A day in the life of a crafter- etsy blog

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2009-11-12T20:10:03Z

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Holiday Dish Towels A Year of Holidays Free by mustlovehomedecor

2009-11-11T23:17:25Z

Holiday Dish Towels A Year of Holidays Free by mustlovehomedecor

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It's Craft Fair Season In New England.

2009-10-23T11:39:25Z

The leaves are changing, days are getting shorter - must be Craft fair season!
I will be at the Harvest Fair in Berlin, CT tomorrow Oct. 24. The weather is supposed to be rainy so come down have a cup of coffee and enjoy browsing. If you see something in my shops you want to have, purchase it today so you won't be disappointed if I sell it tomorrow.
Have a great weekend.

My selling venues are:

http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://craftsfromtheheart.artfire.com
http://lindaparedesigns.1000markets.com
http://www.zibbet.com/lindaparedesigns

Embroidery Machine Fun

2009-09-10T11:17:53Z

Hello all,

I have been busy, busy, busy this year. I purchase a husqvarna Designer SE embroidery machine and have been learning about all the wonderful things it can do. I have broken many needles, wasted lots of fabric and gone through a ton of stabilizer but I think I have the hang of it now :)
I am having fun creating embellished towels, pillows and tote bags. I love the way these came out:

Sept, 12 and 13 I will have my items for sale at the Women's Expo in Hartford, CT. If you are in the area come by and say Hi.
Linda
mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Help independent sellers of children's items keep their businesses alive

2009-01-28T13:01:54Z

Time to Unite

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Holiday shopping ideas

2008-11-18T13:50:07Z

How to get noticed online

2008-10-30T00:51:10Z

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, flickr, kaboodle, stumbleupon, etc, etc, etc, and so on. How do I get my etsy shops noticed amongst all the advertising going on in these "social networking sites". I don't see much socializing. I see lots of come see my new product, I am having a sale, come check out my low prices.

Is this what I also have to do to be seen? Does the squeaky wheel get the business? I don't know. It just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. The problem is when I do keyword searches for my items in google and yahoo, they are never on the first few pages.

What to do?

Might as well start here

Come visit my shops, mention livejournal and get 10% off all purchases. How's that?
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com

My handmade pillows with Crate and Barrel and Brookstone - Who knew?

2008-10-09T23:42:39Z

I was alerted to my handmade pillows being featured on:
http://www.greenyourdecor.com/2008/10/09/green-rooms-in-a-box-series-colorful-patio-under-2000/

Imagine my surprise when the other items in the article are from major retailers like Crate and Barrel and Brookstone!

Linda
http://mustlovehomedecor. etsy. com

craftlinda @ 2008-10-02T19:41:00

2008-10-02T23:41:42Z

Last year, 2007, I decided to go for the Comcast Cable bundle package of internet, phone, and cable. The price was slightly higher than what I was paying with other providers but then I saw a chance for a $250 rebate if we went through buycomcast.com. So I though that would cover the increase for getting digital tv and a dvr.

I sent in the multitudes of originals and copies needed to comply with the rebate.

I called the company in June and was told my name was not on the "list" but that the rep. would add my name. Ok, one mistake, no big deal. I call back in July, well I am on the list but my name has not reached the top yet. I call back in August, oh it will probably be two more weeks. OK I am a patient person but I could see this was going nowhere. I started doing searches on the net and found many unhappy customers of this website. The website now actually points one to a real estate company.

So I decided to email my attorney general with a cc to my public utility control. Well the next day didn't I just get the sweetest call from my local cable provider apologizing profusely and telling me they would never use that website service again. They promised the credit would show up on my next bill. My public utility control rep. called to let me know when the credit arrives. If it is not on my next bill she will take it from here!
I love Connecticut. Thank you public servants.

Underwhelmed by sales

2008-06-26T22:59:51Z

Online selling, much like brick and mortar selling, has come to a screaming halt. I guess it is the lack of gift giving events in the summer. Because of this I propose August 1 to be give one person a gift day (preferably one from etsy.com). We craftspeople cannot spend our summers only to prepare for the Christmas season. I do not want to handle Christmas fabric in July. Give us a break.

There are fewer birthdays, graduations, weddings etc. in the heat of the summer. We need one gift giving holiday to get us through until Christmas.

I am looking for names for this new special day. Please comment with a good name for this new international holiday. :)

P.S.
Whichever Presidential Candidate supports this plan, Obama or McCain, gets my vote.

Http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://mustlovehomedecor.com

David Cook American Idol

2008-05-22T02:38:43Z

Congratulations David Cook! You are one classy guy. I love the way you shared the stage with all the others. I love the way your family was there for you. I wish you tons of success and happiness.

Lost Billy Joel Tickets

2008-05-16T10:31:56Z

If you were 6 very expensive Billy Joel Tickets that have been misplaced one week before the show, where would you be? I have looked everywhere, prayed to St. Anthony and even recruited my teenager (why bother?) I have a feeling they are either somewhere very safe or in the garbage.
So if you were my tickets, where would you be?
Desperate,
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Mother's day

2008-04-30T10:25:17Z

The day is fast approaching. The day we honor our moms. I know it sometimes seems ridiculous to just pick one day to honor mom for all they do all year, but you know if you don't it spells trouble.
I have a few gift ideas from my etsy shop. They are all reasonably priced and can be delivered to you by Mother's Day.

Busy sewing and crafting

2008-04-19T14:20:30Z

I had this week off from work and I have been busy sewing and creating. The weather has been beautiful in Connecticut so I feel kind of guilty being inside all day but I am addicted to getting these items out for sale. I don't have the storage space and the money wouldn't hurt :)

I have mostly been working on adding pillows but I also have some men's extra large shirts including a redneck shirt for dad on father's day.

Pretty pillows

New Baby

2008-04-11T23:02:16Z

Are you having a baby? Someone you know having a baby? Know someone who needs a new blankie? Visit my etsy.com shop to find some really cute, soft blankets and burp cloths.
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Oprah's Big Give

2008-03-03T20:32:17Z

Do we really need another reality series which pits people against each other? Even though worthy people received lots of money, I found myself being embarrassed for them. The "players" became beggars for these people. Would it not be nicer to do this off air and just help these people some how? Does Oprah really need the income from this show to survive or is it an addition to an ego trip?
She and her fellow judges were on The Oprah Show and were gushing how inspiring this show was and it would help others realize how much we can all do to change lives. Well Oprah and fellow millionaires, believe it or not most of us do contribute to charities and volunteer in our communities. In fact, poor people are much more likely to give than are wealthy people. We do not need this type of exploitment to change the world.
I hope this show does not survive long.

craftlinda @ 2008-02-18T14:14:00

2008-02-18T19:15:29Z

My second proudest sewing project

I just finished a tapesty briefcase which I totally designed on my own and sewed with all the seams doubly reinforced and it really came out beautifully. It really reflects my style and was a pleasure to work on. I am finding it more and more important to design items I love, rather than what may sell on my online selling venues.

I call it my second proudest because my first was about 10 years ago when my son was in the third grade. I made him a total power ranger outfit from white flannel and gold and black lame. It was so difficult to work with but since it was a labor of love it came out great and lasted for years until he finally outgrew it.

I guess my point is do what you love and things will turn out for the best. It won't be such a struggle. I think we should try to live our lives this way.

Presidential Races

2008-01-17T01:36:06Z

How closely do you watch these races? Do you really know the messages the candidates want us to understand? Does it really matter who the President of the United States is? These are items I have been pondering lately.
The United States does not seem to be the all-powerful supreme nation it used to be. Other countries are much more prosperous and our light years ahead of the United States when it comes to technology and health care for the elderly. Does the United States still influence the ways others live?
I don't see the big rush for Levis and Nikes we once had from tourists. I am not sure if it is because we are becoming homogeneous or because it is not that important anymore to emulate Americans.
I think 9/11 contributed to much of this. The United States is now seen as vulnerable as other countries. We are no longer the teflon country. We are more likely to kill ourselves with guns on the streets than worrying about violence elsewhere. How did we get to this point? I blame part of it on egos of politicians and how the media contributes to this ego. It is more important how a politician looks and speaks than if they are qualified for the most important position in our land.
There are so many brilliant men and women in our country but they want nothing to do with politics. They don't want the past to be scrutinized. Who cares what one did in high school? Does it really contribute to what one can do for the country when he or she is middle-aged?
The media contributes by repeatedly showing what are considered faux pas like Hillary laughing a bit too hard or one of the men wearing the wrong type of tie. Unfortunately with the advent of the internet these issues are played over and over again on sites such as you tube.
I feel the only way we can gain respect for the position of the President of the United States is too take seriously qualification, including experience, character, and leadership. Let's leave the four hundred dollar haircuts to the celebrities. Let us encourage the best and brightest to run not the one with fewest gray hairs or nicest suit.

Landline phones vs. cell phones

2008-01-03T12:58:29Z

So evidently today's youth do not realize that using a landline phone is not the same as a cell phone. Case in point, my average landline phone bill runs around $45. Since my son starting dating a girl who lives in another state my phone bill has been over $200. He says, "Don't we have free nights and weekends?" Um no! That is on cell phones where we already pay over $100 per month for service.

Now who should be responsible for this bill? My almost 20 year old for just not thinking or knowing such things or me for not educating him. Mind you, these calls are all placed after midnight and were over 3 hours long. If I had known this was happening I would have put an end to it immediately. I guess for this one time I will have to cover it but he better have learned from his mistakes.

Each generation is growing up with such different technology it is hard to keep up and make sure both the youth and the "elders" are educated on how each works and the finances involved. I am now in the process of switching to a service that provides unlimited long distance calling. I hope this helps the pocketbook or as the younger generation would say the ATM card.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
craftsfromtheheart

TV show Brothers and sisters.

2007-12-03T14:48:34Z

How romantic was that wedding last night? When they were exchanging their vows, they just seemed so genuine the way they had tears in their eyes. And I love the way they left the wedding early. I just really enjoyed last night's episode and hope the quality continues throughout the season.

For your shopping needs
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Happy Birthday Britney Spears and me

2007-12-02T13:45:01Z

Being that I turn 45 today, I thought it would be a good day to evaluate my life thus far. My childhood years were anxiety ridden due to my older brothers serious illness which caused his death at 18 and another brother with the same genetic illness's death at the age of 12. I always had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was next.
I lived a very 'safe' life. I did not take chances. I did not experiment. I stayed home when I was not in school because I just knew something terrible would happen if I ventured out in the 'real' world.
Because of this, I find it hard to meet new people and try new things but I do try to push myself to do just that. Luckily my husband recognizes my fear and encourages me all the time to try something new and to get out of the house.
Well my biggest challenge last year was to really get my small craft business going. I did some research and found etsy. With each item is made the anxiety rose. Those awful what ifs set in. What if someone buys it and hates it? What if it falls apart? What if I become a laughing stock? The idea of failure was just overwhelming.
Well this year I have to report my sales are up dramatically and my feedback is just so wonderful. With increased confidence comes the will to be better and to succeed. My skills have improved tenfold since I started and I feel I can be part of this 'real world.' Of course I will probably get a negative feedback once in a while and I will have to deal with that and move on. No one is perfect and we will all make mistakes.
I like to think I started this business for the money but it really is an extension of me and what I can do and who I can be once the fear is kept at bay.
I have come a long way. Happy Birthday to me and my fellow sagittarians.
Britney Spears is also celebrating a birthday today. Hopefully by the time she has reached my age, things will have settled down for her too!
Linda

Global warming and my Christmas shopping.

2007-11-08T12:55:02Z

It is the first week of November and our trees are still full of leaves. Usually by this timeof year, the yard would be full of leaves and we would have had our first few flurries. It is strange. I am not sure I believe in global warming being dire. I think it is probably part of the cycle of life but I do think something is happening.

Now, I think I know what if feels like for those that live in warm climates to celebrate Christmas. I used to get holiday cards from cousins in Florida that showed them dressed in Santa outfits but their outfits had short shorts. I could not understand how anyone could celebrate Christmas with green grass and green trees in their backyards.

Christmas for us in New England means snow, at least frost. I cannot begin my Christmas shopping unless we get a good hard freeze. It just would not seem right. How can I decorate my house if my hands are not freezing cold hanging wreaths and lights? The weatherman predicted snow for us tomorrow but has now reneged. It just is not fair I tell you.

I plan on buying handmade items for family and friends on the site on which I have a shop, etsy.com. but I need that little push of seeing a few flakes before I start.

How do those of you that do not see snow in the winter do it? How do you get the Christmas spirit? I need some inspiration. Help me. Send me your stories. Do you decorate your palm trees, do you use that fake snow on your windows?

I can't wait to see your comments. Help me!!
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

New online selling sites for handmade items

2007-10-28T18:58:28Z

I am expanding out and my items can now be found at:

expanding out and can now be found at:

http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

http://www.en.dawanda.com/shop/craftsfromtheheart

http://homegrownmarket.com/craftsfromtheheart

http://craftsfromtheheart.myshopify.com

View my portfolio at trunkt.com

Thank you for your support.

Crafters and Artists Portfolios

2007-10-24T16:52:23Z

I am asking a favor but it can really help both of us.
If you are interested in selling your items to the wholesale or retail market and can take great pictures of your items, apply to be on trunkt.org. It is not a selling site. It is just a place where you keep your portfolio and send potential buyers. Wholesale buyers go there all the time looking for new items to buy.
If I refer 3 people, and they are accepted, I can upgrade my site there and those 3 people will have a free, juried site to show their items.
Thank you for looking.
Linda
www.trunkt.org

Please mention crafts from the heart when applying :)

craftlinda @ 2007-10-22T17:46:00

2007-10-22T21:47:38Z

trunkt.org

Please visit my portfolio on trunkt.org and rate my shop. You can also make a wishlist and win lots of money to spend on trunkt.org. It would be great if you added my items to your wishlist but it is certainly not required. Have fun and good luck.

http://trunkt.org

http://www.trunkt.org/craftsfromtheheart