Etsy Finds: Up, Up, and Away

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Clockwise from top left: Hot Air Balloon Pendant by SteamSociety - $24


This post is inspired by this song - Hot Air Balloon by Owl City, "We wrote a prelude, To our own fairy tale, And bought a parachute, At a church rummage sale,... o let's spend, The afternoon in a cold hot air balloon, Leave your jacket behind, Lean out and touch the treetops over town..."

Casual Simplicity

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(Clockwise from left) LedThread Lacey Summer Tunic by ledthread - $40

Housekeeping: Reorganization

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Little Iron Necklace by silverlining11 - $13.50 (free shipping!)

Just a little housekeeping announcement: I'm going to be doing a little reorganizing of the Daily Etsian this weekend. In the end, I hope you will be better able to find older posts in whatever topic you are interested in.

Share Your Wisdom and Goodies on TDE!

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Are you interested in offering an exclusive giveaway or discount for the Daily Etsian? Or are you eyeing the artist interviews and daydreaming about being interviewed yourself? Maybe? I thought so... I'm currently looking for some in-season discounts or giveaways. Perhaps a back-to-school giveaway? Or an end-of-the-summer discount? Here are some general criteria to keep in mind. As always, if you have questions, contact me by commenting below or click here. Please include your name, contact information, and a link to your shop/photos of items. I can't wait to meet you!

Giveaways:
- The item must be handmade, vintage, or of general interest to indie artists or Etsy/Artfire customers.
- The item should have a monetary value of $10 or more (although this is flexible, depending on the object). This may seem somewhat arbitrary. I just want to insure that the giveaway feels like a gift or treat for readers. If you are unsure about an item, contact me and ask.

Discounts:
- Discounts for Daily Etsian readers are always welcome. I ask for discounts that will attract buyers. Please contact me to work out the details.

Artist Interviews:
- I try to pick the unusual, unique, and edgy.
- I like clear photographs that exhibit the item in a good light with a neutral (or fitting) background.
- You must be willing to answer slightly wacky questions.

Thanks for your interest!

Etsy Finds: Back to School

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The Composition of an Etsy Shop

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There is something about a cohesive Etsy shop that draws you in to its private world of beauty. It's like stepping into magical universe. I have noticed that I am drawn to Etsy shops that have unified appearance with clear photography. The togetherness of the avatar, shop header, and the photographs make the shop into a beautified boutique. I want to live in some of these shops! Here are a few of my favorites: What do you think makes a beautiful shop? What is your favorite Etsy shop?

Princess Lasertron's Faves

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I asked Meg to name four items "you are absolutely desperate to own" from Etsy. If you are familiar with Meg's blog, you know that she has awesome taste in style. Here are her picks from the world wide web of Etsy.

"I love this necklace from VIRR -- I've been wanting to purchase one of their pieces for a while. It's definitely a design that would stop traffic and get tons of compliments."

"I love all of the dresses made by ouma. They are super inspiring and definitely my style!"

"Lately I've been looking for art and posters for my home and this "hi" poster by The Love Shop is perfect! I love typography and this is definitely my style."

"My life rocks and I want this shirt from Printliberation so i can let the world know. :)"

Interview with Princess Lasertron

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Meg, aka Princess Lasertron, is fabulously talented. She is a wizard at all sorts of sewing magic, especially in the embroidered felt and vintage button department. Meg's blog is one of my favorites; it's full of creative fun and style - with plenty of photos of both! Please welcome her to the Daily Etsian!

1. Describe yourself in three words. Why?
I would say that I'm flexible, rational, and hardworking. I'm also creative and unpredictible and funny but those first three adjectives represent me best. I'm flexible because I'm open to change and able to adapt easily to unforeseen circumstances, and I'm also able to work using a lot of logic, without letting emotion cloud my business decisions.

2. What/Who originally inspired you to make embroidered felt bouquets?
About five years ago I was creating and selling felt brooches and hairpieces, and out of nowhere I visualized the flowers arranged as a bouquet for one of my customers. I engineered a way to stem the flowers I was creating, and the design absolutely took off. Now the custom bouquets make up most of my business.

3. What scares you to pieces?
On a personal level, the thought of becoming a parent is most scary to me. My husband and I are thinking about starting a family but there are so many questions running through my mind--what about my old life? Will I be able to work as hard as I do now for my small business? Will I remain as active in the creative entrepreneurship community? My life has always been on my terms, so what will adding a little person do to affect those plans?


4. What are some of your goals for the future?
I would love to write a book about approaching wedding planning as party planning. I’m working on a line of dresses for 2010. I'm looking for a retail storefront in my city. And I’d love to do a tour around the world teaching classes.

5. Of all the things you've ever created, what do you think of as your crowning achievement?
I'm most proud of how far I have taken my business as a one-woman show. I moved up at a steady pace over five years, and I'm finding that with hard work I have reached all of my initial goals and found a lot of national exposure for my brand.

6. What advice would you give to other artisans?
You can't be too prepared to start your business--and the key word is BUSINESS. People who work in creative fields--whether they are visual artists, musicians, program developers, writers, etc.--can quickly forget the bottom line. Although they get to make a living out of following their passions, something many people would envy, they won't be chasing their dreams for long if they don't focus on making a profit. If you don't know enough about owning a business when you first start out, you are likely to lose a lot of money learning things the hard way. My best advice is to connect with another small business owner or creative entrepreneur, buy them some lunch and pick their brains! Ask them what they wish they had known before they embarked on their creative career path, what hard-won lessons they have learned, and what resources they can share with you.

Etsy Finds: Parisian Chic

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Clockwise from top left: French Postage Pillow by FlaxandSpindle - $28

The Mod Home

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Clockwise from top left: Modern Marimekko Throw Pillow Cover by ModDiva - $24.95

Fashion Finds: Romantic Vintage

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Clockwise from top left: Midnight Blue Journal by Baghy - $30

With simple accouterments and a billowy white dress, this ultra-feminine, romantic look is simple and lovely. I adore these Etsy finds...

Fashion Finds

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This vintage-inspired casual look is chic while remaining down-to-earth. I love the combo of all the items - gorgeosity!

This Handmade Life: Rainbow Cookies

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I made these rainbow cookies as a belated birthday present for my mom. She adores rainbow cookies. I've always found this to be a funny contradiction. You have to understand that my mom is a nutritionist by trade and lifestyle. She raised my sister and me on organic, non-processed foods. My family loves good food. Good food that is naturally colored, that is. Rainbow cookies are the exception. And I have to say, this recipe is exceptional and here it is, just for you, my dear reader. (The recipe originates from Gourmet Magazine December 2009 and you can get it here at Epicurious.) Try it. They are amazing.

So, as I'm an Etsy addict, I found some delicious rainbow cookie finds on Etsy.

Clockwise from top left: Rainbow Cake Charm by TeenyTinyTreats

Undiscovered Shops

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Clockwise from left: Plough Boy by mylittlelovebox


Check out these undiscovered shops! I found them via Pounce where you can search for shops that recently had a sale or Etsy storefronts that have yet to be discovered.

Have you recently had a sale? Or looking for a sale? Post a link to your Etsy shop below and I'll be sure to check them out for my next post.

Free Download: To-Do List

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My dear friend Amy, always puts "Make a to-do list" on the very top of all her to-do lists. This way she can cross something off as soon as the list is made! These lists come complete with "Make a to-do list" at numero uno a la Amy.

I hope you use this to-do list in health, happiness, and productivity (with an added sprinkle of luxurious inactivity and rest). What is on your to-do list today? Post below - your comments add sunshine and sparkle to my day!

(Please remember that I make these downloads for you to use for your own personal use. They are not to be sold in any way. Thanks!)

Etsy Finds: Glorious Homespun Yarns

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Free Download: Polka Dot Mailing Labels

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These are a collection of polka-dot mailing labels for you to use for personal correspondence or Etsy mailings. Just click on the image above to download the original PDF. I hoping to offer a bunch of free downloads for Etsy sellers to use in the near future so stay tuned.

I just ask that you use these labels for personal use and not sell them. If you use these labels, I'd love to know about it! Comment below or send me an e-mail with a picture of your jazzy envelopes!

$20 and Under

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Clockwise from top left: Spring Bride Flower Pins $16 by Cultivar

$10 and Under

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Clockwise top left: Genesis Garden $8.95 by mossopotamia

Sales: Under $5

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Internet is Being a Bit Spotty

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My internet connection has been a bit spotty recently. Please excuse the lapse in posts the past few days.

Giveaway Winner: Dali Decals

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I am happy to announce the winner of the Dali Decals contest: A Rose in Bloom. She wrote, "What a gorgeous shop! It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I love the Dali Tree--just beautiful!"

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway and a giant thank you to Dali Decals. Remember, you can still use the discount to Dail Decals until the end of this month!

Etsy Finds: The Summer Night

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(From top left clockwise: Rocky Mt. Night 5x7 print by jimsmeltzgallery

Etsy Finds: Rockabilly Summer

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Rock this summer's fashion with these Rockabilly beauties. I'm entranced by these new takes on classic tattoo designs - so fun and creative! Also, be sure to check out each of these shops as they are chock full of retro glam and edgy fashion.

Etsy Finds: Mac vs. PC?

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The eternal debate. Are you a Windows aficionado or Apple lover? Either way, Etsy has many items (although the vote seems skewed towards the Mac camp in number of items listed) to show your geek pride. Here are just a few that caught my eye.

Giveaway (and Reader Discount!): Dali Decals

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Today, we are offering a terrific giveaway hosted by Dali Decals. You may know them as BadassCustomDecals on Etsy. Actually, Dali Decals got their start on Etsy. Alicia from Dali Decals writes, "All of our products are handmade by us, from the graphic design, to the processing and production, to the shipping out of the decals. We got started on Etsy over a year ago, and what started as a hobby, completely took off! We built our website shortly after our Etsy launch and have been trying to improve it and market it since."

Dali Decals is offering 5% off for all Daily Etsian readers. Just type:
DEJuly095OFF
when completing your order on their main site, Dali Decals. (Please note that this code will expire in 30 days.)

As for the giveaway: Dali Decals is offering a $25 gift certificate to one lucky reader. You may enter this giveaway by doing one (or all) of the following options by July 15th at 11:59PM EST.

1. Leave a comment below about your favorite design by Dali Decals.
2. Twitter about the giveaway. Let us know in a separate comment.
3. Blog about the giveaway. Again, let us know in an another comment.

As always, please leave your e-mail address or website so I can contact you if you win. Thank you, Dali Decals for this awesome giveaway. Good luck!

Martha Stewart Hearts Etsy

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Martha Stewart Weddings is featuring a collection of Etsy shops. I love the fact that these independent shops are getting such exposure! If you are interested in gathering more wedding inspiration from from talented Etsy shops, be sure to check out Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2009 issue.

Artist Highlight: Dingbat Press

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Today, I am happy to welcome Adrienne, the artist behind Dingbat Press, to the Daily Etsian. Adrienne is a graphic designer and letterpress artist. She does a wide variety of work, selling on Etsy and from her own domain, Dingbat Press. Also make sure to check out her blog to drool over some beautiful letterpress works of art.

1. Where did you come up with the name "Dingbat Press"? Growing up my mom called me a dingbat on occasion. It fits not only within my character, but historically as well. Sometimes I get funny reactions and snickers from people when they hear my business name as they think I'm the dingbat (which in some cases I can be), however the historical reference behind the name is related to a printer's dingbat, often used as ornamentation in typeset letterpress printing. I'm a type nerd and thought it would be fitting to use something relative to my craft yet wanted something memorable. It's been a great conversation starter when I'm doing trade shows and telling people about my business, always giving a good laugh to those unfamiliar with the history of a dingbat.

2. Describe yourself in one word. Overly-ambitious.

3. How did you get in to the art of letterpress? I always wanted to be a graphic designer and/or illustrator due to an inspiring and mentoring neighbor who sparked my interest at a young age. So school was a matter of finding the right BFA program. However, I found a husband first, so I made the best out of school that I could. Luckily, the university I received my BFA from had an excellent design program with amazing professors. Due to my husband's line of work (fly-fishing outfitter) I knew we'd be living rural and that I could work for someone else (slim pickings) or work for myself. While I was a design student, there was a non-operative press on campus that I was dying to get my hands on. Along with a few other students, we begged our professors to get it up and running so we could "hunker around" on it (cringe). I took weekend workshops and did a lot of personal research. I then took the plunge and bought a press soon after I graduated and really became more of a self taught printer than anything. I know I'm far from perfect but take pride in creating beautiful prints with everything that ships out of the studio. I did the agency thing for a few years and then decided to take the plunge and quit my "real job" as our family expanded. The business evolved out of my ADD obsession to create new designs whenever I felt like it, which led me to stationery. Letterpress was already an obsession and so the two naturally melded nicely.

Photo courtesy of The Dingbat's Agenda

4. Why is this your medium of choice? I like to sketch, but admit my drawing skillz are not what they used to be. I usually verbalize my ideas and do a few thumbs in my sketch-book however feel that I can manipulate the computer much better to my style over trying to work it out perfectly on paper first. Some think this process of design is a crutch which hinders adequate development, however I disagree, and it works for me. I usually have about 3 different working files of a single design that I tinker with until I feel I can't do any more to the design without ruining it. I love the process/medium of letterpress because each phase is so liberating when seeing it all come together. I love to see how ideas evolve from sketches to computer to plates and then finally impressed into pillowy paper. I don't know if I could ever give up printing to other employees if my business expanded because the last part of the project is always the most fulfilling!

5. Where do you find inspiration? My clients serve as inspiration, it's so cool meeting people from all over the world and being trusted with conveying who they are in printed stationery/business papers. For my retail collection, it's more just what suits my fancy at the moment. I know people say in business to try to focus on one aspect and that you shouldn't try to provide product for everyone -- but I feel like there are so many different styles of design that I really want to offer and what I myself would like to buy so I try to provide a mixture of goods, all of superior quality. If something is popular in the line-up then I develop it further and expand. If not, it gets scrapped after being out there for about 18 months.

6. Name your top three favorite websites/blogs, artists, and books/magazines.
This is tough - I'd have to say my three blogs that are memorized in my brain if all my bookmarks got lost would be SwissMiss, Bakerella, and ThePioneerWoman. They all speak to me in different ways (design/domesticity/family in respective order) which relate to my life in someway and inspire me to continue doing what I love in all aspects of life. Moderation in all things I think!

Favorite book? Les Miserables
Favorite Artist? Mondrian or A.M. Cassandre

Photo courtesy of The Dingbat's Agenda

7. What tips or suggestions would you give to other artists? Don't ever let ANYONE tell you that art is not an appropriate or adequate profession. It has been such a blessing in my life to utilize talents that I have naturally. As Nike so eloquently put it, "Just Do It." You'll never know if you are capable of artistic inclinations if you never try it out! I'm all about taking the plunge and not looking back.

Giveaway Winner: Soapalaya Soaps

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I am thrilled to announce the winner of the Soapalaya Soaps' giveaway! I used the random number generator.


Laura posted the 10th comment, saying "I love the Dead Sea Clay - Charcoal Handmade Natual Facial Mask. Thank you for the opportunity." Laura has won the choice of one purse pack or one lip balm, one soap, and one solid perfume by Soapalaya Soaps. Congratulations! And thank you to all who participated!
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