Etsy Finds: Mandy's New Room
Etsy Finds: Jadite
(Clockwise from top left: Vintage Jadite Juicer from auntsuesoldnewlovely
The beautiful pastel green color of Jadeite is vintage and classic. Jadeite was made during 1930's -1970's. The word "Jadeite" was created by the Jeannette Glass Factory in allusion to the gemstone Jade. I love its milky green color and vintage style. Here are a few of my favorites on Etsy.
Etsy Finds: Hand Drawn Type
I love hand-drawn type. In an age of online shopping and communication, the emphasis is so often placed on fast, easy typography. I think handwritten text is so distinctive, singular, and unrepeatable. I adore receiving handwritten notes in my mailbox - I always feel like I've received a little present! Everything from the "Dear...," to the "yours truly,..." is uniquely representative of the writer. In recent years, there seems to be a resurgence in interest in hand-drawn type as an alternative to computerized fonts. I have seen beautiful examples of hand-drawn type in movies such as Juno, online stores such as Free People , and even college websites. Hand-drawn type can have a gritty, mod feel as well as a homegrown organic quality. I find this unfathomable diversity to be fascinating. Words can be art in their mere appearance as well as content. DesignM.ag has a great collection of hand-drawn type examples and resources to drool over.
Here are some examples I found around Etsy:
This post would be incomplete if I did not feature an example of Kate Bingaman-Burt's art (here on Etsy, here on Flickr, and her blog). Everyday Kate draws a picture of something she buys. This daily art remains innovative and interesting since the inception of this project in 2002. You can buy a zine featuring her "obsessive consumption" on Etsy.
Winners of the plastique* Giveaway!
I am happy to announce the winners of the plastique* giveaway. Thank you to everyone who commented, twittered, blogged, and otherwise telecommunicated. I used the Random number generator to "pull the names from the hat" absolutely fairly. The winner of the Helvetica necklace is Adrienne who blogged at the wonderful Dingbat's Agenda, twittered, and commented!
The winner of the KERN rings is Deanna who twittered and commented! I am still completely head over heels about these rings. Congratulations Deanna and Adrienne! I will contact both of you shortly. Thanks again, everyone!
The winner of the KERN rings is Deanna who twittered and commented! I am still completely head over heels about these rings. Congratulations Deanna and Adrienne! I will contact both of you shortly. Thanks again, everyone!
Giveaway: plastique*
Plastique* has kindly offered to giveaway TWO items for readers of the Daily Etsian! I am so jealous of the readers who get these items.
Grand prize: the Helvetica necklace featured above. The item listing says, "Give me good typography or give me death." Love it.
Second prize: The "KERN" rings shown below (my personal favorite!).
Please leave a comment below for each entry:
1. Please leave a comment about your favorite item in plastique*. (1 entry)
2. Twitter about the giveaway. Leave us a comment below and/or add us @theDailyEtsian so we see your tweet! (1 entry)
3. Blog about the giveaway. Leave a comment below with a link to let us know. (1 entry)
4. Become a follower of the Daily Etsian. (1 entry)
Each of the four ways to enter gives you another chance to win! However, only four total (one of each kind) per person, just to be fair, okay? I will pick two separate (very lucky) people at random and notify them privately. The contest will end on Friday night, June 26 at 11:59PM EST. I will pick the two winners randomly on Saturday. Good luck!
Artist Highlight: plastique*
Today, I am happy and honored to introduce our guest artist, Jen, who runs plastique* on Etsy (as well as her own site here and on Supermarket). Her chic, modern design is clever as well as fashionable. Make sure to check back tomorrow for a special double giveaway!!
1) How do you make your products? How did you get into acrylic jewelry?
I first started getting into acrylic jewelry about a year and a half ago when I saw a few random necklaces and rings floating around; most notably by: AMT's diamond ring (http://www.byamt.com/). I thought, "I can do that!" Except I didn't have a way to cut acrylic. Then I stumbled upon Ponoko one day and it changed my life. At first I made a few simple pieces for myself only. I really liked how they came out so I started making more and thought I should try selling them on Etsy. And here we are...
The way I go about making my jewelry is first I come up with the ideas in my head and sketch them out. Then I transfer the sketch to Illustrator and sometimes I print out the designs to get a better idea of scale. Then I send off my files to Ponoko and when the acrylic comes back, I add the chains, diamonds, or whatever else the products may need to end up in their finished state.
2) You are also a graphic designer. Where do you get your inspiration for design and jewelry?
I read a TON of blogs every day. I get inspired a lot by what other designers are doing and I think blogs are the fastest way for people to get new information. It's really easy to find a ton of new and awesome designs just from reading blogs everyday. I also read a lot of design books and magazines for inspiration. I'm also a big music fan. When I listen to music sometimes design ideas pop into my head. But then sometimes designs pop into my head at the most random moments such as when I'm eating my breakfast or riding the train to work.
In terms of my actual jewelry and where the designs come from, I am a huge fan of very simple, straightforward, clean design. I am never one to over-embellish anything. This is why all my pieces have that kind of look to them. I decided that with the prevalence of acrylic jewelry in the marketplace, I should set myself apart by taking a very "design driven" approach to my jewelry. It started with the "helvetica" necklace and went from there.
I also have my music-related jewelry which is spawned from my aforementioned love of both music and retro things. This is why I have a cassette tape ring and a turntable necklace rather than some rendition of an iPod or a CD. Retro things are just really fun!
I am an avid traveler, having been to over 40 countries on all seven continents. This is what inspired the landmark rings. I wanted to bring a piece of the world to your fingertips. Literally.... These rings are newer pieces for me and I'm planning on expanding the line to create more world landmarks. I'm even thinking about doing them as necklaces and earrings.
3) Name three of your favorite artists, musicians/bands, and websites.
This is a toughie since I am really bad at picking "favorites" for anything. I'd have to say that some knee-jerk reaction favorites would have to be:
Artists/Designers/Photographers:
Mondrian
Josef Muller-Brockmann
Robert Doisneau
Musicians/Bands:
Radiohead forever and ever. Then two current faves would be Fleet Foxes and The Black Ghosts. But really if we wanted to talk music that'd be another interview entirely since I'm always listening to new music.
Websites: (these are three MUST reads on a daily basis)
Aisle One (http://www.aisleone.net)
The Dieline (http://www.thedieline.com)
ISO50 (http://blog.iso50.com)
4) What's your favorite/least favorite part of running your own business?
When I first started my Etsy store, business was really slow. I'd sell a few things here and there. So it wasn't too challenging to balance everything. But now that it's started to pick up, I realize just how tough it can be. After all, plastique* is a side business. Trying to manintain the balance between plastique* and my actual day as a designer at a design firm is a challenge. I spend a lot of "free" time dedicated to my business. But I find it really rewarding to see people taking an interest in my work. Working as a designer for a firm, most of the things I do are just part of a larger project. But with my jewelry, it's all me. When I wear one of my designs out and people compliment it, they are complimenting my work. And that's really exciting. So for all the time and effort it takes out of my day to run this small business, it's rewarding when others are happy about the jewelry I've made for them.
5) What's your favorite color/color combo?
I am a huge fan of shades of grey and pink together; anything from a dark charcoal grey and fuchsia to a light grey and pale pink. To me, grey and pink are the new black and red – similar colors but with a slightly more interesting twist!
This is a toughie since I am really bad at picking "favorites" for anything. I'd have to say that some knee-jerk reaction favorites would have to be:
Artists/Designers/Photographers:
Mondrian
Josef Muller-Brockmann
Robert Doisneau
Musicians/Bands:
Radiohead forever and ever. Then two current faves would be Fleet Foxes and The Black Ghosts. But really if we wanted to talk music that'd be another interview entirely since I'm always listening to new music.
Websites: (these are three MUST reads on a daily basis)
Aisle One (http://www.aisleone.net)
The Dieline (http://www.thedieline.com)
ISO50 (http://blog.iso50.com)
4) What's your favorite/least favorite part of running your own business?
When I first started my Etsy store, business was really slow. I'd sell a few things here and there. So it wasn't too challenging to balance everything. But now that it's started to pick up, I realize just how tough it can be. After all, plastique* is a side business. Trying to manintain the balance between plastique* and my actual day as a designer at a design firm is a challenge. I spend a lot of "free" time dedicated to my business. But I find it really rewarding to see people taking an interest in my work. Working as a designer for a firm, most of the things I do are just part of a larger project. But with my jewelry, it's all me. When I wear one of my designs out and people compliment it, they are complimenting my work. And that's really exciting. So for all the time and effort it takes out of my day to run this small business, it's rewarding when others are happy about the jewelry I've made for them.
5) What's your favorite color/color combo?
I am a huge fan of shades of grey and pink together; anything from a dark charcoal grey and fuchsia to a light grey and pale pink. To me, grey and pink are the new black and red – similar colors but with a slightly more interesting twist!
Ampersand
The symbol "&" (known as the ampersand symbol) is the combination of the letters "et," which is Latin for "and." I love the ways that these Etsy sellers are using this symbol in some innovative (and awesome) ways. I love how beautiful typography can turn common symbols into art. Here are some samples.
What to Learn from Etsy Administration: The SEO Affair
I love Etsy. The website has provided me, as well as many others, the opportunity to sell and buy unique products in a friendly environment. I greatly enjoy being a part of the online community that shares business and craft tips with each other.
Etsy is like a family. I see the many wonderful opportunities and joys that Etsy has to offer. However, the "SEO Affair" illustrates the fact that Etsy also needs to grow and build in the areas of communication and development for shops. I believe that this SEO affair can teach other online businesses (especially small shops on Etsy, ArtFire, etc.) several important lessons.
1. Communicate in a timely and effective manner with all contacts. If a customer asks a questions, respond promptly and thoroughly. Be friendly and polite. Check your Etsy "convos" and e-mail often. Keep up-to-date on your Twitter, blog, or Facebook fan page. The online cottage industry is big. A customer may remember you for your through, polite conversation and consider buying from you again on that basis alone.
2. Be concise and informative. Use your shop announcement section, message to buyers, policy section, etc. to list all pertinent information so no buyer is left confused. Ask a friend to read through your listings to insure absolute clarity. Remember to include all necessary facts about items listed for purchase. Is the size, color, type, and material all perfectly clear?
3. Follow through, follow up. It's all in the details. Keep your end of the deal on everything from delivery, gift-wrap, coupons, anything! My mom still talks about an Etsy seller she purchased a scarf from last year. The scarf got lost in the mail right before Christmas (it was intended to be a present). The seller went above and beyond her duty as a seller to to make sure that my mom received a replacement scarf for no extra cost. The seller sent the replacement package overnight (for free!) and even offered to mail it gift-wrapped to my grandmother (the present recipient). While this is certainly not required, prompt communication and courtesy is essential. Review the Etsy Seller Handbook. Seek out other online tips and suggestions to insure that you are doing everything you can to maximize your potential as a seller.
I know so many online sellers who do these things already. I think the SEO affair serves as a reminder to all sellers that you have a definitive responsibility to your customers. Mistakes can cost you customers. Do your part to insure that all your customers feel that they are a priority in your business because they are. Make them feel heard and special. That's one of the strengths and joys of small business ownership: the personal seller-customer relationship.
Etsy Treasures: Matryoshka Dolls
Here is a selection of folk doll variations from some talented Etsy sellers.
Economic Stimulus: Etsy Style
It's a cool idea. I like the concept of supporting the "mom and pop" shops that give character and life to towns all across America. This project inspired me to build on this philosophy. How about committing to purchasing from an independent artisan every month (or every six months or year, depending on your budget)? For many people, times are tough. However, here are a few ways you can support other sellers without breaking the bank:
- Buy crafting supplies online from Etsy sellers. Many shops offer digital ephemera, which you can print out yourself. This saves on shipping. Or buy several different kinds of supplies from one seller to economize on shipping prices. I always love to see sellers who link back to the supply seller when selling a handmade item!
- Forgo buying your best friend's birthday present at Target. Buy something handmade that is the same price you would have spent at Target. I have one friend in Italy. I have sent her gifts from various Italian Etsy shops (when I live in the USA), which enables me to save on shipping by shopping "locally."
- If you are the purveyor of your own Etsy shop, check out trade-friendly shops and offer to do a swap in goods. While this idea will not necessarily support the artisan financially, it is a good way to gain friends in the handmade community, swap business cards/promos to include in outgoing purchases, etc.
- If you are making a baby or wedding registry, ask for handmade gifts. There are several registry websites that allow for different stores or shops to be represented on one wish list. Try MyRegistry or WishPot.
- Throw a handmade party! Buy invitations, decorations, and even little gifts for the guests from Etsy, Artfire, etc. Perhaps have a theme such as "Spa Night." Purchase handmade samples of soaps, lotions, perfume, cosmetics, etc. for guests to try. Or try out a craft by purchasing a kit from an Etsy seller.
- What's your idea? Please share by commenting below...
The Etsy SEO Problem
If you've been around Etsy's Forums lately, you have probably noticed the outrage over the change in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I thought it might be helpful to have a little summary of what has been going on so far.
Many sellers on Etsy have worked hard to insure that their shop (or listing) is ranked high in Google searches for particular keywords. Etsy reformatted their SEO by inserting their own (very broad) meta keywords in front of the seller's. In some cases, the keyword was completely inappropriate such as "handmade" being listed under vintage items and supplies. All of the changes in the SEO have resulted in many shops getting low views and less buyers.
Etsy administrator Saralouhicks responded to the outcry with this message, promising that "We understand the urgency around this issue and will provide updates on our plans and progress in the next week or two." Sara also links back to the Storque article that originally outlined "Optimizing for Search Engines." Sara informed the Forum that Etsy has changed the meta data for craft supplies and vintage items so that the keywords do not include "handmade." However, there is still much work left to be done.
I really appreciated the post by Timothy Adam of TimothyAdamDesigns, the technological guru and Etsy seller extraordinaire. Timothy writes, "You have to adapt with the changes that are happening. That is what owning your own business is all about. Your business's success is in your hands.. You make it happen not the selling venue you have your shop on." In short, stay positive. Contact Etsy administration and politely voice your opinion. Then work on promoting your shop and craft independent of Etsy by using blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks, Timothy for the inspirational advice.
Edit: So as to be absolutely clear, the reason that the extra meta data is a problem is that Google only looks at a specific number of keywords. Those are taken up by Etsy's filler keywords, not the more specific, unique ones created by the seller.
Handmade Wedding: Clicks and Links
This week we covered many aspects of a handmade wedding. Today, I would like to summarize by giving you a virtual bouquet of wedding (0r not) links from around the internet.
- Rock 'n' Roll Bride: A frequently updated website with bunches and bunches of beautiful photos featuring real weddings with a punky, offbeat, indie flair.
- Etsy Wedding: A beautiful blog that highlights the Etsy wedding world.
- Princess Lasertron: This lovely Etsy seller is a full-time artist, crafting beautiful felt and button creations mostly for bouquets and boutonnières. Not really a dedicated wedding site, but it has some really awesome, humorous posts and photos.
- Studio On Fire: This blog is a Minnesota design and letterpress studio that does crazy-amazing work!
Please post your favorite wedding inspiration sites in the comments section. Have a good weekend, loves!
We Interrupt This Broadcast...
(Image courtesy of of Etsy's Storque)
I would be completely remiss if I did not notify you of the Second Annual Etsy Yart sale that is taking place between June 10-14, 2009. So, I will take a break from "Handmade Wedding week" for a minute. "What is a Yart Sale?" you may ask (with good reason - I was originally thinking of a mixture of yak and yogurt). The Storque defines the Yart as
Art + Yard Sale = Yart!
Basically, this is a Etsy-wide sale that includes all "departments" of Etsy: handmade, vintage, and supplies. The sale can include, but is not limited to, free shipping, discounted prices, free promotional gifts, etc. If you are an Etsy seller, this a great way to promote your shop as well as publicizing other sellers of handmade goods. Make sure that all items should be tagged or titled with the word "Yart" to signify your participation in the sale. The Storque article has special Yart avatars for your enjoyment and promotional needs. This is an awesome opportunity for you to splurge on a little retail therapy. After all, it's on sale. So go Yart, everyone!
Edit: if you twitter, make sure to use the #Yart to advertise.
Interview with evapaul
Today I am honored to feature the amazing designer-duo Nic and Kirsten, known to the Etsy world as evapaul. They are a husband-wife team specializing in some absolutely gorgeous design work for wedding invitations and save-the-dates. Nic and Kirsten are also celebrating their second wedding anniversary (with a special sale on their Etsy store -- check it out). Congratulations, you two!
1) Tell us a little about yourselves.
Nic: I love photography. I spend so many hours just reading reviews, mostly on lenses. I really love music too, but I get to talk about that more in question 5 so I'll wait for that. I play the guitar and the drums, but anyway I just really enjoy listening to music and creating music with friends. I really like to watch the Food Network. I also do that for several hours each day. It makes me want to be a chef pretty bad, but the hardest thing I've ever cooked would probably be macaroni and cheese....actually it wasn't even macaroni and cheese, it was easymac, which people say is easier than the traditional dish. It was years ago, but I was living with some friends and they got sick of making my food for me, so they said I should try easymac, after the 4th failed try I ended up going skateboarding in the middle the microwave running on high for 33 min and 33 sec with a giant metal pot inside, tilted on its side so it could fit in with my dinner inside. Needless to say I ruined a big metal pot, a microwave, and of course, my dinner. Good thing now I am married, and Kirsten takes care of me very well. I also like reading..oh also question number 5. We have subscriptions to Communication Arts and Popular Photography, some others about photography, but those are the ones I really love and keep up on.
Kirsten: I am a California-born, Colorado raised 25 year old living in Idaho. I am the last of 6 kids and my one and only sister is probably my biggest fan (besides Nic) and my dearest friend. I am a wife and mother and those are the titles I love the most. I am so happy to married to my best friend. Our daughter Daphne is 5 months old and she is our sunshine. I love cooking (but only for dinner parties) movies (as long as they are sappy or funny) and tv (Bravo, HGTV or the food network). I went to school for advertising at BYU-Idaho.
2) How did both of you decide you wanted to be artists?
Nic: I don't remember ever making a decision actually. When I was younger I knew I never wanted to have a proper job. Of course a lot of people talk about how you should find something that will make you a lot of money, like a doctor or dentist. I'm really glad there are people who are interested in those types of fields, but its not for me, no matter how much the money is. I just want to be learning continually and creating things, thats what really makes me happy. If I get money for it then that is great.
Kirsten: In high school and the beginning of college I thought I wanted to be a ceramics instructor or full-time potter. Then, I took an aptitude test and one of the questions said something like: would you like to be messy all day while you work? I, of course, answered no, who would want that? I quickly realized ceramics was out of the question. I’ve always considered myself more crafty than artsy. I used to love to scrapbook (now I just blog) sew, and I’ll occasionally paint but as I’ve gotten a bit older I’ve really enjoyed photography and graphic design.
3) When did you decide to go into business together?
Nic: It will be funny to see if our answers match up. But, Kirsten always liked making cards for people with paper. Then when she started doing things digitally, we had a bunch of her work just hanging out on our computer's hard drive. Kirsten's friend Emily found out she had a bunch of designs for wedding invites that she had just made pretty much for the love of it (she also loves weddings) just thinking one day she might find some sort of venue to sell her work in. So, she told Kirsten about Etsy and that she should put her stuff on there and at least see what happens. We set up an account and didn't post anything for like 5 months or something, then my mom started telling us she really should. Finally we did, and within a few months it was going so well that we had enough work for the both of us. It is definitely Kirsten's creation, I'm just glad that she lets me be a part of it.
Kirsten: Nic and I started dating when he was 18 and I was 19. At the time he wanted to be a fashion designer and we thought it would be awesome to own a shop together- part vintage, part designer, clothes and furniture. He came up with the name Evapaul (our middle names) and then it just kind of morphed into what we do now- I guess we always knew we would be Evapaul, it has just taken on a different form.
4) What is your favorite part of the evapaul design business?
Nic: For me the best part is when you've been working with someone really cool on designs and then getting the printed result. It makes me really excited about what we are doing (printed on paper it just looks 10 times cooler that on screen to me) and it makes me really excited for the people to get their stuff in the mail because I at least hope they think the same thing I do.
Kirsten: I love being able to work with my husband. He is so supportive and talented. I also love being able to create our own schedule (no alarm clocks is our motto) and be at home with our daughter. I feel so lucky to have found not only something I love to do but something that can allow me to still be a stay at home mom.
5) Name your top three favorite artists, writers, and musicians/musical groups.
Nic: Yes! number 5 finally! I've been so excited for number 5 but I really don't know how I can pick just 3 of each. especially musical groups. Artists - hmm, Seth and Maddy Lucas, they are some friends. She is a photographer (http://madelyne.net) and he is a graphic designer (http://obabo.blogspot.com), also Rebecca and Chad Hansen are some photographers we just made friends with recently and I really love their work http://www.rebeccabhansen.com, and Kirsten, Her creative process is so bitchin'. I've never seen someone that is able to put out really great work so fast. I tend to think so much to myself rather than let my pen (or pen tool, or whatever then case may be) show my thinking, which Kirsten can do. It's really cool to be able to sit at the same desk as someone working like that, or maybe it's depressing for me, I'm not sure. So especially for the Artist section, I really enjoy seeing what my friends around me are creating more than any other peoples work. Writers - I would say David Sedaris, John Steinbeck, and George Orwell. Music - First of all The National, Low Red Land, and lately Helios has been really cool, especially when I'm working on projects or riding my bike around the town.
Kirsten: Artists: Andy Warhol, Amelia Lyon (lifestyle photographer) and Van Gogh. Writers: my sister, Julie. David Sedaris and Haven Kimmel. musicians: Copeland, Conor Oberst and Camera Obscura (and the National, Andrew Bird, Jenny Lewis, Belle and Sebastian, the Cure, Colonies, Mates of State, Iron & Wine and Sufjan Stevens- just to name a few. We almost always have our itunes on, or a record playing (or the food network playing for no one in the other room).
6) What inspires your work? How do you come up with your ideas?
Nic: Really music inspires my work so much. If the question was, what music inspires your work, I would have to add Feist to the previous list. Music really puts me in the place I need to be to make stuff. Also when I see what people around me are doing, it really makes me excited about getting more of my own work done and put out there, wherever "out there" is. I guess that's most likely the information super highway, and art exchanges, and whatnot,...walls. Also I love modern furniture so much, I would say I am inspired by modern architecture and furniture. So, stuff like Charles and Ray Eames, they would go on favorite artists if the number went past 3.
Kirsten: I like to look at wedding, graphic design, photography and interior design magazines and I also love perusing lifestyle blogs and wedding photographer’s sites. Its a business you have to stay current with- using the most popular design elements, fonts and colors. I love to look at things that have nothing to do with wedding invitations, like fabric websites or little crafts on Etsy and turn them into an invitation. Music also helps.
7) How do you promote or sell your work outside of Etsy?
Nic: Some of our friends are really good about telling people they know and getting our business cards out, also I think Kirsten just started doing facebook ads. I think people who see our stuff and tell people about it have done a lot for us.
Kirsten: Basically, we just use Etsy. It is an incredible platform for artists and we are indebted to our great friend Emily Rodriguez (mfeo.etsy.com) who suggested we sell on Etsy. It has totally changed our lives. We have just very recently put an add up on Facebook, just to keep up the momentum of the busy wedding months. We’ve been lucky to be featured on blogs and other websites which helps to drive traffic to our Etsy shop. We are also part of the etsy wedding street team.
8) What advice would you give to other artists on Etsy?
Nic: I'm not really sure, I think people who are selling things on Etsy are already doing what I tell people to do who are not selling on Etsy already. We seriously tell everyone we know who creates things to put their stuff on Etsy. If selling on Etsy isn't a full time job for someone who is doing it, I would say you should find ways to make it so it is, because I think artists shouldn't have to worry about some other job to support their art, I would like to think every artist would like to do nothing but what makes them happy. Do a Google search on ways to increase traffic to my Etsy shop. There are a ton of conversations on blogs and forums out there that give good ideas. I know Etsy has even put stuff up about how to make a killer blog that will help with that. It probably sounds like I'm being vague on purpose, but we just starting thinking about doing this ourselves. Aside from the Facebook thing, we haven't done much else, but plan to soon once I find out more. -oh, but I would say you need to renew a few things out of your shop pretty often so they don't fall way back in the pages of other items out there. I heard this somewhere recently that has got me thinking, especially about getting my photography blog up and running, If your work isn't somewhere where people can see it, then it doesn't exist.
Kirsten: I am sure everyone gives similar advice but- renew! Renew at least a couple of items everyday so when people search for say, wedding invitations- they will find your shop within the first few search pages. If you are on page 47, it will be much harder for people to find you. We invest .40-.60 cents everyday (under $20 every month) in renewing a couple of items and this really has helped our business grow. Also, be an active participant in blogging. It is a great way to promote your own business, let others promote it for you and to share ideas.
Kirsten, baby Daphne, and Nic.
Handmade Wedding: Introduction
(Clockwise) Anna Custom Wedding Dress by threadhead, Gold ring with diamond by Onestonenewyork, Fascinator headband by houseoftelsa, Four Groomsmen Neckties by toybreaker.
A handmade wedding is a perfect start to the beginnings of a handmade life together. Whether you are anticipating your own nuptials in the near future, a guest at an upcoming wedding, or simply seeking inspiration, you've come to the right source!
Monday: handmade wedding inspiration
Tuesday: exclusive interview with husband-wife team evapaul, super-talented designers
Wednesday: handmade wedding gifts
Thursday: a vintage wedding
Friday: bridal finery and the groom's garb
Tuesday: exclusive interview with husband-wife team evapaul, super-talented designers
Wednesday: handmade wedding gifts
Thursday: a vintage wedding
Friday: bridal finery and the groom's garb
What is a handmade wedding? My personal definition is a handcrafted wedding designed and created by the couple (and their families, friends, neighbors, and some complete strangers/new friends perhaps from Etsy). Handmade weddings emphasize a DIY ethos, creativity and ingenuity, out-of-the-box thinking, and a love for handmade details. The time, effort, and skills needed to create handmade objects and goods is a perfect metaphor for successful relationships. Good craftsmanship does not happen over night, but is a lifelong process of trial and error, of continual work towards creating a beautiful object (or life together). What does a handmade wedding (or a handmade life) mean to you personally? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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