Search results (tags) for: "youth"

Etsy Finds: Warp Zone

2008-07-21T10:03:00Z

If only life was set up like a Warp Zone...If only I could jump down a pipe and end up back in my youth. Ah, the days of being a kid! There was never a better time in my life. Being a kid automatically allows you to have fun at everything you do. The only thing you have to stress over is homework and your parents grounding you. Life was simple back then, so many years ago it seems. Well, today I decided to travel back in time (in my mind of course) to reminisce on the good old days of being a kid.

Even though I haven't been able to find a time machine that would actually send me back into my childhood years, there are always a million wonderful things to remind me of what life as a child was like using the Time Machine on Etsy. For instance, today I found some Superhero Capes by babypop for the times that my brother and I would attempt to save the world. I was never really the fireman type, but my brother was and he would always play with these little dudes. Of course when I wasn't saving the world, I was playing music, video games or with my matchbox cars.

I want to be a kid again! Perhaps one day Etsy will invent a Time Machine 3 that would actually send us back in time?! Well, one can hope right?! :)

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thishotmess' Top 10 List: A Teen's Perspective

2008-05-21T13:25:00Z

We've got the younger generation on the brain this week. Whether they're graduating and entering the "real world" or about to launch into the blissful summer vacation, teens today have their finger on the pulse of fashion and self-expression. Some teens are serious about finding unique vintage and handmade items, and turn to Etsy for a global marketplace of options. Etsy seller thishotmess, an Hoosier high school trend-setter with his sights on design school in NYC, gave us the low-down on WTW (what teens want). Listen up: this is the voice of the future!

When it comes to shopping and fashion, teens today are highly influenced by the media surrounding them. However, there are a select number who decide to make their own decisions and stand on their own two feet, disregarding any negative influence received from the media. These are the influential and experimental teens that currently hunt the pages of Etsy for incredible finds that they know will help them stand out in a crowd for reasons other than having on the newest hoodie from Abercrombie. By choosing Etsy to fulfill their shopping needs, they are enhancing their individuality and selectiveness for the most unique and special items available, which ultimately sets them apart from teens that abide by images that the media throws at them.

So, the Etsy teen obviously is one who has a high level of respect for the individuality of each piece made by Etsy members from around the world. The teen loves the idea of being the only one with that certain piece, whether it is a dress, piece of jewelry or new bag to hold his or her laptop. Also, teens today are more eclectic than ever; they want a little bit of everything. The same teen may want to look like a vintage Vogue cover one day, the next look like a hippie from 1965. As sellers, fueling this electiveness will be very beneficial to your business by offering the teen a variety of choices.

Furthermore, what do these future innovators of creativity seek at this very moment? I have selected ten things that I think teens are currently looking for, not only in their wardrobes but also in their everyday lives.

What teens are dying to get a hold of:
1. Something VINTAGE:

This necklace by edmdesigns made of vintage parts contains just the right amount of old time romance. Ingredients: one part vintage, one part eclectic, two parts unique, four parts cool!

2. Something MODERN:

This hat by kankalinhats perfectly mixes something modern and something unexpected.

Ingredients: one part modern, two parts fabulous, one part fun, three parts whimsy!

3. Something TIMELESS:

This necklace of creamy white pearls by jeweledblossoms is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients: one part timeless, two parts classic, four parts perfect finishing touch!

4. Something SOPHISTICATED:

Talk about sophistication! This skirt by MaisyBrownReproRetro oozes maturity.

Ingredients: one part sophistication, three parts come hither, two parts wow!

5. Something YOUTHFUL:

This dress by Kcoline is perfect for that kid in you who still loves coloring books.

Ingredients: three parts youth, one part candy cane, two parts fun, two parts inhibition!

6. Something NO ONE ELSE HAS:

Call me when your friends show up with the same bike clothes as you. These charcoal grey buttoned garments by hierapparel.

Ingredients: two parts innovation, three parts awesome, two parts, oh the possibilities!

7. Something THAT SPARKLES:

This druzy ring by zulasurfing is the perfect sparkly for a trend-setting teen.

Ingredients: one part sparkly, two parts dazzling, one part stunning, three parts sleek!

8. Something YOU CAN CARRY EVERYTHING IN:

This bag by staroftwilight is perfect because it's the perfect size for all the gadgets the modern teen needs.

Ingredients: one part sunshine, two parts easy, one part cool!

9. Something SLIGHTLY WEIRD:

This photograph by coopernr1986 is twisted in just the right way that it isn't too odd but still makes you think.

Ingredients: four parts thought provoking, two parts puzzling, three parts interesting!

10. Something EASY TO THROW ON:

This awesome scarf by amysfunkyfibers is perfect to throw on for any occasion and with its bright colors you’re sure to be noticed for all the right reasons.

Ingredients: one part easy, two parts breezy, three parts ...trippy!

Clearly, thishotmess rules the school. Here's some more content for teens and tweens on the Storque.

Featured Buyer: Abi Carlin from Kiki, The Magazine for Girls with Style and Substance

2008-05-21T11:48:00Z

This week's featured buyer is Abi Carlin, creative editor at Kiki, a magazine for tween girls with style and substance. Kiki lets fashion be a lens through which girls can explore their creativity and develop a sense of self-expression. We love Kiki's message, and here are Abi's top Etsy picks for teens and tweens everywhere!

Teens and tweens are often bombarded with celebrity fashion and mass-produced clothes with little originality, but that’s where we come in! Here at Kiki, we want to help each reader develop a sense of style that reflects her own personality. We try to introduce our readers to unique, one of a kind, independent-minded designers, so that’s why we regularly turn to Etsy. Not only is Etsy the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items, it’s also a great example of entrepreneurs from around the world coming together to showcase their talent and support the talent of others. That’s a mission we can get on board with!

So without further delay, here are my top picks for tweens!

In every issue of Kiki we leave a space blank so readers can create their own “inspiration page,” but sometimes one page just isn’t enough. If that’s the case, it’s a great idea to carry around a blank notebook because you never know when a rush of creativity might strike! I like the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so I especially love the repurposed vintage pattern on Theothersister’s notebook.

We featured this resin cupcake necklace with real sprinkles (that’s right, real sprinkles) by Lunaricsales in our spring issue, and it’s been one of the most popular items yet. It’s whimsical, fun, and looks good enough to eat!

This is by far the best camera camera case I’ve ever seen. I love the juxtaposition of new vs. old technology; placing a teeny tiny digital camera in an older-automatic-looking case. Unfortunately, they’re currently all sold out, so until Hine has more, perhaps her camera brooch will hold you over.

SmarmyPants makes the most delicious looking pincushions. I love absolutely everything about this one: the frosting, the sprinkles, the whipped cream, the striped strawberry on top, even the tiny hand stitches in matching thread.

Going “green” can be somewhat intimidating, but a great way to start is carrying a reusable lunch bag. This one by parischicboutique is great because it’s simple, chic, sophisticated, and eco-friendly. Who knew a lunch bag could be so many things? Visez Vert!

The artist behind vmdesigns was inspired by her own tween daughter when creating this quirky necklace, and it definitely shows. It’s creative, colorful, sparkly, and personalized. What more could a tween want?

These rings by soop just make me happy, and I’m sure they would do the same for any tween or teen out there. You can literally create a whole farm on your fingers.

Roselabiche creates designs with a balance between the “wow factor” and the everyday wear and tear on a garment. Her “Amelie” design definitely has the wow factor, and it’s hand sewn as well as machine washable, not to mention totally unique. It could quite possibly be the world’s best t-shirt!

No two of GuerillaEmbroidery’s hair-ties are ever alike. All are embroidered on 100% wool and finished with hand sewn details. If you love the design, but don’t have long hair, she also makes beautiful brooches. She definitely has something for everyone.

I love fabricfarrago’s thumbtacks covered in fabric, especially these sushi ones. They’re a great way to add some life to a boring bulletin board.

What’s not to love about PaisleyChainsaw’s necklace featuring a lego shark eating a Snickers bar? Not much, not much at all.

And finally, I think this vintage jacket from sunshinecitylassie’s store speaks for itself. It’s as though it was custom made for the magazine! I snatched this one up quickly, and we’re going to take turns wearing it in the office.

Hopefully one day, current Kiki readers will turn into future Etsy sellers!

If my picks left you wanting to know more about Kiki, cruise through our web site at www.kikimag.com. You can find out about our seven departments and more information on the overall concept of the magazine.

What do you think is a great item for teens and tweens? Leave it in the comments!

My Top 10 Teen Items

2008-05-19T12:49:00Z

Young people are growing up fast and itching for the school year to end. We're on the hunt for items that they'll actually use and enjoy.

Here's my Top 10 list* of teen stuff:

ironic t-shirts
backpacks
drawn on sneakers
journals
charms
wall decorations (rock posters & decals)
listening to their iPods
angst & ennui-related art
cute Japanese-inspired toys, anime, manga
jewelry & clothing we older folks don't the guts to wear (like faerie wings)

Post in the comments below with other ideas for youth. We need to keep our finger on the pulse! See our other Top 10 Lists.

*My qualifications: I studied youth culture and new media at MIT...Therefore my choices skew to the geekier side of things. Geeky in a good way.

Etsy Finds: Gradulations

2008-05-06T08:21:00Z

Today's Finds were suggested by Jen (shopname jenco13) via email. Graduation season has begun — what better place to find the perfect handmade gift for the grads in your life than on Etsy? Here are nine great places to start:

You re Gonna Make it After All ... 4 x 6 print portrait ... limited edition

A little something for those grads that weren't as success-minded as their elder siblings, maybe. By elloh, $9.

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building blocks - little thoughts for your day

Palomasnest pretty much has a beautiful gift for any occasion, and these little blocks would be perfect for someone embarking on a new phase of his or her life. $9.50.

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Bright Rolodex Address File with recycled subscription cards

I first noticed address files made from subscription cards in UglyKitty's shop last year for the upcycling contest. Teen1 has taken the idea out of the box, and onto a Rolodex mount. Get everyone's address in order before you leave home for college! $38.

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Your Courage Will Bring Us Victory...Screen Print Poster in Classic Red

BluLima has sold a zillion of those "Keep Calm" prints, but did you know they have other neato vintage-inspired posters up their sleeve? It's really hard not to feel like a champion at life itself with this on your wall. $12.

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True Blue Bulls Eye Spirit Level Cufflinks

Keep yourself level, eye on the prize. By sherrytruitt, $42.

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I Am Win turtle

Nothing says "congratulations" like I AM WIN and a big smug turtle on a mousepad. By mirrorgirl, $15.

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Concrete Lightbulb with Display Stand

This would be a unique monument to new ideas and a bright future. Concrete cast lightbulb by Whamodyne, $19.

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Oversized Laundry Bag

Leaving home? Welcome to the universe of doing your own laundry. By headtotoe2007, $36.

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happy graduation - silhouette card

Can't go wrong with a classic image like this. By annacote, $3.50.

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Featured Buyer: Teen Novelist Lauren Mechling

2007-11-28T06:15:00Z

Lauren Mechling aka laurenxxx is a teen novelist whose books present our younger cohorts with a bit of female daring dashing do, part Eloise, part Nancy Drew — with a modern twist. Ms. Mechling co-authored the best-selling 10th Grade Social Climber series, and she's now working on her own series about a teen who discovers she has psychic powers. She's written for magazines and newspapers such as Jane and the New York Times, and she writes a regular "Letter from New York" for CBC's Arts Online. She's a Brooklyn-native/half-Canadian with many imaginary friends.

I am Lauren Mechling. When I am not writing teen fiction (www.socialclimberbooks.com) I am doing Very Important Things, namely going on Etsy and ordering presents for other people and then giving them to myself. In the past month I have been the lucky recipient of a vintage cameo ring to kill for, and a stack of gold promise rings that were supposed to be for my little sister except I conveniently forgot she is allergic to gold before I pulled the trigger on the PayPal page. Oops!

Anyway, back to the other thing I do. I’m writing a series of teen books for Delacorte about Claire Voyante, the most loveable half-French girl detective you will ever meet. Seriously, if you want to try and find a more loveable half-French girl detective, be my guest.

Since I’m suffering from post-Black Friday Etsy shopping fatigue, Claire’s going to step in and do my work for me. What I did I tell you? Loveable up the wazoo, that girl.

Dream Girl comes out next summer, but you’re in luck: our friends at Amazon are taking pre-orders at this very moment.

My grandmother Kiki gave me a cameo necklace for my 15th birthday, and not to give the entire plot of my life away or anything, but lets just say it completely turned my life upside down. Now I love anything cameo-related, and this horse cameo ring by wbrown77 is pretty covetable, don’t you think?

This chimp wall graphic by oneupdesigns is admittedly pretty groovy, and it’s probably intended for people who get excited about stemless wine glasses and sit on see-through chairs, but there’s no reason it doesn’t belong on my 8-year-old brother Henry’s wall.

This Sartre for Beginners by maxman tile is perfect for my mother, who isn’t French but thinks she is.

Now I’m sort of annoyed that I am only a fictional character and some “real” person is going to get to live with this awesome Diana Ross clock by retrograndma.

Nothing, but nothing, is more fun than visiting my crabby-fabulous grandmother Kiki at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. If I had this bumblebee-ish bowl by CircaCeramics, I’d pocket some of the curried pecans from the hotel’s Bull and Bear Bar and keep a stash in my room.

Full disclosure: I am not a cat person. Neither is my author. In fact, cats make her sneeze. But she has been spending a lot of time with a certain nearly-hairless cat as of late. And this certain nearly-hairless cat does not make her sneeze. He deserves this adorable Catnip-filled fishy toy by jezzi4ever. End of story.

What is it with all these cats? Next thing I know I’m going to look in the mirror and discover I’ve become a cat. Let’s leave the analyzing to the weird shrinks who live in the NYU faculty building that my family calls home. All I can say is I think this customized picture is adorable. And if cats make you sneeze you can send the artist a picture of your prized cockatoo bird or whatever.

Kiki might say this bag is a bit “tawdry,” but then again, what doesn’t she say that about? I am married to my vintage red Schwinn bicycle, and I could see myself stuffing any number of things in this cute tote bag by andyeatsonlycandy. I’d just have to remember to leave it with the bellhop when I visit her.

If this pin wasn’t custom-made for me then, well, it should have been. I’ve been obsessed with Agatha Christie ever since the beginning of time, and I am over the moon about this crazy pin by ptierneydesigns, which, in addition to a photo of Miss Marple (okay, it’s an actress, but we fictional characters aren’t sticklers about this kind of thing), features a teabag charm, a red herring, and a replica of The Moving Finger. C’est formidable!

I’d like to own this “Claire Voyant” doll by TheOddFactory, if only to keep it out of public view. I’m not the vainest girl on the block, I swear, but Andy Shuttleworth might be reading this, so let the record show that I don’t have squiggly lines and sequins growing on my stomach. Promise.

If you buy me everything I’ve mentioned above, I promise to promptly thank you on one of these vintage sewing pattern cards by janesapron. That is, if one of you kind readers buys them for me.

Au revoir!

Gift Ideas: Young Dudes and Tomboys (age 9-13)

2007-11-18T10:25:00Z

There's plenty of cute stuff for the wee ones on Etsy, but what about "tweens" — that youthful age between lil tykes and teens, when they're still quite a ways from grown men? It's a sometimes awkward, sometimes rebellious age. You want to give them a gift that shows them how unique you think they are...while not coming off as a total fuddyduddy. Score big points with these gift ideas!

We got your tomboy covered here, too.

Click for more Gift Ideas for hard-to-shop-for peeps. Also, don't forget to spread the word about the BuyHandmade.org Pledge! You can submit a flickr photo or a video too.

Handmade Education: Creativity & Homeschooling

2007-09-13T06:39:00Z

After hearing from SarahAmanda about her homeschooled youth seller experience, we thought we'd continue the not-back-to-school season theme with this piece from StephanaDesigns.

When our family began homeschooling 12 years ago, I knew as a very creative person that creativity would make its way into our lessons. Little did I know it would one day rule our homeschool experience.

When we began all those years ago, I started out very worried about doing a good job, since my five childrens' future was clearly in my hands. I went about gathering all the things you expect to use to homeschool: full sets of traditional homeschooling curriculum, mounds of workbooks for every subject, hoards of companion readers and every kind of recommended learning tool, like math manipulatives and science sets. I felt prepared, yet very nervous. Everything went well; but after a while I became quite bored and saw the kids were headed there, too. It was dry and boring. Contrary to my expectations, we were not having much fun learning outside of the classroom. We had forgotten who we were, and were doing what was expected of us: we had left out creativity.

This new revelation set off the dumping of most traditional learning tools. We began making our learning about hands-on experiences and seeking out creative ways to accomplish learning. Our new mindset freed our school times and brought a lot of fun into our classroom. It has also encouraged four of the five children to seek futures in the creative arts. Jordan, 20, is working on a degree in graphic arts. Rachel, 17, is my partner in StephanaDesigns and designed and produced all the bags currently in our shop. Rachel also hopes to attend Savannah College of Art and Design and major in design. Marissa, 15, is a budding photographer, and we keep encouraging her to set up shop on Etsy as well, but she is not quite ready yet. Joshua is 10 and is desperate to learn Japanese so he can move to Japan and be a video game designer. He has already designed one game and manages an online forum for it as well.

I can say without a doubt that my kids are better people because of living a creative life. Encouraging a child’s creativity is as important as learning math or other lessons. While home educating is not for all families, encouraging creativity in your home can be done on weekends and school breaks. Exposure is the key: at an early age, provide art materials beyond crayons and paper. Infuse their minds with music, theater and galleries. Some of our greatest learning times have been in museums and art supply stores. Let them touch things and spend time on art and photography. We provide them with the tools to explore: cameras, high quality art supplies, books on art, fabrics, sewing tools — the tools they might want to create with are just as important to our classroom as books, pens and other traditional supplies.

People unfamiliar with homeschooling always ask about socialization. We got creative on that front, too. When we invite other homeschool friends over, their visits were full of creative projects and play. Many play dates where spent dressing up in vintage clothing and having photo shoots and tea parties for the girls as well as playing out history for the boys (girls like this too!). Art and photography, along with creating costumes, has always played a role in our times with friends.

In our opinion, teaching in a creative way sets up kids to not only appreciate a creative life, but also encourages further development of careers in the arts. Encourage creativity!

For resources on homeschooling check out these websites:
The Charlotte Mason method has been a huge resource for us.
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/CharlotteMason.htm

Unschooling:
http://www.unschooling.com/library/index.shtml

http://www.unschooling.org/

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/earl_stevens.html

Art for Homeschools:
http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/visual-arts/38701.html

http://www.artisticpursuits.com/

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/finearts/a/freeartnews.htm

Etsy is a great place for creative homeschoolers to sell their creations.
There are a great many homeschooling families selling on Etsy…here are a few…

StephanaDesigns
Sadielouwho
Superfay
Catswilleatyou
Blestbeads
Greenmamba
Bamabelle
Treasurefield
SoCaligirl

See StephanaDesign's slideshow.

Etsy Youth Sellers: Not Back to School

2007-08-31T20:00:00Z

My name is Sarah Higgins and I am a thirteen year old homeschooler. I became interested in selling online about six months ago. My mom and I own a children’s book and curriculum store called Blue Thistle Books, where I work part-time with my family. I started saving the money I earned to start selling my own items.

I got started on Etsy a few months ago when I renewed my macramé skills. My sister taught me how to make necklaces and bracelets when I was eight. I also learned how to crochet a couple years ago, with help from my aunt.

Before opening my little store, I decided that I was going to sell my items online, but I had never heard of Etsy. So, I looked and looked and found a free place to host my site. I listed my items and made two sales, but after that nothing happened and my website was just sitting there. Finally, I started looking for another website and found Etsy!

Etsy is a great place to have a shop. People look at your items, you meet wonderful friends and you have fun! It took me a while to make my first sale, but when you have a shop, I learned, you have to be patient.

Some of my most popular products are my Pink Ice earrings, my striped earrings, my double blue sunshine earrings, and my crocheted scrunchies. I also just discovered how to make crocheted bags and I’m going to start listing them very soon!

On Etsy I learned about how to run a business and how to be patient. I also found my photography skills have improved and I am learning valuable skills in ecommerce. I never knew running an online shop would be so simple!