Everyday Keepsakes

I love the days when my mailman showers the mailbox with gifts...today was one of those days!  I want to introduce you to my sweet friend Meredith, of Everyday Keepsakes.  Meredith is a stay-at-home-mom, turned graphic designer, turned jewelry maker.  She has mastered the art of combining her graphic design skills, with her metal clay jewelry ideas, by designing her own stamps.  How cool is that!?!

I absolutely love Meredith's work, and she likes my Coffee Burlap Tote Bags, so we did a little switch-a-roo!  My Sewing Lovers Necklace arrived in today's mail, and I LOVE it!  The sewing machine is absolutely darling, not to mention that it matches my blog header...oh yeah!  I've sent out a Coffee Burlap Tote Bag to Meredith and hope that it comes in handy this summer!

 

Sewing Lovers Necklace

Here are a couple more of my favorite necklaces from Everyday Keepsakes...

Coffee Lovers Necklace

 

Photography Lovers Necklace

Make sure to stop by Meredith's blog and say hello, and while you're there make sure to take a look at everything she has to offer, as she is one talented lady!  :)

Etsy Lovin'...The Word Shop

I've been meaning to share The Word Shop with you for sometime now, but I guess have never gotten around to it.  I don't know about you, but I've been LOVING graphic prints lately.  My oh my, there are some talented artists out there!  :) 

I especially love the Butcher Chart prints from The Word Shop...let me explain.  With all of the school budget cuts, do they still have FFA in high school (side note- I sure hope so!)?  Well folks, I was a very active FFA member, from my first day of high school until graduation!  I raised two lambs and two pigs for market, as well as one dairy heifer...and loved every minute of it! 

 

Long story short, the butcher charts are a throw back to my high school days, and what's not to love about having educational wall art in your kitchen?  :)

Custom Canvas- Oh Yeah!

Once upon a time there was an empty wall, which in my house is a miracle as my walls are full of special photos from my travels, watercolors and pen drawings from my very talented friend, and other items in which I deem worthy! ;) I'm happy to report that my empty wall is now no longer empty, thanks to my friend Lindsay of Paint Me A Picture!

Lindsay is a talented momma of one (very soon to be two!) who paints sweet canvases for children, nurseries, and your home. Lindsay painted a custom canvas for me of...you guessed it Stuart! :)


The silhouette of Stuart hangs on the previously empty wall which was conveniently located above Stu's puppy condo, thus the painting sort of doubles as Stuart's address (corny I know!).


If you have an upcoming baby shower, an empty wall, or plan on redecorating your child's room, make sure to check out Lindsay's Etsy shop as you'll thank me later! :)

Silhouette of Stuart...

I'm so excited to announce that I'm working with my new blog friend Lindsay (you might remember her from my Etsy Artist Feature Week!) on a silhouette painting of...you guessed it, Stuart! :) Lindsay has an Etsy shop full of original paintings for childern, nurseries, and she also does custom orders. I have to say that I've been a secret admirer of her work since I laid eyes on her owls. I'm not sure if I prefer the girl owls or the boys, but this one is pretty darn cute!

Baby Stu...approximately 2.5 years ago!

A semi-recent (and probably my favorite) photo of Stu!

I sure do love that mini schnauzer, and with a face like his, how could you not? :) Are you a dog lover, if so what kind do you have?

Etsy Artist Feature #5- The Chubby Dove

Please tell us a little about yourself- name, location, what do you like to do for fun?

The Chubby Dove is located in Raleigh, NC. I'm a pastor's wife and SAHM of two boys who plans to home school next year. I've been known to forget to eat while working in my studio and occasionally have trouble sleeping due to the creative juices that flow 24 hours a day. For fun, I like to relax on the beach, play basketball with my hubby and sons, decorate our home and help others decorate theirs.

What is your shop’s name and URL? What do you sell? Do you have a favorite item?

The Chubby Dove's blog is: www.thechubbydove.blogspot.com
Find The Chubby Dove on Etsy at www.thechubbydove.etsy.com
The Chubby Dove's official website is: www.thechubbydove.com

How did your shop’s name come about?

I've always loved birds, but the name "The Chubby Dove" originated with my favorite aunt who recently died of cancer. When her three girls were young she made up a song about a little chubby dove on a wire and sang it to them quite often. I officially started my business shortly before she passed. She was very supportive and excited for me. I like to think of this as my little way of honoring her.

What inspires you to create?

I'm inspired by nature, family, color, animals (living with three men, sometimes it feels like that all blends together).

What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I found out about Etsy through another vendor at a show. At the time, I was selling my wares in local boutiques and on my website. I went home that night and opened up an Etsy shop. I'm proud to be part of Etsy Kids and CAST (Christian Artists Street Team).

What is the one word that describes you best?

Creative.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

Hawaii. I've never been, but really I would love to just be on a beach somewhere. As long as I can see and hear the ocean and stick my feet in the sand.

Do you have any words of wisdom for newbie sellers?

Don't give up. There have been lots of times when I've tried to throw in the towel. But a few hours go by and I'm right back in my studio whipping up something new. I believe God gives us talents and when you're flowing in what you were designed to do...there's no better feeling!


A great big thank you to The Chubby Dove and to all of the ladies that willingly participated in my first Etsy Artist Feature Week! :)

Etsy Artist Feature #4- Pins + Paper Online

Please tell us a little about yourself- name, location, what do you like to do for fun?

Kristen: I'm a Navy wife and a full time artist with a degree in Art Education from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. My work is my hobby and my hobby is my work, you could say, and I enjoy every minute of it. I specialize in bookbinding and painting.

Katie: From Pulaski, Tn. Like to ride our motorcycle with my hubbie.

What is your shop’s name and URL? What do you sell? Do you have a favorite item?

http://pinsandpaperonline.com We offer handmade desk accessories in bright and fun designer fabrics.

Kristen's favorite item: Our soon to premier- origami photo albums.

Katie's favorite item: The Grab and Go Tote bag with pockets all around the outside of the tote.

How did your shop’s name come about?

Since it's a team effort, Kristen doing the bookbinding and Katie doing all the sewing, we wanted a store name that described both sides of our crafts: Kristen works with mostly paper and Katie mostly with sewing pins.

What inspires you to create?

Kristen: I'm inspired to create these desk accessories because of the lack of variety in feminine looking office goods. Shops like Vera Bradley, Paper Source, and Russell + Hazel are my true inspirations for how I design my products. All of the products in our shop is made from 100% cotton fabric, and even the fabric itself is an inspiration for branding our shop.

Katie: I love the challenge to work with my hands and see what I can stretch myself to accomplish.

What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Kristen: Ever since I learned bookbinding, I've had an Etsy shop to sell my creations as Flyleaf Books. Selling online offers such a wide audience for your work and so many opportunities that sometimes local venues cannot offer. I still attend shows and get into boutiques where I can as move around but when I became a Navy wife a year after opening up, I knew selling online would have to be main focus as I moved across the country. I decided to open P+P with my sister Katie when an idea for simple drawstring bags for my books bloomed into a whole new business.

Katie: It's a great opportunity to have a business from home and make a name for yourself.

What is the one word that describes you best?

Kristen: Fun-loving.

Katie: Dedicated.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

Kristen: It's a toss up between Alaska and Italy. I would love to visit both via a romantic cruise.

Katie: Always wanted to visit the European countries.

Do you have any words of wisdom for newbie sellers?

Kristen:

1. Know where your money is really going, use this knowledge to price your items appropriately.

2. Keep it fresh and unique, as there's always a problem that can be solved your revolutionary product idea.

3. Great Customer Service is King, but Great Branding Design is Queen.

4. Be involved online to connect with your customers in unique ways that appeals to your shop's audience: Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Flickr, etc.

Katie: Don't give up trying. Make a goal and strive for it. Always follow your passions and they will in the end, blossom.

A big thank you to Kristen and Katie for participating in my first Etsy Artist Feature Week! :) When you have a spare minute or two, stop by Kristen and Katie's blog and say hello!

I'll meet you back here tomorrow for Etsy Artist Feature #5!

Etsy Artist Feature #3- True Love Found

Please tell us a little about yourself- name, location, what do you like to do for fun?

Hello! Its Amy coming to you from central Florida. Fun for us is pretty easy, anything to do with the beach, friends, and family.

What is your shop’s name and URL? What do you sell? Do you have a favorite item?

My little corner of Etsy is True Love Found {www.truelovefound.etsy.com}. I create custom crowns for birthdays, holiday's and just plain dress up fun. Picking a favorite item is hard, being a little bias here, but I think all my creations are one of kind and pretty darn cute!


How did your shop’s name come about?

What's in a name? True Love Found, comes from my favorite Cinderella book my daughter has. There is a page when Cinderella and the Prince meet that just reads, "In silence love found them." To make it a little more my own I added true. Hence, True Love Found. Oh how fairy tales do take us to a land far far away...

What inspires you to create?

My kids first and foremost. But in close second would be all the creative Mommas out there that reach out to me to work on a piece that is special for their little one. I love helping Moms complete that vision they have had in their mind.

What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

My daughter was going to be starting preschool and I was pregnant with number 2. I knew I wanted to do something at home and have fun. So one day while playing dress up, it kind of just hit me. I can make super cute personalized crowns. So I started that day playing around with different shapes and ideas.

What is the one word that describes you best?

Sponge {I know that sounds weird but really I love to learn. I love reading and exploring. So I think sponge is the best word for that!}.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

I have had the honor and privilege to travel to South Africa, and hope to go back one day soon. So that's where you would find me!

Do you have any words of wisdom for newbie sellers?

I think first thing I would say would be if you like what you are making then there will be someone else out there that would like it also. So find those people. If you have a item related to a certain category ie birthday parties, reach out to party bloggers. Get your name out there. And do not be afraid to ask other to help with that process. Blog features, giveaways, and of other blurbs you can get. Trading is another awesome venue. It can be such a win win. If you find another store you would like to trade with, ask, what is the worst they can say no?! Then if they have a blog, FB fan page, and/or Twitter ask if you can each do a write up. I have gotten A LOT of contacts and friends out of doing this. Its a great way to promote your shop with out having to pay for Ad fees!

Sending hugs and kisses across the blogging world!

Amy

A big thank you to Amy for participating in my first Etsy Artist Feature Week! :) Make sure to swing by her blog for some great reading and darling photos!

I'll meet you back here tomorrow for Etsy Artist Feature #4!

Etsy Artist Feature #2- Monika Design

Please tell us a little about yourself- name, location, what do you like to do for fun?

My name is Monika. I was born in the Czech Republic, and I have lived in Florida for about 10 years with my son. After my divorce I returned to all the hobbies that I used to do back in the day. My main hobbies are knitting, crochet, photography, reading and my personal favorite- the art of food. I love making and preparing food that catches people's attention, food that you almost feel sorry to eat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingzoo/sets/72157607164916886/) and I love jogging on the beach. :)

What is your shop’s name and URL? What do you sell? Do you have a favorite item?

http://www.monikadesign.etsy.com

I like to crochet and I sell crocheted coasters, hot pads, bowls and bath items. I love my apple coasters :)

How did your shop’s name come about?

I wanted my shop's name to be my name; it is nothing special but I like it :)

What inspires you to create?

I specialize in crochet along with anything that has to do with home decor. Currently I try to get my ideas from the nature, such as flowers, trees, animals and anything simple, yet beautiful in the world.

What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Many of my friends told me I should sell my items. I found Etsy and 1 year ago I opened my shop. I had my first year anniversary on April 2010.

What is the one word that describes you best?

Ooooh...I think I'm a very creative person...CREATIVE :)

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

Australia, New Zeland and Tibet.

Do you have any words of wisdom for newbie sellers?

Actually I'm a newbie; I've been selling on Etsy 1 year. I love Etsy and I have had a great experience. I'm thinking about my shop on Etsy all the time. I read the Etsy forums and Etsy blog. I learn every day something new. I think if you love what you are doing, you don't need any advice.


A big thank you to Monika for participating in my first Etsy Artist Feature Week! :)

I'll meet you back here tomorrow for Etsy Artist Feature #3!

Etsy Artist Feature #1- Paint Me A Picture

Please tell us a little about yourself- name, location, what do you like to do for fun?

Well hello. My name is Lindsay, I live in a very small town in Georgia, and currently my idea of a good time is taking a nap {I have a 15 month old and am 6 months pregnant - sleep sounds like a party to me}.

What is your shop’s name and URL? What do you sell? Do you have a favorite item?

I have a shop - Paint Me a Picture http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintmeapicture and I sell hand painted art for nurseries, children's rooms, wall art and personalized designs. My current favorite item is the Turquoise & Gray Damask canvas- I love the unique colors and design.

How did your shop’s name come about?

I have been creating art for friends and locally for about six years now. Two years ago when I was preparing for a holiday market I decided I needed a name for my work and the first thing I came up with was "Paint Me a Picture"...as you see, it stuck.

What inspires you to create?

I am a very visual person. I don't do well with reading directions - I love photography and graphic design so most of my inspiration comes from what I see that really catches my eye whether it be a commercial, scrapbook paper, fabric, a website, etc.

What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Living in a small town doesn't always provide for a chance to share my work, so after hearing some friends talk about Etsy I decided to check it out. To my surprise I didn't see much paintings for children that were like the things I created, so a year ago I decided to become an Etsy member and in August of 2009 I actually opened up my shop.

What is the one word that describes you best?

Ha! I don't think there is single word.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

I dream to one day visit Napa Valley and Italy - once my children are a little older and I am not pregnant :)

Do you have any words of wisdom for newbie sellers?

Have FUN and know your limits...oh, and take good pictures of your products! I am serious, for visual shoppers like me, things that catch my eye may end up in my cart, and that is a sale for you.


A big thank you to Lindsay for participating in my first Etsy Artist Feature Week. For those of you that are in love with Lindsay's paintings (like I am!), make sure to stop by her blog to say hi! :)

I'll meet you back here tomorrow for Etsy Artist Feature #2!

Etsy Artist Feature Week...

In preparation of Squirmy Worm Studio's Grand Opening, next week will be Etsy Artist Feature Week here at Made With Love! Starting Monday I will have a little Q&A session with Etsy Artists (and these ladies aren't just the everyday Etsy Artist, as they shine!). The week end's grand finale will be Squirmy Worm Studio's Grand Opening- are you excited, because I sure am!


I hope to see you back here Monday- you won't want to miss it (trust me!). I'm off to sew...