Saturday, February 27, 2010
Go Team!!!!
Friday, February 26, 2010
EAOC's Friday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: The Handmade Project
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft? I work for a nonprofit organization that keeps families in their homes through financial assistance-go Stimulus Package!
What is the address for your Etsy shop? http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehandmadeproject
What do you offer in your Etsy shop? The Handmade Project makes handmade ethnic dolls and sewing patterns.
Where do you create? In a sunny craft room/ office/ kid's project room.
Where do you find your inspiration? Seeing handmade goods that are irresistible but do not cater to ethnic children.
How did you get started in your line of business? I started selling dolls in craft fairs and blogging. My business is still at the grassroots level.
How do you promote your business? SEO! Offering freebies to be featured on craft sites.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business? To trust your inherent style. If you like it, chances are that many more will. You won't grow tired of doing what you love.
What advice would you give someone just starting out? Find value in prototypes and improvements. Creativity is fluid and should be embraced.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy? Modish, Urban Paper Loft, and I keep finding more.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)? thehandmadeproject.com
Congratulations, The Handmade Project, for being a featured artist.
Tune in next week to meet our next featured artist on Monday!
Tayna is a handcrafted cloth doll that was made in a pet-free, smoke-free studio. She stands 13 inches tall and is suitable for infants and children.
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehandmadeproject
Tell us about yourself.
Hello, my name is Yvonne Trace and I am a newly domestic girl in a material world.What are you currently doing besides your creative craft? I work for a nonprofit organization that keeps families in their homes through financial assistance-go Stimulus Package!
What is the address for your Etsy shop? http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehandmadeproject
What do you offer in your Etsy shop? The Handmade Project makes handmade ethnic dolls and sewing patterns.
Where do you create? In a sunny craft room/ office/ kid's project room.
Where do you find your inspiration? Seeing handmade goods that are irresistible but do not cater to ethnic children.
How did you get started in your line of business? I started selling dolls in craft fairs and blogging. My business is still at the grassroots level.
How do you promote your business? SEO! Offering freebies to be featured on craft sites.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business? To trust your inherent style. If you like it, chances are that many more will. You won't grow tired of doing what you love.
What advice would you give someone just starting out? Find value in prototypes and improvements. Creativity is fluid and should be embraced.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy? Modish, Urban Paper Loft, and I keep finding more.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)? thehandmadeproject.com
Congratulations, The Handmade Project, for being a featured artist.
Tune in next week to meet our next featured artist on Monday!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
the art part
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
EAOC's Wednesday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: Sue Rock
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am currently the Executive Director for a domestic violence non profit. Our organization provides new handcrafted items for survivors of domestic violence who have left their homes for a new life. We partner volunteers with the raw materials to knit, crochet or sew items for women. We also train women in the needlearts to replace what they had lost in their search for a new healthy life.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/suerock
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I sell vintage knit and crochet patterns on ETSY and sometimes vintage buttons and applique.
Where do you create?
I have a design studio based in Brooklyn,NY which houses donations and is where we create items for sale.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Stick to your talents and what you love. Remember that you are entitled to every success you can imagine with the SKILLS THAT YOU HAVE!!! These are the skills that will get you to the point that you want to be. If you can read, read, if you can bead, BEAD, if you can write, WRITE - most important is to actually DO what it is you do and to DO it consistently!
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I am an avid Ebayer!
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
www.suerockoriginals.blogspot.com
www.suerock.blogspot.com
www.iqons.com/sue+rock
facebook - suerockoriginals
twitter - suerock
www.smashingdarling.com
www.catwalkgenius.com
Sue Rock Originals creates unique fabric chain belts using vintage poly/rayon fabrics circa 1980's. Available for every size - $25 (8.00 Priority Mail Shipping)
Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/suerock
Tell us about yourself.
Hey everyone, my name is Sue Rock and I am Executive Director and Founder of Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. I am a crocheter and needleartist of over 20 years and have a retail store and design studio based in Brooklyn, New York. What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am currently the Executive Director for a domestic violence non profit. Our organization provides new handcrafted items for survivors of domestic violence who have left their homes for a new life. We partner volunteers with the raw materials to knit, crochet or sew items for women. We also train women in the needlearts to replace what they had lost in their search for a new healthy life.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/suerock
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I sell vintage knit and crochet patterns on ETSY and sometimes vintage buttons and applique.
Where do you create?
I have a design studio based in Brooklyn,NY which houses donations and is where we create items for sale.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Stick to your talents and what you love. Remember that you are entitled to every success you can imagine with the SKILLS THAT YOU HAVE!!! These are the skills that will get you to the point that you want to be. If you can read, read, if you can bead, BEAD, if you can write, WRITE - most important is to actually DO what it is you do and to DO it consistently!
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I am an avid Ebayer!
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
www.suerockoriginals.blogspot.com
www.suerock.blogspot.com
www.iqons.com/sue+rock
facebook - suerockoriginals
twitter - suerock
www.smashingdarling.com
www.catwalkgenius.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
EAOC's Monday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: Ken Jones
Homespun 'Harvest' Cocoon Sweater
Etsy Shop: http://kenjones5.etsy.com
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Ken Jones (That Crochet Guy). Been crocheting since I was 17, and I am a CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher for 10 yrs.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
My name is Ken Jones (That Crochet Guy). Been crocheting since I was 17, and I am a CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher for 10 yrs.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
That's pretty much it.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://kenjones5.etsy.com
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://kenjones5.etsy.com
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
Crochet patterns and a few items
Where do you create?
Where do you create?
At home
Where do you find your inspiration?
Where do you find your inspiration?
All over
How did you get started in your line of business?
How did you get started in your line of business?
By some encouragement from some friends
How do you promote your business?
Don't really promote.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
Have patience.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Have patience
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
None, so far.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
Congratulations, Ken, on being today's featured artist!
Tune in on Wednesday for EAOC's next featured artist.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
http://stores.lulu.com/crochetguy (Patterns)
http://crochetguy.tripod.com (Website)
http://thatcrochetguy.blogspot.com (Blog)
http://crochetguy.tripod.com (Website)
http://thatcrochetguy.blogspot.com (Blog)
Ravelry ID: CrochetGuy
http://www.facebook.com/crochetguy
http://www.facebook.com/crochetguy
Congratulations, Ken, on being today's featured artist!
Tune in on Wednesday for EAOC's next featured artist.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
pssst, com'ere!
Lisa of Blossoming Tree is on a roll ya'll! Check out the latest Team Treasury! Please give it lots of clicks and comments. It's another front page worthy treasury:)
Friday, February 19, 2010
EAOC's Friday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: Monica
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnapsGirl
Tell us about yourself.
I am teacher who learned to love her natural hair.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
Teaching :)
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://etsy.com/shop/knapsgirl
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
Lil Better Butter
Where do you create?
I create in my home.
Where do you find your inspiration?
All the beautiful natural hair women online and in my city.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I created the product I wanted to use, then shared it at a reasonable price.
How do you promote your business?
My blog, Youtube and word of mouth
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I've learned not to undervalue myself or my products.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
If everyone else could do it, they would!
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
Qhemet Biologics, UrbanBazaar, Bobeam Natural hair products(LaQuita33),Naturally Sophia, Ododo Originals
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
www.KnapsGirl.com, facebook.com/knapsgirl, twitter:knapsgirl
A smooth creamy blend of unrefined shea butter,coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. Lil Better butter is excellent to seal moisture into hair and skin. This product is all natural and handmade. There is a pleasant fruit or vanilla-sugar fragrance.
Tell us about yourself.
I am teacher who learned to love her natural hair.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
Teaching :)
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://etsy.com/shop/knapsgirl
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
Lil Better Butter
Where do you create?
I create in my home.
Where do you find your inspiration?
All the beautiful natural hair women online and in my city.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I created the product I wanted to use, then shared it at a reasonable price.
How do you promote your business?
My blog, Youtube and word of mouth
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I've learned not to undervalue myself or my products.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
If everyone else could do it, they would!
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
Qhemet Biologics, UrbanBazaar, Bobeam Natural hair products(LaQuita33),Naturally Sophia, Ododo Originals
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
www.KnapsGirl.com, facebook.com/knapsgirl, twitter:knapsgirl
Congratulations, Monica for being a featured artist.
Tune in on next Monday for our next featured EAOC member!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
EAOC's Wednesday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: Eileen W.
Etsy Shops: http://divineblessing.etsy.com and http://divinepresents.etsy.com
Tell us about yourself.
I am a creator. I worked in the fashion industry for many years doing mainly bridal dresses. I am also a mother of 3 (22, 18 and 6) who loves traveling. Most times I take my bunch with me but as they are getting older I tend to take the smallest one. I love discovering new places and traditions; it inspires me. I tend to think how can I represent the richness of that particular culture - and that is the creative side of me which is always present.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am an educator: I teach people how to sew and use their ideas to create new items; I also teach literacy - reading and writing. Both of these subjects I teach to adults. My teaching props up my creative craft though. Eventually I would like my creative craft to make its own stand.
What are the addresses for your Etsy shops?
I have 2 Etsy shops - Divine Blessings which sells children's special occasion clothes and items (http://divineblessing.etsy.com) and Divine Presents which sells fabrics, bags and other gift items (http://divinepresents.etsy.com) although I am currently still working on this one.
What do you offer in your Etsy shop(s)?
Children's special occassion clothing - baptism and naming, accessories - washcloths, blankets, booties and hairbands and cushions.
Where do you create?
I create all of my items in my home. I don't have a dedicated sewing space, just a corner in my bedroom.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration for my children's range comes from mixing Kente cloth, silks, linens and cottons and also Adinkra symbols which are used on the clothes and accessories. I love mixing tradditional baptism garments with Kente. Kente prints comes in such a wide range and it can inspire many ideas.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I wanted a creative outlet and I was doing a lot of orders for christening garments, so I decided that there was a gap in the market for creative baptism garments; hence the business was started and eventually I stumbled upon the idea of African meets European mainly because of an exhibition I attended and people were asking me if I had any black inspired baptism/naming garments.
How do you promote your business?
I promote my business by word-of-mouth, business cards, websites and facebook and participating in events.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
If you want your business to work you have to dedicate time to it - nurture it like a baby because it cannot function without you, it always needs your attention, strength and love.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Research your market, listen to advice and look for ways to always be in the headlines. When we first started out we had a market stall in our local market; everyone loved our items but no-one wanted to pay the prices (our items we made of good quality silks) as they thought market = cheap. What we learned that a market wasn't the right place for our clothing and people in shops in that area copied our styles, we needed to be somewhere more upmarket. We started showing at baby shows and events and started selling.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
In Etsy - the millenery shop, Splurge, tesoridamore, chunkyjkids, LilCrumbsnatchers and bonzie. Off Etsy - Amazon because of my love of books ad gadgets.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
Facebook - Eileen 'divine blessing' Wedderburn and divineblessing (www.blessthechild.co.uk) which I am currently updating.
Etsy Shops: http://divineblessing.etsy.com and http://divinepresents.etsy.com
Tell us about yourself.
I am a creator. I worked in the fashion industry for many years doing mainly bridal dresses. I am also a mother of 3 (22, 18 and 6) who loves traveling. Most times I take my bunch with me but as they are getting older I tend to take the smallest one. I love discovering new places and traditions; it inspires me. I tend to think how can I represent the richness of that particular culture - and that is the creative side of me which is always present.
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am an educator: I teach people how to sew and use their ideas to create new items; I also teach literacy - reading and writing. Both of these subjects I teach to adults. My teaching props up my creative craft though. Eventually I would like my creative craft to make its own stand.
What are the addresses for your Etsy shops?
I have 2 Etsy shops - Divine Blessings which sells children's special occasion clothes and items (http://divineblessing.etsy.com) and Divine Presents which sells fabrics, bags and other gift items (http://divinepresents.etsy.com) although I am currently still working on this one.
What do you offer in your Etsy shop(s)?
Children's special occassion clothing - baptism and naming, accessories - washcloths, blankets, booties and hairbands and cushions.
Where do you create?
I create all of my items in my home. I don't have a dedicated sewing space, just a corner in my bedroom.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration for my children's range comes from mixing Kente cloth, silks, linens and cottons and also Adinkra symbols which are used on the clothes and accessories. I love mixing tradditional baptism garments with Kente. Kente prints comes in such a wide range and it can inspire many ideas.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I wanted a creative outlet and I was doing a lot of orders for christening garments, so I decided that there was a gap in the market for creative baptism garments; hence the business was started and eventually I stumbled upon the idea of African meets European mainly because of an exhibition I attended and people were asking me if I had any black inspired baptism/naming garments.
How do you promote your business?
I promote my business by word-of-mouth, business cards, websites and facebook and participating in events.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
If you want your business to work you have to dedicate time to it - nurture it like a baby because it cannot function without you, it always needs your attention, strength and love.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Research your market, listen to advice and look for ways to always be in the headlines. When we first started out we had a market stall in our local market; everyone loved our items but no-one wanted to pay the prices (our items we made of good quality silks) as they thought market = cheap. What we learned that a market wasn't the right place for our clothing and people in shops in that area copied our styles, we needed to be somewhere more upmarket. We started showing at baby shows and events and started selling.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
In Etsy - the millenery shop, Splurge, tesoridamore, chunkyjkids, LilCrumbsnatchers and bonzie. Off Etsy - Amazon because of my love of books ad gadgets.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
Facebook - Eileen 'divine blessing' Wedderburn and divineblessing (www.blessthechild.co.uk) which I am currently updating.
Congratulations, Eileen W. for being a featured artist.
Tune in on Friday for our next featured EAOC member!
Monday, February 15, 2010
EAOC's Monday Spotlight
Meet EAOC Artist: Merci'a G.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Through ups and downs of having your own business, keep creating, keep believing that you are successful and continue to perfect your craft.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I love www.nikkiemakesscents.com to get yummy scented candles. I get my supplies from www.ebay.com, TepperWare on Etsy who keeps my head warm, Lynda Zimora's Obama Bag, and www.Zazzle.com for some Latino inspired t-shirts.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
I love Facebook and am looking for more fans ( http://www.facebook.com/WrapperFashions ), and Twitter comes in a close 2nd.
Hot Cheetos Flamin Hot Zipper Pouch Purse
Etsy Shop: http://www.wrapperfashion.com
Tell us about yourself.
I am a wife, mother of 4 sons and my day job is information technology and pharma/clinical recruiting/staffing and human resource generalist duties. I live inNew York
I am a wife, mother of 4 sons and my day job is information technology and pharma/clinical recruiting/staffing and human resource generalist duties. I live in
What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?
I am currently working on a poetry/short story book. The short stories are part fictional, part biographical and hopefully entertaining.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://www.wrapperfashion.com on Etsy is where you can find my shop.
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I offer recycled accessories that are made with laminated snack, candy and drink wrappers. You'll find purses, clutches, belts and other funky yet fun recycled goods.
Where do you create?
I create in my own little corner of my home. I used to have my own room (crying inside) when we lived inGeorgia but once me moved to New York
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration from color. With most of my materials there is lots of color on each package. I love bringing new life to the discarded wrappers, creating OOAK and delicious looking products! Since I love purses I am always looking at purses and handbags/totes while riding public transportation. I love looking at the lines and designs which also give me inspiration.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I've been sewing since grade school and started my first business ClassicCultures in 1991. I created ethnic-inspired hats and matching outfits for ladies and men using African prints. Then in 2003 I saw a Kool Aid purse that inspired me to want to use other pieces of 'trash' to make purses. I started creatingCapri Sun purses in 2004 and by 2005 I was making purses using chip bags, candy wrappers and more. The rest is history!
How do you promote your business?
I promote with all the social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. I also ship sampler items to friends, family and have them create 'word of mouth' advertising. I also participate in fundraisers where I donate purses to foundations for auction, participate in many fairs and vending events, etc.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I've learned that customer service is everything. People just want to have a pleasant experience when they shop with you. Handling issues diplomatically and keeping the customer first has allowed me to have positive customer feedback.
I am currently working on a poetry/short story book. The short stories are part fictional, part biographical and hopefully entertaining.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://www.wrapperfashion.com on Etsy is where you can find my shop.
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I offer recycled accessories that are made with laminated snack, candy and drink wrappers. You'll find purses, clutches, belts and other funky yet fun recycled goods.
Where do you create?
I create in my own little corner of my home. I used to have my own room (crying inside) when we lived in
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration from color. With most of my materials there is lots of color on each package. I love bringing new life to the discarded wrappers, creating OOAK and delicious looking products! Since I love purses I am always looking at purses and handbags/totes while riding public transportation. I love looking at the lines and designs which also give me inspiration.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I've been sewing since grade school and started my first business ClassicCultures in 1991. I created ethnic-inspired hats and matching outfits for ladies and men using African prints. Then in 2003 I saw a Kool Aid purse that inspired me to want to use other pieces of 'trash' to make purses. I started creating
How do you promote your business?
I promote with all the social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. I also ship sampler items to friends, family and have them create 'word of mouth' advertising. I also participate in fundraisers where I donate purses to foundations for auction, participate in many fairs and vending events, etc.
What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
I've learned that customer service is everything. People just want to have a pleasant experience when they shop with you. Handling issues diplomatically and keeping the customer first has allowed me to have positive customer feedback.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Through ups and downs of having your own business, keep creating, keep believing that you are successful and continue to perfect your craft.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I love www.nikkiemakesscents.com to get yummy scented candles. I get my supplies from www.ebay.com, TepperWare on Etsy who keeps my head warm, Lynda Zimora's Obama Bag, and www.Zazzle.com for some Latino inspired t-shirts.
What are your other sites (i.e. Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter)?
I love Facebook and am looking for more fans ( http://www.facebook.com/WrapperFashions ), and Twitter comes in a close 2nd.
Congratulations, Merci'a G for being a featured artist.
Tune in on Wednesday for our next featured EAOC member!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Bold Beautiful!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Valentine's Day Promo
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about expressing love for that significant other. It’s also about expressing appreciation for the person (or even pet) in your life that makes you smile. So while we think that you should tell them EVERYDAY just how much you care, we have decided to look at February 14th as a day of reminder to you all. Shop Etsy.com and search tag "EAOCpromo" to find Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone-male or female, your BFF, Fido or Muffles, your yoga instructor or anyone else that you want to say, “I appreciate you, thank you” to.
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