GIVEAWAY from TagsAndButtons HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

I will randomly choose the first winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address and their choice of one of the two prizes. I will randomly choose the second winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address and will be sent the other prize that winner number one did not choose!

Winner one, http://365daysinthetriangle.blogspot.com/
Winner two, http://caveclan-chloenme.blogspot.com/

Featured Seller: TagsAndButtons & DAMDesigns

THIS SELLER HAS ALSO OFFERED TO DO A GIVEAWAY! SEE THIS POST FOR DETAILS!





(1) Who are you?
I am Danelle, a creative person who can never sit still for very long before I have to start doing something else haha! I love being creative and I’m a 22 year old female.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Well I have 2 shops. My first shop, DAMdesigns.etsy.com is from my initials. My second shop, Tagsandbuttons.etsy.com, came because I knew I was going to sale buttons and some small paper goods and I wanted something that reflected both, and Tags was the shortest paper good I could think of that I would sale some of.

(3) What do you create and sell?
DAMdesigns is based around my art, so everything in that shop has something to do with my art. Tagsandbuttons offers tons of fun promotions and custom buttons for all your events, gifts and fun needs.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Just trying to prove to the people around me that I can be successful. Anytime I have a moment where I don’t feel like doing what I need to do, I just think about the people who think I’m wasting my time, and how I want to prove them wrong.



(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
From Tagsandbuttons I love the Custom Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14063548 I made myself some of the cupcake ones and I love wearing them. Bold and fu. From DAMdesigns I love this keychain http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9015653

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
As of right now yes. There was some stuff going on so I couldn’t go and get a job out of fear of having to move shortly after. The problems are resolved for now so I’m thinking of looking for a job soon. As much as I love running my shops, I need to make more money lol.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started DAMdesigns in like October 2007. I don’t spend much time in that shop right now so its pretty empty. I started Tagsandbuttons in June this year and I'm very proud of this shop.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since October 2007.



(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Not yet. It is something I will eventually get around to.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like the community and the fact that I can make friends and not just have a shop and feel alone.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes! EtsyFriends!

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes, DAMdesigns and Tagsandbuttons



(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I think the best kind of promotion is word of mouth. I work really hard to do the best job possible for each customer and hope that they tell someone else about my shop, or just love their stuff!

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
This, and I run a blog that takes up a ton of time ( Loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com ). I also love reading, and I actually love playing video games.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
Loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com also I co-run this awesome blog: etsygiveaways.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
http://blackboxreviews.blogspot.com/ and http://nothing-like-it.blogspot.com/



(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
Nothinglikeit.etsy.com

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers? Never give up. Even if it seems daunting, like your wasting your time, like your not getting anywhere, that’s the time when you should work harder. It is NOT impossible. I wanted to quit, but then I dug down and I opened Tagsandbuttons. It would have been so sad if I had just stopped I wouldn’t be here anymore.

GIVEAWAY from TagsAndButtons

Featured Seller, Danelle of TagsAndButtons and DAMDesigns, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

She will be giving away TWO things (one from each shop)....
- One Winner gets a set of 16 holiday mini envelopes (comes with small papers that fit inside) in this style:


- The other winner gets a signed 3.5 x 5” print of this:



RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! TagsAndButtons will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2a) I will randomly choose the first winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address and their choice of one of the two prizes listed above!
(2b) I will randomly choose the second winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address and will be sent the other prize that winner number one did not choose!
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in TagsAndButtons shop! Make sure to leave your email address!

(4) This giveaway will end onThursday, December 18th at 11:59PM, EST! And the winner will be announced on Friday, December 19th.

PLEASE NOTE: QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVE COMMENTED THIS BLOG BUT HAVE NOT TOLD ME THEIR FAVORITE THING FROM HER SHOP AND/OR HAVE NOT INCLUDED THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VAILD WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good luck!
♥Mannie

Featured Seller: KrazyFashion

(1) Who are you?

My name is Brittany and I am 19 years old. I am easy to talk to, a good listener, and striving to do better everyday. I love to design and create.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Well my shop name is KrazyFashion. I had come up with a TON of different names for my business but some how this one just stuck. :)

(3) What do you create and sell?
At the moment I create accessories such as bags, wallets, jewelry, etc.
I really want to have every sort of accessory in my shop.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
I get inspired by shapes and colors. I LOVE color! It is funny that I love color so much these days because I went through a phase of "black" when I was younger lol. I think we all do at some point haha.



(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
I don't have a favorite piece. I have a favorite design. At the moment that design is my wallets. I got inspiration from other wallets and fabrics. I put the two together and it just worked in my opinion. :)

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Yes at the moment it is my only job and I love every second of it. Don't get me wrong I would love to do other things but right now this is what I like to do.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started my business at the beginning of 2008 "officially" but I found Etsy like 9 months later.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since September of 2008.



(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
At the moment no but I do hope to be doing so very soon. A little research and people skills never hurt. :p

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like that it is a place where you can be productive and still have a great time all in one. You learn something new everyday and Etsy is a great way to learn new things whether it be about marketing or what happened in the news yesterday lol

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I wouldn't say "belong" lol but I do associate myself with two teams.
1) EtsyFeast! I have been neglecting them a lot lately but only because I found another team! Hahaha I sound like I am cheating.
2) EtsyFriends Team. This team is indescribably. These women are the most strong, fun, nice, supportive, honest, caring, etc people in the world. When you need to vent you vent your little heart out and you receive so much support I love it! I usually tend to forget that there are still good people on this earth but whenever I talk to this group I am reminded they still exist.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No. I thought about opening a new shop but it is still a thought that floats around my big head. At the moment though I think I am just gonna stick with the one I have. :)



(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I don't do TONS but I have Flickr, Twitter, Etsy Teams, I learn something new everyday but that doesn't mean it is helpful lol
I like to try new things but most of them are unsuccessful lol

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
Well I love to spend time with my boyfriend. We do EVERYTHING together lol.
Video Games, Mall, Movies, Dinner, Beach, Vacation, drive off into the Florida sunset when we get annoyed with the local Floridians lol. I love to try new things. Just as long as the don't involve deep open water hahahaha.
I also love to sew just for me or do things just for me to keep myself sane hahaha

(15) What is your blog or website url?
-Blog (I don't blog much just read others)
http://krazyfashion.blogspot.com
Website: www.krazyfashion.etsy.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
-I follow this blog. :)
Not really anyone specific but I do read blogs from time to time.



(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
-Well there are a few. I am not at stalker status or anything lol
I do like to see if others have improved though. (especially my competition) ;p

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
-Follow your heart. If you design something and think "oh someone will hate this" WHO CARES! Show it off anyways. Do what you love and fuck the rest! (EXCUSE MY POTTY MOUTH)

Featured Seller: SygnetCreations

(1) Who are you?
My name is Amanda. I am the owner of Sygnet Creations. I am also a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop is called Sygnet Creations. Cygnet is the name for a baby swan. My husband grew up being the sygnet of his household (his last name is Swan) and when we married I took on that name.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I specialize is 'Unique Fabric Needs' to suit the individual personality and style. I sell fun neck pillows, blankets of all sizes, aprons, and more.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
My family plays a big part of what I make and sell. The travel neck pillows were created when I could not find one to fit my son's neck. Blankets of course are my very first creations and there is nothing more special than a blanket made especialy for YOU!



(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
Ohhh there are so many but I really fell in love with the fabrics I used to make the monkey twin blanket. It is ultra soft and the perfect size for snuggling on the sofa or curling up in bed with a good book. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9245085

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
It is my only paid job.. but not my ONLY job by far. I also run a military household and raise 4 beatiful children. On occassion, I have been known to plan and organize events.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started Sygnet Creations in April of 2007 but I didn't open shop on Etsy until Aug 2 2007

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Just over one year.



(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes I also sell in person and through my website http://sygnetcreations.com

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I love the community feel. I enjoy the way others work together and answer questions when needed.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes I am a member of the Homefront team made up of Military spouses and loved ones. I am a member of Team SASsy where we help mentor young sellers with all the aspects of selling on Etsy. Last but not least I am the Team Leader and one of the founding member of the EtsyFriends Team. This team is by far one of the closest groups and I am very proud to know each and everyone of our members by name.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No I only have the one as I love to be a one stop shop... I often think about opening another for woodwork but that will be further down the road.



(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I have been featured in The Spotted Box, and The Little Black Box. These are boxes filled with samples from various shops and sold to buyers who love homemade. I love to blog and I have found that keep a regular pace on the internet will help you been noticed in the long run. I also use project wonderful, craigslist, craft forums, and directories.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
My other love is photography. Where ever I go I bring my camera. My children are often the subjects but I find a lot of beauty in the nature around us. Baking is another past time of mine. I have been baking cakes for my family and friends for so long. I specialize in 3D birthday cakes. My favorite creation was a huge Crocolator (that is what we called him) and he was big enough to feed an army!

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://sygnetcreations.blogspot.com is my main blog but I write for many =)
http://sygnetcreations.com is my business website.
http://WhyIHeartHomemade.blogspot.com The name says it all =)

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow a couple of my friends and try to keep up with new tips and tricks for selling online.. There is no one specific blog that I read regularly.



(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I keep my eyes on my ladies from the EtsyFriends and I try to keep up with some of the soap makers... I just love sooo many that it is hard to keep up with just one =)

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Be friendly and personable with your customers. When talking in the forums keep your wits about you and only comment in heated discussion when the words you use are those that a child could read.... you can't take it back no matter how much you wish you could. Although online selling can be done in your PJs it is better to act as though you are in your office.... This is your business.. Make sure you opperate as a business no matter where you are online!

Feature On Myself, an example

I figured it would be nice for all of you to get to know me... the girl behind all the features. The best way to do so, I guess, is to answer all the questions I plan to ask the featured shops (: That's only fair right? So here you go... a feature on me.



(1) Who are you? I'm Mannie. I'm twenty-one years young living with my boyfriend and kitten. I'm waiting to be accepted to the University of South Florida and I plan to study Anthropology and Classics. I love to learn.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it? MannieMandible, a friend of mine gave me the nickname and it just kinda stuck (:

(3) What do you create and sell? I create handmade jewelry and crochet. My jewelry is mostly beaded, and I use sterling silver, gemstones, swarovski crystals, and more. I've only recently added some crohcet work to my shop, and plan to have far more in there soon!

(4) What is your source for inspiration? My Uncle Joe and the rest of my family! My uncle came up with the idea (many, many years ago) of everyone making their gifts for Christmas. I grew up crafting and preparing for presant making all year long! My Uncle Joe has since passed, but my family still holds strong to handmade Christmas gifts. My grandmother was the one to teach me crochet; she's fabulous.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why? My Wonderland Bracelet. My obsession (other than mermaids) is Alice in Wonderland! I love the books, the movies, everything. When I made this bracelet it just reminded me of Alice. This piece also made it to the front page of etsy, so if it's good enough to make an appearence there, it's good enough to be my favorite (:


(6) Is running your shop your only job? Currently, yes. I moved to the Tampa, FL area this past August. I left home and two great jobs, thinking I could easily find a new job or two here.... not so much. I am a qualified receptionist and barista, it's just NO ONE is hiring. I'm jsut going to "keep on swimming" for now.

(7) When did you start your business? I started years ago making things for family and friends. I started seriously selling on Etsy under my business name in September 2008.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy? Since September 2008

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy? No, but I've looked in to some other venues.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy? I really like the true community feeling. Every seller I have ever spoken to have been wonderful and helpful. I also really join the teams.

(11) Do you belong to any teams? yes, the EtsyFriends! They are a wonderful group of artisans who are super supportive in everything each member does, whether is business or personal (: I am also apart of EtsyU, a team for college Etsians!

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop? Nope

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)? I play in the Etsy forums quite often, I blog regularly, I participate in my team's promotional deals, I use Twitter, and I hand out my business cards when possible, I network... nothing too unusual.

(14) What do you do in your spare time? What everyone else does... I enjoy cooking, drinking espresso or hot tea, reading, writing, playing with my kitten, spending time with my boyfriend, visiting family, watching old movies, blah blah.

(15) What is your blog or website url? Blog, http://manniemandiblenews.blogspot.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly? Quite a few... I enjoy my blog reading time. I follow my team member's blogs, a few crochet pattern/tip blogs, and a few random blogs.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly? Not particularly... I try to keep track of my team member's shops and I watch the front page of Etsy to find new favorite shops.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers? In these hard times, my fellow EtsyFriends team members have said it best (and originally from Dori of Finding Nemo)... just keep swimming (:


There you have it! I hope this helps you get to know me a little better, and give you an idea of how the features will be done. Check back soon for a new feature!

♥Mannie

Ode to Artists!

Hello and welcome to my new blog, The Feature Café!

I have decided to create this blog as a place to feature all the amazing shops and lovely owners I have found/met on Etsy! Occasionally I will feature shops who are willing to donate for giveaways, too!

So mark this blog to your favorites, follow it, and tell all your friends!

MORE COMING SOON!

♥Mannie
ps (make sure to check out my main blog)