Whether you want to make something quick for your sweetheart, mother, best friend, or with your kids, here's a couple of cute & easy DIY ideas. Get to crafting, you're cutting it close!
Happy Valentine's Day, don't forget to spread the love to everyone you care about!
Welcome! Welcome to Lena Chinners from the unique shop All That is Counted. The fellow Floridian stopped by for a chat, and peek at her items. Don't forget to show her love with some comments!
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I have been doing counted cross stitch for over 40 years and have given the stitched items to family and friends for years so my daughter suggested that I try and sell some on Etsy... she has a shop also called Luckiiarts.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I only stitch what I would enjoy having in my own home. What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created? I did a small town street for myself . It is approx. 60" long and only 12" high. It has small houses, shops, a doctors office, trees, fountain and park, paved sidewalk and a small road running the entire length. I also made the frame in a woodworking class I was taking out of oak floor boards. It hangs above the large opening between my dining room and Florida room.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I am fortunate in that I am retired. I was a bookkeeper in a High School for many years.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
Only make things you would use yourself or would be proud to give as gifts.
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Be patient, go to other shops, see what is out there, follow people who's items you like, and appreciate. You also need to promote yourself to a certain degree, you need to let people see your items and not just wait for them to find you. Additionally, it is really important to tag your items with the right descriptions....and most important have fun!
If you're not running around with a chicken with its head cutoff trying to spend your gift cards, hold the phones and check out these simple & awesome crafty ideas for recycling holiday cards.
A last minute gift guide to get your guy something special. Why are men so hard to shop for anyway! Sheesh!
Virtual round of applause for our first Etsy shop feature for the month of December. Fellow Team FEST member and Floridian, Cyndie from Cyndie Smith Designs stops by for a chat. You can also find her on Facebook and on Blogger.
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I've been creative all my life and dabbled in a few mediums, like pottery and painting. But when I took my first metalsmith lesson, I was hooked and knew I'd found my place!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature but a couple of series grew from emotional baggage. That was actually some of my best work, so I guess there's some truth to the old saying about tortured artists!
What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My life cuff, which is also my avatar. It was created in honor of a friend who died too young from breast cancer. The cuff told a story of loss and love. I made so many custom for other folks, telling their stories, that I had to stop because it was emotionally draining.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I love boating, growing Orchids and bicycling.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
Give thanks for all you have.
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Don't give up! Slow times can be discouraging so use that time to improve your shop. That way you'll be ready for the next up cycle of sales!
Upcoming events! I'll be vending at the Indie Craft Bazaar on 12/16!
12/04/12 - PAWS Holiday Shopping Bazaar
Time: 10-3:00pm Address: 1725 Southeast 12th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Vendors, drinks, & light bites benefiting Humane Society of Broward County
12/07/12 - 1:1 Super 8 Cinema Soirée
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: two locations IWAN & Poor House
Details -Film, Food, Drink, Music
12/08/12 - Wynwood Art Walk *Every 2nd Saturday
Time: ~7-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 7-11:30pm Address: 450 NW 27th St. Miami, FL 33127
Details - Live interactive art experience with a handmade vendor showcase
Time: 10pm Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Comic con event with Music, comics, art, crafts, baked goods, & more
12/15/12 - Holiday Trunk Show
Time: 12-6pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach
Details - Local artists & crafters, FREE cookies & hot cocoa
12/15/12 - Cosmic Cheer Holiday Market & Musical
Time: 7-12am Address: IWAN 810 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Play, Bands, Craft Vendors, Art, Treats & Drinks, Fun
12/16/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Every Sunday
Time: 9:00-2:30pm Address: 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Chock full of local produce
& organic products. This date will have Santa Claus.
Time: 12-5pm Address: 100 SW 3rd Ave, Ft Lauderdale
Details - Goodie bags for 1st 100 guests! An independent art & handmade festival.
Time: 2-5pm Address: Undergrounds Coffeehaus 3020 N Federal Highway, Ft Lauderdale
Details - Christmas crafts & other wares,
Time: 10-5pm Address: Petco Boynton Beach
Details - Handmade vendors, Santa pet pictures, book signing, & more
Time: 10-3am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Holiday pub crawl stop, post apocalypse Santa art
Time: 10-1am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Music, Art, Burlesque performances
This list is often updated thru out the month!!! Stay posted!
Welcome fellow team FEST member Terri, from the online Etsy shop
Untwisted Sister!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After I
learned to do wire wrapping, realized I was actually pretty good at it. I couldn't possibly wear everything I made!
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Often it
comes from my students. They might ask me how to do something or in class
someone makes a mistake I have to fix and end up with 'happy accidents'.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I'm an
avid Ladies doubles tennis player. I was president of our County League with
over 1800 members for 2 years and currently captain a team.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Treat
your customers the way you'd want to be treated.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
If you
enjoy what you're doing you will be successful, even if it doesn't make you
wealthy.
Check out all her links, and feel free to comment below
Holiday season is here! Time to stock up on pinterest ideas and DIY
gift ideas! I made these simple gifts last year for my family, and they
loved them!! Whether you're a regular Picasso or just a good scribbler, you can make something nice.
What you need
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint brushes
- Wood photo frame, jewelry box, planks, etc
- String for hanging
- Hot glue or screw to attach string
- Stencils (or you can DIY some!)
Some Other Ideas
Our first feature for November is a fellow Floridian & Team FEST member from Miami, FL. Welcome Rosemarie from Just4UWearables, and check out her links at the bottom!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After
I learned how to crochet and I made a crochet dress as a gift for someone, my sister encouraged me to sell my creations.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere!
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
A
poncho, hat and mitten set for my niece.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I love
to decorate, entertain, and exercise to keep fit.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
First, knowledge is power. Second, always
think before you act.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other Etsy sellers?
As
long as you are enjoying what you do, keep on doing it. Don't let financial
gains define your creativity.
Check out the links below & feel free to comment!
I'd like to share this cool DIY idea for nail polish! I got lost in Etsy the other day and discovered the world of Franken Polish!
Pinned from Delightedmomma.com, this simple do it yourself project won't take more than 15 minutes. All you need is clear nail polish and some old eyeshadow!
Want to repin it? Click here
You can also find me on Pinterest, here!
I gave this one a try, but I think I over did it with the eyeshadow. I made a bottle of cheap glittery gold polish into a lively lime colored one, but it doesn't hold well. Chipped within hours. :(
If you want more info about making franken polish or nail polish from scratch check out this informative link from the Crafty Ninja, DIY Franken Polish
The next shop feature for the month of October hails from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Let's give Natalee Wright from Black Willow Soaps a virtual round of applause for taking the time to share her story. As always, check for links below and shower us with comments!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
My
mother and her friend, Kurt, had been talking about selling handcrafted items
at craft shows in our area. They asked me to join them and bring my soaps and
candles. So, I made a bunch of soaps to go to the craft fair. Unfortunately, it
never panned out and I was left with all of these soaps. Christmas had just
passed, so I couldn’t really gift the items. I had sold on Etsy before with
just original artwork and really couldn’t get it to work out. But, I figured
why not try it again with my new products. So far, it has been a wonderful
journey.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
I gain
inspiration from everything. Most of the time, you can tell what I have been
looking at with my new products! The beach themed tealight candle holder came from a
trip to the beach with my husband. The rose candle holder came from the memory
of the beautiful roses that my mother had in our yard when we lived in Indiana.
My friends and family are a big inspiration and usually the last word on
whether or not one of my products will be listed. Chances are if they like it,
someone else will enjoy it as well.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My Aunt
Amy told me that she couldn't use certain soaps because they caused her to get
a rash. I created the Lavender Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap just for her. It didn't
cause her to get a rash and she loved it.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
During
normal business hours, I am a case manager for senior citizens. I help provide
services to senior citizens that allow them to stay in their home instead of
going to a nursing home. If I am not at work, I am usually working on my shop.
My hobbies kind of surround my shop. I like to paint, create, and grow herbs to
put in my soaps. I spend time with my family whenever I can. Most of my family
outings even seem to encompass my shop, like the beach, thrift stores, and the
flea market. In a sense, I am always working…at least in my mind. My brain
never stops thinking about what I could be creating or doing for my shop.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
It will
all work out. In fact, my husband says it repeatedly.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Dive in!
You never know what will happen until you try. I firmly believe that dreams
never die, they just change a little over the years. So, I would say to anyone
who wants to create their own business or exclusively work in the products that
I work in, that they should go for it and see what is waiting at the other end.
Life’s journey begins with a single step, right?
Show Natalee some virtual love! Her back story is truly inspiring, don't forget to stay positive out there!
UpcycleFever
