We Shop Local, We Shop EtsyNJ, Part 2

Here at EtsyNJ, we love each other! Not only do we help promote each other, offer advice on pricing, handling difficult situations, taking great photos and so much more, but we also support each other by shopping! Just take a look at some of the things that EtsyNJ members have bought from each other. You'll recall from this post a few weeks ago, that we are our own best customers. Here's even more EtsyNJ love!

LizArti was so excited about her first 100 hearts (as she should be) that she celebrated by purchasing this necklace from Karin's Creations:


She also couldn't resist this vintage snowflake brooch from Made By Melissa and snapped it up instantly!


And she's really happy that she did!!


I'm sure you remember all the EtsyNJ shops that Creations By Danielle has supported, well, amazingly, here is one more!! Danielle bought these two barrettes from orchidsdream and here's what she has to say about that purchase: "I loved her hair accessories and asked her to custom make a barrette for me. She had two to chose from and I couldn't decide so I bought both! She was a pleasure to deal with. Promptly responding to convos and friendly person! :) I was very pleased."


Collective Elements is a big fan of Lemoncholy's work. She bought four items from her at the Handmade Faire this past April and has this to say about her: "She truly is a talented artist. I wear the dove necklace almost everyday and I always get compliments on it."





Wow! EtsyNJ members really take pride in each other and we take the Handmade Pledge seriously! Way to go team!!

Do you want to support EtsyNJ too? Click here to check out all EtsyNJ members! Did you buy something from EtsyNJ? Do you absolutely love it and want to share it with the world wide web? Simply send a convo to Made By Melissa and we'll feature it and your shop link on our blog!

Rainbow Noir Bracelet

Rainbow Noir Bracelet
Originally uploaded by dluxedesigns

Featured Artist - Scrap Lisa Designs

Who are you? Lisa

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? http://scraplisa.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in? Scrapbooking, Cards, Tags, Judaica

Do you create for children or adults, women or men? Everyone who loves to take pictures!



What do you like about Etsy? I like that everything is handmade, that it is an international site that brings crafters together with like minded people.

Where do you find inspiration for your products? My wants and desires, I create items that my friends and I always want to use in our personal albums!

What do you love about your business? I love that people are preserving their cherished memories in something that I created, that current and future generations will be able to share in the daily lives, special occasions, and holidays that families celebrate year after year.

What is your favorite product right now? Right now, I love Die Cuts with a View Christmas Glitter Stack papers. Traditional Christmas colors jazzed up with silver and gold glitter. Really makes the pages go BLING!



What makes you unique at Etsy? I try to create items that anyone can use at an affordable price. If you like to take pictures, you can use my products with ease. I’m a stay at home mom, and always on the hunt for a good bargain so I price accordingly! Additionally, as a Jewish Scrapbooker, I have found it hard to buy any type of Judaica items to use in my work. It is my hope is to create beautiful Jewish items such as cards, invitations, tags, albums, etc., that people can use to make treasured, everlasting memories with their families.



What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create? thesagathatismylife.blogspot.com

Lisa has scrapbooks for every holiday as well as books that you can use for any and all of your pictures! I really like her pink and yellow scrapbook.



And you better snatch this Halloween album before its gone!

Chinese Turquoise Gemstone Peace Ring - Wordless Wednesday

Chinese Turquoise Gemstone Peace Ring
Originally uploaded by kelbelledesigns

We Shop Local, We Shop EtsyNJ!

Here at EtsyNJ, we love each other! Not only do we help promote each other, offer advice on pricing, handling difficult situations, taking great photos and so much more, but we also support each other by shopping! Just take a look at some of the things that EtsyNJ members have bought from each other.

Capital City Crafts has been busy hearting items for Christmas gifts, but there are two very special things that just couldn't wait until Christmas time. First is AbbieRoad's Buy Handmade Hand Screen Printed Shirt


and then there are these Reese Wool Felt Bitty Blossom Hair Clips from littlepinkposies


Susan Itkin Batik bought this Set of 7 Crocheted Make-up Removers from Made By Melissa and she's loving them!

Made By Melissa also did her fair share of shopping! She picked up some cool keyfobs from PurpleLicious:

And this cool bright blue hooker tote bag from TrashedClothing:


And last but not least, this Warm Vanilla Bean Vegan Whipped Body Frosting from Lollibomb:


But perhaps no one has supported more fellow EtsyNJ shops than Creations By Danielle! She has purchased from an amazing 8 shops! She started shopping last Halloween with these cute candy corn earrings from Made By Melissa:

Then she bought this Woodlands Bracelet from Creations By Robin:

and this tasty Curry Popcorn Kit from What's Eating Yin:

and these unique shell earrings from LizArti:

and who can forget this tasty chocolate lovers sampler pack from Lollibomb:

and these Mother-of-Pearl Earrings from Marcinyc:

This Kensington Fabric Headband is just one of Danielle's purchase from PurpleLicious:

And possibly saving the best for last, this custom Lucky Golden Elephant by LaDZeiner:

Wow! EtsyNJ members really take pride in each other and we take the Handmade Pledge seriously! Way to go team!!

Do you want to support EtsyNJ too? Click here to check out all EtsyNJ members! Did you buy something from EtsyNJ? Do you absolutely love it and want to share it with the world wide web? Simply send a convo to Made By Melissa and we'll feature it and your shop link on our blog!

Featured Artist - Rebecca from Happiknits

Who are you? Rebecca Sohoni

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? www.happiknits.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in? knitting, women's accessories

Do you create for children or adults, women or men? adult women

What do you like about Etsy? Etsy is a great opportunity to start a small business. It's a wonderful place to grow and blossom in a supportive atmosphere. Oh, and did I mention I love to shop on Etsy!!

Where do you find inspiration for your products? Mostly through my life experiences. But I also am inspired by nature, yoga, music and I read all the fashion magazines!!

What do you love about your business? Knitting has always been a stress reliever for me. I am a full time pharmacist and my day job is very stressful. My craft allows me to be creative in a "zen" like manner. Knitting is very meditative. Plus I love the joy my craft brings to other people!

What is your favorite product right now? Hmm, tough to pick one... I would have to say the Sweet Caroline shrug and the tranquility capelet~~ I'm so knitting myself one for the fall!



What makes you unique at Etsy? I love color!! I use all different colors, textures, vintage buttons, vintage lace and brooches in my work.



What other street teams are you a member of? I am a member and shop administrator for Fashion Design and Lifestyle team, and I am a member of MSOE (mad scientists of etsy)

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
www.happiknits.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/happiknits

I was cruising through Rebecca's shop, and its true! She really does love color! He's a few of her really colorful items:

Blue Belle shrug:

Fairy Tale Ending scarf:

The Cinnabar Cowl:

Featured Artist - AJKArtistry

Who are you? I’m Alison Kooney, wife, mom, full-time graphic artist/designer, part-time Etsian, and oh yeah, I own my own business, AJKArtistry.

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? I’m currently operating two shops on Etsy, http://www.ajkartistry.etsy.com for my paper goods and crafts, and http://www.ajkstudio.etsy.com for my watercolor artwork.

What tag categories do you specialize in? The bulk of my business is in paper goods: handmade greeting cards, note cards, bookmarks and invitations. The rest of my work: magnets, watercolor art and art note cards are more for fun and creative release, but people seem to like most of what I do!

Do you create for children or adults, women or men? My products apply to everyone! I’ve got handmade greeting cards for just about every occasion, life event, holiday and even a new gay and lesbian collection that’s been getting a lot of attention lately.


What do you like about Etsy? I love that no matter what time of day I take to add items to my shop, there’s always someone looking. The whole “open 24 hours” thing really proves true online. I can list something at 2 in the morning and I’ll check again at 7 and it’s got a bunch of views! I’m also addicted to making/viewing treasuries. I’m constantly trying to come up with fun ideas that I haven’t seen before.

Where do you find inspiration for your products? I started my business soon after my daughter was born to bring in some extra money. So initially, she was my inspiration. My mom had always been a crafter (still is) and I can remember going to shows with her and helping out stamping and cutting her product tags… it was all fun for me.


What do you love about your business? I guess what everybody says… I’m my own boss. I have no one to report to, I make up my own hours and I work when I feel like it. I also love that it keeps me home and gives me my “quiet time” I need after a long day of working, mothering, wife-ing, etc… Creating is what I do for myself, and I’m fortunate to have the support of my family and friends that encourage me to do it!

What is your favorite product right now? Right now I’d have to say my greeting cards are a constant favorite. My ideas are endless… I’m always thinking of new cards to make. I even do custom cards (adding names to baby and wedding cards) and custom invites that people have been liking lately.


What makes you unique at Etsy? I think because I do a lot of different things, I have a lot to offer between the two shops. I’ve seen a few sellers with products similar to mine, but when I look closely at the pics, the detail that I have is just not there, so I feel good knowing that my products are some of the best out there for the price.



What other street teams are you a member of? In addition to the NJ Street Team, I’m also a member of EtsyGreetings, though I haven’t been that active. TeamNJ keeps me busy, and I love it!

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
Here goes the laundry list…
My official website: http://www.ajkartistry.com
My Paper Shop: http://www.ajkartistry.etsy.com
My Art Shop: http://www.ajkstudio.etsy.com
My Blog: http://www.ajk-artistry.blogspot.com

Although Allison talked mostly about her paper shop, one of my favorites by her comes from her other shop, she makes gorgeous long gemstone necklaces, this one is my ultimate favorite:


I also chuckle every time I see her PB&J card and her gnome cards!

.tomate d'épingles. blog features Copabananas

Copacabanas is featured as the latest Etsy find by .tomate d'epingles!
.tomate d'épingles. blog: Etsy eco find: Copabananas

Featured Artist - 315Thomas

Who are you? My name is Lesley A. Sico, and I am a jewelry maker/gocco enthusiast/artist extrordinaire! I currently live in Riverton, NJ with my parents as my husband and I search for our first home together.

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? My main Etsy shop is 315thomas, http://www.315thomas.etsy.com. I also have supplies at 315stash, http://www.315stash.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in? Jewelry, Paper Goods, and Art

Do you create for children or adults, women or men? Right now I create mostly for women and teenage girls, but I would love to add more artwork and stationery to appeal to a broader range of people in the future.



What do you like about Etsy? I love how interactive the Etsy community is. Having so many talented and business savvy artists as a resource in the forums and the blog is invaluable for people like me who are just starting out. The fact that it is so easy to join a local street team and meet up with other artists in your area is also fantastic.

Where do you find inspiration for your products? For my jewelry, my main inspiration tends to come from the vintage beads and baubles I find at yard sales and thrift shops. I love finding treasures in unexpected places, and most of my designs are kept simple to show off my finds. For my stationery and artwork, a lot of my inspiration comes from vintage ephemera, especially Victorian images. I also love to go to museums and galleries and just soak it all in… whenever I come home from an art exhibit I always feel the urge to create.


What do you love about your business?
I love the freedom it gives me to explore all of my different interests! I have always been very creative, and I love playing with new media and techniques. With Etsy, it is really easy to try out a new product or design and see how people respond to it.

What is your favorite product right now?
My favorite product at the moment would have to be my garden party earrings. They are so my style… part vintage, part modern, girly and fun. And they are so fun to make… I love playing with the different color combinations for each pair.


What makes you unique at Etsy? I think 315thomas is unique because it has a wide variety of offerings that all fit within a particular style. It is extremely difficult for me to limit myself to one art form, and I love coming up with different products and designs that fit into my shop’s overall aesthetic. I think it makes it easy for shoppers to mix and match different types of products for gifts or for themselves!

What other street teams are you a member of? Currently I am a member of EtsyNJ and JET – the Jewelry on Etsy Street Team.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
http://www.315thomas.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/315thomas
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/315thomas

I simply love Lesley's cameo rings - they are whimsical and vintage and femine. This one is my favorite:


This hand painted squirrel shirt is adorable as well:

Dragon's Den Featured on Tamara's Herbes

Dragon's Den has been featuring lots of EtsyNJ members on her blog, and now she's been featured on Tamara's Herbes website! Check her out: http://www.tamarasherbes.com/DragonsDen.html!

EtsyNJ Gets Team Grant From Etsy!!

EtsyNJ is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a team grant from Etsy!! Etsy even featured us in a Storque article. Here's the highlights:

In the October Issue of Weird NJ magazine, look for an advertisement for the Etsy NJ Team! This location based Team from the Garden State decided to pool together to place an ad in this state-wide publication.

For the rest of the article, click here.

And extra kudos to team members CatRocks, CarolineGrace and TheSpinningHand for having their items featured on the Storque article!

Special thanks to all of the EtsyNJ team members that made this happen espescially AbbieRoad, Hoolyghans and CreationsByDanielle.

Also check out AJK Artistry's blog on the topic: http://ajk-artistry.blogspot.com/2008/07/our-team-is-weird.html

Featured Artist - Nifty Pear

Who are you? Well, I'm Megan. graphic designer, artist, business owner, working stiff, wife and friend.

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? Nifty Pear http://niftypear.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in? My two main tags are paper goods and weddings. I design stationery, cards, invitations and fun stuff for showers.


Do you create for children or adults, women or men? I've got something for everyone. My stationery items are for men or women of all varieties, but my bridal stuff is all women. I make personalized invitations, scratch off games and advice cards for showers.



What do you like about Etsy? Oh goodness, what's not to like? It's connected me with some amazing people, is a great way to make an amazing web presence with minimal cost and there's a built-in customer base. It's perfect for starting out a business and learning the ropes. And it grows with your business too.

Where do you find inspiration for your products? For my note cards, I'm inspired by nature. Colors and shapes that I see everywhere around me when I'm outdoors. Nature is the ultimate artist. But for my invitations, it's about relationships. Parties are about people, so I choose imagery that signifies something, or is a common element to the theme of the party.

What do you love about your business? Working on my own terms is my most favorite part of owning a business. Unlike my day job, I'm not at the whim of a struggling corporation. Nifty Pear is all mine and I am responsible for its success or it's failure. I guess that means I like being in control... but I'm not a control freak or anything.

What is your favorite product right now? I love creating things that make someone's event extra special. Custom orders are my favorite and the invites are particularly fun. Also, my Victorian bridal scratch off game is really popular right now.



What makes you unique at Etsy? I offer fully customizable stationery and invitations at an affordable price. All of my papers are 100% recycled and high quality so I'm supporting an eco-friendly economy while being stylish. Customer service is a big deal too. I communicate with my customers, answer
questions quickly and let them know where their order is every step of the way.

What other street teams are you a member of? Etsy Weddings

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create? I'm on trunkt, indiepublic, mintd, myspace and facebook

I simply love Nify Pear's birth announcement cards and I wish I had seen them a year ago when my son was born!



Her bridal rose pens are a great idea and would find many uses at a bridal shower or wedding.

Featured Artist - Copabananas

Who are you? Claire Baker

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link? Copabananas http://www.copabananas.etsy.com

What tag categories do you specialize in? toys, repurposed, bags

Do you create for children or adults, women or men? I'd say kids and adults, women are my main customers.

What do you like about Etsy? I'm a Treasury addict right now, it appeals to the merchandiser in me and I believe it's a fun way to market. I also appreciate the easy listing capability of Etsy.

Where do you find inspiration for your products? I find inspiration in things around me. For example, the gLove Story Dolls are made from gloves that I find while I'm walking around town, my repurposed books are made from file folders and papers from my daughter's notebooks, and the sock monkeys are inspired by the monkey theme of my shop.


What do you love about your business? I've owned my brick and mortar shop in Montclair for 10 years. When I graduated from college as a textiles major back in the 80's, I did craft shows. I eventually burned out on traveling all over the east coast, and always wanted a shop. Finally I realized my dream when I opened Copabananas. In the past year I've rediscovered my love of textiles and my creativity has returned. I love the fact that I can produce my handmade goods while I'm in my shop!

What is your favorite product right now? The Market Bags are my favorite product. I love using the vintage fabric to make them. They have so much character and are really practical!


What makes you unique at Etsy? I think the fact that I have a brick and mortar makes me unique since Etsy is web-based.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
blog: http://copabananas.typepad.com/copabananas/
website: http://www.copabananas.com/
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/copabananas/

Copabananas has well over 150 items in her shop! Way too many to share all of my favorites, but here are two that I really like.

Pink and red Sock Monkey:


Ice Cream Pillow:

Dragon's Den Featured Capital City Crafts!

Etsy NJ member Dragon's Den featured fellow EtsyNJ member Capital City Crafts on her blog! Check out these two great EtsyNJ'ers: http://craftydragon06.blogspot.com/2008/07/capital-city-crafts-review.html