The Sale:
From April 29 - May 5, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all greeting cards! Free shipping is already included on the listings, so there is no need for a special code.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
EtsyGreetings Featured Sale: CardsbyEmily
Each week EtsyGreetings highlights a sale from one of our member shops. This week, we are excited to offer you special pricing on the colorful and charming collection from Cards by Emily.
The Sale:
From April 29 - May 5, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all greeting cards! Free shipping is already included on the listings, so there is no need for a special code.
The Sale:
From April 29 - May 5, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all greeting cards! Free shipping is already included on the listings, so there is no need for a special code.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
FANSHEFOLDS offers this week's giveaway
Since Mother's Day is approaching, these origami cards will especially come in handy
How To Enter:
All you have to do to enter to win these beautiful cards is stop by Fanshefold's shop and leave a comment here on our blog with what you like from the shop and why.
Be sure to include your Etsy shop address or an email where you can be contacted if you are the winner. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments on the morning of Saturday, May 2nd.
Check the EtsyGreeting's Blog often for great articles and contests!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Spring Flowers created by jemily
Sunshiney Day
by KatieBlairDesigns
Lifes A Ball
by mrsdstahl
Birthday Card
by Leasletters
Thank you card with felt flowers
by adorebynat
Earth Laughs in Flowers
by winemakerssister
Personalized Funky Flower Notecards
by Lavendergreetings
Tropical Flowers Card
by CardsbyEmily
Custom Happy Birthday Flower sewn with button card
by HappyElephantDesigns
Sunshiney Day
by KatieBlairDesigns
Lifes A Ball
by mrsdstahl
Birthday Card
by Leasletters
Thank you card with felt flowers
by adorebynat
Earth Laughs in Flowers
by winemakerssister
Personalized Funky Flower Notecards
by Lavendergreetings
Tropical Flowers Card
by CardsbyEmily
Custom Happy Birthday Flower sewn with button card
by HappyElephantDesigns
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April Team Challenge - VOTING
Greenwillow
Stephjacobson
thepaperflowershop
orangecatart
beansproutstudio
cardsbyemily
pnkgeeni
bbesigns
aplusastudio
haleyshandmades
pinkycreationsThe voting is now open for this months challenge!
Please vote for your favorite card at the right and be sure to leave a message in order to be eligible to win the most favored card.
The Winning card will be shipped to a reader FREE OF CHARGE, so please be srue to vote and leave a comment.
Good luck to all
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday Feature
This week's featured shop is Sugarcoat Paperie.
Tell us about you and your shop.
I began Sugarcoat Paperie late last summer as a creative outlet for my spare time, because I planned to become a stay-at-home mom. All of my designs are kid-oriented – from baby announcements to children’s birthday party décor – and that’s probably because I had babies on the brain when I opened the shop. But in November, my plans of that happy life were shattered when my baby girl, Grace Evangeline, died in my womb due to a random cord accident at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The past five months, I have looked for anything and everything to distract me so that I don’t get too lost in sad thoughts. I do freelance graphic design for salons and spas full-time, and then I work on Sugarcoat Paperie projects to fill the rest of my waking hours.
My designs are hand-drawn, from detailed stippled cupcakes to elaborate nursery illustrations, which I then scan and re-draw in Adobe Illustrator. Each element is one-of-a-kind, so you won’t see it anywhere but Sugarcoat Paperie! And, I will confess, much of my stuff is really girly. (But, what would you expect with a name like Sugarcoat?) I’m in love with pastels, florals, soft textures, and saccharine imagery. Everything is printed with archival inks on deliciously thick paper.
How did you get started in your craft?
I was brought up in a super-creative family – my dad worked from home and supported his five daughters, my mom, and grandma, all with a not-so-starving fine artist’s career – so, card making and drawing were just second nature to us all. I rebelled against my artistic upbringing by majoring in journalism in college, but later ended up minoring in art and getting hired to do graphic design almost right out of school.
After getting engaged and beginning wedding planning, I noticed a lack of beautiful choices for stationery – everything was boring, cream or white with gold lettering. So, I decided to create my own save-the-dates, programs, etc. That led to shower invitations, which eventually led to baby announcements and more!
What is your favorite material or tool?
I couldn't’t live without my Adobe Creative Suite (just got version 4)! High-quality card stock would be a close second.
From where do you get your design inspiration?
Antique stores and rustic farms really get me motivated. I live in the dull suburbs of northern Virginia near Washington D.C., so I have to travel outside the bubble every couple of days to relight my creative fires. Browsing Anthropologie will do the trick in a bind ;) Otherwise, lately I get my ideas from friends requesting custom designs.
Tell us about you and your shop.
I began Sugarcoat Paperie late last summer as a creative outlet for my spare time, because I planned to become a stay-at-home mom. All of my designs are kid-oriented – from baby announcements to children’s birthday party décor – and that’s probably because I had babies on the brain when I opened the shop. But in November, my plans of that happy life were shattered when my baby girl, Grace Evangeline, died in my womb due to a random cord accident at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The past five months, I have looked for anything and everything to distract me so that I don’t get too lost in sad thoughts. I do freelance graphic design for salons and spas full-time, and then I work on Sugarcoat Paperie projects to fill the rest of my waking hours.
My designs are hand-drawn, from detailed stippled cupcakes to elaborate nursery illustrations, which I then scan and re-draw in Adobe Illustrator. Each element is one-of-a-kind, so you won’t see it anywhere but Sugarcoat Paperie! And, I will confess, much of my stuff is really girly. (But, what would you expect with a name like Sugarcoat?) I’m in love with pastels, florals, soft textures, and saccharine imagery. Everything is printed with archival inks on deliciously thick paper.
How did you get started in your craft?
I was brought up in a super-creative family – my dad worked from home and supported his five daughters, my mom, and grandma, all with a not-so-starving fine artist’s career – so, card making and drawing were just second nature to us all. I rebelled against my artistic upbringing by majoring in journalism in college, but later ended up minoring in art and getting hired to do graphic design almost right out of school.
After getting engaged and beginning wedding planning, I noticed a lack of beautiful choices for stationery – everything was boring, cream or white with gold lettering. So, I decided to create my own save-the-dates, programs, etc. That led to shower invitations, which eventually led to baby announcements and more!
What is your favorite material or tool?
I couldn't’t live without my Adobe Creative Suite (just got version 4)! High-quality card stock would be a close second.
From where do you get your design inspiration?
Antique stores and rustic farms really get me motivated. I live in the dull suburbs of northern Virginia near Washington D.C., so I have to travel outside the bubble every couple of days to relight my creative fires. Browsing Anthropologie will do the trick in a bind ;) Otherwise, lately I get my ideas from friends requesting custom designs.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
EtsyGreetings Featured Sale: Studio Flower Power
EtsyGreetings Featured Sale
Each week EtsyGreetings highlights a sale from one of our member shops. This week, we are excited to offer you special pricing on the collection of pressed flower cards from Studio Flower Power.
The Sale:
From April 22 - April 24, all greeting cards are buy one get one free! Purchase one card and place a note in the "notes at checkout" indicating which card you would like for your free card.
Each week EtsyGreetings highlights a sale from one of our member shops. This week, we are excited to offer you special pricing on the collection of pressed flower cards from Studio Flower Power.
The Sale:
From April 22 - April 24, all greeting cards are buy one get one free! Purchase one card and place a note in the "notes at checkout" indicating which card you would like for your free card.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Black and White... with a splash of color! created by thepaperflowershop
Chic Valentine, Wedding or Anniversary Card by winemakerssister
Wedding Card Set - Card and Notecards by thepaperflowershop
Rochelle Birthday Card - Black/White/Red by christinawilliams
Love For Font Geeks -- Folded Card by upup
Groovy Greetings by mrsdstahl
Black and White Trio by twohanddesign
Katherine Birthday Card - Black/White/Green by christinawilliams
Red, Black and White Elegant Thank You Cards - Set of 12 by cardsbyjenna
Chic Valentine, Wedding or Anniversary Card by winemakerssister
Wedding Card Set - Card and Notecards by thepaperflowershop
Rochelle Birthday Card - Black/White/Red by christinawilliams
Love For Font Geeks -- Folded Card by upup
Groovy Greetings by mrsdstahl
Black and White Trio by twohanddesign
Katherine Birthday Card - Black/White/Green by christinawilliams
Red, Black and White Elegant Thank You Cards - Set of 12 by cardsbyjenna
Monday, April 20, 2009
Article: Make Your Own Recycling Stamp
Whether you're an Etsy seller or just send a lot of packages to loved ones, using a handmade stamp to encourage recycling is a great way to let your recipients know that you care about being earth-friendly.
Step 1. You can create your own message from scratch, or I have made 3 designs that you can print out and use as a template. Choose the one you like the best!
Step 2. Fill in the letters using a pencil (soft graphite works well, but any pencil will do)
Step 3. Create a rubbing of your text onto a sheet of linocut (found at most art supply stores), or an eraser can work as well. With a smooth hard object, put your text against the carving surface and rub the backside of the paper. Hold the paper tight so that it doesn't slide around, and make sure you rub behind the whole surface of the drawing to get all the details.
Step 4. Turn over your sheet and see that your drawing has been magically transferred!
Step 5. The carving tools you need can also be found at an art supply store. The ones shown here are Speedball carvers, and have different sized attachments.
Step 6. Carefully carve around your letters, making sure not to cut inside the transfer area.
Step 7. The space that you do not cut will become the area that holds the ink.
Step 8. Ink your stamp and test it out to make sure you didn't miss any spaces between the letters. Press firmly and evenly over the whole area of the stamp. For easier application, attach your stamp to a scrap of mat board with superglue.
Step 9. Use your new stamp on all your boxes and packages, and give them a few minutes to dry so that the wet stamp doesn't smudge against other mail.
It might help to know that words with straight lines are easier to carve than curvy letters, so if you're feeling frustrated start with something straight and simple. And remember, hand carved stamps are unique and charming, so don't concern yourself with creating a perfect stamp. Your friends and customers won't be able to resist reusing a package with such a simple, sweet message!
By Eliza Wheeler, from www.WheelerStudio.etsy.com
Step 1. You can create your own message from scratch, or I have made 3 designs that you can print out and use as a template. Choose the one you like the best!
Step 2. Fill in the letters using a pencil (soft graphite works well, but any pencil will do)
Step 3. Create a rubbing of your text onto a sheet of linocut (found at most art supply stores), or an eraser can work as well. With a smooth hard object, put your text against the carving surface and rub the backside of the paper. Hold the paper tight so that it doesn't slide around, and make sure you rub behind the whole surface of the drawing to get all the details.
Step 4. Turn over your sheet and see that your drawing has been magically transferred!
Step 5. The carving tools you need can also be found at an art supply store. The ones shown here are Speedball carvers, and have different sized attachments.
Step 6. Carefully carve around your letters, making sure not to cut inside the transfer area.
Step 7. The space that you do not cut will become the area that holds the ink.
Step 8. Ink your stamp and test it out to make sure you didn't miss any spaces between the letters. Press firmly and evenly over the whole area of the stamp. For easier application, attach your stamp to a scrap of mat board with superglue.
Step 9. Use your new stamp on all your boxes and packages, and give them a few minutes to dry so that the wet stamp doesn't smudge against other mail.
It might help to know that words with straight lines are easier to carve than curvy letters, so if you're feeling frustrated start with something straight and simple. And remember, hand carved stamps are unique and charming, so don't concern yourself with creating a perfect stamp. Your friends and customers won't be able to resist reusing a package with such a simple, sweet message!
By Eliza Wheeler, from www.WheelerStudio.etsy.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday Feature
This week's featured shop is papersquid.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
H e l l o ! My name is Karyna Amador and my shop is Paper Squid Inc.Currently I work full-time freelancing as a graphic designer (& part-time as a ninja). =) Though I love freelancing I hope to one day, soon, be able to focus full-time on what I really enjoy, which is designing cards and other items for my shop.I currently live in Hialeah/Miami Lakes, Florida, with my boyfriend and hopefully soon a new dog. All my creations and designs are made right here, in my apartment with some show or music in the background. The funny thing is we have the 2nd bedroom setup as a studio but I still prefer to design in the living room at the coffee table. Forget the perfect setup and all the space I have in the other room!As far as my shop, I really love creating new cards that someone would not only enjoy giving but enjoy finding; trying to make each one special no matter what technique I happen to use, and making cards that will make the recipient smile. The cool thing about cards is they can also serve as little mini pieces of artwork. I love simplicity in design but also bold graphics. Some of my cards are handmade with paper cuts and linocut printing techniques I've been experimenting with, but I also love designing digitally: bringing my sketches to life in the computer. In my shop you can see the variety of methods I use, but the method is secondary to trying to design something that I enjoy and hopefully someone else will too. I try to design for many special occasions, but also for the everyday and even unlikely ones. I know everything is digital now, but there is nothing better than receiving a really great card from someone with a meaningful handwritten message; whether it be for a birthday or better - just randomly. TRY IT! Sneak attack different people with cards one day and you'll see their reaction and the smile it'll put on their face. It's fun.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I've always enjoyed making things, drawing, painting and so forth. But, I guess going to school for design and working professionally as one and in advertising, it was just a natural progression to designing for myself and creating cards and other such items that allowed me to design whatever I wanted, not what I had to.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
Hmmm....paper, of course. (I am so obvious, lol), many different papers, my linoleum blocks and the computer actually.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
My inspiration can come from many sources: looking through a magazine, great blogs,science, colors, and randomly with music or just being outside. Also from children books and even from just talking to people. My inspiration also comes from consistency and trying new things just to see what something will look like, if that makes any sense. There are many great things that inspire me that I just feel the need to want to create something and to share it. *** Thanks for posting &/or reading this. I hope your day is wonderful! ***
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
H e l l o ! My name is Karyna Amador and my shop is Paper Squid Inc.Currently I work full-time freelancing as a graphic designer (& part-time as a ninja). =) Though I love freelancing I hope to one day, soon, be able to focus full-time on what I really enjoy, which is designing cards and other items for my shop.I currently live in Hialeah/Miami Lakes, Florida, with my boyfriend and hopefully soon a new dog. All my creations and designs are made right here, in my apartment with some show or music in the background. The funny thing is we have the 2nd bedroom setup as a studio but I still prefer to design in the living room at the coffee table. Forget the perfect setup and all the space I have in the other room!As far as my shop, I really love creating new cards that someone would not only enjoy giving but enjoy finding; trying to make each one special no matter what technique I happen to use, and making cards that will make the recipient smile. The cool thing about cards is they can also serve as little mini pieces of artwork. I love simplicity in design but also bold graphics. Some of my cards are handmade with paper cuts and linocut printing techniques I've been experimenting with, but I also love designing digitally: bringing my sketches to life in the computer. In my shop you can see the variety of methods I use, but the method is secondary to trying to design something that I enjoy and hopefully someone else will too. I try to design for many special occasions, but also for the everyday and even unlikely ones. I know everything is digital now, but there is nothing better than receiving a really great card from someone with a meaningful handwritten message; whether it be for a birthday or better - just randomly. TRY IT! Sneak attack different people with cards one day and you'll see their reaction and the smile it'll put on their face. It's fun.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I've always enjoyed making things, drawing, painting and so forth. But, I guess going to school for design and working professionally as one and in advertising, it was just a natural progression to designing for myself and creating cards and other such items that allowed me to design whatever I wanted, not what I had to.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
Hmmm....paper, of course. (I am so obvious, lol), many different papers, my linoleum blocks and the computer actually.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
My inspiration can come from many sources: looking through a magazine, great blogs,science, colors, and randomly with music or just being outside. Also from children books and even from just talking to people. My inspiration also comes from consistency and trying new things just to see what something will look like, if that makes any sense. There are many great things that inspire me that I just feel the need to want to create something and to share it. *** Thanks for posting &/or reading this. I hope your day is wonderful! ***
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Giveaway by Travelncheri
This week's card giveaway is being offered by Travelncheri. This is a lovely fountain in Strausbourg France.
To enter: Please go to Travelncheri's shop. She would like your ideas on how to make her shop more viewer friendly. Come back to this blog and leave your comments. A winner will be picked on the evening of April 18th.
From the artist:
I am a travel agent by day, photographer at all times and lover of gargoyles and statues wherever I happen to be. My cards are a result of my travels and passions. I love that my images travel from friend to friend and have a positive effect on someone I haven't met yet. Greeting card makers live in a magical world of possibilites.Please be sure to leave a way to be contacted should you be the winner. Check the EtsyGreeting's Blog often to see great features, stories, sales and giveaways.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
EtsyGreetings Featured Sale: Lilly Pea Designs
Each week EtsyGreetings highlights a sale from one of our member shops. This week, we are excited to offer you special pricing on the sweet collection of Lilly Pea Designs.
The Sale:
From April 14 through April 19 (10 p.m. EST), Lilly Pea Designs will be offering free shipping on all orders and free gift with every $15 or more purchase. The free gift is a variety of five hand-stamped gift tags (pictured here). There is no special code - all items will have free shipping included in the listing and all orders will receive the free gift.
The Sale:
From April 14 through April 19 (10 p.m. EST), Lilly Pea Designs will be offering free shipping on all orders and free gift with every $15 or more purchase. The free gift is a variety of five hand-stamped gift tags (pictured here). There is no special code - all items will have free shipping included in the listing and all orders will receive the free gift.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Floral Bliss created by a~ieK paper goods & design
Red Poppy Blank Notecards - Just Another Day
Roadside Blooms Flat Note Cards - Set of 12 - Fubabee
Vintage Flower Gift Set - Set of 8 Assorted - A Punkin Card Company
Big Blossom Thank You - 6 Folded Notes - Paper and Ink
Thank You Flower Card - Lea's Letter Shop
Mod Floral Pack - Two Hand Design
Red Poppy Blank Notecards - Just Another Day
Roadside Blooms Flat Note Cards - Set of 12 - Fubabee
Vintage Flower Gift Set - Set of 8 Assorted - A Punkin Card Company
Big Blossom Thank You - 6 Folded Notes - Paper and Ink
Thank You Flower Card - Lea's Letter Shop
Mod Floral Pack - Two Hand Design
Friday, April 10, 2009
This week's featured seller is brefour. Most listing support a great cause, so you'll want to check her out.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
I am an artist and caregiver for my sister who has autism. The cards in my shop feature reproductions of art by both of us.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember and have always loved to send cards. But believe it or not, it never occurred to me to put the two together until a friend asked me to design a card for her baby shower. The cards were a hit and I started my card line shortly thereafter.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
It would have to be a tie between a paint brush and oil pastels.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources. It could be a fabric I see, architecture, the possibilities are limitless. I started tearing out pages from magazines in high school. What I looked for were color combinations, texture and shape. I still do that today and when I need inspiration I refer to those photos.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
I am an artist and caregiver for my sister who has autism. The cards in my shop feature reproductions of art by both of us.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember and have always loved to send cards. But believe it or not, it never occurred to me to put the two together until a friend asked me to design a card for her baby shower. The cards were a hit and I started my card line shortly thereafter.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
It would have to be a tie between a paint brush and oil pastels.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources. It could be a fabric I see, architecture, the possibilities are limitless. I started tearing out pages from magazines in high school. What I looked for were color combinations, texture and shape. I still do that today and when I need inspiration I refer to those photos.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Giveaway from Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art
Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art is sponsoring this "Hello Spring" Giveaway. No need to wait til May for flowers, celebrate the season of rebirth or brighten up the rainy day gloom with this set of spring floral notecards! You will receive 6 3x3 notecards with "Hello Spring" stamped inside. Perfect for a spring birthday, Easter, a thank you note, thinking of you card or just because! A paper flower adorns the front with a big shiny brad in the center.
Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art is filled with handmade original creations including handmade cards, premade scrapbook albums and pages and unique keepsakes. Custom orders are welcome.
To enter this giveaway, visit CarasScrapNStampArt and then come back to comment on your favorite item and any items you'd like to see in the future. If you visit Cara's blog at www.CarasScrapNStampArt.blogspot.com and sign on as a follower you'll be the first to know of upcoming sales, new items, future giveaways and you'll be entered twice to win.
Be sure to include your Etsy shop address or an email where you can be contacted if you are the winner. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments posted on the evening of April 10, 2009. The winning number will be posted in the comments section and the winner contacted by Cara.
Check back for more giveaways from the EtsyGreetings team and to see exciting new creations from the designers on the EtsyGreetings team. Happy Spring!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Oh Baby! created by BeanSproutStudio
Nursery Crib Pop-up Display Card
by CornerstoneLAE
happy baby boy
by happydaystudio
Blue Lamb Baby Card
by twohandeddesign
Cute baby girl square card
by mboston9
Baby Girl Onesie with Flower Button
by adorebynat
For Baby Card
by AJKArtistry
Congratulations Baby Boy Card
by dluxedesigns
Spring Pastel Custom Baby Girl Birth Announcement
by BeanSproutStudio
Nursery Crib Pop-up Display Card
by CornerstoneLAE
happy baby boy
by happydaystudio
Blue Lamb Baby Card
by twohandeddesign
Cute baby girl square card
by mboston9
Baby Girl Onesie with Flower Button
by adorebynat
For Baby Card
by AJKArtistry
Congratulations Baby Boy Card
by dluxedesigns
Spring Pastel Custom Baby Girl Birth Announcement
by BeanSproutStudio
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