Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: crackeddesigns
Story by marymary
Published on August 10, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

crackeddesigns

After graduating with a degree from art school, Tara a.k.a. crackeddesigns worked several day jobs that she never found truly fulfilling. After designing her own save-the-date invitations for her wedding, Tara discovered her true passion for the world of paper goods and her dream for Cracked Designs was born.  She now successfully runs her paper goods business full time and enjoys brainstorming new ideas for products. Tara has found being her own boss adds definition to her life and claims she's the toughest boss she's ever had, often not knowing when to quit.


How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I've always loved making things and being creative. I went to art school in Chicago and Milwaukee to further my education and love for the arts, but after I graduated I still wasn't sure what I really wanted to do. It wasn't until I made my own save-the-date wedding invitations that I knew I was completely in love with paper and design. I've always been obsessed with greeting cards and stationery, so it seemed really natural to find my calling in the paper world.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I always dreamed that some day I would be my own boss, but it always seemed so far away — just a really nice fantasy! I had a lot of different jobs before I started Cracked Designs full time, and I was really frustrated because none of them were very satisfying. I actually designed some of my first cards while working at Starbucks! I would come home from that job with tons of little pieces of paper filled with sketches and doodles.

My husband was the one who initially told me I should just focus on Cracked Designs and to do what makes me happy. I was still a little unsure (and nervous), but once the orders started coming in more steadily and more often, I started realizing that my days of daydreaming were over!

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I designed a lot of cards and invitations for family and friends and they really helped me to get my name out there. I spent a lot of time researching what kind of paper products were successful and unsuccessful. I worked non-stop on tweaking my line of cards to find my own unique style and make them the best I could. Since there are so many amazing paper designers out there, I really wanted to differentiate myself and put out a product that was unique and something I was proud of. It was really important for me to know what kind of competition I was going to be up against, and I think my obsessive research nature really helped me design products that are hip, but also totally unique. I also have an amazing husband who helped me figure out the legal stuff. We kind of dealt with all of that, like taxes and such as we went along. I would recommend getting all your legal responsibilities figured out before you start, it's just easier!

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I'm constantly promoting Cracked Designs; it's become such a natural thing. The most effective method is word of mouth! I have a lot of amazing friends and customers that spread my name around, and it's the best promotion you can get!

I also think blogs have been a great way to promote my business. I worked hard at getting my name out there to the authors of some of my favorite blogs, who then wrote awesome articles about Cracked Designs. I also just started advertising on some sites and blogs, and so far it's been working really well. I would say that it's best to research the kinds of people who visit a website before you pay to advertise, just to make sure your products fit in with the overall style/feel.

I also spend a lot of time working on my logo and marketing material design, like my business cards and postcards. So many people will see your business card and logo before they see your actual product, so I think it's so important to have those pieces really reflect your work well and draw people in.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I really haven't found any unsuccessful promotions; some things work better than others, but overall I would say that you should always try to get your name out there and you shouldn't expect to have people just find you.

Walk us through your typical workday.

  • Wake up around 8 a.m. and have coffee. Let my two huge dogs outside.
  • Start working in the studio. I mostly start by answering any emails and looking at what I have to accomplish that day. I am an obsessive list maker!
  • Work on orders, design, doodle, work on orders some more, listen to Pandora.
  • Eat lunch, usually in a hurry and answer more emails.
  • Play hide and seek with my dogs; they are excellent seekers.
  • Work on more orders and daydream about the next new product.
  • Make a trip to the post office, if necessary.
  • Around 4:30, my husband comes home from work and we talk about the day and brainstorm some totally rad ideas. This consists mostly of us making each other laugh and me wildly writing down and doodling crazy ideas.
  • My husband deals with the dogs while I continue to work in the studio.
  • Depending on how busy I am that day/week, I reluctantly pry myself away from the studio around 5:30 p.m.
  • My husband and I continue to talk about more awesome card ideas.
  • The rest of the night consists of me researching, doodling and answering more emails.


What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love being my own boss and being able to do exactly what I want. Working from home and being surrounded by things that inspire me is the best! I think what I miss sometimes about my day job is being able to walk away at the end of the day. When you get frustrated with your work at your day job, you can just step away and go home after it all. You and your job are two separate things — you get distance.

However, with my own business it's mine and no one else's. I can't truly walk away when I get worn out; Cracked Designs is always in the back of my mind and I'm constantly working. It's what defines me: I am Cracked Designs. It is definitely a labor of love, but I would not have it any other way. It's so awesome to be able to do something you love and seeing your vision come to life day after day. I love being able to know that I was able to build a business out of nothing, and continue to watch it grow — it's incredibly rewarding!

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Oh man, there are a lot of hard things about running your own business. I think one hard thing for me to do is knowing when to quit. I'm always busy and could easily work all day without taking a break. I try hard to give myself a day off every once in a while. It's hard because in the back of my mind I'm thinking about what I should be doing and what needs to get done next. I've found that being my own boss is awesome, but also really demanding. I truly am the hardest boss I've ever worked for!

Another hard thing is not getting down on yourself or your products. Etsy is just a huge pool of amazing-ness, and I find it hard to not compare yourself to others. I think it's good to see what others are doing, especially in your field, but don't start comparing your products to others and especially don't change your products to try to fit in with the latest trend. It's really hard sometimes to see amazing paper products and think, "Crap, I wish I would have thought of that." You just have to know that people love your stuff, too! You got here for a reason — you make awesome things!

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Start small and don't give up! When I first started Cracked Designs, I wanted to do it all! I had so many big ideas that I wanted to get out there right away. It just wasn't realistic looking back on it now. It look me a long time to tweak my line of cards into what they are today. It takes time to design and make a really good product.

It's also hard not to give up when things aren't going as well as you'd like them to. My business started slow at first and there were so many times when I wanted to give up. I remember going to Art vs. Craft in Milwaukee when I first started out and seeing all of the amazing card designers there, and I got really down on myself and I kept thinking that my stuff wasn't nearly as good. I also got a lot of hard rejections from stores and craft fairs in the beginning — which just added to my disappointment.

If it weren't for my husband who was constantly supporting me, I don't think I would be here today. It's so important to have a good support system! He would always tell me that my stuff was just as good and not to compare myself to other designers. You have to really believe in your product and work through the hard stuff — hard work and dedication pay off in the end. So I would say to someone starting out that nothing comes easy and to be patient with the process of building your business. Make a product that you're proud of and don't give up!

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I would really love to get to 1,000 sales this year! I also am working on a lot of cool new products that I would love to release in the coming year, including new journals and invitation sets. It's important for me to keep making creative designs and have a lot of variety in my shop, and I think the new products I'm working on will do just that. I would also love my wedding invitation designs to get some more exposure and promote them more in the wedding world.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just want to say thanks to everyone out there who has supported Cracked Designs on Etsy! I sometimes can't believe that I get to do what I love every single day, and it's because of our customers that I get to do just that!

Thanks to Tara for sharing her story.  Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs. 

 

You can see some of Tara's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags cards, crackeddesigns, Cracked Designs, design, full-time, journals, Milwaukee, Paper Goods, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, stationery, Wisconsin, workflow, working
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152 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. craftaria

Great story! Good luck with everything!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. madebysam

Congratulation! Just love your shop.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. papermichelle

Oh rad! Love the interview!!! (Way to represent Milwaukee with the Wolski's sticker, ha!!)

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. galit

This is so cool! love Tara's designs!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. CrownBindery

Great story and wonderful pictures of your work! Congrats on a beautiful and fun shop!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Very inspirational article! Thank you for sharing it!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

CONGRATS!! Wonderful work and very inspiring.....

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. SeaFindDesigns

Congrats.... Very cool stuff!!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. xoelle

I LOVE those travel journals- what a super wonderful idea!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. spacejam

thats a really great story + great photos and items! inspiring

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. vitamini

I'm so happy to see a paper-related business in the QYDJ Series!
Congratulations on your success!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. RockPaperSilver

I love your Journey Journals...very fun! Great post!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. workingforpeanuts

Best wishes and continued success to you!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. Adrianchristian

I absolutely love your work!! Be Blessed in all that you do!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. OhMyAmpersand

Your designs are wonderful! Congratulations on the article and thank you for the inspiration and advice!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. VintageEyeFashion

Wonderful!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. Sudstress

These articles are always inspiring. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. chinadoodle

nice work.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. AUTOMATIEK

You have an amazing shop ~~ you will only know progress !!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. BetaBoutique

what a lovely girl!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. sandali

Brilliant ~~ I love your shop & your items are AWESOME !! Trigger Happy Days ;)

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Great stuff! I love the Journey Journal!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. LaBodaCollection

Congratulations Tara! Great shop!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. HarrietsHaven

Congrats Tara! I love your work!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. sherrytruitt

Keep living the dream, Tara. It's awesome, isn't it?

Aug. 10, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. revelry

Wowowow! Love your paper goods. Great shop! Good luck with everything. Great inspiration.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. Squintbags

LOVE the story! And congrats on the success. I think you've got fun stuff, I love it!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Love your designs! Best wishes for your continued success from one compulsive list maker to the other!!!!!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. SunshineandRavioli

Hooray for paper goods! Congratulations, Tara on your success and a great feature...love your very clever designs!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. PomLove

i LOVE this shop. congrats on not being your own boss, it's the best!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. PomLove

on being your own boss, that is:)

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. thevintageholicfrog

great article- i love this shop!
a very Yeti birthday... totally cracks me up!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. EJPcreations

Such a great story! Loved reading it!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

A truly awesome story, Tara! Congratulations and many blessings with your continued success.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. tracyhibsman

Congrats! Your shop is great! I especially love the Journey Journals. Keep up the great work!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. hipchicdesigns

I applaud you for doing what you love. Too many people don't. Best of luck.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Really Great, lovely interview!
Wish you good luck for everything
that comes!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Congrats to you for being able to stay home and design~ awesome~! your shop is so sweet, love the card let's rub tires that is a hoot, again wish congrat, wish you continued success as well.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. EmbellishYourself

So inspiring! My husband is a great support to me as well and it helps a lot!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. karalmava

Super cute items! Great article!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. bijouxdellostregatto

Congrats for everything!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. pamelamichelle

Great story and wonderful work. Can't wait to see what's next

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. VixVintage

Thanks for sharing Tara.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. notmoira

Great read! YES to all the witty cardmakers out there! ;)

Aug. 10, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. RoyalBabyYoungblood

Your story is very inspiring. It's great to see that you have hung in there and developed your art. Your designs are really cool.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. cdpatrick

Love the journals! Going to Santa Fe New Mexico on a sgemtone finding trip and will be getting one of these. Nice work.
Diane

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. blueberryshoes

omg thank you for introducing me to such an amazingly cool artist!!!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. edor

Fresh!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. headchange

nothing beats a supportive hubby

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. JewelzyBug

Wow - very inspirational! Just starting out and she gave me the drive to want to continue! :) Great products!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. electricrainbow1

What a great article! She's truly an inspiration to us all! I'd love to reach 1,000 sales too! :)

Aug. 10, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. chetart

Wonderful work with a great sense of humor.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. TripleLDesigns

Love the cards! Congrats and keep working hard towards your goal!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. NoSoapRadio

hey, this is rad, tara! mazel tov!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. lovelygifts

Good story . Conratulations!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. LoveAtFirstBlush

Thank you for sharing your story. Truly inspirational!!
I love all the small details you've put into your work.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. laughtillyoucry

So encouraging, to read about others success. Sounds like you've got your groove. luv

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. decors

Thanks Marymary for the article. I am a royal reader of this topic - too satisfying! And Tara, thanks for sharing your inspiring journey with us!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. odiliafu

Congrats!! Wish you all the best.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. tinycharm

so creative! wow!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. SelfAssured

Great article! Thanks for revealing your initial doubts. Awesome products!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. glassali

I think that when you love what you do it reflects in all that you do. You're a great example of that. Love your work.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. lizzibelle

I love your "tying the knot" card! congratulations and good luck!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. jodieflowers

LOVE the Journey Journal! Awesome work!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. tinyspace

i just love this reading

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. littlegraypixel

I'm in love with your store! Such wonderful ideas.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. NanLawson

wonderful shop and inspiring article!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. Fairyfolk

Tara... you rock! Your story is inspirational. Thank yo for sharing it with us.
Blessings and magic.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. crackeddesigns

Holy smokes! Thanks for all the lovin' folks!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. RenuRedo

inspiration for real!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 11:06 p.m. OohLaLaHats

This is so my dream, thanks so much for the encouragement!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 12:14 a.m. fatfacecreations

I love seeing obsessive list makers. Lists rock!!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:11 a.m. Beanicott

Such a good point about the support system-- you've got to have confidence in yourself, obviously, but it's so helpful if other people are cheering for you along the way.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. Lunatiger

Awesome! Beautiful designs and love that journey journal!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:43 a.m. FluteTeacher

Thanks for sharing your story!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:55 a.m. OhWunder

Your cards are great!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:45 a.m. Craftsquatch

Love you cards. It's good to see Chicago producing great artists :).

Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:51 a.m. thedaydreamer

Excellent story and such unique products!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:07 a.m. sleepyking

I love her things! Very inspiring! :)

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:48 a.m. evihan

she inspired me a lot..thanx for sharing with us...

Aug. 11, 2009 at 4:26 a.m. comfortable

congrats! I thought your butter & bread card was hilarious! super cute!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 5:58 a.m. janicej

Lovely products! Congrats & thanks for the interesting read!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 6:39 a.m. lazygiraffe

great shop! lovely interview :)

Aug. 11, 2009 at 6:50 a.m. treasuresupplies

I can't believe the amount and quality of work she puts in her work. Everything looks wonderful.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. SimpleTraditions

I love your journey journal! Thanks for sharing.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. littlemoandfriends

a great story and so inspirational for a paper goods artist like myself! Thanks for sharing some wonderful insights and tips! your work is unique and great!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. littleocean

Congratulations Tara! It's so great to see that you are doing well. I knew when I first saw your cards last year you'd have a successful business brewing up here in Milwaukee!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. fatcrowpress

Wonderful work and great advice!! Thanks!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. lucky0girl0racer

Very inspiring! Thank you so much for all the great information!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. laralewis

wonderful advice!! congratulations and here's to your continued success! :)

Aug. 11, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. breadandroses

Congratulations! Swell designs & craftsmanship. Super tips. Here's what's on my desk (& probably Cracked Designs' desk, too) from good old Thomas Edison:

"The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are:
1) HARD WORK
2) Stick-to-it-iveness
3) Common sense."

He should know.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. BranchandBirdie

I'm a stationary store junkie! I love all of these!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. bluerthanblue

Your journey journals are the coolest.
Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. TreeHuggerStudio

Thanks for sharing,very inspiring.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. MeghanT

Great story and very inspiring for those of us who are just starting up with our own home based businesses. It's so true about figuring out when to stop and take breaks. I could go all day if I let myself. When you're doing something you love and you're passionate about it ceases to feel like work. My goal is to find a healthy balance.

I'm glad you have a great support system. My boyfriend has been amazing. He cheers me up when I feel frustrated and keeps me in a positive state of mind. I would not be where I am today without his support.

I'm so glad that you're doing well here on etsy. Your cards are lovely and I wish you further success in the future!

P.S.
I got a kick out of your "bacon" card. Me and my boyfriend are vegetarians so I was thinking it would be a hilarious card to get for him for Christmas or something. We have a warped sense of humor!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. pinkracoon

crackeddesign is one of my all-time etsy favourites! I love the Polaroid Journal! If I just had a polaroid camera...

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. Morado

Truely inspirational!! :o)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morado/...

Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. kidacollective

Such a cool shop - I love your designs. Congratulations on finding what you truly love to do, and a way to make it work for you as a viable business.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. lizamaniac

This is one of my favorite shops! It was really neat to see a behind the scenes look at it!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Such a sweet and whimsical shop! Thanks for sharing!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. PearandPeacock

What a wonderful story! Great job!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. CelloRaisen

You do beautiful work! I look forward to being my own boss too someday...

Aug. 11, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. lilworkerb

Great art! Very exciting to look at these cards.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. Zabba

Thank you for giving me a little hope. I'm learning as I go here.

Aug. 11, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. caoimhamarie

brilliant story! love these stories for giving you hope to continue lol

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. dorijenn

Your designs are so unique! Good Luck!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. HoneysuckleLane

Thanks for sharing!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. rachellucie

really interesting, great to get to know you! advice is always welcome too

Aug. 11, 2009 at 8:44 p.m. jbeaudet

I love these articles! I dream about the day I can "quit my day job"! I love the Journey Journal! That is so clever!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. patspottery

Wonderful inspiration!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. thehotcookie

Great article, great work, and great preserverance! Well done!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. zeropumpkin

:P the pic is cute :) cool article

Aug. 12, 2009 at 3:06 a.m. sweetirie

Always love these articles, they are so inspiring! Thanks!!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 5:57 a.m. edmdesigns

great article...Etsy - always inspiring others to aspire for more. Thank You for a great read....

Aug. 12, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. emmieloustudios

I always love these articles, and I love your Journey Journals - such a good idea!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. SweetPeaFabrications

Great work! Great story! Love the travel journals

Aug. 12, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. tldgrainwear

I discovered Tara's shop a few weeks ago and it's just awesome...congratulations girl!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. 1AEON

great shop!! good for you Tara!!!
i know about the list-making:) haha!!
similar story here..

never stop dreaming!!!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. fantasybeader

Wonderful article! Really inspiring. I wish you the very best.

Give's me hope to someday make a very big name for myself. :-)

Aug. 12, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. BlessedRepublic

Very inspiring story! It keeps me going. I love your pieces.

Aug. 13, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. TeardropTreasures

Awesomely inspiring! Wish I could quit my day job....hehe :)

Aug. 13, 2009 at 4 p.m. Toxicguineapigs

Very inspiring! Dreams do come true :) Love your stuff, I always have!

Aug. 13, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. artnouveaupassion

Awesome! Inspiring! LOOOVE your stuff! I'm headed back to art school this fall after 16 years away... I love it that you and your husband inspire such wonderful creativity in each other!

Aug. 14, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. tuckerreece

This article not only gave me another great etsy store but it reminded me to not give up! Thanks and Congrats.

Aug. 15, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. andtherainfell

your work is amazing! you're truly an inspiration!

Aug. 16, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. KasaCollection

i wish i could be a quiter as well to do more of what i really love --->>> sewing and to spend more more more time with my cutest little girl emily (=

Aug. 16, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. RubberStampPress

Very inspiring article. Thank you Mary Mary for sharing crackeddesigns!

Aug. 16, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. TheHipRevolution

Lovely! Beautiful work, very inspiring- like your "work hard play hard" attitude!

Aug. 17, 2009 at 7:32 a.m. ElementsbyJulie

Love the article and your shop Tara :)

Aug. 17, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. Tina669

This is so cool! love Tara's designs!

Aug. 17, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. KisforCalligraphy

I love everything Tara creates! Congratulations on all your well deserved and earned success!

Aug. 17, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. lamixx

great story and cards.

Aug. 17, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. farmchicked

Love to story, thanks for sharing!!

Aug. 18, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. OwlandMouse

thanks for the great story and amazing advice!

Aug. 19, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. florriemitton

Absolutely amazing story! So inspiring and encouraging...good luck!

Aug. 19, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. SamadhiBodyProducts

Enspiring story..... Great work!

Aug. 19, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. Originalsco

Your designs are simple and fun. I enjoyed your story and your daily itinerary.

Aug. 24, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. bleumilk

You're so creative and truly inspiring! Thank You!

Aug. 27, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. aglowcandle

Awesome!! Thanks 4 sharing=)

Sept. 3, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. MyCuteBoutique

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Have fun doing what you love!

Sept. 3, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. quirkybeauty

Awesome. Love your story and your stuff. Thanks for your honesty. Very inspiring.

Sept. 3, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. SparklePaw

love her design! thanks for the great article/interview!

Sept. 3, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. Uniqueartglass

love your shop!!!!thanks for sharing!!

Sept. 3, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. GreetingsthatGrow

Awesome, Congrats Tara! Your work is indeed clever and I love your wit!

Sept. 4, 2009 at 3:26 a.m. SorchaGillett

lovely work and inspiring story! :)

Sept. 4, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. smilingbluedog

I love hearing about successful Etsians.
There's a lot of good info in here.
Thanks for sharing your story, it's inspiring to
those of us that are still fairly new.
I love your journey journals. Very nice.

Sept. 4, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. Yayahandicraft

Thank you for all your tips!!

Sept. 4, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. janeheller

Thanks for your inspiring story - I love your work - it's so original. Bravo

Sept. 4, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. TeddyLemon

Great article, very inspiring… thanks and good luck!

Sept. 5, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. StarsandRobots

Thank you for this encouragement! My business is starting out very slowly, and I don't know what else I can do, but I just keep going! I am a Stay at Home Mom, and my (super awesome supportive) husband informed me that I work more hours on my etsy business than he does at work! Thanks for the chin up talk, just in time!

Sept. 5, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. f2images

Yeah!! I love your products! I bought the Luchador card for my husband's birthday, and he absolutely loved it!! Yeah Milwaukee too!! So exciting and inspiring ;)

Emiko

Sept. 21, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. PhoebeDea

Thanks for your inspiring story! I especially like the part about starting small. I too have all these great ideas in my head and I tend to want them all realized RIGHT NOW! Here's to enjoying the journey!

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