Search results (tags) for: "mothers day"

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:24:00-05:00

I’m a mother of four, the oldest being Eva, a.k.a. GreenLeafandOwl (who is enjoying a new addition to the family right now). My husband and I homeschool the three younger ones, so even though I desire to devote more time to Etsy I am limited because of my other responsibilities. Nevertheless, I intentionally make time for opportunities to create and network on Etsy and other places. Two of my three younger kids have a section in my other shop (RunAliceRun) when they get the “creative bug.”

Working with Eva in our PipingHotPapers shop has been so enjoyable — we have a common ground (Etsy and creating) which draw us together as friends and co-owners. Even though we live an hour from each other, we often communicate via phone and email. However, when we are visiting each other’s homes, the men know to give us some “Etsy” time to catch up and see how we are doing in our other shops.

My desire for a Mother’s Day gift this year: a commercial grade circle punch for PipingHotPapers’ 1 inch button maker! But if I don’t get that, I covet and enjoy receiving handmade gifts by other artists on Etsy!

Here's an interesting Mother’s Day story. I was shopping for my mom a couple of weeks ago for a Mother’s Day gift on Etsy. I found a great necklace and convoed Eva about a special sale going on at this particular store. Eva told me she had already visited the shop with the intent of buying something for her Grandmother (my mom). We both bought coordinating jewelry from this shop and look forward to giving it this week. Obviously, we both love to buy handmade for our loved ones!

Discover more creative moms on Etsy. Check out these Teams and some of their members' item below:

Busy Moms of Etsy

Etsy Mom

Tattooed Moms of Etsy

Cafe Moms

Crafty Genes: A Mother-Daughter Etsy Story

2009-05-04T15:23:00-05:00

I owe so much to my mother, Raquel: my freckles, an undying love of stinky cheese, and an affinity for Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco objects. Most important, though, is the creativity that can be traced through her family tree — no generation has been spared! Both of my mom's grandfathers were successful jewelers in Mexico City. One of them took up photography as a full time hobby when he retired. Grandma Victoria taught me how to knit, crochet, and sew. She also used to paint tiny beautiful flowers on china. Mom studied graphic design and has, at one point or another, mastered a large number of artistic media. Inheriting this propensity, I've also worked with many different materials and have loved all of them. Our DNA's nucleotides hold the code for some pretty strong artistic inclinations.

On Mom's lap, 1979.

Mom encouraged and nurtured my artistic leanings from a very early age. She signed me up for art camp when we lived in Mexico, drove me to after school oil painting classes when I was 15, and accompanied me to my art school interview. Our creative endeavors have strengthened an already incredible bond and provided us with common interests for as long as I can remember. We took fused glass classes when I was a teen, and she was an invaluable help when I had to make displays for my very first craft show a couple of years ago. (Who else would pull an all-nighter with me, paintbrush and power drill in hand?)

So it comes as no surprise that thirty years, two countries, nine homes and countless hairstyles later, I still see my mom almost every day. I work out of my parents' house in the Chicago suburbs, where my mom also has her studio. Despite our similar aesthetic and shared medium, we have opposite viewpoints when it comes to our creative space. Mom can't work unless everything is neat, orderly and in its place. I, on the other hand, find it impossible to create without at least a little chaos around me. Out of necessity, we work in separate rooms.

Organized - 1 - Mini art feeling

This piece is one of Raquel's favorite Etsy items because it "combines two of my favorite things, porcelain and organization!" By ArtMind, $100.

But our passion didn't always lie in cold, mushy porcelain clay. Just five years ago, Mom was in the middle of a mosaic frenzy and I was making beaded jewelry. We were both teaching art classes and workshops and looking for something different to make our work stand out. Mom found a porcelain tile making class that she was sure would give her mosaic pieces an edge. I signed up for the class as well so that we could spend time together. Soon after, her mosaics were replaced by bowls and dishes, and gemstones became the secondary components in my jewelry designs.

in the tall grass - rich embroidery dangle earrings

Mom is my best customer (or looter, depending on how you look at it). For a little variety in her jewelry wardrobe, I gave her a pair of earrings from the gracious and talented Jennifer Morris for her birthday last year. By jennifermorrisbeads, $137.

Etsy has become another shared interest, another common bond. As any Etsy seller can tell you, it takes a certain amount of confidence to release your creations into the world. We put so much of ourselves into our work that acceptance and rejection can feel intensely personal. With Mom's encouragement I transitioned from timid shopper to full-fledged seller, finally listing items in my first shop, sofiamasri, over a year after I had registered. After a very helpful Virtual Labs critique a month later, I opened poopsie to house my more youthful pieces.

thera necklace, cappuccino

Raquel: This is my favorite necklace from Sofia's shop. I love it because it looks like a little antique treasure and it's my favorite color! By sofiamasri , $32.

Now it was my turn to be the motivator! A little support and a quick orientation is all it took. Mom opened raquelmasri for housewares, and TheMosaicShop for porcelain tiles and buttons. We do our best to cheer each other on, give constructive advice, and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Mom really is my best friend and I'm so glad we've found yet another activity to share: selling on Etsy.

Alphabet Porcelain Dish

Mom's shops are full of gorgeous things. This one reminds me of antique penmanship books from the late 19th century. By raquelmasri, $30.

We hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into our lives and would like to wish all of the moms out there a happy and healthy Mother's Day!

A day at the park, Mexico City, 1981.

Lupus research is important to both of us. Please visit the following sites to learn more:

Lupus Foundation of America

Alliance for Lupus Research

Lupus Research Institute

More Mother-Daughter Stories | Classic Gifts for Mom

Etsy Finds: Mayday! Weekend Deals Are Here!

2009-05-01T13:00:00-05:00

For those of you that need a last minute Mother's Day gift or are just looking for a special deal to start off the month, look no further! Today I bring you several shops offering limited time promotions running this weekend only. Be quick like a spring bunny, since these sales won't last long. To find more deals running this weekend only, take a look at this forum thread.

Smoked Hand Forged Hoop Earrings

25% off everything in shop! Simply enter "HappyMom" in the Message to Seller section at checkout and wait for your refund via PayPal. By OriginalHardware, $45.

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Hand Painted Silk Scarf in Light Blue and Red

10% off any hand painted silk scarf! Simply enter "Mother's Day" in the Message to Seller and you will receive your refund via PayPal. Each scarf comes gift packaged with a tying instruction sheet and may be shipped directly to the recipient. By oceanavesilks, $32.

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SALE-Two Rabbit Fawns-Limited Edition Print-MATTE Paper

Free shipping on the entire shop! Check out the special section of prints reduced to $10 each. By ashleywhitejacobsen, $10.

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Loofah Soap - Cucumber-Melon - 4 oz

15% off everything in shop and free U.S. shipping on all orders over $25. Enter the code "MOM" in the Message to Seller at checkout and wait for your discount to be refunded via PayPal. By SoapScentsations, $4.

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Petal Earrings - bright

All petal earrings are 25% off! These earrings were originally $32, now on sale for $24. Just use the promo code "Weekend Deal" in the Message to Seller at checkout and wait for a refund through PayPal! By maggiejs, $32.

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Casey Top

25% to 75% off almost everything in the shop. Check out this special sale section for the best deals. By annamatrona, $40.

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Envy -- Card -- SALE

Check out the new sale section over at HidenSeek for markdowns as low as $1.99! By HidenSeek, $1.99.

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Organic Stacking Rings - Made to Order in your size

All stacking ring sets are 25% off! Originally priced at $40, they're now marked down to $30 for a set of five. Rings can be ordered all shiny, all patina or mixed. No code required. By bcyrjewelry, $40.

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Orange Muscle Relief Bag- Black And White Damask

Buy one item at regular price, get one item half off throughout the entire shop. This weekend all orders will ship for free! By LoveMeKnotCreations, $18.

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Oatmeal Raisin Spice Vegan Cookie Cream Sandwiches

Receive a free cookie sampler with any purchase when you enter the code "COOKIEMONSTER" in the Message to Seller section during checkout. Other discounted items include cinnamon rolls, lemon poppy seed jumbo cakes, and lemon zest cakes, each marked down to just $5. By thecupcakemint, $10.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Spoil That Mommy! A Mother's Day Compendium with Crabmommy

2009-04-30T15:29:00-05:00

Avid Etsy-buyer Amanda Gersh writes the blog Crabmommy. She divides her time between motherhood and complaining about it.

As Mother's Day rolls around, I find myself feeling exactly as I did last year. While my 4-year-old daughter is a delicious nugget of a small human, my idea of a perfect Mother's Day is to NOT feel like a mother. Last year my husband indulged my wish, granting me an entire day of wafting around vintage stores — something I've done little of since becoming a mom. What a luxury to be free to examine needlepoint teapot cozies and try on ratty two-tone pumps to my heart's content, without worrying about bored tots bouncing on Heywood Wakefield couches. Bliss!

Of course, Mother's Day takes many ideal forms, often a burned breakfast in bed delivered on a tray by loving offspring. It's all very cute indeed, but if you ask me, it's even cuter when augmented by a day of freedom and aimless wafting for Mom and/or a gorgeous token of affection via Etsy, where a vast emporium of delights awaits any lucky mother if she possesses appreciative and savvy loved ones.

Personalized Child's Silhouette on Canvas, 5 in. x 7 in.

I've always wanted to make a silhouette print of my tot for framing; alas, I'm not very industrious in the home arts. But really, why should I be when Etsy-peeps like Mary Golightly offer silhouette art customized to your color choice, on canvas in this case! Yes, please. By marygolightly, $13.50.

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Antique Picture Frame

Or what could be sweeter than this "old, old, very old" picture frame? Imagine receiving this with a pic of the cherub in it for Mother's Day? Ridiculously lovely. From MyWagonette, $16.

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Matryoshka print

Okay, I know someone's thinking Russian dolls are so 2007 or whatever, but what's more fitting for a mom or grandma than this quintessential image of motherhood, the matryoshka? And how perfectly dear is this wood block print from Amanda Kindregan? Love it. Want it. By amandakindregan, $15.

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let's go together moleskine notebook (large)

I can't think of any kiddie's mama who doesn't need to write things down in order to remember them. (Except maybe a mother elephant.) The rest of us appear to have a tough time with recall. But I'm getting off track here....What were we talking about...? Ah! Linea Non Grata's cute moleskine notebook, complete with what appears to be a mommy-like creature and a baby-like thing companionably setting off somewhere together! By lineanongrata, $12.

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Giant Beaded Round - sleeping beauty

So here's the part where I really, really hope my beloveds are listening up. I'm absolutely mad for Lisa of TQB's large beaded rounds. I sent one of these on an extra-long chain to a new mom friend of mine. It serves as something for baby to grab while nursing and is also an incredibly fetching piece of jewelry whether one has a babe at the boob or not. By tqbdesigns, $38.

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Sterling Silver Hand Stamped Personalized Two Tag Necklace

This is exceptionally charming: customized and hand-stamped, a pretty sterling silver name tag is a lovely way to honor the occasion. By tinytokensdesigns, $25.

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JAPANESE GARDEN stud earrings

Picture being Mom and receiving your breakfast in bed...as well as a little dish containing these pink vintage floral cabochon earrings from Japan. Can you imagine a more perfect beginning to Mother's Day? Didn't think so. By outoftheblue, $10.

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Cucumber Green Tea Handmade Cold Process Soap 5 Oz. Bar

Some people think giving soap is boring. That's just because they haven't spotted these heavenly-looking cucumber & green-tea bars. The lucky lady who receives these is in for some much-needed mom-pampering in the tub! By sherrisscentsandsoys, $5.25.

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Vintage Lusterware meet Succulent

Some mothers nurture effortlessly, capable of raising 12 kids, a menagerie of animals, and a lush garden. Me, I'm the mom with one kid who acts like she has five. (And I struggle to take care of three guppies whom I resent deeply, not to mention my modest indoor plant collection.) All the more reason to give this mommy a succulent. And what could be more spectacular than this luscious succulent potted in a Fire King lusterware bowl? Pretty please! By jwhite2, $27.

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The Ostrich Egg Moss Terrarium

A terrarium is another undemanding but rewarding plant option. Isn't the egg shape of this one so perfect for Mother's Day? Metaphorically it's right on, and also it's just so dang adorable! I. Must. Have. It. By Greenbriar, $38.

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Vintage Pumpkin Orange Carry On Luggage Soft Side Overnight Bag

My travel sched has tapered off unpleasantly since reproducing. Still, a mom can dare to dream of jetting off on adventures. I can't think of anything more delightful than receiving this vintage orange travel bag to complete the fantasy. From NanasMercantile, $47.

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Vintage Silk Obi Clutch - Grass Pattern

To receive a glamorous silk clutch from Shakuyaku — this one made from a vintage obi — is to be a happy mother, if you ask me. Seriously, you don't have to be my family to send me a MD prez. Hint hint. Cough. Feel free, dear reader...Why, thank you! You shouldn't have! By Shakuyaku, $55.

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As always, it's been a pleasure picking out fab items here. Please do stop by my blog if you'd like a bit more Crabmommy. I provide a wide range of services in the blog arena, from discoursing on the size of guppy stomachs to dissing people who use the phrase "we are pregnant."

For more sass, check out Amanda's other posts on our blog.

Mother's Day Posts | Jewelry for Mothers Gift Guide | Classic Gifts for Mom

Inside A Mother-Daughter Shop: The Story of a Mouse and her Chic

2009-04-30T10:15:00-05:00

When Carmen Marti bought a new sewing machine and gave her 25 year old Singer to her daughter Jamie Halleckson, little did she know what it would lead to. Carmen has sewn since the age of five, when her grandma and mom taught her to sew Barbie clothes. As a single mom, Carmen stitched up many outfits and toys for her only child, Jamie. She had always hoped that one day Jamie would show an interest in sharing her passion. Well, along came Etsy and the 25 year old Singer sprang to life. Jamie and Carmen have been stitching up kitchen and household delights ever since.

They run their Etsy business from two locations, 120 miles apart. Jamie lives in a suburb of St. Paul and Carmen lives in northern Minnesota. The name City Chic Country Mouse is an accurate characterization for the personalities and lifestyles of these two women. Carmen uses her expertise in pattern making, design and sewing, while Jamie has her hands full with marketing, photography, listing, shipping, accounting, and now blogging, too! She is currently a student in the online blogging course offered by Holly from decor8.

Buttons by SLGdesigns

Jamie adores this print from Shanon of SLGdesigns. It hangs in her sewing room and is also the wallpaper on her laptop downloaded from Kindred. Jamie contacted Shanon about the possibility of doing a photoshoot at her home. Shanon kindly agreed and came over to take photos of the mother-daughter team in action. How wonderful to meet a local Etsy artist!

One of the influential factors in starting an Etsy shop was the discovery of a unique store in NE, Minneapolis called Crafty Planet. Jamie and Carmen fell in love with the unique fabrics and atmosphere of this eclectic shop. The owners, Trish Hoskins, along with Rebecca Yaker (known for her sock monkey apparel) are in the process of writing a book, 101 One Yard Wonders, which will be out in October 2009. Jamie and Carmen will have two of their patterns included!

Photo by SLGdesigns

These two women work together when determining which fabric combinations work well for each of their designs. Jamie is now learning the secrets to sewing that her mom has always longed to teach her. The logistics can at times create challenges for the duo, such as when a customer requests a specific fabric, and that fabric just happens to be at Jamie's house, or when the item to be listed has just been completed and is ready to be photographed is at Carmen's. These ladies do get together for what they call "marathon sewing sessions" once or twice a month. It is here that you see how well this mother-daughter team works together.

In order to accomplish as much as possible during a marathon, they plan easy meals that can be eaten all weekend long, such as soups, salads or slow cooker recipes, and stock up on dog treats for their fur babies. They say that their best ideas come out of these marathons. It's obvious watching this mother-daughter team that the two are closely in sync and have a mutual respect for each other's ideas.

Little Chicks by Whisker Graphics

Once the name for the business had been decided upon, a banner, avatar and business cards were needed. The ladies saw this chick from Whisker Graphics and immediately knew this was the style they wanted. Whitney worked with them to develop a cohesive look for their entire shop, including a shop banner, blog header, business cards, and packaging.

In addition, this mom and daughter team has ventured into the wholesale market. After receiving several inquiries, Jamie decided to put together a brochure that could be sent to potential wholesale purchasers. The very first wholesale order came from a shop the ladies often purchase their fabric from, fabricpalooza, for her lovely new shop in North Carolina.

When starting their Etsy business Jamie and Carmen had no idea where it would lead. They have discovered a wealth of information and expertise in the Etsy community, and they have formed many new friendships while building their business. They always knew they wanted to have some sort of business together, but they had no idea how fulfilling and fun this "little" Etsy business would be!

More Mother-Daughter Stories | Classic Gifts for Mom

Etsy Finds: One for the Memory Books

2009-04-28T12:20:00-05:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner. There aren't many people in this world who still show you unconditional love after being put through temper tantrums, dirty diapers, car sickness in the back seat, late nights worrying and waiting for you to come home, monetary loans, broken bones, hair color experimentation, or a few minor driving mishaps. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this special day than to present Mom with a photo album filled with memories of days gone by. Say thanks to her for always sticking by your side.

White Scroll Photo Album with Spring Green Japanese Silk

By brooklynbookbinder, $95.

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Chalkboard Accordion Photo Album

By moonlightbindery, $18.

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Journal 26

By dailythreads, $25.

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powerline etching book

By grimm, $34.

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Folksy Floral Photo Album

By maydaystudio, $65.

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Pink Roadster Photo Album

By charliewarlie, $45.

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Tangerine Suns 10x10 Photo Album

By watermarkbindery, $47.

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polaroid.album

By paintedfishstudio, $6.

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Pink Paper Cut Journal

By artkitten, $25.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

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Quit Your Day Job: rikrak

2009-04-27T15:33:00-05:00

Kristal's business rikrak was born when she found out she was pregnant with her son. As her passion for making quilted baby play mats grew, her quilts began catching the eye of local boutiques and Etsians. Since joining Etsy, Kristal has made well over 1,500 sales, has sold through 90 boutiques around the world (after finding her shop through Etsy), and has been featured in five major print publications. Her success on Etsy has enabled her to stay at home with her son instead of going back to her previous teaching job. She hasn't looked back since!

How did you originally get into the business of making things?

I was very fortunate to grow up in a home that fostered hand-spun creativity. My brother and I were always concocting and making, and our wonderful parents encouraged us to create grand artistic messes! Over the years, I also had the great delight of spending extra-special time with my amazing grandmother – a master quilter – whose talents I had admired ever since I was little enough to play in her sewing and notions baskets (brimming over with colourful rickrack), and whose great fascination with repurposing I’d always shared. When I was pregnant with our little sweetie a few years back, my grandmother taught me to sew and quilt. I just loved it! When she sadly passed away shortly after his birth, I inherited her collection of beautiful vintage fabrics. Soon, our shelves were overflowing with lovely retro prints and my new works in progress (my poor hubby). So, there’s a bit of that personal history in all the work I make for rikrak now.

With that as a foundation, my little business came together in early 2007. Shortly after I started making quilted playmats and gifts for all of our baby friends, my family and friends started encouraging me to sell them! I was hesitant, but I also realized how fabulous it would be to handmake things to supplement our income, while also fulfilling our dream to have stay-@-home parenting for our little sweetie. So I got to work designing, creating and repurposing my fabrics into fun and functional patchwork goodies. Eventually, I garnered the courage to list some items on Etsy, and around that same time, a shop here in Ottawa kindly took my work into their brick and mortar store! And the rest, as they say, is history!

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?

In another lifetime, before our little sweetie was born, I was an elementary school teacher. While I loved teaching curious little kiddies, I knew there wasn’t the flexibility of being able to stay at home with our son in that career. So, most of all, becoming a full time crafter was born out of brainstorming fun ideas to envision a workable career move. To be honest, becoming a full time handcrafter was a wonderful surprise! When rikrak was just starting out, I would play all day with our son, then work away like crazy at night once he was asleep. It was an ideal fit for our family situation, despite the long nights!

I first came to Etsy (which I discovered after joining the wonderful world of flickr in 2007) because I heard it would be a great way to build my little business. After getting up the courage to list something (two months after I first joined!) I realized that, through Etsy, I could build my business bigger than I ever thought possible. Within that first year, I had over 50 shops from around the world selling rikrak goodies, and had begun to establish a great base of friendly support. This wonderful handmade community encouraged me…and soon my little sweetie was in school ½ days…and this meant a little more work time. Soon it became my new dream to craft full time! I’ve been so fortunate…the little project just grew and grew. Soon I was creating, designing, making whenever I had a minute, and loving it! Isn’t it funny how things in life just open themselves up like that?

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?

I have to be honest. The way I prepared for a bigger business was the way I prepared for my little business. My parents would call it trying to be resourceful and thrifty! They always taught me to solve any problem with creative brainstorming, using what you’ve got on hand, and working to your strengths, rather than being something you’re not.

Still, starting a new business can be daunting. When I started out, we didn’t have any extra cash to invest in a lot of business overhead, or bulk materials, or other start-up expenses. So instead, I tried to get creative, and decided to take care of as many parts of the business myself as I could (to save on outsourcing).

This was DIY-ing, indeed, as it meant that I designed and printed my own labels, cards and business paper goods. I also only bought as many supplies as I could afford (and then more as needed), I kept my inventory small and made orders for shops as they came in (so the more orders I had, the more supplies I could buy). While this isn’t always ideal, for me it was the only way to make it work. I couldn’t invest in a great leap at the start. So I took small steps, building as I could.

This was my business strategy and safety net, and it still is; I still do all these small tasks myself, and it continues to make my work sustainable, especially as the market or sales fluctuate. In slower periods, I have the chance to create new goodies and I’m not stuck with a grand amount of materials. In super-busy seasons, I supply myself accordingly.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?

Here are a few things that I’ve found most effective that I’d be happy to share!

Be kind, friendly and positive. This is how I try to live and work. I know that’s not always so easy to do, but I really think that relaying a genuine kindness to your customers through your work can go a long way. One of my greatest hopes is that I’m building a kind, eco-forward, sustainable business.

Make great, quality, eco-friendly products that you love and are proud of.

Having a loving, supportive family that spreads the handmade word. (I’m so lucky!)

Figure out your strengths and work to them. We live in a great little place in the heart of our beautiful city and we don’t have much extra room for a full-time at-home business. So, our dining room does double-duty as family table by day, craft studio by night. Spending money on advertising was an expense my little business couldn't afford at the start, so instead, I focus on my adoration of photography, and spend a lot of time taking the best pictures I can. I use an inexpensive point and shoot camera, and only natural window-light in all of my photos (even though waiting for a sunny day can sometimes require patience, especially during those long winter months in Ottawa!). I think the time investment of making great pictures has really been a good one!

Finally, I have to say that the best marketing I’ve done is creating listings on Etsy and being part of this great handmade community. I’ve been so fortunate, I’ve never paid for an ad for rikrak, but I’ve invested money in listing whenever I can on Etsy. For me, that’s been a great strategy with great returns.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?

When I was first starting out, I promoted some high-end products, trying to present the most complex crafts I could conceive. These were fun yet time-consuming, and would take me weeks to complete. But, I never felt comfortable charging for the immense amount of time these projects took, and sometimes even lost money on them! I’ve since dropped many of these items from my regular lines, and streamlined my projects so that market pricing has played a role in what I sell. Most of those extra special items are reserved, now, for loved ones.

Walk us through your typical workday.

Gosh, it's a fun one!

6:30 am: We wake up with little rikrak

6:30 – 8: 30 am: Lego-building projects, arts and crafting for fun, a yummy breakfast, coffee-ing begins.

8:30 ish – Mr. Rikrak goes off to work and the mommying morning starts! Most days, little rikrak and I take a walk, play at the park, work on some fun little projects we’re doing, have 80s dance parties in the living room, or mess up the kitchen, etc. I take a few little breaks here and there to check rikrak messages, sales, do a listing, etc, planning what to do once work time starts. My previously written blog post goes up!

If it’s a beautiful morning, I encourage little rikrak to help me take my natural-light product photos beside our dining room window (he’s a great little photographer!) and if little rikrak has a fun extra-curricular activity that morning, then it’s onto Morning Plan B: work, work, work!

1:00 pm: After lunch, drop little rikrak off at school for a few hours and race home to start rikraking! Respond to orders, queries, etc. pack up new orders, do some cutting, sewing, and ironing.

Run to the post office. Reward myself by dropping into the forums or hopping on twitter for mini-breaks. More coffee!

3:30 pm: Pick up little rikrak! Or Plan B: have Mr. Rikrak pick up little rikrak

Around 5:30 pm: Dinnertime for the family rikrak. Family visiting. Then, a fun board game or two. Funny tales from the day, bathtime, and story time.

7:30 pm: Cute little rikrak goes to bed and the rikrak night shift begins! These days, this is when the real bulk of work time happens for me. More cutting and sewing. List more goodies, design new works, pack up orders, prepare the next day's blog post, etc. Mr. Rikrak is a fun doctoral student and instructor, so sometimes (when he’s not working on his thesis) he’ll be so cute and will read a novel for the class he’s teaching out loud while I sew! I love it.

Around 11:30 pm: Try to stop sewing. Go to bed, cuddle and dream of new designs!

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?

Oh gosh, I just love so many things about this job! I mostly love the joy of being able to choose my own adventure. I love being able to design and craft to make a living! I can’t think of a better job. Rikraking + mommying = wonderful. What I miss? Like so many folks, I find there’s no "off button" in having my own business. I often feel like I’m always on, creating new goodies, filling orders, responding to queries, and my head is constantly filled with new designs. I’ll keep working at that one!

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?

This might sound like a cliché, but I think anything’s possible if you put your mind to it! Believe in yourself. It makes things much easier!

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

I’m so excited about the new things afoot at rikrak!

Finish structuring a book project that I’m working on with my designs and patterns.

Continuing to build my little business in new ways.

Growing my new little blog.

Continuing to make fun new designs and eco-friendlly products... stay tuned!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’d just like to say… I owe such a huge thank you to Etsy and the Etsy community! Two years ago, I would never have guessed that this career would have even been possible. For me, Etsy has been the single best way to build my handmaking business. Its global exposure is just phenomenal! Through Etsy, I’ve now sold thousands of items, had over 90 shops from around the world find me and sell my goodies, had five major print magazines discover my work and feature it, and had the immense fortune to meet many like-minded, handmaking superstars who have become dear "colleagues" in the virtual work-world! Through Etsy’s various Teams (I’m so proud to be part of the TransCanada Etsy Team, Team EcoEtsy, the Trashion Team, and EtsyMom) I’ve met so many kindred folk! Thank you so much, Etsy, for making this wonderful community possible and for launching many a handmaking career. Cheers to you!

Keep up with Kristal on the web:

Her blog: http://www.rikrakstudio.blogspot.com
Her flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikrak

Her twitter: http://twitter.com/therikrakshop

Or see her Tuesday, April 28th at 4pm EDT in Etsy's Virtual Labs for a live Quit Your Day Job chat!

You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here! Take a look at some of Kristal's gorgeous bags below.

Etsy Finds: Grab Bag... Must Haves for Spring

2009-04-27T12:13:00-05:00

A good bag can really do it for me. I'm the type of girl who likes one large carry-all bag as my go-to lifesaver. I've been sniffing around the Bags and Purses category, and I think it's time for a spring bag update. Each of the bags below would make be a great day-to-day addition to your wardrobe: they're large enough to carry your life-on-the-go, well made, practical, and have a little extra wow factor.

P.S. Spring bags make great gifts for moms, and Mother's Day is just twelve days away!

Pink Velvet Sprout Recycled Frock Wool Shoulderbag

By frockhandbags, $200.

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Black Leather Rose Petal Bag Ready to Ship

By stacyleigh, $225.

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Nep tweed wool Boston bag, Green, with a leather corsage No.12

By tagodesign, $86.90.

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Vadelia in Mustard

By morelle, $95.

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ROSE QUILTED LOUCHE XL- soft GREY TOTE

By SWANclothing, $175.

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Ritzy Berry Kiss Tote in pink, red and plum

By ShazandCazHandbags, $140.

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Indigo, rust and cream - tote

By scabbyrobot, $164.

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5 pocket Vigga travel bag in chestnut

By valhallabrooklyn, $215.

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the artist satchel, marigold

By quejimenez, $290.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Bags and Purses Category | Guest Curators | More Bag Posts | Vintage Bags

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Mother's Jewels, by Popular Vote

2009-04-27T10:30:00-05:00

Congratulations to torque, who works with Jody McGill aka 1ofmykind — her locket piece has won last week's round of voting! The popular vote has nailed this one: mothers around the world would just melt if they received this piece as a Mother's Day gift. Don't you think? You could put a cute little picture of darling daughter or son inside, and presto! Mama would be beaming.

Congrats to all the runners up. You can see the next 21 top favorites in the related items below. Look for these in the Mother's Day Jewelry Gift Guide as well.

Want to get involved in next week's round? Post links to your suggestions in the comments below. We're looking for new baby items.

Etsy Finds: Look, Mom... I Made It Myself!

2009-04-23T12:05:00-05:00

Every year when I ask my Mumma (that's what I call her) what she wants for Mother's Day, she replies, "Make me something!" She says she just wants her gift to be handmade by me. That I can do! (And so can you!) Here are some ideas from Etsy to get you started on a handmade gift for mom.

Mama and Child Handmade Book

How about a scrapbook with photos, doodles and memories? Start out with this gorgeous handbound and painted book by SleepingForest, $175.

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Devore Scarf Kit

"Etch" a luscious scarf with this fabric kit from beloved textile designer dionneswift, $35.

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Sewing Box

Get inspired by these tempting notions and supplies. From themercshop, $38.

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DIY KIT and TUTORIAL. ribbon flower brooch.

Get all the supplies and instructions needed to create these sweet brooches. By bustle, $12.

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Tell your mom why you love her card

I love that you can customize this cool mechanical card. By mollylee, $6.

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DIY KIT - 3 Custom PHOTO Pendant / Keychain Sets

Make three (count 'em, three!) pendants with this custom photo pendant kit: one for mom, granny and maybe you too! By littlebluebirdstudios, $13.50.

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Pebble Cushion Kit

Want to make a pretty pillow? Textile designer Ruth Singer's helpful guide will get you there in no time. By Ruthsinger, $29.

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Lavender Soap Rebatching Kit

Make a small batch of luscious handmade soap with your mom's favorite scents and flavors. By VintageFreshSoap, $25.

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7 Piece Pom Kit- Pick Your Colors

Invite mom over for brunch and decorate with handmade pom poms! By PomLove, $30.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Etsy Supplies | How-Tuesday Projects | More Mother's Day Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: This Time, It's Personal

2009-04-21T12:10:00-05:00

Anyone can run into a random store at the last minute and buy a generic, mass-produced candle for a present. However, those aren't the gifts you remember; they're the ones that linger on shelves, gathering dust. Today I've put together a collection of custom, personalized gift ideas that will show you really thought about the person in question. (Mom, perhaps? Mother's Day is a'comin'!) Here are some of my favorites.

Custom Silhouette Pillow - 12x12

You plus me, and baby makes three! Customized silhouettes make the facts of life totally adorable (and a functional family portrait!). By lepapierstudio, $24.

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Let me do a quirky custom portrait for you

Do you have a cherished family photo? A favorite in-joke that's best illustrated with a snapshot from that one crazy afternoon? Have it immortalized in a quirky custom portrait by EmmieBean. $50.

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floral bookplate mug, made to order

Bookplates ensure that your favorite tomes are returned in a timely manner. A monogrammed mug will do just the same, but with delicious coffee filled to the brim. By fieldguided, $20.

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Custom antiqued sterling heart charm necklace

Heart necklaces are so romantic. This antiqued sterling version would look great with engraved initials! By modernmama, $42.

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Personalized Peony Notes Boxed Set of 8

Personalized stationery gives notes so much more authority and aplomb. I want mine to say "From the desk of A.A.F." By MichelleBrusegaard, $18.

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Custom Name Tooled Hand Painted Leather Cuff

Leather jewelry will last forever. Customize a leather cuff with a name or saying for a meaningful gift. By valentinoink, $25.

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Custom Handstamped Photo Charm Bracelet or Necklace

My mom would love a custom handstamped bracelet with the names and birthdates of myself and my sisters: wouldn't yours? By MetalPressions, $120.

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CUSTOM BUST (Commission Your Own OOAK Art Doll Bust)

To all the doll lovers out there: Wouldn't you love to receive a custom bust of yourself or a loved one? Amazing work by blackeyedsuzie. $150.

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Custom Sewn Pet Portrait

Yes, yes, and more yes: I want a custom pet portrait showing my dogs marrying each other! This would be the gift to end all gifts. By pidgepidge, $350.

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Smokey Trifold Wallet - Leather in Antique Brown

This leather wallet rocks my world! I'd have mine engraved with a poem or lyrics to a favorite song. By moxieandoliver, $95.

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P.S. What's your idea of a great personalized gift? Leave it in the comments!

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Personalized Gift Ideas | Search for Custom Items | More Personalized Posts | Gift Ideas

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Vote! Which Jewelry Would Make Mom Feel Special?

2009-04-21T10:25:00-05:00

We asked for your jewelry picks for Mother's Day — so many gorgeous choices rolled in, my friends. Now it's your turn to vote! The top favorites will be featured in the Gift Guides and here on the Etsy blog, so show your favorite sellers some love and get out the vote!

VOTE HERE!

Want to get involved in next week's round? Post in the comments below with your favorites from the Pets Category. We want your nominations!

Voting Posts | Mother's Day Showcase | More Jewelry Posts

Mother's Day Showcase: On Sale Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 12 PM EDT

2009-04-20T13:31:00-05:00

Mother's Day in the United States is May 10, 2009, and it'll be here before you know it! Shopping Etsy's Mother's Day Showcase is a great way to get ahead of the game and get lovely gifts for all of the special moms in your life. (And don't forget the expecting moms...maternity wear and jewelry always make very appreciated gifts!)

We encourage sellers to choose items that they would give their own moms, a friend, a spouse, or maybe just something you'd like for yourself. Some ideas might include jewelry (of course), accessories, ceramics and pottery, bath and beauty items, or anything that she loves but may hesitate to buy herself. All categories are welcome for the Mother's Day Showcase!

Mother's Day Showcase goes on sale Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 12PM EDT.

Go to the Showcase Gateway to purchase a spot.

This Showcase will run from Monday, April 13, 2009 12am EDT through Sunday, May 3, 2009, 11:59pm EDT.

For $15 USD, Etsy sellers can purchase a 24-hour spot, which will be linked from a prominent banner on Etsy's homepage.

Sellers determine which item will be featured in your Showcase slot. Sellers must use the tool in Your Etsy > Promote > Showcase. Learn more about this process here.

Future Showcases

If you are thinking about planning for other Showcases that may be more appropriate for your items, here are some of the front page Showcases we will be highlighting:

Graduation Showcase: On sale April 30, 2009; the Showcase will be live from May 4, 2009 to May 10, 2009.
- Think keepsakes and items to send them off in style to college or their first job.
Kids and Toys Showcase: On sale, May 7, 2009; the Showcase will be live from May 11, 2009 to May 17, 2009.
- Think wooden toys, plush toys, dolls, play food, dress up accessories, puzzles and lots of other creative toys.

What is this Showcase thing? For a general introduction to Showcase, read Matt's Storque article 13.5 Questions about the Showcase, and for deeper thoughts on figuring out if Showcase is right for you, see Beth's Showcase Deconstructed article.

Etsy Finds: Objects of Affection

2009-04-20T12:20:00-05:00

I've always felt a connection with jewelry, especially the kind that possesses a personal message. Spoil mom this May 10th with a piece of personalized jewelry she'll know you really thought about; it's so easy to get creative with custom names, the number of children, birthstones, and photos incorporated your selection. Each of the baubles below would make a meaningful gift for mom this Mother's Day. Find more gifts ideas for mom in our Jewelry for Mothers Gift Guide.

Mother's Hammered Circle Pendant

By bddesigns, $58.

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follow me...

By alibli, $20.

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Spoon Endz Necklace

By SpoonerZ, $29.99.

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Two Peas in a Pod Necklace

By sudlow, $37.

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Candy diamond ring

By dafnadagan, $195.

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Funky Custom initial necklace

By artdi, $60.

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Fawn Family Necklace 2baby Fawns

By FigsAndGinger, $73.

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Pasqua Ring --FREE SHIPPING--

By blissiful, $75.

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Necklace - 3 Customized Photocharms with Monogram Initials

By BSidesMetal, $90.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | More Mother's Day Posts | Trends | Gift Ideas

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Etsy Finds: Fresh Weekend Deals

2009-04-17T12:06:00-05:00

Today's Weekend Deals are just in time for a fresh spring makeover. I've been revamping my space lately, and each of the shops below offer great options for sprucing up the look of your apartment or wardrobe. Find more deals running this weekend in this forum thread.

P.S. These finds would also make great gift options for Mother's Day! It'll be here sooner than you think...

Mother and Child Aspen Leaf Necklace

Free shipping Friday through Sunday and 15% off the Mother and Child Aspen necklace. By esdesigns, $42.

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A Thousand Roses Soap - deep, lovely rose scent

20% off all orders of $15 or more, all weekend long! Please type in "SPRING" in the Message to Seller for your PayPal refund plus any shipping overcharges. By swanmountainsoaps, $6.

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ruffle Scarf

Free shipping on all items all weekend. By bobnstitch, $30.

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CUSTOM SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT - 8x10 Oval Print with Monogram

Receive ten silhouette folded note cards with every order. What a great gift idea for Mother's Day! By PrettyFaces, $45.

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The Pleated Ziplet French Wallpaper Style

10% off entire shop all weekend! Mention "TenOFF" in the Message to Seller to receive your PayPal refund. By aggieray, $14.95.

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Copper Bloom Earrings

20% off any regularly priced item (excluding any items already on sale). Just add "weekend deals" in the Message to Seller and wait for your PayPal refund. By rubygirl, $30.

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Lavender Filled Eye Pillow

All items in shop section titled "SPRING CLEAN" will be 15% off with the promo code "We love Mary!" By SewFragrant, $12.

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green apple - hair clip/brooch

Free shipping on all items all weekend! By jiorji, $15.

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Made for Each Other Pillow Set

All eco-felt pillows are 20% off when you mention "Earth Day Deal" in the Message to Seller at Checkout. By diffractionfiber, $60.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Mother-Daughter-Grandmother Shops: Crocheting the Generation Gap (en Español)

2009-04-17T10:30:00-05:00

“To be, or not to be,” Shakespeare's Hamlet asked. How about “Two Knit or Knot to Knit?” This is the question for granddaughter Eve Neuhart and her grandmother Martha Villa, who started a shop called TwoKnit. They were introduced to Etsy by Roxana Villa (IlluminatedPerfume and RoxanaVilla), Martha’s daughter and Eve’s mother.

TwoKnit is a new member of the Etsy in Spanish Team and invited lolos and family member Estudio Mullen to translate this post into Spanish.

El nombre TwoKnit representa a las dos tejedoras dueñas de la tienda. El nombre está inspirado en la cita de Shakespeare “Ser o No Ser”, que fue transformada en “Tejer o No Tejer”. Martha Villa y su nieta Eve Neuhart conocieron Etsy gracias a Roxana Villa (IlluminatedPerfume.etsy.com & RoxanaVilla.etsy.com). Roxana es la hija de Martha y la madre de Eve.

Martha began knitting at an early age in Argentina, as seen in the above photo with her cousins on the beach. In 1962 she began knitting professionally in an attempt to bring income to the household. This soon resulted in a TV appearance and a fashion show with her designs in 1964. At the time she had a shop with twelve knitters creating her designs and two sales reps. After moving to the states, Martha took a position at a small boutique in Beverly Hills called "Andrea’s" on little Santa Monica and Camden. This is where she created the crochet hats for Ali MacGraw (Love Story) and taught Natalie Wood to crochet when she was expecting her first baby. Martha’s other celebrity clients have included Lois Clark (James Garner's wife), Shirley Fonda and Charo.

Martha comenzó a tejer con sus primos en las playas de Argentina cuando era una niña. En 1962, tratando de aumentar los ingresos para su hogar, empezó a tejer profesionalmente, y en 1964 presentó sus diseños en un espectáculo de moda en televisión. En esa época, era dueña de una tienda que tenía dos vendedoras y doce tejedoras creando sus diseños. Después de mudarse a los Estados Unidos, Martha trabajó en una pequeña boutique de Beverly Hills llamada Andrea, ubicada en Little Santa Monica y Camden. Allí creó los sombreros de ganchillo para Ali MacGraw (Love Story) y le enseñó a tejer con ganchillo a Natalie Wood cuando ésta esperaba su primer bebé. Otros clientes célebres incluyeron a Lois Clark (la esposa de James Garner), Shirley Fonda y Charo.

Eve, sixteen years of age, has been blessed by a bounty of creativity in her family. Some of Eve’s favorite activities include acting, filmmaking, writing, drawing, painting, photography, quantum physics, Shakespeare Summer camp, and of course knitting. The first knitted item that Eve created was a pocket gnome. From there she moved onto to animals (lamb, lion and a bear) and socks. While Eve was in eighth and ninth grade, she and her best friend had a booth at their school's winter fair where they sold their knitted hats and scarves. Shortly after Roxana opened her Illuminated Perfume shop here on Etsy, Martha and Eve decided to open TwoKnit, featuring both their wares. Martha specializes in both knitting and crochet. Eve currently focuses on knitted hats and scarves and models many of the items for their shop.

Eve, de dieciséis años, ha sido bendecida con toda la creatividad de su familia. Algunas de las actividades favoritas de Eve incluyen la actuación, filmación, escritura, dibujo, pintura, fotografía, física cuántica, Campamento de Verano de Shakespeare y por supuesto el tejido. Lo primero que tejió Eve fue un duende de bolsillo. Luego tejió animales (corderos, leones y osos) y calcetines. Cuando Eve estaba en octavo y noveno grado, en la feria de invierno de su escuela, ella y su mejor amiga tuvieron un puesto donde vendieron sus sombreros tejidos y sus bufandas. El año pasado Eve y Martha crearon su primer proyecto colaborativo; un abrigo tejido, inspirado por un objeto que descubrieron en Fred Segals de Santa Mónica, una tienda muy de moda. Martha y Eve diseñaron juntas el abrigo y tejieron diferentes piezas. Al final Martha armó el conjunto.

Al poco tiempo que Roxana abrió su tienda Illuminated Perfume (www.illuminatedperfume.etsy.com) en Etsy, Martha y Eve decidieron abrir TwoKnit para mostrar sus creaciones. Martha se especializa en tejido y ganchillo. Eve se dedica actualmente a los sombreros y bufandas tejidas y es la encargada de modelar muchos de los productos de su tienda.

Little Roxana!

Martha’s passion for crochet and knitting was rekindled when Roxana asked her to make some pouches for her natural/botanical perfumes. In the realm of niche perfumery, many of the artists utilize similar bottles. As a way to differentiate her products from other niche perfumers Roxana decided to recruit her mother’s extraordinary talent for the task. The heirloom pouches are in keeping with the spirit of the exquisite handmade artifact. Roxana and Martha spent much time together researching yarns and other embellishments for the pouches.

La pasión de Martha por el ganchillo y el tejido se reavivó cuando Roxana le pidió hacer algunas bolsitas para colocar sus perfumes botánicos/naturales. En el campo de la perfumería exclusiva muchos de los artistas utilizan este tipo de presentaciones. Para diferenciar sus productos de los otros perfumes, Roxana decidió utilizar el extraordinario talento de su madre. Estas bolsitas exclusivas mantienen el espíritu de los exquisitos objetos hechos a mano. Roxana y Martha pasan mucho tiempo juntas investigando estambres y otros adornos para los envases.

Since Roxana had color coded each perfume, this system was applied to the pouches and soon all the packaging pieces came together. Lyra, the very feminine floral perfume, has a dusty rose colored pouch for both manifestations as a liquid and solid perfume. Martha also painstakingly embellishes the boxes which house the perfumes by creating silk pillows and lining the interiors with ribbon. Working on this project together strengthened the bond between Roxana and Martha. Thus, when Roxana opened her Etsy shop, Martha and Eve soon followed suit. Greg Spalenka (spalenka and spalenkaart), Roxana’s husband, contributes the illustrations that illuminate each of her perfumes.

Roxana codificó cada perfume en base a colores y éste sistema fue el que aplicaron a las bolsitas, consolidando así todo el sistema de empaque. Lyra, perfume floral muy femenino, tiene una bolsita en tono rosado opaco para el perfume líquido así como para el sólido. Martha también embellece minuciosamente las cajas que contienen los perfumes, creando almohadillas de seda y forrando el interior con cintos. Trabajando juntas en este proyecto, Roxana y Martha fortalecieron la relación entre ambas. Así, cuando Roxana abrió su tienda en Etsy, Martha y Eve decidieron hacer lo mismo. El esposo de Roxana, Greg Spalenka (spalenka.etsy.com y spalenkaart.etsy.com) colabora con las ilustraciones que iluminan cada uno de sus perfumes.

Martha tends to knit and crochet outside in a chair next to her swimming pool in the California sunshine. Roxana and Eve work on their projects in their Santa Monica Mountain home, which serves as a large studio space. Eve also knits in the car to and from school, at school and while watching her favorite films.

Martha teje y hace ganchillo sentada en una silla junto a su piscina, bajo el sol de California. Roxana y Eve trabajan en sus proyectos en su casa en la montaña en Santa Mónica, que les sirve como un amplio estudio. Eve también teje en el auto yendo y viniendo de la escuela, en la escuela y mientras mira sus películas favoritas.

SALE-Blessings Grande Art Pendant Necklace-was 135

Roxana was introduced to Etsy by an article that appeared in the LA Times. Shortly thereafter, Lori Patton opened her shop featuring art jewelry including imagery by Roxana and Greg.

Roxana conoció Etsy gracias a un artículo que apareció en el LA Times. Después de eso, Lori Patton de HeartworksbyLori.etsy.com abrió su tienda exhibiendo joyería de arte que incluía imágenes realizadas por Roxana y Greg. By heartworksbylori, $75.

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Darling Clementine Capelet

When Martha first saw the work of Dennice of fringe, she remarked “Finally, someone who is pricing handmade knitwear appropriately!” Eve and Roxana are extremely found of all Dennice’s creations. This one has a beautiful, vintage quality. Besides LOST, Eve and Roxana’s other favorite TV show is called Fringe.

Cuando Martha vió el trabajo realizado por Dennice de Fringe, dijo: “¡Por fin alguien está cobrando de manera adecuada las prendas de punto!” Eve y Roxana son admiradoras de las creaciones de Dennice. Ésta tiene una bella calidad vintage. Aparte de LOST, el otro program favorito de Eve y Roxana es Fringe. By fringe, $112.

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Deer Portrait Letterpress Flat Card

In the eighties when Roxana lived in Brooklyn and worked as a freelance illustrator, she had a studio space on Perry Street in Greenwich Village for her Vandercook flatbed letterpress. We chose this letterpress image because Eve adores foxes.

En los ochentas, cuando Roxana vivía en Brooklyn y trabajaba como ilustradora independiente, tenía espacio en un estudio en Perry Street en Greenwich Village para su impresora de mesa Vandercook. Elegimos esta impresión de letterpress porque Eve adora los zorros. By letterpress, $3.25.

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Squirrel Chubbikin

Eve and Roxana live up in the Santa Monica Mountains where they are often visited by a variety of creatures, including coyotes, raccoons, tree and ground squirrels, lizards, skunks, families of quail, songbirds, bees, hawks, owls and unfortunately gophers. These squirrel Chubbikins are so sweet, aren’t they?! Our local tree squirrels live up in our native oaks, where they act like Oak Tree fairies planting acorns.

Eve y Roxana viven en las montañas de Santa Mónica donde suelen recibir visitas de muchas criaturas como por ejemplo coyotes, mapaches, ardillas, lagartijas, zorrinos, familias de codornices, pájaros, abejas, halcones, búhos y, desgraciadamente, topos. Estas ardillas Chubbikins son preciosas, ¡¿no?! Nuestras ardillas arbóreas locales viven en nuestros robles nativos, donde actúan como duendes plantando bellotas. By erinaellis, $18.

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Q Botanical Perfume

The first pouch Martha created for Roxana was for the natural/botanical perfume called Q, for Quercus agrifolia, California's native Oak Trees. Roxana gives a percentage of the proceeds from each bottle of Q sold to the California Oak Foundation.

La primera bolsa que Martha creo para Roxana fue para un perfume botánico natural llamado Q, por Quercus agrifolia, nuestro roble nativo. Roxana dona a la Fundación California Oak un porcentaje de los ingresos provenientes de cada botella de Q. By IlluminatedPerfume, $150.

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Paris Rooftop 2- Original Signed Fine Art Photograph

While Martha worked at Andrea’s in Beverly Hills she would occasionally travel to Paris to look at the latest fashion designs. Sometimes Roxana would tag along with Martha on these trips. This photograph of Paris is reminiscent of those fun mother-daughter excursions and also looks a bit like Buenos Aires.

Mientras Martha trabajaba en Andrea, en Beverly Hills, ella solía viajar a París para mirar los últimos diseños de la moda. Esta foto de París rememora esas divertidas excursiones de madre e hija y además tiene un parecido con la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. By AliciaBock, $35.

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VINTAGE BRASS LARGE ART DECO ANGEL PENDANT

These pendants by myshangrila make Eve and Roxana swoon. We are looking forward having some custom necklaces created by an Etsy artisan utilizing these gorgeous, brass pendants. They look a bit like some of the muses in Greg’s paintings.

Estos pendientes de MyShangriLa hacen delirar a Eve y Roxana. Esperamos poder contar con que algunos artesanos de Etsy nos hagan unos collares a pedido, utilizando estos maravillosos pendientes de bronce. Se parecen un poco a las musas que aparecen en las pinturas de Greg. By myshangrila, $10.

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TwoKnit is a new member of the Etsy in Spanish and Illuminated Perfume is a very proud member of the Green & Clean Guild - EGCG!

Links of Interest:
Highland Hall Waldorf School
Sniffapalooza Magazine Interview with Roxana

California Oak Foundation

Let us know in the comments about other mother-daughter (or son) shops!

More Mother-Daughter (and Granddaughter!) Stories | Mother's Day Showcase

Check Out Our Gift Guides for Mother's Day Presents

Etsy Finds: Make an Impression

2009-04-14T10:30:00-05:00

Letterpress is an amazing medium. The amount of time and effort that goes into this art form is totally justified by the quality and beauty of the resulting product. If you're looking for a gift for Mom (hint, hint!), this collection of posters, cards, and prints should surely do the trick.

An Apple A Day letterpress poster

By VikDesign, $25.

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Hells Yeah Print

By breadandbuttershop, $8.

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Happy Mother's Day letterpress greeting card. bamboo paper. lined envelope. C447T

By smockpaper, $4.

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Cutlery Thieves Letterpress Art Prints

By rollandtumblepress, $15.

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The 12 mo. Sycamore Club Membership. Letterpress limited editions. 25 percent savings.

By sycamorestreetpress, $225.

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Custom letterpress calling cards

By simplesongdesigns, $130.

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Live What You Love Letterpress Print in Orange

By hijirik, $12.50.

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SPRING TREES LETTERPRESS MINI PRINTS WITH ENVELOPES

By YeeHaw, $20.

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Letterpress Recipe Cards and Recipe Box

By 1canoe2, $46.

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Amidst Routes Letterpress Print - Limited Edition

By pearlmarmalade, $18.

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Are you a soon-to-be-wed? Custom letterpress wedding invitations send the most beautiful message to your guests. Find out more about this process.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | More Mother's Day Finds

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Etsy Finds: Great Values with Moms in Mind

2009-04-10T10:50:00-05:00

Looking for a gift for Mother's Day that also fits in your budget? Well, you're in luck! This collection of Weekend Deals is full of great gift ideas. Mother's Day is just one month away, which means you're still in the clear to find the perfect handmade gift and get it shipped in time. Each of the deals below are limited time promotions running this weekend only. Find more great weekend promotions in this forum thread.

Organic Flower Necklace

Receive a free pair of Little Pebble Drop Earrings with any purchase of $44 or more or receive 15% off any necklace in the shop. Simply enter code "springfever" in the Message to Seller and your money will be refunded via PayPal or your free earrings will ship out with your order. Sale runs April 10-12, 2009. By elisasherejewelry, $46.

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Orange Clove Bath Bar

20% off all items in shop, excluding the bargain bin section. Enter the code "20EtsyApril" in the Message to Seller upon checkout to receive your PayPal refund. By CCrafters, $5.

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BUTTERFLY WINGS - Stud Earrings

Receive a free pair of wee curls earrings in sterling or 14k gold filled when you spend $50 or more. Spend $100 and receive two pairs! Just leave your preference of silver or gold filled in the Message to Seller. By bellabijoujewellery, $54.

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City Girl Medium Plus Tote Set - Medium Plus size tote bag with accessories

10% off all items in this shop through this weekend only. Use code "Easter" in the Message to Seller upon checkout and wait for your revised PayPal invoice or PayPal refund. By Midnightcreations, $37.

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Harbinger Lariat, Botanical Gold Collection

Free worldwide shipping all weekend and a free coupon for future purchases when you enter *STORQUESALE* in the Message to Seller during checkout. Refunds will be promptly processed via PayPal! By briguysgirls, $29.

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Birds on a Wire (original light painting)

Receive 10% off and free shipping when you enter the promo code "LOVE LUX" in the Message to Seller during checkout. Just wait for revised PayPal invoice. By LuxArt, $100.

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Wrapped organic labradorite earrings

Free worldwide shipping and 10% off all earrings in shop. Enter in the promo code "TENPERCENT" in the Message to Seller during checkout, and wait for your refund via PayPal. By tinahdee, $30.

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Tulip Trio- Fine Art Print- 8x10

Receive 15% off on all items this weekend only. Convo seller for details before transaction. By JoannasPhotography, $20.

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Sterling Silver Heart Hoop Earrings Weekend Deal

Buy any two regularly priced items and get a free pair of my heart hoop earrings, a $26 value. By janedeaux, $26.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | More Mother's Day Posts | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: The Picture of Love

2009-04-07T10:23:00-05:00

I've always felt the gift of art is such a genuine way to show someone how much you care. With Mother's Day soon approaching, now is a great time to start planning ahead. Creative art with a personal touch is a great way to give mom a token of your appreciation that will last for years to come.

6 x 6 linen canvas silhouette

By chirpstudio, $60.

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Mama and baby elephant figures

By bunnywithatoolbelt, $65.

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beth and conrad at the edge of the world

By thisisalliknow, $375.

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My red stunning pomegranate

By Yoola, $95.

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Birth, Original OOAK dolls, collaborative project

By holli, $160.

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Put the love together

By jeanniehaydon, $40.

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My Beautiful Mother

By irisschwarz, $14.

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Personalized Framed Sibling Silhouette Print

By babycakesart, $40.

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Jetaime - Mae and Bebe

By KatHannah, $21.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

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Gift Ideas: Spa Day

2009-03-31T14:42:00-05:00

If there's one person who deserves a little pampering, it's Mom. If you're on a budget this Mother's Day, don't fret! Give her a d.i.y. spa day to remember with Bath and Beauty goodies from Etsy. I've put together a collection that will leave your mouth watering. I want to take a bath already!

Water Lily and Jasmine Whipped Soap - Travel Size

By FairyBubbles, $4.50. Search for more fragrant soap.

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Gateau de Citron -- Body Mist

By savor, $10. Search for more fragrances.

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Orange Cinnamon - Whipped Body Butter - 8oz

By freshandclean, $10. Search for more body butter.

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Rose Water - Essential Oil Hydrosol

By 4thAveSoapCo, $12. Search for more essential oils.

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Herbal Shampoo Bar for dry scalp with Raw Honey, Tea Tree and Nettle Extract

By mountainmamachic, $5.75. Search for more shampoo.

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Bay Rum and Lime Shea Butter Soap by Sweet Petula...featured in O Magazine

By sweetpetula, $7.95. Search for more soap.

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Peppermint Rosemary Vegan Handmade Soap

By DeShawnMarie, $4.95. Search for more vegan soap.

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Solid Shampoo Bars Shampoo That Rocks Set of 2

By inalather, $15.75. Search for more hair products.

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Sweet Citrus and Lavender Body Polish

By ThePigAndThePeacock, $6. Search for more scrub products.

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Lulamae Perfume...an elegant FREESIA blend

By lulubeauty, $25. Search for more perfume.

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Cucumber Aloe Sugar Scrub 16 oz - Diva-Licious Scrubbability

By FavorsRUs, $14. Search for more exfoliating products.

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Looking for more Bath and Beauty items? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Bath and Beauty Category | Mother's Day | Gift Ideas

Etsy Finds: Beyond the Bloom

2009-03-31T10:22:00-05:00

My mother always asks for fresh flowers for Mother's Day. Since giving flowers year after year can get a little boring, I've learned to spice it up by giving the lasting gift of vases, jars and pitchers that contain a beautiful bouquet. Each of the finds below would make a creative and multifunctional (not to mention environmentally friendly!) spin on the traditional vase. Give the gift that keeps on giving after the flowers have come and gone.

You are My Sunshine Bud Vase in Crackle

By AmyJaneClayAddict, $40.

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Vintage silver tea pot

From highstreetmarket, $42.

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SALE- Large Crater Vase

By sarapaloma, $50.

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Blue Lace Doily Vase

By kensgardenpottery, $25.

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Pollock Vase Mint

By Popkraft, $60.

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Set of Mini Red and Orange Cream Pitchers

From HelloVictory, $16.

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Recycled Beer Bottle Vase. Hand Cut Wavy Top.

By MintyFreshFusions, $15.

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sparkly purple and grey knitted vase with upcycled glass interior

By thefuzzymonkey, $15.

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Vintage Quick Seal Jar

From cassielynne, $10.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gardening and Horticulture Gifts | Mother's Day Gifts | Search for Vases | Gift Ideas

Ceramics and Pottery | Plants and Edibles

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Quit Your Day Job: nelladesigns

2009-03-30T16:59:00-05:00

Elizabeth of nelladesigns opened up shop on Etsy after the persistent urging of one of her close friends. Her sales started picking up and she began to rethink her Etsy shop as more than just a favorite pastime. After leaving her full time graphic design job, she's been making a living through her shop sales and wishes now that she had taken the advice from her friend much sooner!

How did you originally get into the business of making things?

Growing up, I always loved to make things for friends and family in lieu of store-bought gifts. I enjoyed seeing their faces when they first laid eyes on whatever it was I had created for them. However, I would have to say that over the past decade or so I began to delve more into this pastime, as it became a great stress reliever from my 9 to 5 graphic design job.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?

Being my own boss and doing things on my own terms has ALWAYS been a dream of mine. I just never knew how to go about doing it. Joining Etsy and opening up my own store was a bit of a fluke, actually. One of my oldest friends kept mentioning over and over in passing how I needed to open a shop on Etsy. I kept blowing her off until one day on a whim I decided to take the plunge.

At first I had no idea what I would sell, but knew that I had always loved all things paper. I was the kid that got a stationery set with stickers, but would never use it because it was too pretty. Being a full time designer for a magazine, I really went into it as more of a hobby and had no idea that it would turn into what it has. I would have to say though that in the last 6 months or so I started to get serious about it and really had high hopes of quitting my design job and focusing full time on Nella. I had only been in business a little over a year when I took the plunge. Having been the latest victim of the recession and cutbacks, I was really forced into running Nella full time a smidge sooner than I had hoped, but I am a firm believer of the whole sink or swim mentality.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?

As I said above, I really jumped into it feet first. It wasn’t until after I started making sales that I realized I should probably look into getting the proper licenses, etc. and start saving money for the following tax season. Luckily, I was able to get in contact with several wonderful fellow Etsians who gave me fantastic advice on how to go about doing things the right way and also sharing with me some of their mistakes. The Etsy blog articles were also a big help and vital resource for me. I also just recently sat down with my first ever CPA and it was a big eye opener for me. I highly recommend doing so if you think that having your own business is something you are really serious about. For me, this has really been a learn-as-you-go kind of experience, but so far so good.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?

There are several things that have worked well for me. One is getting my name out there. Word of mouth is vital and can really help with sales in the long run. Blog features have also helped with sales a great deal. I recommend compiling a list of favorite blogs and contacting them. Introduce yourself and your product and they just might do a write up on you. One of the highlights of this past year was having the honor of being featured in Mary Englebreit’s Home Companion magazine! It was a case of sheer luck, as I was lucky enough to be spotted by their style editor. Nothing beats national exposure! I am still getting business from that feature months later.

My best marketing tip is something very, very simple. Posting items throughout the day will help you gain exposure and keep you at or near the top of each category. Experimenting with this has really helped me. After a while a pattern will emerge and you can begin to see what times are best to post.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?

In the past I have had the opportunity to run ads in local publications. It really didn’t churn up any business for me.

Walk us through your typical workday.

One great perk of being your own boss is that every day is different! I generally separate my days into design days and shipping days.

On an average design day I usually start out by checking emails and writing down any orders that I may have gotten overnight.
I will then spend time emailing anyone that I received convos from.
I usually do a glance over the Paper Goods category of Etsy to see what has posted and then determine which items I would like to re-post.
After posting, I get down to designing either existing orders or a new design that might have been percolating overnight.
Time for breakfast! After a quick bowl of cereal and a 10-minute visit with the ladies of The View, I am back to designing and printing.
I usually take a break in the early afternoon to run any errands that I might need to do or even go for a quick run! (Ah, the joys of being your own boss.)
More item posts!
Then mid to late afternoon and evening usually have me prepping and packaging orders to go out the next shipping day.
And if I can muster up any more creative flow after that, I will go over any new designs I have in the works.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?

The freedom to do whatever, whenever I like. I am enjoying the thought that I can take off whenever I like and not have to run it by anyone! Go to the beach on a Tuesday? Sure! Not having to put up with corporate rules and regulations is nice too. I can wear jeans as much as I want! For me, the perks outweigh anything else. I don’t mind working alone; in fact, I find that I flourish in doing so and really produce better results. The only thing I somewhat miss are the events that I used to go to with my creative team.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?

I would have listened to my friend's urging and done it sooner! I am a person that likes to be prepared, so I think I really did everything the right way the first go round. Advice I would give to someone looking to take the leap is to plan, plan, plan. Try and start it out just as a side gig for a while to see if you can really make a go of it. And talk to people in the know. A CPA. Fellow Etsy shop owners, etc. Also, BE PATIENT...success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and one that cannot be rushed no matter how anxious you are! I am still learning this after a year!

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

GROW. GROW. GROW. I hope to continue to get my name out there and share my products with as many folks as I can. I want to stay positive and focused and to continue to dream big! After all, this one came true and maybe if I am lucky, I will even get one of my products featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things one day. Oprah, call me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to give a big thank you to the entire Etsy team for making dreams come true for lots of people during these tough economic times. Keep up the good work!

Please join Elizabeth for a follow-up Question and Answer session this Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 3pm EDT in the Auditorium room of the Virtual Labs (the VL schedule is magically in your local time). See you there!

You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Etsy Finds: Gift Giving on a Budget

2009-03-27T10:15:00-05:00

With Mother's Day approaching in just six weeks, I've got mom on the brain and I'm doing my best to plan ahead. I think each of the deals highlighted below would make a great gift for the mom on your list and will save you some cash while you're shopping! For additional Etsy shopping promotions, check out this week's forum thread.

Momma's Boy, Daddy's Girl Custom Silhouette Pillow

Grab a custom silhouette Momma’s Boy, Daddy’s Girl Pillow and receive a free custom silhouette brooch. (It must be the same silhouette to qualify.) This would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift set! Just mention "Weekend Special" in the message during checkout! By diffractionfiber, $45.

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ginko hoops

Free shipping and a free pair of surprise spring earrings with any multiple purchase. Simply mention “Primavera Italiana” in the message to seller during checkout. By alibli, $18.

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Summer Melon 4.5-5 oz handmade soap

20% off yummy spring and summer scents! Enter "SPRING" in the message to seller during checkout and wait for your PayPal refund. By LaveMeSoapCo, $5.50.

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A day at the Museum - 8X12 Floral Fine Art Print

Free 5X7 print of your choice with any purchase. Please use the code "Spring" in the message to seller at checkout to receive a refund through PayPal. By janeheller, $35.

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Amy Butler's Olive Acanthus Corriander and Full Moon Dot Linen Fat Quarter of Each

Maybe you want to make a handmade gift for your mom? Classic! Free 1/4 yard of fabric with every yard purchased when you mention this weekend deal in a convo or message to seller during checkout. By fabricplace, $7.50.

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XO XO Stud Earrings aka Hugs and Kisses

Free shipping all weekend! Check out the special sale section debuting this weekend for additional price cuts. By KathrynRiechert, $12.

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Sweet Leaves - Garden Green Branches (set of 3)

10% off any purchase! Simply enter "sale" in the message to seller and wait for your refund via PayPal. By janejoss, $21.50.

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White Bunny

Free shipping to Canada and the U.S. for all paintings and sculptures. By TheSecretNest, $85.

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The Delilah bag - Pleated Blue Jersey Tote

Price cuts just for you! Large totes originally $35 are now $18, and zippy pouches originally $18 are now $9.50. By HazelHoney, $18.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Mother's Day Gift Ideas | Guest Curators | Trends | More Gift Idea Posts

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Baby Showcase: On Sale Thursday, March 19, 2009 12 PM EDT

2009-03-16T16:35:00-05:00

Know someone with a baby on the way? Or maybe you're a new mama or mama-to-be? The Baby Showcase will be a great place to find ideas for a gift that will stand out from the rest and become a memorable part of the little one's new life. And likely, you're also on the hunt for fantastic pieces for the nursery or the wee wardrobe.

We encourage sellers to add items that every parent will love, like baby booties, pajamas, cute dresses, and items to decorate a nursery. Baby albums, onesies, baby blankets, and toys would work well, too. And don't forget those items that make a new mom's life easier like baby slings, diaper bags and beauty products to keep mom and baby well moisturized and feeling good.

In order to keep the Showcase on-point thematically, the tool will only pull items placed in the following categories: Bath and Beauty (e.g., top-level tag being "bath and beauty"), Bags and Purses, Books and Zines, Children, Clothing, Crochet, Knitting, Quilts, Toys and Vintage.

Baby Showcase goes on sale Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 12PM EDT.
Go to the Showcase Gateway to purchase a spot.
This Showcase will run from Monday, March 23, 2009 12am EDT through Sunday, March 29, 2009, 11:59pm EDT.
For $15 USD, Etsy sellers can purchase a 24-hour spot, which will be linked from a prominent banner on Etsy's homepage.
Sellers determine which item will be featured in your Showcase slot. Sellers must use the tool in Your Etsy > Promote > Showcase. Learn more about this process here.

Future Showcases

If you are thinking about planning for other Showcases that may be more appropriate for your items, here are some of the front page Showcases we will be highlighting:

Spring Showcase: On sale date, March 26, 2009; the Showcase will be live from March 30, 2009 to April 12, 2009.
- Think of bunnies, lambs, Easter eggs and all things "spring-like".
Mothers Day Showcase: On sale date, April 9, 2009; the Showcase will be live from April 20, 2009 to May 3, 2009.
- Think of beautiful jewelry, artwork, fashion and all things that will make a mom feel special.
Graduation Showcase: On sale date, April 30, 2009; the Showcase will be live from May 4, 2009 to May 10, 2009.
- Think keepsakes and items to send them off in style to college or their first job.

Etsy Finds: Hooray for Spring Deals!

2009-03-13T10:25:00-05:00

Can you feel it? Spring is in the air and I've got some great weekend deals up my sleeve to help usher in the season.

Anything on this fresh and pretty list would make a great gift (or guilt-free self indulgence!). Need more incentive? Don't forget to plan ahead for Mother's Day this year and save some cash while you're at it. Check out this forum thread for more shops offering promotions this weekend.

Did you catch yesterday's test of a new Etsy Finds design? What's this, you ask? ... Find out more here.

Poppies Sign

20% off your entire order when you enter "Love Spring" in the notes to seller box upon checkout. Just wait for your revised PayPal invoice from the seller. By ablemabel, $16.50.

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Ice Storm...Modern Earrings

15% off all items and orders of three or more items ship free worldwide. Enter "dandyapple's first weekend sale" in notes to seller box. Discounts will be refunded through PayPal. By dandyapple, $9.

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The Sandy Dennis Dress

Saint Patrick's Day Sale: Any item with green in it is 20% off! All other items are 10% off. Just use the promo code "luckoftheirish" at checkout! From Thrush, $76.

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Spring Greens Necklace

Buy any one item in this shop and get 39% off of your second item. Plus free shipping (domestic and international) on all items! Enter "Happy Birthday" in the notes to seller and wait for your adjusted invoice via PayPal. By ClinkscalesArts, $56.

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Dainty and Feminine Amethyst ring

Buy any two items and receive 25% off your entire order when you write the code "March madness" in the message to seller upon checkout. Just wait for your revised PayPal invoice. By CreationsbyCat, $28.

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Lemon Lime Bath Bombs Set of 3

20% off the entire shop! The perfect chance to stock up for spring, grab Easter basket goodies, or get your Mother's Day gifts early. By KBShimmer, $8.50.

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Brass Growing flower earrings

Free worldwide shipping on all items and a free pair of earrings with any 2 purchases. Buy 4 items and get 2 pairs! By novadesigns, $39.

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CUSTOM SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT - 5 x 7 Print - GREAT EASTER PRESENT

20% off any Custom Silhouette Portrait. No promo-code needed! By PrettyFaces, $35.

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Orange Crush Necklace, Bright Carnelian Briolettes with Raspberry Garnet Rondelles, FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

All shop items listed beyond page 4 are 15% off (discount given in the form of a PayPal refund when code "pagesale" is entered into message to seller during checkout). Free shipping, PLUS a coupon towards a future purchase! By briguysgirls, $31.

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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: For the Ladies We Love

2009-03-12T10:20:00-05:00

I want to extend a shout-out to all of the moms out there, with a special nod to those across the pond. Mother's Day is approaching quickly in the United Kingdom on March 22nd, so don't forget to snag a meaningful gift to show her how much you care. Need a gift shipped quickly? Check out our Shop Local feature to help find a great option close to home.

Royal Blue and Ruby Mini Leather Journal with Heart

By SusanGreenBooks, $14.50.

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Beige Bollero Jacket -LAST ONE

By ileaiye, $150.

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Scout dusky blue clutch

By EmmaGordonLondon, $62.

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3 Rosebud Pink Flowers

By ffflowers, $17.50.

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Stamped sterling silver ring

By LouLouBerry, $25.

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Craspedia Trio - Signed Fine Art Photograph

By greenislandstudios, $35.

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BUZZ Necklace - Snow

By BeadsBySam, $28.

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Love is like a butterfly notecards

By beedesigns, $8.50.

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2 New 18 inch Handmade Contemporary Pillow

By MARIESCOSYCUSHIONS, $30.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Mom Gift Guide | Her Gift Guide | Guest Curators | Etsy International | Gift Ideas

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Quit Your Day Job: knittydirtygirl

2008-07-07T15:45:00-05:00

When I heard Rachel-Marie's account of quitting her day job to sell on Etsy full time through her shop, knittydirtygirl, I just knew you all would fall in love with her story! Here's a woman who knew she was in a profession she didn't love, and in the end took a huge risk in quitting her day job while at the same time discovering she would be expecting her very first child; how stressful is that!? She knew she wasn't financially prepared to quit, but she had the drive to try, and since taking the high road, has found a way to make it work for her and has never looked back. You can now find Rachel-Marie on the internet at all times unless she is taking care of her brand new baby, Occy, her stepdaughter, Zoey, or crafting away for her Etsy shop.

When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I joined Etsy Nov 02, 2005. Here is a funny picture of me and Chris of Etsy from 2005 taken at a Philly Etsy Street team meeting. Straight out of college I had high hopes of a career in my field, even though I was already slightly burned out on graphic design. At that time, I was so young, barely 20 years old. I had no idea how to manage my own business. It seemed overwhelming and far fetched. It was only through trial and error, and much encouragement from peers, that I managed to become an "I quit my day job" story. Oh, and I have to comment here that my "day" job, was an "evening" job. I worked roughly 4PM-11PM.

How long were you selling on Etsy and working your day job before deciding you were ready to switch over to Etsy full time?
About 3 years.

What made you decide to quit your day job?
This is a hard question for me to answer. I don't want to be a Negative Nancy but I am going to be vaguely truthful. So, to balance out this bit of yucky honesty, I will show you a silly picture of me in the wind. It was taken in December 2006. I was waiting at the bus stop, on the way to my old full time job. Let's just say I found out really quickly that I physically cannot play old school office politics. I keep it real, I cannot sit around watching people get screwed, watching myself get screwed. It was a very negative work environment. People in my department were quitting left and right, and it was agonizing seeing new hires go through the same process. I decided it would be best to quit before the next new guy started. I knew I would snap and end up making a scene, walking out, if I didn't quit then. Once I realized I could take no more, I typed up my resignation letter and let fate handle the rest. Financially, I was not ready to quit, but I knew for my sanity's sake I had to. I pushed it to the limit.

How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
I knew that I would rather risk being grossly poor than stay there any longer. I had been trying for months to get a new job, but nothing worked out. I got an interview for a company that sold really dangerous lawn chemicals, I canceled it. I started lining up waitressing interviews because I knew we were in trouble, or so I thought. I never knew what risks laid ahead! Back at my full time job, my coworkers remarked at my growing bust line. I laughed and said "It's great, I'm gaining weight, but only in my bust!". Two weeks later, after I had quit my day job, my husband and I huddled together in our little apartment bathroom. I had just taken my second pee test to find out we had our firstborn on its way.

My husband, after graduating college about 3 years before this said day, was working temp jobs. We were really scared. So I guess what I'm trying to say is I knew we weren't ready to take the plunge, but I did it anyway. Here is a picture of me the night I handed in my resignation, February 23, 2007.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
I tried to plan ahead as best I could. I built up my business for 3 years, invested money into my business while I had a decent paying job. I registered my business name, tax ID number, all of that.

What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
My current short term goals include:

To use more natural, less processed, fibers.
To create more "art".
To make items from my heart.
To experiment and learn new techniques.
To keep my current customers happy, and make new customers.
To build a better blog following and to improve my writing skills.

My long term goals are:

To write and illustrate a children's book.
To get published more often.
To stay involved with my arts group, Lancaster Indie Arts.
To contribute to more gallery shows.
To improve my sewing skills.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
Listing often is the number one marketing tool I use. It only costs 20 cents and it gets me the most attention out of anything else I have tried. If you list items with beautiful pictures often, you can get into Treasuries more often, and on the front page more often. Getting on the front page of Etsy, that's the ticket. I have paid for a few advertising spots in different types of media. Craftster.org has been the most successful spot for me.

Here are all of the tools I use to market myself: livejournal blog, myspace, facebook, ravelry, an e-newsletter via googlegroups, flickr, Etsy Chat, and Etsy Forums. I also try and give back as much as possible by leaving comments and favorites. If you are only putting yourself out there to self-promote it becomes stale very quickly.

How's it going so far, are you getting by?
It's going very well, I am very happy. I am SO happy. Things just got better and better since February 23, 2007. My business makes enough money for my part of the bills, and is growing year after year. I got married in March of 2008, my husband got a good job at Comcast. I am so thankful to be at home with my baby boy and my stepdaughter. This seems to have been the right path to take! Thanks, Etsy.

Can you walk us through what a typical workday might entail now that you have quit your day job?
Key:
Zoey = 5 year old stepdaughter
Octavian "Occy" = 9 month old baby

Wake up at 8AM. Change Occy's diaper. Make Zoey breakfast. Take photos of items made the night before, list them on Etsy. Put photos on flickr. Breastfeed, diaper. 10 AM put Occy down for his morning nap, read Zoey a chapter from Matilda by Roald Dahl. Put Zoey's Bratz video game on for her. Feed baby Occy lunch, diaper, breastfeed. Make lunch for Zoey, spill lunch on floor, remake lunch. Diaper, breastfeed. Send Zoey out to play, put Sesame Street on for Occy and work a little at whatever I can do depending on how fussy baby is, breastfeed. 4PM Occy goes down for his afternoon nap. Zoey goes to her Nanny's house. I take a nap. 5 PM do dishes, clean up. Play with baby, take a walk with dog, breastfeed. Take more pictures, list yarn that was drying from this morning. Put Occy's baby 365 days picture up on Flickr. 9PM my husband comes home and we go through the baby's bedtime routine. 10PM I sneak away to the basement garage where I write my blog and work on my artwork. I stay up until 1:30 AM at the latest, then I tap out, go to bed. Repeat.

Here is a picture of my family on memorial day 2008, and a picture of me spinning on our futon during a normal workday. My whole day includes the internet. I am pretty much online all day long. I'm an addict/workaholic. Plus it's nice to have company besides the children. Bless you, Etsy Chat.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
Being at home with my baby. Being my own boss! I often have to remind myself not to be a mean boss. I'm the only employee. I try to take advantage of working for myself as much as I can by taking naps, spending time with my kids, and saying no to things that I don't want to do.

What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
I don't think you can really plan to quit your job. I think you need to put your whole heart, soul, and time into your business in order to see the fruits of your labor. It's very difficult to see results when you work somewhere else 40 hours a week and have a family. So, my advice is, don't be too hard on yourself, get some balls, and quit. If you struggle at first there are ways to balance out your income, I waitressed for a few months until it became a waste of time. I eventually made more money working at home than waitressing those few hours a week.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Peanut Butter!!!!!!!!! No, really. I am very thankful and blessed. I realize how good I have it. I appreciate every single minute I get to work at home.

Check out the photo below to see how Rachel-Marie uses recycled packaging and fused plastic bags to brand her business and stay green:

Thanks to knittydirtygirl for sharing her story of success with us! Check out the gallery below to see some of Rachel-Marie's items. Check out some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts.

Etsy Finds: For the Mother Who Creates

2008-05-11T10:14:00-05:00

Like many of us on Etsy, I'm the daughter of an art teacher. Set this lady loose in an art supply store and watch out! I've seen her in action. The woman loves tools. She once gave a gift of an electric eraser to my fiance, who is an illustrator. At first, he looked upon it as a dubious device but then was won over by the magic of helpful tools.

As you probably know, you can now use the drop-down option in Etsy's search bar to search just for supplies. There are many useful tools which will help you out in your crafty endeavors. But what to get for the mom who has everything?

I turned to ephemera. The thrill of finding vintage supplies for my mother's collages beckoned (you can now search Etsy just for Vintage in the drop down too). And Etsy is great in the same way as a flea market or a grandmother's attic. Destash, my friends! Bring it! I found these awesome vintage RPPCs (which stands for Real Photo Postcards, I just learned) in cocostives' shop. They're perfect for a little Mother's Day gift that says, "Hey special lady, I think the art you create is pretty special." I like how they depict ladies of yesteryear — what better way to honor our mothers?

I know this doesn't have anything to do with crafting, or human woman, but it's a nice mother/child precious moment...

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Etsy Finds: A Little Vacation for Mom

2008-05-10T14:00:00-05:00

In honor of Mother's Day (tomorrow!), I thought it'd be fun to ask my own Mom what she would pick if she could feature any item on Etsy. There's nothing my parents like more than travelling, so I wasn't really surprised when she chose this gorgeous photograph by Shutterstitch as her favorite thing on Etsy right now. It's completely her style, and she said right away how much it reminded her of a family vacation we took to France a few years ago.

Since sending my Mom on a much-deserved European mini-vacation this month is out of the question, this print would be a perfect way to let her know I'm thinking of her and I love her (even if she's terrible at reading French road maps). Now she can look at it, and think of our silly family adventures and dream of being somewhere more exciting and picturesque than central New Jersey. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

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Gift Ideas: Nouveau Mamas

2008-05-09T13:51:00-05:00

Word to the wise: first time moms like to be acknowledged. Extra points if you coyly tell her "you couldn't help but jump the gun" and give your soon-to-be new mother a cute maternity gifty.

See other Storque Mother's Day posts.