SHOP FEATURE - Monday, April 1st, 2013 - Helen Kilsby Studios

 

we are delighted to feature the beautiful nature-inspired works of Helen Kilsby to kick off April!  so sit back and read our interview with Helen then enjoy her exclusive Daily Dose of Handmade discount code to use in her etsy shop!

 

 

What made you decide to start your shop?
I had a back injury a few years ago and found art and craft shows too hard to continue. Then

 

a friend told me about Etsy and it seemed like a great way to keep making and selling my artwork.

What type of products do you sell?

I sell nature inspired, abstract floral paintings, prints and art cards.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?

My first sale was by far the most exciting accomplishment for me. Every subsequent sale I feel honoured that my art is in someone’s home and is being enjoyed on a daily basis.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?

The technical side is a whole new world for me. I am learning a lot finding out what’s helpful in regards to getting my work seen by the world. Before this, I had never even heard of SEO's and Adwords!

What is the top selling item in your shop?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119832487/original-abstract-artwork-abstract? This image is my most popular and in demand. It is available in print or card form, which I think appeals to a lot of people.

Do you have a tip for others selling in the handmade community?

Join an Etsy street team! I find them very helpful in showing a newbie the way things work, and the support is wonderful.

What are you currently working on/newest design or project?

I am in what I call the "brewing stage". I have just finished some original floral paintings - now I feel landscape coming next! I’m not sure what kind of landscape or in what media it will take form in, which is kind of exciting. I find that in my creative world, things take their time to bubble up to the surface and take shape.

thank you so much, Helen, for sharing your thoughts and your amazing artwork with us and the DDH world!  now you can enjoy Helen's work in your own home by using the exclusive DDH code "20DDH" for a whopping 20% off her entire shop - but only until April 30th, 2013! 

SHOP FEATURE - september 28th, 2012 - Schalrausch

greetings from Germany!  we are thrilled to present gorgeous scarves from Heike's stunning shop, Schalrausch!  beautifully hand dyed and hand sewn, Heike obviously loves what she does and we are excited to be one of the first places to showcase her work!  so sit back and enjoy her Q & A then shop away with her exclusive DDH discount code!

What made you decide to start your shop? I have been addicted to scarves for a very long time - all sorts of scarves! I used to collect Hermès scarves.

My friends always asked me to buy scarves for them because they loved mine. When I discovered Etsy, I thought that this would be a fantastic chance for me to create my own scarves and share them with the whole world. All my scarves are either hand dyed or completely hand sewn by me.

What type of products do you sell?
I sell scarves. These scarves are either sewn from fabric which I purchase in local stores in and around Munich or are hand-dyed and sewn from unbleached raw silk/linen/cotton. I try my best to offer a wide variety: There are plain colored scarves in soft and bright colors, with fringes, without fringes, pure silk scarves, pure linen scarves, my very popular infinity scarves, and soft cotton scarves. I love them all.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world here on Etsy and I love to exchange thoughts and views within this community. I would call it a success to be part of such a lovely community. I am also thrilled with the fact that I have managed to do things that I never thought that I would be able to do.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
I love to connect and get in touch with people from all over the world. But as most of you are in different time zones and I want to catch up with you all, I spend almost the whole night in front of my laptop, which often means little sleep, but sleep is overrated in any case. J (There are fantastic eye creams on the market)

What is the top selling item in your shop?
So far, my fringed linen scarves have been selling best. I offer them in many different colors, from pastel colors to bright and bold colors and also some nice two-tone ones.

Do you have a tip for others selling in the handmade community?
Running a homemade business is a 24/7 job. But this is the fantastic thing about it, when you do something that you love, you can only give your best when you love doing what you do and when you stand behind it 100%. Same time you need to be patient, it will not start from 0 to 100 and you always need to develop and improve yourself. I am still in the beginning stages and I am learning every day.

What are you currently working on/newest project?

Before I even think of selling/listing a new scarf, I always make samples first, which I gift to my mum, friends and they "test" it in real life and tell me their honest opinion. At the moment I am working with a very special cotton fabric. My supplier, who is THE specialist supplier for silk/linen and cotton raw fabrics in Germany, recommended this gauze cotton fabric to me. I ordered a couple of yards to test the fabric. So far the fabric has been washed, tumble dried and it is a beautiful voluminous gauze fabric, which will make fantastic looking scarves. The dyes are ready and next week I will create some wonderful Fall scarves in rich jewel colors.

Favorite blog or crafty resource that you refer to often!

There is not really a crafting website that I visit. I read a lot of fashion magazines, the Instyle mag i.e. is my "bible" and what also really inspires me are the great artists on etsy. When I see wonderful paintings in great colors, fantastic jewelry in beautiful colors, this is something that inspires me. thank you so much, Heike for working with us here at the Daily Dose!  you can now use her exclusive DDH code
DAILY10 for a 10% discount!  she is also offering free international shipping at the moment - you can't get better than this!!!!!

SHOP FEATURE - september 21st, 2012 - TheWickedShop

happy feature friday, everyone!  we are so happy to feature Jacqueline from The Wicked Shop on the Daily Dose today!  enjoy the Q & A - then shop with the exclusive discount code! 

What made you decide to start your shop?
Through the last twenty years I have been creating art and jewlery. After selling in local markets, consignment shops, owning a small craft shop myself, I have finally discovered the wonderful world of Etsy and online opportunities! Opening my online shop has been a natural progression and an excellent way to market my work and broaden my customer base. After opening my shop I am continuously learning new online tools to market my products. Social networking has been an excellent addition to helping my online shop continue to grow!

What type of products do you sell?
Scrabble Tile Art ~ Glass Tile Art~ Domino Tile Art
New and Vintage Game Tiles can be created into small pieces of art. Whether these are worn as a necklace, sit neatly between the pages of a book as a bookmark, hang on your ears, or sit on your fridge, they are super unique.
I have recently branched out into greeting cards which also hold a scrabble tile magnet on the front. These cards are cute enough to frame or use in scrapbooking. The magnet simply adds another level of Art to the card and can be taken off and used!
Now and then, I will offer One of a kind items, if I find some great vintage game tiles, they will most definitley be featured. I have found some awesome Tri Omino's, Rummy Tiles and Word Search Tiles which will be pretty cool to work with.
Of Course, I also am excited to offer custom work for people who would like their own picture on a tile. I do a lot of wedding's this way as well as pets! What an excellent way to remember a loved one.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
In a business view, I think my most favorite shop accomplishment has been the increase in the amount of exposure my shop has developed over the past year. When looking through my statistics in my shop that Etsy so nicely helps us with, I can track the amount of views, favorites, and purchases over the months. My shop is continuing in a forward manner and I am excited for this!
I am very pleased that my feedback from my clients have been so encouraging and positive. It is always so nice to see and hear of the reaction my clients have opening up their package and discovering their little work of art.
In a more creative view, my favorite shop accomplishment has been to offer more than just necklaces. I have introduced bookmarks, magnets, and greeting cards as well. It is always fun to work on a variety of things and I now offer a great mix of creations!

What is your biggest challenge as an online/etsy seller?
My biggest challenge has been both challenging and fun at the same time! Learning different ways to increase traffic to your shop is both intriguing and fun, however, very time consuming. Social media is an excellent tool for social networking and marketing, however, there is so much time spent in development and it doesn't just end there we have to maintain what we create! Time management is probably my biggest challenge at the moment.  ---Focus---

What is the top selling item in your shop?
Scrabble Tile Pendant - OM Symbol

Scrabble Tile Pendant Necklaces are the top selling item in my shop. They are unique little gifts, inexpensive and can be a very personable gift. Excellent for birthdays, office gifts, stockings, you name it, they are great!

Do you have a tip for others selling in the online community?
My most important tips would be qualtiy and accountability. It is very important for me that everything I make is a quality piece of art. Something I would be happy to recieve and I am, yes, picky when it comes to detail :).
Another very important tip is to be dependable. You want your clients to know that you are a solid, responsible person who only wants the best handmade items sold in their shop.

Can I have one more? Creativity! Be creative, find something you can make and make it better! Think outside the box and you will surprise yourself with what you can do!

What are you currently working on/new designs?
I am currently working on some glass tile art which will be slowly introduced into my shop. I will soon have a new glass tile section in my shop. All scrabble tile pendants will soon be available in glass tiles. I will also have a large selectionof scrabble size glass tile magnet sets. Great for Christmas shopping, teacher gifts, and always birthday gifts! 

Do you have a favorite crafty/handmade blog/shop/resource that you go to often, if so what is it?
I often check out Dailydoseofhandmade.blogspot.ca, not just for the excellent deals but it is always inspiring for me to read about other shops too. 

thank you so much Jacqueline!  we are so thrilled to work with you!  and now, DDH subscribers, enjoy her exclusive coupon code - DAILYDOSEDEAL (20%OFF) which is valid until OCT. 15!!!

win it wednesday - september 12th, 2012 - cJoyOriginals

we are thrilled to pieces to have Carol from cJoyOriginals to host this week's win it wednesday giveaway!  she is offering the beautiful necklace above to one lucky winner - perfect with that little black dress or jeans and a tshirt!  all you need to do to enter is:

1. Subscribe to our newsletter (you MUST be a subscriber to win).
2. Heart cJoyOriginals on Etsy.

3. Tell us what your favorite item is in cJoyOriginals shop in comment.
3. Follow the Daily Dose on Twitter @ddofhandmade.

4. Follow cJoyOriginals on Twitter @cJoyOriginals

4. Like cJoyOriginals on Facebook
5. TWEET  on Twitter or POST on Facebook and leave a link in the comment section. This is a daily entry option.

 

NOTE: This giveaway is open to US and Canada only!  You must leave a separate note/comment below for each entry, so do not group into one comment.  The last day to enter is Tuesday, September 18th. Winner will be selected by random.org!

As a special bonus, Carol is also offering a discount code to all DDH subscribers for the week her giveaway runs - you can use the coupon code DAILYDOSE20 for 20% off your entire order storewide!  you can't get any better than this!

SHOP FEATURE - august 17th, 2012 - cJoyOriginals

we are tickled pink to feature the lovely Carol from cJoyOriginals today!  pull up a chair, check out her beautiful designs and then shop with her exclusive DDH coupon code!

What made you decide to start your shop?
I have been creating jewelry since I was in college.  I started out making jewelry for myself, and as gifts for family and friends.  Then, I started selling some of my jewelry to friends and co-workers.  People loved my jewelry and told me I should find an outlet to sell my jewelry to others.  Then a couple years ago, a friend told me about Etsy.  After checking it out, I got very excited about the possibility of selling my jewelry online.  I spent some time checking out what Etsy was all about, and then decided to go for it!  My shop has been open for just over a year now, and it has been such an exciting adventure!

What kind of products do you sell?
I make one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry - necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  I like to make jewelry that is stylish and fashionable, but affordable.  I enjoy doing custom jewelry, too.  I have had a number of customers request special pieces, and I have enjoyed customizing jewelry or making special items for people.  I am thinking of designing some other things in the future, such as keychains, scissors fobs, and maybe eyeglass chains.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
One of the most exciting moments for me was having my first repeat customer.  A woman bought a necklace from me, and about two weeks later, there was another order from her.....she bought another necklace!  That was a wonderful feeling!  But honestly, no matter how many sales I have, every time I sell a piece of jewelry, my heart jumps and I get so excited!  I love that my jewelry is being worn by people all over the United States.  And I am just starting to ship internationally.....I recently sent my first orders to Canada.

What is your biggest challenge as an online/etsy seller?
I am just starting to learn about the social media......how using that helps people to find my shop and how I can use it to help me to market and sell my jewelry.  It can be a bit daunting sometimes to someone who is a bit "old-fashioned" and not as familiar with all the wonders of modern technology, but I am learning.....and it is an exctiing part of the process!

What is the top selling item in your shop?
I pride myself on making one-of-a-kind jewelry, so no piece will ever be identical to another (.....unless that would be a special request from someone directly).  But, I do have some styles of jewelry that I design that have been very popular.  Some of the favorites of my buyers are my multi-chain necklaces:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/106067387/antique-gold-multi-chain-necklace-brown, my lobster clasp charm necklaces: https://www.etsy.com/listing/106080069/copper-charm-necklace-with-large-lobster,  and my front toggle charm necklaces:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/106577159/front-toggle-charm-necklace-key-bird

Do you have a tip for others selling in the online community?
I have learned how important it is to have good photography of your items in your shop.  The way I photograph my jewelry has changed and evolved so much over the year that my shop has been open, and I have had to be willing to let go of my original ideas, keep an open mind, and do what works.  It has been quite a learning experience, but making the changes has made my photography so much better!  My basic photography tips are: 1) keep it simple and focus on your items, without too much extra clutter;  2) lighter backgrounds tend to work best, in most cases;  3) try to use all five of the photos you have available to give different views of your items; and 4) use photos that are in focus so that people can see the beauty of your items.  I believe that good photography is a crucial part of success!

Do you have a crafting resource/handmade blog/shop that you go to?  If so, what is it?
There is a great online vendor, Artbeads.com, where I get a lot of my beads and supplies.  They have great tutorials and design ideas, along with resources like color guides, too.  They also have some kind of sale or special going at any given time......LOVE good sales!  PLUS, they offer Free Shipping on any order over $10 (in the U.S., and they have great international shipping rates, too).  That is a great bonus!  Also, I am continually impressed by the wonderful creativity of my fellow Etsy artists, and I am always getting inspiration from what I see in other shops.  Etsy has a great community of artists that are willing to share their ideas and knowledge with others.  If you ask someone on Etsy how they do something or where they got something, I have found that they are always willing and excited to share what they know with others.  That is so wonderful and appreciated!  And my most favorite resources are the MANY, MANY wonderful shops that sell jewelry supplies on Etsy......although they are very dangerous for this admitted bead, chain and charm freak!!

What are you currently working on?
 I just started designing some bib necklaces, and I am enjoying experimenting with those new designs.  Then, of course, I'm thinking ahead and just starting to create some new jewelry for Christmas and the holidays.  That will be coming up fast!

Carol - we are so excited to see what else you come up with!  and now, DDH enthusiasts, you can use the exclusive code DAILYDOSE20 for a whopping 20% off!  the code is valid until 9/15/12.

SHOP FEATURE - july 10th, 2012 - CatchingWaves

it's a great day - and we're so happy to have Karen from CatchingWaves as our featured shop today!  sit back and enjoy Karen's interview - then use her exclusive DDH discount code storewide for savings!

Origin of Shop: I've always liked making things. When my kids were little, I made dolls
and superhero costumes, and I loved exploring new crafts through the Waldorf school
they attended--woodcarving, felting, and candle-making. I often made handcrafted items
for Christmas gifts but then I wouldn’t do any more crafting the rest of the year. One
thing I discovered about myself is that I'm really motivated to create for others. When
I found Etsy, it opened a door for me to start pursuing crafts more seriously. Having an
audience makes a HUGE difference. (I would never make 76 necklaces for myself!)

Products: I make some needle-felted items--seascapes in driftwood frames-or sea
creatures (octopi!)--felted cuffs and necklaces. And I make jewelry. I've had tremendous
fun exploring all kinds of beads and materials—vintage glass, rustic gemstones, trade
beads, and more. Many of my items are inspired by my love of the ocean--so lots of
blues and greens in my shop.

Accomplishment: I was excited when I reached 100 listings. I'm close to 150 now and I'd
like to get to 200 but I think that's big enough for me.

Challenge: Just being seen! I have been working on my photos lately and my item titles,
to try to make them more effective for google searches. Learning how to market your
items effectively in such a vast marketplace takes time and effort, and I'm definitely still
learning.

Tip: Connect with other crafters--on Etsy, join teams and participate. Don't be afraid to
ask others for advice. I’ve had some wonderful support and practical advice from other
Etsy artisans, including “Get a better camera!” (Definitely helped!)

Latest Project: Lately I’ve been learning to antique metals and trying out metal paints and
gilder’s paste. I have some pretty dramatic, vintage brass snake pendants I antiqued that
I’m about to list. I really like how they turned out.

Favorite Crafty place/source: I like Happy Mango Beads for their ethnic and trade beads
(www.happymangobeads.com) and their frequent sales. But I also shop on etsy a lot,
especially for vintage items.

thanks so much, Karen!  we're so thrilled to have you in our spotlight!  DDH subscribers - you can use the code DDH20 for 20% off shop-wide, valid until July 21st, 2012!!!!

SHOP FEATURE - july 2nd, 2012 - TheLollipopLabelShop

we are thrilled to be featuring Marci from TheLollipopLabelShop in our spotlight today!  here is a peek into Marci's shop ... and don't forget her discount code, just for the Daily Dose!

What made you decide to start your shop?
We ordered labels from another company that weren't very cute for our son when he was born. When we saw the final product, we knew we could do better. After some research, we found the best materials we could find and made our labels as cute as we could!

What type of products do you sell?
We sell dishwasher safe labels, waterproof removable labels, iron on labels, laundry care tag labels, shoe labels, luggage tags, onesie stickers, and pregnancy bump stickers.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
Last year we had a huge sale during the back to school rush. We were printing labels almost 18 hours a day, but we managed to get all of our orders out! It felt great to have a huge success so early on.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
We send a proof to every single customer so they can see it and make changes if they don't like the options they picked initially. Sometimes our emails go to SPAM folders. We remind our customers to check, but a lot of times they think we haven't sent the email yet. We try to send a follow up through Etsy after a week, which seems to take care of most of it.

What is the top selling item(s) in your shop?
Our 4 top sellers:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/88160474/monthly-onesie-stickers-jungle-animals

https://www.etsy.com/listing/75212562/27-removable-waterproof-daycare-baby

https://www.etsy.com/listing/77733984/105-custom-iron-on-clothing-labels-free

https://www.etsy.com/listing/94343475/40-custom-personalized-name-tags-perfect

Do you have a tip for others selling in the online community?
Have a lot of options and market them well. SEO really kicked it off for us. Learn about Etsy and Google's SEO formulas and apply them to your listings. Find out what your customers are searching for, what they like, and what they don't like. We experimented at first and discovered what our customers are looking for. We try to cater more to their wants.

What are you currently working on/newest project?
We have recently started making our pregnancy bump stickers and our luggage tags. We are working on new designs for our example listings.

Do you have a favorite crafty/handmade blog/shop/resource that you go to often, if so what is it?
My favorite go to blog is Homemadeology.

Thank you so much, Marci - for being today's featured shop and for have such a wonderful shop!  DDH subscribers can enjoy a storewide discount of 15% off using the code ʺDAILYDOSEʺ.  (Expires 7/31/2012)

SHOP FEATURE - june 28th, 2012 - LisaBurekJewelry

today we are so happy to be hosting LisaBurekJewelry as our featured shop!  enjoy her exquisite beaded and semi-precious gemstone creations - and her exclusive DDH discount!

What made you decide to start your shop?
I grew up creating with my mom. Throughout the years I have done just about every craft/art out there! Crocheting has stuck with me since I learned at 10 and beading is my other passion. I love everything about beads: so many wonderful materials, shapes and possibilities!!

I started my own shop after encouragement from friends and family. I love putting together materials and creating pieces of jewelry for people to enjoy and wear. To me, it is such a huge compliment for someone to purchase something I have created!

What type of products do you sell?
Handmade beaded jewelry. I don't have one specific style, as there are so many wonderful creative options between metals, gemstones, etc.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
Having a ʺstrangerʺ find my shop and love an item enough to spend thier hard-earned money to have it.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
Getting noticed amongst the sea of jewelry makers.

What is the top selling item in your shop?
I would say my lampwork/gemstone earrings.

Do you have a tip for others selling in the handmade community?
Be yourself, make what you love, customers will find you. Network with others that appreciate homecrafted and support each other.

What are you currently working on/new projects?
Lately I have been working with precious metals and gemstones.

Do you have a favorite crafty/handmade blog/shop/resource that you go to often, if so what is it?
I check DDH every day, additionally I look at Etsy's blog.

thank you so much, Lisa!  and now DDH20 subscribers can enjoy an amazing 20% off your entire purchase store wide with the code TWENTY%! (Expires one month from day of feature)

SHOP FEATURE - june 26th, 2012 - K5Art

welcome to our second new Shop Feature!  we are thrilled to showcase the lovely work of kristen from k5art!  enjoy our interview then use her DDH discount code to shop store-wide!

What made you decide to start your shop?
In August 2011, I was at a craft fair selling my photography. I wanted something to do in between customers, so I chose a DIY craft tutorial to try something new. After searching through a few of them, I ran across a tutorial for Scrabble Tile Pendants and I knew that was the one I wanted to try. I purchased all the necessary supplies and started creating them at the craft fair.

As people came in to look at my photos, they were intrigued as to what I was creating “behind the scenes” and I received so many compliments and questions if they were for sale. I decided that once they were dry I was going to put them out on my table for sale and see what happened. Guess what? They all sold by the end of the night and I even had two custom orders!

With the new excitement, I opened an Etsy store and began to refine the creating process and find the best products and techniques to use. Once I was satisfied, I took some basic photos and uploaded them here to Etsy with much success!

So from a craft project to what K5 Art is today, I have found a way to grow my creativity and create a fun line of products. I am still refining my shop and products all the time and finding new things that inspire me but at the heart of it all it’s just about finding something and using creativity to turn it into something fun and beautiful!

What type of products do you sell?
Upcycled Creations from game pieces such as Scrabble Tiles to computer parts such as Resistors. There is something here for everyone!

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
When I had just started out I made a goal for myself to reach 50 sales and I did it! I'm now 10 sales away from reaching my goal of 100 sales!

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?
My biggest challenge is gaining new exposure and keeping a constant flow of sales. I have ʺburstsʺ of sales where a couple weeks I will have a bunch of sales come in but then the next couple weeks are pretty much dead. I would love to keep a steady amount coming in all the time.

What is the top selling item in your shop?
My top selling item in my shop is my Personalized Mini Glass Bottle Charm. People love the idea of being able to personalize the message inside for someone they care about!

Do you have a tip for others selling in the online community?
Get involved in a few good teams! I have found much success when I am actively participating in teams. At first I applied to a lot of teams, but the stress of trying to keep up with them all became overwhelming. At that point I decided to keep just a few teams that would be most beneficial and it has become much more manageable. The teams I have found most helpful are:

Daily Dose of Handmade  https://www.etsy.com/teams/12070/daily-dose-of-handmade I have gained so much exposure and support through this team. We have an extraordinary group of people here and I would highly recommend this group to anyone!

Upcyclers  https://www.etsy.com/teams/6610/upcyclers If you have upcycled items in your store or if you are interested in upcycling then this team is definitely for you! I have also gained much exposure from this team. They are supportive and have a great blog of features. They also have monthly challenges and are very fun to be a part of!

HandmadeMovement  https://www.etsy.com/teams/7565/handmademovement This is the team that helped me get my start on Etsy! They host Sneak Attacks every week where we ʺattackʺ a new shop or a shop having trouble getting started on Etsy and bring them a flurry of exposure and sales! This is a great group of giving and supportive people and I would encourage you to check them out. I was attacked the beginning of this year and have gained tremendously because of it. I now sponsor attacks and give that feeling to others.

What are you currently working on/newest design or project?
I am currently working on my challenge entry for team Upcyclers June Creativity Challenge. We are to take a glass bottle or jar and upcycle it into something new and creative! I have a jar and a bunch of ideas I am working on now.

Other than that, I have a lot of computer parts and am working on some new jewelry using those parts so be on the look out for new earrings and pendants coming soon!

Do you have a favorite crafty/handmade blog/shop/resource that you go to often, if so what is it?
Daily Dose of Handmade  http://dailydoseofhandmade.blogspot.com

Trees.Hides.  http://treeshides.blogspot.com/

Love 2 Upcycle http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/

thank you so much, kristen!  we love your eco-friendly style and great sense of humor!  for all of our Daily Dose fans, kristen is offering an amazing store-wide discount at k5Art so use her exclusive DDH code - DAILYDOSE for 15% off your entire purchase! (Expires one month from today)

SHOP FEATURE - june 25th, 2012 - TimberWoodsWares

not only is this our 100th blog post - YIPPEE!!! - but today is the day we are rolling out our new featured shop format!  we are so thrilled to have the beautiful shop TimberWoodsWares as our featured shop!  enjoy our Q & A with D from TimberWoods - and the exclusive discount code for Daily Dose Subscribers!

What types of products do you sell?
My current offerings include wooden buttons, lipbalm holders, desk organizers, and reclaimed fenceboard chalk tablets. All of my items are crafted from materials that would otherwise be seen as waste; fallen branches, downed trees etc...

What made you decide to start your shop?
I have always enjoyed and appreciated woodworking and the natural beauty that is found within a piece of wood. I started dabbling with buttons and quickly realized how much I enjoy creating something naturally beautiful out of something that would normally go to waste. Why not share what I enjoy with everyone else! I am just getting started and I still have a lot to learn.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?
My favorite shop accomplishment has been enjoying the wonderful feedback that I have received. Sales are nice, but it has been very rewarding knowing that something I have made is appreciated and enjoyed by someone else.

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/Online seller so far?
My biggest challenge as a seller is finding the time to be creative. I also struggle with photos of some of my larger items. I am also somewhat limited by my selection of tools, but I have vowed that I would only buy more tools with proceeds that I make from my shop.

What is the top selling item in your shop?
My top selling items have been my Tree Branch buttons.

Do you have a tip to others selling in the handmade community?
My biggest tip to other sellers would be to have fun with it. Stay active in teams. Promote yourelf and other shops as well. And of course take great pictures. :)

What are you currently working on?  Any new projects?
I am always looking for new projects. I want to focus on creating a complete desk organizer set.

Do you have a favorite online shop or crafting resource that you go to often?
Being new to this business, I don't have a go to online resource that I use. I am active on the Daily Dose of Handmade team, and blog. Being a part of that team has improved traffic flow to my shop and provided some sales!

Thank you so much, D - both for having such a beautiful shop and for sharing your story! 

DAILY DOSE SUBSCRIBERS - you can enjoy the storewide discount by using the coupon code 25TIMBER for 25% off until JULY 25th! 

shop feature - VeronicaRussekJoyas

the designs in Veronica's etsy shop are beautifully designed to incorporate precious metal and gemstones... perfect for any wedding or special occasion!

we absolutely love her rosary-style bracelets!  delicately understated, she has something to fit each jewelry lover on your gift giving list!

we are so delighted to feature Veronica here at the Daily Dose!  you can use the exclusive coupon code - DAILYDOSEFREE for free shipping!  she is already hosting a SALE in her shop - so head on over and take a look!

of course - don't forget the other featured shops! The EXCLUSIVE codes for Daily Dose subscribers:

VeronicaRussekJoyas - free shipping for our readers with the code DAILYDOSEFREE
adirondackpatterns - Daily20 for 20% off
laurenamosdesigns - DDOH35 for 35%

happy shopping!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxox julie and cylene

shop feature - AdirondackPatterns

crafty twins Laura and Julia are the masterminds behind the lovely shop AdirondackPatterns - where you can browse inspiring crochet, sewing and other fiber project patterns to your heart's content! 

"Our sole purpose in sharing our tutorials at reasonable prices is to inspire and make it possible for other Mama’s to create handmade goods and toys for their little ones. Because every wee one deserves to have something handmade with love." - Laura & Julia

we'll bet that there is something for everyone, no matter what your crafting skill level!  come and take a look HERE!

you can use the exclusive Daily Dose coupon code - DAILY20 for 20% off their entire shop!

and don't forget this week's other featured shops:

VeronicaRussekJoyas - free shipping for our readers with the code DAILYDOSEFREE
adirondackpatterns - Daily20 for 20% off
laurenamosdesigns - DDOH35 for 35%

happy shopping!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxox julie and cylene

Daily Dose of Handmade - 8th of June

it's a gorgeous day here at the Daily Dose and we have two amazing features for you today!  BRIDES - TAKE NOTE - first up is the super fun shop bysuzann, where you can find everything you need for that bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding!  use the code DAILY15 for a 15% discount store-wide! 

next up are the terrific accessories by MarciAnnDesigns!  if you're anything like us, you have a hundred keys and three computers... which means her shop is right up our alley!  with sweet key fobs, cute mouse pads and dynamic clutch purses (all using beautiful fabrics) you will be rushing to use her discount code!  and only for the Daily Dose!  use the code DAILYDOSE20 for a whopping 20% off!

we still have sales going on hosted by BaxCatandCo, TheSheepandI, and MyrandaE!  check them out HERE!

don't forget the too-good-to-be-true giveaway being hosted by MimisDesigns!  you can enter HERE!

Pet Gift Guide - Bax Cat and Co.

Who likes to pamper their pet??? I think we all do!!! If you have a cuddly kitty, please visit BaxCatandCo for fun catnip filled toys and comfy mats.





Bax Cat & Co. is on a mission to provide your cat with quality catnip toys and other cat items that will enable maximum feline happiness and enjoyment. 

 BaxCatandCo - store-wide coupon BaxCat30 for 30% off!

Shop our other fabulous deals!

BowwowWOWBoutique - store-wide coupon Pets20 for 20% off

samscrochet - store-wide coupon DDHGift for 20% off
CandieInk - store-wide coupon BIG35 for 35% off
K5Art - store-wide coupon Pet20 for 20% off
TheWickedShop - store-wide coupon WICKEDSALE for 15% off

Don't Eat the Daisies - ... bowwowWOWBouti... $18.00	Catnip toy cat pyramid toy -... BaxCatandCo $6.00	Cat Treat Bag and Placemat S... SamsCrochet $50.00
Scrabble Tile Pendant Neckla... TheWickedShop $8.95	Animal Print, Giraffe, 5x7, ... CandieInk $15.00	Scrabble Tile Necklace Penda... k5art $5.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio

Have a funny story about your pet?? 
Please share it with us! 

We all could use a giggle!