Giveaways now last two weeks

The Handmade Movement will continue to sponsor giveaways from talented artists, but we are now extending the entry period to two weeks for each one. This will give the donating shops a bit more exposure. Click the "weekly giveaway" link on the upper right for information about the current contest. Many thanks to Sheree of shadesofvictoria.etsy.com for all the work she puts into coordinating all the giveways. Please visit her wonderful shop!

Sneak Attack Report--BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite

FromMarz and verveinteriors co-sponsored the October 15, 2009 Sneak Attack on BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite. BlissClips makes handmade clips for "all the princesses in your life." She got 4 sales from the attack. AFabulousFete sells fun party supplies and got 4 sales from the attack. MarrsElite sells "a wide array of handmade and recycled crafts ranging from hair accessories, extentions, jewelry, to patches, postcards, toys/dolls, and more!" She also got4 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you'd been sneak attacked?

BlissClips: I really didn't understand it at all, I was reading the email sent and while reading it an order came through and before continuing to read to find out more, I rushed to tell Hubby that a really weired thing just happened, and I was telling him about the email and then how an order came through and I said I think it has something to do with this Sneak Attack email I received. To say the least I was very excited.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="254" caption="Eve-One for Mommy, One for me from BlissClips"][/caption]

AFabulousFete: My reaction? Since I had already read about sneak attacks, I was SUPER excited to see those words in my inbox. Then after that I think I sat at my computer screen and updated it every few seconds to see if I received any more sneak attack orders.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324" caption="Candy Buffet sign from AFabulousFete"][/caption]

MarrsElite: I was freaked out actually! LOL. I listed my first batch of items not even a few days before! I wasn't sure what the heck a 'sneak attatch' was in relation to Etsy, but once I figured it out I was pretty stoked and impressed that there's a group here on Etsy that is that kind! Thanks again for my first 4 sales!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="259" caption="Ribcage guitar pillow from MarrsElite"][/caption]

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

BlissClips: I have only started my business this year and now have such an appreciation for handmade items, you are basically receiving items that are lovingly made & not mass produced and it's the nicest feeling knowing that you are dealing directly with the people that are producing the items.

I have also learned as a seller, there are so many choices through ETSY and other means, so when some-one is choosing to buy your product, they are believing in what you do and that is a real honor.

I was really touched that my store was chosen for a sneak attack & the warmth from the buyers was really special and humbling.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="296" caption="My Pretty Christmas Headband/Hair Clip from BlissClips"][/caption]

AFabulousFete: want to say THANK YOU to the people that participate in sneak attacks! Sneak attacks are such a boost in conifidence for new sellers, or sellers that haven't had that many sales yet. I guess you can say I'm an impatient person that likes instant gratification, so when I started my shop and didn't receive any sales, I kept asking myself what I was doing wrong. The sneak attack changed that! Even if you don't receive a ton of sales you are getting a lot of exposure and feedback. I had a few convo's from people telling me that they couldn't buy anything, but wanted to let me know they loved my product. My advice? Be patient... it doesn't happen overnight:)

If you have the choice, choose to buy handmade. I believe that so much more thought, effort, and care go into making a handmade product. You are going to get a unique product that isn't mass produced, and also know that you are supporting someone in doing what they truly love to do.

That is why I started my shop. I work an 8-5 with limited creative responsibilites. So I needed someway to get out my creativity and keep me motivated... otherwise it would be the same old thing... work, eat, sleep, wake up, work. Blah! I love planning parties and entertaining, I love Etsy, so making party supplies and decor was the way to go for me. It's been a slow process getting my items listed, as I do have a full time job, but I've been working on new products that I will be listing soon... just in time for holiday entertaining! (check back often please!)

Support sneak attacks, they are an amazing idea and I can't wait to sneak attack someone myself soon!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324" caption="Yellow Stripe Painted Serving Tray from AFabulousFete"][/caption]

MarrsElite: I'm just a young stay at home mom who takes on too many projects! I tend to cater more towards people who like art with a scense of humour, grit, and glamour. Stay tuned for more from MarrsElite! I currently have just added a sister Shop, Drunkbynoon, to Etsy featuring similar styles of work made by myself & bestfriend/business partner that'll be in need of a sneak attack!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324" caption="Deathly Magnet gift set from MarrsElite"][/caption]

Hand Made How To... Christmas Felt Purse

[caption id="attachment_671" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Easy as 1, 2, 3"][/caption]


While looking for a new "How To" I wanted to incorporate the upcoming holiday along with my inability to sew. I hear all the great artists talking about felting, sewing, crocheting etc. and it is all way over my head; however, I did find a great looking felt purse that even I, and those that are sewing impaired, can make.

What You Need
• 1 yard white wool felt
• 3 sheets 8-1/2-x-11-inch paper for pattern
• Tape
• Scissors
• 1 skein red cotton floss
• Needle
• Red felt
• 1 button
• 1/2 yard cording
• Crafts glue

How to Make It
1. Wash the white felt and let it air-dry.
2. To make the pattern, tape the long end of one sheet of paper to the long end of the next; add the third sheet of paper in the same way.
3. Use scissors to cut the top piece of the pattern into a V that will become the purse flap.
4. Place the paper on the white felt and cut all around.
5. Fold the bottom third of the felt over the middle third; stitch the sides together using a blanket embroidery stitch, to create the purse pouch.
Also, stitch around the V flap to keep a uniformed look.
6. Cut four petal shapes from red felt and glue them to the point of the V.
7. Stitch a button in the center to finish.
8. To make the handle, cover the cording with a scrap of white felt and glue the ends shut.
9. Stitch the handle neatly to the back side of the bag.


After you have tried this great How To, take pictures and send them to us!

Come back in 2 weeks for another Hand Made How to!
Enjoy
EsThings