Go Blankies are smaller (10"x10"), I use minky on one side, and my ribbons are different. I assumed I was okay, but apparently NOT! I'm so frustrated and confused right now that I'm in tears trying to decide if I should just leave my adorable Tag-Go Blankies in my shop until someone asks me to remove them or just remove them on my own. It's completely ridiculous how big corporations can wipe out the little business trying to get going with just one broad patent. I've already been dealing with CPSIA guidelines and making sure my items are 100% safe for infants/children. Now finding out that 4 out the 15 items in my shop could get me a lawsuit is horrible! In a way I'd LOVE to keep them in my shop just to say a big "Screw you!" to Taggies. They can't possibly monitor all of the taggie-like items on Etsy since I'm not the only one selling them! But again, they've got lawyers & $$$$ and little me has no funds for a lawsuit. It seriously makes me wonder if my other items are patented. Or should I go patent my Scrubbie-Cloth as nylon netting and cotton yarn?! See how crazy this is! Okay, I think I'm done with my little rant. So I guess this is goodbye to my cute Tag-Go Blankies :(

Here's an old Etsy forum post on the topic: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5473682

Featuring Etsy Sellers

I've decided to feature an Etsy seller each month. Preferably local (i.e. Seattle area) to help them with marketing, and my shop will hopefully be featured on other blogs. So check back as I'll be featuring a shop soon!