Etsy Midlanders

Matin Lapin: a charitea party - a tea cosy hat is mandatory

2011-09-19T22:11:00.000+01:00

Matin Lapin: a charitea party - a tea cosy hat is mandatory: Yesterday, in my weekly blog trawl, I read a fascinating post on Kathryn 's blog, Kat Got The Cream , about National Wear a Tea Cosy On Your...

2011-09-19T12:47:00.001+01:00

http://www.dreamaid.com/viewProductAction.do?id=3593

Sugar n' Spice n' all Things Nice!

2011-01-16T19:29:00.002Z

Hello everyone! I'm Clair from PepperPi Pals and I've just put together a scrummy Etsy treasury on the theme of Sugar and Spice and all Things Nice.
Click the photo's below and you will be taken to the treasury proper where you can view all the lovely lovely items.....if you like the treasury don't forget to leave a comment :)

Ozzy and Felix - November Giveaway

2010-11-08T14:28:00.000Z

Win this gorgeous hand-knitted scarf!

One of our team members Ozzy and Felix are having a giveaway through November...

...every person who hearts one of the wonderful items in the Ozzy and Felix store throughout November will automatically be put into a draw to win this beautiful hand-knitted scarf!

Click here to find out more and visit the Ozzy and Felix store

Etsy Midlanders - Our latest handmade and vintage

2010-10-30T19:47:00.000+01:00

Another season is upon us.......but where does all that time go? Well, here at Etsy Midlanders, we have been spending some of our time doing what we like doing best....creating handmade gifts; accessories; jewellery and housewares, and collecting wonderful vintage treasures!

We'd like to share with you our October Makes and Finds

and so, we proudly present.....

Handmade and Vintage
New items from Etsy Midlanders
October

Watercolour scarf / Sahara scarf / Madras scarf

by Saidas Da Concha

Orange Ring Pull Bracelet / UV Ring Pull Pendant / Orange Ring Pull and Washer Bracelet

by Tinkan Designs

Knitted Liquorice Sweets Tea Cosy / Knitted Black Fluffy Tea Cosy / Hand Knitted Owl Tea Cosy

by Jacksknits

Set of 7 Vintage Photo Frame Borders / Holly- Lace or Thread Keepers Digital Download / Dolly Mixture- Large Fabric Doll Pin Keeper

By From The Craft Room

Patchwork Hanging Love-Heart / Blossom Hopsalot the Bunny / Patchwork Hanging Love-Heart

by PepperPi

Vintage Hand-painted Tin Photograph Frame / Vintage Coalport China Brooch- English / Victorian Paper Mache Stamp

By Vintage Wants Not Needs

Pink and Black Skinny Scarf / Set of 6 Gift Tags / Hand Knitted Skinny Scarf- Recycled Yarn

by Ozzy and Felix

I Think I Love You illustrated earrings / An Eye For An Eye pendant/ The Blue Snowman wooden brooch

by The Banished Bubu Crafts

We hope you liked browsing through our latest goodies and we look forward to showing you more in our next monthly review at the end of November.

And don't forget to leave us a comment...we love hearing from you!

New Handmade and Vintage from Etsy Midlanders!

2010-07-29T21:36:00.002+01:00

New this month...

from Etsy Midlanders team members

Although summer is a hectic time for most, a few of us have had time to keep on crafting, creating and collecting vintage items! We have some fantastic new goodies to show you....here are some of the latest additions to our team members' Etsy stores ...

Rainbow earrings / Fire Opal earrings / Pink Passion earrings

by A Cuppa Jewels

Georgia lace/thread keeper / Butterflies digital postcards collage sheet / Vintage French Fashion digital tags

by From The Craft Room

Teardrop crystal circlet / Crystal set Mendhi pendand (style 2) / Twisted wire and crystal Celtic circlet

by Anna Clifton Jewellery

1930's Margaret Tarrent picture- Baby Jesus with Mary / James Kent Du Barry chintzware pin dish

by Vintage Wants Not Needs

Dotty Derick / Beaded Felt Wall Hanging / Daisydot Hopsalot

by PepperPi

Pop-rivet bracelet / Recycled ring-pull earrings / Double-row ring-pull chocker necklace

by Tinkan Designs

Knitted Sock Monkey Superhero

by Jacksknits

We thought it would be a nice idea to show you some of our new items at the end of each month, so look out for more treasures at the end of August!

And don't forget....all your comments are welcome :)

Etsy Midlanders have been busy

2010-06-20T18:00:00.004+01:00

Here at Etsy Midlanders we have been busy little bees and we'd like to show you what we've been making. Here is a selection of some of our newest handmade creations...we hope you like them!

Floral lampwork bead set / Dalmatian bead set by Fire Phoenix Jewellery

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The Nymph greetings card / Into the Woods greetings card by Spiral Moon

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Needle felted Beech Nut PIxie Waldorf doll / Knitted felted bowl by Earth Spiral

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Double row ring pull bracelet / Bionic Bug mirror by TinKan Designs

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Feather Fan pincushion / Seaside Blue zippered pouch by Craft Matters

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Alice in Wonderland gift tag set / Batman to the Rescue gift tag set by Vintage Wants Not Needs

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Knitted fluffy black tea cosy / Hand knitted Bee tea cosy by JacksKnits

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Beaded felt wall hanging- purple and cream / Beaded felt wall hanging by PepperPi

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We hope you like our newest creations! They are all available to buy...just click the pictures to go to their shop.

Watch this space.....we'll be back with more new and wonderful treasures soon :) And don't forget- we love to hear what you think, so please feel free to leave a comment.

The Secret Garden Craft Fair

2010-06-13T00:00:00.003+01:00

Celebrations begin for Sherwood Art Week with this great event...

The Secret Garden Craft Fair on Saturday June 19th 2010 in the garden behind The United Reformed Church, Sherwood, Nottingham.

Talented local makers host stalls offering a wide range of hand made craft including textiles, jewellery, ceramics, mosaics, , prints, cards, toys, knitting, plus cast iron, photography, plants, jams & chutneys and much more...
Refreshments will be available, with a fine selection of local Real Ales & Pimm's Bar plus Barbecue with Cream Teas being served in the afternoon.
Splendid live music from artists such as The Big I Am, Marc Block and the Breezes, Evening Chorus, Alamootie and Aistaguca, along with song from the wonderful Sherwood Rise Choir.
Free Entrance

The Secret Garden Craft Fair
Saturday 19th June 11am-6pm

Sherwood Art Week
Saturday 19th – Saturday 26th June

Gifts for Him

2010-05-05T19:27:00.004+01:00

Here at Etsy Midlanders, we've been thinking about how much harder it is to find gifts for a husband. brother or father (for instance), because of the lack of choice compared to the glorious abundance of wonderful gifts available for women and girls.
So, we decided to do our bit to help redress the balance by producing this special gift guide full of wonderful Gifts for Him...and they are all handmade!

Reg the light seeking robot by TinyMinds

Business card holder by Concentric

British red phone booth gadget case by CB Sew

Gents black and white cufflinks / Gents silver cufflinks by Kerrie Slade (team member)

Sock Monkey big brother tee shirt by Sock Monkey Shop

Gentlemen prefer blondes throw / Midnight Espress sofa throw by Chic Throws (team member)

Herbie the Gear Bot by iHRTart

"I smile because you're my brother..." by Pen Craft

Recycled inner tube lighter holder / Recycled ring pull and washer bracelet by Tinkan Designs (team member)

Bertrum Woofledog / Laurence Lushmoom by PepperPi (team member)

Sterling silver personalized golf ball marker gift tin by E. Ria Designs

Super Mario Bros. cufflinks by Chirping Cat Studios

Rocktopus crew neck by Dowdy Studio

Silver and hemp circle pendant / Silver and hemp blast pendant by Anna Clifton Jewellery (team member)

Laptop hard drive clock by Teco Art

Bubo (homage to Ray Harryhausen) by J.T. Nee

We hope you enjoyed browsing through our gift guide. Please leave a comment and tell us what you think- we love to hear from you, so don't be shy :)

A Treasury of Vintage

2010-04-24T19:34:00.001+01:00

Here at Etsy Midlanders we have several members who sell wonderful vintage items. Here is a selection of their most treasured items currently for sale in their Etsy stores...

"Sweethearts" vintage picture / "Birds and Blossom" vintage tin cup and plate

Vintage Wants Not Needs

1950's Red Domino Cruet Set / Vintage Pin Box

Vintage Finds from Annie69

Bizarre Bird Brooch / Vintage Little Elf

Brimborion

...we hope you enjoyed browsing our treasury of vintage- perhaps you have a favourite? Do leave a comment...we love to hear from you :)

Clair of PepperPi

PET COMPETITION - Funniest photo wins!

2010-04-03T22:08:00.005+01:00

Hello...I'm Clair of PepperPi and I'm a member of the Etsy Midlanders team.

I wanted to tell you about a fun pet competition I'm currently running...

If you have a pet, then you know how they can pull the funniest expressions, pose in the oddest positions and do the most hilarious things! As a dog owner myself I thought It would be a great idea to run a fun competition for all you pet owners out there :)

All you have to do is send me a funny photo of your pet (along with your pets name) to...

pepperpi[at]ymail.com by Friday 30th April

...and on Saturday 1stMay I will post all the photo’s on my blog…the public will then have one week to make their vote for the funniest photo….the one with the most votes wins!

So what will you win?

a mystery prize of one of my PepperPi plush characters from either my etsy or folksy store worth up to $15/£9.99!

PepperPi’s Etsy store

PepperPi’s Folksy store

Here’s your chance to win a PepperPi character of you own!

Have fun and Good Luck everyone!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T21:10:00.008+01:00

Hope that everyone is enjoying their eggs, daffodils and chocolates! Take a little peek at all these goodies from the Etsy Midlanders!

Hand knitted easter chicks- Jacksknits

Nibbleton Hopsalot- PepperPi

Eggs and beans ring - Minimummouse

Crochet flower bright hair clips- RhodesAnnalsDesigns

Two in one yellow bubble necklace- KJMakes

Alien Rabbit- Dharmaflyer

Snowdrop bottle- Lewesiaglass

Handmade egg cosy ducks-TheFluffyDuck

A host of golden daffodils art card- VintageWantsNotNeeds

Floppy Calico Bunny-FruteJuce

Eco sunflower recycled necklace - AnnaCliftonJewellery

Mother and child felt sculpture - Feltathome

Polly-Brimborion

2010-04-01T19:45:00.002+01:00

Hi all you crafty people out there, I hope you all have a great easter and dont get too full on choc's. Get those fingers nimble with time off there is sure to be time creating.

Love Jenny

Lots of Activity for Team Etsy Midlanders!

2010-03-26T19:43:00.002Z

As well as organising the recent giveaway, UK Midlands-based Etsians have also been creating new loveliness for your delectation...

Amongst a lovely selection of very original & intriguing creations, Brimborion has this beautiful seaglass pendant:

The very talented Lynn at Lewesia Glass has this stunning Red Rose Suncatcher:

In her treasure house of a shop, Debbie of Vintage Wants Not Needs has this very surprising wooden sewing box:

And over at Craft Matters I've got this sophisticated little needle book, using Carla Miller fabric:

Etsy Midlanders is such a talented group - hope you've enjoy this little glimpse into our crafty world!

The Big Giveaway Draw!

2010-03-22T15:11:00.000Z

So, the Great Big Giveaway is all over! The Etsy Midlanders Team is really delighted that it's been such a success, and we'd like to thank everyone who commented for taking the time out to look at our shops and to appreciate all our hard work.

One of the Etsy Team - Ali of Craft Matters - made the giveaway draw this morning:

The winners are as follows:

Damla - Vintage Wants Not Needs

ClaireP - jacksknits

Fiona Chan - PepperPi

Maddie - Lewesiaglass

Selene - kjmakes

stash mama - Brimborion

Ali will be in touch with the lucky giveaway recipients to get their addresses. You'll be receiving your lovely gifts very soon.

Thanks again everyone!

It's the Giveaway!

2010-03-14T16:00:00.000Z

So - it's finally arrived.....

Six fabulous Etsy Midlander crafters have each generously offered a mystery gift. In a minute we'll let them introduce themselves & their shops, but first.... THE RULES!

To be one of the 6 lucky winners all you need to do is:

Visit the Etsy shops introduced below and choose your favourite item from EACH shop
Pop back here & leave a SINGLE COMMENT listing your most coveted item in each shop.

Try copying and pasting this template to help you along:

1) Favourite item from PepperPi:
2) Favourite item from Vintage Wants Not Needs:
3) Favourite item from Brimborion:
4) Favourite item from Lewesia Glass:

5) Favourite item from kjmakes:

6) Favourite item from Jack's Knits:

To get an EXTRA entry into the draw, blog or tweet the Giveaway and leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT providing a link to any mention you've made.

To make sure we can contact you if you win, please also leave your email address in your comment - replacing the @ with 'at', to scare away any nasty spammers. Winners will be announced on 22 March - don't forget to call back to see if you've won! And if you're not in the UK - please don't worry - we are happy to post overseas.

So, at long last.....here are the shops taking part. Just click on the little introductions to visit each shop.

Here's the template for your comments again:

1) Favourite item from PepperPi:
2) Favourite item from Vintage Wants Not Needs:
3) Favourite item from Brimborion:
4) Favourite item from Lewesia Glass:
5) Favourite item from kjmakes:
6) Favourite item from Jack's Knits:

It's time to get window shopping! GOOD LUCK!

The Etsy Midlanders Giveaway is Coming!

2010-03-11T20:11:00.000Z

It's on its way.... call back on Sunday 14 March for the latest news!

Perfect Purple

2010-02-27T14:31:00.000Z

Wow!...

...if you love purple (and even if you think you don't) just feast your eyes on these beautiful handmade and vintage treasures!

All courtesy of Etsy Midlanders team members...

Amethyst Iris Suncatcher

by Lewesia Glass

I need somebody to love - ACEO Original

by The Art Hermit

Plaid Crochet Beanie

by Craft Matters

Vintage Mauve and White Rhinestone Brooch

by Vintage Wants Not Needs

Gents Purple Cufflinks

by Kerrie Slade

Purple Fizz Neckwarmer

by Rhodes Annals Designs

Vintage Pansy Tea Cup And Saucer

by Annie

Heart Brooch

by Dharmaflyer Crafts

All these lovely things have inspired me to make something purple myself...how about you?

(written by Etsy Midlanders team member Clair, of PepperPi)

Etsy Midlanders - Picks For Spring

2010-02-19T13:11:00.000Z

As you may know, we are members of the Etsy Midlanders Team, a group of Midlands based artists and crafters who sell on Etsy. They are a great bunch, and very talented too! Here are some of my favourite pieces for spring, created by this crafty crew-

This gorgeous beaded brooch by Aster Sadler, $38.

An adorable spring bunny by Pepper Pi, $18

This super kitsch beer mat cushion by Brimborion, $30.

These zingy lime green studs by Sarah Myatt Glass, $10.

This amazing beaded brooch by Kerrie Slade, $135.

Of course there are always too many things to choose from when I look through the Etsy Midlanders' shops, why not have a look for yourself at Etsy Midlanders.

We're off to Bristol tomorrow for a vintage fair - I'll tell you all about it on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend!

A little Sunshine

2010-02-14T22:50:00.000Z

Hello all! I'm Clair (www.pepperpi.etsy.com) and I'm a proud member of the Etsy Midlanders Team :)

I'm from Nottingham, England and I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but here it is cold and grey......the days are short and the nights are long.....roll on summer!......
......but in the meantime, here is a cheerful selection of bright and pretty treasures to bring a little sunshine into your day :)

Funky Button Ring by Sarah Myatt Glass

Needle felted pot plant by Sally Bailey

Agatha The Stuffy Cat by Dizzy Izzy

Lampwork Bracelet by Corinna2Designs

Vintage Teacup Soy Candle by Minimum Mouse

Sunflower Pin by Kerrie Slade

I hope you enjoyed this sunny selection...it's certainly cheered me up :)

2010-02-13T18:34:00.000Z

Hi to every one reading this. My first time on the blog yeh, so let me know what you think. How is everyone? I'm fine and revalling in the fact that my daughter is with the grandparents, so my sewing machine has been working over time haha poor this its notmany only used a few hours a week.

You may ask what I have been doin... well I have made a lovley bag using hte wooden handles that I got from and Etsy seller. Take a look if you get chance and keep going all you crafters out there.

Happy Valentines day

Jenny

xx

Welcome new members!

2010-01-19T21:44:00.000Z

We have had several new members in the Etsy Midlanders team, here is a selection of their goodies!

Beautiful acrylic painting by GaynorLewis

$190

This YoYo pin is perfect to remind us spring is just around the corner!

Available from ArtyJen18

This lovely keepsake box is by Hensteeth and lovely for storing anything from a sewing box to storing photos.

$59

This adorable little crocheted butterfly Hello Kitty is available from TheFluffyDuck

and would make a lovely gift.

$34

A fused glass pendant with 3 gold butterlies, So pretty!

This item is sent gift boxed.

Available from SarahMyattGlass

$20

I'm thinking......

2009-12-07T19:26:00.000Z

........all of these wonderful vintage - inspired pieces need to be together ....... wouldn't you agree?

if you'd like to throw a fantastic vintage outfit together, they can be found here.....

1: Pink acrylic rose cabochon necklace by Kjmakes

2: 1960's Stratton powder compact by VintageWantsNotNeeds

3: Vintage tan leather bag by VintageHippy

4: Blue sponge coral bracelet by ACuppaJewels

Who's got the dress to go with it?? If you've got anything that would perfect this outfit - please post the link in the comments section ........TTFN - Etsy Midlanders

Vintage Midlanders

2009-09-27T10:40:00.000+01:00

Etsy is not just a place for handmade there is also plenty of fabulous vintage items to be found. Team Midlands has a number of sellers specialising in vintage. Here is a selection:

How about a vintage pattern for bed jackets by VintageWantsNot Needs? I love these old pattern books - although I haven't actually ever heard of a bed jacket!

This rather stylish and classic vintage handbag can be found in Vintage Hippy's shop.

This candle is a mix of vintage and handmade! A retro vintage cup and saucer candle courtesy of minimummouse. Very cool!

This pretty 1950s flower brooch is by annie69.

Lastly, here is another vintage pattern from RhodesAnnalsDesigns. I do love whole families who wear matching jumpers! Perfect to make for the ubiquitous knitted jumper Christmas present.

Felt!

2009-08-28T10:31:00.001+01:00

There are some fab sellers in Team Midlanders including a few that do rather clever things with felt! Here's a selection of items from our talented members:

Cute guinea pigs by sallybailey

Daisy hair clips by CraftMatters1970

Sliced apple by FruteJuce

Cloud charm/keyring by theothermousie

Monster brooches by Feltathome

Egg cozy by LinenandRoses

Interview - Fire Phoenix Jewellery

2009-08-25T11:00:00.000+01:00

Our Featured Midlander today is Jo of FirePhoenixJewellery. Originally from a little town called Hednesford in Staffordshire. She completed her undergraduate and masters degrees at the University of Warwick, so has spent the last four years living in Coventry, and has just recently moved to Leamington Spa to start her PhD at Warwick Horticulture Research International! A highly educated Midlander!

Who is the person behind the shop?

My name is Johanna Rhodes (but please call me Jo), and I have my own little space on Etsy called Fire Phoenix Jewellery selling jewellery made with all types of beads, but mainly beadwoven creations, as I love seed beads with a passion. It was during my first year of university that I took up jewellery making as a way to alleviate the stress of exams – or perhaps it was a method of procrastination? Either way, I haven’t stopped since.

My latest hobby is lampworking, and I’ve set up my own little studio in my parent’s garage back home in Hednesford. It’s an amazing art form, but I’m still learning. Unfortunately, my parents are having difficulty fitting the car in the garage now because I keep buying more glass rods!

Have you always been crafty?

My mom always used to joke that I was born with a pencil in my hand, as from a very early age I was constantly drawing. Art continued to be a major passion for me throughout my childhood, and I had aspirations to be an artist. But then I discovered the art of life itself in biology, and pursued this as my career. I still paint as a hobby, and I see my jewellery making and lampworking as an extension of this. Even when I’ve had long days in the lab, I can’t wait to settle down and make a piece of jewellery most nights a week. I like to plan out what I’m going to make and then go seek out the materials – which is by far the fun part! I draw a lot of inspiration from everyday life – the colours in each season, nature-inspired themes. I’m also designing some ‘genetics’ themed jewellery too!

Do you have any business goals or objectives?

Sometimes I do think I love making jewellery more than my PhD and dream about what it would be like to set up a bead shop somewhere, running jewellery making and lampworking classes. This a dream for the future though, perhaps my retirement plan! But at the moment, I am quite content on running my Etsy shop.

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy?

I can only choose one favourite purchase? Oh dear, this will be difficult! I would have to choose the polka dot music hairbow I got from xowired earlier this year: I wore it constantly while I was in Barcelona, and I think it is very ‘me’. Anyone who knows me will know I love polka dots, and music is a huge part of my life. I have about 20 pages of favourite sellers on My Etsy though, and don’t think I could pick my absolute favourite!

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

My favourite things about Etsy are the general layout of the site, as everything is so easy to find. I love going onto the Forums and chatting to people, as everyone seems so helpful and friendly. Also, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to sell your items. But I find making yourself stand out from the rest of the jewellery making crowd and being noticed difficult, as it requires a lot of promotion.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!

In my spare time I teach pole dancing!

Interview - A Cuppa Jewels

2009-08-07T11:43:00.000+01:00

Jessica is our next featured seller victim! She runs A Cuppa Jewels selling jewellery made from natural gemstones, Swarovski crystals and glass. She has also started selling beads as well. She lives in Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, but is originally from Minnesota in the United States. She moved here almost two years ago is enjoying living on this side of the pond!

Who is the person behind the shop?
Hi, I'm Jessica and I run A Cuppa Jewels. I sell jewellery I sell my jewellery and beads full-time from home as I have an autistic child who needs me almost 24 hours a day. When I can get a chance, I love taking photographs. It's something I went to school for awhile back. Although, I'm still trying to master some areas, my favourite is landscape shots.

Have you always been crafty?
I've always enjoyed arts and crafts. Every aspect fascinates me. Although, I do wish I could draw and paint! I have been making jewellery and selling it since I was 8 years old. At that time it was mainly seed beads and pieces of jewellery I had laying about that I created into something different. I'm always working on something jewellery related! I sell mainly on Etsy, but I've created some other shops recently on Coriandr, Misi, Folksy and DaWanda. I'm also doing a few shows a year, but I hope to be able to do more (if only I could move off those pesky waiting lists!).

Do you have any business goals or objectives?
I hope to be able to be more successful over here. When I left the States, I was doing quite well with my business. It's been quite hard to be able to start that up all over again, especially when I don't know many people here. But, eventually, I want to be able to have a bead and jewellery shop either in The Peaks or alongside the sea.

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy and/or what is your favourite shop from your favourites!?
Ooh, hard question. Hmmmm, I think my fave purchase is probably my shop banner. It was made by studiosub and I really like his designs...plus he's very cheap with exceptional service! There are just too many favourite shops to choose from. I have 6 pages of shops that I all adore and I know I could add so many more!!!

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
What I really like is the atmosphere on Etsy. Everyone seems to be really craft friendly and I like that. What I least like is the size. Especially, in my area where jewellery is so popular, it is really hard to be seen.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!
Hmmm, I don't know if there's anything really fascinating, but I'm an avid filmmaker. It's another passion of mine! I was all set up and ready to go to film school in the States, but that had to be put aside with the birth of my son. I'm hoping in the next year that I can go back to fulfilling that.

Interview - Minimummouse

2009-07-15T10:14:00.000+01:00

Our interviewee this week is Marianne of minimummouse, she runs her shop with her boyfriend James from their home in Shirley, Solihull. Her Etsy shop sells vintgae inspired jewellery but they also sell vintage clothes and used designer clothes on other online sites.

Who is the person behind the shop?
I’m originally from Aberystwyth, Wales, and ended up in the Midlands via living in Glasgow for four years, doing a degree in English Literature & History. Then I met James, a native of Birmingham, and ended up following him here! I’ve been here about four years now, and I’m very happy. When I’m not working (which isn’t often, really, since I’m self employed!) I love going to the cinema, watching TV (mainly stuff like Lost, 24 and Heroes) reading, cooking, visiting new places and going out with friends go the pub, gigs, picnics, wherever really!

Have you always been crafty?
I have always been quite creative, but not always involved in craft. When I was a child I used to draw and write stories, and imagined myself becoming an author when I grew up. I remember when I first became interested in craft, it was when there was a trend for ‘friendship bracelets’ at school. They were woven from bits of embroidery thread and people used to swap them – I got really into those! Later on, in my teens, I used to get frustrated that I couldn’t find the clothes and jewellery that I wanted in Aberystwyth (which really is in the middle of nowhere!), so I got into customising clothes and making jewellery, and that instinct has never really left me.

I spend around one whole day a week actually making jewellery, I generally use vintage charms, beads and recycle old toys and games to make my pieces (which means I spend a lot of time rummaging in car boot sales, charity shops and everywhere else!) but have lately been experimenting with new mediums like glass and resin, and selling more customised vintage clothing and accessories. I sell my jewellery on my own website, eBay, and Etsy, and am about to start listing on Folksy. I have done a couple of markets, which I have enjoyed, but I’ve never sold much, so I tend to feel that for the effort I put in my time is generally better spent selling online.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by all kinds of things – dolls houses, little old ladies, food, old films, childhood memories and people I see on the street. I am a lover of anything kitschy, retro or a little bit trashy, but as I get older I try to work these things into something a bit more classy and sophisticated! I love to look at fashion magazines, though I try not to be too trend led. One of my favourites is Fruits Magazine, which is an amazing Japanese magazine – it has no words, just photographs of ordinary people on the street wearing the most amazing and crazy outfits you are ever likely to see!

How are your plans for world domination going?!
Minimum Mouse has been mine and my partner’s full time job for two and a half years now, so not too bad! Of course, that isn’t just handmade stuff, most of our income comes from selling clothes, so I would like to see the jewellery becoming a more significant part of it. I really enjoy that side of the business, but I love making jewellery, so to be self-sufficient as a jewellery designer would be absolute heaven!

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy and what are you hoping will be your next purchase?
So far, I have only really bought supplies on Etsy, I worry that if I start buying things for myself I won’t be able to stop! I got a couple of kits from Annie Howes to make scrabble and glass tile pendants, which I really loved and am now starting to make more of these to sell.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
I love the community feeling of Etsy, it seems such a friendly and encouraging place. I just wish it had a bigger following in the UK, but I’m sure that will come with time.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!
Hmm, tough question! I’m not sure this is fascinating, but I once won a trophy for fancy dress at the age of 6, as a gypsy fortune teller with a crystal ball which was a bouncy ball wrapped in tin foil! You see, I’ve always been resourceful!

The Custard Factory - Creative Open Workshops

2009-07-07T11:42:00.000+01:00

One of our team members, Francine of SaidLabel, has been organising some events at the Custard Factory in Birmingham lately. Here she tells us a bit more about it:

The Creative Open Workshop (COW) is an unfunded, artist-run project based at the heart of Birmingham’s Custard Factory. We deliver arts workshops from our colourful venue as well as going out into the community to work our creative magic. We have a shop space attached to our workshop room, where we have created a platform for local and regional artists/designer-makers to showcase and sell their work.

We started our first Handmade Saturday Market on 13th June and are now running it every Saturday. Artists and craft makers are able to book a table for £15 a day on a week to week basis. The idea is to grow the craft market as a group of creatives who are interested in becoming more involved in planning events, fairs and workshops.

Coffee, tea and freshly baked cupcakes are free for all stallholders. We set up a little table with cupcakes for 10p each at our last craft fair, which invited more people into the shop space!
So far we’re still in the stages of advertising the event and getting more artists on board. Although our shop space is booked up every weekend, we would like to spread out with tables outside along the main pool in the Custard Factory.

If you have any enquiries or would like some more information contact creativeopenworkshops@gmail.com and http://www.francine.posterous.com/

Team Midlanders Slideshow

2009-06-29T23:24:00.001+01:00

Interview - beckyismyname

2009-06-25T19:59:00.000+01:00

Our latest Etsy Midlander to be featured is Rebecca, of beckyismyname. She lives in Bearwood in Sandwell and makes cards and prints from her own illustrations. They are mostly inspired by the urban landscape of Birmingham and the West Midlands with a few other bits thrown in too. She is a relative newcomer to Etsy having opened up shop in April.

Who is the person behind the shop?
I’m Rebecca Owen, but people call me Becky, hence beckyismyname. I spent so long deliberating on the name and went with the simplest option in the end!

I’m originally from North Wales, but went to University in London and then moved to Birmingham in 2000.

I specialised in printed textiles for my degree and worked as a textile printer when I graduated. When I realised this was nigh on impossible to make a career out of, I managed to get a job at the local Council as a town planning technician where I worked on the local paper, designed brochures and basically taught myself how to use a computer. If you ask any of my degree classmates, I was the least likely person to end up with a job sat in front of a PC or Mac! Over the years I’ve gradually moved through jobs in town planning and now work for a planning consultant in London. I work from home in Birmingham 3 days a week and travel to the big smoke on the remaining 2 days.

Last year I completed a Graduate Certificate in Design for Visual Communication, which helped me refine my design skills and got me excited about illustration. My work in the property sector has introduced me to the beauty of the built environment, and so the two have become entwined in the work I do in my spare time!

Have you always been crafty?
I have always been interested in art. My mum always says the first thing I wanted to in my life was to marry Mr Kipling so he could make me cakes every day. After that, I wanted to be an artist! I think I was about 8 by then.

Now I spend on average of about 10 hours a week either drawing, taking photos and planning new work. I tend to work late at night, sometimes forgetting how late it actually is!

How does your work come about?
My work first comes from a photograph. I carry my camera everywhere, and take shots that interest me; an interesting building / shadow / a pattern on the floor that we don’t usually notice but if you take the time, you’ll find it quite intriguing. At least I do! Then I put the photo on my PC, and work over it in Illustrator and brighten it up with colour. I try to stay true to the subject though, for example my print of Calthorpe House, a building that has been knocked down in Birmingham, is in black.

Left: Calthorpe House, Five Ways, Birmingham before it was demolished.
Right: Calthorpe House poster

Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?
I had a stall at a multimedia event in Kings Heath, Birmingham in May called Mr Elephant Presents (http://www.mrelephant.com/) which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am also participating in a craft market at the Custard Factory where I have met a few other fellow Etsy Midlanders! I have some of my cards for sale at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, and I have also been accepted to take part in Art on the Railings in Centenary Square in Birmingham as part of Artsfest 2009 (http://www.artsfest.org.uk/) this September which will hopefully be a great opportunity to promote my work.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?
Well, I am going on a trip around South America in October so I hope to earn some cash to put towards that, and also to build up my profile so that when I return I can continue selling! To be honest at the moment I am just loving being inspired and being so creatively active and meeting new people with similar interests. Team Midlanders has been great for that!

What are you favourite shops on Etsy?
The chat rooms on etsy are great places to find new work. A few of the shops in my favourites are: bluebicicletta, strawberrypaintbrush, dozi, yumalum, crafterall and KMCcool.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
Mostly I love the chat rooms, they’re crazy and impossible to keep up with but it’s fun nonetheless! The community spirit from people all over the world is fantastic. Least favourite would be the fact that it’s so big and it’s very hard to get noticed.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!
I’m a bit obsessed with patterns! I’ve got a collection of all kinds of strange things because I like the pattern on them, like 50’s chopping boards and rolling pins! Problem is, I don’t have anywhere to put them so they just hang around the house in odd places!

Featured - Fiona of Jewellery My Design

2009-06-15T18:35:00.000+01:00

Our latest featured seller is Fiona who runs her shop called JewelleryMyDesign. Her jewellery uses the bead weaving technique and all her items are totally individual.

Who is the person behind the shop?

Where do I start! We moved from Aberdeen to Daventry (near Northampton) in June 1994. I had given up work to move and I enrolled on a course to train as a nursery nurse – don’t ask me why! At the end of the course, through IVF treatment, I was pregnant with twins. Where am I going with this you might ask, but I will get there in the end! When the girls were about two I wanted to find something to do work-wise but still be able to be at home. I then trained as a nail technician and I still do that today. In the summer of 2007 my nail business was almost dead but I still wanted to work from home as I had got used to it. I was surfing Google and came across a website selling beads and a DVD on how to make charm bracelets and earrings. I bought said DVD, some beads and 5 charm bracelets. I had no concept of how many beads would be in the bag. I told my husband that if the 5 bracelets sold then I would make more. When the beads came there were enough beads to make 11 bracelets so I just had to buy another 6!

Have you always been crafty?
I would not consider myself to be crafty or arty. I have had some major disasters when it comes to colours and designs, but then I bet we all have. I tend to work from patterns rather than freeform but change the colours. I make beaded jewellery, working with tiny seed beads preferably size 11s – for those who don’t know, that means 11 beads to 1 inch so they are tiny! I probably spend too much time on beading and surfing according to my husband! I have a shop on Etsy, Folksy, and links on lots of places. I also sell to my nail clients and do a series of Gift & Treat fairs in Oxfordshire through the year.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?

I would love to get to the point where people talk about my jewellery and seek me out. But initially I would just like to cover my costs.

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy?

My favourite purchase has got to be my Nemeton Nemesis beading kit – I have wanted one of these for such a long time but could not really justify the cost but when Lynn was having a sale I snapped one up – I hope to start it soon once I work my way through some of my outstanding orders.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

I like the fact that people seem to value handmade items and are willing to pay for the expertise. I don’t like that it is so big and works in dollars.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself.

Not sure it is fascinating but I have been a school governor for the last 7 years but now my girls have gone to secondary school, I will be finishing in July.

Interview - Linen & Roses

2009-05-28T14:32:00.000+01:00

This weeks interviewee is Fiona who runs LinenandRoses selling vintage inspired fabric items like napkins, cushion covers, egg cosies, corsages and much much more! Fiona also has a supplies shop called rosesandposies.

Who is the person behind the shop?

I'm Fiona and I live with my gorgeous new Hubbie in Oxfordshire. I realise Oxfordshire is not exactly Midlands but as there isn't a Southern group (that I'm aware of) and I didn't really feel I fitted into any London groups I asked if I could be a part of the Midlands team. I'm an Interior Designer but unfortunately I was made redundant late last year so I'm now concentrating on trying to make Linen & Roses a full time career.

When I'm not creating items for Linen & Roses, I am a very keen first time gardener. My Husband and I also love to travel, particularly in Europe and try to escape to explore whenever we can.

Have you always been crafty?

I have definitely always been creative. I come from a very artistic family on my Mums side so I guess it's in my blood. My Uncle was an art teacher and still paints and exhibits. My Granddad was a very talented amateur painter and my Mum is extremely artistic too. I learnt to sew when I was very young and my Sister and I were always making cushions and patchwork as well as cards and bookmarks that we were constantly trying to sell to our parents and Grandparents!

My interest in Interior Design started when I was in my early teens (reading Mums Homes & Gardens) and since completing my HND in Interior Design I also started creating lots of home inspired items such as cushions and table linen. I started a number of years ago selling at Spitalfields Market in London but now I just sell on line via Etsy, Misi, Folksy, and Dawanda. I've also just joined another site called Notmassproduced. I also do the odd fair or market whenever I hear of a suitable one for my products.

I'm inspired by any Interior Design that is simple and pretty. I love pretty florals and simple fabrics such as ginghams, ticking and vintage linens.

How are your plans for world domination going?! Or is it all just a bit of fun?

Definitely World domination! Well, to knock Cath Kidston off her pedestal at least. No, seriously, I'd just be happy for Linen & Roses to make me a simple living. Although I am looking for a replacement to the job I lost last year, if I could sell enough to be able to work from home on my own creations and make enough to contribute to the household expenses without finding a 'normal' job I'd be really happy. I was only selling on Etsy up until a few months ago, but I've increased the places I sell in order to try to get more exposure for my products and hopefully more sales.

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy and what are you hoping will be your next purchase?

I don't think I could single out one favourite purchase. So far I've mainly bought supplies from other etsians. I actually just purchased some gorgeous buttons yesterday so I'm looking forward to that package arriving. I have too many items on my wish list to mention!

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

I love that I have the chance to sell the items I make to every corner of the World. Who would have thought that would be possible a few years ago? By the same token, I love that I can buy from independent artists and craftspeople from all over the World from the comfort of my sitting room. There are some truly beautiful and unique items for sale on Etsy. The only thing that is not so good is that its sheer size means that it's difficult to get yourself known and newly listed items can be buried far back in the listings within minutes.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!

I'm a closet football fan. I pretend to be uninterested when my Hubbie is getting excited by it, but I actually spent a great deal of Sunday hopping around the house in a state of nervous tension as to whether Hull City would stay in the Premier League. I was born and brought up in Hull and although I never really followed the team before I have felt very proud of them and the City this past year so I was desperate that they would survive the relegation battle and stay up. My Husband is also very pleased they did because now he has two occasions next season when they play Arsenal when he can totally wind me up!

Featured Seller ~ Amy Etchells

2009-05-19T21:03:00.000+01:00

This weeks featured seller is Amy from Leicestershire. In her spare time she enjoys designing & making beaded jewellery. Her work mirrors her love of colour & 'all things sparkly'. She is also venturing into the use of fabric in her designs, which offer an interestingly tactile dimension to her jewellery. Supernova Necklace $19

Her wonderful jewellery can be found in her online store ~ AREjewellery
We stopped by to meet her..........

Who is the person behind the shop?

I’m Amy and I live in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. I am studying for a Masters in Property Management and Development in Nottingham at the moment (I finish in September and not terribly hopeful about finding a job!). All my family work in jobs relating to the built environment – quite strange! Amy's own photo of tulips in Market Bosworth

I am back living at home (embarrassing for a 27 year old!) after living in Belgium for two and a half years while working in the European Parliament. I also lived in Italy for a year while studying my undergraduate degree – I lived in a town called Ferrara which is truly beautiful.
However, I am now quite glad to be back in the UK. I do enjoy living abroad and wouldn’t rule it out again but this is my home and despite certain things I do love it!

Silver and Red Heart Necklace $16

Have you always been crafty?

I’ve always liked making things. I am hopeless at drawing and painting and was always worst in my art class at school. However, I am quite practical. I started making jewellery about 4 years ago – I didn’t create much whilst in Belgium as I didn’t take all the equipment, so it is in the last year and a half that I have ramped it up! I recently did a lampwork bead making class and once I get my own place I would love to take it up.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?

Just to keep increasing my sales, experimenting and trying new things. I’d love to reach 100 sales by the end of the year – perhaps a bit optimistic! At the moment I am able to spend quite a lot of time making and selling but who knows what will happen if I get a job! It would also be nice to increase viewer numbers on my blog

Turquoise and Red Heart Earrings $9

What are your 4 favourite shops on Etsy?

This is such a tough question! My faves keep growing and growing – and I try only to heart things that I really love! Despite making jewellery myself a lot of my faves are other jewellery makers!

Ok I have tried really heard but I can only cut it down to 6:

Morelle, Snapdragonbeads, PrinceDesignUK, Giia, QuercusSilver and Essimar.
I own a brooch from snap and a ring from Quercus. I just love buying on Etsy!

1: Truffle in Orange by morelle
2: ADRIATIC WAVE necklace in Green shades by giia
3: Round Orange Resin and Silver Cufflinks by QuercusSilver

4: Spring chicken bowl by PrinceDesignUK
5: Pumpkin Necklace - Pendant on goldfilled chain - OOAK by snapdragonbeads
6: Michelle Card by essimar

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

I love that it is simple and fast to use. I love the treasury and make them all the time! I also enjoy the UK chat thread – v friendly and v helpful. I don’t like the search very much it’s just not efficient enough in comparison to others – like eBay. I also wish I could organise my favourites! UK £ would be good too! I do sell on Folksy for those who are put off by the $ but I can’t say I am overly impressed with it.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!

I am a sports nut! I am an obsessive F1 fan and haven’t missed a race in 12 years. In my old job I got to attend the GP in Germany and be in the Paddock where I met my hero....Michael Schumacher! I also adore football and have a season ticket for Derby County although really I am a Manchester United fan! It’s complicated!

Featured blogs

2009-05-15T15:20:00.000+01:00

Team member Phillipa, from Feltathome is now being featured on the Craft for Health blog. She was asked to write about how craft has helped her in lifes ups & downs. The article includes more of Isabelle, Phillipas felt sculpture, which is one area of her unique work.
She will be posting regularly, so look out for it at http://www.craftforhealth.com/

Jacky from Jacksknits is also been popping up in another blog http://thescavengerbird.blogspot.com/
Jacky was recently interviewed for the newspaper (after being discovered on this blog) and has since asked to be on TV!

Featured Seller - Aster Sadler

2009-05-07T18:08:00.000+01:00

Introducing Aster! Aster lives in Kidderminster, Worcestershire with her husband and two dogs. She sells handmade jewellery and bridal hair accessories using sterling silver and freshwater pearls in her Etsy store Astersadler. She has also recently got addicted to seed beads and will soon be listing some of beadweaving creations in her shop.

Who is the person behind the shop?

When people ask where I am 'from' I normally say Dorset as I have lived there for the majority of my life but having been brought up in a forces family, I moved around a lot until my parents divorced when I was 11. It was my heart which led me to the Midlands a little over 3 years ago. I met my husband through a mutual friend and after 3 months of travelling back and forth halfway across the country, I braved the move 'up north'!

My husband, Chris, is a brewer and has a brewery and its taphouse pub within the family business based in Lye. I was apprehensive about the West Midlands but after an initial bout of teasing about my 'posh' southern accent I have found that Black Country folk are the friendliest and kindest around. Chris and I now work together day to day and I mainly look after the accounts and sales side of the business.

I love to walk our dogs and as one is a greyhound cross we go for long walks in the Wyre Forest on days off. Apart from jewellery making and dog walking I like to go and see movies or spend time with my family.

Have you always been crafty?

I have always loved making things and as a child my mum always commented on how my sister was very artistic but I was very practical, making things out of newspaper and getting really involved with craft and textiles at school. I get my love of silver jewellery from my mum and started making it about 5/6 years ago for myself and my family and friends. When I discovered Etsy I realised that there was a whole market for handmade goods and I like the fact that I know that someone, like me, has put love and effort into their creation. I spend most evenings beading and I like to take my seed beads out and about as they are quite portable - I bead in the car...in bed...you name it! I have a very understanding husband!

At the moment I only sell on Etsy and folksy but would really like to do more fairs or markets! I get my inspiration mainly through the bridal market with dresses, a bouquet or even just a colour scheme. My beadweaving is just evolving so I am mainly following patterns but I am really inspired by bright colours in purples and blues and like the contrast between the creamy colours of my bridal items.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?

I would like to be able to fund craft fairs and markets as I am such a people person that I like face to face contact with people. I hope that my colloquial and friendly style shows through in my shop and descriptions but I much prefer dealing with people one on one. I would like to have more sales through Etsy and be able to dedicate possibly a few days a week to just running it as a small business.
What has been your fave purchase from Etsy and/or what is your favourite shop from your favourites!?
My favourite purchase from Etsy is probably the first one I made as it was such a good experience. I bought a key fob from keyfobkellie in chocolate brown with pale blue spots and it was really well made and I had excellent service from her. Favourite shops are really hard to narrow down but I adore Lynn Davy's beadwork (Nemeton) and I aspire to one day be as good as her. Kerrie Slade is also a fantastic beadweaver. We have lots of talent within our group too! firephoenixjewellery and jewellerymydesign both feed my seedy bead addiction!

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

I like the fact that all the people that I have met or dealt with seem to have been really nice! I am lucky enough to have had only one bad experience on eBay but it has really shaken my trust of customers online. Etsy however seems to be filled with likeminded, kind and helpful people.
The only things I don't really like is that you can't change the currency (I find it quite laborious converting everything and when conversion rates change it all changes again) and that you can't organise the order of things in your shop. But these things are just me being pedantic! I like to be organised and get a bit obsessed with things being neat!

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!

I am a bit stationary obsessed, I love nice pens, paper, notebooks or anything like that, so much that my boss (luckily it’s my father in law) has had to restrict my ordering! Thankfully this is being rapidly overtaken by my seed bead obsession which is much more productive!!

Jacksknits hits the news!

2009-04-28T16:03:00.001+01:00

Team member Jacksknits has been interviewed by the newspapers, you can find the interview here. Jacky was discovered through the interview on this blog and hopefully will lead to many more things. You can read the interview here.
If you would like to purchase any of her wonderful, unique items, you can do so through her Etsy store here.
Have a great day!

Midlanders' Magic.....

2009-04-26T22:13:00.000+01:00

This week's treasury. I hope you enjoy some of the Midlanders' magic.

From top right, moving clockwise.......

1st row:

Sunshine Heart Brooch by cloudhopping

Raspberry Pixie Gloves / Wrist Warmers by issyimaginations

Vintage 60s childrens hats knitting pattern by VintageHippy

Indigo Rising bead captured button pendant by Pixie Willow Designs by pixiewillow

2nd row:

Beautiful Onyx Bracelet by pebble

EVERYBODY LOVES A WEDDING - SILK ROLLED EDGE SCARF by VintageWantsNotNeeds

Love Doves token by HippyMountainCrafts

Summertime Blues by harveyanne

3rd row:

Blue Ticking Needle Case / Book by RosesandPosies

Bright Orange Acrylic Rose Cabochon Necklace by Kjmakes

Vintage English Embroidery Transfers by MaidInBritain

Tiny lime resin stud earrings by pennydogaccessories

4th row:

Isabella - Single pearl headed hair pin (white) Set of 6 by Astersadler

Itty Bitty Love Kitty by theothermousie

Eva - art-doll by feltathome

Floppy Calico Bunny Rabbit by FruteJuce

Featured Seller - Jacksknits

2009-04-21T17:15:00.000+01:00

Today’s featured seller is Jacky of Jacksknits, a Brummie from Yardley but now living in Walsall. She sells fabulous knitted goodies including novelty tea cosies and toys! Jacky also sells on Dawanda and Folksy.

Who is the person behind the shop?
I’ve been married for 30 years and live with my husband and 2 of my 3 sons in Walsall. My other son has escaped and lives nearby with his girlfriend.
My husband runs his own business 'Sutton Rd Tax Services Ltd' and I help out, completing tax returns, running payrolls, that sort of thing. I am also an exams invigilator for a local secondary schoolMy hobby is gardening - I have a large and wild garden that always needs plenty of work! I can't resist buying plants.

Have you always been crafty?
I learnt to knit at about 4 years old, sitting on the back step at home, knitting squares which were sewn up into dolls clothes, probably not the best dressed dolls, but all the fashion in the 60's! Later I progressed to knitting jumpers for myself. I started knitting toys when my boys were young, and I sold them at school fairs for a bit of extra pocket money. I also sell knitted food on ebay.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?
I don't have any real ambitions, only to enjoy my knitting as a hobby and if it makes me any profit that’s a bonus.

What has been your fave purchase from Etsy?
I haven't bought anything from Etsy yet but I enjoy browsing though the shops; they are all so professional.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
I love to receive positive feedback especially from USA buyers - they are always so OTT. I also watch the treasurys but always miss out on bagging one myself! The Alchemy section is a great idea and of course I love our Etsymidanders team.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!

This month I bought an apartment in Mallorca and now spend lots of time (in my head) decorating and furnishing it. I think I need a lot more sales!

Springtime Treasury

2009-04-09T20:09:00.000+01:00

With the sun trying to shine, children off school and Easter - my mind has turned to Spring. Here are a few of the Etsy Midlander's Team's items that remind me of this time of year.

First row:
Penydogaccessories theothermousie AREjewellery cloudhopping
Second row:
Tsuki jacksknits lewesiaglass MissElany
Third row:
Astersadler Eekers pixiewillow VintageWantsNotNeeds

Meet the Team - Issyimaginations

2009-04-08T13:21:00.000+01:00

Let’s meet Larissa of Issyimaginations! An East Midlander from Nottingham who makes crystal and macramé jewellery (for those not in the know that’s knotted textiles!) and pixie gloves. Also look out for her future projects – she’s expanding into more crochet things, pixie pouches and beautiful things for children.

Who is the person behind the shop?
I’m currently training to be a Steiner/Waldorf teacher and I love the gentle and imaginative atmosphere of the schools. I can’t wait to be a class teacher. At the moment I’m working on building my own beautiful home on a narrowboat. I’ve been spending all my spare time gutting it and it’s nearly ready to put back together. I’ve got a dream of it being a beautiful floating pixie cave! I do a lot of shamanic work with a group called the Deer Tribe and I think it has helped me become closer to myself and the earth. I believe in magick, faeries and our own power to create our dreams.

Have you always been crafty?
I’ve always had about 10 unfinished projects on the go. I started making macramé jewellery whilst travelling in India. I used to sit with groups of friends and make stuff and swap materials or little knotty tricks. I got a lot of my crystals from India and a piece I’m working on at the moment includes quartz rock which I found whilst hiking in the Himalayas. I started off by making earrings and selling them at festivals on a little board; it kind of grew each year although I never had an actual stall! I wanted to get off the muddy floors this year and thought I’d give Etsy a try!

Do you have any business goals or objectives?
I guess my business goals are to continue to grow and create new things. I’d like to be able to donate $100 a month to earth based charities as 10% of my profit. I’d also like to have a steady income from my shop so I can keep the abundance flowing and take time out to dream and learn how to make new things.

Which is your favourite shop on Etsy?
My favourite shop on Etsy changes everyday! At the moment I’m loving katwise and her beautiful upcycled hoodies. I’m saving up for one. I also love fellow Etsy Midlander feltathome’s creations, her designs are so cute and I love felt.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
I love Etsy for the inspiration I get from other people’s shops. I love that it’s handmade and like a little community. The thing I least like about Etsy is that all the prices are in dollars. I wish you could sign in and set a preference for which currency things are shown in. Ooo and I’d like to be able to order my listings differently and put some items next to others and shuffle them around.

Tell me a random fascinating fact about yourself!
My family is Ukrainian and I think a strong part of my cultural background comes from there. I’ve never really felt British! I love spending time with my family, my grandparents both worked as tailors and they still have a room of inspiring treasure!

Treasury - Cafe au lait!

2009-04-02T13:09:00.000+01:00

Featured Artists -Click on any name for link to shop

First Row

Second Row

Third Row

Fourth Row

Midlands Event - Bicycle Basket Bazaar, Northampton

2009-03-31T12:15:00.000+01:00

Saturday 28th was the day of the Northampton Bicycle Bazaar which I have been attending since last year and what a day it was – cold, miserable and even hail stones..... The bazaar is held in what used to be Northampton’s Fish Market and which is now an Arts Centre. Being an old fish market it is open at the top, this would have been to let the smell of the fish escape. Nowadays it is only to add to our misery when we stand in the perishing cold!

The idea is that all items are handmade, home grown or vintage and sellers have to display and sell from baskets on or around a bicycle which means you have to be quite creative with how you display your items. I used to have two bikes one for my handmade items and one for my vintage but decided to cut my costs this time and so only had the one bike. Mind you, I probably took enough to fill two bikes! Both my husband and daughter always come with me and help to man the bike while I disappear off and visit the other bikes and buy from them. I am sure that most sales come from between ourselves!!

Lots of people came through – probably to get out of the rain and hail – I managed to sell one hand crafted item and a few vintage bits and pieces. The credit crunch seems to be hitting and people are definitely not being as free and easy with their pennies but we still had fun talking to the other sellers some of whom have become friends.

I have to say there were two highlights of the day, no make that three, a hot soak in the bath to warm up my old chilled bones, a steaming cup of tea in the bath and four sales on Etsy which is a first.

There you are there is hope on the horizon yet....

Debbie @ VintageWantsNotNeeds

Treasury-Over The Rainbow....

2009-03-22T11:04:00.000Z

Featured Artists:

1) RhodesAnnalsDesigns-Wisp: Mohair Scarf
2) Pixie Willow-Lime Fizz Lampwork Earrings
3) Eekers-Golden Tone Tiger Wire Earrings
4) Linen and Roses-Buttercup Egg Cozies
5) Joannas Bridal-Arriana Silver Swarovski Tiara
6) Miss Elany-45 Pieces Squares Kids Mix
7) Lewesia Glass-Butterfly Suncatcher
8) AREjewellery-Aqua Oceanic Earrings
9) Aster Sadler-Cranberry Drop
10) Issyimaginations-Rainbow Pixie Gloves
11) Hippy Mountain Crafts-Love Doves
12) Feltathome-Lydia Felt Monster Brooch/Pin
13) Vintage Hippy-Vintage 60s Children Hat Knitting Pattern
14) Pebble-Cherry Quartz Necklace
15) Pennydogaccessories-Tiny Tomato Resin Earrings
16) Kjmakes-Pink Seaglass and Lilac Faux Suede Necklace
17) Jacksknits-Liquorice Sweets Tea Cozy
18) Roses and Posies-Purples and Pinks Buttons
19) Cloudhopping-Sunshine Orange Corsage
20) Lewesias-Red Poppy Pendant

Meet the Team

2009-03-19T09:41:00.000Z

Our second Midlander is Margaret, she has two shops (I see a trend here) MissElany, which sells fabric and other supplies for scrapbooking and card making and MaidInBritain, Margaret’s new shop selling her handmade items (mainly knitted items at the moment but she will be adding other handmade goodies as well) plus some vintage supplies.

Meet the person behind the shop

I was born in Leicester, one of the baby boomers, and did all the usual things in life, got married, had children and worked full time on a stressful job. We are a close knit family who like to spend time together. My husband got the chance for early retirement which he jumped at so I decided not to be left behind and did the same. We then started our business designing and manufacturing display cases, but that’s another story.

Have you always been crafty?

Yes I have from a very early age, I can remember my mum dressing me up in a very oversized apron and cap and making fairy cakes, but it didn’t stop there. Mum was very good at sewing and embroidery which she also taught me but she had a love of all flowers, wild or cultivated, so gardening also came on the scene. I have always liked trying my hand at new crafts so I am proficient at lots of crafts.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?

I have always enjoyed doing the day to day running of a business, especially designing new products. I have a list as long as your arm at the moment with new things I want to try for my shop, MaidInBritain selling my hand crafted items. My only other goal is to be happy and successful!

What has been your favourite purchase from Etsy?

My favourite item from Etsy is one I bought recently and that was a onesie and pair of socks for our newest addition to our family. The seller in this case was Lemondropbay and I will certainly be going back for more.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?

I like the community there is on Etsy, everyone I have met has been very helpful to me giving me links and information so I can be more successful, long may it continue.

The one thing I really dislike is the laborious way they have for listing an item, I am sure they could find an easier and quicker way!

Tell me a random fact about yourself!

I think I am addicted to cappuccino coffee and need my fix of it every morning! I do limit myself to just one cup a day but would not like to go without this one treat in the day.

Gifts for Mothers Day

2009-03-06T21:56:00.000Z

It's only 2 weeks until Mothering Sunday here in the UK, so now is the time to buy that gorgeous gift!

There are plenty of potential presents in Etsy Midlanders' shops - here is a small selection:

Clockwise from top right:

A really pretty pin by Kjmakes

Yellow clutch with retro print by cloudhopping

Wooden carved face necklace by issyimaginations

Oh so cute egg cosy by LinenandRoses

Bee Tea cosy by jacksnits

Cute crochet pouch by RhodesAnnalsDesigns

Meet the Team - Lewesias

2009-02-20T14:42:00.000Z

Our first ‘Meet the Team’ interview features Lynn who has two shops on Etsy: Lewisas selling hand painted glass pendants and cards and Lewesiasglass selling other hand painted glass items including sun catchers, bottles and tea light holders.

Her glass painting technique involves firstly drawing the design on by hand, leaving it for 24 hours to harden off and then hand painting in the design with bakeable glass paint. Finally, they are hardened off for two hours in an oven. Et voila!

Who is the person behind the shop?
I have lived in Wednesbury, the West Midlands all of my life. Married for 41 years, we have three wonderful grown up sons and two beautiful daughter-in-laws. The other member of our family is Jessie, a rescued jack russell, and she is adorable!! I do not have a career as such; my children and husband are my career.

Have you always been crafty?
My hobbies are all crafts, but 10 years ago, I invested in a glass painting book, and bang, I was hooked, it is my joy, my way to escape the worries and troubles of everyday life. I also enjoy doing cross stitch, crochet and stained glass. The latter of which, I again invested in a book, and I love doing it. Still learning, but its sheer enjoyment when I finish a task! I spend as much time as I can on my crafts, that is, between all the household chores! I do the occasional craft fair, not so many nowadays. My daughter-in-law told me about Etsy, so I thought ‘why not have a go’! I did, and I love it. I also have a shop on Misi.

Do you have any business goals or objectives?
I am not a business lady, I do my craft as a hobby, but as long as I get as much pleasure as I do from painting, then I will always do so. When the pleasure goes, that's when I will stop, because I would hate it to become a chore!

What has been your favourite purchase from Etsy?
My favourite seller from Etsy is, GenuineArticle, she makes and designs jewellery, I have purchased a few pieces from her, she is a delight to work with. But then again, when you go on Etsy, you find so many talented people, and the majority of them are very nice indeed.

What do you most like and least like about Etsy?
The only downside to Etsy, is like everything in life, there are some unpleasant people, but I'm glad to say, they are few and far between. I like the way it's run, mainly you’re left to do your own thing.The only other thing is I wish we could pay our bill with PayPal!

Tell me a random fact about yourself!
I LOVE Maltesers, I eat boxes of them! And I once met Ann Jones, the English tennis player, which was a TREAT as love watching tennis, especially Wimbledon!