Friday, April 27, 2012

Featured Craft artist of the Week: Astrid R.


 I would like to welcome Astrid R.

  from AnAstridEndeavor. She is the first Featured Craft artist of the Week! If you love and hand embroidered jewelry and hand made cards, then you need to stop by AnAstridEndeavor. Astrid has graciously provided all of us a Discount Coupon for 10% OFF her entire shop, so keep reading and find out how you can get the discount.




1.What would you like us to know about you?
I'm so happy to be on this blog, and so thankful for the opportunity. It's amazing to have such a wonderful, supportive community of crafters and creators. That's been one of the greatest gifts Etsy has given me. I just love it!
As for me, I'm a full time mom, wife and employee at a hospital where I work with children providing them with pyscho-social-develepmental support for their illness or disease. I am also working towards my licensure for my Marriage and Family Therapy license. So, I am a busy bee, but that's okay- that's how I like it. I am passionate about life, people, creativity and all the beautiful and interesting things this world has to offer.
Coming from a family of creators, I've been making things for as long as I can remember. I get this from my mom, grandma and aunties- all of whom are crafters and artists themselves.

2.When did you discover Etsy?
I really discovered Etsy a few years back when I started my family and my steady job and found less time to go shopping like before. Etsy was a great way to discover items online that I searched for and found that were particular to my style.

3.What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
I've been participating in craft fairs and sales for many years, but since having a family it's been really hard to set aside time to make up a large inventory. Etsy is perfect for me, in that I can create items here and there when I have the time, which is usually at night when my little one is sleeping!


4.What do you sell?
Right now I am really into bright colors and shapes. I love making interesting jewelry- my inner anthropologist comes out as I have always been attracted to the history of jewelry and ornamentation across the globe and throughout the years.
I also sell hand embroidered ornaments and cards that celebrate adoption and the birth continent of my little one- Africa, specifically Ethiopia.

5.How did you come up with your shop name?
An Astrid Endeavor seemed like the perfect name since I'm always embarking on a different project or art medium. Jewelry is always the constant, but I didn't want my name to somehow "trap" me into just one art form. I've worked with clay, glass, weaving, paper, paint, fabric, wood- you name it! My Grandmother recently passed away and left a spinning wheel for me, so I do believe spinning is in my near future! I really do love to embark on all creative endeavors and see where it takes me!

6.How would you describe your shop?
My shop is an eclectic mix of unique hand made jewelry and ornamentation and items that celebrate adoption, Africa, and Ethiopia.

7.What inspires / motivates you?
People and the natural world- jeez- everything! I just got hooked on Pinterest and it's been so addicting- the images are like candy for my eyes! I have also been so inspired by so much beauty being created on Etsy, in my community, and across the world that I've been able to experience in person and right on the web!

8.How has Etsy changed your life? 
I think this goes along with what motivates me- Etsy is such a wonderful outlet for my creative expression. I feel better when I am creating. I am also eternally grateful for the feeling of community and camaraderie that exists here. I mean, to be able to go online any time- day or night, and chat with team mates and other creative people around the world, knowing they are doing the same thing as me- sitting in their little craft space and doing what they love- it's amazing.

9.Where else can we find you? Do you have a website or blog outside of Etsy?

www.facebook.com/AnAstridEndeavor
pinterest.com/AstridEndeavor/


10.Is there anything else you would like to share?



I would just like to express my gratitude for your interest and thank you so much for taking a look at my shop!!



11. When you get a new idea, how long does it take you to execute and list it?


A new idea might come immediately or take a few weeks to really form. Once I have the idea- creating it can take anywhere between 2- 5 hours (sometimes more!). Listing the item has been getting faster as I am really trying to hone my photographing skills, and I can now use the body of previous listing text so I don't have to completely start from scratch.


12. How much time do you spend on your shop take each week?
At least two hours every day. On my days off, a bit more. 

Tips you might give other thinking of opening an online shop: 


13. How do you promote your shop?
My Facebook page is a great way to start. Getting involved with blogs, such as this one. Pinterest and Wanelo, and spending a lot of time getting to know the people within my "circles" on Etsy, and being an active participant in lots of my Etsy teams.


14. How important is social media for your shop?
So far, I think it's been helpful. I am right at the beginning stage of learning about social media. I am a consumer myself, so I try to think of what I would like too.

Also please let me know if you have any coupon code, and or sales going on in your shop that you would like to share.

Please enjoy a 10% discount off at my store using the code:  BLOGLOVE10 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnAstridEndeavor



Thank you for sharing  your story with us.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mother's Day Gift Ideas


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Mother's love flowers! 


I know I do, but most of the time they don't last very long. 


Thinking of my trip to Hawaii gave me the idea of making some hair accessories. 


So, I decided to make some flowers that Moms can wear all year long. 

Pink-flower-clip-with-glass-beads









Bloody-red-wine-flower-clip-with-glass

Monday, April 23, 2012

Craft artist of the Week: Preview

Featured Craft artist of the Week:


Starting the last week of April I will be featuring guest artist on my blog. Every week I will interview a wonderful crafter who owns an online shop and sells their beautiful items for others to enjoy. 


We will learn about what inspires them, what motivates them and if they  have any tips for those who wish to start their own business. 


Some of my featured guests will offer coupons and discounts to their items, others may offer free give-aways!  


So stop by and check out the Featured Craft artist of the Week. 



Saturday, April 14, 2012

Graduation Banner 2'x4' Indoor/Outdoor: Custom Design w/Name or Store Logo

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95463666/graduation-banner-2x4-indooroutdoor


Hang your Personalized Banner between the columns, on the tailgate, the mantle, party buffet table or over the front door!
This Banner is 2 ft. x 4 ft. and made of high-quality, 13 oz. vinyl. It is durable and ideal for every occasion. Your banner will delight guests for that one-time special event...or for years and years to come. Each banner is custom-designed by me and is professionally welded and grommetted.
***********************************************
How to Order: Visit my shop at 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/M2MPartyDesign

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Purple flower clip with Sliver Glass Beads and Gold Iris Sequins Center

This gorgeous flower clip is about 3 inches in diameter. This purple flower is embellished with hand-sewn Gold Iris sequins and clear glass beads. I use only the best glass beads and highest quality sequins.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/96572067/purple-flower-clip-with-sliver-glass


This flower is Perfect for your baby's photo shoot, wedding or any special occasion.

All of my items are made with care. If you have questions, please feel free to email me.

♥¤´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´Thanks for stopping by my shop, we are adding new items often so feel free to stop by anytime!
BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/MIsManos-onEtsy/165047543545114      

Easter Tags Easter Gift Favor Printable DIY Personalized Tags Set of 9 Print at Home

These pretty Tags are perfect for your Easter Get-together. You get 9 personalized tags with the Name of the Child and a message such as "Happy Easter" 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96639947/easter-tags-easter-gift-favor-printable  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96639947/easter-tags-easter-gift-favor-printable

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96639947/easter-tags-easter-gift-favor-printable



If you would like the Name space empty, then you can print as many as you need and just write in the name of each child. 

You will still get your message on the tag.


Need more or or a different style? 
Email me for a custom listing!

If you would like some stickers or address labels, I can put a custom order for you.
Simply send me the info. with your request.