Monday, December 7, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK SEVENTEEN: Win your choice of in-stock EARRINGS from Christina Vitale Modern Jewelry!


WEEK SEVENTEEN: Win your choice of any gorgeous in-stock earrings from Chris Elser at Christina Vitale Modern Jewelry!

According to Chris, "I started making jewelry a couple of years ago. It all started with a bag of buttons that I wanted to do something with and a book about button jewelry. I became fascinated with making jewelry and haven't stopped."

"I love strong, rich colors and textures. These inspire me to create pieces that have a contemporary, yet retro, feel. My favorite pieces to make are earrings, as they are a great way to express yourself and can create a unique statement when worn," she notes.

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN a pair of these gorgeous earrings, simply visit Chris's Etsy Shop christinavitale.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. Monday Dec. 14, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Chris to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

And the winner of this drawing was Carrie! Congratulations to you!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK SIXTEEN: Win this beautiful copper SPIRAL BRACELET from Honey Bear Beads!


WEEK SIXTEEN: Win a stunning solid copper Spiral Bracelet from Mary Bush at Honey Bear Beads! Made with 12 gauge copper wire, this beautiful piece is swirled into a marvelous coil pattern. The closure was made into the piece and latches to a jump ring on the opposite side. A pinta finish has been applied to the piece, giving it multiple color levels. It has also been tumbled for strength and durability. Winner will select the size!


Drawing inspiration from architecture, flowers, and nature, Mary credits a friend for sparking her interest in creating jewelry several years ago. "We met online, and she would ask me what I thought of HER pieces. I was instantly hooked from the moment I started." Mother of three and new grandmother, Mary is also a photography enthusiast and loves to garden. But her favorite aspect of creating is working on unique custom jewelry designs. "It's so fulfilling to work with someone on a piece and watch it come to life."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN this gorgeous bracelet, simply visit Mary's Etsy Shop honeybearbeads.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Monday Dec. 7, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Mary to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

The lucky winner this week is newelryjewelry! Congrats!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Big Savings Continue but only thru Monday Night!

Shop Local, Buy Handmade and have yourself a very merry Handmade holiday this season. Over 20 different Kansas City Etsy team members are offering their unique handmade items at amazing prices this weekend. See a listing of all participating shops and their discounts here.


1. Large Flat Pouch, nicherndesigns (10-30% off savings throughout the shop)
2. Red Garland Bracelet, creativeARTchika (20% off entire order plus FREE shipping)
3. Colored Dots Wallet, DumbKidDesigns (FREE wallet with every purchase, plus FREE world wide shipping)
4. Pink Polkadot Storage Box, PaperMillDesigns (15% off all orders including personalized items)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Friday, November 27, 2009

Save some green this weekend

All weekend long, select Kansas City Etsy Team shops are offering deep discounts on their handmade wares. Free shipping, free items with purchase, 10-20% off. Our best prices of the year are being offered this weekend. So grab a cup of tea and put on your favorite music, 'cause you're sure to find some great gifts for the special people on your list at our, Handmade for the Holidays, weekend long sale!


1. Baby Button Earrings - christinavitale (20% off, +Free Shipping!)
2. Adorable Elephant Ruffle Pants - ditda (20% off everything)
3. Green Birdies Tote Bag - auntjune (10% off all bags + more savings)
4. The Limey Green Necklace - thefunkyfelter (20% off, +Free Worldwide Shipping)


** OVER 20 TEAM SHOPS ARE PARTICIPATING! For a complete list of participating shops and their special offers, see this blog post. Sale details are listed on the main page of each shop. Offers are valid November 27th thru November 30th, unless otherwise stated.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK FIFTEEN: Win your choice of any in-stock PILLOWCASE from Tiny Stitches!


WEEK FIFTEEN: Win your choice of any in-stock Pillowcase from Kathleen Gordon-Ross at Tiny Stitches! As an additional bonus, Kathleen is offering all KCEtsy Blog readers 10% off orders placed November 23-29th (discount does not apply to shipping fees, and cannot be combined with any other offer). Use promo code KCETSY11 in comments to seller, and please wait to pay for your purchase until a revised invoice reflecting the special discount is sent.

"I started TinyStitches back in 2007 because I felt I had a great product that could benefit other new moms," notes Kathleen. "I’ve been giving my products as baby shower gifts to friends and family for over 12 years. After getting phone call after phone call from friends saying, 'These are the BEST blankets ever! They are the first to get used right from the dryer. I always make sure I have one in the diaper bag when we go out!' I decided it was time to offer my bundles to the public so more moms and babies could benefit from such a useful product. The receiving blankets and burp cloths you purchase at the stores are simply great for a newborn, but much beyond that and they just are not enough. I wanted better for my babies and my friends' babies."

"I’ve gotta tell you, it’s an awesome feeling to see toddlers, who have outgrown all their other baby blankets, still carry around one very special, very well-loved TinyStitches blanket that they insist on holding onto for naptime," Kathleen smiles.

"My children continue to be my inspiration. Necessity is the mother of invention, and for me, when I want chic, practical, high-quality accessories for my kiddos that I can’t find in the stores without breaking the bank, I start figuring out how to make it myself," says Kathleen. "Consequently, I’ve made a lot of things for them, and their favorite, most-loved items are what I offer in my shop. I figure my five kids, ranging in ages 9 years down to 16 months, and their friends, are a pretty good little focus group. If they love it, I’m confident other kids will too!"

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN your choice of any in-stock Pillowcase lovingly sewn by Kathleen, simply visit her Etsy Shop tinystitches.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. Monday Nov. 30, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Kathleen to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

This week's lucky winner is HOPE! Congratulations to you!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Huge Black Friday/Cyber Monday KCEtsy Team Sale

November is rushing by, and the holiday season is upon us again. Every year we tell ourselves that next year we will be more prepared, but as December creeps up on us, we all find ourselves in a crowded line at Target, our carts loaded with those last minute must-haves!

That's why we have made it easier for you this year with the 2009 KCEtsy Sale: Handmade for the Holidays! Lots of our talented members are having great Black Friday - Cyber Monday sales to help you stretch your holiday budget. Not only are there great deals, but by shopping the 2009 KCEtsy Sale you will be giving unique and beautifully crafted gifts to everyone on your list, avoiding the crowds at retail stores, and supporting your local artists and crafters! Who knows, with the money you save, you might even find a little gift for yourself!

So plan to shop with us next weekend and go Handmade for the Holidays!

Here's a little previews of the great holiday specials to be had next weekend. The sale starts at 12:01am Friday, November 27th and ends at 11:59pm Monday, November 30th.


1. newelryjewelry: FREE SHIPPING and 20% off all of my items


2. Thyme2dream: Fairy Merry Christmas Sale~20% off entire shop, FREE Fairy Wand or Ear Cuff with any order over $75 AND as always, free shipping with purchase of any 3 or more items.


3. nicherndesigns: various discounts on all items.


4. creativeARTchika: 20% off + FREE shipping.


5. Ditda: 20% off any item in my shop


6. tinystitches: 20% off entire shop, FREE gift tag with each purchase.


7. DumbKidDesigns: FREE wallet with every purchase plus FREE worldwide shipping!


8. jennifergoode: free shipping on gourd art also marked down prices on vintage serving/entertaining pieces


9. papermilldesigns: 15% off all orders including personalized items


10. shawnanonna: Free Shipping Worldwide - plus free button and rub-on transfer with each purchase!


11. auntjune: 10% off all bags, $1 off all original fabric FQ's, and free 4"x5" yarn love with any purchase over $20


12. christinavitale: 20% off entire shop + Free Shipping


13. polkadotpapoose: 20% off entire shop + Free Shipping


14. ajscountrycottage: Free lip balm w/ purchase of 3 or more soaps or w/ purchase of 3 or more candles.


15. Dreamypleasures: 10% off entire shop plus free tealight candle with every order.


16. LynspriredJewelry: 15% off first item, 20% off each additional item. 15% off will be applied to most expensive item.


17. SilverTrove: 15% off all in-stock jewelry and 10% of all custom orders!


18. SouthHouseBoutique: With every Toe Classy stocking purchased, I will triple my donation to Heifer International to help a family rise out of poverty.


19. thefunkyfelter: 20% off all items + FREE domestic shipping.


20. ForStrangeWomen: free pine cone lip embellishment with all orders over $50 (before shipping)


21. laceyellis: 10% off entire shop + free shipping


22. HoneyBearBeads: 20% off entire shop

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Weekend Shopping with KCEtsy

Local holiday markets can be a great place to pick up unique handcrafted gifts. This weekend brings lots of unique upscale craft fairs just in time for your holiday shopping! Be sure to stop by our Kansas City Etsy Team Member booths and say hello for us:

Ric Rac Roundup, Thursday, November 19th from 5-9pm @ Californo's, 4124 Pennsylvania in Westport.

KCEtsy Team members, Emmy-Ray Jewelry and Glazed Earth are participating along with 18 other talented local artists who will be sharing their best wares for holiday gift giving at this unique craft fair sponsored by Bon Bon Atelier. For a full list of participants, visit ricracroundup.blogspot.com.


Holiday Variety Market, Saturday, November 21st from 9am – 4pm @ 6624 W. 194th, Stilwell Kansas.

KCEtsy Team Member, Ni-Chern Design’s will have her handmade pouches, wristlets and handbags available for your holiday shopping needs. She is participating along with many other local artisans who will be selling their gourmet jams, jellies, salsas; handmade soaps; artisan necklaces, earrings and bracelets; rustic pendants; holiday cards; vintage Mexican blouses; artful embellishments for body & abode from vintage Japanese kimonos; one of a kind mosaic for home and garden; Will Wyatts signature holiday candles; delicious hand knits and more!


Holiday Hunt, Sunday, November 22nd from 11am – 5pm @ The Hangar, 1602 S. Main Street, Maryville, MO.

KCEtsy Team Members, SouthHouseBoutique, DumbKidDesigns, Polkadot Papoose, and Aunt June are participating. Over 20 regional artists are coming together to show their finely handmade and handcrafted gift items. Experience a distinctive shopping event that focuses on the finely handcrafted items that can only come from the artisans themselves. This event will bring together a diverse assortment of the handmade, NOT homemade; the handcrafted, NOT crafty. For a full description of the event and participating artists, visit:

holidayhuntmaryville.blogspot.com and on facebook

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tutorial Tuesday - Preparing for a Craft Show

Many Kansas City Etsy Team Members participate in local craft shows either through the summer months at farmers markets and festivals, or during the holiday shopping season. For a first time seller, preparing for these events can be daunting! Nicole, of Ni-chern Designs, is now a seasoned veteran to selling at local craft fairs. Since her very first show in 2005 at Johnson County's Old Settlers, Nicole participates in 3-4 shows each year. Consequently, she has learned a lot about selling her zippered pouches and bags at both large and small shows, and today she's passing along what she's learned about participating in craft shows. Please feel free to add to Nicole's advice in the comments portion of this post, to help other readers prepare for future shows!

Ni-Chern Designs outdoor set up:

Johnson County Old Settler's 2008

PLANNING:
Planning for a craft show is not on a whim kind of thing. It may take some a month or two to prepare, and others six months to prepare. It all depends on the type of items that you are selling, and how much and quickly you can produce them.

For your first time, find a show that is local. Make sure that the show will have lots of traffic and know that it is well advertised, local or in another city. It’s not a good idea to not know much about the craft show, especially one that many may not have never heard of. Find out all the requirements. How much it costs? What are the hours? Is it inside or outside? If it’s outside, what do they do if it rains? Sometimes they require you to have Tax ID. If you know you will not be able to fill the space, ask the coordinator if they allow booth sharing. This especially helps when it is your first time at a show.

MAKE:
Make yourself a goal list. How many would you like to make per item? Give yourself a high number and a minimum number. The high number is your goal, the minimum number is the amount you are okay with. Giving yourself a high goal is good, but do not be disappointed if you do not make that amount.

Give yourself some time to make your items. If the show is six months away, take a Friday off every month to help prepare, and the month of, depending on how you feel about the amount of items, take a couple days off right before your show. Leave at least half a day to pack all your items to put in the car.

If your items may be easily made outside, perhaps make it in front of your buyers. Many buyers love to watch. If you make glass beads, people love to watch how it works. Some buyers will realize how much work goes into all the items that you make, and would rather buy than to make it themselves.

thecraftasaurus' set up at a local outdoor show:
Craft Show Selling

APPEARANCE:
If it is an outside show, you will need a tent. Do research to find a good inexpensive tent that is easy to put up and take down. Most booth sizes are 10’ x 10’. Look at sporting goods stores, Wal-Mart, Target, thrift stores, or maybe yard sales. If you’re going to be driving by a sporting goods store, stop by and take a quick look. You may get lucky! Check out craigslist too! If it is the week before the show, and you still don’t have a tent… I found mine at a big box store for $100.

Make a sign for your booth. You can print black and white paper signs at Office Depot for under $5. Or if you have time, iron on or stitch letters on to your table cloth.

The appearance of the inside of your booth is incredibly important. If it looks cluttered, people will not take the time to rummage through your items, and will move on to the next booth.

Make sure you have a large tablecloth for your table - make sure it's ironed (I didn't iron mine, and it looked tacky). If the tablecloth hits the floor, you can hide your inventory boxes underneath your table, without buyers seeing them thrown behind you.

If you sell bags, have racks to hold them.

If you sell jewelry, have jewelry racks, or a small bust to display a beautiful necklace. I have seen branches screwed on a small board. This is creative and fun.

If you sell aprons, have a couple mannequins to display some of the best looking aprons.

Find a folding table. Make sure that it is big enough to have all your items. If you need, find two.

There are usually local liquidation stores that throw away old racks, mannequins, etc. You may even ask the managers at certain stores in the mall. Just spice them up, paint them, sand them down, whatever you need to do to make it look like nice and fit your style.

TinyStitches' set up at a indoor trunk show:
New Set Up

Have various heights to bring attention to different parts of the table. If you have a large tablecloth, place shoe boxes underneath in different heights underneath or use various heights of racks on top of the table to display your items.

Try setting up your space (maybe not the tent, unless you do not know how it works) in your garage the day before to see how you like things arranged. This way, you will not feel all scrambled the morning of and will know what works and what doesn't.

Check out this flickr site of arts/crafts shows for ideas.

PRICE:
Pricing your items. There are some people that will walk away if they don’t see a price to your item. If they see that you are busy, they will not ask how much a certain item is.
You can individually price them with a sticker or tag. You may also have a small cardstock paper that says “$10 each or $15 for two”. Do not mark your items $1.99 or $3.49. The prices should round to the nearest dollar; but if you must, round to the nearest half dollar.

It is your decision if you want to give a discount for more than one item purchased. Sometimes it gives them an incentive to buy more. There are buyers who go with their friends that’ll notice that it’s cheaper to buy two and he/she would say to their friend, “Hey, it’s $X to buy two, I’ll pay for the second one”

I usually print my prices on a 4.25’ x 5.5” cardstock (this is a quarter of 8.5 x 11 paper). Then I print various prices that I might want to change to on mailing stickers. This way I can just stick on a new price on the cardstock, rather than crossing it out and marking a new price.

Nonna Illustrations display board for her magnets:

DSCN0289

CASH/CHECK/CREDIT:
Make sure you have lots of one's. Many or All booths will refuse to give you change for one's. Also make sure you write down how much you had in your change box/purse before the show starts.
What do you accept? If you take check, make sure if has all their information on there, such as phone number, and ask to see their ID. I always write down their driver’s licenses number , just in case. If you want to accept credit, there are various ways to accept it. See if it is worth the extra cost. Here are some links to check out:
Propay
Costco
Sam's Club
IPhone has an app that accepts credit cards.
You may also check with your local bank to see if they offer something like this.

YOU (and how you act):
Dress comfortably, but look nice. Don't wear those comfortable jeans that you've had for the past five years that have holes all over the place. Look presentable, you are working after all.

Confidence. You need to feel confident. It will show. If you are shy, you will need to break away from it. Greet every single person that steps into your booth, even before they look at your items or give you eye contact. Greet them, be friendly and have a small conversation with them. Even if they do not purchase anything, they will tell their family and friends about the nice person that makes such and such. Make the buyer feel at ease without you watching their every move.

CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO BRING: (feel free to add more to your specific needs)
• Pens/markers/sharpie
• Sign or banner
• Invoice book
• Twine (this is what I used to hang my banner)
• Scissors
• Labels and price tags
• Tape (scotch, duct, packaging, etc.)
• First aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, eye drops, allergy meds, antacids - for all those funnel cakes that you scarfed down ;) , etc)
• Bags and packaging materials for purchases (you can customize them, or recycle the plastic bags that you have stocked up)
• Apron/waist pouch for change/cash box (with key)
• Plenty of change to put in your apron or waist pouch
• Wet naps and hand sanitizer
• Water and snacks
• Safety pins (you may need to pin your prices to the tablecloth if it’s windy)
• Calculator
• Mirrors for customers to use [especially if you sell jewelry]
• LOTS of business cards
• Business card holder (optional – you can set cards on the table if you’d like)
• Displays
• Tablecloths (optional - tape washers at some parts so it doesn't fly up every time a little wind passes through the booth)
• Camera – take a picture of your booth!
• Jacket (depending on the weather)
• Notebook for mailing list sign-up
• Table
• Chair for you to sit in, just in case you have a spare minute to sit.
• Lights (if the show will be running until dark)

I hope all these things will help you for your future craft show! Just remember have fun!


Last thing, do not beat yourself up when you do not do well on a show. Everything depends on the audience your item attracts. If one show does not work, try another. If you rather play it safe, try consigning in surrounding town's shops and boutiques. If a certain area does well, find a craft show in that town. Let the consigning store know that you’ll be there. Make postcards for the store to hand out. The publicity will help attract buyers that are interested in your items to your booth!

* * * * * *

See Nicole's set up this weekend at the Holiday Variety Market, Saturday, November 21st from 9am-4pm in Stillwell, Kansas (6624 W. 194th Street). She will be selling her handmade zippered pouches, wristlets and handbags along with many other local artisans. Stop on by and shop the great variety of handmade specialty items.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK FOURTEEN: Win a pair of CHALKBOARD CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS from South House Boutique!


WEEK FOURTEEN: Win a whimsical, adorable pair of Chalkboard Stockings from Diane Sudhoff at South House Boutique!

Says Diane, "I prefer to refer to it as my creative bent -- others, including my dear hubby at times, may consider it a perverse sickness -- but it seems I can’t just sit peacefully. Rather than relishing the magnificent vista we have just hiked for two hours to enjoy, I’m mentally working on how I’m going to incorporate those surroundings into our basement remodel. That incredible rock! Well those rock colors became the inspiration for pulling my brother’s den together."

"And projects you ask? This is where it really gets embarrassing. My girlfriends and I get away to the lake for a long weekend each year for R & R -- absolutely no work allowed! Because they’re “the girls,” they just laugh when we’re lounging on the dock and I’m in the middle of it all painting a rather large brass chandelier celadon green so I can hang it over my new bathtub. It’s my DNA. It’s who I am. I am seriously trying to get things under control by restricting myself to just six active project categories at a time!" she laughs. "And you guessed it -- I’ve actually soaked in that tub only twice in 8 years, but oh, does it look great!"

"I’m a traditionalist at heart," Diane notes, "but I love to throw in a bit of the quirky and unexpected, fun and whimsy. Life is fleeting, so I want to surround myself with the people and things that make me smile, make life fun, and keep me guessing and discovering."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Christmas Stockings, simply visit Diane's Etsy Shop southhouseboutique.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. Monday Nov. 23, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Diane to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

The winner of this contest is Alacransita84! Congratulations!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Handmade Feature in The Kansas City Star

Kansas City Etsy team member, Susanne Brink of DumbKidDesigns, was thrilled when Kansas City Start reporter, Stacey Downs, contacted her about an article she was doing on local artists and crafters who sell their handmade wares. Check out the article, Handmade items in big demand, in the Sunday Star, or online. Find more local sellers on Etsy by searching kcetsyteam.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK THIRTEEN: Win a MY DAGGERED HEART necklace from Silver Trove Designs!


WEEK THIRTEEN: Win this "My Daggered Heart" necklace from Carole Braden-Williams at Silver Trove Designs! My Daggered Heart is a sterling silver and banded agate pendant necklace. According to Carole, "This is the first piece in my new series, Skeleton Keys. It is a Victorian style wire wrapped piece that has been oxidized to give it an antique look. It is on a leather cord with a chain extension so it is adjustable from 16 inches to 21 inches."

"I was lucky enough to have a mother who taught me to sew, knit, crochet and craft when I was a child, which was a great foundation for becoming a silversmith," notes Carole. "I started making fancy barrettes for my two daughters 18 years ago and they were noticed by a buyer for the children's clothing designer, Chocolate Soup. After making thousands of those barrettes for them, I started stringing beads and teaching myself to make simple jewelry. A lady who owned a bead shop showed me a few wire jewelry techniques and I was immediately hooked. I learned more from other wire jewelry artists and began selling my work through an artists' coop store and then my own store. I later took a night course at a local high school in silversmithing. I loved it so much I convinced the teacher to teach an advanced course. Since then I have been lucky enough to be able to make jewelry as my full time career."

"As cliche' as it sounds, I am inspired by the world around me - nature, the changing seasons, and the people I have been blessed to know," says Carole. "My children have always helped me see things through their eyes which helps to keep me up to date on styles and colors, and yet I also love vintage styles and jewelry making techniques. I am also inspired by other artists, past and present. Etsy is a wonderful source of inspiration!"

"I have totally enjoyed making all the pieces in my shop so it's hard to pick a favorite. I put so much time and love into each piece that they are a lot like children to me. Although they are sometimes hard to part with, it is always exciting to send them out to their new owners. Usually my favorite item is the one I have most recently completed so I would have to say the My Daggered Heart pendant is my current favorite. I can't wait to find out who will win it!" she quips.

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the My Daggered Heart pendant necklace, simply visit Carole's Etsy Shop silvertrove.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Monday Nov. 16, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Carole to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!


THIS WEEK'S LUCKY WINNER IS MAR! CONGRATULATIONS!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK TWELVE: Win a LIP EMBELLISHMENT GIFT SET from For Strange Women!


WEEK TWELVE: Win a Lip Embellishment Gift Set from Jill McKeever at For Strange Women! This is a set of 4 natural and nourishing lip balms in .25 oz sliding tins. These are full of foresty goodness and made with plant materials instead of synthetic flavors, colors, and fillers. Pine Cone, Clove, Poison Ivy, and Rosewood lip embellishments are nested inside a moss and flower petal-filled gift box, wrapped with ribbon. The gift box is made from 100% recycled materials, of which 75% is Post-Consumer Waste.

Says Jill, "I started creating with essential oils when I was 17, nearly 10 years ago. I have always made strange items for friends and family, but just this year decided to start an Etsy shop." Jill credits the forest, music, natural healing, and her animal friends for inspiration. "The earth. Yesteryear. The medium and plant materials that I have to work. These all inspire me as well."

"My favorite item is Ava's Sacred Vial. It is customized and has a unique look and meaning for each person. I am always intrigued when I get the message for what the customer wants in their vial. One person wanted empty ones and I just couldn't stand not knowing what they planned to put inside!" laughs Jill.

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Lip Embellishment Gift Set, simply visit Jill's Etsy Shop forstrangewomen.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! If you'd like a FOURTH ENTRY, become a fan of our KC Etsy Facebook Fan Page and post a comment indicating you've done so! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. Monday Nov. 9, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Jill to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

This week's winner is JENNIFER B! Congratulations!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK ELEVEN: Win an Apples Coin Pouch from Ni-Chern Designs!


WEEK ELEVEN: Win an Apples Coin Pouch from Nicole at Ni-Chern Designs!

Nicole notes, "My first bag that I'd ever sewn was in high school. My best friend didn't want a pair of jeans, and I thought I could make something from it! End of college, I decided to start sewing again to perhaps help with all my student loans. So Ni-Chern Designs was started. Ni-Chern is my Chinese name, meaning little girl. Sewing is really comforting and relaxes my mind. There's a bit of me in every bag and pouch. And it always makes me happy to see them go to a good loving home."

"It's difficult to pick a favorite item, since I feel like they're all a part of me. I do go through different phases of favorite colors. Sometimes it is noticeable on my listings or my featured items in my shop."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Apples Coin Pouch, simply visit Nicole's Etsy Shop nicherndesigns.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. Monday Nov. 2, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Nicole to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

The lucky winner of this drawing is FREE INDEED! Congrats!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tuesday Tutorial:: Vintage Halloween Banner

This weeks Tuesday Tutorial comes from Contessa Kris the talented mixed media artist behind Collage Contessa and Collage Curiosities. Kris loves using collage, paint, fabric, stamps, paper, metal, ephemera and anything else she can get her hands on to create one of a kind altered art. Her work has a lovely whimsical feel with a beautiful modern edge and often mixes in unique vintage images.


The tutorial Kris shares this week holds true to her style. Layers of different mediums are used to create this Vintage Halloween Banner. This design would translate beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, even July 4th! Have fun creating and drop us a line if you make something. We love show and tell!

Supplies:
3 pieces Orange 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock
9 Vintage Halloween postcards* or something similar, cut to 3 1/2 x 5" size
Background stamp (mine is like architecture iron work)
Black stazon ink pad
Embroidery floss (I used orange and dark brown)
Decorative Scissors (I used a 'Victorian' style)
5 ft Ribbon (mine has pumpkins on it)
Chipboard letters, stickers or rub-ons spelling HALLOWEEN
Glitter glue (I used clear)
Poker tool or use a bigger needle
Needle & Scissors
Glue & Exacto Knife



1. Take orange cardstock, fold and rip into 4 even pieces. Cut the 2 long sides with the decorative scissors. I cut off just enough to make the decorative edge but not enough to cut off width.

2. Using the background stamp, stamp with the black ink, onto the orange cardstock pieces. Ink the edges of the stamped pieces as well.

3. Cut out your postcards to a 3-1/2" x 5" size and glue vertically on the stamped cardstock. I put my glue about 1" in on each side of the postcard. Don't glue all the way to the edges. It makes the next step harder.

4. Take your poking tool or bigger needle and evenly spoke holes around the edge of the postcard (mine are almost 1/2" apart.)

5. Thread a larger needle with embroidery thread (I did not split mine, I used all 6 strands.) Stitch around the entire postcard. This is so simple, my 9 yr old dd was able to help me.

6. Using the exacto knife, cut about 1/2" down on the postcard section of your pieces, a 1/2" vertical slit on the left and right side. This will be so you can thread your ribbon through for your hanger.

7. Thread your ribbon through so the middle of the ribbon is behind the postcard. Make sure you have about 5+ inches extra on each end of your banner.

8. Adhere the chipboard (or sticker/rub-ons) to the bottom left corner of the postcards, spelling out Halloween.

9. Using the glitter glue, choose parts of your postcards to highlight with glitter.

10. Hang up wherever you desire!



* If you don't have a stash of great grandma's postcards sitting in the attic you're willing to craft with, digital postcard images are available online. Kris found hers years ago in a Dover Publications e-mail newsletter. Lots of wonderful Etsy sellers offer inexpensive PDFs of vintage postcard images you can purchase and use in craft projects like this. Here are the listings for vintage Halloween postcards. Be best results, look for postcard images that are full size (3-1/2" x 5").



This tutorial was originally published on Kris' blog CollageContessa.blogspot.com and was reprinted with permission. Visit her blog to learn more about her work and for more great mixed media Halloween tutorials and projects.

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Don't miss out on entering Week 10 of our Countdown to Christmas Great Blog Giveway from Thyme2dream! To enter read this post and follow the contest instructions.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK TEN: Win an Adjustable Fairy Elven Choker / Necklace from Thyme 2 Dream!


WEEK TEN: Win an Adjustable Fairy Elven Choker / Necklace from Karla Hall at Thyme 2 Dream in WINNER'S CHOICE of colors!

According to Karla, "I believe that the root of my artistic career really came about as a result of a restless need to do something with all the creative energy I was no longer using as my kids became more independent. I just suddenly had this consuming passion to make things. I played with polymer clay for awhile, got into beading, and then I discovered wire working and was totally hooked! I first started making sun catchers and trying my hand at wind chimes and such, but then one day my 89-year-old grandmother asked me if I could make a pair of ear cuffs for her. This appealed to me as well; I had never had pierced ears and loved dangly earrings. Basically, I started making the sort of jewelry that I loved, but could never find anywhere else. The results of that effort have evolved into a full-time jewelry business."

"I love growing things but am a terrible gardener- I created my crystal leaf gardens because they are much easier to keep alive. I delight in fanciful stories from literature, theater, and music, and I am fascinated by the process of trying to convey the enchantment from one genre to another," Karla notes.

She credits Alphonse Mucha and his artistic love affair with the actress Sarah Bernhardt, the jewelry he adorned his portrait models with, as well as the designs he actually had made into jewelry pieces in collaboration with French jeweler Georges Fouquet, for much of her inspiration. "I like to think I might be related to him somewhere back there- my maternal grandparents are from the same region of the Czech Republic where he was born. I also love the work of Arthur Rackham, Maxfield Parrish, Rick Griffin and N C Wyeth."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Adjustable Fairy Elven choker necklace, simply visit Karla's Etsy Shop thyme2dream.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. Monday Oct. 26, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Karla to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

The winner of this drawing is Anne J! Congratulations!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK NINE: Win a Sparkle Flower Power magnet set Sparkle Book from Anne B. Vinyl!


WEEK NINE: Win one Sparkle Flower Power (set of four vinyl magnets) and one Sparkle Book (Vinyl Composition Book Cover) in the mini composition book size from Anne Hollond at Anne B. Vinyl!

Says Anne, "I've been sewing with various vinyl fabrics for the past 10 years. I started on a whim, after seeing a segment on Martha Stewart's television show about oilcloth placemats. After I made the placemats, I couldn't stop thinking about what else I could make with this amazing fabric, and I discovered other vinyl fabrics that were also incredibly appealing. I still can't stop! My inspiration comes from all over. I tend to just be in a constant state of viewing the world through a vinyl lens. I'm always jotting down ideas for things that I think would look fabulous in vinyl, or things that are already made of vinyl but aren't made of cool vinyl! (That's how the pocket protectors came about.) I'm also very lucky -- and very grateful -- to have so many people (especially on Etsy) approach me with ideas. I've currently got several fun projects in the works based on these ideas. One of them, in an amusing full-circle way, is a set of placemats!"

Anne notes that it's hard for her to pick a favorite item. "So many of them have interesting and sentimental back-stories. In a general sense, I'm particularly fond of the appliqued designs. They're very challenging, because the sewing is slow and the margin for error is tiny, but I really enjoy the challenge and the end result. I'm also very proud of my collaborative projects with Christy Schneider at The Petite Press - Project Nerd Power, Project Sip-in-Style, and Project Sup-in-Style."


TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the SPARKLE FLOWER POWER magnet set and SPARKLE BOOK mini composition book, simply visit Anne's Etsy Shop annebvinyl.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Monday Oct. 19, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Anne to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

This week's winner is DOTTY JANE! Congratulations!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programing ...

to bring you some black and orange goodies ...


Tuesday Tutorial:: Felt Sandwich Bread

I recently needed a mess free way for 50 kids ages 3-11 to make PBJ sandwiches as part of a relay race. Real sandwich bread, peanut butter and jelly weren't a practical option because of cost, waste and the mess/allergy factor, so I turned to what I know best ... fabric. Specifically felt. Felt sandwich bread, felt peanut butter, felt jelly - it was perfect. No excessive waste, no sticky fingers, no epi pens, and it was all totally reusable after the activity in my kids play "pantry."

Here's my very simple tutorial for the sandwich bread. Definitely get enough supplies to make a loaf, about 10 slices. And start brainstorming other sandwich fixings you can create using felt ... lettuce, tomato slices, deli meats, cheese.

If you know a young child who loves to pretend they run a bakery, cafe or grocery store, go on picnics with giants or serve tea to Teddy and Willow each afternoon; making a little sandwich kit would be a thoughtful, unique, inexpensive, handmade gift they would love! Sweeten the deal with a few iced sugar cookies.

Written and submitted by TinyStitches.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK EIGHT: Win anything in shop from Dumb Kid Designs!


WEEK EIGHT: Win your choice of any wallet/card holder, passport holder, or pocketbook in her shop from Susanne Brink at Dumb Kid Designs!

According to Susanne, "I have always considered myself creative and crafty, so it is hard to pinpoint when I really first started making stuff. So I found Etsy a little over 2 years ago and took a shot to see if anyone other than my family and friends liked what I made. I'm really glad I did; I love it!"

Susanne says she dreams a lot and thinks that due to this, everyone and everything inspires her. "I try to take it all in. It works out for me because working with paper as a base for my items, my possibilities are endless that way. My products are pretty similar, except in size really. I cannot say I have a favorite item, because I use them all. I personally like the maps the best. I can get lost in them for hours. They remind me of where I have been and where I want to go. Who lives here and who lives there. They are also my favorite item to sell too. My customers tend to tell me stories of why they want a certain place/city, and that's what makes it so much more real. It's fun for me that way."


TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN YOUR CHOICE OF ANY ITEM IN HER SHOP, simply visit Susanne's Etsy Shop dumbkiddesigns.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. Monday Oct. 5, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Susanne to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings!

This week's winner is Joyful Girl Naturals! Congratulations!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK SEVEN: Win TULIP EARRINGS from Newelry Jewelry!



WEEK SEVEN: Win a beautiful pair of tulip earrings in the winner's choice of pink or blue from Anchalee Srimongkolkul at Newelry Jewelry! See her Etsy shop listing here for the prize description and more photos!

Says Anchalee, "It all started couple of years ago when I tried to fix a broken eyeglass holder myself. One thing lead to another, and I began making jewelry for myself, my friends and my family. I enjoy making it so much, but there are too many pieces to wear myself! So I decided to try selling them on Etsy. Most of my pieces are one of a kind."

Anchalee likes to use real stones, her favorites being tourmaline, turquoise, rose quartz, and rutiliated quartz. "I also like to use natural-colored freshwater pearls. I also found some beautiful high-quality glass beads and handmade lampwork beads from other artisans, and these also inspire me to create my jewelry." Her favorite metals to work with are sterling silver and 14K gold filled. "I explore using other materials such as brass or copper sometimes. All the jewelry in my shop is made as if I were making it for my own. I feel every single piece is special and unique. I hope people who see my jewelry like it too."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN THESE GORGEOUS EARRINGS, simply visit Anchalee's Etsy Shop newelryjewelry.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Include in your comment a link to your post! Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. Monday Sept. 28, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Anchalee to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings!

And the winner of this drawing is JennTRC! Congratulations!

Monday, September 14, 2009

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: KCEtsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK 6: WINNER'S CHOICE of ANY BABY SLING from Polkadot Papoose!


WEEK SIX: Win a baby sling of your choice from Tara Harrup at Polkadot Papoose! According to Tara, "Everyone has hobbies, and I’ve had my string — cake making, soapmaking, photography. I may have even tried macrame, though I can’t remember now — but most of these passions cooled. After wearing my infant son in a fabric baby sling four years ago, however, I had that transcendent 'I could really improve this product' moment, and Polkadot Papoose was born."

"My flesh-and-blood inspirations are my boys, Aedan and Silas, who remind me daily of the value of snuggles, but in a more esoteric sense, I draw light from colorful writers and artists such as Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou, and Isabel Allende, as well as literary characters and even a few well-known creative individuals who camped on the melancholy side of life, such as Sylvia Plath."

"While my favorite sling is the Artemesia, my favorite item currently in my shop are the Diaper Dots. It’s a classically pretty scented sachet that can be stuffed in shoes, purses, diaper bags, or drawers, and it seems to always draw comments. In general, however, I love making anything that brings color and life and contented smiles into the everyday lives of my customers. That, I suspect, is really why all of us crafters are in business."

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN YOUR CHOICE OF ANY BABY SLING IN HER SHOP, simply visit Tara's Etsy Shop polkadotpapoose.etsy.com and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment about your favorite item here. BE SURE TO INCLUDE contact information (your e-mail) in your post, so we can notify you if you win. For an EXTRA ENTRY, become a follower of this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know you've done so. For yet a THIRD entry, Tweet on Twitter or blog about this contest on your own blog, including a link to this blog, and BE SURE TO POST A SEPARATE COMMENT letting us know. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. Monday Sept. 21, a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Tara to claim his/her prize. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings!

And the winner of this week's drawing is sarsosari! Congratulations!