Another Team Crush!

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:

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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:

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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

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

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

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:

1. 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.
2. Put "Treasury Challenge" somewhere in the title of the treasury.
3. Link Back to this blog post- that way people can find the challenges and you can get credit for referring them!
   
4. Tag your treasury "treasury challenge"
5. Tag your item "Halloween"
   
6. COMMENT with your link to the treasury- BUT YOU HAVE TO COMMENT HERE.
7. 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

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.