This is a dream craft studio for sure! Working with these colors all around you would make anyone feel like creating something beautiful.  I know I could work in here all day and night!

The perfect shade of blue on the walls and all that fabric stacked just so, make me want to learn to sew! And I have no idea what I would do with all this fabric, but just looking at it works for me.

The one area would be enough for me, but look at the rest of this amazing room. Wow! Honestly…I’m in love!

Each area is just as beautiful as the next. Yet, it’s not just a pretty room, it’s functional!  The nice, large tables give you plenty of room to work.

Jenny has a beautiful craft studio that you can see more of on her blog, Allsorts! Everything she makes is such eye candy.

I couldn’t show you her studio without telling you about some of the neat things in her Etsy shop, Loopsies.  It’s full of very cute things.

She just finished making this beautiful embroidery set…The Wedding.

Jenny B. Harris is also a children’s book illustrator.

She’s an all-around amazingly talented person, that’s what she is!

Maybe there’s some idea in her beautiful room that would work for your craft area.  It doesn’t matter how big of a space you have to work with, you can still make it beautiful!  A splash of color in your room  is sure to make crafting more fun!

Would this beautiful room work for you?

~Kim

{originally posted 8/09}

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Creative things displayed by creative people…love it!

Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity for your next craft show or event.  There’s always something new to learn that will make your shoppers stop in their tracks and focus on your booth.

{LuLu Dee – Hello, Friend}

{Erin – Sunshine and Carousels}

{Twig & Thistle}

{Renegade Craft Show}

{Julie Ann Art}

{Sycamore Street Press}

Wow! I love them!  Do you sign up for many craft shows?  I’ve mainly done Farmer’s Markets in the past.  I really prefer to sell online due to not having to get up super early and pack a truck full of everything…lol!

I know lots of handmade sellers build their business by shows.  Have you had a good experience with them?

~Kim

*More craft display ideas can be found on my Pinterest boards.

Do you subscribe to Everything Etsy??  Don’t miss out…subscribe today!

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{Lavender Sachets – The Lavender Road}

Yes, that’s right, you should have a blog!  I know there are a million things to do, but if you plan on growing your handmade business you shouldn’t put off starting or improving your blog for another moment.

Here are a few simple tips to start you on the road to blogging success…

1.  Be yourself! People that read your blog want to know a bit about you!  You don’t have to share all your family details, but share your personality with your readers.  Only listing the details of your latest listing isn’t going to grow your blog.  Your work is more beautiful to them when they know you.

Trying to do what another blog does to be successful might not work for you.  Write about what you know and enjoy…it will make blogging easier at the same time.

2.  Keep it simple! Share a few photos from Etsy,flickr or Pinterest with a bit about them.  Try a Wordless Wednesday post with a photo of anything you’ve done or saw that week.  {Wordless Wednesday is a blog party where you share a link to your post and visit others on the list.}  It’s an easy post and you’ll meet new people through a blog party like this one.

3.  Comment, comment, COMMENT!  Visit 10 blogs a day and comment on their posts.  Do this every day for a week and you’ll have new followers and more comments than the week before.

When readers leave a comment on your blog posts don’t forget to go and check out their blog.  You’ll end up finding new friends this way…trust me, you should comment a bunch!

4.  Photos make your blog POP with color! Creative people like creative looking blogs, right?  Use clear and bright photos with every post.  They can catch the reader’s attention and keeps them coming back for more inspiration.

If you use a photo from somewhere else online be sure to link to your source.  If it’s from another blog it’s best to email them to make sure they approve of it being used in your post.

5.  You don’t have to post daily, but a few posts a week will help you build up the content of your blog.  You’ll be shocked at how much information you have on your blog in a year!  Try writing a simple tutorial, share something you’ve just discovered,  write about the inspiration behind your work or share a photo of your dog…LOL!

Write what you would like to read!

There are so many little tips you’ll learn as you go, but I hope these will help you out a bit on your road to successful blogging.  Blogs grow slowly so don’t stress over it.  Be consistent and you’ll grow it into something that will help you in the future.

Meeting nice people along the way is an added bonus!

Care to share a blogging tip? I’d love to hear it!!!

~Kim

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Vana Chupp’s studio has such a clean and modern feel!  She’s the creator of the lovely Le Papier Studio full of treasured silhouettes on everything you can imagine.  Vana moved from her home studio into her new space in 2010 and is enjoying the change.

Don’t you love looking at dreamy studios like this? I wish I could have a few so I could work in the one that best suits my mood.  A girl can dream, right?!

The grey walls are a perfect backdrop for her art! It really makes them pop!

Vana has a wonderful new book you won’t want to miss.  It’s great to see creative women sharing their talent and creative ideas more and more.  Martha Stewart watch out!

I love all the shelves! I could use a different section for each project I’m working on these days!  It seems like I never have enough time to complete something all at one time.  I know I’m not alone with that!

Visit Vana’s blog to see more photos of her studio and check out all her work at  Le Papier Studio.  You’ll love it!

Do you have any silhouette art in your home?

~Kim

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So, I found out this morning that FedEx is offering Etsy Sellers a pretty decent discount. 21% off on Express {won’t be using that much} and 20% off on most other shipping services that are used by the typical Etsy seller.

For me, the main draw is FedEx Ground as an option to UPS or my normal go-to service, the Post Office. I’m not human shipping rates calculator, but I think this is going to make FedEx a better deal on larger packages around 3-5 pounds. But I don’t think it will work out as a savings on small packages which are often only a couple of bucks with the USPS.

FedEx does have much better tracking which is helpful to both seller and buyer, and the online shipping tool at FedEx.com is easier to use than the USPS Shipping Assistant.

I went through the process to sign-up for a new account with FedEx and it was relatively simple, though look below for a big bold important tip.

Starting Point

Check out the Etsy Program Page at FedEx.com.

I read through most of the FAQ’s etc. and it all seemed pretty straightforward. I then just clicked on the link at the bottom of the white portion of this page that says “Apply Now” and chose to set-up a new account.

When I was done, it automatically brought me to my new account.

This is where things got a little bit annoying for a Monday morning! I went all over the place looking to see if the Etsy Program discounts were being applied. There is nothing there.

I was about to call the 800 number when I noticed that I had an email from FedEx…

I can think of a few better places for THAT information.

So, I’ll check back tomorrow and see what I see.

Here’s that link again: FedEx Etsy Discount Program

Have you had any experience shipping with FedEx? How has it worked out? Cost comparisons, anyone?

~Kim

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Let me just start off by saying “I’m sorry” to all of you stuck in the snow and ice storms across the country.  Maybe this beautiful island craft studio will brighten your day a bit.

The lights, the colors…It works for me!

This cheerful studio belongs to Desiree from Palm Tree Princess located in….Hawaii!

Desiree creates cute little skirts like this while she sits there under the palms.  Jealous yet? I am!

She built it with her husband…love that!

There are shelves loaded with little dolls and other goodies…Hello Kitty is awesome {just sayin’}!

What a fun spot to work and I love her designs!  You have to check out her Etsy shop and buy a little something that’s handmade in this cute studio!

I hope everyone enjoyed this peek into Desiree’s Island Style Studio! What’s your favorite part?  Did you call your travel agent yet and book a flight? Ha!

~Kim

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Wouldn’t you enjoy working spending some time in this beautiful craft room?

It belongs to my sweet blogger friend, Marianne from Songbird!  She lives in the Netherlands and decorates each room of her house just as pretty as this fairytale room.

She has the whole attic to spread out all her gathered treasures.  Here’s a quick peek…

This photo reminds me of an stunning project of Marianne’s that included plaster and doilies .  She created beautiful bowls and made it look so simple.  I planned on trying it until I had a super-messy-bad experience with plaster on another project and threw it all out!

The natural light is beautiful and it looks like the perfect spot for sewing.

She has lots and lots of cute treasures arranged with her usual charming style.

You won’t want to miss the Grand Tour of this beautiful craft room, so stop by Songbird and take a glimpse into this dreamy space.  And be on the lookout for the opening of her Etsy shop.

WARNING: Once you click over to her blog you could be lost over there for hours!  I am not responsible for you not getting things done or forgetting to make dinner…just sayin’!

Anyone want to fly to the Netherlands with me to visit?

~Kim

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Today’s featured Etsy shop is Bagel Creations, where you can find great bags made with great fabric! Maryanne creates these fabulous Possible Bags, Coffee Cozies, and now even bigger Possible Bags!

I’ve had this cute bag {in the photo above} for a few months and I us it ALL THE TIME!  I originally got it to hold my camera and a few things when I walk up to the park.

Well, my craft supplies took over in just a few days.  I use it as a craft travel case for my little felt creations.  I cut the shapes and store them inside with needles and my scissors.  Then I use the snap pocket to hold my thread.   I love this bag!!!!

Let me share a few more goodies from Bagel Creations…

Card holders…yes, I have one of these.  They are perfect for your business cards or all those discount cards from stores that seem to pile up in your purse.  This keeps them all nice and tidy!

This time of year you need a coffee cozy, and they would make a nice gift for your co-workers, neighbors, or yourself!  The quality of these is outstanding. {You guessed it…I’ve got one. }

Coin purses sold in bundles to make your Christmas shopping easier…how smart!

During this giveaway you can use the discount code “Everything Etsy” when you check out for a 20% off your purchases in both of Maryanne’s shops…. Bagel Creations and Chico Cozy. {refunded through Paypal…not including shipping charges}

This is the More Is Possible Bag! Wear it as a shoulder bag, a wristlet, or remove the strap altogether and tuck it under your arm as a clutch.

This is the perfect bag for running errands, a night out on the town, or for a busy mom on the run.

One lucky Everything Etsy will win this bag!

Here’s how to enter…

• Visit Bagel Creations and leave me a comment about one of your favorite items. {1 entry}
• Spread the word of this giveaway with Twitter, Facebook, or a blog post. {1 entry each}
• Become a fan of Bagel Creations or follow on Twitter. {1 entry each}
• As always, we have a few extra ways for our regular readers… follow Everything Etsy, Like us on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.  {1 entry each}

**This giveaway has ended.  Thanks for all the great comments.  Congratulations to Casey Marie {#29}!!!!  What a lucky girl!

Please leave a comment for each entry.  This giveaway ends October 25th at midnight…good luck!!!

~Kim

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I’m in a cooking mood!  I’ve brought all all my cookbooks and selected wonderful recipes for this weekend!  You know, the not-so-ordinary kind of recipes…I’m trying to spice up our menu a bit.

I took a look around Etsy to find some new favorites for the kitchen…

The personalized pitchers and this amazing cake stand can be found at Mud Pie Studio!  If you are ever looking for a wedding gift you’ll want to take a look around this shop!

These sweet little bee salt and pepper shakers and…

these extremely cool cups were created by acerostudio!  Love them!

Bancroft Studios sells this crazy crab platter!  I know some of my family members would enjoy having it  for our next big crab boil.

Lucky Bluebird Art has a little something for your kitchen walls.

And I know you all want these lovely dishtowels from appetitehome!

Whether you spending a lot of time in your kitchen or you just want it to look great, you can find fabulous things on Etsy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Kim

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Jen Duncan has a sweet sewing room that I thought you might enjoy!  I’m a sucker for a beautiful, creative, crafty space like this!  She has a great collection of fabric, and you can’t go wrong with displaying it all stacked so nice and neat…love that look!

Here’s a little tour…

Don’t you love this green cabinet? It’s perfect!

Jen’s sewing room is decorated with vintage and other handmade goodies that she bought on Etsy!

This fun Twirly Girl party skirt can be found in Jen Duncan’s Etsy shop!  She’s so creative!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick little peek into this sweet sewing room!

For other beautiful creative spaces visit our Art Studio Inspiration section!

Have you seen any inspiring craft rooms lately? Share a link if you have one!

~Kim

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