DDH Holiday Gift Guide #2 - Esse Jewels and Candie Ink

In effort to help readers get to know our Gift Guide Shops better, we asked them a few Holiday related questions. Please tell us some of your favorite traditions!

Esse Jewels

What is your favorite holiday food?
All the was back to my childhood it's been marshmallow fudge. Cannot get enough of it! Thank goodness I can't make it! My cooking skills are at boiling an egg level.

What is your favorite gift to give at the holidays?
Something I know a person really wants or loves, but would never buy for themselves.

SHOP DISCOUNT: DAILYHANDMADE20 for 20% off anything in Esse Jewels now through 12/24/2012

Candie Ink

What is your favorite holiday food?
I love to make gingerbread cookies using my grandmother's recipe and my mom's chocolate caramel if I can get ahold of the special ingredients :)

What is your favorite gift to give at the holidays?
I love to give something that they didn't ask for but is thrilled to get just because it is perfect for them and what they need. I really like to give something that they can use and appreciate. Sometimes it is clothes and sometimes it is a decorative piece it all depends on where they are in their life. And as icing on the cake - if it is handmade it is beyond perfect.
What is the current best seller in your shop?
My currently most sold items are my Save the date cards. Something I never thought when I started. But that is why it is so great to be an artist and so connected with your customers.

SHOP DISCOUNT: BIG35 for 35% off (Expires 12/5/2010)

Remember, our shop features will continue all week...do not forget these other wonderful discounts:

Holiday Gift Guide #2 DISCOUNT CODES:

Esse Jewels - DailyHandmade20 for 20% off (Expires 12/24/2012)

Candie Ink - BIG35 for 35% off (Expires 12/5/2010)

Whimsy Frills - DailyDose for 20% off

Lu Designs Creations - BlackFriday2013 for free shipping (Expires 12/2/2012)

Sew Knot Expected - SKEDAILY10 for 10% off (Expires 12/8/2012)

Wake Up The Angel - 10LILACS for 10% off (Expires 12/15/2012)

Eclectic Nesting - 30% off, no coupon needed thru 12/15/2012

CJoyOriginals - DailyDose20 for 20% off (Expires 12/30/2012)

WFBNH - Holiday20 for 20% off (Expires 12/30/2012)

SHOP FEATURE - october 5th, 2012 - BonitaBellita

come and join us as we feature the fantastic designs of BonitaBellita!  Stephanie creates glamorous jewelry, bloom-inspired hair accessories and chic home decor... there is definitely something for everyone in her shop!  sit back and enjoy her Q & A - then head off to her shop to use the exclusive DDH discount code!

What made you decide to start your shop?
~ Although I have always loved to work with my hands, for so long I didn't think I could sell these self created pieces. One day a friend of mine told me about etsy. I decided to explore the possibility of opening shop and since I was also becoming more and more unsatisfied with my day job, I left it and became Bonita Bellita.

What type of products do you sell?
~ Originally I only sold hair accessories but now also have glamorous jewelry, beautiful bookmarks, and home decor.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
~ That's a tough one. I would say the people my shop has reached. There are brides who have come for pieces from my shop from across the world. Who could ask for a bigger compliment? Not to mention that means that my shop is being seen internationally! That was a huge dream realized for me.

~ What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
The biggest challenge is balance. Balance between bold colors and soft colors, family life and work life, gold and silver... eventually it all comes down to that cup of tea in the morning while I sort out my coming priorities.

What is the top selling item in your shop?
~ I have peacock pieces that sell very well for weddings, and the romantic lace jewelry holders quickly find new homes.

Do you have a tip for others selling in the handmade community?
~ I have three tips, actually. 1) Take clean photos with good lighting. It makes all the difference. 2) Be versatile with your work. 3) Enjoy yourself.

What are you currently working on/newest project?
~ My newest project is looking for new and unique jewels to share. I love a good sparkle. Also working on new peacock pieces, soon to come!

Favorite blog or crafty resource that you refer to often!
~ I love some pinterest for inspiration, I can always find a good recipe, gardening tip, or good laugh on there. Also love to bounce ideas with my good friend Caroline from www.etsy.com/shop/PrometheanDesign .

thank you so much, Stephanie!  we love your shop and we hope everyone else does too!!!  now you can use the code DAILYHANDMADE for 30% off - AND she is also giving away a free gift with each purchase during Oct 2012!  you can't beat that!