Featured Artist: Millys Art Designs

If you are looking for unique wall art and jewelry, look no further than Mary Ann Millington’s MillysArtDesigns shop on Etsy.  Read more right here on Promo Junkies of Etsy:

How did you first get started on Etsy? 
When I quit my high stress position in Health Care I was looking for something to use my creative side. I started making things out of paper and people loved them . I decided to open my Etsy Shop so I could continue to create and hope that others would enjoy my designs. 

What is your inspiration for your shop? 
I am addicted to scrapbook paper but not scrapbooking. So I came up with a way to use high quality scrapbook paper that I love, in all kinds of different ways. For jewelry, ornaments, home decor and keychains to mention a few. The ideas in my head are endless so that’s why I went with the name Milly’s Art Designs so that I was not locked into one specific thing to sell.

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?
Its hard to choose which would be my favorite but I really enjoy making my framed quilt art pictures. I love the process of looking through my scrapbook papers and picking just the right colors and patterns to coordinate within my intricate designs. They seem to be one of my most popular items at my craft fair booth. I have even sold one to a local news celebrity from my area, which was exciting.

How do you unwind when you’re not creating? 
OK don’t judge me, but I am a big Reality TV fan. I enjoy the competitive shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. 

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops. 
www.etsy.com/shop/PigeonHouseHandmade
I love the whimsical way she uses colors and her creations have so much personality.

www.etsy.com/shop/feltingdreams
Now I am not usually a fan of mice but hers are so sweet that I cannot help wanting every one of her little cuties.

www.etsy.com/shop/dollytime
Love her knitted doll patterns, all I need now is to learn how to knit so I could produce one of her adorable dolls.

How would you describe your work style? 
I consider my work style obsessive. When I get a new idea, (usually in the middle of the night) I have no choice but to get up early and immediately start working. Hours will go by and I will still be in my PJ’s working on my new idea. Sometimes it does not come out the way I had envisioned it so I will have to take a step back and rethink it. I have to say I love every minute of the process. 

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why?
If I had a super power I think I would probably add some hours to the day. Some days all I want to do is sit and create but I often feel a bit guilty because I am leaving the wash undone or the floor unwashed. If I have a few days a week with longer days I could create to my hearts content and still have clean clothes

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?
If I could change anything, I think I would have promoted myself more in the beginning. I was kind of finding my own way. I have now learned how promotion is the key through teams and treasuries and connecting with other Etsy shops. Its been very rewarding being in touch with people with common interests from all over the globe.

Please list where you can be found (FB, Twitter, etc)
I can be found on
Facebook www.facebook.com/MillysArtDesigns
Blog talesofthereborncrafter.blogspot.com/
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/millysartdesign

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Welcome to this week’s Wednesday Wishlist, a collection of great themed items for your shopping pleasure!  Click on the pictures and be directed to the item for sale to read more about it, heart it, share it….or just go ahead and buy it.  😉

When asked for their favorite month, September was the overwhelming winner.  Here are some reasons why:

It is still nice and warm but you have the beginning feeling of Autumn. And after a long summer, the kids go back to school!

I love the fall hues, beautiful sunsets, beautiful days and the crisp air.

I like back to school and all the excitement of a new school year and nice fall days with leaves starting to change!

My favorite month is September because of the warm days and cool nights!

Please feel free to comment which is your favorite month and why!

Calling All Creators!!

Make-It Monday is a day dedicated to handmade goods by YOU.  We are looking for your talent, whether it be a craft, a recipe, or just a genius DIY idea.  Turn it into a tutorial for all to see.

All you need is an original idea, include descriptive pictures and great explanation.  Voila!  You’ve made a tutorial and we want to share it!  This is great exposure for your business or blog….and great fun for the rest of us.  Show us what you’ve got!

Thanks!  ~The Promo Junkies of Etsy Team

Featured Artist: Kickin Crochet

Meet Mary from Kent, Washington.  Legwarmers are making a big show this year and you can find adorable patterns in her Etsy shop: KickinCrochet

How did you get started on Etsy?

When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2010 I picked up crochet again, which I hadn’t done since I was a kid. Once I started, I just kept going and pretty soon I had way more stuff than I could use or gift, so I decided to open up an etsy shop in 2011. Since then I’ve started writing crochet patterns and it’s been a lot of fun!

What is your inspiration for your shop?

My children, for sure, but also the fact that I’m always freezing so I like to think of cute warm things.

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?

I love these legwarmers. I don’t really have a good reason why they’re my favorite, they’re just warm and cute.

How do you unwind when you’re not creating?

I’m an avid reader, board game enthusiast, and rower (on the water or off)

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.

This shop is run by a friend of mine and her sisters and the proceeds go to benefit her neice and nephew that have a rare disease
www.etsy.com/shop/AuntsofAngels?ref=pr_faveshops
I think she makes some cool chainmaille stuff that isn’t necessarily super gothic:
www.etsy.com/shop/DoBatsEatCats?ref=pr_faveshops
And finally, I just love her art:
www.etsy.com/shop/PaintedRainGallery

How would you describe your work style?
I tend to work in bursts. I might make 8 or 9 patterns in one month and then do nothing new for a month. I’ve been working on being more consistent and I’m finding that the more I design, the more ideas I get. If only I had more time!

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis. Imagine: Crochet hooks that move themselves!

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?
I would have taken much better photos and started off with patterns right away. I also would have joined a team earlier to help learn how to promote my items.

Please list where you can be found (FB, Twitter, etc) 
www.facebook.com/kickincrochet
pinterest for patterns: www.pinterest.com/onoratim/kickin-crochet-patterns/
pinterest for finished items: www.pinterest.com/onoratim/kickin-crochet-on-etsy/

Featured Artist: Antique Basket Lady

Susan Zupnyk is making adorable bags and accessories in West Bend, Wisconsin for her wonderful Etsy shop Antiquebasketlady.

How did you first get started on Etsy?

I searched many venues to sell my handmade bags and accessories and found Etsy had the easiest way to get my products out there…I sell at art fairs and craft shows throughout many states and wanted a site where people could purchase my items after a show…

What is your inspiration for your shop?
Items in my shop are inspired by nature and favorite places…as you can see I have many birds and flowers

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?
I love anything with birds and love to search for fabrics that are unique, fun and a bit funky…love the funky bird on this bag…

How do you unwind when you’re not creating?

I love to search on line for unique and fun fabrics…gardening and spending time with my family and pups…I enjoy sewing for my little granddaughters Violet and Addie

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
I have so many fav shops here are a few
Love the vintage
www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsomeHalos
Great knit items
www.etsy.com/shop/TwoSeasideBabes?ref=search_shop_redirect
One of my fav fabric shops
www.etsy.com/shop/billycottonshop0413

How would you describe your work style?
I am very systematic but if you could sew my sewing room you would see total chaos…

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why?
Superhero…is there a super hero that can multiply? so I could be in 2 places at one time…

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?
I would have become involved with more teams and social media to help promote my shop and to network…so much can be learned from other sellers

Please list where you can be found (FB, Twitter, etc)
I can be found:
Blog: antiquebasketlady-susan.blogspot.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/Antiquebasket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Antiquebasketlady
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sue_zupnyk/
www.etsy.com/shop/Antiquebasketlady
Stumbl: www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/antiquebasket

Featured Artist: Gabby’s Quilts N Supply

Meet Ruth Schleich from Gabby’s Quilts N Supply.  Read about here and visit her Etsy shop GabbysQuiltsNSupply.

How did you first get started on Etsy? 

My daughter found the site first and told me it would be a great place to sell some of my quilts on, so we decided to give it a try.

What is your inspiration for your shop?
My kids 🙂

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?

When I have the one I made for myself wrapped around me it reminds me of my son who is currently serving in the Air Force

How do you unwind when you’re not creating?
I read a good book, usually about quilting of course 🙂

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
www.etsy.com/shop/GatewayAlpha
www.etsy.com/shop/NeedleNosey
www.etsy.com/shop/WilliamsGrove

How would you describe your work style? 
Organized chaos 

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why? 
Invisibility, so I could spy on the successful shops to figure out how they sell so much LOL!

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?
Taken a college course on photography, it is the one thing that I still struggle with on a daily basis, and figured out SEO before I even thought of opening a shop.

Please list where you can be found (FB, Twitter, etc)
* www.GabbysQuilts.com – has my blog attached to it
* www.twitter.com/GabbysQuilts
* www.pinterest.com/GabbysQuilts
* www.facebook.com/Gabbys.Quilts
* www.rebelmouse.com/GabbysQuilts/
* plus.google.com/u/0/110447227822063218078

Red Garnet

Welcome to this week’s Wednesday Wishlist, a collection of great themed items for your shopping pleasure!  Click on the pictures and be directed to the item for sale to read more about it, heart it, share it….or just go ahead and buy it.  😉

Some New Year’s Resolutions from the members of Promo Junkies:

One of my new years resolutions is to relax more! Not caring so much about the little things and caring about myself more.

My New Year’s Resolution is to be kind to all. My family and I are trying to spend less time with our Ipad’s and electronics and more time playing board games and reading together.

My new years resolution is to do more reading!

My New Year’s Resolution is to do more winter activities, take more time to create art and to live in the moment.

My resolution is to use more face moisturizer…. I’d like to pick “take care of unfinished Projects” but that’s not going to happen.

Please feel free to comment your New Year’s Resolution this year!

Crochet Heart Applique – Make It!

Crochet heart applique – tutorial pattern for beginners

Provided by Kikamora Crafts at http://www.kikamoracrafts.com/

Valentine day is coming and You could definitely use some of those cute heart appliques, right? Well, You can either buy them or make them. If You decide to make them here is tutorial of very simple heart applique – simple, but still great looking.

By the way – if You want buy them – I have some in my etsy shop! Take a look!

Notes about this tutorial
You will need a little bit of yarn or crochet thread and crochet hook.
For this tutorial I used 2,5 mm crochet hook and 4-ply mercerized cotton yarn. Heart applique made of this yarn measures ~ 4 cm (1,6″) in width and ~ 3,5 cm (1,4″) in height. But You can also try different yarns and threads.

Used stitches:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – triple crochet
ss – slip stitch

So, lets start!

Step 1 – chain

Step 1

Chain 5

Step 2 – make ring

Step 2

With slip stitch make ring.

Step 3 – round 1

Step 3 – round 1

Note: All stitches of this round You make in the ring.

Chain 1; 1x single crochet, 1 x double crochet, 1 x triple crochet, 4 x double crochet, 1 x triple crochet, 4 x double crochet, 1 x triple crochet, 1 x double crochet, 1 x single crochet.

Well, if You have good imagination this already starts to look like heart. Now we will give  this applique shape of heart.

Step 4 – round 2

Step 4 – round 2

[2x single crochet in the next chain]; repeat [..] 3 more times; 1 x single crochet in next 3 chains; 3x single crochet in next chain, 1 x single crochet in next 3 chains; [2x single crochet in the next chain]; repeat [..] 3 more times; slip stitch in the ring. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Congratulations!
You have made crochet heart!

Large heart – crochet hook 4mm, wool Medium heart – crochet hook 2,5 mm, cotton yarn Small heart – crochet hook 1,75 mm, cotton thread nr.10

These are different size and different material hearts made by this pattern.

Featured Artist: Paper Treats Etsy

Deanna Agresti from Cranston, RI makes wonder paper goods in her Etsy store PaperTreatsEtsy.  Read more about her here:

How did you first get started on Etsy? 
I love to send cards for every occasion but it was hard finding ones that fit my style. Paper-Treats is very me!

What is your inspiration for your shop?   I like soft colors and white space. My husband helps me think of ideas – he thinks he is a genius for thinking of my 7 birthdays a year dog card!

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?
We are expecting our first baby Annie on December 20th and I thought what would be the perfect card I could receive? Then my It’s A Girl card was born! 

How do you unwind when you’re not creating? 
I have no idea how to unwind, i might not always be creating but I am always doing something. I work full-time as an art teacher, I’m an adjunct professor of graphic design at the local community college and I am currently working on 3 freelance projects.

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops. 
By far and away the best shop on Etsy in my opinion iswww.etsy.com/shop/MichelleBaronStudio?ref=search_shop_redirect
Michelle’s work is really that good you have to check it out. 

How would you describe your work style? 
Most of my work is done before my hands touch a mouse or a keyboard. I love to dream about my cards and then sketch them out. 

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why? 
Only having to sleep when I want to would be the best super power ever. I wish I had more time to dedicate to my cards but life is just so busy!

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?
Focus on creating the best possible product and the rest will fall into place. 

Please list where you can be found (FB, Twitter, etc)
www.facebook.com/mypapertreats?ref=hl
twitter.com/ThePaperTreats

Featured Artist: Cheeky Albi Designs

Meet Lucia Maxwell from cheekyalbi on Etsy. Read more about her designs and her process right here on Promo Junkies of Etsy:

How did you first get started on Etsy?

I started another business Bébé Blocks with my father this past summer on Etsy and then decided to open my own shop a couple months later. I was a former attorney and now stay-at-home mom to my new son, so I wanted to reconnect with my creative side!

What is your inspiration for your shop?

Definitely my son. A lot of my prints are based on sleep (or lack thereof :), dreams and the travels I hope my son takes one day.

What is your favorite item from your own shop and why?

Tough question! But I think my “Oh the places you’ll go” vintage map print. I love the hues of blue and pink, it looks so lovely printed. 

How do you unwind when you’re not creating?   Yoga!

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.

Billy & Scarlet http://www.etsy.com/shop/BillyandScarlet

Decoylab http://www.etsy.com/shop/decoylab

Vintage Barrel (love their maps!) ttps://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebarrel

How would you describe your work style?

Dreamy, whimsical, soft, vintage, edgy but delicate.

If you could choose any one superhero power, what would it be and why?

The ability to freeze time so that my son would be a baby forever with the caveat that he sleeps through the night.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in opening your shop?

Perfecting the boilerplate wording for the listing so I don’t have to always go and manually change each listing; takes forever!

Please list where you can be found:
http://www.facebook.com/cheekyalbi
http://www.pinterest.com/luciamaxwell2/
Twitter: @Bebeblocks twitter.com/bebeBlocks

Thank you for allowing us a behind the scenes peek into your processes and inspirations!