Weekly Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!


TuDesigns
 

Mountainside Crochet
 

 Crafty Little Kitten
 
Junque Gypsy

Rock U Jewels


Digital Delights


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a Georgia Peach transplant living in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. I am a self taught digital artist and love to design. I find the challenge of creating a specific vision for my customers exciting and joyous, especially when they are delighted with the results. I am a free spirit. Although my style is whimsically eclectic, I appreciate all styles (that's what makes an eclectic soul, eclectic!).


*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I started my business, Alli's Studio over 10 years ago, designing logos, websites, art and stationery mostly by word of mouth. It wasn't until recently that I got the energy to expand and market my services and designs globally through the great vehicle of social media. I was already "branded" and wanted to maintain my name, hence my shop name. I started the business because I wanted to share my talents with others that were complimentary of my work. So many people encouraged me to keep designing, so I think it was just in the stars.

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
I want people to see my:
  • joy and love of design
  • flare for color
  • attention to detail
  • passion
  • and heart!





*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
I love metallic papers. I am a purple addict.

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
When I'm not designing, I have a full time job as a public relations director. I love my 9 to 5 alter ego as it provides me with an opportunity to wear many hats: graphic artist, media relations, communications coordinator, copywriter... Outside of burning the candle at both ends, I love to hike the beautiful gorges and waterfalls of the Finger Lakes region. I'm also a foodie and somewhat of a gourmet cook. I hand paint furniture, mostly for charity auctions and have developed a bit of a following. I love interior design and use my home as my palette, gallery and showcase.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I loved designing the Owl Be Yours wedding invitation because it's a bit different than what I usually design. I had fun stepping outside my box.

*What keeps you motivated?
My friends, colleagues, children and husband...there's not a day that goes by that one of them doesn't dole out some good ol' kind words of encouragement and praise.

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Well, I'm actually a new shop, but upon perusing the plethora of shops day after day since my Etsy addiction began, I would have to offer: make your images compelling and have some continuity of theme in your shop.

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
Web: www.allisstudio.com
Blog: www.allistudio.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AllisStudio
Twitter: www.twitter.com/allisstudio
Pinterest: pinterest.com/allisstudio


Weekly Wednesday Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!












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Ciara Baby


*Where are you from?
I am originally from a very small town called Dyersburg, in the beautiful state of Tennessee! It was so small in fact, that we had one stop light and one stop sign, in the whole entire town, lol! When I was 12 my mother moved us to the state of Georgia! She was a nurse, and had a greater chance of building a medical career in a big city, than in our little bitty town. My aunt, who is a deputy sheriff, lived here in Georgia, and had talked my mother into coming here. I have lived in different areas of Georgia; but I finally ended up in the northeast Georgia Mountains, and it is so pretty. You have the advantages of the big city, but still the closeness and quaintness of the country!


*Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 38 years-young, and I try to live my life to the very fullest extent possible! I am the mother of two wonderful children, whom the Lord has so graciously blessed me with! My daughter, Courtney is almost 8, and my son, Christian, is almost 3 and ½. My daughter has Asperger’s, which is an autism spectrum disorder. I spend a great deal of time helping her overcome her obstacles, and lead a “normal” life. While many people with disabilities feel they cannot do the things they dreamed of, I instill the opposite in my kids.

I never want her to feel “less than.” I work diligently to build her confidence in herself, and know that she can do anything she sets her mind too. Though things might not always be easy, they are always possible. As my great grandmother used to tell me, “Life is not fair, and nothing is handed to us on a silver platter…the world is yours for the taking…if you want something, and are willing to put in hard work to get it…all things are possible.” That is the best lesson she ever taught me, and I have passed these values onto my children. My daughter has played basketball, T-ball, and recently, she just finished her first season of being a cheerleader. It goes to show that all things are possible, if we only first believe!

*How did you decide on your shop name?
That is actually a funny story! I have wanted a yorkie dog, every since I was a child. Unfortunately, being blessed with wealthy is not something I know anything about, lol! Although I desperately wanted one, it was always slightly out of my budget. Then, I got the surprise of my life! This past valentine’s day, my fiancé’ came over, and low and behold, he had gotten me a 10 week-old yorkie as my gift…complete with sweet bowls, a bed, a sweater…bows…you name it! To say7 I was shocked, surprised, or happy, would all be an understatement!

As you likely have noticed, both of my children’s names, begin with the letter “C.” So, it was only fitting that the puppy had a “C” name as well. My fiancé’, my kids, and I sat down and decided on her name….Ciara! When I was trying to decide a name for my shop, the kids were fighting over which one of them I could name the shop after. So, I decided to name it after Ciara…thus began Ciara & Company Bowtique!

*Why did you start your business?
I have been a crafty person; from the time I was born…it is just an integral part of me. It is something I have never been able to cage; I just have to create things. I have crocheted and knitted for my family for as long as I can remember…Afghans, throws, bed covers, table runners, coasters, scarves, you name it. My family adored everything I make, and in fact my Christmas and birthday wish lists from family members always consisted of things for me to make. So over the years, I began selling some of these things here and there,; but I never really thought of making a business out of it!

Then, my daughter became obsessed, and I do mean obsessed, lol…with hair accessories! I looked around at various shops and stores to find unique items for her…things that were one of a kind, and as special as she is! What I found was many places that seemingly sold the same things…basically “cookie cutter” hair accessories. So, I sat down one day and ordered some supplies to try my hand at making them for her myself. When you are dealing with a child with autism, some things just have to be a certain way, and the only way to control those elements, was to make them myself!

As time went on, I learned more and more styles. I got more and more creative and bold in my designs! As we went places, there were always comments about my daughter’s hair accessories…the store, grocery shopping, school, everywhere. People would compliment them, and ask where they could go buy some. When I told them I made them, they were amazed! As more and more people asked me to make things, I saw a need to put my items in one place, where people could see them, choose, or even ask for custom work! A friend of mine told me she bought handmade items on a site called Etsy, and she gave me the link. I went and checked it out, and fell in love with the community…after getting a good feel for Etsy as a buyer, and doing some leg work, I decided to finally open my shop. The rest is history!

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
The main thing that I want people to think when they see my products is wow! I want them to see and feel the creativity that goes into each and every piece. I want them to realize that when they shop at Ciara & Company, they are getting a quality product…one that is made with love and care. Not only that, I want them to know that are getting unique accessories…no one wants to have the same thing that 1000’s of other have the same thing of...there is nothing special about that. But at Ciara & Company Bowtique…there is 1, or 2 at most, of each item made…that is it...there will never be more! When people shop my store, they are getting items as unique and special as the person they are buying them for.

I also want people to know that I love custom orders. My vision is not as important as the vision someone has for their own one of a kind piece. I want every person to have an excellent shopping experience at my store, to adore their purchase, and to come back for more. Word spreads fast…good or bad…and at Ciara & Company, I do my level best to make sure all of my customers are 200% happy. I want each person to smile, and feel gorgeous, when wearing my pieces. Every girl or woman is gorgeous inside…and we need to pieces to make us feel that…and allow us to show it to the world. That is what I hope to give, that feeling!

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
WOW…that is a loaded question, lol! First and foremost, I would say my main addiction is ribbon! I don’t think I could ever have enough! Every time I am shopping and see a new one, I must buy it if at all possible! I have ribbon on top of ribbon. My next addiction as far as supplies go, would be yarn. I love to crochet and knit…so yarn is a must. There are so many styles and types of yarn that you can never have too much! I am a firm believer that if you have plenty of ribbon and yarn on hand, you will always be able to whip something up as a gift for an unexpected birthday or other occasion; and it has been my experience that handmade items are very well received and adored by the receivers, over something that you took 5 minutes to go buy at the store. It shows you care about them, and they appreciate that!

My favorite color, of course, would be pink. I am a pink girl…all day long! I have always loved pink; so anything pink is definitely hard to walk away from. However, the thing that I usually cannot pass up is ribbon or yarn with sparkle...like metallic gold or silver woven into it somehow. I love sparkly things…I think the glimmer makes something simple, into
something very elegant! Rhinestones, is another one…I adore them...if you can’t tell from my designs!

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy.
The main thing I do besides being an artist is be a mom; and it is the best job in the world! I adore my children, and try to spend as much quality time with them as I can. We paint, do latch-hook, beading, and all sorts of fun things! I also spend time helping my daughter overcome her obstacles due to her autism. We do special activities to help her brain function better, and to help her in social situations. I am also working on teaching my son how to read. I also thoroughly enjoy cooking for my family, and have been told I am a pretty good cook…though I would never want to do it for a living.

When I am not creating and taking care of my family, I am a full-time college student. I am working on finishing up my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I currently hold a 3.96 G.P.A., and was just last year inducted into the National Society for Collegiate Scholars, which is a huge honor! I have about 5 more years of school left. I am planning to obtain my PhD, and become a licensed child psychologist. There are many children, like my daughter, who suffer, and due to no insurance, and low family incomes, they cannot get the help they need. The parents struggle alone, not clear on how to best help their child, and the children feel lost in a world that turns their shoulder at them. I am planning to open a clinic, where I offer sliding fee (income based) help for these children and their families. I want to be a part of the solution, and I feel I can make a difference in this world.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I cannot say that I honestly enjoyed making any one item in my shop more than another. They all hold a special place, as they are all created from me with all my heart and soul. My favorite item I ever made was an afghan for my mother. My mother has multiple sclerosis, and she stays very cold all the time. I went out and found the heaviest weight yarn I could find, in her favorite colors. I worked non-stop for 2 weeks, and made her a huge afghan. That was ten years ago, and she still has that afghan on her every time I visit. It is her most prized possession. It feels good when you created something with your own hands that means that much to someone else!

*What keeps you motivated?
My children are my motivation...in everything I do, especially my daughter! I see her struggle with simple every day things that most of us take for granted…often without a complaint. She never gives up! My grandmother taught me that everything was possible...if you first believe, and are willing to work hard. I want to instill those same values in my children. I want to instill in them to follow their dreams, to believe in themselves, and to work hard. Between school and running my store, I feel I am teaching them the value of hard work, and following your dreams. Nothing in life is owed to us, we have to want it, and be willing to work for it…if we can do those things, the sky is the limit!


*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
I think the most important piece of advice I could give a new shop, is to be true to themselves. You have to create from the heart, be an original…don’t try to follow what others are doing. I am proud of everything I make, and the person who buys each piece, will feel the same way about it as I do, that it is a treasure, and a special piece. Don’t sell yourself short, and always have faith. It is hard to get started. You have to get your name out there…do promotions, do giveaways…do whatever you have to do, that is an honest way to get your name heard. You have to work hard, if you want success; that is with all things in life.

Secondly, my last piece of advice would be the oldest things that we should all know, yet many forget: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” Be completely honest in all of your listings, never ever lie! If something did not turn out as well as you had hoped…be honest about that, and sell it at a discount price. Treat all of your buyers, like they are the only one you have. They are the heart of your business, and they should feel special and valued. I myself, always send a small thank you gift with every order, as well as offer a discount program and a referral program for my loyal buyers. If you have good customers, make sure you find a way to show them you appreciate it!

Are there other places on the net we can find you?
Yes there are:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002308126375
Blog: http://ciaraandcompanybowtique.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kiddr56

Holiday Shop 'Till You Drop Event

We are just starting week 3 of our Holiday Event and I'm very happy with how it's going :) Lots of shops of joined, made purchases and are having fun making treasuries and promoting each other! It's really a team effort, and that's wonderful!


The main page for the event changes each week. This next week it's here:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/10036/promoting-creative-friends/discuss/9319064/


The rules are all on the first page. There are 5 amazing shops donating prizes and the winners will be chosen on December 15.


For TRIPLE (30) entries make a purchase from one of these shops this week and post it on this weeks main page for the Event.
UniquesStashNStuff.etsy.com
MissingLinkJewelers.etsy.com
SoapFavor.etsy.com
MoanasUniqueDesigns.etsy.com
DineinStyle.etsy.com


If you would like to make a treasury for the event we have a fun Treasury Challenge with a specific theme here:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/10036/promoting-creative-friends/discuss/9315295/page/1/
The theme for this week is:

THEME FOR WEEK 3: 
Is it Too Early To Deck The Halls?

If you have any questions - please contact the team captain or one of the leaders. We would all love to help you :)

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!
Audrey
(Buffalo Creek Crafts)

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Weekly Wednesday Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!











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Just Hooking


My name is Danielle and I am originally from Massachusetts. However I have been living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for over 5 years now, going to school and working. I am in my last year (finally) of Architecture school at Temple University. When I am not at school or one of my jobs, I spend most of my free time crocheting with my little Yorkie puppy, named Osmosis. I love teaching people how to crochet and sharing my Youtube taught skills with my friends and family!

I chose the name justHOOKing because I wanted a shop name that was funny, yet had meaning to my craft. Crocheting is done with a single hook that you use to loop the yarn through itself many times to create all kinds of cool and complex things. Still makes all my friends laugh that I have a little business called justHOOKing J

I started my business because I had a lot of friends that wanted my crocheted baby products that I was making. Then one of my co-workers that sells purses on Etsy (liliglow) got me “hooked” and it’s been Esty night and day ever since!

The five things I want people to think when they see my products are:
  • 1. I need that J
  • 2. How fun!
  • 3. How creative.
  • 4. To realize the time it takes for each piece to be made, even a 5 dollar piece can take hours.
  • 5. How can I make it my own? I love making custom orders and creating new things!

My supply addiction is definitely buttons! I have so many buttons I am constantly buying!

When I am not crocheting I am usually making architectural models or writing papers. If I get time when I am not doing either I like to surround myself with friends and give my boyfriend the attention he deserves. I lead a very very busy life, so it is amazing to just sit down put on a movie and relax with my puppy and boyfriend.

Right now I am obsessed with my Infinity Chain Scarves! I love making them and decorating them with bows and flowers.

The amazing thing about crocheting is that it is relaxing and I truly enjoy it, so it does not keep too much motivation to keep up with orders. (usually just lots of caffeine)


Advice:
Promotion Promotion Promotion! I have some friends who have recently started shops and I have noticed only the ones who are actively promoting themselves on Etsy and Facebook and such are the ones thriving. Its hard to start a new shop on Etsy because there is already so many people selling everything. Without getting your name out there by joining teams, making friends, making treasuries, creating a FB page, it is really hard to get noticed among the crowd. This does not mean you have to spend all kinds of money on ads either. I have yet to pay for advertising (minus a few BNRs) and I have been growing. It just takes a lot of time and persistence.


You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/JustHOOKing/291226720897773



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Holiday Shop 'Till You Drop Treasury Challenge Week 3

Winning Treasuries:
Week 1: Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts From the PCF Team
Week 2: Pumpkin Pie a la mode!

Here are the treasuries that are in the Challenge!! On November 18, we will vote and pick a winner :) Please click and comment on these wonderful treasuries!


THEME FOR WEEK 3:
♥**♥ Is it Too Early To Deck The Halls? ♥**♥















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Weekly Wednesday Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!

Be Absolutely Lovely


Needle Craft Nook


Clever Ruthie


Heart Felt by Andrea


Josh and Teo




Creative Jewelry

Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am from Riga, Latvia. This is small European country. It is lovely Northern country with great four seasons - hot summers, cold, snowy winters, fantastic autumns and beautiful springs. And capital Riga is truly charming European city. There are many great artists from Latvia in Etsy, I think it's worth checking their work.


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
My shop name is foxfragaria. It includes fox, which is my totem animal, and fragaria, which means strawberry in Latin - I love the juiciness and cuteness about it! I started making jewelry more that 3 years ago. Initially I only wanted to make couple of things for myself, but making jewelry turned out a very addictive thing! I have learned a lot during the process, which is a great feeling. Gradually I started selling my things to acquaintances and in local craft fairs, and it fills me with enormous joy to see wearer of my jewelry looking so good. As I wanted to expand the circle of my customers, I opened a shop at Etsy.

What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
I hope they see that my things are: 
  • interesting
  • well made
  • one of a kind
  • wearable
  • joyful

What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
It changes through times. For instance, there was a period when I loved wood beads and used them a lot! I still love them by I use them much less. I loved silver toned metal most but just recently I start to feel that I might try to work with brass, and so on. I have always loved quality stones and lampwork beads. I feel very lucky that I have this amazing opportunity to buy beautiful lampwork beads from my good friend, lampwork artist Laila Strazdina. And colours - I like them all, actually color is main component in my jewelry - I, kind of, try to "paint" certain scene with bead colors.


What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
I work in PR and as a translator and interpreter, mostly with arts therapy field. I love reading, cinema, theatre and art exhibitions.

Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
Oh, I can't tell. :) Just one? No. I love them all! The interesting thing is that sometimes the simplest designs are the ones that had required most work and consideration. It amazes me, that when it is finished it looks so easily put together. But actually every single bead is in it's place and sometimes it was a lengthy experimentation until the right solution was achieved. And when you have it, that is, when the piece becomes "living and breathing", it is a great joy.

What keeps you motivated?
To be honest slow sales at Etsy rather demotivates me. :(   But making the jewelry is a truly captivating activity so it is not difficult to engage in it!


If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
I think from business point of view it is very important to have distinctive style dedicated to very certain type of customer. To have it, to develop it and to evolve it.

Are there other places on the internet we can find you?
I do have a blog about my jewelry but it is in Latvian I am afraid. But, on the other hand, I believe that picture is worth a thousand words, so I have very many pictures in my blog, therefore, if you feel interested to take a curious look at it, you are very welcome! The address is: foxfragaria.blogspot.com.
I also tweet things every now and then, and I do that in three languages: in Latvian, in Russian and in English. The address: twitter.com/#!/foxfragaria.