Anniversary Sale!

It's been one year since I started my Etsy store. To celebrate, I'm having an Anniversary Sale! Go to my Etsy store and read about the sale in the shop announcement. It's a great way to get your holiday shopping done :)

I'm in an Etsy Storque Article!

I can hardly believe it! They didn't even let me know! I just stumbled on it. My little heart is fluttering :)

Go look!
(Can you see me jumping up and down and clapping my hands squealing in delight? I won't make a video, it's just better if you imagine it!)

Coming Soon: Handmade SamplerBoxes

I'm very excited about my new collaboration with several Etsy artists! Things have been in the works now for a little over a month to bring you 2 different Etsy Samplers. They will be available in my shop within a week or two. A couple of my new talented Etsy artist friends are still busily working putting the finishing touches on their products.

To get you excited about these artists and this great way to sample many different items at a low price, I will be featuring each of these artists every other day for the next 30 days. Of course, my packages will include Callidora items as well :)

Please check back frequently and meet these great people and get ready to order your Sampler pack!

Treasury!

I'm in a Paisley Treasury! Go look!

I wish someone would buy the dang thing - it's had 796 views since I posted it in January.

Cute Etsy Commercial

I don't think it ever aired, but it's sooooo cute. It makes me wanna shop! Oh wait, I already did today :)

Trunk Show at Etsy Labs!

Get a jump on your holiday shopping with the Fall into Holiday Cheer Trunk Show the wonderfully talented Etsymom Street Team Members are hosting this Thursday, Sept. 4th at 7 pm in the Etsy Virtual Labs. Come find out what inspires the beautiful handcrafted artistry of this dedicated group of moms in business. Each Etsymom participant will display images of their work, share about their creative process and answer questions. Don't miss this first-time event for Etsymoms and an opportunity to buy some incredible handmade goods!

Featured Artist: AnnieRexic!

Proud Mama talking here! You must get your Annie Rexic tee shirt RIGHT NOW! Go to Annie Rexic's shop on Etsy and order Miranda's art work tee shirt. At the very least, take a look around the shop and click on one of the tee shirt listings to see a very cool shout out to Miranda's work. Support the little artists!

Daphne is on the go!

Daphne is one of my new Fall Collection lines. Daphne I is a large duffel bag that is big enough to hold everything you need for a 4 or 5 day getaway, but still qualifies as carry-on luggage. Daphne II looks exactly like the first, except it's smaller and can be used either as a handbag or as a complement to the travel bag. Use it for shoes, or travel activities (long boring flight?). Also available is the Daphne Cosmetic Bag that is generous enough for you to take ALL your favorite colors! You won't be limited to what can fit into one or two compacts. Besides, who wants to wear the same shades 5 days in a row?!

They are handcrafted with a lovely, durable olive green/tan/brown paisly cotton twill with tan linen sides and brown cotton straps. Each bag is fully lined in chocolate brown cotton and they are machine washable! Each one has a zipper closure. They can be purchased separately or together as a collection.

Daphne I $60
Daphne II $25
Cosmetic Bag $15
Daphne Collection $95

Free shipping in the US. This is a limited edition line. When Daphne has gone, she will be gone forever. Available on Etsy and Callidora's. If you don't see a listing for one of them, contact me. Someone has most likely purchased it and I haven't gotten a new listing up yet.

Treasury!

I'm on Lamar Lynch's Treasury!

Miranda gets a Gig!

I was browsing around Alchemy yesterday on Etsy. It's a classified ad sort of board that allows people to make a public custom request. I search the boards for some custom work that I can do and then bid on the job. I did win a bid yesterday for a custom wrap dress for a lovely person in Silver Spring MD. Can't wait to get started on that :)

But while I was searching around, I also found an ad for a someone who wants a hand drawn dinosaur that can be screenprinted onto a tee shirt. So I wrote her a note, and told her about Miranda and her 85 dinosaur drawings, and that she's only 8, etc. Well, lo and behold, the woman, Annie, picked her for the job! Miranda is about bowled over! Annie thought it was super cool that this little girl could draw some fantastic dinosaurs and chose her over 3 other graphic designers who bid for the job!

So, she'll make $5 and her artwork will be on a tee shirt. A paid artist - Mama's so proud :)

This Year's Girl

I am smitten! When logging into Etsy yesterday, right there on the front page was the loveliest romantic digital art I've seen in awhile that was affordable. So I began browsing this little shop, and fell in love.

Now, I like fantasy art a lot - fairies, dragons, wizards, space, bare trees, etc. But I never buy any because it would not "go" in any room in my house without it looking my bedroom when I was 13. Really? Should I care? Probably not, but I guess I kind of do. So when I saw this print on the Front Page, I was intrigued. It has the elements of fantasy - digital, dark and sort of monochromatic, ethereal; but there aren't any typical fantasy subjects.



So, what do you think? I bought 6. I couldn't help it. They will be gracing the walls of my craft room. I can't till they get here. Does anyone know how to mat?

Visit This Years Girl today for beautiful digital art that makes you feel like you are really there.

Creations By Celeste!

First of all, let me say that chat rooms can be a wonderful thing. That's where I met this wonderful, kind new Etsy artist. She makes the most wonderful little hair things - barrettes and bows. Very very cute.

I want you to check out her store because 1. it's NEW!, 2. she's very generous (sent me a lovely sample that I plan on giving to my as yet unborn NIECE!, and 3. it's beautiful work!



Give her some love! If you don't have daughters, you probably have sisters, cousins, friends with little girls, fine hair yourself -find a female and deck them out in Creations By Celeste!

Big Sky!

So I was searching around for a Father's Day gift for Kevin and I found Big Sky! Ha ha, what a great little shop! I did realize that for Mother's Day I got dinner out, so I will probably just take Kevin out for dinner. But if I were in the buying him something mood, I would probably shop here :) Check it out:




Fun, fun stuff!

What Are You Getting Him for Father's Day?

Do you have one of those lovely men in your life who is impossible to shop for? Or is he a one-of-a-kind guy? Simply tired of the same old Father's Day presents? Take a look at what you can get him on Etsy:




And if none of that appeals, you can always request a Man Apron or Man Bag for your favorite Dad from Callidora's! Man Apron is great if he loves to cook or grill out - manly, durable, AND stylish! Man Bag is a laptop/messenger bag that is worn across the shoulder and holds just about anything. You can even customize it with a themed lining - sports, skulls, etc. or put an initial or motif design on the outside. Sadly, a Man Bag would not be ready in time for Father's Day, but you can either give it late or keep it in mind for a birthday or anniversary. It also doubles aa an inconspicuous diaper bag if he's the one cartin' the kids around :)

Introducing my Headband of the Month Club!

The feedback on my No Hurt Reversible Headbands has been awesome! I have decided to offer a Headband of the Month Club in my Etsy shop. Subscriptions are available in 3, 6 and 12 months. This is a great little surprise for yourself each month or they can be given as a gift subscription. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Weekly Giveaway!

It's time for the Weekly Giveaway, sponsored this week by Wanderlust Designs Photography! The prize will be an 8 x 10 print taken by Heather Kribbs in her various travels. It is titled "There Is Always Hope".


This time, there will be 2 components to your entry. First go to WDP and take a look around. Then come back here, and let me know:
1. What your favorite item is in Heather's shop
2. What the prize photo means to you, and
3. How to reach you if you are the winner

Photography can evoke so many different emotions from different people all viewing the same scene. I am fascinated to know how this photo speaks to you.

The contest ends on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected, notified, and posted here on Saturday, April 26th. Thank you all for playing and GOOD LUCK!

Featured Artist - Wanderlust Designs Photography

Heather Kribbs over at Wanderlust Designs has been gracious enough to sponsor this week's Giveaway (which will start tomorrow)! So, get a nice, hot cuppa something and meet Heather....

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I'm 26 years old and I have two loves in life - travelling and photography. I've been lucky to indulge both of them as much as possible - I studied abroad in Australia for 4 months while in college, and more recently, I just returned from 8 months in Europe. I was working in Edinburgh, Scotland for six months, and then traveling around Europe. Now I'm back in the States, trying to decide how soon I can plan my next adventure! My love for travel definitely fuels my love for photography. I don't feel complete unless i have my camera with me, documenting all the cool and unusual stuff I see.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I'm currenly planning my upcoming move to Colorado, and job hunting!! Besides trying to make that a reality, I'm working at a hotel, banquet and conference centre. I worked here for 3 years before moving to Scotland, and my employers were kind enough to let me come back as a temp. It's interesting because it's always varied - most of the time I work in the sales department, planning weddings and social events. But sometimes I fill in at the front desk, getting to meet people from around the world, and all walks of life. I just gave them my two week notice, so we'll see what happens next!!

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I offer prints - both matted and unmatted, in sizes from 4x6 - 11x14, and i also make notecards.

4. Where do you create?
The good thing about photographhy is that you can create anywhere. I don't do studio or portrait photography, so I just carry my camera and equipment with me everywhere, and end up seeing the world through my lens. I use my laptop for my digital darkroom, so that's convenient, as well.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from the world around me. I love vibrant colors, unusual sights, anything that makes me smile, anything visual, anything that makes me look twice, anything that catches my eye. Photography for me is the representation of the world around me. A visual statement of my place in the world. My favorite quote is “The way to know life is to love many things” ~Vincent Van Gogh. I love this quote because it reflects my style of photography. I love many things, and I love to photograph everything I see, everything I enjoy.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I took one photography class way back in high school, that opened my eyes to the joy of photography, but other than that, I'm basically self-taught. I bought a digital-SLR, and am still trying to learn everything I can do!

7. How do you promote your wares?
'Promotion' is still pretty new to me, since I've only opened my Etsy shop a couple of months ago. My signature on my email account announces for everyone: "I'd love if you'd check out my photography at http://hlkpparis.etsy.com. That message goes to anyone I email. I also have a flickr account, and a business myspace, and I'll use my personal myspace and facebook to mention stuff. I've made up business cards, and try to pass them out whenever possible. I'm on Etsy all the time, in the forums and chatting.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
The most important lesson is corny, but true - you need to believe in yourself. That kind of manifests itself in many different ways--you have to believe in your work enough to price it correctly, and to promote it, and to know that you can do anything you put your mind to.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! For me, the most amazing part of Etsy is the great community feeling. I'm constantly meeting new people, through the Forums, and my POE
(Photographers of Etsy) and CASTTEAM's (Christian Artists)Street Teams.

10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Oh, my! Too many!! And everyday while searching through the Treasuries, or Pounce, I find more! Some of the best items I've bought lately:
Insane Jellyfish has some great bracelets
PhriendlyK8 made me the best cell phone case
The cutest baby washcloths from Little Something Extra
Felt fortune cookies from Red Rover
Heather Future has the cutest paintings and stories about her characters
and in honor of upcoming earth day: Gnome Clothes sells great reusuable cloth snack bags and sandwhich bags. I'm about to go buy some from her now! :)

Weekly Giveaway - Earrings from Mia Beads!

This Giveaway Is Now CLOSED!

This week's giveaway is a pair of earrings from Mia Beads! Each pair is handcrafted by Mia. They are simple, feminine, and elegant. The winner will get to choose any pair they like valued up to $16.50!

How to play:
Go to Mia's shop, take a look around, come back here and leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave a way to reach you if you win. No duplicate entries; they will be discarded. Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm ET Friday, April 18, 2008.


The winner will be drawn by random.org on Saturday, April 19th. The winner will be posted here on Saturday. Good luck!

Thanks to Mia Beads for sponsoring this week's Giveaway!

Featured Artist of the Week - MiaBeads

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I was born "Michelle", named after my father, Michael (in french). My brother gave me the nickname "Mia" as a kid, and it stuck. I've always been a dreamer... but an ambitious one! I love art, music (especially classic rock), and all of the "Law & Order" shows. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was younger- or a teacher. I always did well in school, but was never into sports- I hated gym class with a passion! I danced for 18 years, and would love to start taking some classes for fun again this summer.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
Right now, my creative life is my life- although I wish it allowed more time for creating new things- I've been so inspired lately! My etsy shop keeps me very busy; making, packing, shipping, and of course the customer service and recordkeeping. I also run one location in a small chain of local bead stores and am working on my business administration degree.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
My etsy shop, MiaBeads, sells jewelry in a variety of styles- focusing on quality pieces that are both trendy and timeless. I love delicate, feminine jewelry- and also bright, vibrant colors. Pearls, lockets, brass, oxidized silver and vintage glass are some of my favorite materials to work with at the moment.

4. Where do you create?
In a mess! My creative spirit refuses to allow time for cleaning!
Currently, I'm using one spare room in my house for the creating, and my office for paperwork and packaging. This summer, I'm going to be doing a bit of streamlining... setting up a larger studio space where I can do everything at once! I'm sure that will eventually end up just as cluttered though! :0)

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly nature, and also the vintage components I find. Color is also a huge inspiration for me.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I was always busy with some sort of project as a kid. I began making beaded jewelry at a young age and did my first craft show at the age of 12. I got a job at a local bead store a few years later. Working there, and interacting with so many talented people, taught me so much and helped me find my own style.

7. How do you promote your wares?
Word of mouth has been my best advertising! Keeping my shop updated and the lovely etsians that have featured me on their blogs also helps to bring in new customers.

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
If you want to run a successful business, you need to price your items correctly! This is especially important if you plan on wholesaling to shops and boutiques. The amount of time that goes into designing, creating, marketing, selling, and distributing must be taken into account.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Do what you love and be original; People can tell when you are passionate about your work! Don't get discouraged by a slow start... just keep improving your photos and descriptions, stop by the etsy forums for some great info/critiques, and find new ways to promote your wares. The Storque has some great articles on "Etsy Success Stories" that are inspiring to read!

10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Elmstudiosonline
PicturesofLily
IraGrant
BizzieLizzie
Jenarter
MadebyMama

Check back tomorrow when we start Mia's Giveaway!

And the WINNER Is.......

Sue Farrell!
Congratulations!

And my thanks again to Soap Deli for offering such a delicious prize! Tune in on Monday to learn about another Etsy artist. On Tuesday, a new giveaway starts - come back and join the fun!

There is still time to enter the EAOC Giveaway ending tonight - see the post below!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

148

Timestamp: 2008-04-12 20:30:20 UTC