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!