This week's featured seller is JoyfulSpirit24
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
My name is Heather and I am the face behind JoyfulSpirit24. I’m a stay at home mom of two adorable boys, Kaleb (3 ½ years) and Samuel (9 months). I’m a follower of Christ and I hope that shows through my life and work. There’s a verse in the Bible that says that whatever your hands find to do you should do it with all your heart as if you’re doing it for God. I hope that my life and my shop reflect that. Etsy really appealed to me as a creative outlet and a source of extra income, so I started my shop last summer. I’ve loved it! In my shop you’ll find cards and tags of all kinds. I tend toward a more simple look because 1.) I’m not extremely girly and 2.) “Less is more” is the motto of my life!
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I started making cards in college when my roommate made me a beautiful card. I looked at her card and thought, “What a wonderful way to show someone how much they mean to you!” I’ve been making cards ever since!
3. What is your favorite material or tool? I love punches! I’m an addict. I’m hoping to get a Klic n Kut diecutter this summer so I can create my own “punches” so to speak!
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from? Everywhere! Nature, my kids, the Bible, literature, books, etc. I also love looking through other crafters cards/crafts for inspiration.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
LUCK OF THE IRISH! created by scrapbookheaven
Four leaf clover greeting $3.25 southernscraps
St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Card $3.25 MFCardworks
Lucky - Handmade St. Patrick's Day Card $2.00 matdi123
The St. Patrick's Day Cod $5.00 CapeCard
Lucky Gnome Notecard $2.95 winemakerssister
Shamrock Notecards, set of four $8.00 juniperberry
Four leaf clover greeting $3.25 southernscraps
St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Card $3.25 MFCardworks
Lucky - Handmade St. Patrick's Day Card $2.00 matdi123
The St. Patrick's Day Cod $5.00 CapeCard
Lucky Gnome Notecard $2.95 winemakerssister
Shamrock Notecards, set of four $8.00 juniperberry
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Article: Biscochitos
Biscochitos are a traditional Spanish cookie. This is a simple cookie that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare (30 minutes baking time). These cookies are great for dunking in milk or coffee, are usually made during the holidays, and are always served at wedding receptions.
Recipe:
1 1/4cup lard
2 eggs
3 cups flour
¼ cup wine, juice OR water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp anise
1 ½ tsp baking powder
Mix everything together. It doesn't matter what order you add ingredients, but if you warm the lard (highly suggested), make sure you don't pour it directly over the eggs. You don't want to cook them and have little pieces of cooked yolk in your masa.
I usually roll the masa to approximately 1/4", cut shapes, place on baking sheet, and shake a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top. Don't be shy with the sugar mixture!
Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned (approximately 30 minutes) - don't overcook. The bottoms of the cookies should be light in color.
Thanks to LolasCraftShop for sharing such a great recipe!
Recipe:
1 1/4cup lard
2 eggs
3 cups flour
¼ cup wine, juice OR water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp anise
1 ½ tsp baking powder
Mix everything together. It doesn't matter what order you add ingredients, but if you warm the lard (highly suggested), make sure you don't pour it directly over the eggs. You don't want to cook them and have little pieces of cooked yolk in your masa.
I usually roll the masa to approximately 1/4", cut shapes, place on baking sheet, and shake a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top. Don't be shy with the sugar mixture!
Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned (approximately 30 minutes) - don't overcook. The bottoms of the cookies should be light in color.
Thanks to LolasCraftShop for sharing such a great recipe!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday Feature
This week's featured shop is CapturedTimeBooks.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
My name is Rachel. I live on the lake in Minnesota. By trade, I am a Custom Scrapbook Designer. My mother insisted I keep a journal and a scrapbook at 8. It was of my first trip to camp; Camp Lakamaga. I have been playing with paper ever since. I love to create cards, invitations, labels, journaling spots, altered items and anything in between. I love, cooking, volleyball, red wine, avocados, and the smell of sand mixed with sunscreen on the top of my little girls warm head. I play poker once a month. (I am the ONLY girl) and have a standing breakfast date with my Dad once a week. My shop is a result of my addiction to paper and making cards to share with family and friends. Oh and of falling in L-O-V-E with prima flowers
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I am a custom scrapbook designer. That is code for I do other peoples scrapbooks. I love that more than anything in the world. Handing someone their treasured family memories is one of my greatest joys. I am always in awe of a loving husband who buys a scrapbook for his wife for an anniversary or birthday gift. As a result I have acquired quite an addiction to all things paper. It kind of ballooned from there. I have my cards and altered items in several shops and keep very busy with scrapbook orders.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
My all time favorite material is prima flowers. And tool has to be my computer ~ I just could not live with out it. But recently I have been kind of addicted to the new giga scallop punches.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
I tend to see color combos out in everyday life. The other day I was driving home and saw a yellow and red sled leaning up against this brown house and I am determined to create something using that palette.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
My name is Rachel. I live on the lake in Minnesota. By trade, I am a Custom Scrapbook Designer. My mother insisted I keep a journal and a scrapbook at 8. It was of my first trip to camp; Camp Lakamaga. I have been playing with paper ever since. I love to create cards, invitations, labels, journaling spots, altered items and anything in between. I love, cooking, volleyball, red wine, avocados, and the smell of sand mixed with sunscreen on the top of my little girls warm head. I play poker once a month. (I am the ONLY girl) and have a standing breakfast date with my Dad once a week. My shop is a result of my addiction to paper and making cards to share with family and friends. Oh and of falling in L-O-V-E with prima flowers
2. How did you get started in your craft?
I am a custom scrapbook designer. That is code for I do other peoples scrapbooks. I love that more than anything in the world. Handing someone their treasured family memories is one of my greatest joys. I am always in awe of a loving husband who buys a scrapbook for his wife for an anniversary or birthday gift. As a result I have acquired quite an addiction to all things paper. It kind of ballooned from there. I have my cards and altered items in several shops and keep very busy with scrapbook orders.
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
My all time favorite material is prima flowers. And tool has to be my computer ~ I just could not live with out it. But recently I have been kind of addicted to the new giga scallop punches.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
I tend to see color combos out in everyday life. The other day I was driving home and saw a yellow and red sled leaning up against this brown house and I am determined to create something using that palette.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Fanshefolds offers this week's giveaway
You could be the winner of these beautiful cards offered by Fanshefolds.
From the Artist: Origami is my passion. I like to make each card unique, always looking for different cardstock to complement my origami or vice versa. Best of all, my cards are good for any occassion.
All you have to do to enter is go to Fanshefold's Etsy shop and leave a comment here on what you like from her shop. One winner will be picked on the evening of Friday, February 20, 2009
From the Artist: Origami is my passion. I like to make each card unique, always looking for different cardstock to complement my origami or vice versa. Best of all, my cards are good for any occassion.
All you have to do to enter is go to Fanshefold's Etsy shop and leave a comment here on what you like from her shop. One winner will be picked on the evening of Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Perfect Polka Dots created by ErinNims
Rochelle Birthday Card - Black/White/Red $3.00 christinawilliams
Make a Wish Birthday Card $3.00 MFCardworks
Set of 2 Hello Greeting Cards $4.25 Cardcrazy
JUST a NOTE - Handmade all occasion greeting card $3.00 LolasCraftShop
Birthday Cupcake greeting card $3.00 CarlinCardCreations
Floral All Occasion Handmade Greeting card $2.00 BeautifulGreetings
Handy Man Handmade Card $2.50 freshlypickedcards
Rochelle Birthday Card - Black/White/Red $3.00 christinawilliams
Make a Wish Birthday Card $3.00 MFCardworks
Set of 2 Hello Greeting Cards $4.25 Cardcrazy
JUST a NOTE - Handmade all occasion greeting card $3.00 LolasCraftShop
Birthday Cupcake greeting card $3.00 CarlinCardCreations
Floral All Occasion Handmade Greeting card $2.00 BeautifulGreetings
Handy Man Handmade Card $2.50 freshlypickedcards
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday Feature
This week's featured seller is jemily.
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
My name is Laurie Mitchell. I am a stay at home mom to my children Josh (10) and Emily (6 ½). I spend most of my time volunteering in their classrooms and with PTO. I just opened my shop Jemily in October and am enjoying the time I get to spend being creative each day. I make hand stamped cards, gift bags, favors, etc. I use rubber stamps to create each item.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
Upon the arrival of my son 10 years ago, I got introduced to scrapbooking by a friend. I had such fun creating pages and saw such improvement from year to year. Looking back at those first pages is horrifying!! I never thought of myself as being creative. My sister is an artist by trade and she was always the one with her art in shows growing up. I could never draw a stick figure. Through this avenue, I found out that I was creative! I love working with different color combinations when creating my cards. For example, some of my favorite Valentine designs were not the traditional red and pink. My sister has her own business from her home. One day, I was talking to her trying to find something I could do from my home. She told me about etsy (she has a shop as well - solidio.etsy.com) and asked if I could sell some scrapbook pages or something. As a part of my scrapbook life, many years ago, I took some classes on rubber stamping and loved it! My stamps were put aside as life got in the way. Now I am getting them out and having so much fun!
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
Rubber stamps would have to be one because they are what I use the most. I also love the tools that I use in conjunction with scrapbooking like my Creative Memories punches and paper cutters.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
I love color so sometimes I get my inspiration from the patterned paper I am using but I also am inspired by people. My husband is a huge Christmas fan and a fan of Santa so his attitude towards the holiday really inspired some of my Christmas designs. I also just made a birthday card and gift bag for my friends son Nate…he just turned 1 and is all boy with two older sisters so I used lots of different shades of blue for his design. I like to think I use the personalities of my friends and family for most of my inspiration!
1. Tell us about you and your shop.
My name is Laurie Mitchell. I am a stay at home mom to my children Josh (10) and Emily (6 ½). I spend most of my time volunteering in their classrooms and with PTO. I just opened my shop Jemily in October and am enjoying the time I get to spend being creative each day. I make hand stamped cards, gift bags, favors, etc. I use rubber stamps to create each item.
2. How did you get started in your craft?
Upon the arrival of my son 10 years ago, I got introduced to scrapbooking by a friend. I had such fun creating pages and saw such improvement from year to year. Looking back at those first pages is horrifying!! I never thought of myself as being creative. My sister is an artist by trade and she was always the one with her art in shows growing up. I could never draw a stick figure. Through this avenue, I found out that I was creative! I love working with different color combinations when creating my cards. For example, some of my favorite Valentine designs were not the traditional red and pink. My sister has her own business from her home. One day, I was talking to her trying to find something I could do from my home. She told me about etsy (she has a shop as well - solidio.etsy.com) and asked if I could sell some scrapbook pages or something. As a part of my scrapbook life, many years ago, I took some classes on rubber stamping and loved it! My stamps were put aside as life got in the way. Now I am getting them out and having so much fun!
3. What is your favorite material or tool?
Rubber stamps would have to be one because they are what I use the most. I also love the tools that I use in conjunction with scrapbooking like my Creative Memories punches and paper cutters.
4. Where do you get your design inspiration from?
I love color so sometimes I get my inspiration from the patterned paper I am using but I also am inspired by people. My husband is a huge Christmas fan and a fan of Santa so his attitude towards the holiday really inspired some of my Christmas designs. I also just made a birthday card and gift bag for my friends son Nate…he just turned 1 and is all boy with two older sisters so I used lots of different shades of blue for his design. I like to think I use the personalities of my friends and family for most of my inspiration!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Article: Bullseye- Know Your Target Market
Know your target market- It’s easy to get roped into “blanket” advertising opportunities in order to overwhelm as many people as possible. That, I must admit, has been my biggest mistake since my start back in January of 2008. The money it costs to do so is not worth the type of business you are looking to get. Owning your own business means you are providing a product or service that has a need to fulfill. With that being said, there is a precise group of people looking for your particular product and/or service. It cuts into your valuable time and money to throw darts blindly at a target. So do some research and find your demography.
One of the first things you need to do is to refine your product or service so that you are NOT trying to be 'all things to all people.' Become a specialist!
For the Invitation side of my business my target market is shared with photographers and various wedding boutiques; generally consisting of young woman ages 18-35 looking for a modern flair to accent their wedding. I specialize in offering modern invitations with a stunning quality and personalized accents, which is a niche amongst all the different styles girls are looking for to make their special day perfect.
Next, you need to understand that people purchase products or services for three basic reasons:
· To satisfy basic needs.
· To solve problems.
· To make themselves feel good.
Their need: announce their wedding and celebration. I solve their problem by catering to their taste and style and that makes them feel good. Those women will most likely one day start a family and be in the need of shower invitations, birth announcements and birthday invitations which expands then expands my business.
· You'll need to determine which of those categories your product or service is the solution to, and be prepared to market it accordingly.
· Your product or service may fit more than one category, too
A good place to start is by researching the 'demographics' of your community, and divide it into market segments:
· Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
· Gender: male, female
· Education: high school, college, university
· Income: low, medium, high
· Marital status: single, married, divorced
· Ethnic and/or religious background
· Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 – 20 years, with or without children.
This information should be available to you through your local town , hall, library, or Chamber of Commerce – and the more detail you can get, the better.
There may be a lot of work involved to put your thumb on those that are looking for your particular product and service; but it is work well worth it. You can now stop spinning your wheels and focus on the tactics successful business currently use to break through their completion and stand above the rest.
Specifically, if you are a card maker, with greeting cards steadily inclining from a $7.5 Billion Industry in which 80% Market Share is held by Hallmark/American we can’t afford not to break into the cutting edge of our completion. The average consumer buys 10 cards per year and most often has a need for 70 cards per year. Due to sheer inconvenience they often don't get around to it. Online it’s even harder to compete with the convenience of going to the store.
Make it convenient.
1. Offer free shipping
2. Offer a reminder service
3. Sell “Yearly Survival” Packs
Don’t be scared to get creative; it will pay off by helping you stand out amongst your completion.
One of the first things you need to do is to refine your product or service so that you are NOT trying to be 'all things to all people.' Become a specialist!
For the Invitation side of my business my target market is shared with photographers and various wedding boutiques; generally consisting of young woman ages 18-35 looking for a modern flair to accent their wedding. I specialize in offering modern invitations with a stunning quality and personalized accents, which is a niche amongst all the different styles girls are looking for to make their special day perfect.
Next, you need to understand that people purchase products or services for three basic reasons:
· To satisfy basic needs.
· To solve problems.
· To make themselves feel good.
Their need: announce their wedding and celebration. I solve their problem by catering to their taste and style and that makes them feel good. Those women will most likely one day start a family and be in the need of shower invitations, birth announcements and birthday invitations which expands then expands my business.
· You'll need to determine which of those categories your product or service is the solution to, and be prepared to market it accordingly.
· Your product or service may fit more than one category, too
A good place to start is by researching the 'demographics' of your community, and divide it into market segments:
· Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
· Gender: male, female
· Education: high school, college, university
· Income: low, medium, high
· Marital status: single, married, divorced
· Ethnic and/or religious background
· Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 – 20 years, with or without children.
This information should be available to you through your local town , hall, library, or Chamber of Commerce – and the more detail you can get, the better.
There may be a lot of work involved to put your thumb on those that are looking for your particular product and service; but it is work well worth it. You can now stop spinning your wheels and focus on the tactics successful business currently use to break through their completion and stand above the rest.
Specifically, if you are a card maker, with greeting cards steadily inclining from a $7.5 Billion Industry in which 80% Market Share is held by Hallmark/American we can’t afford not to break into the cutting edge of our completion. The average consumer buys 10 cards per year and most often has a need for 70 cards per year. Due to sheer inconvenience they often don't get around to it. Online it’s even harder to compete with the convenience of going to the store.
Make it convenient.
1. Offer free shipping
2. Offer a reminder service
3. Sell “Yearly Survival” Packs
Don’t be scared to get creative; it will pay off by helping you stand out amongst your completion.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Love Birds created by winemakerssister
Rail and Road Birds (two sweet tweet cards) $8.00 KisforCalligraphy
Love Bird Card $3.00 LeasLetters
Birdhouse 162 One of a Kind Collage Greeting Card $5.00 smallmuse
Floating Bird $13.00 twohanddesign
4 Pack Perched BIRD Handmade Cards $6.00 ScrapbookHeaven
Black and White Trio $7.00 twohanddesign
Swooping Birds Friendship Card $3.50 spotbear
cottage style bird nest card $3.00 petitepear
Rail and Road Birds (two sweet tweet cards) $8.00 KisforCalligraphy
Love Bird Card $3.00 LeasLetters
Birdhouse 162 One of a Kind Collage Greeting Card $5.00 smallmuse
Floating Bird $13.00 twohanddesign
4 Pack Perched BIRD Handmade Cards $6.00 ScrapbookHeaven
Black and White Trio $7.00 twohanddesign
Swooping Birds Friendship Card $3.50 spotbear
cottage style bird nest card $3.00 petitepear
Monday, February 9, 2009
Giveway from LavenderGreetings
Lemon Yellow Sunshine Set - 6 cards measuring 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" layered with embossed white paper, scalloped square tag and a hand stamped sunshine flower.
One winner will be picked on Thursday, February 12th at noon. To be eligible to win this note card set please leave a comment stating would you would like to see in my shop that is not there.
One winner will be picked on Thursday, February 12th at noon. To be eligible to win this note card set please leave a comment stating would you would like to see in my shop that is not there.
With your comment, please be sure to leave a way for you to be reached. Should you be the winner the artist will be contacting you.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Giveaway Starts Today
PinkPatrice Boutique who is offering this week's EtsyGreetings Giveaway has many wonderful papercraft items..something for everyone!
This mini card set looks good enough to eat! Each card has a pink card base with a fun striped pattern layered on top. A small strip of brown/cream polka dotted paper was added and finally a yellow patterned scalloped circle with a stamped cupcake was adhered with a 3D Zot to add dimension. Card measurements: 2 3/4" x 3" (7cm x 7.5cm)
To enter this giveaway leave a comment telling what kinds of cards you usually purchase. (ie: general, thank you, get well, love...)
A winner will be picked from the comments made on the morning of February 7th. Please make sure either your email address or etsy shop is available so that you can be reached if you are the winner.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday Treasury
Wishes in Stitches! created by cardsbyemily
Crumpled Flower Laughter handmade card and envelope $4.50 caelum
SALE - Paper Quilt Note Card (polka-dot) (single) $1.75 BemiDesigns
XOXO $3.00 stephjacobson
Heart In Stitches - Greeting Card With Envelope $4.00 amyyang
Purse Note Card $4.00 KathyysKrafts
A little note - two card set $5.00 BusyMomCreations
Crumpled Flower Laughter handmade card and envelope $4.50 caelum
SALE - Paper Quilt Note Card (polka-dot) (single) $1.75 BemiDesigns
XOXO $3.00 stephjacobson
Heart In Stitches - Greeting Card With Envelope $4.00 amyyang
Purse Note Card $4.00 KathyysKrafts
A little note - two card set $5.00 BusyMomCreations
Monday, February 2, 2009
February Team Challenge: Luck of the Irish
March 17th is St. Patrick's Day so I thought it would be fitting to make February's Team Challenge, Luck of the Irish!
Here are a few facts about this day!
St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385-461 AD), one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17.
The date of the feast is occasionally and controversially, moved by church authorities when March 17 falls during Holy Week, this happened in 1940 when Saint Patrick's Day was observed on April 3 due to Palm Sunday and in 2008 when it was moved to March 15. March 17 will not fall during Holy Week again until 2160.
All entries will be posted on the blog on February 26th and we welcome votes of your favorites from both team members and readers!
As a BONUS to our readers, we will randomly select a reader who votes on their favorite card, to receive the winning posted entry.
This will be open to both Team members and readers, so be sure to vote!
Here are the guidelines for team members who wish to participate in this challenge:
1. Be sure to submit a full-size greeting card (at least 3.5 x 5 inches)
2. Be sure your source image is SQUARE
3. Be sure the theme of your card is St. Patrick's Day
4. Please tag your creation in your Etsy Shop as "luckoftheirish"
All entries will be posted on the blog on February 26th and we welcome votes of your favorites from both team members and readers!
As a BONUS to our readers, we will randomly select a reader who votes on their favorite card, to receive the winning posted entry.
This will be open to both Team members and readers, so be sure to vote!
Here are the guidelines for team members who wish to participate in this challenge:
1. Be sure to submit a full-size greeting card (at least 3.5 x 5 inches)
2. Be sure your source image is SQUARE
3. Be sure the theme of your card is St. Patrick's Day
4. Please tag your creation in your Etsy Shop as "luckoftheirish"
I will select your card and upload it to the blog for voting! Please have your card in your shop and tagged by February 24th.
Once you enter this challenge, you must be willing to ship your card to the winner at NO CHARGE.
Have fun creating.
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