Independent Designer Friday - Girl Party Tutus

The Independent Designer of the Week is Girl Party Tutus- an adorable shop on Etsy specializing in beautiful little girl tutus.

Here is my favorite tutu from Girl Party Tutus - Meadow Rose Ribbon Wrapped Tutu. What a delicious and darling pink and green tutu! Oh, if only I could be 3 again - I would DEFINETLY wear this :>

I asked Kim from Girl Party Tutus a few questions about the craft business!

1. How would you describe your crafts/Etsy Shop -

I would describe my crafts and my shop as a celebration and an embracing of the inner little diva in myself, that quality that both my daughters, many little girls in fact happily show the world.

2.How did I get started -

During a play date my oldest daughter and her friend were playing ballerinas, I thought wouldn't they be cute in tutus. I knew I could buy them, but decided to give it a whirl on my own, after many trial and errors I came up with the design that I love and decided okay lets take it to the next step, discovered Etsy and here we are.

3.How long have I been crafting -

I think I really got going when I became a SAHM, I always had a desire, but me in my 20's, ugh don't get me started, I just didn't have the focus, when my priorities changed so did my desire to really find my creative energy.

4.What is my inspiration -

So many things, but mainly nature. Nature really comes up with some pretty creative and amazing color combinations; flowers, birds, the sky at dusk,endless inspiration.

5.What is your favorite piece in your shop today -

My favorite piece today, I think is my Pastel Rainbow Satin Wrapped TuTus, it is just so incredibly girly and adorable!

6.How do I market/advertise - I am just getting started so my focus has been 1st, word of mouth, thankfully I have a large family and group of friends who have done an amazing job helping me spread the word and handing out business cards. 2nd I have joined networking groups like Designing Swanky Moms, IndiePublic, Posh Mamas and the Mom Pack. These amazing moms, designers, crafters, entrepreneurs have been a huge resource and have helped get my name and tutus out there as well as providing a wealth of information and support to help me move my business forward!

7. Any advice for fledgling crafters/entrepreneurs -

Since I still consider myself a fledging, the best thing I can offer is find something you love to make and or sell, believe in yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help and support and seek out any and all resources.

Thanks Kim!! You have adorable tutus! :> The world would be a much prettier place if every little girl could twirl in a Girl Party Tutu!!

Independent Designer Friday - Butercups And Buterflies

The Independent Designer of the Week is Buttercups And Butterfiles- a fun and whimsical Etsy shop specializing in everything from stone pendant necklaces to crocheted baby booties.

!Here is my favorite piece from Buttercups And Butterfiles - Blue Couch Tissue Box Cover. What a fun way to liven up any room in your house. This is truly a conversation piece :>

I asked Buttercups And Butterflies a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

I have a little bit of everything, Its simple and the items are so useful and unique. Our crafts are made by my daughter and I and we love working together to make people happy with our products.

How did you get started?

I was told by a friend through myspace about etsy. So I checked it out. I sold items at local fleamarkets and shows. But never thought of the idea of selling online till now. I love it, its great.

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was 8 Years old, I was young when I started. I'm 28 now and still going strong with it all. I dont think I'll ever stop crafting. Its so rewarding.

What is your inspiration?

My mother was the most inspiring person in my life. Now she still is even though she has passed on. Now my daughter gives me all the inspriation I need.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My Favorite piece would be the little blue sofa tissue box cover. Its a bright blue and its so adorable.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Business cards, word of mouth, friends and family.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Keep your chin up and stay positive, if a sale doesn't come today it will come the next day. Staying positive about things is what makes great products and if you have great products, you have happy customers. : )

I COMPLETELY agree with your last bit of advice. We all have good days and bad days. As long as we are true to ourselves, love what we do and put our heart in our work - we can make our businesses thrive!

Thanks so much for your advice and keep up with your adorable crafting!!

Independent Designer Friday - Macaroni and Glue

The Independent Designer of the Week is Macaroni and Glue - a fabulous handmade card shop at Etsy specializing in sweet sentiments and vintage images.

Here is my favorite product from Macaroni and Glue - Customized Sweet Little Girlie Just Thinking Notecards -- Set of 6 - what an absolutely adorable little girl to greet your special recipient!

I asked Kelly of Macaroni and Glue a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

Macaroni and Glue is filled with simple, pretty ways to send a handwritten note to someone special. I offer a wide variety of notecards and stationery, including custom announcements and invitations (and I’m adding more every day!), many with a vintage feel. All are printed and/or assembled on high quality, heavyweight cardstock that just feels good in your hands. True paper-lovers know what I mean!

How did you get started?

I’ve always made my own cards for holidays, birthdays, etc. – for me, there’s just something about the personal touch. I want my friends and family to know that they’re important to me, so I invest the extra time in making something unique for their special day.

How long have you been crafting?

At my house, I’m in charge of making sure we stay on budget every month. When I quit my corporate job to stay home with my daughter a couple of years ago, I realized we had to make some drastic cuts. One of the first spending categories to be slashed was store-bought gifts. Although I had very little experience creating anything with my hands, I was determined that I would learn to make handcrafted gifts. I have always loved to receive something handmade, and I knew that with a little practice I could put together some lovely things. And I have! After making several personalized stationery sets as gifts for friends and family, I realized I absolutely LOVED working with paper. When friends and family began re-ordering custom cards, invitations and thank yous, I started thinking, “Hmmm… If they want to pay for my cards, maybe others would too?” My sister discovered Etsy shortly thereafter and passed on the link – so here I am!

What is your inspiration?

My 2-year-old definitely influences the way I see the world. My designs often invoke a sense child-like innocence and sense of wonder. Beautiful vintage images also form the basis for many of my designs. I love the process of searching for and discovering great artwork in public domain and copyright-free images (vintage ephemera, postcards, library of congress archives, old U.S. patent office archives, historical photos, etc.). When I stumble upon something that speaks to me, I can’t wait to begin making it uniquely mine. I’ll spend hours working with a single image – smiling all the while. If, at the end of the process, it doesn’t make me want to kiss my laptop, I’ll scrap it and begin all over with something else. All day every day I’m thinking about the gorgeous graphics I have waiting for me at home. If only there were more hours in the day!

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

I’ve got a bit of spring fever, so my favorite is probably the textured butterfly cards: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9795237

The runner-up would have to be the pinup cards – I just love her: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9684159

How do you market/advertise your wares?

I’m still working on that. I’ve only had the shop up for a few weeks, but I’ve already joined several networking sites and regularly participate in discussions and promotions. My street teams have been incredibly helpful so far too. I’ve started a blog and am really trying to keep it up. I have grand plans for designing my own web site to house a blog and a showcase, but I think that’s a ways off. I’m trying to establish realistic goals for my business, one week/month at a time. My top priority is still my family, so I have to make sure I’m balancing my time.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

That “naked” feeling you get when you list one of your creations and begin waiting for the view counter to go up is an indication that you are creating from a deeply personal place. And that is the best thing you can do for your business. If you’re “phoning it in,” it will be obvious. If you truly love what you do and can say that each of your pieces are manifestations of who you are as an artist, your shop will reflect that.

Thanks Kelly - for your information and fresh bit of nostalgia! :>