March for Babies 2012

I'm doing it again everyone!  On Saturday April 28th, I will be joining friends in the 5k walk for the March of Dimes.  That means I'll be raising money once again for the cause.  As some of you may already know, this is a cause that is very close to me.  For one, I work in an OB/GYN office.  Helping women bring strong healthy babies into this world is our business.  We do everything we can to make sure both mom and baby have a safe pregnancy and that these babies get to "stay put" until they are full term.  However sometimes that doesn't always happen.  A couple years ago a very good friend had to have an emergency c-section at 28 weeks.  We were terrified when this little angel made her entrance into this world 12 weeks early and weighing in at just 1 lb 8oz.  Thankfully she was in good hands and thanks to a lot of prayer and the capable hands of those caring for her and a fighting spirit she grew stronger each day and eventually graduated from the NICU.  She is now a strong healthy toddler and truly a miracle.  So, as you can see being so close to a cause like this, I would like to help in any way I can.

This year, to help raise money, I will be donating ALL sales from my shop during the month of April to the March of Dimes.  For those of you who wish to buy from my shop during this time, I am including a thank you.  I will activate 2 coupon codes to use for the month of April.  For free shipping, use coupon code MARCHFORBABIES12.  Since not all my items have a shipping cost, I have included a coupon to use on those items.  For items that already have free shipping, use coupon code LOVEPREEMIES12 and get 20% off.  For those looking for the coupon with the best deal, the free shipping one is most definitely the way to go when ordering light switch and outlet covers.  As for the rest, the 20% off coupon may be better depending on the price of the item, so feel free to pick and choose if you are planning on purchasing something that has a shipping cost other than a light switch cover. You can use only one, so definitely choose the one that gets you the best deal.  :)  These coupons can also be used on custom orders as well.  This sale will begin April 1st and end April 28th which is the day of the walk.  If you would like to track my progress, donate, or see where the donations go once you purchase from my shop, check out my walk page on marchforbabies.org.  http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=3833979&ct=4&w=5312034&u=WyldAngelzDesigns

This is the page where I will send the money from the orders from my shop throughout April.  Only 28 days until the walk!  I could use a little help!  Every little bit counts!  Thanks everyone!  Here are some pictures from last year.  Hopefully I can get some more good ones this year.

I'm Baaaaack!

Sorry I didn't post sooner.  I've been back since Feb 6th, but these past couple weeks at my day job have been incredibly busy and all I want to do when I get home is crawl into bed.  Things appear to have picked up in the shop right where I left off.  I do have to say this vacation was exactly what I needed.  I am excited about the possibilities to come in 2012.  I hope to feature 1 shop per week on this blog once I get a set schedule in order so I can stick to it.  I have A.D.D. therefore I need structure.  lol  I will be doing the March of Dimes again this year, so starting in March or April, all proceeds form my shop will be donated to the March of Dimes again.  A few more friends of mine have opened shops on Etsy, so I hope to introduce them to all of you fairly soon.  So...here's what I've been up to while my shop was on vacation.

I had some free time to work on some larger scale projects like this acrylic painting of a squirrel.  The inspiration came from a photo a friend posted on facebook of a squirrel doing this in his back yard.

It isn't finished yet.  There are still some things I'd like to add and others I'd like to change, but here it is so far.

Also, this year was the first year that I entered the Postcard Salon at the local art museum.  This is an event where local artists can submit up to 5 pieces of art which can be anything as long as you can hang it and as long as it measures 4" X 6."  A couple friends and I entered together and it was an awesome experience.  We had a great time!  There were over 1,000 entries!  I've decided to list this year's postcards on Etsy.  However, next year I will not list the ones that have been on display at the museum.  I may make other 4" x 6" pieces of art, but if they are in the Postcard Salon from here on out, the only opportunity to buy them will be the night of the salon at the museum.  So I suppose this year is a rare opportunity.  I really enjoyed making them and the experience of entering with friends and being involved in such an event.  Here are the postcards that I entered that are not listed on Etsy.

I wanted to use all different styles and techniques and just have fun with it.  There is another exhibit coming up in the Spring and I hope to have some unique pieces by then.  I also hope my friends will be joining me in entering that exhibit as well.  Exciting things in the works for 2012!

How is everyone out there in internet land doing?

A New Year Means A Fresh Start!

I have to say 2011 was pretty amazing!  I couldn't be happier with the direction of where the shop went last year.  For a few weeks in April, all sales from my shop went to the March of Dimes and thanks to those sales as well as some generous friends online, a good sized contribution was made.  I am very thankful that in the past year, I was able to spend more time with some good friends that I hadn't spent as much time with in the past.  After doing a craft show with a friend in August, things really picked up the pace in my shop.  The craft show led to exposure and also led to listing new items in my shop.  That led to invites from teams on Etsy.  Being a part of those teams sparked many new friendships.  I met some wonderful and very creative people who have some fabulous shops.  What an incredible experience it was to make friends with these people, learn from them, and support each other.  I am thankful to be a part of such great teams on Etsy and to have met some of these creative people to share the Etsy experience with.

Things really did pick up in the second part of the year.  So much in fact, that toward the end of the year, I had a hard time keeping up.  Straddling multiple Etsy teams and promoting friends as well as my own shop, making new items, and keeping up with sales, while working full time can be incredibly time consuming.  Finding balance was difficult at times.  Toward the end of the year, I found myself and home facing some neglect, because I had no time to take care of those things.  That means some prioritizing is in order.  If I have no time to take care of things at home or for myself, then some rearranging needs to be done.  After all, if we don't take care of ourselves and our own needs (such as sleep), we can't be at the top of our game.  If I'm not running on all cylinders, then I can't take care of other things to the best of my ability.  I need a break.  I need to take some time off and do some rearranging.  After I tie up some loose ends with sales in the shop, I will be putting the shop in "vacation mode" in January.  I may stop in to make a treasury or two, and check in with the teams, but I need to put the promoting and the sales on hold for a while so I can focus on other things and rearrange some priorities.  I will be taking this time to get things in order at home and with my shop.  Also, I will be taking this time to have some long overdue "me time."  This time will be spent getting some relaxation and working on some larger projects that I want to work on.  Some new paintings perhaps.  Who knows, there may be some new items in my shop come February!

My shop appearance may also be getting a makeover this year.  I know last year when I was changing my banner and logo, my current ones were the most popular picks.  I like my banner and logo as well, but while I was meeting new people on Etsy and making friends, I befriended this wonderful designer named Andrea Fitts from Doggie Woggie Zine who came up with a lovely new design for a shop logo and banner for me.  I am already using it on my Twitter account and my facebook fan page.  I wanted to ease people into this transition, because I know people recognize me by my current logo.  I feel this new design is very classy, soft, and elegant.  I feel it pulls everything together.  I really like her work.  So if anyone is interested in a sneak preview of the new look for WyldAngelz Designs in 2012, here it is.  My soon-to-be logo.

Here is a sneak preview of my soon-to-be banner.

 I think she did a wonderful job.  If any of you other shops out there are looking for a designer and like what she did for me, check out her shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/AndreaLFittsDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more
She does great work!

I am looking forward to the adventures that 2012 has to bring.  Once I have had this time off and come back rejuvenated, I plan on making a comeback and working at the top of my game.  Making more friends on Etsy and being an active member in the teams, making awesome treasuries and using this blog more.  Hopefully I will be able to feature a new shop each week on here and maybe help new shops get off to a great start.  Happy 2012 everyone!

Introducing Heather from Bella's Pink Bows!

Heather is a brand new seller on Etsy with a lovely new shop.  She specializes in beautiful and stylish baby fashion.  Her baby girl bows and headbands are absolutely adorable.  Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Heather so we could all get to know her more.  Here she is everyone!  Drum roll please....Here's Heather from Bella's Pink Bows!

What is the name of your Etsy shop and link? BellasPinkBows
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellasPinkBows?ref=pr_shop_more

How long have you been crafting and creating?  Since I was little. I have always loved to create pretty things..at least pretty in my eyes  :)

Who or what had the greatest influence on you as you developed your creative ability? Not sure if it was anyone in particular. Just have always loved creating.

How would you characterize your work? I guess it's useable. It's not anything that is wild or crazy..more useful and hopefully will be something you like to look at .

Describe your workshop/studio for us:  right now it is just getting started, but it's just some simple bows for your baby girl.



What’s the hardest part of being a crafter? Thinking up new ideas, that have not already been done.

What’s next in your designing career? Making more bows...if others will wear them :)

How many hours a day do you create? Only a couple hours a week right now...the new baby and rest of the family own the remaining hours :)

How does creating these beautiful baby bows make you feel? Good. I love to see my baby girl in them...now I just want to share them.

What are your goals for your shop? To grow so I can keep being creative, while making a product others like as well.

What has your experience as a new shop been like on Etsy? Good, so far. Slow, but I just started...hoping it will pick up. It's hard to get seen with so many that are already established on Etsy.

What has been your most exciting moment here on Etsy so far? Putting up my first picture.... the next will be when I actually sell a bow :)

How have you handled the business side of designing baby fashion? Right now, just trying not to produce too many, until I know what people like and want for their baby.

Where else on the internet can we find your work besides etsy? Ebay and etsy.

Meet Emilie from HomesteadPatch!

Each day Etsy is growing bigger, because more and more people are making the decision to use their gifts and talents to make money during this tough economy.  I think it is important to keep an eye out for these new up and coming Etsy shops and expose this fresh talent.  I have had the pleasure of interviewing once such shop owner.  Emilie from HomesteadPatch, recently opened her shop on Etsy and she's off to a great start.  Her shop consists of organic gourmet dog treats (that my dog personally loves), handmade scarves, and headbands.  So, I decided to pick the brain of this newbie and share what she had to say.

What is the name of your Etsy shop and link?

The name of my Etsy shop is Homesteadpatch
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Homesteadpatch?ref=pr_shop_more


 How long have you been crafting, creating, and making yummy treats?

I have been crafting for probably 10 years. I love to cook and bake delicious treats. I have been cooking for probably 12 years.


 Who or what had the greatest influence on you as you developed as an artist?

My greatest influence came from my Grandparents and my Great Aunt. My Great Aunt taught me to knit. While my Grandparents entertained my culinary delight of mud pie topped with marbles.


How would you characterize your work?

I would characterize the edibles in my shop as natural. There are so many fillers and weird ingredients in not only our food, but our pet food as well. I think that if we are not willing to eat it, then should we really give it to our four legged friends?

The apparel side of my shop could be characterized as upcycled and recycled. Its amazing what can be recycled! I love picking up items and saying “ This item has served its original purpose, now what else can I do with it?”

Describe your workshop/studio for us:

The crafts usually take place on the whole dining room table, I’m not exactly sure how but I am able to fill the entire space.

The treats take place in your average kitchen. I don’t have a lot of space, but you don’t need a huge kitchen and professional equipment to make something delicious.



What’s the hardest part of being a crafter and food artist?

The hardest part of being a crafter and a food artist is keeping track of time. Once I get started on a project I can loose a whole day if I am not careful.


What’s next in your career?
The next step in my career is to diversify the product I offer such as offering garden items.


 How many hours a day do you create?

My creative process isn’t really a daily thing, more of all or nothing. Once I get going I don’t want to stop until I am completely finished.

 How does creating art make you feel?

When I create art I finally understand what people mean when they say “If you love your job then it isn’t really a job.” I can get lost for hours in one small project, but it is always worth it.

 What statement do you hope to make with your creations?

I hope my creations show people how things used to be 50 years ago. More things were handmade. Food was wholesome, not chemically tainted.


 What are your artistic goals?

My artistic goals are to continue learning. There is so much I want to know how to do. A couple things on my to-do list are make a quilt and knit socks.

 What has your experience as a new seller been like on Etsy?

As a new seller my experience has been amazing. The community on Etsy is wonderful.

 What has been your most exciting moment so far here on Etsy?

The most exciting moment on Etsy was when I saw my first sale. It’s different from selling college books or cell phones online. This was something I created by hand, and someone else liked it.

 How have you handled the business side of your creative hobby?

The business side takes a bit more work than the actual hobby because I have to be serious. There is a bit of research that has to be done such as price searching, shipping prices and options. Timely shipping is also important. You can have a fantastic item but if the buyer has to wait a month to receive it, they are not going to be happy.

 
Where else on the internet can we find your work besides Etsy?

Besides Etsy I can be found on Hubpages
http://homesteadpatch.hubpages.com/

 It truly was a pleasure to talk with this fresh, new talented artist, who has found her way to Etsy.  Please stop by her shop and check out her work.  For those of you who are in the Etsy community, lets embrace this new artist and welcome her to our family!  Thanks Emilie for this lovely interview.  We all wish you many happy sales!

Holiday Sales

It is that time of year once again.  That time when we are all looking for bargains.  So, here is what's going on in my shop.  Tomorrow November 15th, my deer light switch covers will be on sale for 2.99.  You can also get outlet covers in the deer pattern as well for 2.99 you would like.  Just send me a convo and I'll make it happen.  :)  Here is what this year's deer pattern looks like.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83826689/woodland-deer-light-switch-cover

Also, during the "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" rush of Thanksgiving weekend, all items in my shop will be 40% off with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.

I will also be offering free gift wrapping for the holidays.  So, if you would like your item gift wrapped, please send me a convo and I will make it pretty for you.  Also, if you would like me to send the gift wrapped item to a different address, send me the information and I will send it to that address.  I found these adorable little gift/goodie bags that happen to fit my light switch covers perfectly! 

I currently ship to the U.S. and Canada, however if you live outside these areas and convo me with your location, I can calculate shipping for you.  I ship in the most economical way possible to keep the cost down for the buyer.  That means it may take a little longer at times.  Particularly for international sales.  If you would like your item to arrive in time for Christmas, please place orders by December 16th for U.S. and December 8th for Canada.  If anyone has any custom requests, please feel free to convo me on Etsy.  I love a challenge.  Here's to another holiday season!  Let's have fun with it!

STATTEAM Treasury Challenge!

Check out my interview on the STATTEAM blog!  Woohoo!
http://statteamartistsonetsy.blogspot.com/2011/10/meet-our-winner-wyldangelz.html