Weekend Feature: The Scrappy Shack Die Cuts

Blah Blah Blah Word Balloon Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

I'm so excited about this weekend's handmade supply feature. I've been growing more and more in love with designing and making die cuts but Lori of The Scrappy Shack on Etsy is the queen bee of die cuts. Her shop is full of beauties and she'll even do custom and wholesale orders! Have a look at her shop here, click an image in this post to be taken to the listing, where you can make it yours, and be sure to read the interview below. You can also keep up with Lori and her creations on Flickr here and on her blog, www.thescrappyshack.com where she has some exciting things going on. You can enter to win some of her die cuts here and apply to be on the Scrappy Shack design team here. Happy Crafting!

Circles Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

Flourish Frames Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

Alphabet Circle Frame by The Scrappy Shack

All photos used with the permission of The Scrappy Shack

Interview with The Scrappy Shack

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I am a full-time mom and part time paper craft designer. Once upon a time I worked as a secretary in a federal prison, but when my daughter was born three years ago I left to stay home and watch her grow.

Tell us a little about your etsy self

Well....I spend my days running my cutter and my nights working on new designs. I keep a notebook next to me at all times because I have the most random ideas at the weirdest times. My Blah Blah Blah Word Balloon die cut was something I thought of while I was drifting off to sleep one night.

Tell us a little about your non-etsy self

I am married to Jay, who is the very best travel partner in the world. We love to travel and some places we have been together are Hawaii, Seattle, Napa Valley, and New Orleans, and right now we are planning our trip to my favorite city in the world - New York.

In 2006 my daughter was born and joined our family through the miracle of adoption. She is a fun and lively 3 year old, and she keeps me busy. Adoption is very close to my heart, and I love to share Lacie's story and hear other families' adoption stories.

What do you make and why did you start making it?

I design and create die cuts for paper crafting. I started my business to scrapbook memories for others when I left my full time job in 2006. I bought my cutter to help me speed my production time, and quickly fell in love with the machine and what I could do with it. Thus, my designing took off and now I am spending all my work time creating die cuts.

What inspires you?

Everything. Honestly, most of my ideas come at the oddest times and I most times I have no inkling where they came from.

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

Network every chance you get. Carry your business card with you at all times and pass as many out as you can. Take advantage of all the networking opportunities online - Facebook, Twitter, photo sharing, blogging, Meetup, CafeMom, there are tons of ways.

For an online venue, invest in a good camera and learn to use it properly. Photos are the most important thing for setting up an online shop.

Weekend Feature: Gilt Goods Handmade Paper And Embellishments

Chocolat, Decorated Papers and Embellishments for Artisans by Gilt Goods

In my recent handmade supplies hunt it never even occurred to me that I might be able to find, not only handmade supplies like buttons, brads and tags for scrapbooking, but the actual paper itself until I ran across this fantastic shop, Gilt Goods! I know, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a little slow. Don't get me wrong, I knew I could buy handmade paper, you know that stuff that's beat to a pulp then reformed into paper, but it never crossed my mind that I could get adorable, unique, printed pattern paper. Can you tell I'm drooling a bit?! That's because all of these lovelies started out as original drawings, something you won't find at your local scrapbook shop. Gilt Goods has paper and embellishments as well as digital designs and other fun surprises. So what's stopping you? Get to shopping handmade supplies!

Go visit Gilt Goods here or click any image to be taken to it's listing, where you can make it yours. Be sure to read the interview below!

Peapod Baby Decorated Paper Collection by Gilt Goods

Snails Blank Sticky Labels by Gilt Goods

Fairy Garden Digital Collage Sheet No. 7 by Gilt Goods

OPHELIA Russian Ballerina Paper Doll by Gilt Goods

All photos used with the permission of Gilt Goods

Interview with Gilt Goods

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I work part-time as a graphic artist for our local non-profit arts agency, which I love, and also do free-lance work on the side. When I'm not at work, I am with my 5 year old son (and recent preschool graduate thank you very much!).

Tell us a little about your etsy self

My etsy self is still trying to figure out what in the world to sell on etsy! I really love the venue, but I haven't found my niche yet. I sell all kinds of things at several stores, but these things don't do as well on-line. Because I LOVE to design papers, and have had good response in "real life" to them, I'm excited to see how these items will do on etsy.

Tell us a little about your non-etsy self

My non- etsy self is married to a super guy (our 15th year!) and we have one kid, who is just the greatest. I have a degree in art history (minored in painting) earned about a million years ago. I love designing so much that after spending all day on the computer at work, I come home and spend the few "free" hours of the evening Photoshopping on my laptop in bed. I mostly work on a 5 year old iBook G4, who is really a member of the family. When I actually get off the computer, I make jewelry, read everything in sight, bake biscuits, and take family trips in the camper van.

What do you make and why did you start making it?

I make decorated papers for crafters, artisans, scrapbookers, bookmakers, anyone who is looking for papers you can't find anywhere else. I make notebooks and other paper goods, but it was frustrating to see the very same pattern I was using show up in 6 other shops. I wanted exclusivity! So I started printing out my own designs, and people were more interested in the paper than the product! I have just started to offer digital download papers. I love to draw and design even more than I love crafting (although I do that too), it's just so satisfying to take my illustrations and create something beautiful and functional.

What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from everything around me! Sometimes it's a book about the middle ages and miniatures, sometimes it's a fabulous vintage kimono fabric scrap, or the color of the moss that grows on our pine trees, or my kid's cute robot drawings. I would say a common thread running throughout everything I do is an appreciation for our natural world and the beauty of the everyday experience.

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

Make sure you really love doing what you're doing. I've had people want to make a wholesale order of those adjustable rings with the glass marble thingies over my paper designs (I did have a sample of one, and it was on my line-sheet...) and I just didn't want EVER to make another ring! I HATE making those things! So. Make what you love. And the other thing I think is really important is to have your own voice, your own point of view. After all, anyone can glue a glass and paper magnet together, what makes YOURS special?

Thank you to Sunny for this feature!

Weekend Feature: CupCake Tree Hand Carved Rubber Stamps

Popcorn Hand Carved Rubber Stamp by CupCake Tree

It's that time of the week again, time for my Weekend Feature! This week I'm featuring Olga of CupCake Tree, an Etsy shop full of adorable hand carved rubber stamps perfect for all your scrapping, card making and paper craft projects. She'll even personalize your stamps! These are all so adorable I had trouble choosing just a few favorites. As always, click the image to be taken to the item's listing where you can purchase the stamp and read her interview below. You can also read all about her stamps and see them in action on her blog, CupCake Tree Designs. Enjoy!

Bacon and Eggs Hand Carved Stamp by CupCake Tree

Stand Mixer Hand Carved Stamp by CupCake Tree

Retro Television Hand Carved Stamp by CupCake Tree

Golf Cart Hand Carved Stamp by CupCake Tree

All photos used with the permission of CupCake Tree

Interview With CupCake Tree

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I am lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful kids, one is 3 and the other 9.

Tell us a little about your Etsy self

I love Etsy! I am amazed at all of the talented people that have found this incredible website.

Tell us a little about your non-Etsy self

I feel like I am almost always my Etsy self - trying to find new ideas for stamps and how to use them! I am kept very busy with my kids and their activities - being a mom is the hardest job and I have just added another job to it!

What do you make and why did you start making it?

I make hand carved rubber stamps. I have always loved rubber stamps, and I discovered that carving my own has allowed me to be the most creative I have ever been!

What inspires you?

Everywhere I look I see something that could be made into a stamp. I look at magazines, books, walk around craft stores...

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

Do what you love, the rest will just follow!

Eagerly Awaiting Their Crafty Fate

NOTE: My shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.

When I sold a 12x12 album I was so excited to be able to go supply shopping. I think The Beehive is in need of some new, super fun items and I just happen to have some ideas rolling around in my head! I went immediately to the Etsy shops I had just featured and bought my favorite things from all three shops! I am not disappointed, every single item is even more gorgeous in person. Unfortunately they are getting a little lonely in the drawer because I also bought supplies off of two non-Etsy sites, important supplies, paper, and though it's been a painful 13 days since I ordered I've seen neither hide nor hair of them. Paper would be a pretty important part of what I do so I wait. I don't like to wait and I really hope they get a move on it or I won't be waiting any more. I can't stand to see adorable embellishments languish in darkness, pining for the day they become a full of cuteness scrapbook layout or adorable kitchsy spiral bound album. Fantastic paper, we eagerly await your arrival.

Weekend Feature: A Scrappy Design Paper Boutique

Over The Rainbow Embellishment by A Scrappy Design

For this week's handmade scrapbooking supplies of goodness I introduce Heather of A Scrappy Design on etsy. She makes and sells all kinds of fantastic and unique paper embellishments. Be sure to read Heather's interview below. Then go to her shop, or click any item photo to be taken to it's etsy listing, and make some wonderful projects with her goodies!

Some other places you can keep up with A Scrappy Design:

Blog: http://ascrappydesign.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ascrappydesign
Flickr: http://flickr.com/ascrappydesign

Little Birdie Layered Embellies by A Scrappy Design

Moustache Tags by A Scrappy Design

Forest Of Trees by A Scrappy Design

All photos used with the permission of A Scrappy Design

Interview With Heather of A Scrappy Design

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I work full-time as a Project Coordinator for Operations for a finance company . . . I know, it sounds fancy but trust me, it's not as fancy as it sounds. :D Basically, all I do is software testing, assist with establishing operational procedures, and employee training.

Tell us a little about your etsy self

My Etsy self began selling in January of 2007. I was so inspired by all of the hand-made items and the community of people that I decided to go for it. I began by mainly selling cards but have recently found myself selling more and more scrapbooking embellishments. I still sell the cards but the embellishments tend to sell better.

Oh yeah, I am also member of the following street teams:
EtsyPaper
EtsyScrap
EtsyGreetings
OKEtsy

Search by any of the above and you will be amazed at all the wonderful hand-made products you will see!

Tell us a little about your non-etsy self

My Non-Etsy self is married to a wonderfully artistic husband (he paints the most amazing pictures) and owner of one beautiful Australian Shepherd named, Bear. When I’m not being crafty, I am spending time with my family or running around town with my hubby. I love to watch TV and listening to music (which means I’m pretty lazy, LOL!)

What do you make and why did you start making it?

My best friend introduced me to scrapbooking a few years ago and I immediately became an addict. This addiction led me to getting a part-time job at my local scrapbook store. Once a month, we would have a Make-N-Take day where some of the employees and teachers would create page kits and we’d sell them. I began creating some kits of my own after a few months and every time they would sell out. From there, everything just evolved to the shop I now have on Etsy.

What inspires you?

I get inspiration from many places but I think patterns inspire me the most (which would explain my overabundant inventory of patterned paper). I can just look at a piece of paper or fabric and get several ideas on what to do with it.

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

I haven’t quite figured out the secret to success but my advice would to be sure you are having fun. If you stop having fun making and selling your craft, it will show in your sales.

Weekend Feature: TessaAnn Handmade Buttons and Embellishments

Cupcake Felt Embellishment by Tessa Ann

These weekly features have me drooling and dreaming of brand spankin' new handmade supplies taking over my scrapbook layouts! This week I bring you Tessa Ann, maker of the cutest felt scrapbook embellishments and handmade, handpainted buttons of brightly colored cuteness. Read Tessa Ann's interview below then make sure to visit her etsy shop, her blog and her twitter!

Sweet Talk Buttons by Tessa Ann

Funky Bird by Tessa Ann

Jaune Noir Buttons by Tessa Ann

All photos used with the permission of Tessa Ann

Interview With Tessa Ann of Tessa Ann on etsy

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

Since being layed off from my job at the beginning of my year I have been working full time at my Etsy shop. Having the time to really focus on my work and be able to be open to many custom orders at once has really helped a lot in growing my business.

Tell us a little about your etsy self

I started Etsy in April of last year selling handmade flowers and buttons. My niche has been the handmade buttons I create. Many customers come to me with an idea for a button set and I get to put their idea to use to create something unique and one of a kind. You will notice I am a big fan of color and always throw in a bit of polka dots and stripes with each set I create.

Tell us a little about your non-etsy self

An opera singer turned button maker..lol.


What do you make and why did you start making it?

I create a combination of embellishments that can be used for both scrapbooking and sewing. For many years I have created my own handmade buttons and embellishments for my projects and thought it would be fun to put them up at Etsy and see what happened. To my surprise, my buttons have been a big hit!

What inspires you?

Betsey Johnson, TV Commercials (Bravo has the best color combinations in their commercials) Bright colors, children's story books, HGTV, Pottery Barn.

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

My advice is to never give up. Believe in your craft and work as hard as it takes to get it going. I truly believe my little Etsy shop is like a garden. Each day I have to water and tend to it to make it grow and flourish.

Weekend Feature: Fabric Covered Buttons And Brads By Aimoobaroo

Just Plain Cute Brads or Buttons by Aimoobaroo

The other day I had several epiphanies that came together very nicely. 1) why the heck don't I ever think to look for handmade scrapbooking supplies on Etsy? That way I'm getting unique items and supporting my fellow crafter. 2) Why don't I start up my features again but this time make them scrapbook and paper craft features? Brilliant! I know, but I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes!

On my search I discovered a fantastic little shop called Aimoobaroo that sells the most adorable fabric covered buttons and brads. Even better, she makes them with her own two hands! Think these are lovely but aren't a paper crafter or seamstress? No worries, she'll make them into push pins or post back earrings! So what are you waiting for? Go buy her goodies here and if you see something you like, no procrastinating, they sell like hotcakes! Don't forget to check out Aimee's interview at the bottom of this post!

Click any image to be taken to that item's Etsy listing (where you can make it yours).

Pets Fabric Covered Brads or Buttons by Aimoobaroo

For The Birds Fabric Covered Brads Or Buttons by Aimoobaroo

All photos used with the permission of Aimoobaroo

Interview With Aimee of Aimoobaroo

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I'm a Stay-at-Home-Mom to a very active 4 year old boy...I also try to work in some creative time everyday and of course there's the everyday tasks of running my Etsy shop (packing orders, making post office runs, etc.)

Tell us a little about your Etsy self

My username is aimoobaroo...I discovered Etsy in May of 2007. I was just a browser and a buyer until July of 2008 when I decided to take the plunge and sell as well. I'm pretty new to the whole blogging world, but one of my main business goals for 2009 is to start a blog for my Etsy store.


Tell us a little about your non-Etsy self

Sometimes it's hard for me to separate Aimee from Aimoobaroo. I've always been looking for ways to satisfy my creative side...whether it's taking photos of my 4 year old, scrapbooking, or surprising my husband with a lunch done in the Japanese bento style. I should mention that I do love all things Japanese. I collect Japanese fabric, bento boxes and anything else that catches my eye. I'm also an avid reader and love spending time with with my family.

What do you make and why did you start making it?

The main focus of my shop currently is my fabric covered button sets...I've always loved buttons and as a former quilter, I've amassed quite the collection of fabric, so combining the two together for me was like a match made in heaven.

What inspires you?

Color
Magazines
Japanese culture and crafts
Photo sharing sites like Flickr
the Etsy community

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

Have faith in yourself and your work and it's value. Even in today's tough economy, there really is a market for everyone...find your niche (this is very important in my opinion), and perfect that. Most of all, make what you love and you'll find others that love it too!