Good morning all my beautiful readers!! I hope you're all having a fantastic Friday! I'm hoping mine will turn out to be one, but it's only 5am at the moment, so who knows how the day will go, lol. I also hope you're all ready for a great feature on one of my very first "etsy friends" WhiteFlagDesign! One guess where we met... Yup, Etsy Chat! She's a great girlie, an incredible etsian, and has absolutely fantastic products! (I've ordered from her before, can't wait to try the lip balm! I'd say what else I got from her, but they were stocking stuffers for my mom and sis!) The two of us are also in a bit of a "competition" to see who can get to 200 blog followers first, which started because she was having a giveaway where once she reached 100, she'd draw a name and send them a huge box of everything cool. And even though she was the one having the giveaway, both of our followers kept rising at the same rate lol. We reached 100 one day apart from eachother. So now the race is on to 200! Although I've stalled 108, and I haven't checked where she is lately! It may be a *very* long competition hehe.

SO sit back and relax kids and meet the fantabulous WhiteFlagDesign!! All pics are linked directly to their listings, so click away kids! Click away!


1. Let us know a bit about you!

Oh good - we're starting with the easy stuff! :) My name is Becca, and I  live in Connecticut, with my lovely family. We're currently looking to relocate to another state, though right now, we're only talking about it. Got any recommendations?


2. When did you start crafting? Do you do different crafts then what you sell on Etsy?

I've been making stuff since forever, though I have over the years taken periodic breaks from any kind of artistic endeavors, for various reasons. The first thing I ever wanted to be was a photographer, and while that didn't necessarily pan out, I'm now able to use my love for photography in my daily Etsy activities. I do lots of things in my spare time, though lately that line is becoming more and more blurred; free time and work time are pretty much the same thing. Lucky for me, I love doing what I'm doing! uhm, things I do that you don't see on Etsy: painting, drawing, graphic design/playing with Photoshop, hand carving stamps, screenprinting, baking, and I'm trying to make some time to learn how to sew. I bought a machine... I have no idea how to use it though lol.


3. What was the sole purpose of opening your shop?

It was mostly to alleviate boredom and see if I could make some money doing something that I loved, for once! I was laid off in January, and haven't been called back to work yet (nor do I expect to be, anymore) so I decided to return to Etsy. I had sold previously on Etsy, under the name "YourMomInAVolvo". I sold moustache necklaces (lol) before they were everywhere, and they sold well, so I figured I'd give that another go. But this time around, I wanted another name, something a *little* more professional than YMIAV!!



4. How did you decide on a shop name?

White Flag Designs was something my husband and I had tossed around when we were planning on opening a screenprinting business. Unfortunately, that got put on hold as both of our day jobs placed increasing demands on our time (and energy!). I wanted to do something with the name one day though, so when I decided it was time to come back to selling on Etsy, that was the name I went with. It was ambiguous enough that I could sell pretty much anything with it, so I figured it would be great to use while I re-found my place in the world of Etsy.



5. What is your favourite item to create, and why?

That depends on the day. Really. Some days I love creating steampunk jewellery pieces, others it's wire-wrapping jewels, and still others it's brewing up some handmade bath and body goods - for every one of those products you see in my shop, there's like 5 or 6 more I made that didn't quite make it in either because I didn't get around to it, or because I decided it wasn't awesome enough.



6. What venues do you use to promote your shop?

I use a LOT of different venues to promote my work; the big 3 are Myspace, Twitter, and Etsy Chat. I have a Blog and a Facebook, but they don't seem to do much for me in the way of sales. They are good ways for me to keep my following updated though, and that's never a bad thing to do, regardless of how many sales they bring in.



7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years concerning your crafting business?

I would love to still be doing what I'm doing, but on a much grander scale, and maybe even with (gasp!) an employee or two. You know, interns. Part-time or something. I'm keeping my dreams small for now, but I'd love to see this business grow :)



8. Is there any other information you'd like to share with us?

Well, I just finished my Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, and while I haven't ironed out anything yet, I'm hoping to be able to set up another sale sometime before the New Year.



9. Name a few of your favourite things!

Oh geez, LOL. I like strawberry flavoured things, machinery, silver, skeleton keys, and the scent of amber. Though I could totally fill a novel with all of my favourite things... I'll spare you and everyone reading this the yawn-fest!



10. If you had a super power, what would it be and why?

That's easy! I've always wanted to be able to fly. Ever since I was little. How cool would that be?!  :P


I hope you all enjoyed this Friday Feature!! Be sure to check out Becca's Facebook, Twitter, Blog, and especially Etsy Shops! You may have noticed clicking on the pics you weren't always taken to "WhiteFlagDesigns", because she has 3!! 1HandWashesTheOther carries her 'Mutually Beneficial Soaps and Skincare', YourMomInAVolvo carries 'Supplies and stuff', and of course, WhiteFlagDesigns is currently a mix of 'Eccentric Accessories for Unconventional People!'

Happy Friday!

**Before I officially begin, I just wanted to thank you all for the kind words of encouragement! It meant the world to me :) Because of you, I'm getting back on track with my emotions (I'm no longer on that derailing rollercoaster!!) and I've even got a fire lit under my ass with my projects! I kinda stayed as far away from the computer yesterday as much as possible and just worked instead. I really can't thank you guys enough! Much love, Kat


I'm so excited to be doing today's feature! I've been following MiMi's Babies for a long while now on Facebook, and I'm in love with all the products. And jealous at the same time, I wish I had their talent!! I have such issues with crocheting flowers it's not even funny. All I can do is a simple daisy, but you can probably all tell that, since it's the only flower on any of my crochet projects lol. So sit back and relax this Friday (which all the Americans should be doing since they just had their Thanksgiving!! Hope it was a great one filled with family, friends and amazing food!) All pictures are linked directly to their listings on Etsy, so click away kids!


1. Let us know a bit about you!

MiMi's Babies is a team shop with me, Charissa, and my sweet mother in law, Debbie. We live in North Alabama and have both grown up in the area.


2. When did you start crafting? Do you do different crafts then just what you sell on etsy?

I started crocheting when I was 8 years old. To begin, I made bun covers for all my friends at ballet class. They were so much fun to make and I enjoyed crocheting around in circles. Knitting was something that I always wanted to learn how to do, and finally I got really determined and sat down and taught myself from videos on knittinghelp. I do sew some, but not much. Knitting and crocheting are very portable, so I tend to stick with those.

Debbie, my mother in law, began her sewing career in high school. Since she began sewing, she has learned how to make some amazing products, and even began monogramming and appliqueing. Her work is impeccable and locally she is known for her amazing talents! 


3. What was the sole purpose of opening your shop?

We opened our shop to have a venue to showcase what we can make, and have made. We wanted our customers to have an online storefront they could visit.


4. How did you decide on a shop name? 

All of my mother in law's grandkids call her MiMi. So far, she has four grandsons and loves every one of them to pieces. They will always be her babies, so we thought the name MiMi's Babies would be appropriate.
 

5. What is your favourite item to create and why?

My favourite item to create would probably be dishcloths. They are so addictive and I love the sense of accomplishment when I finish one. I also love that they are so useful. Everyone can use a dishcloth and hand knit dishcloths are amazing. My family requests them all the time.

Debbie loves to monogram and applique. Two of my favorite items that she makes is the Christmas ornament bib and the Christmas ornament onesie.
 

6. What venues do you use to promote your work? 

The online world has so much to offer and we enjoy using social media sites to promote our handmade items. Some of our favourites include the following:

Facebook
Twitter
Etsy D List Team

Twitter is one of my favourites because I love that I can chat with new people and then begin chatting with the people they know. I also enjoy that Facebook allows me to share pictures with people who know me. One of the hardest parts of having a craft business is getting the word out about what you make.



7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years concerning your crafting business?

Five years from now, I hope that we are well known in the online world for a quality handmade product at affordable prices. I also hope that we are able to be a blessing to those crafters trying to make it and sell their products online.
 

8. Is there any other information you'd like to share with us?

Advice for newbie's - Don't get discouraged! If you have a great product with good pictures, get your name out there. Start a blog. Reach out to other sellers and ask for advice. Find Etsy teams that have active members to join. If you have questions, feel free to send us a convo, we would be happy to help you in any way that we can. 


9. Name a few of your favourite things!

Yarn, yarn, yarn and did I mention yarn? I also love the Scrabble Pendants at Story Bird Designs. They are so cute!

10. If you had a super power, what would it be and why?

Well, my middle son always tells me that he is a super hero and that his super power is running really fast. But for me, I think that my super power would be moving things with my mind. Then I could just think of the dishes getting into the dishwasher, the laundry folding itself, and the toys picking themselves up. Then I would sit down and crochet!


I hope you all enjoyed this Friday Feature!! I absolutely love everything that MiMi's Babies sell, and love seeing all their new creations. I highly suggest following them on Facebook, fanning their Twitter, and of course, checking out all the other work listed on MiMi's Babies on Etsy - you won't be disappointed! And of course, feel free to comment as all Etsians love feedback!

Good morning everyone, and happy Friday!!! I'm pleased to announce that I have an incredible feature for you today, Theresa from FaerieMoonCreations. Theresa was one of the first members on MyCraftCorner that I met, and she is just so sweet! I highly suggest getting to know this lovely lady, you won't be disappointed! So sit back and relax this wonderful Friday morning, and get to know all about the woman behind FaerieMoonCreations! All pictures are linked directly to their listings on Etsy, or her blog!



My name is Theresa, and I live in Connecticut with my husband Chuck, our two Keeshonds: Willow and Neo, and out cat: Jazzy. I have a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Fine Arts. I started Faerie Moon Creations last August on etsy, and I've been working hard to let folds know that I'm here! My shop offers functional art that is affordable, and has a broad appeal that stays aligned with my theme of nature, whimsy and fantasy.


2. When did you start crafting? Do you do different crafts than just what you sell on etsy?

I've been dabbling in crafts for a very long time! I remember participating in craft shows in elementary and middle school, where I had woven throws and wire animals on display. My parents still have my handmade crafts hanging on the walls of their home that I made when I was in 7th grade! We had a terrific craft store in the town where I grew up, so I was constantly picking up latch hook kits, painted ornament kits, really anything I could get my hands on. In addition to the crafted items I currently offer on etsy, I make soy candles, rolled beeswax candles, cards (which I would love to do more of!) and decorative painting. My husband and I just made our first nature wreath together! You can read about our adventure here: "Wreath Rambling" We definitely plan on creating more of those!



Recently, I've been yearning for something more in my life. I wanted to go back to my fist love - creating- and share that love with others. I stepped down from my full-time position at work so I could dedicate more quality time to my family, and to my craft, and I've been so much happier! Family and friends have been urging me for years to sell my handiwork, but I just never found the time or the courage to do so. I was so excited when I made my first sale. And I get excited with each and every sale - I really want people to be happy with anything they purchase from me. I aim to please! I'm always open to custom orders, so if there's something you'd like that's not in my shop - just let me know!



I love folk tales, faerie tales, mythology, Arthurian legends. I wanted a name that would reflect my interests and also be whimsical and fun. Hence, FaerieMoonCreations was born! My husband designs my logos, banners, avatars... he did a really nice job in capturing the spirit of my shop!



I think that I most enjoy creating knit items! I'm fascinated with the notion that just a ball of yarn and a pair of knitting needles can create such lovely things. I love watching the construction of a knit piece take shape bit by bit as you work on it. Socks in particular, are especially fun for me to create. I'm always overjoyed when I knit them!



I use Twitter, Facebook, and my Blog. I think the venues that have worked best so far are my blog and Twitter, although my Facebook page has been picking up more lately. I am also a member of several social networking sites, My Craft Corner, Do you Etsy and Cafe Handmade. They are truly valuable resources! I've made so many good friends through these networks and through my blog. There are a lot of talented artisans out there in cyberspace! :)



I hope that I can become successful enough to maintain FaerieMoonCreations full-time. I really love what I'm doing, and I want to be able to continue to share that love with others! I would definitely like to expand the types of items I offer. I'm thinking of including knit cowls, knit wrist warmers, and hopefully cards or postcards featuring my photography.



I am currently hosting a giveaway on my blog, "November Chill Giveaway"! There's still plenty of time to enter, and there's multiple chances for you to win! I hope you stop by! There's also a special coupon on my blog for you to use at my etsy store this holiday season. Happy shopping!

(Blog Coupon)


Nature, animals, hiking, sightseeing, books, movies, photography, music, cooking, baking, knitting, crafting, painting, poetry, blogging, making new friends, Japanese food, Indian food, Diet Coke, coffee and chocolate.



Wow - that is actually a pretty tough question! There are just so many cool ones to choose from. Perhaps, I'd be indestructible like Claire on "Heroes". Then I could save the world!


There you have it kids! I hope you all truly enjoyed this feature, I know I did! Make sure you head on over to her blog, twitter, facebook, etsy, mycraftcorner, whatever else you can find, and get to know her even more. She's incredibly friendly, helpful, and as I've already mentioned, so sweet!!

Happy Friday everyone!! And feel free to comment - all artisans love feedback! :)

Good morning everyone!! Are you ready for another terrific feature!? I absolutely love HJMart's paintings, and have been an admirer for quite a while, and when we 'met' in the etsy forums one day, I just knew I wanted to feature her art on my little blog. So sit back and relax, and meet the incredibly talented HJMart. All photos are linked to their listings on etsy, so feel free to click away to see more details.




My name is Helen Janow Miqueo. I am an artist who sells her art on etsy and other venues. Born in Russia, I successfully completed Moscow's School of Art, and hold an AA Degree in Graphic Design. I have exhibited at numerous Californian Galleries and On-line Galleries. My work can also be found in many private and corporate collections around the country and abroad.




I can say that I have been painting since I was born. As long as I remember myself, I have been creating something. Creativity was always in my family. My grandfather wanted to be an artist, but World War II interrupted his dreams. My grandmother was in incredibly talented woman who created very beautiful, intricate embroidery and crochet work. My mother is an architect. Following my family's steps, I am an artist. My art is influenced by Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko.




I love to create! The purpose of opening my etsy shop was to share my art with others. I really hope that visitors to my shop enjoy my art as much as I have enjoyed creating it!




This was a simple decision. HJM Art Gallery where HJM stands for initials of my name: Helen Janow Miqueo Art Gallery.




My paintings. They reflect my thoughts, feelings and experiences. And it is a privilege to share my work with others.

I promote my art in many different places including: My Facebook Personal Page, My Facebook Fan Page, HJM Art Gallery Blog, HJMart on Twitter, and HJMart on Flickr.




I hope that my Etsy Shop will go to the next level and become my full time creative job.




My advice to new sellers - Never give up! Art and other art/crafts related business is a tough business with a lot of competition. It is so easy to get discouraged and give up. It is a roller coaster of ups and downs. No matter what others say or advise you to do, believe in yourself and stay the course.




So many things... Besides painting, it would be time with my family, tea, figure skating, good books, and movies.




I would love to have more hours in a day.



Well everyone, I hope you truly enjoyed this Friday's feature!! I highly suggest you visit HJMart on Etsy, and become a fan/follower on Helen's Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Blog to keep on top of newest works as well as getting to know more about Helen and her amazing painting style!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Good morning everyone! I'm a little late in starting this because I had to drive back to  my husbands work after I dropped him off because he forgot something really important! hehe. So I'm a little behind schedule, but hey, atleast it's still morning!

Today's feature is on the wonderfully talented and incredibly nice Wendance Designs! I'm pretty sure we met in chats a while ago (that's where I meet most of these talented etsians!) and I became a fan of her work immediately! As usual, all the pics are linked directly to their etsy listings, so click away to find out more details! Sit back and relax this Friday morning, and meet the person behind Wendance!





Hi!! My name is Wendy and I live in the capital of Canada - Ottawa, Ontario. I am married to a very supportive husband and we have a dependent cat, named Cuddles. I love to scrapbook, make cards and dabble in photography. I also teach card making and scrapbooking techniques. By day, I am a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I have taught in the classroom for many years, mostly junior high, but now I work one-on-one with students.





I have been making and creating things for as long as I can remember. I have made many scrapbook albums of our trips. Currently, I am the guest designer at Scrapshotz. It is an online scrapbook store and forum out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.





I have been selling my cards to friends and family for the last few years to "support my habit" of scrapbooking! :) I decided to open up my Etsy shop just this past summer.





The name, Wendance Designs, comes from my stepdad. He called me Wendance for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, he got sick and I decided to create a stamp that I would use to *initial* all of my cards. Now, each card I made has my stamp - Wendance Designs - on the back.





My favourite cards to make are custom cards. I love to try and make the perfect card for someone. If a person is able to describe what they are looking for, I take pride in being able to find the right stamp, patterned paper and embellishment to make them excited to give the card to that special someone.





I promote my cards through word of mouth, co-workers, friends and family. Online, I have a blog that is for all of my scrapbooking and cardmaking. I am on Facebook as well so please become a fan! I am so close to 100 fans! I also have a Twitter account so feel free to follow me there as well! I try to participate on the Etsy chat as much as possible, as I have had most of my online sales from there.




My favourite method of promotion is definitely word of mouth, co-workers, friends and family - probably because it has brought me the most sales. I am averaging about 100 cards a month! I would love for my online sales to pick up!




In 5 years, I would like to be teaching more scrapbooking classes, and selling more of my cards to a larger audience.








My favourite things are definitely patterned paper, tools and techniques and bling! Outside of scrapbooking and cardmaking - family time, special friends and my cat, Cuddles!





To stop people suffering from all of the horrible diseases that are so prominent in out society today.



I hope you enjoyed this weeks Feature Friday!! Please feel free to comment and let this etsian know if you love her work! And do yourselves a favour and follow/fan her Blog, Facebook, and on Twitter so you can continue to get to know Wendy even more! Have a great Friday everyone, and don't forget to check back later today for my weekly "Friday Night Deals"!!