Search results (tags) for: "cleveland"

Etsy Finds: The A-Team

2009-11-13T11:34:00-05:00

Etsy Teams are groups of organized Etsy members who network, share skills, and promote their shops and Etsy together. A Team forms around a shared location, crafting medium, or other interest. Etsy's 450+ Teams make us not just a marketplace of individuals, but an interconnected and diverse artistic community. Shop owners within each of the Teams below have come together to host special events and occasions this holiday season. Learn more about each Team and their special promotions in the Finds below.

Natural Kids Etsy Team

Independent and emerging artists from around the world have joined forces at the natural kids store this holiday season to connect with socially and environmentally-conscious consumers seeking natural toys and gear for children. These artisans want to make it easy to find great natural, handmade, fair trade and sustainable goods for kids.

Meadows miniature farmstyle bag

By downinthemeadow, $22.

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Wooden Toy Tool Box

By WoodToyShop, $60.

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Knit Pumpkin Cotton Hat

By bostonbeanies, $20.

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Custom Pocketbaby

By germandolls, $9.50.

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Etsy Metal Team

Etsy's Metal Team will be offering a 10% holiday discount in their shops this weekend. To find out more about Etsy Metal and their special holiday promotions, check out their Team profile and find a list of participating shops available on their Team blog.

Oxidized Raintree Curly Hoops

By lenastudio, $225.

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Silver Swan Brooch Necklace

By LunasaDesigns, $110.

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Atom Ring - silver

By blindspotjewellery, $100.

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CUSTOM Banner Ring

By laurelhill, $84.

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Etsy's Cleveland Handmade Team

ECHT is hosting the Cleveland Handmade Market on November 22 in an effort to spread the word about the talent in Northeast Ohio and Etsy. Learn more about these Team members and this special handmade market on their Team page.

Eco Friendly Fingerless Gloves

By LazyTcrochet, $22.

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Copper Pressed Leaf Earrings

By LaPetiteFleur, $30.

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Message Pillow- PLAID

By daydreamdesigns77, $10.

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Louet drop spindle kit

By Knitgrrl, $37.

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Etsy Greetings Team

EGT is hosting a special holiday paper goods event this weekend from November 13 through November 15 in which artists from the Etsy Greetings Team will be featuring holiday and winter themed greeting cards on the Etsy Greetings blog.

Colorful Letterpress HELLO Card

By HuldraPress, $4.

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Scandinavian Reindeer - Set of 6

By papermenagerie, $12.

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HOLIDAY SEXY (Set of 8)

By vspacestudio, $14.

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Modern Retriever Dogs (Set of 6)

By turnarounddesign, $12.

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Etsy Lab Rats Team

Join the Lab Rats Team for a holiday trunk show in Etsy's Virtual Labs on Monday, November 23, where Team members will show off some of their handcrafted goods for sale. There will be special offers and discounts available for all shoppers attending the holiday trunk show.

Copper/Silver/Gold Pleated Sling

By BabyEtte, $59.98.

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Sock monkey Scaripet

By funkisockmunki, $32.

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Mustard Chandelier Jacket

By elizabethnormand, $37.

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Olivine Oval Studs

By spookychandelier, $21.50.

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Full-Time Etsy Crafters Team

FTEC Team members will be participating in a special holiday pop-up store highlighting local and independent designers in Alameda, CA. Learn more about the event and Team on the Full-Time Etsy Crafters Blog and find the details of the Modern Mouse gift boutique here.

Sunset Park - Original Map Painting

By rachelaustin, $160.

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8x10 Custom Cut Paper Silhouette

By papercutsbyjoe, $40.

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Celtic Knot Shawl Pin

By nicholasandfelice, $18.

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Shadow Mineral Makeup Collection

By pinkquartzminerals, $35.

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Soap Artisan Friends of Etsy

This weekend Etsy's SAFE Team is featuring a holiday gift guide and Team sale; find all of the promotional details on their Team page and the SAFE Team blog.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

By inalather, $16.50.

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3 Handmade Cold Process Soaps

By innerearthsoaps, $18.

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Rosemary Lime olive oil soap

By urbaneden, $5.

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Apple Spice Olive Oil Soap

By AuntNancysSoap, $5.50.

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Etsy's Team Treasury

This weekend November 13 through November 15, shop with TEAMT and save 10% to 20% on fabulous holiday gifts. Simply search for TEAMT and start saving.

Briefcase in Russet Brown

By jennyndesign, $226.

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Pumpkin Puree-Hand Knit Scarf

By schemata, $50.

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Felt Food Yule Log or Buche De Noel

By BeckyM, $20.

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Birdy Rattle

By Mamachee, $25.

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Etsy Project Embrace Team

EPE aims to raise money for cancer research, raise awareness, and give support to those touched by this disease. In an effort to gain awareness, a percentage of profits from all items tagged "teamepe" will go to the American Cancer Society. Learn more about EPE and their mission on their Team page.

Beadwoven Necklace

By BeadworksbyKerri, $45.

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brussel sprouts soup bowls

From 5gardenias, $52.

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Vintage 1980s Blazer

From sisterstreasure, $78.

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Ribbon of Hope Copper Necklace

By Luster, $42.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: Shop Local with the North American Trunk Show

2008-11-13T09:00:00-05:00

Today at 7pm EST the Etsy Teams are going to make craft and internet history! Talented Etsy Teams located in North America are getting together to show their wares to a live, online audience in Etsy's Virtual Labs. Here you'll be able to meet the maker, learn about the process and even see them live in their studios via webcams! This is going to be the handmade shopping event of the season, and it's not to be missed! I've picked some items from Teams involved in the show, which include the Baltimore Etsy Team, the Cleveland Team, Lincoln Handmade, the {NewNew} Team , EtsyRain and the TransCanada Team. To see more of their work make sure you come by the Virtual Labs!

Would You Love Me Ring

This adjustable ring is a great little gift for someone you love! More Baltimore gifts can be found in the Library at 7pm EST. By blockpartypress, $18.

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eco deal.. 4 stockings for the price of 3...you CHOOSE the style and colours CUSTOM rikrak ecospun felt stocking

Put the handmade stocking stuffers you pick up at the Trunk Shows in these handmade stockings! By rikrak, $54.

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Googly-Eyed Polar Bear - Red

I hope this guy and his friends from the Seattle Team will be by the Lounge in the Virtual Labs on Thursday at 9pm EST! By hasenpfeffer, $54.25.

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Handwoven Felted Wool Rug

Find more lovely Canadian crafts at the TransCanada show starting at 10pm EST. By fiveforty, $75.

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M - Red Racer back Silkscreened Dress

Love this dress and photo showing the streets of Brooklyn! See more New York and New Jersey work at the 7pm show in the Treehouse! By kimmchi, $40.

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Scarlet Flower Ring

Would fit nicely into a rikrak stocking, no? By Shutterkate (a NewNew Team member!), $12.

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break (earrings)

Love the mod silver and bead work in these earrings! See more Cleveland made goods at 7pm EST in the Lounge. By smashing, $38.

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Chocolate Covered Cherry .. Amigurumi Wool Stuffie Toy

Too cute for your youngsters! Lincoln, Nebraska will represent at 8pm EST in the Teams room! By chimeracrochet, $14.

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Black Cherry Dress Tunic - Velvety Fine Wale Corduroy - Short Puff or 3/4 Bell Sleeve - Ready to Ship 18m 2T - Custom 3 4 5 6

Follow up a crocheted chocolate cherry by chimeracrochet with a sweet cherry dress! Don't miss the Cleveland sellers in the Lounge at 7pm EST. By breadandroses, $34.

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Looking for more International Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Shop Local | Geolocator | List of Etsy Street Teams | Storque Shop Local Posts

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Quit Your Day Job: lillyella

2008-09-15T11:45:00-05:00

After getting word that Nicole of lillyella recently quit her day job to sell on Etsy full time, I knew this was a story I wanted to share with you all. Nicole is a planner and her story is jam packed with helpful, honest, and realistic tips for gaining success when considering taking the plunge. Keep reading to find out about how she keeps it all together, the ultimate DIY project she's got going on in her back yard, and the two indulgences she had to sacrifice for her business.

When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
For the past five years I have dreamed of working for myself, but I never expected it to turn out how it has!

How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
About three months.

What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
This may sound cheesy, but I swear it was fate! I had been working as a graphic designer for about 9 years, during 4 of which I was trying to start my own design business: building clients, etc. I was terrified to make the transition to working on my own, but kicking myself in the butt every day for not just trying. I became very unhappy with the job I was at and knew I had to make a change. I thought to myself, "This would probably be a great time to pursue my own business. If I am ever going to do it, now should be the time." But still, I was too scared. So I started looking for a new job in graphic design.

In the meantime, a friend told me about Etsy, and soon after I opened my shop lillyella. My hope was to make enough "extra" cash to help me feel more comfortable in possibly taking the plunge and finally pursuing my design business. Not long after, while still job hunting and miserable at my current position, I heard of a job opening that I felt was made just for me — it was my dream job — and I applied. I told myself that if I did not get the position, it was a sign and I would quit my job and finally take the big leap. Well, I guess you could say I did get my dream job, but it wasn't the one I expected. The position I applied for had been filled the same day that they received my application, but coincidentally enough, my Etsy sales really began to take off at the same time. So I listened to my gut and I quit my job a few short days later.

I remember being up really late that night, couldn't sleep, nervous but excited, and I heard a song on the radio. One line said "I'm always sure until I doubt," and that perfectly summed up how I felt. But my Etsy sales continued strong and I then had the time to really push forward, expand my shop and start to do some marketing. That was about two months ago and now I am always sure, but no longer doubting. I never thought I would be so happy about not getting what I thought was my dream job, and that in turn, I would end up finding my true dream job. Gosh, this is all making me tear up a bit!

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
Oh yeah, I sure did:

I first figured out how much money I would need to make each week.
I also calculated how much I would need to put away for taxes and met with an attorney to ensure I was recording things properly from the start to avoid extra work later.
I had already formed an LLC when I began thinking about my graphic design business, and then a couple of years ago I added a DBA name, Lillyella, when I began designing jewelry and doing shows, so that was taken care of.
My biggest concern was health insurance, so I spent a good amount of time researching providers and small business organizations in my city, and then getting myself set up with good coverage.
I also decided to stock up on as many supplies as I could while I still had a steady paycheck coming in and I also rearranged my workspace.
I went through my monthly expenses and figured out where I could save some money. I called my cable company and just told them I felt my bill was too high, and they lowered it! I was on a roll after that: who else can I call to save money?! I called my car insurance company to tell them I would only be driving about 10 miles a week, as opposed to the 300 miles per week I was driving before, and my premium went down by about $75. That's a great tip that some people may overlook.
But lastly — and this is by far the most important — I enjoyed eating enchiladas at our favorite Mexican restaurant a few last times. I figured that the luxury of eating out would be one of the first things to go!

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business and what's you're best marketing tip?
I have to credit three (or four) things that have been effective for me in marketing my shop:

My Blog — I was slow in getting it started, and I did not have much traffic at first, but it really took off in a short amount of time. I promoted the blog in my Etsy shop announcement and I began having weekly specials on Wednesdays and Fridays and contests once a month. I received seven entries for the first contest I had, and one month later when it was time for the second contest, I received 88! Once people started to know when to look, the traffic really picked up. I now usually get about a couple hundred hits a day. I also use my blog to show new pieces of jewelry before I list them in my shop, highlight some of my favorite Etsy shops, or just give a glimpse into the rest of my life.
Treasuries — I am so addicted to making treasuries! Not only is it a ton of fun and super rewarding to see a list you created make it to the front page, but it is the best networking area on Etsy! All of my Etsy "friends" I have met in the Treasuries. It is a great way to get exposure for your shop, even if your list or your item is not on the front page. One list could mean one hundred views on an item or your shop that you wouldn't have had before and it's also important to remember that other Etsy sellers are also Etsy buyers.
Customer Service and packaging — Many people may not think of this as marketing — but it is. The best thing you can do is keep the customers you have happy. The amount of repeat business I have had so far is amazing. I make sure that my packages arrive safe and secure, but that they look beautiful while doing it. I also keep up good communication with my customers and include hand written thank you notes with my orders. I have received a lot of business through referrals as well, which is so important, and I attribute that to a quality product and great service.
My best marketing tip — ... is a little thing that can really raise the level of professionalism of your business. Even if you do not want to create a website for yourself, register a website domain name for your business and get a simple hosting plan so that you can set up an email address using that domain, rather than just using a Hotmail or Yahoo account, for example. It's a small detail, but it shows you are serious about your venture and that you think about all the details.

What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that's just not working for your shop?
An email mailing list. I do think people would like to learn about special sales and promotions in advance, but it seems hard to get people to sign up. I have advertised it in my shop announcement, but I don't know how many people actually read it! I think I will try to find an automated widget of some sort for my blog to make it easier for people to sign up and see how that goes.

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
Luckily I do not like to sleep, because I don't get much of it. I am very disciplined about getting up early and getting a jump on the day.

I usually get up between 7 and 7:30 a.m. My fiance and I take turns cooking, but we always eat a good breakfast: it's the key to a successful day!
After cleaning up, I make my rounds feeding our cats, birds, and turtles. I kiss my fiance, Tyler, goodbye and get to work.
I always get online first thing, checking if I had any sales during the night and to see how any newly listed items are doing. I also check my treasury lists to see if any items have sold and need updating, read new comments and check when they expire.
Next I will check my blog for any new comments and usually create a new post.
I then make a list of what items I will be listing in my shop that day and decide what times and in what order I will list them.
After that I usually begin working on orders. During this time I get easily distracted! Checking for sales, listing and relisting, answering convos, etc!
I also spend way too much time chatting with Noelle of Xenotees (whom I met here on Etsy) — discussing new shops we found on Pounce or how sales are going. Basically anything we can do to avoid real work!
I generally work on orders until about 3 or 3:30 pm, at which point I stop to pack them up and get to the post office by 5pm.
If I have any new items that I need to photograph, I do that next, as the light is best at that time. Otherwise I end up doing a few chores around the house and start making dinner.
After eating and cleaning up, I get back to work! Some nights I am outside helping Tyler with workshop construction and some nights I am just too busy.
I print and organize orders for the next day, create shipping labels and prepare envelopes. I also check my stock and make a list of anything I need to order.
Then I either work on new items or get a start on orders for the next day.
I usually end my night back on the computer surfing around on Etsy and preparing new treasury lists or ordering supplies. I also use this time to replenish my "shipping department" — cutting tissue paper, bubble wrap, stamping thank you cards, punching round corners. (One of my obsessions!) It's kind of my wind down.

I've been trying to get to bed earlier — but I still need to work on it...

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job and is there anything you miss?
I love the cross-hallway commute. It's great not wasting three hours of my day sitting in traffic, and not paying for gas. The freedom and flexibility is a given. I can do chores in between other things and then there is less to do on the weekends. I love not having to listen to someone else's music and I really love having a stove accessible for lunch! No more microwave meals!! Oh, and windows. I really like having windows and not being a cubicle gopher anymore.

I do, however, miss the social interaction occasionally. Sometimes I get cabin fever and I find myself talking to my cats or the guy at the post office way more than he would like me to. It is also hard not having a steady paycheck and the constant uncertainty about what will happen the next day, but what's life without a little risk?!

If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
I think I would have prepared myself to do some local summer art shows, now knowing that those months seem to be a slower time on Etsy with vacations, back to school, etc. I also would have invested in a dress form for modeling my pieces instead of modeling them myself. I finally broke down and bought one and I think it's going to save me a ton of time. I'm also really excited to give it a name. I think it will be Lilly by day and Ella by night, or maybe I will just call her Lady L.

What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Don't be scared! I have to say it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but at the same time I was always thinking, what's the worst thing that could happen? And really the answer is simply that you go out and find another job if it doesn't work out. I believe that life has a way of working itself out as it is supposed to. If you are motivated, you will find a way to make it happen. But you have to be prepared. Even if it takes a few months, hold on until you have all your ducks in a row: business license, health insurance, savings, an accountant, etc. Getting yourself organized BEFORE you take the plunge can be the difference between make or break. Finally: if you don't have a tripod, buy one! Trust me: it can make a world of difference for your photography.

How's it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
It's going great! It is hard to not get down on yourself when you have a slow day, but I'm learning to take advantage of that time and use it productively to help grow my business. We have definitely made some changes in our lifestyle, but I am ok with that. Cutting back on shoe purchases and a few less enchiladas is definitely worth it.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Expansion and relocation! Tyler and I decided that if we were really going to make this happen, the little extra space we had inside our house wasn't going to cut it, so we decided to build a workshop in our backyard. It has been hard work, but I get more excited with every nail. It is finally starting to take shape. Downstairs will be the "messy" workshop for woodworking, hot glass and ceramics, while upstairs will be my jewelry studio. Once complete, we have plans on opening another Etsy shop (or two!) with the hopes that he, too, can also quit his day job!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have to thank everyone at Etsy and all of my wonderful customers for getting me to where I am now. Every day I continue to be amazed by the awesome people I find here. But most importantly, I have to thank my mom and dad for being so supportive all those times when they didn't know if I was making the right decisions. I can only hope that they are proud of where I am and what I have become.

Hmm, did that sound like a Grammy acceptance speech?! Oh, I'd also like to share my favorite quote and the words I live by, "Happiness is a moral obligation." Never forget that. Thanks, Dennis Prager.

Thanks to Nicole for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of her items. You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Staycations: The Vacation You Take at Home

2008-06-19T12:14:00-05:00

You hear it all the time: “I need a vacation!" Everyone knows that that familiar feeling of dread on Sunday evenings. Well, that feeling is telling you something! Mental health workers tell us all the time that everyone needs a vacation. Some employers even insist their employees take one. However, what do you do when gas is over $4.00 a gallon and the price of everything has risen? You stay home and vacation! (Otherwise known as a "staycation.")

Staycation is the newest buzz word for staying home and vacationing. It sounds odd and really not doable, but with some planning and organization, it is possible! The key is to making your staycation successful is to treat it as a typical vacation — both mentally and physically. Many families are trading in their travel plans and replacing them with backyard getaways. From backyard camping adventures to romantic getaways for two, families can reap the benefits a traditional vacation offers by staying home.

At this point you’re asking, "How?" The phone is so close, e-mail just takes a second to read and what about the housework, the laundry, and the chores? Ask yourself this: when you are on vacation, do you spend a lot of time on the phone or reading e-mail? How much housework or laundry do you do when you are in another city? I am going to go out on a limb and assume the answer to these questions is a resounding no. The success of a staycation rests on how you approach it mentally. With the right attitude it can be a success.

Begin by planning just as if you were heading out of town on a typical vacation. Make a list of what needs to be done before you leave; clean house, pay bills, pick up reading material, buy new flip flops, sunscreen, etc. Be sure to include notifying family and friends that you will be on “vacation” and the date you are “returning." Answer e-mails, prepare the “out of office reply.” (If you're an Etsy seller, update your online shop notifying customers you are on vacation and when you will return. Etsy has made it easy by offering banners you can add to your site that inform viewers that you are on vacation.)

Sit down and talk to your family. Ask everyone what they would like to do while on staycation and include the little ones. Do they want to head to the water, go sightseeing, shopping? Do they want to go camping in the backyard? You can do all of this and never leave your hometown. Begin by gathering up information on your city. Do some research just as if you were heading out of town. What tourist attractions are nearby? Pick out some restaurants you have never tried. You can save money by eating one meal out a day, lunch one day, breakfast the next, then dinner. Stop by the local Automobile Association and get some maps and a tour book of your own city. You’ll be surprised at what you may find awaits you in your little neck of the woods.

Money does not need to be a deal breaker, either. Borrow any equipment you don’t have. If you decide to go backyard camping and don’t have a tent, ask around; someone is bound to have one. The same goes for a grill and a bug zapper. Buy paper plates and get that cooler out (don’t forget the ice!). Make smores, tell ghost stories and count the stars. Set the blender on the counter and make smoothies and tropical drinks if you are having a fun in the sun staycation. Wear your bathing suit all day and run through the sprinkler. Stop at the dollar store and buy fun sunglasses for everyone. The idea is to do what you do when you are on vacation and staying at a hotel or campground…have fun! Ultimately, you're spending time and relaxing with you family, and you'll be much better off when you “return."

I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Lake Erie is on my doorstep, which opens up a multitude of opportunities for my family of four. Our adventure is an African Safari and it begins at the Cleveland Zoo, which is free to residents on Mondays. The agenda for our staycation is as follows: we'll pack our own lunch and eat at the park, then head west (approximately 90 minutes away) and book a room at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, an African themed water park resort.

In the morning, we'll hop in the car and head to Port Clinton, Ohio for a visit to African Safari Wildlife. At a cost of $45.00 per car we can spend the day driving around the “safari." From there, we'll head back to the hotel for pizza and some time relaxing by the pool. The kids can enjoy the water while mom and dad sip tropical drinks and recline on lounge chairs. (Very relaxing!) In the morning, we'll take the ferry and head over to the boardwalk of Put-n-Bay (an island in Lake Erie). Spending the day walking the island will leave us exhausted as we head back to the mainland for the drive home. At the end of the day, we'll arrive home from our safari refreshed and exhausted, but with lots of memories!

For those of you wanting to visit distant lands you can visit the local ethnic restaurants, shops and venues. Ask questions, learn about their culture, and try some ethnic dishes. After all you are on an adventure aren’t you?!

The idea is not to necessarily visit someplace new and exotic but to have fun and try new things. A vacation can be whatever it is that leaves you refreshed and refueled. It’s a mindset and that doesn’t cost a penny.

Resources:
AAA.com
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
African Safari Wildlife Park
Kalahiri Resorts

Gotta Travel On | Travel Showcase | Etsy World Tour

Etsy Teams Digest: Etsy Teams Activities

2007-10-25T10:41:00-05:00

The Etsy Teams have been busy, busy bees lately - contests, sales, promotions, events, charity fundraisers... There's so much to keep up with! We're so excited that all the teams have just been buzzing with activity lately, and here's a little taste of what's going on.

The Creative Glass Guild of Etsy (CGGE) is holding a Scavenger Hunt Contest and sale from October 24th-31st. Take a good look at Ms. Candy Corny, below. She is the clue that will lead you to the prizes! In the spirit of Halloween, participating members will hide a picture of Candy Corny in one of their listings. Your trick? Search our shops and find her, to qualify for a shiny treat. One winner will receive a stunning silver leaves goddess pendant donated by dyzart. Another winner will receive a gorgeous dichroic fused glass pendant donated by GloriaLynnGlass and a third winner will win a lovely seasonal stained glass pumpkin piece donated by GetGlassy. And while you are searching our shops for the Candy Cornys, you'll notice fabulous sales which may include set percentages off, BOGOs, free shipping, and more. See each shop's announcement for its special sale!

The Trans-Canadian team have a new contest: Best Collection of Handmade Goodies. To participate in the contest entrants will submit a poster, using the poster sketch tool, of 9 Canadian items available on Etsy. The posters will be displayed on our flickr page and the contest will end Nov. 3rd at midnight. Mod-squad will assemble the same weekend to decide on and announce the winner. The prize will be a gift basket filled with Canadian made products.

The members of Cleveland Handmade want to show you — and the world — their favorite places in Cleveland. They would also like to show you that buying locally made goods online is an easy and fun way to start your holiday shopping. The prize is a $65 gift certificate good at any of the thirteen participating shops. You can use the certificate all in one shop or break it up and spend it in as many shops as you like. To participate in the contest, click over to their website.

The PDX Etsy Team is getting ready for their Trunk Show at the Labs this weekend by holding on online scavenger hunt! It's going on right now, along with a Team Sale! You can learn more in their promotional thread on Etsy forums for the Scavenger Hunt, and on their website for the contest and the sale.

Every few months, the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans hold a design challenge and competition with a theme; this time around the theme is "Reflecting". Members were asked to interpret what reflecting means to them or how they perceive it in terms of jewelry design. But we need your help in determining the winner. And when you vote, you will be entered into our free gift giveaway on October 26th (that's tomorrow!) To participate, visit the new Team EJA store. Click on "Reflecting Competition" on the right-hand side menu to see all the entries. Then click this link to cast your vote, or you may also vote by sending a convo.

The Artisans of Southern California and the O.C. Street Team are having a Craft Fair on November 10th at the Anaheim Ballet. So far, 22 vendors have signed up, and 20 of them are from Etsy! They are doing this Fair as a fundraiser for the Ballet Company, which has become a YouTube Phenomenon. For more information, contact electricdaisy.

Thanks to all the teams for their hard work with all these fantastic events, sales and challenges! We look forward to more and more events for the holiday season. These things make it even more fun to shop around on Etsy! Is your team up to something good? Leave a comment here!