Team Member Spotlight! RobinsFlight!

This week we proudly introduce - Robins Flight! Take a look below at an example of one of her beautiful bags.

1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are
My name is Robin (no nickname really other than Mom), and I'm a stay at home mom of 2 great kids, ages 6 and 3. Before that, I did cancer research. I think being a mom is the harder of the two jobs!

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!
For most of my life, until about a year before I had my first child, I didn't want kids...at all! So now, of course, that's all I do.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?
I make crocheted, fabric lined bags, purses and wallets.

4. How did you start with Etsy?
I've been crocheting as a hobby for a long time. I started making bags, since they're faster and easier than, say, afghans. Then I started creating my own patterns and lining them. I found Etsy as a means to justify making them.

5. Any secrets to share for success?
I really don't feel like I've been that successful, at least not in terms of sales or profits. But I guess my secret would be to do it because I enjoy it, and use that as my guide, not how much I sell. It's a hobby for me, a creative outlet, so as long as I'm enjoying it, and hopefully selling a few along the way, it's a success.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.
I love to read, when I find the time, though I tend to drop everything to finish a book once I start. I sometimes like to try variations on my crochet, like thread crochet too. And my daughter is getting into the craft thing too, so I like doing projects with her.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?
My husband and I went on a lot of trips before we had kids, so a lot of the places I'd like to see I've already been. If there's one place I'd really like to go still, it's Alaska. It sounds like a beautiful, awe inspiring, breathtaking place.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?
It's really easy to get stuck in measuring Etsy success by sales, and forget the reason we're all here- because we love to create. The HHU team is a great place to connect, to feel at home, to help each other remember why we do what we do, and maintain focus, to encourage one another, and even give some help in getting those sales. So I hope I can encourage and help others in that, and be encouraged when I need it.

9.Where can we find you?
Your shop address
http://www.etsy.com/shop/robinsflight

Facebook address
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RobinsFlight-handmade-bags-and-purses/263070380756?ref=search&sid=1150135783.1043228634..1

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?
First and foremost, my strength for anything and everything comes from my faith in God. I also have great support from my husband- for Etsy as well as for being a SAHM or whatever else I feel compelled to do, he's there telling me, "go for it!" And even my kids- they love seeing my new creations being made, as long as I have the time to put down the computer or my crochet and play a game with them now and then! My inspirations come from all over- what I want and need in a bag, pretty fabrics I find, colors in nature, someone else's bag that catches my eye, even sometimes a yarn or notion that I'd love to find a use for!

11. Free writing anything you want to say
I've been really glad to have HHU and the friends thread! Being home with just the kids so much, it's been such a help to know I can drop in, say hi, and have people acknowledge me, there to say hi, to give encouragement, to be friends. Thanks guys!

Team Member Spotlight! Jewels by Trish

We would like to introduce you to JewelsbyTrish! Look at this gorgeous bracelet! Love that caramel colored focal bead!




1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are.

Tricia, Trish, wife & mother of 2, 1st grade teacher, Mary Kay consultant, & jewelry maker.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

I am a Gemini-the twins! It is true that a Gemini has 2 personalities! When I was in college, I became enchanted by the French language so began taking French classes to satisfy my electives. I got all the way up to Conversational French--the ENTIRE class was taught in French! I wanted desperately to move to France & talked of doing it so much that I terrified my friends! My introverted "twin" finally took over & made me stay home with my family and boyfriend who became my husband.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

handmade jewelry--love sterling silver, wire wrapping, Swarovski crystals, & cool gemstones.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

Frustrated with lack of traffic on another website; got recommendation about Etsy from several friends.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

Belief in yourself and a passion for your dream! You have to get yourself out there and trust that your work is awesome. The belief in your product is charismatic.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

Love to read, love animals, scrapbooking, farming on FarmTown on Facebook!

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why.

Hmmmm....tough one. For the family, 2 weeks in Disney World. It is truly a magical place and the excitement and wonder in the eyes of your children is priceless!!

For my husband and I, a safari trip in Africa. I think the beauty of the African safari is amazing and would love to see the culture there.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I hope to contribute to the feeling of a family here, making new friends and pushing each other to become successful. Success in finding happiness and joy or support when times are rough both in our personal lives as well as our businesses. What you give comes back two fold.

9. Where can people find you?

Your shop address - http://jewelsbytrish.etsy.com
Blog Address - http://jewelsbytrish.blogspot.com
Facebook address - http://facebook.com/jewelsbytrish
Twitter - http://twitter.com/jewelsbytrish

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

My inspiration comes from various places. Sometimes its from the beauty of animals and nature, sometimes its the gemstones themselves "speaking" to me. Strength: Making jewelry for me is not about getting rich, it's a creative outlet for me. I enjoy the hunt of a great gem or component as much as making a piece. I love everything I make so it gives me joy in my heart!

11. Free writing anything you want to say.

I am loving this team! The friendship across the miles so far has been amazing! Knowing you are not alone in this big bad world of business and having a go at doing what you love is priceless. It amazes me that there are so many out there with the same goal as myself, yet are willing to help me to success. This is truly a great TEAM!!!

Team Member Spotlight! Fabric Greetings

We would like to introduce you to Fabric Greetings! Look at this wonderful fabric postcard! I wonder what special person will receive it in their mailbox?




1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

Alyce, wife, mother, fabric lover and probably "granny" of this wonderful team

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

Well, you already know I love chicken livers, but here is a fun fact. If I am going on a boat, it had better have a captain, chef, and cabin steward who are not the same person.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

Fabric Postcards

4. How did you start with Etsy?

An offline customer asked me to consider Etsy so she could see what I had for cards more often than at the shows I do in her area.

5. Any secrets to share for success?

My secret for success is to do what you like and be good at it.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I still sew and read and I am back to walking. I also try to keep Mr. Fabric happy by accompanying him to the bagel shop several times a week.

7. Where would your dream vacation be?

I am fortunate in that I take my dream vacation every September. We rent a small house in mid-coast Maine. I walk, I watch the ocean, I sew (yes, my sewing machine travels with us), I cook easy meals and I eat a lot of lobster.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I am hoping that I am able to help others with problems they are having with tagging, titles, etsy in general. New eyes looking at something see things you have missed. I know this team has been a tremendous help to me.

9. Your shop address

FabricGreetings.etsy.com

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

Life is my inspiration. Strength comes from family.

11. Free writing anything you want to say

This team has become a real part of my etsy life. They are there to pick you up, urge you along, offer a laugh, and just generally be a friend. For that I am eternally grateful.


* Update from Alyce since this was originally posted " I had my wonky knee fixed and I am back to walking again. Only getting 3 miles a day in, but that is a start."

Team Spotlight! OpossumHollowRoad!

This month we are proud to spotlight OpossumHollowRoad. Are you looking for a stylish, one of a kind case for your electronic gadget(like the one below)? Do you need a pretty pillow for your couch? These are just some of the items you can find in this eclectic shop.




1. Tell us your name, nickname and a little about who you are.

My name is Kim New. I work full time, have 4 children, a wonderful husband, and a menagerie of pets.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

Hmmm…nothing really shocking, but there may be some things folks might not know about me. I play the fiddle, I am a vegetarian, I am learning Contra dancing. I have lived in Kansas, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, New York and now Tennessee! I used to be a competitive swimmer and went to college on a swimming scholarship. Oh, I know what might shock a few people! I adore opera!! I know, I know-you either love it or hate it!

3. What is your main craft?

I enjoy sewing anything, except for piping (owing to a recent unfortunate incident that I won’t discuss here!). I love making custom designs for people. I’m into upcycling or repurposing things because it allows me to combine my love of thrift shops and antiques stores with my love of sewing.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I saw a reference to Etsy in a magazine. I had never heard of anything like it and was instantly excited and motivated to be a part of it. I joined immediately but didn’t actually start listing items until late June.

5. Any secrets to share for success?

I consider myself a newbie and am still learning the ropes!

6. What are your hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy?

I love to knit, peruse thrift and antique stores, see movies, play the fiddle, go for long walks with my husband, listen to music, learn other languages, and travel internationally (which I don’t get to do very often).

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

I love Italy and a dream vacation would be several weeks in a villa in Tuscany. I love Italian culture (and food!) and especially like the family oriented, laid back slower pace I have seen in many parts of Tuscany. I crave a slower pace where I can appreciate every moment.

8. What do you hope to contribute to and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I hope to be an active member in all activities the group undertakes. I hope to give and gain friendship and support. This is such a warm group of friends who are truly there for each other. The title of the friendship thread is so perfectly descriptive of what HHU offers and I believe that’s why so many people are drawn there.

9. Where can we find you?

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

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I draw inspiration in life from nature (Tennessee is so beautiful!) and from those around me-family, friends, colleagues. You truly can’t judge a book by its cover and I am so often touched by the life experiences of others.

My husband is my biggest fan and supporter. He truly would give me the moon if he could. But enough of the mushy stuff!!

11. Anything else you want to add?

I am honored to be a part of such a talented, knowledgeable, and caring team of artists.

Team Spotlight! jewelrybyjakemi!

Today we would like to introduce you to Lisa of jewelrybyjakemi. Check out this cute bracelet that would make anyone feel lucky!


1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

My name is Lisa. I am the mother of 3 amazing boys, wife to the love of my life, and I live in a beautiful city on the coast of Massachusetts. I am at a bit of a crossroads in my life as my youngest starts Kindergarten next year. I have to decide between going back to work or trying to scrape together somewhat of a living from writing and jewelry making. Next year, not only does my youngest start Kindergarten, but my middle son starts Middle School and my oldest starts High School! Major transitions for everyone in my family.

I have two Etsy shops. One showcases my handmade jewelry and is a bit of an obsession for me. The other is a vintage shop filled with fun and kitschy salt and pepper shakers.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

I am a freelance writer. Well, at least I was one until life just got to crazy. I've written for lots of regional magazines and I was also published in the Christian Science Monitor and Parents Magazine. Right now I am contemplating a return to freelancing or possibly pursuing my dream of writing fiction.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I make jewelry! I love all types of jewelry design but my shop focuses on personalized name bracelets and scrabble tile/glass tile pendants.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I had done a couple of craft shows and someone at one of those started talking about Etsy.

5. Any secrets to share for success?

I have yet to find the secret to success on Etsy but am working on it. I have been doing pretty well at craft fairs and believe to find a place in the jewelry market you have to develop a niche or specialty.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I am an avid reader and was at one time very into hiking. At the moment, most of my time is consumed by my Husband and 3 sons.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why

I've been to Hawaii twice and would love to go back. Everything about it is beautiful. However, I also dream of Paris. I'd like to learn French first.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I hope to form friendships with other struggling and successful artisans. I think it is wonderful to have a group of people offering support, guidance, and constructive criticism.

9. Where can we find you?

Your shop address

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

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

Blog Address

http://www.jewelrybyjakemi.com

Facebook address

http://www.facebook.com/jewelrybyjakemi

Twitter address
http://www.twitter.com/jewelrybyjakemi

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I am inspired by my surroundings. Sometimes it is the beautiful ocean, the New England Fall foliage, or even an ice storm. My strength comes from my husband who is always supportive and encouraging and my mother who has dealt with so much in life and never complains.

11. Free writing anything you want to say

I love being part of Hearts and Hands United. It is amazing to me that a group of people who have never met each other in the real world, could be so supportive and form true friendships!

Team Spotlight! Moore Magnets!

This week I am very proud and excited to spotlight our fearless leader and one of the founding members of HHU, April of Moore Magnets! I think I'll let her introduce herself...

Hey Yall! (In my bestest southern accent!) I am April, one of the team leaders here on HHU! I don't know if I have a favorite in my shop at the moment, they are all my favorites, but my newest product are my Message Centers - http://www.etsy.com/listing/67186288/message-center-magnet-board - It is a magnet board with a little pocket to hold your mail or other things that you might have in your hand at the end of the day!



1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

I am April, and I don't have a nickname ... well other than "mom" and a few things that my brother used to call me growing up! My favorite nickname was "twinkle toes" ... a name given to me by my dad. I had some crocheted slippers that were made with pink and silver sparkly yarn that I always called my twinkle toes shoes. Oh, what a great imagination that I had growing up!

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock
us!

I am not sure this will shock you, but my brother and I are the 7th generation on both sides of our family that were born and raised in North Carolina! So, when I say that North Carolina is home ... I mean it!

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I mainly make magnet boards, but I have branched into several organizational products in the last year. It has been really fun to come up with new ideas and products that can be both pretty and functional.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I found out about Etsy at a dismal craft show. It wasn't really a slow craft show - there were lots and lots of lookers ... but no one was buying! So, my neighbor and I chatted a lot, and she told me about Etsy.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to
track your success?

Over the last few months I have become acutely aware of the importance of keeping an active shop. Really, every shop keeper should make a point of doing something in their Etsy shop every day. Make a list of the possible things that you can do to be active, and no, it is not all about renewing or adding product. Here are some things that you can do to stay active:

- List something new, a new product or a new version of an existing product
- Renew an item in your shop
- Change your featured items
- Update the description of an item
- Update the tags of an item
- Update your shop announcement
- Make a treasury
- Heart a shop or item that you like

Any and all of these things will help you to keep an active shop!


6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

Our vegetable/fruit garden has become a huge pastime in my life. I am pretty sure that most of my teammates here at HHU thought they were going to have to rescue me from zucchini last summer!

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

My husband and I would really love to drive around the country and visit a lot of the National Parks. We have been watching the Ken Burns series on PBS, and that has really fueled our desire to visit them! Hopefully we can take a couple months off and make that trip in about 5 years!

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands
United?

I hope that I contribute both friendship and business support to my teammates. I know that they provide me with the same!!

9.
Your shop address
Blog Address
Facebook address
Twitter
Flickr address

http://MooreMagnets.Etsy.com
http://MooreMagnets.Artfire.com
http://AprilsPaperShack.Etsy.com
http://MooreMagnets.com

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

Right now I am drawing a lot of inspiration from my own struggles with trying to get and stay organized. However, it is the wonderful people in my life that keep me getting up and getting moving everyday!

11. Free writing anything you want to say

I would like to encourage everyone to join in our chit chat. I know that we have a lot of lurkers, but it is your participation that is important. You never know when you are going to say something that inspires, motivates, or resonates with someone. So, speak up! We love hearing from you!

Everyone is welcome to join in our new Etsy team that was created just for chit chat - you can find us here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7582/friendsofhhu?ref=pr_teams

Team Spotlight! Seven Oak Farm!

This week we would like to introduce you to Nancy from Seven Oak Farm! Take a look at these beautiful luminaries from her shop (oh yeah, she can also make you an awesome banner for your shop)!

1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

Hello! I am Nancy, just a farm girl now living in a small town but still love the farm life. I have several nicknames but Bossy Boots is used the most. Not sure why though! Just kidding, I am my Mother!

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

My life is not very shocking! I once played piano and sang with a Gospel group that traveled Ohio, WV, VA, KY and Indiana.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I have struggled to find my niche. The problem is that I love so many things. I have settled in my desire to design unique items that are woodsy, nature themed, rustic with a Farmhouse feel. Luminaries and branch coasters have settled into what I will be designing.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I started with Etsy selling vintage, prim dolls and comics. I then added a graphics shop then a soap shop. I was looking for a place to have my own store without all the hoopla of my own website and found Etsy. I will be phasing out my vintage shop soon to work on my other two shops more.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

I haven’t reached a point that I feel I have been successful. Always learning and always improving.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I love doing graphic designs, it really is mind soothing to me. Spending time with my parents, Mike, friends and family.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

Springtime in Vermont or Upstate NY because it is sooooooo beautiful there

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and HandsUnited?

Hopefully I will contribute ideas and offer friendship.

9.Your shop address

www.sevenoakfarm.etsy.com

www.thebannerloft.etsy.com

Facebook address

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=666411154

Twitter

@sevenoakfarm

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

Nature is so inspiring to me and history of things past. When I see an acorn my thought is what can I do to keep this going. I believe something can be made from anything with imagination.

11. Free writing anything you want to say

One of the best decisions was joining HHU. I was here almost from the beginning. I have learned so much and come to know some pretty terrific people.

Team Spotlight! Puttin' on the Dog Design!

Today we want to introduce you to Nancy of Puttin' on the Dog Design! She makes all kinds of great items for your pampered pooches. Check out this silky crate mat, made specifically for long haired pups.


1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are.

Hi, I'm Nancy and my friends call me "knancy" (kay-nancy) or "knancyknep" (kay-nancy kay-nep) - something about the alliterative quality I guess. :) I live almost literally in "Mickey's Backyard" in West Kissimmee, Florida. I've lived in Florida for about 27 years and grew up in Pennsylvania. I love Florida because I need the sunshine and warmth to keep my sunny disposition and I love the beach and the sounds of the ocean.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

Something that surprises most folks about me is that I was almost born in an airplane that my mother was piloting. My parents lived across from a small municipal airport and they were into flying - they both earned their pilot's licenses and owned a Piper Cub with a few other members of my family. When my mother was about due to deliver me, she decided to go for an afternoon spin and while she was in the air, she started having labor pains! As soon as she landed, she went to the hospital!

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

My main craft is making dog clothes and accessories and also custom-embroidered items. I learned to sew in elementary school and made my own clothes in high school and college. It's always exciting to me to take a piece of fabric and trims and create something beautiful or funky! Sometimes I like to use classic lines, but most of the time I like to let my imagination run wild!

4. How did you start with Etsy?

After working for more than 35 years in the non-profit sector I got laid off from my job where I had just observed my 20th anniversary of working there. It was a hard time, but it gave me the opportunity to be at home (I traveled frequently) with my sweet kitty Babe and started enjoying being "semi-retired". Actually, I've realized this was a gift, because I'd been suffering symptoms of fibromyalgia for years and was finally diagnosed about a month ago, after having a terrible flare. I tried some at-home telephone work, but I didn't like it so I decided to start a business combining my love for sewing and my love for dogs. It has been a little slow getting started but in the past few weeks, I am seeing a glimmer of hope with lots more interest in my creations.

I got started with etsy due to a friend who knew about etsy and encouraged me to start with a shop instead of creating my own web site from the ground up. I especially liked the ease of being able to use Paypal and also listing my items without too much difficulty.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

I don't have a lot of secrets for success, because I haven't had much success yet. But I live in hope!

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why


My dream vacation would be to a tropical island resort where I could look out on the ocean and hear the waves crashing on the shore. I'd enjoy sampling an abundance of native foods, and relax on the beach. I would like to see sites of interest of the area, but I'm not a real touristy person. And, I would want to enjoy it with a best friend or companion.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I hope that I contribute support and encouragement (and maybe some sales :) to HHU and hope to receive the same. I want to form some deep friendships here where I can share my celebrations of good things and my disappointments when things are rough. I appreciate so much the efforts of team members to be caring and concerned for each other.

9. Where can we find you?

Etsy - http://puttinonthedogdesign.etsy.com

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I draw my inspiration and strength from my deep faith in a loving and compassionate God. Knowing that I am a child of God enables me to be joyful in life's precious moments and be strong in the challenging times. My life has not been easy, especially in the last 6 years, but God has sustained me, guided me, and given me peace in even the worst of my struggles.

11. Free writing anything you want to say.

I am so pleased to be a part of Hearts and Hands United. You all brighten my days and make me laugh!