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 - Dinner Time Chimes

The Independent Designer of the Week is Dinner Time Chimes - an enchanting shop on Etsy specializing in recycled dinner ware wind chimes to felt flower bookmarks.

Here is my favorite piece from Dinner Time Chimes- Ready for the Beach - Shell Spoon Windchime. I can imagine sitting on my deck enjoying the tranquil sound as I dine al fresco. Ahhhhh.....summer!!!

I asked Erin of Dinner Time Chimes a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

We like to think that our shop is filled with unique gifts, that just happen to be created from things that other’s no longer have use for.

How did you get started?

The windchimes started out as a way of having something fun to make with my dad when I was in middle school and to also give me something to hunt for at flea markets. Over the years, it's turned into 'what can I make out of these?' thrift hunts for silverplate and anything that I think will work as a bird house. Now that I’m married and have convinced my husband that this is fun, the work continues.

How long have you been crafting?

I’ve been making crafts for as long as I can remember, I must have something to do at all times.

What is your inspiration?

Since almost everything in our shop is created from other’s trash, I guess that I’d have to say that I’m inspired by estate sales and thrift store finds. The reason that I continue to make wind chimes after so many years is that I love the look on people’s faces at shows when they realize that it’s real forks and spoons making that beautiful song they’ve been hearing as they’ve strolled along.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

This one goblet windchime ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=673386 ) is my current favorite, mainly because I think that the picture turned out great. Getting a perfect shot of the windchime, when the wind’s not blowing and it can be cropped to a square for Etsy and still look impressive has proven to the more difficult that I would’ve thought. My second favorite is the boot birdhouse, mainly because it’s so unique and people browsing the shop can’t help but click to see what it is.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Since this business is a hobby for us, we rely heavily on word of mouth advertising. The local free online advertising has worked out great, mainly because the items that we create are so unique. The local NCTriangle Etsy Street Team (http://nctriangle.blogspot.com/ ) has really started working together to support each other through Etsy and local shows, and soon we hope to start doing some advertising both locally and nationally to find shoppers. In addition to selling online via Etsy and our own website, we have windchimes in a couple local antiques stores.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Follow your dreams and do what you enjoy. Crafting and selling what you make should be fun and exciting; otherwise you should ask yourself if it’s worth it. Ask questions if you need help with anything, the crafting community tends to be very giving and friendly.

Thanks Erin!! I admire your effort to find pieces to recycle to make into beautiful music and to make ou planet a little greener in the process!!! CHEERS :>

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!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Hello all! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you! This is an extra special holiday in my family as my husband and son each share this saint's name as a middle name! WOO HOO! I decided to hunt on Etsy to find some cool shamrocky items!

Here is what I found - An adorable shamrock pillow by Chubby Trubby. What a fun way to sunggle up!

The next is a delicious shamrock bracelet by dckdesigns. This bracelet would be a fab addition to your spring wardrobe! I wish everyone a bit of luck - in life and in style! :>

Independent Designer Friday - Beach Haus Designs

The Independent Designer of the Week is Beach Haus Designs - a fantastic Etsy shop specializing in limited edition jewelery that sparkles and shines!

Here is my favorite piece from Beach Haus Designs - The Jenny Necklace - from the website - http://www.beachhausdesigns.com/. What a delicious raspberry shade - a very FRESH addition to your spring wardrobe.

I asked June of Beach Haus Designs a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?
It is an extentison of our website with a few beautiful pieces of jewerly on it. We are looking forward to expanding our collection on Etsy in the near future.

How did you get started?
I was creating jewelry as a hobby & as gifts for friends and family when people started asking to buy my jewelry. My first sale was a sparkly shamrock bracelet!

How long have you been crafting?
Honestly, all my life! My mother was a huge crafter and really made it fun for myself & my sisters. So for me to be creating jewelry is such a natural thing........I have been creating jewelry specifically for about 10 years now.

What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by my two beautiful daughters & supportive husband. I love to travel pretty much everywhere as well as we spend a lot of time at the beach in Florida and in Northern Michigan. The sand, the water & the sunsets are huge sources of inspiration everyday! Being a southern girl I love feminine, girly, fun things and that reflects a lot in what I design.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?
In the etsy shop- I love the Rosie Posie Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9725646
At our online store- I love the Olive Necklace http://beachhausdesigns.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=175

How do you market/advertise your wares?
We advertise in some regional magazines as well as we do quite a bit of web marketing, newsletters, postcards as well as we have our web address on everything we send or give out. Really helps to get the store name & website out to customers.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Don't give up. If you feel this is your calling in life then go for it! Sometimes it is learning a better way of doing things, marketing it differently, trying different shows, etc....I found that once I try something & it doesn't work then we try something else and try not to keep repeating the same mistakes. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from others that are being successful. Mentors are a great thing!

Thanks June - for your information and a bit of sparkle and bling!!

Independent Designer Friday - Kymjewelery

The Independent Designer of the Week is Kymjewelery - a fun and fresh jewelery shop at Etsy specializing in Swarovski pearl, crystal, sterling, shell, freshwater pearl, wood, semi-precious stone, glass and ultrasuede.

Here is my favorite product from Kymjewelery - Country ultrasuede brown and turquoise necklace - This is fun take on the turquoise necklace!

I asked Kim of Kymjewelery a few questions about the craft business!

Describe your craft.

I design bridge jewelry catering to moms, brides, and fun, funky gals of all ages!

How did you get started?

A mom/friend of mine asked me to attend a jewelry design class at a local craft store. I liked an excuse to get out and be with other adults (I had a 2 year old at home) so I went to the class. I learned how to crimp in about 10 seconds. That's all I needed to get rolling.

How long have you been crafting?

I have been on a jewelry making binge going into my 6th year now. It's addictive, and being self-taught, I am still learning and growing my craft.

What is your inspiration?

Other moms. I listen and learn. That's what I tell my boys to do all the time! I get wonderful ideas from other women, and it may take me a month or a year to let the idea evolve in my head. I can have so many ideas brewing, they trip over each other at times.

What is your favorite piece in your shop? My Premiere necklaces are my favorite in that I hunt in antique shops and thrift stores to find unique pendants and pins. I turn them into unique necklaces that are, essentially, wearable art. Each necklace is different, and I never know how it will turn out. I just let myself go and the piece evolves wonderfully. I do have to admit that my proudest wares are the Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry that I sell through the Breathing Room Foundation. I give 50% of the BCA jewelry sales straight to this foundation and they help families in the local area afflicted with cancer. What a great win-win for all. It is truly special for me.

How do you marketing your wares? I have a website that features what I do, why I do it and all of the retailers I sell to and foundations I fundraise for. Most of my success has been through personal marketing, meaning that I participate in artisan shows, craft shows and fundraisers and get the word out personally. Believe it or not, I have found that the one-on-one attention that I give to my customer, as well as the attention to detail that I give my work really seems to mean something to women who are tire of the "same old, same old". If a piece does not work for someone, I listen and learn why, then I fix it and make it BETTER. That's how I have become successful and have gained a reputation for quality and value.

What entrepreneurial advice can yo offer? Gosh, there is such a steep learning curve that I took on when getting into my own little jewelry business. I would suggest being open to new ideas, and writing them down. Having a mentor would be wonderful, and I wished that I had one to provide the shortcuts to learning....but then I might not have been as successful in how much attention I put to being myself and taking it back to the basics of running an honest, well intentioned business. Truly defining yourself and what you want to achieve is key. Do not be afraid to bounce ideas off your friends or partner. Do expect to make many mistakes, but do not hesitate to admit your shortcomings, fix it and make it better. Listen and learn.

Thanks Kim - for your information and fresh spin on classic jewelery pieces :>

Thursday Toddler Tips - LOVE the dresses from Granny Bs!!!

I really LOVE all of the fabric that Granny B's Clothesline chooses! They are modern and sophosticated yet fun, frilly, girly and young!! One thing I find in some independent designers is the push to move toddlers and young girls into "mini adults" WAY TO FAST through the use of too sophisticated designs and fabric selections!!! Let the babes be babes!!!

NOT Granny B! She really knows the importance of letting little ones stay little and enjoy their childhood days! Take a look at this dress called French Pink. It is so fun!! I LOVE paisley so it was a definite winner for me :>

She has a delicious line that extends into hairbows, jewelery, belts and tshirts. What a talented indie designing grandmom!!

Independent Designer Friday - Tada! Designs

The Independent Designer of the Week is Tada! Designs - a funky and unique shop at Etsy specializing in fun art pieces!

Here is my favorite product from Tada! Designs - I Am Family - a unique sign created with handpainted black letters on glass. What and elegant art piece for your family or living room.

I asked Beth of Tada! Designs a few questions about the craft business!


How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

It's a fun collection of my imaginings...paper mache' ornies, handpainted glass signs, framed initials, wooden baby signs...

How did you get started?

I've just always been an artsy sort of girl, graduated from college with a degree in Interior Design, and began staying home when my children were born. I had to have some sort of creative outlet & always loved to paint my furniture. When I realized that furniture was too much of a pain to ship, I decided to concentrate on my smaller stuff.

How long have you been crafting?
Ever since I can remember...2ish???

What is your inspiration?
nature, other crafters, using what I have on hand, garage sale finds.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?
I LOVE my "I am Family" sign, & soon to be released "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" glass sign.

How do you market/advertise your wares?
By being involved in GOOD groups such as DSM, Interiordesignetsy, & Oketsy. I also have fun trading biz cards with others. This past fall I painted 200 baby signs for 200 gifts bags for a swanky Mommies Who Shop Holiday Market in Boston, MA & THAT was a fun challenge!

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
I was so nervous about going online...I was afraid I'd get too busy or that people wouldn't like my stuff! So, if anyone feels like me, my advice is to just jump in with both feet & just try it :-) It's never as bad as you think it will be. In fact, it's fun!!

Thanks Tada! Designs- keep on satisfying our desire for fresh, funky art!! :>

Independent Designer Friday - Cozy Moments

The Independent Designer of the Week is CozyMoments - a fun and vibrant shop at Etsy!

Here is my favorite product from CozyMoments - PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE scented Goats Milk and Honey Body Cream - with Shea Butter. I am sure that this smells and feels absolutely delicious!!

I asked Michelle of CozyMoments a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

Pampering bath and body goodies and natural soy wax candles/tarts, or as we refer to them, 'Cozy Melts'. ;)

How did you get started?

Cozy Moments started out of a desire to create luxurious Bath & Body Products. I suffered from dry skin most of my life and I became passionate about creating pampering and soothing products that would rid me of my dry skin. I spent a few years researching and experimenting before I began to sell my goodies.

How long have you been crafting?

6 years.

What is your inspiration?

The creative pleasure of blending my own natural and near natural ingredients and coming up with pampering goodies that soothe the senses and smooth the skin. I absolutely LOVE what I do. I feel so blessed I am able to do this from the comfort of my own home!

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My Fresh Strawberry & Cucumber Goat's Milk Soap. I love to make soap! It is my favorite thing to create. ;)

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Our dot com, Etsy, Our Blog, Ning Groups, DaWanda, Handmade Catalog, Flickr, My Space, Talent Database, Stylehive, Squidoo, and several other places.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Network and when you are done networking, do it again, and again, and again. ;) You have to get your name out there. ;) I have pulled several all- nighters just networking and I believe it has really helped my business grow. ;)

Thanks CozyMoments - keep on dreaming your delicious creations!! :>

Independent Designer Friday - Ablemabel

The Independent Designer of the Week is Ablemabel - a fun and vibrant shop at Etsy! Here is my favorite piece from Ablemabel! Pretty cool and unique!!

I asked Ablemabel a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?
Eclectic, colorful, fun! We have a little bit of everything...baby stuff, magnets, jewelry, wall plaques, cards...

How did you get started?
Last fall we were in charge of our church craft sale. Before that we hadn't really been into the "craft world" very much. We had so much fun designing, creating, producing! We knew we couldn't stop anytime soon. Etsy seemed like the natural place to start "destashing" our creations.

How long have you been crafting?
We have been creating things for ourselves for as long as I can remember. Whether it's been sewing curtains or blankets or scrapbooking. It's only been recently that we decided to open our Etsy store and sell our products.

What is your inspiration?
Fabrics, scrapbooking products, color, nature, book, magazines, quotes.

What is your favorite place to shop today? A
fabric or scrapbooking store.

How do you market/advertise your wares?
Etsy, local shops, local craft fairs, Flickr, other misc websites we're a part of.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Stick with it especially thru slow times! Follow your gut, it's usually right. Most of all have fun!!

Thanks Ablemabel - keep up the crafting and creating!! :>

Quote of the Week!

"It's wearable art...."

What is wearable art?? It's anything that you wear that you think is art!! In my recent searches on Etsy, I found this gorgeous bracelet. I found it in a store called Annie and Olive. It is simple gingham and a bit understated but that is what I LOVE about it!

I love the difference in it. I love the "country" in it. I love the classic in it. I love the timeless in it. I love the black and white in it!

Oh....if I only had an endless supply of money, the damage I could do. If only I had a place to wear it all to! With my little babes, I don't get to dress up too much!

But, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will have a KILLER handbag!!

:>