LDS Members of Etsy Blog

Captain's Message: You Matter to Him

2011-12-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

Maybe Matilda - PDF Crochet Pattern on Etsy

Well team, here is a long overdue Captain's Message. I asked for ideas in team chat about Conference talks that lifted you up - You Matter to Him, by Dieter F. Uchtdorf was suggested and I really, really loved it. Here is a selection from the talk:

"....No matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.
….please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed."

I really encourage you to read the whole talk here; it is wonderful!

Enjoy the rest of your Holidays - I will do one more Captain's Message before 2012!

- Rachelle

Icons - Make it and Use it!

2011-10-27T23:08:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed the nifty little icons that a lot of web pages have next to their tab? Blogger has a white "B" in an orange square, Gmail has an envelope with their "M" incorporated, and Flickr has two little dots next to each other - blue and pink.

This option is not just for fancy, big-name companies! Even small business entrepreneurs, family blogs and any body can have their own icon.

For some web hosting sites, you'll need to switch to .ico format. I love this site (http://favicon.htmlkit.com/favicon/) for converting an image from my computer into a .ico image. This is also known as a FavIcon image. If your web hosting requires an .ico image, any other format will not work (ex: .jpeg, .bmp, .png, etc.). They have a video how-to if you need any help. It will save the image to your downloads on your computer - and completely free!

Other web hosting sites (I know Blogger is this way) actually don't accept the .ico format (or they convert it on their own). This shouldn't be a problem, though, because they accept the common image formats, like .jpeg, .png, or .bmp.

Okay, now how to make it? Here's how!

1. Find or make an image that would work with the theme of your site or blog. It needs to look good at tiny sizes, so don't pick anything too complicated.

Don't pick photos - they don't look good when they are tiny! Trust me, I tried.
Use a Letter (that's what Blogger, Etsy, Google, Facebook, and Pinterest all use!)
Or a Simple Drawing (not too many lines or fine details. Images lose their quality in .ico format, so the simpler the better!)
And Use Bright, Bold Colors (So many big businesses use bright primary colors to get attention. It's a well-known advertising trick. Even online it's good to be bold - think of Flickr, Twitter, and again, Blogger, Etsy, Google, Facebook and Pinterest. What do they have in common? Bright, bold colors.)

Here are some pics I compiled (in Paint - nothing fancy!)

2. Next, you'll need to make sure that your image is perfectly square. If you're in Paint, Picasa or PhotoShop, you can edit the pixels. These instructions are for Paint:

Click on Resize
When the window opens, select Pixels
Make sure the pixel numbers are equal.

I recommend somewhere between 100 sq. pixels and 400 sq. pixels.

3. If you are using a web hosting site that needs .ico format, it is now time to use the nifty tool at the FavIcon site. It's very simple! Again, if you need any help, they have a video to help you out on their main page.
If your site doesn't use .ico format, then go to step four.

4. Now it is time to upload! You'll need to use the browse function to find where you saved the image. In Blogger, it goes like this:

Go to Layout
Select Edit in the Favicon box (it should just be there - you don't have to add it as a gadget.)
Upload the image.
If this is your first time ever uploading, it shows up pretty fast in the tab. However, I've noticed that sometimes it can take a few hours for a revised or different Favicon to show up in your tab.

5. Make sure you save any changes you have made, including the change of uploading an icon!

Get "My Etsy" on Your Facebook Page

2011-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

This article I wrote is very helpful, but I've realized that some of you have found a hurdle that you can't jump!

"My Etsy" is an application that you can add to your Facebook Page and can be very nice - unless you can't get it to work! I've found that some people have Secure Browsing enabled in their privacy settings, and that setting doesn't allow My Etsy to connect. Here's how to navigate the maze of Facebook and get My Etsy onto your page! (click on any image to enlarge!)

Log into your Facebook account.

In the upper right hand corner there is a little arrow facing down (same place that gives you the menu with the Log Out option). Click on the arrow, click on Privacy Settings.

Scroll down to Apps and Websites and click on Edit Settings. In the Apps You Use section click on Edit Settings.

In the menu on the left, click on Security.

Check your Secure Browsing - if it's enabled My Etsy won't work. Click Edit.

You'll have to disable it (I think you can re-enable it after you've added My Etsy. It just doesn't want to add it while it's enabled!). Un-check "Browse Facebook using secure connection (https) when possible" and click Save Changes. It will now say that Secure browsing is disabled.

From here, you can type in My Etsy in the search bar. The app will be a selection. Click it.

Click Add To My Page.

If you are an admin on multiple pages, you'll need to choose which one. Click Add My Etsy.

It will then take you to the Wall of your Page. Click on My Etsy in the menu on the left.

You will need to enter in your Etsy username.Click Submit.

Decide if you want to show your favorites or just your own shop. I did just my own shop for my page. Click Create My Etsy Tab.

It's ready to go! To see it, click on the My Etsy tab in the menu on the left!

Any other questions or problems? Mention them in the comments and I'll see what answers I can find!

Captain's Message: Of Things That Matter Most

2011-09-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

Eternal Round, Textured Logan Temple Portrait, by lighttotheworld on Etsy

Recently the Etsy team page discussions have centered around balance in life and time management. There is no easy answer to the question, "How do I achieve balance in life?" It does help to start with a good spiritual foundation when approaching the solution to this - and other - life questions. For more wisdom I turned to remarks from Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor of the First Presidency, in his talk titled, "Of Things That Matter Most" given in the October 2010 General Conference.

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.”

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, … that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” In the complexity, confusion, and rush of modern living, this is the 'more excellent way'."

I encourage you to read the entire message, found here.

Perhaps it is important for you to honestly evaluate your spiritual foundation before you create a schedule. Decide what your priorities are before you create a schedule so it may reflect those priorities. And don't forget to periodically re-evaluate your priorities and schedule, especially in the beginning of implementing any structure or changes! It is my hope that your spiritual foundation will allow you all to find the "balance" you seek.

Best Wishes,

Rachelle

Team Member Interview: sarahndipities

2011-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Sarah Anderson of Sarahndipities on Etsy

Name: Sarah Anderson
Location: Mount Pleasant, UT
Etsy Shop: sarahndipities
Website: www.sarahndipities.etsy.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahndipities/
Blog: http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahndipities1

Rachelle: Tell me a little about yourself.
Sarah: I'm a stay-at-home mom of five children, and I'm married to a wonderful school teacher husband. We live in the small town of Mount Pleasant, in a 114-year-old Victorian farmhouse, and I love it here!

Right now I'm the Primary Chorister in my Ward....I love it! I've been the chorister several times during my adult life...and I used to be an alto...but after singing Primary songs every week, my voice has changed!

I have my degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from what is now Utah Valley University (back then it was still UVSC). It's been a great degree to fall back on...and has helped out a ton with PTA projects and parade float designs. Seriously.

Rachelle: How would you describe your work/shop? Who should definitely stop by?
Sarah: I make lots of fun crocheted items like hats, scarves, and shawls. I like to make things that people will actually use and wear. I also love to sew and embroider, and make and sell small toys and ornaments using felt and floss. I've recently started crocheting toys for my own children and may give that a go at some point, too!!

Sarah's favorite item from Sarahndipities

Rachelle: What brought you to Etsy?
Sarah: One of my husband's colleagues asked if I ever sold my creations...She mentioned Etsy to him as a great place to sell things online. About a year later, after we moved to Mount Pleasant, I decided that I didn't have anything to lose...The only person who was missing out on an opportunity was me...so I stopped worrying about what people would think, and I started my business!

Rachelle: What keeps you motivated?
Sarah: I have craft ADHD. I can't stick to making one single kind of thing for too long or I go nuts! I think that changing things up often really helps me to stay motivated with the business side of things! Plus, I never run out of things to do. Boredom just doesn't happen here.

Rachelle: Any tips for other sellers or things you wish you had known when starting?
Sarah: Be patient and be consistent. Things don't happen overnight, and they definitely don't happen without consistency and effort! Don't get discouraged and don't give up! Sometimes things don't go your way...just hang in there. And be nice to others. Even when you don't feel like it.

My favorites from sarahndipities on Etsy

Rachelle: What are your three favorite Etsy shops?
Sarah: One of my favorites is ArtisanMaskers - sort of shameless self-promotion here. The shop is technically run by my sister! She and my other sister, a sister-in-law, a cousin, and a couple of friends make and sell papier mache masks there! It's a really fun (and different) outlet for my creativity...and I recently began creating digital collage prints to sell in the shop as well!

I also love EmmaLamb
- Vintage and retro inspired crochet items with lovely colors!

And I also really enjoy TwoEms
- Fantastic collage paintings with wonderful colors!

Rachelle: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sarah: Oh, man. In ten years I'll have a 20-year old, an 18-year old, a 15-year old, a 13-year old, and a 10-year old. I suddenly feel old myself! I hope to have a happy family and comfortable home life. I hope to be continuing to have fun and having creative outlets. And to still be sane. That would be good.

How to Manage an Effective FACEBOOK Page

2011-08-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, just about every business has a Facebook Page. Businesses don’t have a page just because it’s the popular thing to do; it’s a way of getting into the world of your potential customers. A Facebook Page centralizes quick links to your main website and contact info, it showcases desired photos, and can even connect customers who can share personal stories of success with your product. Best of all – it’s free!
All you need is a little bit of time to set up the page and then spend a few minutes a few times a week to check how things are going.

Facebook Page Set-Up

If you want a Facebook Page, but don’t have one yet, here is a great link specifically for Etsy Sellers. Be sure to set up your “MyEtsy” section. Here’s what mine looks like:

Click Image to Enlarge

The MyEtsy application shows your banner with your shop items. If they click on an item, it will take them directly to the item’s listing in your shop at Etsy. Also, if a page visitor clicks on “Share,” then their Facebook post will include a link to the same item’s listing at Etsy. Handy, don’t you think?
When you have at least 25 fans, you can get a shortened link address. This makes it much easier to share your site address. When logged into Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/username. Select the Page that you are giving a username. If you click “Check Availability,” it will automatically assume you want it if it’s available, so be sure to pick something you like and can easily remember.

Regular Check-Ups

Now you’ve got a page.
Here are some tips of what to post and how to encourage visits and comments on your page.

Post Lots of Links

Etsy Treasuries (featuring you, one’s you like, some you’ve made, etc.)
Blog posts (if you keep a blog, this is a great way to announce that you’ve posted something new!)
Blog features (include links when other blogs are featuring your shop)
New Items in your shop
New shops (promote friends, family and fellow-sellers!) – tag their Facebook Page in your post by using the “@” symbol just before their page name

Click Image to Enlarge

Showcase “1000 Words” (Photos) – Pictures are a great way to get people to look! For most people, it seems to be easier to process photos than reading words.

New items
New logos
Current Items (sometimes posting a photo of an item that’s been sitting in the shop can give it new activity. Better yet, post a new photo of the same item)
Plans – sometimes you can spark interest by sharing a photo (just give them a hint, not the whole plan!) of something you’ve got in the works

Click Image to Enlarge

Be a Person, Be Personable

Respond to comments left on your page in a timely manner.

To quickly check if anyone has made a comment, click on “Notifications” in the menu on the right side of the page.
If there is anything new, there will be a number (how many notifications you have waiting) that will be floating at the end of the word “Notifications”

Be friendly

The Etsy world gives us a unique opportunity to give personalized customer service even to people across the world
Show that you care about them as a person as well as a potential customer

Share Success

Ask select customers if they wouldn’t mind taking a photo of the item they purchased from you and linking it to your page.
They can also share by uploading a photo to your page

Click Image to Enlarge

Those are the three main things that I do to keep my page engaging. I’d love to get more ideas! If you do something on your Facebook Page that works, please leave a comment and share with our readers!

......................................................................................................

www.annavirginiafashion.com

www.facebook.com/annavirginia

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Captain's Message: Despite Adversity, Be of Good Cheer

2011-07-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Source: PlumStreetPrints on Etsy

The Church website features a small page titled "Despite Adversity, Be of Good Cheer," featuring quotes by the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Here is a selection from Elder Robert D. Hales:

“In the school of mortality, the tutor is often pain and tribulation, but the lessons are meant to refine and bless us and strengthen us, not to destroy us,” Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says. “There is nothing that we are enduring that Jesus does not understand, and He waits for us to go to our Heavenly Father in prayer. I testify that if we will be obedient and if we are diligent, our prayers will be answered, our problems will diminish, our fears will dissipate, light will come upon us, the darkness of despair will be dispersed, and we will be close to the Lord and feel of His love and of the comfort of the Holy Ghost."

I hope that when you read this short message you will feel the Spirit confirm the truth. It is so vital to know that Jesus understands everything we experience, and that our Heavenly Father is waiting for us to communicate with Him through prayer. They love us unconditionally and want our growth and happiness.

Please read the Church website page, "Despite Adversity, Be of Good Cheer." Be uplifted and have a wonderful week!

- Rachelle

Team Member Interview: RedSnake

2011-06-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sara of RedSnake on Etsy, and her adorable dog Lizzie

Name: Sara Haubrock
Location: Richmond, VA
Etsy Shop: www.RedSnake.etsy.com
Pinterest: pinterest.com/redsnake/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Snake/120825211339274?sk=wall
FYI Blog readers: There's a coupon code on her Facebook page for 10% off in her shop!

Rachelle: Tell me a little about yourself:
Sara: I lived in northern California until I was almost 12, and in Richmond, VA since then. I'm 28 (29 next month!), still single, and working full-time as an admin assistant in a mortgage company. I've been a big-time animal-lover since I was little (that's my dog, Lizzie in the photo with me), and I got my Bachelor's degree from BYU-Provo in Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation in December 2005. I'm also a bit of a tree-hugger, so I try to make my jewelry-making hobby as eco-friendly as possible by avoiding waste and always reusing packaging material. In recent months I've started learning how to do needle-felting, kumihimo braiding, and loom-knitting. At various times throughout my life, I've also dabbled in horseback riding, ballet, modern dance, painting, drawing, and gardening.

Rachelle: How would you describe your work/shop? Who should definitely stop by?
Sara: My jewelry designs currently include a range of styles, from edgy, modern, or a little bit goth to delicate, feminine, and pretty. My inspiration comes from lots of different places, including favorite tv shows (Abby of NCIS provides lots of inspiration!), things I see in a magazine, or favorite finds on Etsy. Because of that variety, I think everyone should definitely stop by! I try to keep my prices affordable, too, and I'm planning on adding a lot more new stuff to the shop over the next few months.

A selection of my favorites from RedSnake of Etsy

Rachelle: How did you pick your Etsy name?
Sara: Hmm, good question! It's a pretty boring story, actually. When I was first trying to decide on a shop name, I had a pet Beta fish who was a beautiful bright red color. I happened to be watching him swim around his tank while I was thinking about a name, and I came up with idea of naming the shop Red Fish. But I wanted something unique, so I searched Etsy for shops with "redfish" in the name,and it turned out that there were several that already had that name. So then I decided to change it to Red Snake, because I've had a soft spot for snakes ever since I worked as a reptile keeper at BYU's life science museum. I loved that job!

Rachelle: What brought you to Etsy?
Sara: I don't specifically remember how I found Etsy, but I stumbled onto it a couple years ago when I started playing around with jewelry making. I knew very quickly that I had found the perfect way to fund my new jewelry-making addiction - open an Etsy shop and sell my creations! Etsy makes it so easy to do and there's a great sense of support and encouragement from the Etsy community. I'm definitely still learning as I go. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) joining Etsy only created more new addictions for me - shopping on Etsy, creating treasuries on Etsy, and otherwise playing with all that Etsy has to offer! It's proven to be an expensive but fun part of my life! So far, I definitely spend more money than I make on Etsy, but I think it's worth it for the enjoyment I get from it!

Rachelle: What keeps you motivated?
Sara: Truthfully, I think it's mostly the innate human desire to create. I believe that we as human beings and children of God have a deep innate urge to create something that wasn't there before, especially something beautiful or useful. It's part of our divine nature. So that's what drives me a lot. I think I crave that sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a finished product that I've made. I've also recently joined several Etsy teams, which provide a lot of motivation and encouragement in the form of advice, compliments, and support from teammates.

Rachelle: Any tips for other sellers or things you wish you had known when starting?
Sara: I recommend getting involved and connecting with other Etsy users. For me, that meant joining a few teams, which I didn't start doing until recently, and it's definitely improved my Etsy experience. The key is finding the teams that are right for you. Good choices are ones that you have something in common with, whether it be location, types of products you sell, or religion. It's also important to read the team's rules and browse their discussion threads a bit before joining, to get a feel for what the team is like, what activities they have going on, and to make sure you're comfortable with the level of involvement required by the team.

Other good tips are to always work on improving your product photography (mine still needs a lot of work, but I'm trying!) and use tags well, both on your products and on treasuries you create.

Sara's Favorite from her shop, RedSnake

What are your three favorite Etsy shops?
How in the world can you choose just three??? I have dozens of favorite Etsy shops and all of them are amazing! But for the sake of this question, here are the three I've chosen to share:

· Yes and Amen - www.etsy.com/shop/YesandAmen (I kid you not, whenever I'm depressed, I go browse this shop or her blog. All the cute pictures of adorable little lambs inevitably make me smile!)

· Real Butterfly Gifts - www.etsy.com/shop/REALBUTTERFLYGIFTS (the products in this shop offer a gorgeous up-close look at the miracle of nature)

· Ginaminda - www.etsy.com/shop/ginaminda (I have a bit of an addiction to fingerless gloves, and this shop has a great selection)

Rachelle: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sara: Hopefully, in 10 years I'll be happily married with a couple of cute kids, working as a full-time stay-at-home wife and mom, but I would have said the exact same thing if you had asked me this question 10 years ago, and I don't seem to be any closer to achieving that dream now than I was then. So you really never know what life will throw at you. But ideally, that's where I'd want to be, and I'd also love to have some free time to work on arts and crafts and play on Etsy, and while I'm dreaming, I'd also like to have a couple of dogs and a pet snake and a comfortable house with enough land to have a large fruit and vegetable garden and maybe a few alpacas, and the time to take care of it all! But if none of that happens in the next 10 years, then wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, I'd really just like to be able to say that I don't have any major regrets. As long as I can know that I'm living the way Heavenly Father wants me to, then I'll be ok.

Captain's Message: The Virtue of Kindness

2011-06-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Image from persimmonandpink on Etsy: 5x7 giclee print

As I have settled into my new role as the Captain of the LDS Etsy Team, I have been thinking about what is needed to do to organize things. Some “house-keeping” needs to be done for the team (and will always need to be maintained!) With a team so large and diverse, it can be overwhelming to identify a direction or purpose. Luckily, I have other Team Leaders to help me, and through speaking with them and personal thought, I feel compelled to share this message which is about the Church, but I also feel applies to the Team:

“The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.

Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don’t be upset because someone can’t sew as well as you, can’t throw as well as you, can’t row or hoe as well as you.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

One way you can measure your value in the kingdom of God is to ask, “How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential? Do I support others in the Church, or do I criticize them?”

If you are criticizing others, you are weakening the Church. If you are building others, you are building the kingdom of God. As Heavenly Father is kind, we also should be kind to others.”

-From “The Virtue of Kindness” by Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2005 Conference

This message is important; I would like our Etsy team to encourage and build one another with kindness. I would like for us to be a source of strength, comfort, and knowledge for one another. This sort of caring environment will improve our entire Etsy experience, which is my ultimate hope. Please remember that we all travel this road at different speeds and in different ways, but that we ultimately are in this together to help one another.

- Rachelle Sharp, LDS Etsy Team Captain

Spiritual Thought: He Is Risen

2011-04-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about some of the recent tragedy that has occurred in the world, specifically the recent earthquakes in Japan. I am sure you have thought of the heartbreaking tragedy too.

Now the Easter holiday season is upon us and I have been reading about the subject of The Resurrection. Here is a wonderful passage that really touched me regarding both the subjects of tragedy and Resurrection and I hope it will affect you as well.

"Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by his matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of Kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form.

Towering above all mankind stands Jesus the Christ, the King of glory, the unblemished Messiah, the Lord Emmanuel. In the hour of deepest sorrow we draw hope and peace and certitude from the words of the angel that Easter morning, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6)."

- Taken from This Glorious Easter Morn, by Gordon B. Hinckley, April 1996

Sunday Spotlight: Maybe Matilda

2011-04-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

I love the pictures from this beautiful shop
MAYBE MATILDA on Etsy

www.maybe-matilda.blogspot.com,
my twitter name is @maybematilda,
and my family blog is jeffryandrachel.blogspot.com
maybematildaquilts@gmail.com

How did you get started on Etsy?

I decided to start selling my work on etsy after it started to pile up in my house--I was sewing baby quilts and crocheting baby hats faster than I could give them away or use them! I've loved being able to share my hobbies with others through etsy.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in New York, got my BA in English from BYU, got married, moved to Iowa for my husband to attend chiropractic school, went to massage school, worked as a massage therapist for a while, and just had my first baby--a sweet little boy who, much to daddy's chagrin, has been modeling my girls' crochet hats since birth. He's definitely earning his keep.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Hmm, good question. Are there other hobbies out there? Other than sewing and crocheting, I love baking, reading, thrift store shopping, restoring old ugly furniture and home decor, and am trying to figure out photography. It's a sloooow process.

What first made you want to become an artist?

My mom tried for years to teach me to sew and it was always a disaster. I finally tackled it on my own as an adult and loved it, and picked up crochet shortly after. It's so rewarding to create something and have other people appreciate it!

Please describe your creative process.

My creative process . . . well, it often starts with seeing a picture of something I love but can't afford, and I think to myself, "I wonder if I could make something similar." Being on a student budget has its perks!

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I completely cherish a quilt my mom made for me when I was a little girl--in fact, it's still on my bed now. And since I quilt, too, I know just how much time and work and love went into every stitch. That quilt is priceless to me! It inspired me to make a quilt for my baby while I was pregnant, and I hope that he'll treasure it just as much.

How do you promote your work?

I'm definitely lacking in the promotion department. I have a rather neglected shop blog (www.maybe-matilda.blogspot.com) and a twitter page (twitter.com/maybematilda), and I sell my work at the Bungalow Boutique on Main Street in Heber City, Utah.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Tough question, especially since they change so often.

Top five books of the moment are Peace Like a River, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Poisonwood Bible, Corelli's Mandolin, and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Top five movies: Everything is Illuminated, Lars and the Real Girl, Slumdog Millionaire, Hairspray, and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (it's dumb, I know, but a classic in my heart).

Top five musicians: Corinne Bailey Rae, Michael Buble, Carrie Underwood, aaaaand . . . hm, I guess it's just going to be top 3 musicians.

Top five websites: designspongeonline.com, oneprettything.com, theboard.byu.edu, creaturecomfortsblog.com, and, of course, I spend way too much time on facebook!

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

Definitely haven't considered this before. I guess that I wouldn't have gotten started on etsy at all if it weren't for the creativity and sense of industry instilled in me by my mother, which I have always thought of as very LDS traits.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

I still consider myself new to etsy! My advice would be to have confidence in yourself--I would (and often still do) feel nervous to put my work in the public arena; it's scary to make that leap and say, "I created this, I think it's beautiful and valuable," without knowing if others will agree. Also, I have met so many friendly, wonderful people on etsy in the forums and teams--don't be nervous to get to know people and make some online buddies!

In ten years, where would you like to be?

No offense to my fellow Iowans, but hopefully not in Iowa. I can't take another Midwestern winter . . . you natives out here are tough stock. I'd like to have a happy family, a cozy home (in a decent climate!), and lots of time for creating handmade goodies!

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My current favorite could be my fingerless gloves (http://www.etsy.com/listing/65042963/burgundy-fingerless-gloves) or the little critter hat (http://www.etsy.com/listing/64489351/custom-crochet-bear-earflap-hat), but I love them all!

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

I find myself always coming back to
http://www.etsy.com/shop/fishandlotus,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lirola,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/creativethursday,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelleD, and
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ciaobellaphotography

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

I've loved being able to sell my work and get the reassurance that other people love and appreciate it, too, and be able to expand my talents and challenge myself. It's exciting to think that women and kids all over the country are wearing my hats or snuggling in a quilt I created for them. Makes me feel a little more well-traveled :-)

Sunday Spotlight : SerendipityBeadedCreations

2011-04-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Serendipity: (n) the phenomenon of finding something valuable when not sought for

I named my business this because it seems like sometimes when I am working the hardest for one thing something else always falls into my lap that is even better. There are good in bad in all things but I am learning to turn my weaknesses into strengths and this home business has taught me alot about that.

Here is all the places that I network, my goal for 2011 is to become more organized.

http://www.facebook.com/serendipitybeadedcreations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serendipity11beaded
http://www.facebook.com/acraftycottagecongo
http://hyenacart.com/aCraftyCottage/
http://www.twitter.com/homebizmama11

Starting October 1st I started highlighting one craft business/ entrepreneur a week and will post their shop information as well as a few personal facts about their business here if you are

interested please send me a request.
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=334628725136
LinkLovelies on Oprah :)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123494001037211#!

/group.php?gid=123494001037211&v=wall

How did you get started on Etsy?

I actually had been looking to do something from home and a lady in my ward got me started on Hyena Cart, I wasn't selling anything and decided to just go on to a few different places and see what clicked. . .ETsy seemed the best fit at the time, and I have enjoyed it so far.
Last month I joined two threads and have sold 19 items in one month, I was on etsy a year before that, not doing it full time, but only sold 4 items.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a single Mom to 2 girls, one who is 8, her name is Odette and she has down syndrome and multiple health issues, she has a feeding tube, and is in a wheelchair. She attends school 3 hours a day and is doing very well. Odette loves to play ball and watches muppets a lot, as well as Signing Time.
I also have a three year old named Sabra who is so much fun! She loves to read, color, use stamps and put stickers on everything. She also loves Signing Time, they both sign quite a bit.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am the Compassionate Service person in my ward, I work at Montana Public Radio, very part time, but have my own Soundtrack show and love it. I love to read. I love to make hats, I donate them to the Pediatric Wing of the Hospital here, my daughter and I spent many months there when she was younger, it was always cold. So I donate hats at least once a month.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I always have made things for my friends and family, it helps me relax and I love to learn new things.

Please describe your creative process.

I usually do a pattern, but I pick one that reflects something I am experiencing in my life and usually ties in with the seasonal holidays.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My daughters. . .they arent really handmade, but they definitely are the biggest focus of my life and were created within and through me.

How do you promote your work?

facebook, locally, and on etsy, kaboodle, stumble upon, hyena cart

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Lds.com, all of the Scriptures, BYU, and any tv or movie that will inspire me to be more and do more for those I love, i love Lifetime network and anything that makes me laugh :)

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

I believe my faith is reflected in some way in almost everything I do, But I believe any online business takes a huge amount of faith, most of my family are not members of the church and have degrees. I am definitely someone who believes in the power of God and true prophets who guide us to live our fullest potential.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Stay true to what you believe, do not compare yourselves to others, find a place of inspiration that is truly yours and develop that the best way possible.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Married in the temple with someone who truly honors his priesthood and honors the importance of family and is willing to be creative an understanding in that process.

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My grandmother, Mother daughter Heart sets. . .the design is from the same artist but I put the grandmother, mother daughter influence, My mom passed away when i was 15 and My grandmother passed away when my daughter Odette was 2. I like making symbols of that connection because I miss them both so much and love them.

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheiseverything
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vampiton
http://www.etsy.com/shop/H20worksDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serenitysoapworkstx
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mystuff2

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

It has made me feel productive and helped me live accountably on a different level, as well as keeping me on my toes, and understanding the importance of healthy competition

The picture was taken 2 years ago when we went to visit my brother and his wife who was pregnant at the time, Now I am an Aunt to an amazing Niece named Claire.

We were in Lincoln city, Oregon, and my brother took the picture when we weren't paying attention, I just thought it was really cute!

Spiritual Thought: Charity is the Pure Love of Christ

2011-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

source

During this Valentine's season, take a moment to think about what Love really is. It is more than paper hearts (though they are nice too!) To me, Love and Charity are the same thing. I hope you enjoy this thought about Charity and have a great next few days.

"Charity is “the pure love of Christ,” or “everlasting love” (Moroni 7:47; 8:17). The prophet Mormon taught: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (Moroni 7:45; see also 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He always “went about doing good,” teaching the gospel and showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed (see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:6; Acts 10:38). His crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This was the greatest act of long-suffering, kindness, and selflessness that we will ever know.

The Savior wants all people to receive His love and to share it with others. He declared to His disciples: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). In relationships with family members and others, followers of Christ look to the Savior as their example and strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy. "

Thought from www.lds.org study topic of "Charity."

Spiritual Thought: Look Forward in the New Year

2011-01-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

"As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Best Is Yet to Be", Ensign, Jan. 2010, 22–27

Another Team Crush!

2010-10-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

In this Team Crush bl0g entry I'm going to share 2 great Etsy members; the first is a member of the team and the second is not. Both are definitely talented and "crush-worthy!"

Here is Selection #1 from CinderLisaDesign:

source

Backwards Forwards Dahlia Envelope Journal

I love the bright colors of this journal. They are so cheerful and vibrant! This would be great to use as a journal; I would even carry it around with my notes/lists and watch all my friends get jealous of such a great book!

Here is part of the description of the journal:

"This journal is fun. Is the front really the back? Is the back really the front? Right-handed, left-handed? You decide! Really it's whatever you want. The cover is cut a little extra long, wraps around the spine, and loops over a button on the back (front?) in a nice little envelope cut.

The cover of the journal is made of felted wool, which is lined and covered in designer fabrics, the outside is a fabulous dahlia print, and the inside a gorgeous faux-batik in black. The journal measures approximately 6.25 x 4.5 inches closed, and is filled with 220 sheets (or 440 pages, back and forth!) in signatures of light orange and light gray paper, sewn in with taupe-colored DMC floss."

Here is Selection #2 from Kittygrrlz:

source

RESERVED HandDyed HandSpun BAMBOO YARN Victorian Rose 154 yards 4.2 oz sport weight Single Ply Yarn

My roommate owns so much Kittygrrlz yarn and most of it is the Bamboo yarn. Why? Because it is awesome! It is so soft and the colors look even better in person, if you can believe that!

I asked Kittygrrlz about this yarn and here is what she said:

"I'm not sure what to say about the yarn.... ;) I enjoy spinning the bamboo yarns because the fiber is so much different than wool - it is very smooth and even a bit slippery, which makes it a bit easier during spinning. I love the colors in this particular skein - very vivid and cheery."

This particular skein is Reserved now, but Kittygrrlz has plenty more to choose from, so stop by her store and check it out!

If you have any suggestions for future "Team Crush" entries please convo me at "ShelleAnne" on Etsy, even if you want to nominate yourself! I will probably share two Etsy sellers at a time for future Team Crush entries - one will be a member of the team and the second won't be; that will give us more variety and allow us to meet more people!

Have a great weekend!

- Rachelle

Spotlight Sunday: TrishaBDesigns

2010-10-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

What a great Member of Our Team: TrishaBDesigns specializes in children's items and reusable decorative items- like darling banners.

Facebook www.facebook.com/trishabdesigns
www.facebook.com/3fourandunder

Blog http://3fourandunder.blogspot.com
Etsy Site www.trishabdesigns.etsy.com

How did you get started on Etsy?
I used to sell on ebay, and one of my friends suggested that I try selling on Etsy. I sell on Etsy as a way to be able to stay home with my children.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a stay at home mom to a 4 year old daughter and 19 month old identical twin boys. Both my husband and I grew up in Southern California. We have been married for 6 years. I love to blog, bake, sew, and craft!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I love to cook, bake, sew, and blog.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I have always been creative. As a child I loved to paint and do crafts. As I got older I really enjoy sewing. It's relaxing for me.

How do you promote your work?
I promote my work through my blog and facebook.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
My top Five favorite movies are
The Holiday
The Last Song
Music and Lyrics
The Cutting Edge
Wedding Planner
Can you tell I like romantic comedies?

My Top 5 Websites
Bakerella www.bakerella.com
Tip Junkie www.tipjunkie.com
Momma Go Round http://mommagoround.blogspot.com
Little Miss Momma http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com
Bake at 350 http://bakeat350.blogspot.com

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?
Family is really important to our religion and to me. I try to focus my Etsy shop around the family.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
In ten years, where would you like to be?

What is your favorite item from your shop?
Right now my favorite item in my shop is the Happy Birthday Table runner

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?
Your Memories Captured
DeniSue4U
Two Kazoos
Sew Love Fabrics
Cantaloupe Corner

How has selling on etsy changed your life?
It definitely has made me more busy. I enjoy seeing other families enjoy my products. I love seeing them use the happy birthday banners for everyone in their family.

Team Crush

2010-09-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about some of the things from sellers on the LDS Etsy team. I have a crush on some of them. One of the things I really love are the patterns for the quiet books from CopyCrafts. I love the idea of quiet books- especially when my daughter is trying to steal them from the people we are sitting next to at church.
I love the idea of a little activity book for your kids- my daughter loves fishes and the ocean.

The Description from Copycrafts:

Toddlers sit perfectly still while waiting.

No they don’t! No toddler sits still EVER. At least not without something to keep them busy. That’s why the quiet book was invented – to keep the squirmies at bay. But if the squirmiest age is toddlerhood, why do most quiet books have buttons they can choke on, and activities their little hands can’t possibly do? That’s why we created “Under the Sea.”

Why is “Under the Sea” so great for toddlers?

*It has bright colors and fun rhymes that teach numbers while captivating their attention.
*With over 7 different textures and 5 pages with age appropriate activities, they are sure to be kept busy exploring.
*This book is soft and durable – meant to last a lifetime.
*Best of all, “Under the Sea” is safe – there are no buttons or other small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Finished measurements: 10 8 ½” x 8 ½” pages (excluding front and back covers)

Skills required: Beginner Embroidery
Beginner Hand Sewing or Intermediate Machine Sewing

*This ePattern includes 24 pages of detailed instructions, a cover page, color photographs, table of contents, supply list, pattern pieces, instructions for basic sewing and embroidery stitches, and full size diagrams.
*We put forth every effort to make our patterns user-friendly and are more than happy to provide any additional assistance needed through Etsy conversations or email.
*We stand behind our patterns and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!

“Under the Sea” is protected by copyright laws. It is illegal to copy, duplicate, distribute, or share this pattern in any way without the written consent of CopyCrafts. This pattern can be made for personal use. It may also be made for profit under the following conditions: 1) the item is made completely and personally by the pattern purchaser; 2) the phrase “a CopyCrafts design” must be included in the item listing (for internet sales), or with the item for other sales. Please contact CopyCrafts if you have any questions regarding our copyright policies.

P.S. Buy now and you’ll receive this unique ePattern by email within 24 hours! (Please note we do not do business on Sundays.)

I love it- you can get your pattern on etsy HERE.

LDS Team member Spotlighted in Treasury Challenge

2010-09-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our Team member is part of the treasury challenge this week- so try to make a treasury. You can win a ten dollar amazon gift card and you can make our teammate famous :-) Leave a comment with a link on the other blog- comments won't be allowed on this post.

here is a copy of the challenge: Enter HERE

Treasury Challenge Week 14: Halloween

>> Saturday, September 25, 2010

TREASURY CHALLENGE: HALLOWEEN!

Halloween is almost Here- let's have a treasury challenge honoring it.
this week the theme is Halloween- and the item in this lovely necklace.
the Prize this week is money- and of course, fame.
Everyone needs a little of both. Every year when the halloween candy hits the shelves in July I am super excited. You know the candy is probably fresh if it is seasonal. Oh I love candy. I have this ridiculous giveaway on my personal blog about Milk duds.
The Prize: a Ten Dollar Amazon Gift Card

THE RULES:
first off, please follow my shop blog. now for the official rules:

Go to the Treasury page of Etsy HERE and make a treasury with ANYTHING, as long as the "Silent In Solitude" necklace from EllaBelleBoutique is included in the first three rows of the treasury.
Put "Treasury Challenge" somewhere in the title of the treasury.
Link Back to this blog post- that way people can find the challenges and you can get credit for referring them!
Tag your treasury "treasury challenge"
Tag your item "Halloween"
COMMENT with your link to the treasury- BUT YOU HAVE TO COMMENT HERE.
Please refer people- tell them to say you sent them. If the winner mentions your name you will also get a the same prize they do.

Notes-

if your treasury makes front page you win a ten dollar gift card from amazon in addition to other prizes from this competition.

MULTIPLE TREASURIES ARE ALLOWED. and encouraged. You can feature this item to your hearts content.

if the item sells out just pick a different item from the shop- as long as you link back here and write a comment you are good to go.

Spotlight Sunday: SweetMellyJane

2010-09-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

what a great seller! SweetMellyJane is a great member of the LDS Etsy team- let's get to know her.

How did you get started on Etsy?
A good friend of mine has a shop (http://foggynotions.etsy.com) and she suggested I try selling a few of my homemade items on Etsy.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Utah, attended and graduated from USU, met and married my hubby, had four kids, and along the way I've had a lot of fun!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I teach 20 piano students, teach my two preschoolers preschool, read a lot, and try to keep my house clean and three square meals on the table.

What first made you want to become an artist?
As a small girl I loved watching my mom utilize her talents. She is a wedding cake decorator, and an incredible seamstress. I've seen the joy that creativity brings to her life, and I have always wanted that same sense of fulfillment.

Please describe your creative process.
I try to make the most of the quiet moments when my kids are content (at least for a minute).

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
My daughters' blessing dresses. My mom made one for my older daughter, and I made one for my younger daughter.

How do you promote your work?
I am actually pretty old-fashioned when it comes to marketing my items. Occasionally I participate in a giveaway, but for the most part I just spend my time creating new items and relisting the old. I don't blog, facebook, twitter, or anything else.

Name your top five books:
Here are some of my recently-read favorites:
Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Picture books by Sarah Stewart
These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?
I only sell items that I have made or created to make my own home and family a better place to be. I hope that my customers feel the same way when they've purchased one of my products.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Become part of the Etsy community! Purchase a few things. Spend a little time in the forums. Comment on treasuries and create your own. Heart other shops and items. Join a team or two!

In ten years, where would you like to be?
Right where I am now; home with my kids around me! A few extra dollars in my wallet wouldn't hurt, either!

What is your favorite item from your shop?
My baby slippers!

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenvannaCreations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beehivekitchenware
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jodyaleavitt
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cachecreekquilts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/monpetitviolon

How has selling on etsy changed your life?
Selling on Etsy has enabled me to make a little money in the comfort of my home. It has encouraged me to gain some skills in photography, marketing, packaging, time management, and computer stuff. I have learned a lot, and I've met some great people.

Giveaway On Folding Chair Designs

2010-08-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

One of our fantastic members is hosting a giveaway- Click HERE to win. (and follow the directions no comments allowed on this blog to avoid confusion)

but I did copy the giveaway text so you know that it's all about! Thanks Amy!

Giveaway!

Here it is...

are you ready for it?

My very first giveaway.

You can win the popular

Blue Moon Rosette Headband

and a couple other surprise goodies!

Open to any country.

Here are your 5 super easy ways to enter

Each one counts as 1 entry

Choose one or more of the following:

1. Follow this blog.

2. Visit Folding Chair Designs shop and let me know your favorite item.

3. Become a fan of Folding Chair Designs on Facebook.

4. Tweet about this giveaway and make sure you include @FoldingChairD

so I can validate your entry.

5. Add a Folding Chair Designs button to your blog

(<--see them up there on the left?).

Please leave your blog address so I can validate your entry.

Leave a seperate comment on this blog for every entry and your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

This giveaway will end on Sunday, September 5th at midnight mst.

Good luck!

Amy

Inspirational Thought

2010-08-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the love that Christ has for the children of men and that the children of men should have for one another. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul (see 1 Nephi 11:23).

Monday Treasures

2010-08-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

MEN ARE THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE JOY

Before the Lord, then, humbly go.
His message will our spirits buoy.
On us his blessings he'll bestow,
For "men are that they might have joy."

Hymns, #275
Favorite Picks for Men and Boys from the LDS Team and others!

Pac Man One Piece Bodysuit at Claire & Me
Little Loafers Baby Slippers at Sweet Melly Jane
I Hope They Call Me on a Mission Necktie at Tiny Ties
Mustache Party Favors at My Creative Side
men are that they might have joy necklace at Petite Pieces
Li'l Buckaroo Metal on Wood Plaque at For All Seasons
Wedding Band 14K Gold at Rio Fire
Dude Card Pack at Claire and Me Designs
Ride the Rails at CopyCrafts
ORGANIC BLACK - Fused Glass Cuff Links at GemmaBeads
Transformers Upcycled Play Notebook at CinderLisaDesign
Lost Golf Ball Finder 1976 at Sweet Old Stuff
Lycra Super Hero Cape and Neoprene Mask at BabyByBrooke
Boys Brown and Tan Puppy Dog Sleeved Bib at Kreative Karen's Designs
SPICY ROOT BEER BBQ SAUCE at Made With Love in Oregon
Pillow Case Wheels in Green/Orange at The Pillow Barn

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd like to be included in the team treasuries, please add LDS Team to one of your tags per item!

Keep up the great work!

Monday Treasures

2010-08-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Thought

2010-08-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises.

Richard G. Scott, “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Ensign, May 2003, 75

Winner: Just Enough Stye

2010-08-07T06:43:00.000-07:00


The winner for the Just Enough Style Giveaway was: Number 49!

Nichole Cianci, August 6, 2010 7:33 PM: I love the white dahlias or the grapefruit earrings!

Our Members; A Giveaway!

2010-08-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Check Out This Great Giveaway on Webbisodes
My Creative Side- thanks for posting a link on the Group!

so easy to win! Make sure you all enter!

Treasury Challenge Featuring EllaBelleBoutique

2010-07-31T22:11:00.001-07:00

Well beautiful LDS Etsy team members, EllaBelleBoutique has been featured as the weekly challenge this week and for this monday we should all enter.
Why? you can win real money, that's why. Also to support each other.
Let's all make a treasury with this item and at least 5 other LDS Etsy members!

Because that's how we help each other- get on the front page and get more exposure.

enter the challenge HERE (you won't be able to leave a comment on this post so there is no confusion)

>> Saturday, July 31, 2010

Well this week I decided to use an item from someone who is doing the month challenge. And is always nice and entering my other challenges. And we are on a team together. And I just like her. Also her three month old weighs 18 pounds. I bet that is one cute cuddly baby.
we are etsy best friends these days.

Her earrings are adorable! you should check them out and buy some. if you want to buy me some I like the ones with little flowers on them. Just a simple post with a pop of color.
I picked the Grace Dangle Earrings for the challenge. My niece is named Grace and this blue is so beautiful.

THE RULES:
first off, please follow my shop blog. now for the official rules:

Go to the Treasury page of Etsy HERE and make a treasury with ANYTHING, as long as the Grace Dangle Earrings are included in the first three rows of the treasury.
Put "Treasury Challenge" somewhere in the title of the treasury.
Link Back to this blog post- that way people can find the challenges and you can get credit for referring them!
Tag your treasury "treasury challenge"
COMMENT with your link to the treasury- BUT YOU HAVE TO COMMENT HERE.
Please refer people- tell them to say you sent them. If the winner mentions your name you will also get a the same prize they do.

Notes-

I am super excited to see what people will come up with. I contact the winner through etsy. Sometimes I am slow. It can take up to four days after I post the winner to contact you- what can I say, my kiddos are crazy right now. If you see that you have one sent me a convo with your address and I will send you a prize.

if your treasury makes front page you win a ten dollar gift card in addition to other prizes from this competition.

MULTIPLE TREASURIES ARE ALLOWED. and encouraged. You can feature this item to your hearts content.
if the item sells out just pick a different item from the shop- as long as you link back here and write a comment you are good to go.

The prize this week? a 10 amazon gift card. I can send it right to your email address which I LOVE. Or a target gift card in the mail, which is slower. TREASURY CHALLENGES GO FROM SUNDAY TO SUNDAY from now on. You have a week, please spread the word.

Spiritual Thought on Work

2010-07-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a spiritual thought from President Uchtdorf:

“I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. … I am optimistic about the future. For our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God.

“The Lord doesn’t expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn’t (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can — that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be.”

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Work, Learn, and Love,” New Era, Nov. 2009, 5

Giveaway Saturday: Just Enough Style

2010-07-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

This week's giveaway comes from our fantastic member JustEnoughStyle
I want to win.
You can win any pair of her stud earrings from her shop. I love these flower ones.
I really think you can never have too much jewelry. She has offered to give away a beautiful pair of stud earrings of your choice!
Thanks so much-

THE RULES:

BUY IT- go to her etsy shop to support her.

WIN IT!- there are a few simple steps to entering this great giveaway.

Leave a comment with you favorite item from her shop (this is required)

EXTRA ENTRIES

Follow our blog and leave a comment that you do (with google friend connect- if you already follow the blog you can leave a comment saying you already do. and you are awesome.)
Follow justenoughstyle.blogspot.com and leave a comment that you do.
Buy something From Just Enough Style's store and leave a comment here.(3 entries)
Follow LDS ETSY on Facebook and leave a comment here.

Don't forget to leave a seperate comment for each of the above steps. Thanks and good luck!

Our Fantastic Members: Congratulations FloresDelSol

2010-07-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

One of our fantastic members was featured in an Etsy article today about handmade weddings. Floresdelsol lives in New Jersey and her blog inspired me to make more beautiful planters for my front yard.
Check out the Article about handmade weddings HERE.
You can get these beautiful craspedia flowers in her etsy shop HERE.

Congratulations!

Month Challenge

2010-07-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little month Challenge on my blog and I thought I should have one for the LDS Etsy team. actually I think we should all participate in more challenges. If members are having challenges on their blogs, let me know and I will post about them here.
Here is the entry about entering the Month Challenge on the Claireandjanae blog:
you should enter there because you can win things, which is AWESOME.

The MONTH CHALLENGE: I CAN MAKE IT!

>> Thursday, July 22, 2010

Here you can enter the official Month Challenge with Claireandjanae. Do you make things? Do you want to make things? This month we are hosting a month challenge where you make one thing every day. Maybe you sew an apron or make some custom drapes. Maybe you do an illustration, or make a beautiful necklace. For the next 30 days make a consecutive item and you will be entered to win a gift card to Amazon.com

YOU HAVE 14 days to sign up for the month challenge- just leave a comment on this post. In you want you can comment on my daily posts with pictures of your items, or a link to your etsy shop or flikr or whatever. I want to see pictures!

want to donate a prize? contact me!

Making things every day has been interesting so far. It has only been six days. I always feel like I have so many projects- home, church, and I don't always make things for Etsy or for my kids. I was looking at my stack of fabric and it is a bit overwhelming. I thought one item a day would be more manageable, and so far it is going well. I even made an item while I had the flu last week. It was simple, but I couldn't just quit! Every night I make the item and then in the morning I snap a few pictures with my daughter during babies nap time and post what I made.

I am still hoping to make a few quilts this month- I thought if I just did a little at a time I could finish them.

Of course my sister in law asked if making food counts- yes it does, especially if it is a dessert and you shared it with people you love.

What did you make today? enter the challenge today!

Monday Treasures

2010-07-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Whenever I hear, the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.

He gave my my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently
For all his creations of which I'm a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Children's Songbook, #228

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Navy Petal Flower at BabyByBrooke
Orange and Tangerine double rosette headband at Miss Marci Designs
Behind the Waterfall at Katria's Creations
Colorful Butterfly at Beans Things
I am a Child of God Vinyl Wall Art Decal at Kids Corner
Shelly/Sheldon Turtle Pillow Toy at Kid Giddy
Decorative Pillow Covers - Carnaby Street in Red at The Pillow Barn
Dance Away the Blues Earrings at AmbreRose
Unstable an Original Painting at Art by Bryan Zingmark
Tangerine Happy Bobby Pins at ShelleAnne's Splendor
Mary Jane Baby Slippers - White with Turquoise Flower at Sweet Melly Jane
Black Eyed Susan Seeds in Autumn Colors at flowersforusall
Lonely Girl Necklace Pendant at Sleepy Dreamer
Forest Fun In Wonderland Reversible Pinafore at Twigs
8 x 10 Count Your Blessings Warm at Persimmon&Pink
RUSTIC ROSE - Porcelain Ceramic Cuff Links at GemmaBeads
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week I picked beautifully represented items. Keep up the good work!

**Add the "LDS Team" tag to your items to help be included in team treasuries!**

Spotlight Sunday: KaceFace

2010-07-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

word Garden 2

a happy bright studio

How did you get started on etsy?

I had been making purchases on etsy since 2008, but never thought I'd be a seller. In 2009, I decided to quit my day job and open my art shop KaceyKendrickWagner where I sell various sundry doodles and collages. In February of this year, I started sewing and making my own hair clips and headbands. I was reluctant to attempt sell hair accessories since it's such a saturated market, but with some encouragement from my husband, I opened Kaceface Sewing & Accessories. (Turns out he was right...I sold my first 2 items within 10 minutes of setting up shop!)

Tell us a bit about yourself....

I am a 26-year-old "stay-at-home artist." I earned a BA in Art Education from BYU and taught public high school for three years. I married my favorite guy in 2008 and quit teaching shortly thereafter so I could stay home to create, teach private art lessons to little kiddos, and take care of the house.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I'm a big reader. I looooove books and hope to have a library in my home one day. I also enjoy trying new recipes, blogging, watching BYU basketball, and spending quality time with the hubby.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I've always been good at drawing. In fact, I think I got my start as a preschooler doodling all over my dad's legal pads during sacrament meeting! My parents and teachers really encouraged me to develop my talent and I ended up studying art in college. Since I've been married, that artistic talent has morphed into all kinds of crafting as well.

Describe your creative process.

I make what I like...which is always changing! It can be detrimental--my art shop is SO random--but I try to stay really true to who I am. All of the hair accessories I make are something I would totally wear myself. I generally start with a color or print or shape I find interesting and run with it. I don't plan my designs ahead of time, they just come together as I go.

What handmade possession to you cherish most?

Hmm...I have a quilt my mom made us for our wedding. She spent over 200 hours on it. I also pieced my first quilt top a few months ago...I'm pretty proud of it!

How do I promote my work?

Blogging, posting pics on facebook, wearing it, doing giveaways, etc.

Top 5 books, movies, musicians, and websites.

I don't know if these are top 5, but here are a few favorites...

Books--
Anne of Green Gables series
Harry Potter series
The Poisonwood Bible
The Grapes of Wrath
Agatha Christie mysteries

Music--
Taylor Swift
old school Goo Goo Dolls
Carrie Underwood
songs from Glee
Wicked soundtrack

Movies--
Big Fish
Emperor's New Groove
P.S. I Love You
Notting Hill
Alice in Wonderland

Websites--
Facebook
Goodreads
All kinds of blogs...

How does your faith influence your work?

Pres. Uchtdorf's talk "Happiness: Your Heritage" is one of my all time favorites. He talks about how we all have the power of creativity and reminds us that the things we create don't have to be perfect. It inspires me and keeps me from getting discouraged even if things aren't selling. Creating things makes me happy and brings me closer to Heavenly Father.

Where do I want to be in 10 years?

I want to be a mother more than anything!

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite clip and headband sold last week (which is always exciting but a little sad too!) so my new favorite is the little girl's purple/black rosette headband. If I had a daughter I would have kept it for her! Haha.

Top 5 shops on etsy.

I don't have steady favorites, I like to scout out different shops. (I'm always looking for good deals on fabric if you know of any!)

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

When I was teaching, school consumed my life. I never made time to just sit down and draw or paint or anything. Now I have a million projects going on at once and I create literally everyday, either for etsy or for myself. It makes me happy and keeps me sane.

shops: kaceface, KaceyKendrickWagner
blog: kaceykendrick.blogspot.com
email: kaceykendrickwagner@gmail.com

Winner:

2010-07-19T12:07:00.001-07:00

AnnaVirginia asked me when we would post a winner. I apologize! Here we are: and we will return to our regularly scheduled giveaways this Saturday I promise!

Kelly@seeitandmakeit!, June 29, 2010 7:57 AM: My favorite favorite is the HOBO bag, but I also LOVE all her flowers, but the baby shoes are so cute too! It is very hard to pick just one. I love her shop, and she is a doll!

kellycrunner@hotmail.com

Monday Treasures

2010-07-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Little Wonders

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

~Rob Thomas

The Chunky Chain Me Up by Zig-Zags
White Fringe Crocheted Cuff Bobby Sock by Slade Made
Baby Sleeping Sign by Sweet Melly Jane
Custom Photo Celebration Invitation by Sugarhouse Ink
For You ACEO by Oh Hello, Dear
Heart of Brass by SylvieGirl2
Girl's Flowered Headband by Yours Truly Dear
Baby Cocoon Knitting Pattern by Yarnlovertn
25 Vintage Scrabble Tiles by Sweet Old Stuff
Hot Air Balloon Necklace Pendant by Sleepy Dreamer
Pretty Lady by Time Captured
The Hamptons by Lush Boutique
Beanie with Huge Carnation by SchierKnits
In a Nutshell Wreath by The Chic-Adee Shop
1970s Vintage Off White Gunne Sax Maxi Dress by Sassy Sister Vintage
Creative Cards - Set of 4 Stamped Birthday Cards by Cute N Creative

Giveaway on Dandelion Wishes

2010-07-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the giveaway Dandelion Wishes is hosting for our team member Kelly Kruner
Enter by clicking HERE
I quoted the giveaway but you can't leave comments here- go to Dandelion Wishes.

seriously, stop...I know she is stinking CUTE, but the point of posting this picture is to show you the super adorable headband I am wearing...don't you love it?

You want one of your own huh?

How about this one? Cute right? It's called The Alice Beautiful Garden Colors

It was created by Kelly from the Etsy shop The Pink Elephant Shopby kellycrunner.

So let me tell you how you can win THIS adorable headband AND choose a pair of earrings from The Pink Elephant Shopby kellycrunner. ANY pair...suhweet right?!

Mandatory Entry:

visit The Pink Elephant Shopby kellycrunner take a look around and come back and tell me what you fell in love with.

Extra Entries

(leave ONE comment for each one you do, I will do the math)

1 Follow ME

1 Follow Kelly on her blog See It and Make It!

2 become a fan of Dandelion Wishes on Facebook

2 become a fan of The Pink Elephant Shop on Facebook

2 become a follower of LDS Etsy Team

1o entries for creating a post on your blog about the giveaway

(be sure to add my cute button and link The Pink Elephant Shopby kellycrunner to your post)

So there ya go...lots of ways to build up those entries and WIN a darling headband AND a pair of cute earrings of your choosing.

Contest ends Saturday July 24 Winner Announced July 29

Spotlight Sunday: Persimmon and Pink

2010-07-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Lds Etsy sellers is Persimmon and Pink LOVE her shop. now we can get to know her a little better.

http://persimmonandpink.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/persimmonandpink

I can be contacted at hello@persimmonandpink.com

The Interview: Persimmon and Pink

How did you get started on Etsy?

It seemed all the world was a buzz about Etsy so I checked it out. I thought it was a wonderful resource for selling handmade items and thought I would give it a go. I made these embellished kid hoodies and listed two of them. They never sold. I finally unlisted them and then used them for my own daughter. So was it the best intro to Etsy success? No. But I after feeling a bit sad and embarrassed I got over it and gave it another try.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a thirty-two year old woman, wife and mother. I have red hair, but my natural color is a beautiful mousey brown. I use the red to amp it up as well as cover my lovely patch of early grays. When I'm not mothering and taking care of my home I love to read and create.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

As seen above, I am a mom. Creating (and surviving) an entertaining day with two young children is a success in itself and by the end of the day I'm wiped! Sometimes I work for a bit in the evenings but often I relax with some lovely TV with my husband after the little ones are in bed.

What first made you want to become an artist?

As a child I loved to draw and create and did well in art classes. It wasn't until I'd bombed out of Chemistry in college and realized that being a nutritionist wasn't going to work for me that I thought I'd turn to my backup—an artist!

Please describe your creative process.

Usually I get an idea in my mind of something that I want for myself or something that I think would just be cool. I stew on it for a while thinking of how I want it to look in style, color and typography and then finally I get it created. I often am harboring ideas for a good six months before they ever are made a reality.

Also, I would be a real low person if I didn't mention my amazing husband Marc who is a big part of my success. My computer skills are abysmal and I'm lucky to be married to a graphic designer and techie. Part of the design process is refining it in my mind or through sketches and then sweet talking my husband into sitting down with me for an hour (or four) until we have the design just so. I tell him the font I want, colors, where I want things moved, move things back, etc. He is so great to be humble to just be there for me and follow my vision. He is my creative partner.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I try not to get too attached to things because with small children everything is bound to get dinged, scratched, chipped, busted, stained and flat out ruined. One thing that came to mind are the quilts I made for my children. Many hours went into them and they were made while waiting for my children to join our family. I suppose a lot of hopes and dreams were stitched into them as well.

How do you promote your work?
I wouldn't consider myself a natural business woman and don't think I do the best job at promoting my work. I do have a few blogs that I pay for sponsorship on and host giveaways on other's blogs occasionally.
Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
Books:
• The Good Earth
• The Seamstress (my most recent read)
• Scriptures (Bible/Book of Mormon)
• Summer of the Monkeys
• Sense & Sensibility
Movies:
• Danny Deckchair
• Pride & Prejudice
• The Road Home
• Matilda
• The Bourne Identity
Music
• She & Him
• Neil Diamond
• Adele
• Beyonce
• Corrine Bailey Rae
Websites:
• http://www.designmom.com/
• http://smittenkitchen.com/
• http://pretavoyager.blogspot.com/
• http://www.purlbee.com/
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/
(I don't want to admit to people.com and justjared.com)

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

The whole reason that I started making prints with religious and upbeat sayings was because I felt guilty. Besides a print of Christ hanging in a hallway I had no religious artwork in my home. If someone was to walk into my home could they tell my love of Christ and His teachings? Were my children seeing images of the temple? Where were the little reminders to help renew my faith? While such products existed they did not fit my personal style and decor, so I made my own.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Don't be afraid to try, don't be afraid to fail. Just give things a go. Doesn't sell? Switch up your prices or make something else. And above all to be original in your work.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I'd like to have another child or two and be done building my family and onto the adventure of growing old together. I would like to get back into doing some fine art. I have all these blank canvases stashed away that I'd love to work on. I hope to have gone to India by then, to not have excessive wrinkles—just an age appropriate amount. Still very in love with my husband and hopefully not still making the same old things for dinner. I better have some new stuff in rotation by then.

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My favorite is the 'Love One Another' print in green. They don't sell as well as my other designs but if I and everyone else would just try harder to do this, our relationships within our families and the world over would be better. Plus I love the Archer font and am a sucker for a map.

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

There are loads, but here are a few:
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/NoteTrunk
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/evelynkate
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/dutchdoor
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabricbee
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/sundropclips

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

It has made me feel successful in a way I never anticipated. I never thought I'd run a small business like this. It's such an honor that people choose to have my designs in their homes—to spend their hard earned money on my work. Its something I'm very grateful for.

I was also contacted through my little 'ol Etsy account by a major gift company to design a line for them that I'm just finishing up. Being creative and selling your work requires you to really put yourself out there, and that can be scary, but also very rewarding as well.

How-To Wednesday

2010-07-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Archipelago by GemmaBeads

I've been keepin my eye open for more photo hints - many of us have various types of products, so this suggestion is for smaller items. I believe, however, that these ideas can be applied to bigger items (like a full woman's outfit, etc). But it is catered to work for smaller objects. So pay attention, because this advice is great for:~Jewelry
~Purses/Bags (handbags, pencil pouches, wristlets)
~Small articles of clothing (baby clothes, shoes, gloves)~Small objects (camera, stuffed animal, seashells)~Soap, candles~Accesories (watches, headbands, hair flowers)and the list goes on. I think this advice works for most of our shops, and can be helpful for many of our items. I'm thinking about going out and buying and Ott Bulb!!
Here are some hints from Bomobob on taking photos indoors. Especially when the weather outside isn't condusive to photographing! You can find the full forum entry here. I'll quote and include some of his photos, but I'd also recommend reading his words!
He says rather than buying a "Lightbox," a

"piece of cardboard and light bulb have always served me just fine. Here’s what I call my 50 cent lightbox:"

Doesn't look too expensive... Just a nice piece of poster board or cardstock. He tapes it to the wall and the floor to hold it in place. He said that the weather was dreary outside; making it perfect for his makeshift Lightbox.

Next, he says,

"Yup, a sheet of Bristol board taped to the floor and wall. And today was a perfect day to demonstrate; cold, cloudy, blustery, and quite dark. What you see there is what you get. Not very good light. Big deal.
"Enter the light bulb, or to be precise, the Ott bulb. These are cheap, easily available at hardware stores, and the best lighting invention since sliced bread. Even better in fact, since sliced bread has very little to do with photography. Take one table lamp, remove shade, screw in Ott bulb, and put on stairs. What a difference!"

He also compensated for the darkness by changing the F-stop exposure on his camera. If you don't know how to this on your camera, you can take care of it after the fact, in a Photo Editor, like Google's Picasa (which is free - so affordable!), or Adobe Photoshop. **In Picasa, you would adjust the light-exposure by clicking on the Tuning tab, and increasing Fill Light and Highlights.**

Here's a sample of how he used his easy-peasy light box:

Isn't that camera look stunning? On this photo, he used the Macro setting, which looks like a flower. Here's someone's close-up of their macro button on their camera:Macro allows your camera to focus up-close and to allow the background to blur a little. You can increase the amount of blur in your photo editor. ** In Picasa, you can select Soft Focus under the Effects tab. It's not the most fancy way to blur out the background, but for some pictures it's the perfect touch.**

Another Etsy Storque article (part 2 of the article I shared last week, I believe), shows some great images that may inspire you on new, exciting ways to present your items. Remember to avoid using flash, as Janae said, using flash is a great way to murder your photos.

Here are some more great ones from our own team! Thanks for presenting your images so beautifully! These are the kinds of photos that work for Etsy's Treasuries and Front Page and Storque articles:

Honeyed Tones by Flores Del Sol

Petal Pop (Black) by Home Studio

Pink/Green Paisley Ribbon Headband by Kace Face

Royal Purple Bobbies by ShellAnne's Splendor

The Amy Reversible Tote Bag by Kid Giddy

Monday Treasures

2010-07-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

Did you think to pray?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.

---------------------------------------------------

Avila Beach at Cherry Blossoms

The AMY Reversible Tote Bag at Kid Giddy

ANTIQUE LOVER at GemmaBeads

Did You Think To Pray on Charcoal at Persimmon&Pink

Button clips-Gwen at The Pink Elephant Shop

70's tastic tie dye peace shirt at Claire & Me

Famous Hokusai Illustration Giant Wave of Kanagowa at LoveElizabeth

Triple Flower Applique at SchiersKnits

The Ice Queen at Lush Boutique

Salt Lake Temple at Time Captured

Stems and Sunny Daisies Reversible Pinafore at Twigs Boutique

Shiny Black Classic Bowl at Magnolia Pottery

Zebra flower fat clippy at Hadlies Headbands

Something Blue Bobbies at ShelleAnne's Splendor

Cuff Bracelet Sterling Silver at Rio Fire

Petite craspedia cluster at Flores Del Sol

---------------------------------------------------

**Please add the LDS Team tag to your items so that they can be found to be included in Monday Treasures!**

Spotlight Sunday: Melissa of The ChickadeeShop

2010-07-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

I love the chickadeeshop- she has great pictures and I've just looked at her blog. It is distracting- so go check it out and be prepared not to get anything done for a while.

http://www.thechicadeeshop.etsy.com
http://www.ourhappenstance.blogspot.com

email: metillieclark@gmail.com

Melissa Clark

My Etsy shop was about 2 years in the making. I had been mulling over scared feelings of opening a shop and finally after a long time I realized I haven’t really got anything to loose so I went for it. Oh boy and it has gone so well for me from the get go!

I am 25 years old and was born into a family strong in the gospel. I got married in the Salt Lake City Temple to Brian Clark when I was 18 years old. Ahhh! I know, 18! But you know what? It has been 7 wonderful years and we have 2 beautiful energetic boys. Ethan is 4 and Jackson is 2.
I have always been an artist. I have studied dance since I was 12 and had the opportunity to study in NYC which was my dream. I have also had some of my paintings featured in the DC Capitol, traveling showcases, and local art galleries. I was Sterling Scholar in Art at my high school and received a scholarship in modern dance at the University of Utah. I quit dancing when I had Ethan and have had the wonderful opportunity to stay at home with my children. Currently I run my Etsy shop and am helping my husband through Graphic Design School at the Uof U. It’s a charmed life and I love it!

The spark of artistry runs through my veins. My father is the Art Director of Deseret Book. So pretty much any book you buy from there he has overseen. So I get the wonderful opportunity every now and then to do a freelance job for them, and my book covers are sold world wide even though they are very few. :) I have always had a sketch book in my pocket and when I head out into the world I always view things, people, and places as inspiration.

My creative process for my wreaths is most inspired by magazines I look through. I like to find rooms that are designed well and then I create a wreath to go into that room. But sometimes I see a cupcake, dress, or a painting and the colors, patterns, and decoration get my brain moving and I pump out at least 20 designs a day into my sketch book. As far as actually creating them takes me a while because of budget and my helpful children. :)

I most cherish my wedding quilt. My mother is a very talented quilter and the shop she works in and her recent quilts were just featured in The Quilting Magazine. My wedding quilt was her first quilt she ever made. We didn’t know anything about batting and we doubled the batting and her hand stitches are about 1” wide. Ha ha ha! We have a good laugh about it every now and then. But every stitch was made with love (and maybe a little anger ha ha!) But it is beautiful antique reds and creams. It completes my room and reminds me of a mother’s love.

As far as promoting goes, I haven’t really dove in head first. Just merely dipped my toes in. I am currently working on fliers to send out locally but as far as online it has been word of mouth, I have created lasting friendships in loyal customers, and I have had a handful of wreaths featured on Etsy’s from page. I think it helps though to renew a listing or a handful of listings every day. I also find that the more product I have the more views I get.

My very favorite 5 movies are Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow, Charade with Audrey Hepburn, The Secret Life of Bees, National Treasure, and the 1945 version of State Fair. My favorite 5 books are The Secret Life of Bees, The Book of Mormon, Cold Sassy Tree, The Awakening, and Garlic and Sapphires. My favorite 5 songs are Til Kingdom Come by Coldplay. Love in a Home by Doris Day, 1234 by Feist, The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert, and all the Hymns! :)

I find that my faith shines through me as I converse with people from all over the world form every kind of religion. If I make sure to emanate Christ’s love in everything I do I know somewhere out there I will touch a life and change a heart.

If I gave advice to new artists on Etsy I would say patience is a virtue. It took me a while to get featured and noticed. I also just put myself out there and made friends on Etsy that I keep in touch with, I also made sure to take the time to make my messages meaningful and cheerful. I spend a lot of time putting my heart into what I do so that when people see my art they smile and say, now that is different and I like it. Make sure to research, I researched wreaths to see what was selling out there, what wasn’t, and what my competition is. I noticed pretty much all wreaths have the same thing on it. So I challenged myself to create wreaths with items on them that no other wreaths have. Also if you are new you can experiment. Right now I am experimenting with a high price and so far I have had one sale with listing the price high for only a week. So take risks while you are new. Most of all value the people you meet through Etsy.

In 10 years I want to have graduated from Design School, have built my own home, and hopefully be in the process of having my own design show or have my design articles in magazines. I know, big goals but I am not afraid of anything, even failure.

My favorite wreath is The Old Fashion Christmas Wreath http://www.etsy.com/listing/33739810/old-fashion-christmas-wreath
It is me through and through!

These are my top favorite shops on Etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/myfavoritevintage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bonzie
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NutmegsDesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AForestFrolic
http://www.etsy.com/shop/phippsart
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Harem6
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewlswashere

Selling on Etsy has brought up my confidence to a level of dangerous measures. :) I realize that the skies the limit. There is nothing I can’t achieve with confidence. Also, I have connected with people who will influence me for good for the rest of my life. It has opened doors for me to a new world of friendship. I have loved every outcome since joining Etsy and I am truly grateful for listening to that gut feelilng.

ClaireandJanae's Treasury Challenge

2010-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Treasury Challenge on my shop blog? A Team member is featured this week and you should all enter! Go Here to post your entry.

I quoted the post but you have to post here.

Treasury Challenge Week 8

I have been so excited about the treasury challenges on etsy lately. This is our 8th week picking a challenge and people are really talented! I feel like i am getting better at making treasuries just being involved. I like to mix up how I pick the winners- sometimes others vote, sometimes I pick, last week I asked the person featured to pick a winner. As always if you get featured on the front page you automatically get a prize.

Here is the Item this week.

This week The treasury item is from Shelleanne's shop. She is actually my sister but she is also the person who introduced me to etsy. I can't believe I had never heard of it and she showed me how to set up the shops and even featured me in a treasury that got on the front page. My big sister has always helped me out. She doesn't tell many people on etsy this but she actually has some health problems and has had multiple brain surgeries in addition to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It affects her ability to work but she always has great ideas for making things.

Rachelle makes hair pins and I am probably her number one customer. I just like having a little color- especially since the great debacle where I decided I should get bangs. Big mistake.
You can follow her on twitter : http://twitter.com/ShelleAnne
I love her new hair pins.

first off, please follow my shop blog. now for the official rules:

Go to the Treasury page of Etsy HERE and make a treasury with ANYTHING, as long as the Mermaid Antique Brass hair pins are included in the first three rows of the treasury.
Put "Treasury Challenge" somewhere in the title of the treasury.
Link Back to this blog post- that way people can find the challenges and you can get credit for referring them!
Tag your treasury "treasury challenge"
COMMENT with your link to the treasury- BUT YOU HAVE TO COMMENT HERE.
Please refer people- tell them to say you sent them. If the winner mentions your name you will also get a the same prize they do.

Notes-

I am super excited to see what people will come up with. I contact the winner through etsy. Sometimes I am slow. It can take up to four days after I post the winner to contact you- what can I say, my kiddos are crazy right now. If you see that you have one sent me a convo with your address and I will send you a prize.

if your treasury makes front page you win a ten dollar gift card in addition to other prizes from this competition.

MULTIPLE TREASURIES ARE ALLOWED. and encouraged. You can feature this item to your hearts content.
if the item sells out just pick a different item from the shop- as long as you link back here and write a comment you are good to go.

The prize this week? a 20 dollar Amazon Gift Card. I can send it right to your email address which I LOVE. Or a target gift card in the mail, which is slower.

Facebook Favorites

2010-07-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Team!
For those of you who are on (or thinking about joining) Facebook:

Facebook has updated the way that you Add a Page to Your Page's Favorites! I wrote them an email, requesting a change, and although they didn't do what I had in mind, it's still better than the way it was!
Now, go to a page that you already LIKE. Underneath the Profile Pic there is a link that says: "Add to My Page's Favorites." Click the link, and ta-da! it's in your faves. So simple!

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I suggest that we each add LDS Etsy Members to your page's favorites. I'd also like to see us link to each other that way as well! Start by adding the pages that are easy to find right there on our wall, and then we'll be adding team member's pages to this page's faves. Then go through the list and add them to your own!

Let me know if you have any questions!
~Anna
http://www.annavirginia.moonfruit.com

Photography Ideas: Use a Model

2010-07-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things to do is get good photos. People are actually buying your photo since that is all they see. I love the photos from DollfaceDeville's shop. How could you do that? Just get some good looking friend and take a photo against a white wall in your house. Of course you would have to do it in GREAT lighting. I feel like if you really want to murder your photos take them with a flash. Death to all product photos!

there is something awesome about this photo and it makes you want the scarf more.
I wonder if they are also selling this girls hair, which I love. Will I look like that? GardenofWhimsy has a great looking shop- the colors are consistent and the background is simple-a beautiful baby or model will help sell your product.
which is why I always use my nephew when I can. I love my baby but WHAT AN ADORABLE KID.

Photo Focus

2010-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

How is the best way to use your 5 photos-per-item in your Etsy shop?

Focus your first picture on the item itself, or (depending on the type of item) get a close-up on a detail of the item. Etsy's administrative team, buyers, and sellers love for this picture to be stunning, ethereal, and compelling.

The Koi by Lush Boutique

Multi Colored Tutu from Slade Made

The easiest way to get good lighting on a tight budget or limited resources is to be out on a sunny day. However, having the item in direct sunlight will over-expose its color, so find a spot with sufficient light, but in the shade. I don't recommend the shade of a tree, though, because trees let little bits of sunshine through that make it hard for a camera to focus. Just find a spot outdoors in shade and click-away!

If you are running into the problem of cloudy days, rainy days, etc., Etsy has suggestions on taking photos in other conditions here (“I prefer to photograph outside, but it’s often too dark or raining. Help!” Low-light or dull days don’t have to equal dull photographs. Excellent photography doesn't have to be bright.).

The rest of your photos should show some detail, such as (depending on your type of product):
~Size
~Proportion
~Suggestions for use
~Customizing ideas or options
~Other angles or views (ie: inside of a purse)

The Princeto n by Cherry Blossoms

Red Vine Utensil Holder by Magnolia Pottery

Golden Yellow Zinnia Gemston Flower by Shmanessa8 Flowers

Aqua Blue Dahlia Surgical Steel Stud Earrings by Just Enough Style

Classic Black Vintage 1960s Leather Mary Jane Pumps Heels Shoes 8 from Sassy Sister Vintage

Depending on the item, you may have a few picture slots leftover. At this point, it's customary to use a Team Badge. Members of the LDS Members of Etsy have a Team Badge, which can be copied from the image below. Save it to your hard drive and upload it to your pictures. It a great way to network, advertise your fellow team members, and/or just show that you're involve in Etsy communities.

Treasury Themes: July

2010-07-06T09:59:00.001-07:00

Did you know Etsy has a forum thread about nominating treasuries? What a great idea. For July there are already hundreds of suggestions. Mary the admin started the thread and you can find it by clicking HERE.
They also have Merchandising Trends for July.
Want to be on the Front Page? Read the Post about what they want for July!

from their post:

Fourth of July: Emphasis will be on red, white, and blue color combinations, primitive, folk, vintage, stripped down accents and Americana decor.
Fashion: References to Americana, stripes, seersucker, nautical, preppy, and classic styles return with the Fourth of July. Look for fabric, beaded, sequined, and appliqued embellishments picking up steam this summer. Grecian styles, empire waists, tunics, asymmetrical and A-line cuts are trending.
Twilight Eclipse Movie Premiere: With the recent June 30th release of the latest in the Twilight series we expect to see a resurgence in themes surrounding vampires, werewolves, dark and forbidden love stories, legends, and supernatural subject matter.
The World in Sports: The World Cup in South Africa and the Tour de France means soccer (a.k.a. football), biking, racing, competition, international themes, and team colors will be trending globally.
Geekery and Gaming: Options for gadget lovers and those who love to stay indoors during the summer months. Docks and docking stations, cases, sleeves, gadgets, cozies, computer and office accessories, technical gear, bags, carriers, and essentials.
Halloween Preview: I know it sounds early, but Halloween references, specifically in costuming and decor, begin trending in mid-July. Channel celebrity references, clever baby and toddler get-ups, haunted houses and vintage harvest nostalgia.
Weekend at the River House: Camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and outdoor excursions. Think vintage retro accessories mixed with modern gear and essentials.
The County Fair: Circus and carnival themes, sideshow wonders, bright colors and foods.
Alfresco Living and Home: Industrial vintage and reproduction furniture, decor, and interiors. Think farmhouse, countryside, the French flea market and galvanized metal, as well as ,arket baskets and totes, bikes and bike imagery, picnics and flea market finds, and components to create "the outdoor room."
Personalization: Custom names, initials, monograms, quotes, phrases, fingerprints, and numbers.
Natural History: Nature, taxidermy, raw minerals and stones, feathers, foliage, claws, charts, diagrams, bones, antlers, and species.
Color Trends: Combinations of metallic with neutrals; reds, whites and blues; citruses (lime, lemon, grapefruit, blood orange, tangerine); robin's egg blues, sepia tones and tea stains. Patterns in seersucker, stripes, gingham, and houndstooth will also be trending.

If you'd like to stay engaged and involved with the approaching merchandising themes, use them in your own artistic voice as you add to your shop. This can be translated in your listings, photos, shop announcements, descriptions, tags, titles, sales promotions and more. We're excited to see your creative interpretations!

Monday Treasures

2010-07-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Clean

I want my life to be as clean as Earth right after Rain,

I want to be the best I can, and live with God again.

Beautiful Color Panorama from Light to the World

Rain, Rain Go Away from Kacey Kendrick Wagner

Flowers for your day Wedding Hair Bobbies from ShelleAnne's Splendor

Laundry room loads of fun from JK Vinyl Designs

Together We Have it All Tile from Bow Peep Creations

Stenciled Flour Sack Towel- Yellow flowers from Sweet Melly Jane

Lakeside Hand Crafted Cold Process Soap from Where Water Comes Down

Green Peace Serving Bowl with Stars from Magnolia Pottery

Take Your Favorite from Oh Hello, Dear

See a Rainbow Wood and Metal plaque from For All Seasons

Baby Washies Set of 4 Washcloths from Claire & Me

Lilies of Tranquility from Katria's Creations

Bridal rosette white hair comb from Miss Marci Designs

Scrabble Tile Pendant - CTR SHIELD (White on Pink) from HomeStudio

Niagara Falls in the Night from Time Captured

Small Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings from CraftyJules

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Don't forget to add the LDS Team tag to your items

Also, please add your Etsy Mini to our Etsy Mini a Thon

Spotlight Sunday: Megan Kunz

2010-07-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite LDS etsy shops is from Megan Kunz. I love her pictures of the temples.

Facebook account: Light to the World LDS Temple Photography
Etsy: lighttotheworld.etsy.com
BLOGS: megankunzphotography.blogspot.com (not purely temple photography)

Questions:

How did you get started on Etsy?

It might sound a bit cheesy, but I got started on Etsy because I was tired of going into LDS bookstores and seeing temple prints on sale for $400. I certainly don’t have that kind of money (although I can dream haha) and I think a lot of others are in the same boat so I wanted to use my talents to provide an alternative to uber-expensive temple photos.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Megan Kunz. I am a married mother of one and I have been LDS all my life. My roots are in Colorado , but a certain large LDS university brought me out to Utah and after about 5 years here my husband, daughter and I will be moving to Texas so my husband can complete his PhD in physics. I started doing wedding and family photography about 2 years ago and just barely began doing temple photography a few months ago. I think I’ll use my new venture as an excuse to travel the globe… gotta get all those temple pictures;)

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Right now my world is run by my baby girl!:) I love being a mom so no complaints here though. I also love to travel, I attempt to cook and I am still finishing my college degree… slowly but surely.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I have always looked at life through a lens. I frame scenes up in my mind everywhere I go. My husband decided to surprise me one day with a new camera and things just sort of progressed from there!

How do you promote your work?

I have a Facebook account and I have a blog. The blog is more of a family/wedding photography centered blog, but I do post my temple photos there as well.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Ok I can’t think a top five for each of these, but a few that come to mind are: moo.com (awesome business cards), mytartlette.com (I can never make her recipes work for me but they always look amazing), The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (I can only think of children’s books right now and my baby reminds me very much of the hungry caterpillar!) and my favorite movies that have just come out would be The Blind Side and Sherlock Holmes.

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

Well my work on Etsy is all about LDS temples! I love having the opportunity to see so many temples and feel the spirit there. I have always wanted to do something good with my talents and I feel like temple photography is one way that I can share the beauty of temples with the world.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Spend a little time in the forums… it gets people to at least look at your shop and you’ll get lots of good advice. Find your ideal market and do all you can to advertise for free!

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My favorite item from my shop is the Spires Upward print. I love the vintage feel and I think it’s a unique look for the Salt Lake temple:

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

Five favorites? It’s hard to narrow it down but I think these would have to be the winners:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elephannie

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBobbinsNest

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nextdoortoheaven

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GalerieAnais

http://www.etsy.com/shop/flowersbybluebird

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

My family’s budget will be tight to say the least as my husband goes through grad school so I feel like photography is a blessing to us in that I can be home with my baby but still help out a bit with the finances. My eyes have been opened to all the amazing artists out there and I spend waaay too much time browsing through all the fun things on Etsy!

Thanks!

Megan Kunz

Photograph Pointers

2010-07-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

An email with articles was sent to me from Etsy today - It has *GREAT* advice on getting the best image across for your items' photos. Click Here to see what it says.

First, a few things from me: Photographing can be a daunting task, especially when we know that the photos have a huge influence on whether a potential customer checks out the item, or even decides to buy it. Images speak louder than words; that makes them even more important than a well written description to get someone to "enter the door" to your shop. No pressure!! :P

On Etsy (or any other online shop, for that matter) image is a small thumbnail mixed with many other images. You definitely want your image to stand out! Remember, not everything needs to be show in the first picture - it just needs to be enough to get them into your shop. You have 4 other pictures to help give more detail if they are interested in a purchase!
Here are some of my favorite "awesome photos" (shown in thumbnail size) from our fellow team members! I'll tell you why I like them:

Doodlebug - ePattern for a Portable Art Book from CopyCrafts shows the item at a cool angle. You can read Doodle really well and it just makes me want to see more.

25 Assorted Party Favors from CinderLisa Design are SO different from the background - the little books really pop! They look absolutely beautiful, they are very well presented.
Warm Surf by HolmesTP is incredible! I know he's closing his shop, but this guy presents his photos so well in a photo! It's cool that the item for sale is in color, and the rest is gray or bright white.

Red and Blue Butterfly on Writing for sale at My Daisy Dreams is in front of other items, but they aren't distracting. You're shown a beautiful butterfly, and it makes you want to see what's written behind it.

Lily - Felted Flower Bobby Pin by ShellAnne's Splendor is great! This tiny item is bright and colorful, which is great against the white background. A white background keeps it playful - if she'd chosen a black background, it would seem too serious, and anything with color or a pattern would have detracted from the flower itself.

Well, I hope that helps for those of you who have wanted some pointers of what works! Let me know if you have more questions, or want to get more advice on presenting your items in their best way!

Giveaway Saturday (or Monday) - ShopAnnaVirginia

2010-06-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Although it is two days late, this Giveaway is still awesome! It is brought to us by shopannavirginia. Here is a little about her from her shop announcement:

Experience and quality in all handmade products! I can do custom requests, so that your purchases are as unique as you! Convo me with any questions, modifications, or ideas.

See my portfolio and purchase crochet patterns at: http://www.annavirginia.moonfruit.com

"Like" shopAnnaVirginia on Facebook: http://facebook.com/annavirginia

She offers some very cute things in her shop and one of those things is her crocheted flowers for your hair. That is what she is offering to the winner.

BUY IT- go to her etsy shop to support her.

WIN IT!- there are a few simple steps to entering this great giveaway.

Leave a comment with your favorite item from her shop. (this is required)

EXTRA ENTRIES

Follow our blog and leave a comment that you do (with google friend connect- if you already follow the blog you can leave a comment saying you already do. and you are awesome.)
"Like" her on Facebook and leave a comment on it. Then come back and leave a comment here saying you "like" her.
Buy something From shopannavirginia's store and leave a comment here.
Follow LDS ETSY on Facebook and leave a comment here.

Don't forget to leave a seperate comment for each of the above steps. Thanks and good luck!

Monday Treasures

2010-06-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...
And I think to myself/ What a wonderful world

1. Knitted Baby Hammock Photo Prop from Jennifer's Junction
2. Pink and Blue Rosette Hair Clip from Flapper Fashions
3. 5X7 Count Your Blessings Multi from Persimmon & Pink
4. Glass Pendant from Art by Bryan Zingmark
5. The Carnival -- Multicolor Bead and Silver Chain Layering Necklace from Lush Boutique
6. Creative Cards - Flower Factory Friendship Card from Cute and Creative
7. Android Plush Doll - Rainbow Coalition Set (Army of 6) from Army of Android
8. MELON COOLER - Abstract Beaded Bracelet from Gemma Beads
9. Black Vintage Patent Leather Austrian Tassel Shoes from Sassy Sister Vintage
10. Apology Business Cards from Claire and Me Designs
11. BRIGHT Blue Necklace with Handmade Rosette Pin from Mary Poppins Presents
12. Creative Glass Techniques Fusing Painting Lampwork Book from Love Elizabeth
13. Purple, Green and Blue Fabric Bead Necklace from BellaCute
14. 25 Assorted Customizable Eco Friendly Wedding or Party Favors from CinderLisa Design
15. Vintage Green Old Covina Pot from Sweet Old Stuff
16. Oregon Trail Cookie Mix from Made With Love Oregon

**Don't forget to keep adding "LDS TEAM" as one of your 14 tags on each of your items. We'd love to be able to locate our team!**

Also, please add your Etsy Mini to our collection; follow this link (it has instructions): Etsy Mini-a-Thon.

Spotlight Sunday: Kellycrunner

2010-06-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

I love the Pink Elephant Shop from kellycrunner. She has such a great shop on Etsy- I love her photos and they are so colorful. I am really impressed with her etsy skills. It was hilarious when she sent me her photos and said "here is photo of me in my kitchen- oops, I mean studio" I love it.

Facebook- facebook page

Etsy shop- my etsy shop

Blogs- seeitandmakeit.blogspot.com and
theharkerasylum.blogspot.com

E-mail- kellycrunner@hotmail.com

How did you get started on etsy?

I like to make my own things. People would start to ask me where I got it, or do I sell it, or if not I should. In May of 2008 I discovered etsy after seeing Emily Martin on Martha Stewart. I finally set up shop in Jan. of 2010.

Tell us a bit about yourself....

I am 26 years old a wife and mother to 2 boys age 3 and 16 months. I love to run, watch movies, and I LOVE to listen to music. Music is what inspires my work. My voice box never fully developed and as a result my voice sounds like a child. And I have a crazy obsession for buttons.

Apart from creating thing, what do you do?

I am a mom and wife first. I am a crazy bargain shopper, which landed me the calling as the "Relief Society consumer specialist." I run when I can. I did a small voice over job for an animated educational series and would like to do more of that when the kids get a little older. I mostly just like to be with my family, I am very much a home body.

What first made you want to become an artist?

Well I have wanted to be an artist since I was in 2nd grade and I won an art contest. However I did not expect that I would develop into this type of art.

Describe your creative process.

I usually see fabric I love and then go home and play with it. I am also very inspired by music and films. Many times I will hear a cool song and then imagine a cool piece to match my interpretation of it.

What handmade possession to you cherish most?

That is a hard one. I would have to say it was this clay vase I made in ceramics when I was in 11th grade.

How do I promote my work?

Mostly by wearing it and people ask where I got it, also facebook, and blogger.
Top 5 books, movies, musicians, and websites.

This one is SO hard for me, so I am going to skip the websites so I can put more music and films.
Books:
The book of Mormon
Twilight
Eclipse
My name is Asher Lev

Movies:
The Life Aquatic
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Ponette
The Sound of Music
Cry Baby
Funny Face

Music:
Bjork
Tegan and Sara
Muse
Depeche Mode
Florence and the Machine
Thom York/Radiohead

How does your faith influence your work?

Knowing that Heavenly Father has given me this talent to share with others inspires me to practice daily. I am grateful everyday for it.

Where do I want to be in 10 years?

I really have not thought too much about that. I just take each day as it comes.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

Right now I am liking THE ALICE- DELICATE PINKS, AQUAS, AND CREAMS WITH A BIT OF LACE. It is very feminine and pretty.

Top 5 shops on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/makeitandloveit
http://www.etsy.com/shop/polarity
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple
http://www.etsy.com/shop/morbiddecor
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Deconstructress

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

I think it has forced me to keep up with my talents and push me to do and learn new things.

thanks for being part of the team!

Choose This Day

2010-06-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

"There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is “not this day.”

The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity.

Even the Savior, who was without sin, set an example of the need not to procrastinate. He said:

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

A morning prayer and an early search in the scriptures to know what we should do for the Lord can set the course of a day. We can know which task, of all those we might choose, matters most to God and therefore to us.

For most of us the temptation to delay will come from one or both of two feelings. They are polar opposites: one is to be complacent about what we have already done, and the other is to feel overwhelmed by the need to do more.

The temptation will be to believe that you will return to serve again, someday.

It is hard to know when we have done enough for the Atonement to change our natures and so qualify us for eternal life. And we don’t know how many days we will have to give the service necessary for that mighty change to come.

In the hardest trials, as long as you have the power to pray, you can ask a loving God: “Please let me serve, this day. It doesn’t matter to me how few things I may be able to do. Just let me know what I can do. I will obey this day. I know that I can, with Thy help.”

For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day.

The other promise I make to you is that by choosing to serve Him this day, you will feel His love and grow to love Him more.

You would not want to delay receiving that blessing. And feeling His love will draw you back to His service, wiping away both complacency and discouragement.

I know that Heavenly Father lives and answers our prayers. I know that Jesus is the living Christ, the Savior of the world, and that we can choose to feel joy and peace in His service this day." (“This Day” Elder Henry B. Eyring, April 2007 General Conference.)

A winner: Kreative Karen Designs

2010-06-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

thanks so much Kreative Karen Designs for sponsoring our giveaway. and the winner is... number 5

Kelly@seeitandmakeit!, June 20, 2010 2:06 PM: I LOVE that cupcake bib!

Ok she was also the spotlight person this week. good job Kelly.

Etsy Storque Feature!

2010-06-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

Hello LDS Team Members!

My shop was one of the many stores featured in the Storque today!

It's a great article on how to celebrate the Fourth of July this year! My Black, White and Red Piggy Peeps(TM) are considered Parade Wear!

Find the article here.

**If you're items are featured anywhere (treasuries, storque, someone's blog, front page), let us know, and we'll share the news!**

Treasury Initiative

2010-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Some team members have asked for tutorials and ideas about the team. I love this team- I was so excited that we were on the front page last week. and I curated the treasury :-) I thought we should all keep in mind the pointers etsy gives us for making a treasury.
I am still compiling the list of our members to use in treasury making. The people on the list so far are those that have given me their etsy mini, so they are probably more active than other members. Some of the most popular etsy sellers aren't as active in the group- PROBABLY because they are really busy with sales- but they have excellent products and pictures so they are fun to include. I think the best place to find members is our etsy team page- but some of the newest members can take a few weeks to update.

THE LDS ETSY TREASURY TEAM INITIATIVE- we try to make treasuries for the team each monday (thanks annavirginiafashioneering) and would love if everyone made treasuries featuring team members once a week. you can post them on facebook and our google group, then we can all look at your ideas.

Tips for making a team treasury:

include at least 8 lds etsy team members
NEVER include yourself. a treasury where the curator featured themselves has NEVER been on the front page. It never will I think.
*Keep this next part in mind, which I took directly from the link below: “The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy.”

· http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-to-make-a-treasury-the-nuts-and-bolts-688/

When you make a treasury- remember to put the link on our facebook page- we need more action over there.
look for shops with lds team tag
have a theme- color or mood or item

Helpful sites:
Craftcult- has archives and screen shots of front page treasuries- browse them for ideas and the "feel" of what etsy wants
Craftopolis - has a search feature to see if you are featured in treasuries
Etsy Poster Sketch tool lets you lay out your treasury and move things around before you are done