Handmade News - Building a Group Website, Part 1: Choosing a Host

A website can be helpful to get your team or guild known and, if done well, increase its credibility. However, before jumping into building your site, collect your thoughts and research each option carefully. This is an important and risky endeavor that could be very pricey. In my first, of this continuing series on building group websites, I will help to choose a host that is right for your groups needs. Choosing a host can be difficult, but with the right attitude and a hefty amount of planning, you should have all the necessary information on choosing the perfect host for your group...

Read more of this article here

Handmade News - HMN Spotlight Presents: the "Reclaimed to Fame" Market

In a green world where we need to conserve everything, the Reclaimed to Fame Market has stepped up to create beautiful recycled products for the people of 1000Markets.com. From cans to keys to old LPs, they use practically anything to create their great items. Majorie, of the shop MarjoriesCracked, opened Reclaimed to Fame on January 9th of this year, and she already has a pretty nice and diversified marketplace. Who would have thought that recycled items would look so nice? It must be true that one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Read more here.

Handmade News - The Do's and Don'ts of Guilds and Teams

The creation of your Guild or Team should be a fun undertaking. Though, it’s not always easy to get one started, they can be very easy to ruin with the wrong structure. Following these simple strategies should have your group prospering in no time and keep your followers satisfied.

The Do's and Don'ts of Guilds and Teams

GIVEAWAY!!

Etsy Gamers Anime Team is having their first group giveaway! This is a winner take all giveaway, all of the items will go to one lucky winner. The giveaway will end on the 8th of June. Here are the pictures of the items ^_^ go here to find out more about the giveaway and how to enter.

Soooo much to do!

I have to start and finish on making 29 little cat heads and business cards for the ETC team promo swap. I also need to hurry and finish Whimsy's heartless replacement x_x. I have to start on an article for this week (the first one this week is an interview of a market leader).

Tomorrow us my team's giveaway that will be on Etsy Gamers Anime Team's blog... so look forward to that tomorrow ^_^. It's a winner takes all type of giveaway, so it will be interesting how well that does.

I have two new articles up on Handmade News ^_^ I hope you all will enjoy them!
Promoting Your Teams and Guilds at Craft Shows
How to Organize a Local Group Gathering

Handmade News Articles

I already talked about my own articles on the site and they are linked in my side column on here... so here are some of the articles from the other columnists in the same Department.


Guild, What is This Guild Thing and How Do I Get One?

HMN Spotlight Presents: the "ArtFire Glass Guild"

Choosing the Perfect Guild or Team

What Makes a Fantastic Guild: Part One

What Makes a Fantastic Guild: Part Two

What Makes a Fantastic Guild: Part Three

Free Exposure for Your Group!

Free Exposure for Your Group, part 2

HandmadeNews - The Art of Group Giveaways

Almost everyone knows of giveaways, but a giveaway as a group project? It takes a lot more organizing and paitence to do one with your Teams/Guild. Read this handy article for some helpful strategies for creating the ultimate giveaway.

http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1049

My First Article!!

I feel so proud of myself today! I just got my first article up on HandmadeNews.org and I am getting a number of views today! My article is called Promoting Your Guilds and Teams, please go read it and vote, also a comment would be nice to ^__^.

There's other articles on the Guilds and Teams Department like: interviews, how to start a guild, choosing the perfect guild/team, and more. Have fun reading!

Mother's Day Results

Sunday was a good day for my family though my dad was out of town for it. After my youngest sister got home from work, my mom opened her gifts from all of us, which my siblings outdid me this year. I just learned that outdid is actually one word, lol, yay for dictionary.com. They got her an AeroGarden (a $200 valued item) that the three split together and I got her three miniature Bath and Body Works products of one scent that she liked (a $15 valued item). I also have to remember myself that I made her a Giraffe Scrabble Tile Pendant ($6) and strawberry flavored bon bons this week, so I didn't do too bad. Guess what she seemed to like more though? I don't blame her!

After she opened her gifts, my brother, mom, and myself went out to dinner at Olive Garden (hmm.. AeroGarden... Olive Garden... is there a theme?). When we got there we were told it was an hour wait and we decided to wait it out, but luckily it was a ten minute wait. At first I thought time flied pretty fast. Last time I had Olive Garden was three years ago since back then the food wasn't good, so I was surprised how good it is now.

Right now I am working on editing my listings descriptions to make them sound better and show up in more searches on Etsy. Also need to add glaze to my tri-pendant Scrabble Tiles, that will be listed on Artfire in the morning.

Happy Mother's Day...

To all mothers and mothers-to-be! Hope you all have a good Mother's Day and, of course, I hope everyone else have a good day. Today I will be going out with my mom and my brother to dinner at Olive Garden, my dad won't be joining us since he's out of town. I haven't been to Olive Garden in forever, so I am happy we are going.

Today is the last sale in both of my shops and I just listed a pre-made Tsumami Kanzashi in my artfire finally. I really need to upload more on that site, but since I am not a verified member, I can only list ten items. One thing I hope Etsy does in the future that Artfire is already doing, sales mode set up, it would be so easy. Etsy members don't have to either edit all of the items or refund through paypal, which makes the customer lose money.

Yesterday I went to Treasure Aisles to pick up my other Tsumami Kanzashi from Aimee and we talked... and then Justin and I saw it! A HUGE peanut butter cup and we had to have it. We also got my mom a small thing of Milk Chocolate Strawberry center bon bons from Aimee's shop. Later that night, I took a bite from the peanut butter cup, it was so creamy and just melts in your mouth. Justin took it home with him to finish off, he loves his peanut butter. My mom and brother loved the strawberry flavored bon bons, which made me happy. The only problem with the bon bons is there is no information if they are safe for vegetarians to eat since my sisters are vegetarians and I want them to eat the yummies. I need to ask Aimee about that, so my sisters know if they are safe or not. I may not agree with my sisters' vegetarian ways, but I do respect them.

I am still working on my article and resume for Handmade News and hoping to be able to send it in today. My boyfriend, Justin, is looking over them to make sure I didn't misspell anything or if my grammar is bad. He is an English major, so yay for me! Good thing about having a boyfriend that's into writing and already in college, he already knows what classes I need to take when I go in. I want to be an author badly and hoping that I can send one of my stories out next year to start the process of trying to get publish. First things first, Handmade News columnist!

Mother's Day is Coming and Job Stuff

Mother's Day is coming up pretty fast, can't believe it is this coming Sunday, but luckily I already got my mom her Mother's Day Gift. Have all of you? What are you getting you for your mother/mom/mama/mum for Mother's Day?

For those of you that have lost your mother, I am sorry for your pain and suffering on this holiday, but remember all the good times you had with her. I am sure she is happy for the person you have become and still loves you.

For those that still don't have a gift for your mother, I am still having a 25% off of all of my items in my shops: http://pastrystitches.etsy.com and http://pastrystitches.artfire.com

Sooooooo you all know how hard I have been trying to get a job and how hard it is in my area to get one. I am trying so hard to get this one job to be a columnist, I love to write! I really do and would so love to get this job. I have been writing stories most of my life, I love to have people to see my thoughts and ideas and being a columnist is one way to do so. It's for Handmade News for the department of Guilds and Teams! I am having a few friends help me with writing up a resume since I haven't done one since high school and I only worked at Wal-mart, so I am way out of practice with resumes.

Wish me luck please!

Mother Day's Sale

Yeah, I know I am kind of behind, but it is here! My Mother's Day sale! It starts today and ends on May 10th... 25% off of all of my items! That is right, 25% off. It may not should like much at first, but my most expensive item is $20, now $15.

Making more and more scrabble tiles ^___^ I love making them, right now I have 4 in my etsy and 1 in my artfire.

http://pastrystitches.etsy.com


http://pastrystitches.artfire.com

O_O FASTEST SALE EVER!

I posted up one of my scrabble tile pendants late yesterday... new it was late, but still posted it anyways. I posted the picture of it everywhere I can: Deviantart, plurk, twitter, crafterzone, indiepublic, and so on. I wake up this morning to find that it had sold already! It sold last night!! O_O! I was surprised because I usually don't sell stuff that fast. I am soooooo doing the happy dance now, lol!

So after that one sold I just listed my newer one to etsy and see if it will have the same magic as the other! I am going to try to post one once a day to keep my view up in my shop ^__^.

Also I am trying to get back into posting here everyday again. Bad me for not doing so lately T_T

So Very Excited!

So lately I have been going to job interviews (been jobless for nine months) and filling out applications while working on etsy stuff to sell.

Well today I have been making scrabble tile pendants and talking to people online... and all of a sudden the house phone rings, which I usually ignore b/c it's usually unknown name. My dad answered the phone and it turned out to be for me... so I am like CRAP! Because I thought it would be the credit people after me... yeah, having no money b/c of being jobless, makes a lot of bills pile up and mess up the credit (*shakes fist at medical bills*). Oh well, it is all of my fault for that to have happened to me.

It turned out to be my old job (Wal-mart) asking for me to come tomorrow for a job interview at 10am! I am so excited! I would love to have my old job back ^___^! I am soooooo hoping to get the job!

Then also would be waiting for a call from speedway tomorrow... I don't know if I will be getting a call from them or not, but we shall see.

Too bad I couldn't get both jobs, lol.

Here's to Hoping

Sorry for the lack of posting lately ^_^ I will try to post everyday again!

Today Speedway is having a on-site interview at one of their locations between 9am and 12pm... yes, I have interview with them before, but maybe this time I will get lucky and they will hire me this time. I don't like how early it is for it, but oh well... Mom is dropping me off and Courtney is nice enough to pick me up. I don't care if I get paid minimum wage or get only 20 hours a week... I need a freakin' job. I just hope the day's gloom-ness doesn't take all of my energy way for this interview.

Then later today Justin will be coming over with the 360 for us to play our games ^____^. I can't wait to see him today, as usual, lol. It will be 8 months this saturday ^____^

I will be 24 on the 24th this month, lol, I feel old! Though I feel like I lack a lot at this age, hopefully I will get a job soon... to be able to fix all of that. A car, money for college, money to fix my credit, money to move out... and so on.

Booth 402

A friend of mine (Bon Bon Babe) has a booth at Treasure Aisles and allowed me to put my kanzashi flowers there to sell... so while I was there I got Carrot Cake Bon Bons and Peanut Butter Fudge. They are AMAZING! The Fudge was only 10 dollars for a pound! That is very very cheap, you spend like double or triple that at other places! I can't put it down and Justin can't as well! Justin is a very very picky eater, so yeah, lol.

Everything is reasonable prices and soooo yummy ^___^ I am hoping to take my mom there one weekend.

Oh! And she had scented candles too! They smell so nice. I got myself a cinnamon bun scented one. Also got a pair of earrings too that I will take pictures of later.

If you live in Ohio, you must go to Treasure Aisles at 402! Try the sample of glass candy and pralines! Buy foods, jewelry, and candles. If you don't live in Ohio, go to her site to check it out ^___^ https://www.shakeyourbonbons.com/

So far Justin's mom likes the bon bons a lot as well ^___^ still waiting for my family to try it out.

So Proud of Myself!

I just made this for a customer ^____^ I am hoping to make more with brocade fabric this week to put up in etsy.






Justin and I are thinking of going to a craft show in Columbus later this year. Going to make at least 10 hats, 100 pendants, 50 clay items, and maybe 30 flowers/kanzashi. We have most of the materials already... gonna start on the flowers first since I need them anyways for the site.

Found-A- Giveaway - iPod Shuffle!

So I found a giveaway online for an iPod Shuffle

here is how you can enter the contest:

Option 1 - counts as one (1) entry

1. Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter (if you aren’t already).

AND

2. Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite song to clean to. Include the link to your tweet with your comment.

Option 2 - counts as two (2) entries

1. Write a blog post about the giveaway and link to us in your post.

AND

2. Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite song to clean to. Include the link to your blog post with your comment.

Etsy Gamers Anime Team

AKA EGAT! I am working on making this team for anime, video game, and Japanese cultured fans. To be a member, you don't have to have anything related to thoses, but would be nice if you did. Also don't have to go to conventions... just a place for people that like these things.

More of a team to help each other to learn of new stuff in those three topics and give ideas to members that make things based off of those topics. To meet new friends that have the same interest... maybe even find items from other members that you want to buy. Even give each other hints what is becoming popular in etsy to be sold in those subjects.

This team is more for fun.

People can find local artists in the group to go to conventions together... maybe get artists tables to share and the like.

There is no fee to enter this team. If I get a lot of people that want to join this team... I will work on making a ning site or something for us to talk through.

Again to join... you just have to be an anime lover, gamer (doesn't have to be japanese games), and Japanese culture fan.

If you want to join go to this thread on etsy on comment on it... Etsy Gamers Anime Team

Are We Alone? Part 2

I posted about part 1 in my Livejournal and got this response from a friend's husband:

"When I use to wait, it was customary to not give the change amount unless it was a large amount then we would add another dollar or work off quarters alone. You might not know this but at a lot of waiters don't work out of a till but out of pocket and it's a hassle to get exact change. You have to go to the bar and ask for it (depends on the establishment). I think I only had one or two people complain in my whole career (but then again most of the time I gave more back). We figured you'd notice and subtract/add that amount from/to the tip. I can definitely see where this is annoying to you, but realize it's probably the restaurant putting the burden on the waiter and they probably don't want to risk losing part of their tip by giving you a whole dollar back. In this case, I would have and it would annoy me if a waitor did this to me as well."

My reply to it:

Most people don't notice... it is still stealing. It would be different if the waiter/waitress let the person/people know they didn't have the money to give exact change back, so the person can subtract it from the tip.

It has been happening ever since they have talked about getting rid of the penny again.

Then places need to change it so waiters work out of a till and not out of pocket. The funny thing is the places that do this the most to me... I know they work out of tills and not of pocket since I have/had friends that work at those places. Also I see the waitresses/waiters go to tills to get the change.

Well either deal with the hassle to get the change or get in trouble from a customer complaining to a manager how many times this has happened to them? I think I rather deal with the hassle than get in trouble.

My bf's brother that is a bar manager at BW3s up here even has seen it going at his place and here's the people bragging about how much they ripped off from people. I think he's about to have a word with other manager about it though.

Anding more to this...

I don't care what the excuse is... it is still steal to me... They shouldn't decide for me how much of a tip they get. Also for the ones keep saying that they only make like 2 to 2.50 an hour, it's different in every state, in ohio it is close to 4 dollars an hour and it raising again later this year. There are TWO minimum wages: one for tip and one for non-tip.

Are we alone?

Okay... my family, myself, and my boyfriend are all wondering this... is this just our area and Ohio or other states are doing this too?

We will go out to eat and when bill time comes... you pay at the table, wait for change, and your change is wrong. Let's say you were suppose to get back 13.77 and you only got 13.00... you ask the waitress your 77 cents and she is surprised that you want it, but still gives it to you. You go to another place and they short you 80 cents again and your change ended in the 80 (I ended up taking it out of her tip). Places are rounding down the change to give you... Sometimes your receipt will even have the change amount on it...

Is anywhere else is this happening?

If not sure, count the change you get back. It may not seem like a lot at the time, but if you go out to eat a lot... it will be a lot at the end of the year.

I think next time one of the places do it to me again, I am getting a manager to tell them their people are stealing money from his customers. It's not right at all and it is stealing!

I Hate Medical Bills.

Soooo finally contacted my insurance about my bills and they took care of a big chunk out of one of them that was originally 1,772 and now is 187. The rest nothing yet, so I sent them another message with all of the claim numbers and told them there is no chance they are pre-existing conditions since I have been with them for a year and a half, so that period of time is gone. There is a 39.66 (newly adjusted), 531.61 (newly adjusted), 145.00, 467.00, 47.00, 187.58 (newly adjusted), 782.00, 33.00 bills... and I have no job (been jobless for 8 months and no one is hiring, *sighs*). I have a total of 2,232.85 in medical bills *sighs*... I pray my tax return is big and I get my b-day and easter money early so I can pay off 170 of my bills.

Waiting for the others to get adjusted hopefully soon... also I don't know why, but the 531.61 is charging me for Applied to 2008 Health Care Plan Deductible and Applied to your Health Care Credit Benefit when I applied for health care back in 2006... I don't understand this.

On top of that I have monthly bills from kohl's, elder beerman, and chase... which are like another total of 2000 bucks *falls over dead*

I just hope I can start selling more... I need to work on a lot of new items soon as soon as I am done with this dress.

Treasury I am in!

Sometimes you feel like a nut... sometimes you don't! I am in TheBeadedHeart's treasury called A Few of My Favorite Nuts Part 2. I love being in treasuries, hehe... been trying hard to get in one.

I need to continue my posting everyday like I use to ^_^... I need to make a post of the giveaways that I have won. When I get the other 2 giveaways to take pictures of i will do so ^_^.

Barely Making It

I have to hurry and make this one dress by the 1st to ship out... thank god I won the bid since I really really needed the money to pay my coming up bills... 40 from my bank card, 10 from khol's and don't know about my other card. I have less than 140 in my saving account.... and going to be 8 months soon without a job. I am stressing sooo much about it.

I am my shop starts selling more or... I get a job soon. Wish me luck please?

Finding More Giveaways!

On Etsy Finds & Giveaways... they are giving away a Sakura Blossom Pendant with a snake chain and a flower magnet set from HomeStudio.etsy.com


If you want to enter go to the blog and read how!

Happy Valentine Everyone ^___^~!

Happy Valetine, hope you all have a great one~! Today Justin and I aren't planning for much today... just to be with each other, exchange cards, me surprising him with something (lol, not a baby!), and going getting cheap food. Yes, I said cheap food, lol... since we have our 6 month anniversary on Wednesday and we all know restaurants will be loud and crowded tonight, we decided to celebrate both on Wednesday for both.

Oh yeah! Today I am featured on Whimsy's blog, go check it out

Also my v-day and kitty items are still an additional 15% off~!

Found Another Blog Giveaway~!

CatherinetteRings is having a giveaway on her blog

There's many ways to enter... the winners at the end of February and March will win a chance to pick any Steampunk rings of 45 dollars and at the end of April a steampunk bracelet of 80 dollars.

WOOT! Featured in the Sweet Designs Magazine

So I am featured in February's Issue of this great magazine, have a look here

Gonna be putting up Kon (from bleach), Kirby Hat (FINALLY), and hopefully I can get more items up. Right now Justin (my lovely bf) is working on Vivi statue (from Final Fantasy 9) don't know when that will be up. Actually using sculpey clay this time... so hopefully the works well for us, lol... *crosses fingers*

ALSO... GIVEAWAY IN SHINEYOURHINEYSOAPCO

Win a 4oz whipped soap in her blog... read how by going here

Found A GiveAway

On Etsy Finds & Giveaways... they are giving away a great pillow cover from robinseggpink


If you want to enter go to the blog and read how!

V-day Week Sale Add-on

15% off of everything in my shop! Even on custom requests... Just convo me, tell me which item(s) you want, I will then adjust the price. I do this so paypal won't take refund money away.

http://pastrystitches.etsy.com

Jan's Great Giveaway

Soooo Jan is having a giveaway on her blog... but three people can win and three ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment and your email address or a way for me to get in touch with you.

2. To receive a second entry, blog about my giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you blogged about it.

3. Follow my blog and you'll receive yet another entry.

This contest ends next Saturday and on February 15th.

http://janscraftynest.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway.html

One winner will receive an assortment of pocket mirrors and two winners will receive an assortment of scrabble tile pendants.

International Shipping and Something Non-Etsy!?!?

So wow! My first international shipping, so very happy ^___^ even though it was a traded item, lol. Shipping to United Kingdom to DayzeeLove, hehe, shipping her Daisy Love Key Chain. Also have to ship Whimsy's heartless item, can't wait to make her happy with that~! I love making people happy!! Eventually I will be shipping to Australia for an Alchemy order, woot!

I am gonna be making my first charm bracelet for etsy soon, I hope it goes over well... but the problem is I don't know which to do... should I do mario, nintendo, final fantasy, kingdom hearts, zelda, kitties, an anime, or something original... any ideas?

Oh and gonna work on my stories again.. yes, stories. I have been working on a few for four plus years and gonna start working on them again FINALLY! I might make items based off of those as well in the future. I hope in a year or two to start working on publishing them. My boyfriend, Justin, is probably gonna help me with writer's block, ideas, and editing ^__^.

Don't forget to check out my Treasury!

Video Game Treasury!

I got my very first treasury... lookie!

Video Game Treasury
The other Etsy shops in the Treasury were: RichmondArt - YellerCrakka - obesolete - PsycoHatress - whimsywingsandthings - CosplayPropsEtc - LittleElfsToyshop - ResinBling - geekdetails - SugarAndSpiceDIY - Soupis

100 Shop Hearts Sale~!

My shop has hit 100 hearts ^___^ so to celebrate... the 100 that have hearted my shop will get 20% off of one item in my shop... even the sales items.

Just convo me, tell me which item you want and i will adjust the price before you buy it. This way paypal won't take some of your refunded money away from you ^_^

Boyfriend's B-day! And Other Things

So today is Justin's b-day, turned 21, and I wish to celebrate it with him today... but b/c of school, I can't. Oh well, tomorrow I will though, hehe, and I have a present for him, yay!

Have to finish Dayzee's and Whimsy's items today... need to work on St. Patties this week as well x.x;. Also work on some of my new ideas as well. Have a TON of new ideas~!

OH! We have 100 shop hearts now, woot! We are thinking of having a sale for those 100 heart-ers~!

Okay... on another topic, I have people on my Livejournal complaining to me about the twitter posts. For those that don't know... on loudtwitter, you can make twitter post once a day all of your twitters at once in LJ. I think it is great because I post the same thing in all of my online journals/blogs and that's easy for me, so I don't have to go and post in LJ. Also if the people don't wanna read it, they can easily skip a three to five bullet pointed post, right? These people are my real life friends... and my twitter is about what I am doing in my life and in my shop... they say they only wanna read entries about people's lives, but yet so many that say that have a lot of RP friends in LJ, so they are reading tons of entries of those.

Also they are complaining how I am using my LJ and Twitter for commercial gain. How is anyone online gonna sell anything if they don't use Journals to promote? Do you think anyone has a right to tell you what you can or can not post in your own journal? Do you think it is silly for them to defriend you because of an once a day post... I only post in my livejournal once a day.

DaisyLove... I mean, DayzeeLove

So for my banner I am making DayzeeLove a daisy with a heart key chain ^___^ and this is what I got so far. I still have to sand, paint, seal, and glue the key chain to it... but what do you guys think so far? I hope she loves it ^_____^

Also don't forget, everyone, 15% off of everything in my shop... already listed as their sales prices. Sale ends in about 9 hours ^_^

First Monday Sale!

I am part of the Etsy Texas Crafters Team... yes, yes, I am not in Texas anymore, but they allow members that call Texas their home, so I joined them. YAY! Anyways... Every Monday the team has a sale that it members can partake in and I did! 15% off of EVERYTHING in my shop!!!!!!! Hope you all like the new deal ^_^

And don't forget if you come back a second time (even if it's the same day), you will get an additional 15% off ^____^.

Sellers of the World *UPDATED*

Ok... I bet it can be hard for international (or Non-US) shoppers to find shops that sell to them. This is where this blog post comes in! I have a thread on etsy collecting people's shops that ship ALL over the world and I will list them here. Easy? I think so. Helpful? I hope so!

- PastryStitches
Here's my shop, of course... I sell earrings, pins, key chains, phone charms, and hats. Also I welcome requests!

- NotMonochromatic
jewelry, sock monsters, prints, paintings, pet mats, pet toys, and later handbags, coin purses, clutches

- cbeads
jewelry supplies

- thefinickystitcher
scarves, iPod and cell phone cozies and wash cloths

- 2CraftyChix
Flannel rag edge quilts, adult bibs, restaurant high chair covers, funky knit purses

- CustomDogBandanas
Custom photo puzzles, dog bandanas, custom wood photo sculptures, etc.

- ss10001
unique macrame jewelry

- chickscratch
vegan massage candles and sugar scrubs

- hmmmbymel
handbags, scarves, and coin purses

- flirtbuttons
buttons, magnets, mirrors, jewelry

- StokesGalleries
polymer clay jewelry using real leaves

- knotby9
handmade and vintage for dolls and nifty people

- GlassCat
Contemporary Fused Glass Jewelry and Stained Glass

- SophisticatedFun28
Dichoric Jewelry

- lunaessence
Handmade Artistic Jewelry & Handbags

- JANETLILY
Charm bracelet, necklaces and bracelets, unique

- Tekzuki
Clothing, head gear, stuff for walls

- hollystreasures
Beaded Jewelry

- whimsywingsandthings
Hats, earrings, ear cuffs, doll items, pillows, and plushies

- DayzeeLove
postcards, buttons/badges and magnets

- ellemardesigns
ceramics, fine art drawings, and mixed media paintings

- GrannysKnits
design and hand knit baby and toddler items

- SmallShinyObjects
jewelry, beaded bookmarks and keychains, crystal & glass suncatchers, and glass beaded vases & bottles. Oh, and lanyards!

- VintageGalDesigns
sew one of a kind bags, purses and totes

- mybirch
soap, lip balms, butter bars, and gift packs

- babybaubbles
bracelets, buttons, earrings, crochet, vintage, clothes, supplies, bath and body, and dishrags

- MNHPhotography
Photography Prints

- TokyoVogue
Handcrafted Jewelry

- MillieDogDesigns
jewelry, lanyards

- Nicotiana
vintage, supplies

- KaleidaEclectics
Handmade Jewelry

- MorganNichole
baby Items, minky toys,Onesies, booties, shoes

- FeltCreations
Handmade felt accessories

- minaude
Unusual handcrafted jewelry

- DvoraSchleffer
Classic and unique handmade silver and gemstone jewelry

- LostRiverRags
soaps, lotions, body splashes, soy candles, & MORE!

- Opheliasapothecary
bubbles galore, hair repair, lotions, creams, butters, moisture, perfume, healing handsoaps

- Thegaugygoddess
Vintage, jewelry, hair do dads, scarvesgifts

- SleepDreamPlay
Textile design, illustration, craft

- pandacub
Fabric buttons and button accessories

- littlemoandfriends
eco-friendly stationery and gift

- isopupu
destash, beads, and crafts supplies

- airbrushbyjoni
Airbrush artist

- fantasybeader
Handmade beaded barrings also beaded & polymer jewelry

- ssnjade
crochet items: scarves, cuffs, hats, blankets, and more

- jmonty
paper Quilling and more

- cherbie
handmade jewelry

- babymoon
patterns, totes, clothing, toys

- babymoondestash
supplies

- JazziesJunque
supplies, jewelry, accessories, vintage, ACEOs, beads, buttons, paper items, bookmarks, magnets, and more.

- cubiclemonkey
cards

Requested... these are shops that don't normally do international sales or aren't listed as one or don't list it in their shops, but are willing to do so on some requests.

- caffeinatedfrenzy
Knitted items, gloves, scarves, and hats

- FAWNs
Card holders, wallets, purses, ties, and more... you have to convo them for a quote.

- erasistible
only international with their handpainted baby shoes

15% Off V-day

So I am having a sale for two weeks for v-day on v-day and kitty items ^___^... 15% off of those items... that may not seem a lot, but that's like 3 dollars off of my v-day hat ^_^. So yeah, come to the shop for lovely v-day items before it is too late!

PastryStitches

Custom Orders!

So many X.x... too many, lol... but oh well, it helps me make money, lol. Working on two necklaces that need to be done this weekend, so I can get it to Arcade Ness (a friend from Texas) before a convention.


Then working on a key chain for Dayzee of a daisy with a heart in the center, Another heartless key chain for Whimsy, Nobody symbol earrings for a friend, and much more ^__^.

I love Custom Orders, but being over flooded right now with them, lol.

New Banner!!!!

If you haven't seen my shop yesterday or today, you have not seen the best banner in the world that I got!!! In a trade exchange, Dayzeelove made me a banner for my shop in exchange for a custom order of a Daisy with a heart in the middle of it. I will be working on that, heartless key chain, a new commission necklace, nobody symbol earrings, and hats!

LOOKIE the banner, isn't it great!


Dayzee should so go into making banners and avatars for people to make money ^___^. I will be posting pictures of the Daisy Heart when I am done with it.

New Deal Idea... International Thread Up~!

Working on a new Heartless Key Chain since Whimsy brought the one and wants a second one... so actually gonna work on two so I have one for me to keep, so I can make sure I make them all correct ^_^.

I am thinking for my shop that if someone buys from me and return (the first time) they get a 15% off one of the items they purchase. For Example, Whimsy brought the key chain and comes back to buy another Key chain... they second is 15% off, but if she comes back a third time that item isn't 15% off.

Oh and the international thread is up... I forgot to do so this Friday... even if you aren't an international seller ^^;; please come and talk to me to keep my thread up, please?

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6014912

I hate bills!

Just got my bills today... one I have to make a minimum of like 40 bucks... another is 5 (thank god) and the third one I haven't gotten yet will probably be like 40+ or so. After paying for those... I will probably have no money to pay for the next month's bills if I don't start selling or get a job T____T

Oh and last day on the deal

Deal is Over Tomorrow~! Geekery Flag!

So quick reminder... my deal is over tomorrow night! No one wants a 15% off coupon? T____T

Oh and also I decided on Brown, Orange, and Yellow for the Nerd/Geek flag ^____^ I think it will look nice! Brown for the neutral color and I think Yellow and Orange works for guys and girls, so yeah. I hope to have 5 pins made for Sunday to post on Etsy ^____^!

Two-Three Days Left on Deal

Just so many days left... better get what you like before it is gone!

When you buy an item from my shop this week, you get a 15% off coupon that even works on sales items for a month! How to use the coupon you ask? When you want to use the coupon, convo me telling me what item you want and then I will go in change the price of the item to its 15% off price. I will also add the reserved title to the item. This way I don't have to refund you through paypal and that will take some of the refund money away from you due to paypal's fees.

15% off can be used on sales items as well! So all is good ^___^ and your first purchase can be on anything to be able to get the 15% off coupon.

This deal is over by Saturday 24th of Jan at midnight eastern time!

Also if you are an international seller or buyer on etsy you might wanna join my International Etsy BBS and my International Sellers List that appears in etsy's promotions forum on every friday.

KIRBY!

Kirby Kirby Kirby, is the name you should know, Kirby Kirby Kirby, he's the star of the show... I am a dork... I <3 Kirby!!! Thus I made this! It's still in progress though. Also working on other hats... need to finish a commission as well and nobody symbol earrings for a friend

Anniversary, Nerd Parade, and Featured, oh my!

Yesterday was my bf and my anniversary ^___^ marks 5 months being with each other... my longest relationship and hopefully my last. I love him to pieces and so can't wait till the day there is a ring on my finger ^_^. ~<3

His b-day is in Feb, hope I have money to get him a b-day present ^___^ I am sure I will.. well if I get this job that is. Luckily he understands if I can't.. could make him something again, LOL!

Featured in two blogs now, me soooo happy! The newest one is at Audrey's Country Crafts.. the first one was at 365 Days of Etsy.

Now in a third blog! Artistico Greek Nation Treasuries

Knot was complaining how the gays have flags and parades... why not nerds/dorks? No, we aren't bashing the gays, so no flaming. She said the flag should be argyle and a pocket full of pencils and kleenex or something along those lines. So I will be working on designing that as a pin, so look out for those this week or the next ^_^.

Hoping to get the main part of my kirby hat done today... might have pictures of that up in my deviantART.

If people haven't read my deal entry, go here

Also my international seller and buyers thread, go here

Featured in another blog!

LOOKIE! Audrey's Country Crafts, go read ^_____^

Also going to design a Nerd/Dork Flag... It's argyle and has a pocket full of pencils and kleenex or something along that line. Got the idea from Knot, LOL!

Sale is starting now!

Starting today when you buy an item from my shop this week, you get a 15% off coupon that even works on sales items for a month! How to use the coupon you ask? When you want to use the coupon, convo me telling me what item you want and then I will go in change the price of the item to its 15% off price. I will also add the reserved title to the item. This way I don't have to refund you through paypal and that will take some of the refund money away from you due to paypal's fees.

15% off can be used on sales items as well! So all is good ^___^ and your first purchase can be on anything to be able to get the 15% off coupon.

This deal is over by Saturday 24th of Jan at midnight eastern time!

Also if you are an international seller or buyer on etsy you might wanna join my International Etsy BBS and my International Sellers List that appears in etsy's promotions forum on every friday.

Just found out I was featured in a Treasury come and check it out! THANK YOU, FebystanDesigns

15% Off Coupon!

Starting tomorrow in my shop... when people buy an items they will get a 15% off coupon to use on their next purchase in my shop within a months time from their purchase! That way people have a month to get moneys from work to be able to get something. This 15% off can be used on a request too ^___^~

To figure out how much your request will be... look at items in my shop that are similar first to get an idea and then convo me...

Typical range for items:
Phone Charms- 8 to 12 dollars
Hats- (plain) 20, (detailed/character) 25, (with a lot of detail/resin) 30
Key Chains- depends on detail (amount of clay) and difficulty 10+
Earrings are hard to range since you can do so much with them to make their price change.

WOOT! I was featured!

So I am jumping up and down in joy! I am featured in the blog 365 Days of Etsy by TheOldOakTree, so check out her shop ^___^ b/c I say so, lol! She does natural products for babies ^____^, so any mothers watching my blog, go check her store out.

Again.. I have made a board for the International Sellers and Buyer of Etsy at ^___^ International Etsy BBS

International Sellers List

If you haven't seen the post below this one... go check it out... well if you want to, you might need to to understand this one. So what I am doing with the list besides posting in my blog? Every week on Fridays I will make a new thread in etsy promotion section with the updated list, so everyone can find these international sellers easier and people can ask to be added to the list next week and in my blog.

Here's the current thread for today. International Sellers List 1/15/09

I have made a board for all of this ^___^ International Etsy BBS

Sellers of the World

Ok... I bet it can be hard for international (or Non-US) shoppers to find shops that sell to them. This is where this blog post comes in! I have a thread on etsy collecting people's shops that ship ALL over the world and I will list them here. Easy? I think so. Helpful? I hope so!

- PastryStitches
Here's my shop, of course... I sell earrings, pins, key chains, phone charms, and hats. Also I welcome requests!

- NotMonochromatic
jewelry, sock monsters, prints, paintings, pet mats, pet toys, and later handbags, coin purses, clutches

- cbeads
jewelry supplies

- thefinickystitcher
scarves, iPod and cell phone cozies and wash cloths

- 2CraftyChix
Flannel rag edge quilts, adult bibs, restaurant high chair covers, funky knit purses

- CustomDogBandanas
Custom photo puzzles, dog bandanas, custom wood photo sculptures, etc.

- ss10001
unique macrame jewelry

- chickscratch
vegan massage candles and sugar scrubs

- hmmmbymel
handbags, scarves, and coin purses

- flirtbuttons
buttons, magnets, mirrors, jewelry

- StokesGalleries
polymer clay jewelry using real leaves

- knotby9
handmade and vintage for dolls and nifty people

- GlassCat
Contemporary Fused Glass Jewelry and Stained Glass

- SophisticatedFun28
Dichoric Jewelry

- lunaessence
Handmade Artistic Jewelry & Handbags

- JANETLILY
Charm bracelet, necklaces and bracelets, unique

- Tekzuki
Clothing, head gear, stuff for walls

- hollystreasures
Beaded Jewelry

- whimsywingsandthings
Hats, earrings, ear cuffs, doll items, pillows, and plushies

- DayzeeLove
postcards, buttons/badges and magnets

- ellemardesigns
ceramics, fine art drawings, and mixed media paintings

- GrannysKnits
design and hand knit baby and toddler items

- SmallShinyObjects
jewelry, beaded bookmarks and keychains, crystal & glass suncatchers, and glass beaded vases & bottles. Oh, and lanyards!

- VintageGalDesigns
sew one of a kind bags, purses and totes

- mybirch
soap, lip balms, butter bars, and gift packs

- babybaubbles
bracelets, buttons, earrings, crochet, vintage, clothes, supplies, bath and body, and dishrags

- MNHPhotography
Photography Prints

- TokyoVogue
Handcrafted Jewelry

- MillieDogDesigns
jewelry, lanyards

- Nicotiana
vintage, supplies

- KaleidaEclectics
Handmade Jewelry

- MorganNichole
baby Items, minky toys,Onesies, booties, shoes

- FeltCreations
Handmade felt accessories

- minaude
Unusual handcrafted jewelry

- DvoraSchleffer
Classic and unique handmade silver and gemstone jewelry

- LostRiverRags
soaps, lotions, body splashes, soy candles, & MORE!

- Opheliasapothecary
bubbles galore, hair repair, lotions, creams, butters, moisture, perfume, healing handsoaps

- Thegaugygoddess
Vintage, jewelry, hair do dads, scarvesgifts

- SleepDreamPlay
Textile design, illustration, craft

- pandacub
Fabric buttons and button accessories

- littlemoandfriends
eco-friendly stationery and gifthttp://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1014970432298484914&postID=5801149135250912208s

- isopupu
destash, beads, and crafts supplies

- airbrushbyjoni
Airbrush artist

- fantasybeader
Handmade beaded barrings also beaded & polymer jewelry

- ssnjade
crochet items: scarves, cuffs, hats, blankets, and more

- jmonty
Paper Quilling and more


Requested... these are shops that don't normally do international sales or aren't listed as one or don't list it in their shops, but are willing to do so on some requests.

- caffeinatedfrenzy
Knitted items, gloves, scarves, and hats

- FAWNs
Card holders, wallets, purses, ties, and more... you have to convo them for a quote.

- erasistible
only international with their handpainted baby shoes

Video Game Nerd 4 Life!

Okay... I am a gaming nerd and I know there are more out there! Come on... you there *points* yes, you! These are the perfect items for you! If not you and you, maybe your friends.

See.. I am a dork XD

Working on other Geekery items... if you have any ideas let me know, please? Working on Zelda, old nintendo, and mario items ^___^.

For other items in my shop go here: PastryStitches' Etsy

New Listings Soon and More Ideas

I have just made a silver fortune cookie, navi (fairy from zelda), a silver cross with hearts on it, and new symbol kitties that I am gonna take pictures of for my commission thing. Hopefully they will be up today or tomorrow.. also have my heartless earrings I have just finished to add up as well.

I was looking at my kitty heads and trying to figure out what else I can do with them and suddenly pandas popped into my head... so now I am gonna make panda ones too. Gonna try making more Japanese related items like the cherry blossoms (sakura), lanterns, the red shrine entrance thingy, and more ^___^.

I am also gonna try making some plushies... don't know what yet, but I will let you guys know ^____^

New Shop!

So hearing about more places to sell your stuff at... I am on etsy, artfire, and ebay already (ebay being the newest), but heard about Shop Handmade and 1000Markets, so I have join both. Right now my shop handmade has only one item, but here's the link to it http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Pastrystitches

Clearance Items

Okay, Clearance items are all 50% off now, including the christmas items... get them while they are cheap and available! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6545820§ion_id=5825099

Also reduced the price of the HUGe 1 up Mushroom Key Chain from Mario.. so check it out as well~!

Reduced Pricing Again~!

Evidently people think my 1 up Mushroom is too much.. so I reduced it... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19385367

Going on Ebay

Okay, so I thought 'Hey why not try ebay to sell my items?'... maybe then I can get more traffic to my etsy. I am gonna post my heartless key chain up on ebay for three days, making the one on etsy inactive and see what happens. I added two dollars onto it for the ebay fees, so yeah. I also linking my etsy into the description for hopes that people will go click the link and check out my store.

Reduced Prices on Items

Okay... so people think my phone charms are a little pricey... so I reduced the prices on them. They said the earrings are fine though, so I am happy about that and I think my key chains are okay in price as well. So I figured I would let you guys know!

All about my shop!

Hats

Ok, so I am starting to make my fabric stuff now, already made my Valentine Hat, which is already is my etsy shop, yay! Working on a hat based off of Carbuncle, which I am hoping to have finished later this week or next week. I finished tracing and cutting out the fabric... still have to make the resin for the gem ^_____^. I am starting a list of hat ideas... if you have any ideas for me, please share!

Hoodies

My boyfriend and I were talking about making hoodies now as well... some normal or uniquely designed and others that are based off of characters.. hoping to make one soon based off of Gir or a Moogle next week. The hoodies will be made when ordered due to having to know the customer's size and all.

Accessories

Looks like we won't be making anymore phone charms... unless people request them since it looks like a LOT of phones aren't coming with the area for the phone charms now. We are gonna keep doing our key chains and earrings though... gonna start doing hair pieces and maybe bookmarks as well. Don't know for sure yet... we shall see if I get a job soon or if things start selling.

Commissions/Requests

Yes, we do commissions/requests... actually we would LOVE to get them for challenges as well as so we know what to make more of or to know what our customers like/love. Already working on a commission for a necklace from Shadow Hearts: Covenant for someone.

That's all for now ^____^

New Kitty Cat Item!

Since doing the Angry Kitty and doing so far well with it... I decided to do a white kitty with a heart instead as a phone charm. Thought it would be cute and here it is:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19426431

I am think of relisting the key chain version as a request item type of thing... not made until ordered, so people can pick which colors they want and the like... what do you guys think?

Here's a picture of the key chain version: http://pastrystitches.deviantart.com/art/Black-Kitty-Key-Chain-Finished-108493505

Geekery Items NEW~!

Yes, I am a geek and a nerd... anime and video game fan, so, of course, I am gonna start working on those types of items. I already had Kirby and Domo, but here are some more:

Heartless (Kingdom Hearts): http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19385458

1 up Mushroom (Mario) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19385367

First Hat

Okay, so I made my first hat today and I am so happy how well it turned out ^_____^... I already have it up on etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19353812

New Items

Right now working on a medium size 1 up mushroom for a friend, black angry kitty key chain for thebeadedheart, Kon (from the anime/manga bleach [it looks like a mix between a lion and a teddy bear plush]) as a phone charm, two orange angry kitty, heartless (from Kingdom Hearts series) key chain, and a white heart kitty phone charm.

It looks like the kitties are loved, so probably gonna be doing those a lot now... might do something with them with the awareness ribbons somehow. Not sure what yet.

Here's some pictures of the ones I am working on:

Kon: http://pastrystitches.deviantart.com/art/Bleach-Kon-Charm-108268513
Black Kitty: http://pastrystitches.deviantart.com/art/Black-Angry-Kitty-108267735
Kyo: http://pastrystitches.deviantart.com/art/Kyo-Earrings-108274308
Heartless: http://pastrystitches.deviantart.com/art/Heartless-Key-Chain-108274492

Question

Ok... so I made this little guy and making him into a keychain... well I was in the process of making another one and I was wondering if anyone thought it would be cute to him into hairclips or hair pins. So any ideas?

New

Ok... new to blogger and yeah... don't know really what to say. I have a shop on Etsy.com that I am proud of and have put up two valentine items so far. I am hoping to make a hat based off of carbuncle from the final fantasy series and a valentine fleece hat as well sometime this week. Hmm... that's about it so far!