Monday Meets: I'm not feeling social today

I have to be honest. I am a little burnt out on my features. It isn't because I don't enjoy them. I love to write, I love to meet new people, and I love to see what awesome stuff is on Etsy. 


But sometimes, a girl just needs a break! So this is me, taking a break. 


Besides, I have a weekend to share with you! 


Remember the cupcakes I told you about? The ones I planned on making for my neighbor's 4-year-old daughter? 

Cute and simple right? Shouldn't be too hard to make.... right? WRONG! 


These "simple and cute" cupcakes were a huge pain in the butt! And of course, I wanted my cupcakes to look as adorable as possible. 


I started this production on Wednesday night making 2 types of fondant. THANK GOD I did. One fondant I made was out of marshmallows. (Talk about a sticky mess!) The other fondant was out of all that really bad stuff... Crisco shortening and corn syrup. 


After making each. I figured the corn syrup mixture would be the easiest to work with. After all, it was much easier to mix together and it was pink. Clearly my favorite choice. 


On Thursday I did the ultimate test. I let Mia (the birthday girl) choose which fondant taste best. She liked them both. Of course she did. What was I thinking? She was turning 4 after all. 


After searching the Internet, I finally found a cookie cutter shaped princess crown from Tin Works on Etsy. Larry from Tin Works was so great! I was worried I wouldn't get it in time. I asked if I could pay extra for expedited shipping. He assured me that my cookie cutter would get to me without delay. AND he was so right! 2 days later I received a package in the mail from South Carolina. Larry, your fantastic! And so was your cookie cutter! 

See how cute the crown is standing up on the cupcake? Ya, that was look I was going for. 

Let me tell you, this isn't easy. Perhaps if your a cake extraordinaire, but this was my first attempt at cupcake decorating. I think my expectations were a little higher than they should have  been. 


I stayed up until midnight on Friday making my cupcakes and praying I could get the fondant to stand, I only slept 5 short hours worrying about the outcome. Finally on Saturday I woke up with a new idea in mind, my cupcake design was going to have to change. 


Pink fondant using corn syrup wasn't going to make the cake. Pun intended. I ended up using the marshmallow fondant. 


I still think they came out pretty cute. 

The theme of the party was princesses and pirates. In case you were wondering! 

The cupcake toppers I used are from Below Blink. They did not disappoint! Super cute! 

And I was so grateful I bought these, because I was not enjoying rolling out and cutting out fondant for hours! 

Moral of the story: I won't be quitting my day job to start a cupcake decorating business. But I did enjoy it, and both kids and adults loved these. So, ultimately I was pretty proud of myself. 

Fabulous Friday with Toy Box Flame of Silver

Here is an embarrassing secret for you. 


I had stuffed animals far into my teen years. No, no.... it really was embarrassing.  


Oh, and I use to suck my thumb until I was at least 7. Wait, no I didn't want to tell you that. 


I had stuffed animals in bed with me every night, until I met Ron who was a little disturbed by my horse ginger and Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch) taking up half the bed. 

I love stuffed animals. Cuddly, cute, and always ready to show you some love. Being 25 years old now, I don't get away with having them as much as I would like. I do still have a stuffed horse or two around my room, but they are no longer invited on the bed. (The nerve! Sorry guys!) 

When I met Korinne Wiese and her adorable stuffed creations, I secretly wished that stuffed animals were invited on my bed. 

Coupon Code FEATURE for 20% off. US shipping on toys is included. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I live in Augusta, Wisconsin and I am a stay at home mom that knits and crochets to bribe myself to keep the houseclean. Clean for 10 minutes during the commercials (Thank you DVR!) and I can work on projects while my show is on!

When did you first discover Etsy? 

I discover Etsy in 2008 when I was looking for an amigurumi tea set pattern. I wanted to make it for my daughter’s 2nd birthday.
Our family of 5 was living in my parents’ basement due to this wonderful economy and my husband’s company wasn’t paying well and there were literally no jobs in the community we were living in. Okay there was 3: a nursing job (I don’t have the requirements), a pyramid scam, and the topless bar. I wasn’t interested in any of them.
I had 2 totes full of yarn, a box of patterns, every size and type of knitting and crochet needle available to man (Thank you yard sales and Michael’s moving sale!), and our laptop. I figured I had all I needed to attempt to bring in extra cash to get us our own place.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I chase after our rather mischievous 2 year old girl and play with our older kids, 7 and 5. I love to be outside and walk and swim. I love baking, games, and reading.

 Is Etsy your full time or part time business?

Etsy is more part time than full time. I do my internet stuff while the kids watch their shows and create while I watch mine. I would love to be full time as I would really love to keep busy when all 3 kids are in school, but ABSOLUTELY DETEST the idea of a part time job outside the house.

 What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world?

I have my Etsy shop and a lot of social media which are my main outlets. If I can get my inventory up, I would really love to do a couple of craft shows this fall and Christmas.


Facebook: www.facebook.com/CottageIndustries
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/flameofsilver
Blog: toyboxflameofsilver.blogspot.com/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/flamesilver/ 

What steps do you take in your creative process? 

It is rather simple for me. I see a pattern and think “I want to make that!” or “That is the coolest yarn! What can I use that for?” Then I gather the supplies I want to do and sit in my corner of the couch and start right in!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

My favorite item is my Jemima Puddleduck. The basic pattern was fun and simple and then dressing her up was wonderful! I just love the softness of the yellow yarn on her body!

What is your favorite part of being a part of the Etsy 
community?

I love how helpful the teams are and the only time you find negative comments are in threads that usually have a complaint in the title so you can easily steer away from them!

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today? 

At first I didn't have support, no discouragement, just no cheerleaders in the background. Then I made my first sale and my husband was very excited for me and would run through a check list with me on things that could possibly bring my customer back. After a few more sales, my mother in law is bringing me yarn that her mother never got around to using. She has also sent over a beautiful doll with a crochet dress that Grandma used to make and sell in hopes that I can copy it.

Who is your most influential Etsian? 

The most influential Etsian for me is Michelle and Dave from EviesToolEmporium and the thread they are faithful about participating in Drive You Etsy Business. They are always encouraging and usually have the right questions to get my thinking.

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

I have been crocheting since I was 10 and taught myself how to knit about 4 years ago, but I didn't realize I was any good until I made an elephant for my nephew and my macho man brother :P told me that he didn't realize I was talented. I was just enjoying what I was doing and needed something to do with my hands while I was watching TV or movies.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?



Where would you like to be in ten years?

I am just starting out and would love to do this full time when the kids are all in school. I did it because I had to, but I never really liked working in a "real" job and having to wake up early or deciding if I really was "that sick" to call in and use a vacation day and all that nonsense. My Etsy shop I love to work on and I don’t mind spending time on, though I occasionally burn out on all the computer “chores”. I want our family to have our own house with enough room to have my own office/craft closet. Yes, I said closet. I like to create my projects in the same room as my family, but supplies need a better home than under foot.

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why? 
Always use all 5 picture slots. It was 1 of my first mistakes and I see it time and again when newbies ask for a shop critique.

Favorite Recipe? 


My favorite recipe is Grandma’s Chicken Casserole

Welcome Wednesday: Hair Brained Boutique

I did it again. I woke up late this morning and rushed out the front door to head to the gym, only to find out I got stood up by my workout partner!

Typical

On mornings like these I have to rush from my shortened workout (I'm not complaining about that!) to the shower, to work. Usually, my hair is the last thing on my mind as I sprint from shower to closet to car. I'm lucky if I get to my mascara before my carpool arrives. 

I don't mind my thrown together look. Most days, customers don't actually see me but hear from me. The only plus of having a desk job with a phone tied to my ear is that I never have to look into a the eyes of a well put together client after a self inflicted rushed morning. 

It sure would be nice, instead of avoiding the bathroom mirror on days like today to have something that gives me a little pizzazz. Simple, quick and cute. I am still a girl after all, I do like compliments! 

And that is when I found Erin from Hair Brained Boutiques. You're on my page now aren't you? Perfect! I did have a point! ;) 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I'm a stay at home mom with a wonderful, almost three year old daughter. I've always been crafty and really enjoy doing it. I live in Maryland with my daughter, husband and our two dogs. I'm the baby of seven kids and my daughter is the 20th grandchild!

When did you first discover Etsy? 

I discovered Etsy a few years ago on the recommendation of a friend. I never bought anything but loved growing the unique items. I thought to myself - these people are so professional, I could never do that. Then I bought my daughter a headband at a craft fair and figured out that I could make them. I started working with fabric and beads and I made a few things for her. I got tons of compliments so I decided to try my hand at an Etsy shop. The community here has been my driving force to make my shop what it is.

Apart from creating, what do you do? 

Apart from crafting I like to exercise, read, and play with my daughter. I love a good margarita on a warm summer night and the company of my family and friends.

Is Etsy part time or full time? 

Etsy is a part-time thing for me, but I would love to make it full time. Right now I'm still learning, but one day I hope to be able to make a significant contribution to my family income with my Etsy shop. Maybe even one day open a retail shop.

Where else can we find you? 

Right now I share my wares on Etsy, Facebook, Twitter and lots of local craft shows. I also have some items in a local upscale boutique called The Lipstick Lounge.

What or who inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me - nature, other crafters, my daughter, and people. I'll see someone wearing a great coat and think - that color would look great in her hair!

Favorite part of the Etsy community? 

My favorite part of the Etsy community are the teams. People are so willing to help each other out. I love reading tips and getting advice. It really makes you feel like you're a part of something.

Who is the most influential person in your life? 

The most influential person to me has been my mother. Long ago my mother told me "Find something you love to do and do it!" I have found that in making and selling my accessories. At my first craft fair last week I thought to myself - this is it - this is what I was meant to do. I loved it! My mother passed away about three years ago in a sudden and tragic accident. I dedicate my shop and all my creative works to her.

What is your favorite item in your shop? 

The creations I have in my shop are handcrafted fabric flowers made into headbands, clips, bobby pins, and even pins. They are pretty, feminine and bright. They are for both women and girls and are meant to add a fun and flirty touch to any outfit.

Favorite recipe? 

 My favorite recipe is Chicken and Peppers. 

And in case you were wonder (don't lie, I know you are!) Here are my favorite items from 

Hair Brained Boutique 

Isn't she a cutie? I don't know that I could pull this off as good as she can. But I sure would try! 

Erin is doing a giveaway! Make sure you check it out! 

Tuesday Treasury: Summer Heat with Holie B

Summer is fast approaching, (yesterday was 80 degrees in Downey CA) and our air conditioning doesn't work. 


So typical. 


What I hate most about being a working gal is summer. It should really be against the law to work on nice warm days. Personally, I think we should work on days that are gloomy or rainy even if that means working on a weekend. Let me out into the sun and enjoy the rays! 


Today I'll day dream about laying on the beach, soaking up the sun. It's usually my luck that the nice weather doesn't last until the weekend, but let's hope it does! 


With my daydreaming plans in mind, I'd like to share with you Tuesday's Treasury.  My treasury this week is inspired by Holie B a swimsuit designer from Mexico. I first discovered Holie B while day dreaming about the golden tan I could have if a paycheck didn't motivate me to stay in doors. Her style is fantastic and her story is inspiring. 


Meet Holie B! 

Where are you from, what do you do, what makes you unique?

I’m a Mexican fashion designer. born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. I love to surf and skate on my long board. I design cool swimwear for women. One and a half years ago, I moved to Shanghai to do a masters in Fashion Business and decided to stay here to open and analyze a new market. I define myself as a very positive happy and active person. I love to learn new stuff and meet new people. Of course one of my other passions is to travel and get inspired by different cultures, flora and fauna.

When did you first discover etsy? 

The first time I heard from esty was because a friend told me some other designers have been selling through this site and they where selling all around the world. That same day, I came home and looked for the page. I loved it. So I decided to tray it and started uploading the pictures and in the first week, I sold a bikini in Paris.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I love to surf, but in Shanghai is a bit hard to do that often. So, I ride my long board and dance. I also like to walk around the city, visit new places and meet with cool people.

 Is Etsy your full time or part time business? 

Etsy is a platform for my sales, but Holie B is my full time job. We are a team of almost 5 people already and we want to make the brand grow and start producing more to be able to sell to boutiques and bigger stores.

What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world? 

We are starting a shop in ASOS on may 11^th. We also have our own website.

Facebook: facebook.com/HolieB

Facebook.com/HolieBswimwear

Twitter: @HolieB

Web: holieb.com

What steps do you take in your creative process?

I pick a topic based on tinks I´ve been amazed of, do a deeper research on it and start to draw my designs then, I create the patterns. Source fabric, make the sample and fit it. Then, put it on etsy and sell it.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? 

It´s a very simple and elegant and has a very nice fit.

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

Everywhere! From everyday life. Is just a matter to keep your eyes open to the nice things that life puts in front of you.

What is your favorite part of being a part of the Etsy community?

I like the kind of costumers Etsy targets. I really like that the etsy community supports independent designers and are always looking for original and unconventional stuff. 

Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today?

All the people that surrounds me. Starting from my family, parents and siblings. My husband and friends, everybody puts a stone for the wall I´m bulding that is myself and my brand.

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

Since I was a little child I always went with my mom to buy fabric for her and always chose something for me. Since then I started designing  my own clothes. She knows how to sew and she made a lot of clothes for myself. Then Iearned to saw too and decided to study fashion.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?

I think that whatever I do, I never get out of it. I just change the way. But even when I´m surfing or long boarding, I´m designing in my head all the time.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

Everywhere! I would love to sell in the most hidden corners of the world! 

If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why?

The tip that I always give is to be yourself. People and specially people on Etsy is looking for authentic stuff. Don’t feel any pressure from other brands. Trust in you and your taste. Be in constant communication with your costumers and offer a good service and quality.

Favorite recipe.

My favorite recipe is chilaquiles.

Special Offer! 

Holie B will give a special present (which includes a special bag to store the swimsuit and cool stickers) to the first 5 people that buy an item on Holie B etsy page. You just need to put in the comments that you found Holie B on Window by the Sea!

And don't forget to check out Tuesday's Treasury featuring Holie B! 

Excuse me, do you live here?!?

I am going against the grain again this Monday, (last week I was a flake, this week I'm being selfish) and talk about myself and the weekend I have had. Sorry Monday Meets, but you'll have to wait until you hear THIS! 


It's old news that I don't particularly love Southern California. True, I love living by the beach and I love being with my family (can't complain about that!) BUT I have never been a huge fan of the traffic, the rushed life style, or the people.... (sorry!) 


Of course, lots of people in Southern California are nice! I would know, I do have friends! (I think?) But Southern Californians are no where near as friendly as our Northern neighbors. Why? Probably because deep down, no one enjoys sharing their small space with one another. I know I don't. 


My point is, (if I ever had a point) that people can be downright mean. I am serious, how hard is to to flash a smile at the people passing by? Be friendly people! 


Yesterday, Ron and I had a little photo shoot for the window frame chalk boards that I am selling in Hapa Collective (my first retail location, so exciting!). We have been playing around with photos, I haven't been in love with any of our product photography. 


We went from this: 

To this: 

To this: 

Of the three, I like the first and last the most. The chalk board hanging by a rope from the tree, is my favorite because I just love that tree. As far as product photography goes, the third photo (with the hands) highlights our chalkboards the most. But do you know how hard it is to lift a 30 lbs object over your head as someone slowly takes photos of it?!?! 


a little to the left... no, more to the right. COME ON ALREADY!! 


Needless to say, Ron and I wanted to come up with something that was easy to photograph and highlighted the product I am selling. 


2 blocks from our little condo is another condo complex. The city of Huntington Beach built a new fence a few months ago separating the condo complex from the side walk. I would assume that this is city property and not the condo complexes' property, but I could be wrong. (I have never been much for following rules)


Anyways, Ron and I are minding our own business, taking photos using the fence as our back drop when a lady in a pick up truck pulls up next to us. 


"Excuse me, do you live here?" That is a simple enough question, I can answer that honestly, right? 


"No, I don't. We just live down the street." Nice enough answer. At this point, I am thinking this lady is going to ask me what I am up to. Maybe she likes my chalkboards? I mean, it isn't every day you see people with a half dozen chalk boards filling the side walk. 


"You can't park here." gee, thanks lady.... 


"Oh, we will only be here a few moments" I say in my sweetest most innocent voice possible. 


"If you don't live here, I'll call and get you towed. I don't think you should even be leaning those things up against our fence." Really lady, really?!?! Like I am harming someone?


"Okay, I'm sorry, I'll move" I say, even sweeter but slightly shocked this time. 


"Right now, I'll wait for you" she glares at me. 


You have got to be kidding me! What a B*tch! I mean really, we were there for a total of 5 minutes!?!? I couldn't even believe what had just happened! 


For fear that she was serious, and she was going to call the police, I did what any coward would do, I did what I was told and left. Why? Because my bark is meaner than my bite. Sometimes I really do hate this place! 


Good news is, we got a lot of great photos in before nasty B*tch made us leave. 


Bad news, I just added another point on my cons list of living down here. 


I hope that lady feels really good about herself. She can take her crappy old parking spot and city owned fence! I hope I never see her again! 


On that note, Happy Monday everyone! :) 

Fabulous Friday with Timeless Avenue

Have you ever heard the term "steam punk"? Well, I have to admit that I have not. When I googled it, I was embarrassed to see how out of it I can be. I liked history in high school and college, I read.... how did I miss this? 


For those of you who are just as lost as me (it's okay, you don't have to admit it) I found an entire website devoted to the culture, sounds, and literary aspects of this 19th century coined phrase. 


"It's sort of Victorian- industrial, but with more whimsy and fewer orphans." 

- Caitlin Kittredge 

So here we are, all amazed together that I can be so unaware some times. (keep your joking to a minimum) Geraldine, my new etsy friend is the one who introduced me to this piece of knowledge. And I am glad she did as I just love her work! 

Meet Geraldine from Timeless Avenue! (Who happens to be my first etsy friend from Ireland!) 

Don't forget to check out Geraldine's giveaway on our giveaway page! Winner will be announced Friday 5/11/12. Good luck! 

What makes you unique?

I am from Dublin in little old Ireland. I make steampunk and vintage inspired jewelry. Its difficult to say what makes me unique, because there are a lot of steampunk shops out there. But I make jewelry with myself in mind, so it really feels like a piece of me is in every creation I make. I wont make anything that I wouldn't wear myself, so the unique thing about my shop is that it really is my style. My heart and soul goes into my jewelry, so I'm always excited, albeit a little bit sad, when my pieces sell. Its really exciting to know that my jewelry is being worn by people on the other side of the Atlantic!

When did you first discover etsy? 

I first used Etsy to buy a Flax bow for my husbands birthday in January this year. It is proudly hanging in the doorway to our kitchen. I began this journey on Etsy with the idea of making Alice in Wonderland inspired jewelry... but I couldn't stop making new and different creations once I started! And here I am, hoping to reach 100 items in my store in the next two weeks! I never thought my jewelry would be so popular and loved. But I'm thrilled, knowing there are so many people out there wearing my work, it makes me so proud and happy! I only launched my shop in March this year, so I'm an Etsy baby really, but I'm so glad I decided to open my shop and sell to the world!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

My day job is as a medical librarian in a busy Dublin maternity hospital. I absolutely love my job and am very thankful that I do something that I am really interested in. Along with the usual aspects of librarianship like research, enquiries and supporting staff and students, I am also the graphic designer for two newsletters in the hospital, and that's where my creative side really gets to shine!

 Is Etsy your full time or part time business?

Its neither full time nor part time. My shop is really a hobby and I really need to keep reminding myself that! It has completely taken over my life, but I'm thoroughly enjoying every step. Even the marketing! I love my facebook fans, and hope they find my fan page interesting, and sometimes funny : ) I work regular hours and then come home to my "studio" which is a small green table from Ikea that is now destroyed with lumps and chunks taken out of it from my unorthodox methods of creating. I'm self taught so maybe someone can give me lessons on how not to destroy my surroundings lol! 

What other avenues, if any do you share your work with the world?

A few of my pieces are stocked in a local shop in Dublin called the Jam Art Factory, and I've recently started selling on an Irish website called adverts.ie but I must admit Etsy is the best way to sell my work and through my facebook page. I love the personal interaction with my customers. I also support the Friends of the Rotunda Hospital with their pop up shop fundraiser's.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why? 

I have so many favourite pieces! And I change my mind week after week after week. But I love working with the vintage pictures and using them in the steampunk bracelets. The hidden ballerinas are definitely very popular and I just love working with them. Anything with an historic flare, that makes you think "where did this come from" or "what was she thinking when the photo was taken" is amazing. If I'm wearing or making a piece of jewelry that gets me thinking and talking then I'm excited. 


Who or what has been most influential in being where you are today?

My husband is such a massive support, and he has a great eye for what does and doesn't work, so I cant take all the credit! No matter what I'm doing, whether its creative writing, or making jewelry he's there supporting me and encouraging me to keep going. So definitely he influences me the most... although he may not actually know it! I must tell him!

Who is your most influential Etsyian?

My shop is only open since March this year so I'm only getting to know my fellow EtsiansEtsy definitely has a smaller and more community like feel to it than you would imagine. 

When did you know you were an artist/maker?

I've always been creative and it has manifested itself in so many ways over the years, through my creative writing, my graphic design, and now my jewelry. I've always known I was creative and there is a certain buzz I get when I make something I'm especially proud of.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?

So far I haven't found myself in a creative rut with my jewelry! But I'm only doing this a short time, so its bound to happen sooner or later! Although I'm no stranger to mental block when you're trying to create something that you just want to be incredible. I've had writers block so many times, that eventually it just hurts! The easiest and simplest way to get out of this I find, is to do something a little bit out of your comfort zone. If I'm stuck writing a short story or a piece of prose, I like to go off on a tangent and forget about what I was trying to write. I then find that any writers block washes away. With my jewelry and especially when I'm tired or my hands are sore from wire work or I've glued my hands together one too many times, I tend to tidy up my work station and reorganise my supplies. Once everything is neat and clean, I instantly start making something and messing everything up again. So hopefully that will be a good way to get out of a creative rut whenever it happens


Where would you like to be in ten years?

With better hands! Making jewelry has definitely taken its toll on my hands, but I'm not complaining, its part of who I am now. I just hope that in ten years time I'm still nourishing my hobbies and creative mind but perhaps with a little more skill!

 If you could share one tip with a new Etsy seller, what is the most important thing to learn and why?

Promote, promote, promote! Marketing is definitely key. If no one knows you are there, you'll be looking at a flat line stats bar for a long time. I immediately set up my facebook page, slowly gathered my pinterest account, and joined lots of teams so people knew I was out there. Business cards, fliers, coupon codes, its all part of getting your name out there.


Where else can we find you? 

etsy: www.TimelessAvenue.etsy.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/TimelessAvenue
pinterest: pinterest.com/timelessavenue

Favorite Recipe? 

My favorite recipe is Chocolate Banana Bread. Its a tradition in our house to make at least four loafs of banana bread every Christmas, and my husband is always asking me to make some more. Its simply beautiful, tastes great and the best thing, is that it is so quick and easy to make! My problem is that every time I make it I change the ingredients ever so slightly, and believe it or not my husband knows! He always knows when I've done something different. This epicurious recipe is one I've been sticking to for a while, and it passes his taste test.

Chocolate Banana Bread with Walnuts