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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Interview Feature: TinfenaStudio

Today's interview feature is with a lovely artist who runs TinfenaStudio on Etsy!

How did you come up with your shop's name?
Well, I am an artist, so it's a little bit different, sooner or later your name has to be out there, it's like branding and your name is your product.

Why did you start your etsy shop?
A friend told me I should be in cyberspace, so here I am.  It's one thing to draw and paint, but if nobody looks at your work, basically it doesn't exist, I'm learning and experimenting and etsy allows me to do that very freely. It's like an online artwork portfolio as well as a shop. It's a creative outlet.


How long have you been an artist?
I think it's always been there, it's just something you choose to assume or not, I don't think it's a choice.
Does your shop reflects your personal style?
Yes, I am obsessed with faces and that's always my main subject. I do them in different styles, but all of them are a reflection of my personal styles... the thumbnails next to each listing are very much my style (the way I display things, the colors, the groupings, the plain frames I use, all of it)

Where do you draw inspiration for your art?
I draw inspiration from my friends, people and models I photographed, fashion magazines, movies. It's all part of a lifestyle, an image...

Care to share idea or item you hope to have in your shop? 
Several pages full of different items but within one consistent and evolving style lots of originals as well, lots of sales would be nice too...

Have any advices for others?
I'm too new to give advices, but I've already learned so much and I think it's important to be part of a team ( I am a member of the VAST team on etsy) and also to put your work out there in as many different venues as possible. I am active on the forum, I do treasuries, I contact blogs like yours and if they like my work, it's an honor and it helps more than you realize, so I want to say thank you.

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Product Giveaway by HogansHandiwork


HogansHandiwork makes cozy cowls and scarves and would love to share one with my readers!  This festive red scarf would make a terrific gift and if you win, you will receive them in time for Christmas to give away.


BUY IT!

This scarf is one-of-a-kind and can't be bought, but there's a nice selection in HogansHandiwork's shop!
WIN IT!

You can win this unique scarf above by entering the giveaway!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your e-mail or Etsy shop name so you can be contacted if you win!
This giveaway is open world wide and will run until midnight December 8th.  Giveaway winner will be announced on December 9th.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Visit HogansHandiwork's shop and tell me what item is your favorite.
EXTRA ENTIRES
Follow my blog, A Dreamer's Destination - 1 entry
Follow HogansHandiwork's blog - 1 entry
Heart HogansHandiwork's shop - 1 entry
Become a fan of HogansHandiwork on Facebook - 1 entry
Follow HogansHandiwork on Twitter - 1 entry
Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link - 1 entry per day
Buy something from HogansHandiwork's shop - 5 entries

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Product Giveaway by DecoratedTree

DecoratedTree makes terrific seasonal decorations and ornaments and would love to share one with my readers!  This festive Santa ornament would make a terrific gift and if you win, you will receive them in time for Christmas to give away.


BUY IT!

If you just can't wait, you can buy the Santa ornament in DecoratedTree's shop!
WIN IT!

You can win this Santa ornament above by entering the giveaway!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your e-mail or Etsy shop name so you can be contacted if you win!
This giveaway is open world wide and will run until midnight December 8th.  Giveaway winner will be announced on December 9th.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Visit DecoratedTree's shop and tell me what item is your favorite.
EXTRA ENTIRES
Follow my blog, A Dreamer's Destination - 1 entry
Sign up for updates from DecoratedTree's new website - 1 entry
Heart DecoratedTree's shop - 1 entry
Become a fan of DecorateTree on Facebook - 1 entry
Follow DecoratedTree on Twitter - 1 entry
Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link - 1 entry per day
Buy something from DecoratedTree's shop - 5 entries

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Interview Feature with BeadEvolution



Today's interview feature is with Helen from BeadEvolution!  Helen makes bold resin jewelry and would like to offer a 10% discount on everything in her store to anyone who reads the blog - only until the end of the year! Readers should just send her a message saying that they saw this feature.  

How did you come up with your shop name?
I can't quite remember how the name Beadevolution came to me but I think it is apt as my business is evolving (as I am sure all businesses do). What started out as an obsession with resin beads has turned into an obsession with creating them from scratch.


Why did you start your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop is still very new. I started with Etsy as it seemed to be the best way to reach an international audience - I am in Australia. I love the international nature of Etsy.

How long have you been a crafter?
I have always been a maker since I was a little girl. I trained as a chef and have also worked on interiors so I think my passion for 'putting things together' is carried through with my Etsy store. I have been collecting beads for ages and making jewelry for friends for a while as well as occasionally selling a piece. I opened Beadevolution with the encouragement of friends and family and am turning my hobby into a business.


Does your shop reflect your personal style?
I would say that my shop does reflect my personal style. I like the bold use of color! I am also quite obsessed with textures and I think this is reflected in my creations. All my jewelry is very tactile.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your products?
My inspiration comes from all around. I am lucky to live very close to the beach and I am working on some resin pebbles which are made from molds from my beach pebbles. I also have a very beautiful indigenous Australian garden which gives me color combination inspiration. Often a piece of fabric or a great artwork can also inspire.


Is there a piece in your shop that was hard for you to part with?
There is a piece in my shop which hasn't sold yet - my smoky olive resin cuff.  This will be hard for me to part with as I spent hours sanding it and I am really pleased with the way it turned out - pretty close to perfection!


Care to share an idea or item you hope to have in your shop in the future?
As I mentioned I am working on some resin pebbles which will feature in necklaces and earrings. I am also enjoying using felt with resin so will be doing some more of that.

What’s the most important piece of advice you can give to other shop owners?
As my business is very new still I am not really in a position to give too much advice! I do think that with online selling it is absolutely crucial to have good photographs though and great product descriptions - and of course to give fantastic customer service.


If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Product Giveaway by MyPaperPretties

MyPaperPretties makes awesome paper and crochet creations and would love to share one with my readers!  These festive candy canes would make a terrific gift and if you win, you will receive them in time for Christmas to give away.



BUY IT!

If you just can't wait, you can buy the candy canes in MyPaperPretties's shop!
WIN IT!

You can win these 3 crochet festive candy canes above by entering the giveaway!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your e-mail or Etsy shop name so you can be contacted if you win!
This giveaway is open world wide and will run until midnight December 7th.  Giveaway winner will be announced on December 8th.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Visit MyPaperPretties' shop and tell me what item is your favorite.
EXTRA ENTIRES
Follow my blog, A Dreamer's Destination - 1 entry
Follow MyPaperPretties' blog - 1 entry
Heart MyPaperPretties's shop - 1 entry
Follow MyPaperPretties on Twitter - 1 entry
Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link - 1 entry per day
Buy something from MyPaperPretties's shop - 5 entries

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Product Giveaway by Rockarooz!

This giveaway has ended and the winner is...

Trina Gueck

 Congratulations! Rockarooz will contact you shortly!



Rockarooz makes cute crochet baby hats and accessories and would love to share one with my readers!  These hats would make a terrific gift and if you win, you will receive it in time for Christmas to give away.



BUY IT!

If you just can't wait, you can buy from a wonderful selection in Rockarooz' shop!
WIN IT!

You can win your choice of size of either of the 2 crochet hats above here by entering the giveaway!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your e-mail or Etsy shop name so you can be contacted if you win!
This giveaway is open to residents in Canada and the U.S. and will run until midnight December 6th.  Giveaway winner will be announced on December 7th.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Visit Rockarooz' shop and tell me which hat is your favorite.
EXTRA ENTIRES
Follow my blog, A Dreamer's Destination - 1 entry
Heart Rockarooz' Etsy shop - 1 entry
Become a fan of Rockarooz on Facebook - 1 entry
Follow Rockarooz on Twitter - 1 entry
Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link - 1 entry per day
Buy something from Rockarooz' shop- 5 entries

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please check out my blog on free advertising!

Monday, November 29, 2010

10 Gift Ideas for Friends

Just in case you didn't get any ideas from my previous gift guide blogs, here's 10 great gift ideas that would be perfect for anyone!  Fantastic secret Santa ideas, too!


My own shop, Karilan Designs, has a variety of designer journals.  Each journal comes with 3 hand-twisted paper clips and 2 self-sticking name tags for you to customize the journal.  Mention my blog in the message to seller for a free gift!


Every present needs a tag, and SweetAndSassyCards can help with that!  You can also find full size cards and mini cards in the shop, and Sweet also accepts custom orders.


SoonerDesigner has more cards to meet your needs!  Sooner also accepts custom orders and is offering an exclusive 20% off one item in the month of December for mentioning "feature" in the message to seller at checkout!


KDemARTe makes very natural looking jewelry that is fairly asexual, so you can easily find a design for anyone on your list.  KD accepts custom orders but may not be able to do one depending on how complicated your request is.


WhatAboutPhotos sells beautiful and inspirational photography prints, greeting cards, bookmarks, and calendars.  WhatAboutPhotos accepts custom orders and can turn any image from their shop into a bookmark, card, or postcard.  WhatAboutPhotos also offers custom sizes from 2.5x3.5 to 13x19.  Postcards and Greeting Cards can be ordered in bulk (6+ for Greeting Cards and 10+ for Postcards) and will receive free shipping and a discount price, contact seller before buying so discount can be applied to the listing.  Free Shipping on orders over $15 world wide!! Sale #50 will receive 15% off their purchase and free shipping to anywhere.


SubtleHarmony has some wonderfully calming products, ranging from the Kanji magnets you see above, to chakra jewelry.  In today's busy pace, a little gift of peace would surely be welcomed by anyone!


RitzyWreaths has some gorgeous Christmas decorations which would make the perfect gift for someone who is lacking decorations or has moved recently.  It's a wonderful gift that they will remember and cherish every year.  Ritzy accepts custom orders and is offering free shipping!


PernillasSS' shop sells perhaps one of the signature items for the holidays...sweets!  You'll find plenty of very creative as well as common chocolates and sweets, so there will definitely be something you'll want to taste.  Pernillas accepts custom orders as well.  Buy any gourmet chocolate or candy and get free gourmet gift, put “CODE” in message to seller at checkout.


Teaman is something of a celebrity on Etsy.  If you frequent the forums at all, you've probably run into him more than once!  Teaman offers a huge variety of flavors of tea at great prices.  Purchase $7.50 or more before shipping and receive 25 hand blended Cherry, orange and almond Christmas teabags FREE......lesser purchases will receive ten of them! Plus there are some teas reduced to only $2 for 25 teabags.


Dpholkdesigns makes fantastic glass art and trays.  I ordered 2 of these flattened wine bottle serving trays recently and they're absolutely wonderful!  Well packaged and they'll get to you very quickly.  Dpholkdesigns accepts custom requests and was kind enough to swap out the cheese spreaders for ones I liked.  

I hope you can find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list this year!  Please also check out my gift guide blogs for her, for him, for kids, and stocking stuffers!

Friday, November 26, 2010

8 Gift Ideas for Kids and Teenagers

Looking for great gifts for the younger crowd?  This gift guide blog features items for babies, children, and teenagers too!


Linsthings features miniature crochet bears and dolls.  I purchased one recently and it's absolutely adorable!  The quality is amazing!  Lin accepts custom orders and is offering free shipping to Canada and the U.S. between November 25th and 30th.


Rockarooz makes cute crochet baby hats and accessories.  Rockarooz accepts custom orders and is offering an exclusive 10% off your order if you put 'DREAMER' in the message to seller at checkout.


HudsonBlockCo makes completely customized wooden blocks.  These make great, safe toys for children and become lovely centerpieces when they're too old to play with them.  HudsonBlock also has cute dragonfly, frog, or cross blocks to add to your personalized blocks.




SilverRoseSewing makes adorable plushies!  I have the one above, Ruby Roo, and it is made very well and would be the perfect gift for any child.  SilverRose is on vacation until November 29th but will return and is offering an exclusive 15% off for my readers, put 'Karilan’s blog' in the message to seller at checkout.  Keep her in mind and check out the shop after the 29th!




Fairyspit is home to many fantastic felt beings, from dragons to unicorns and fairy bears too!  Fairyspit accepts custom orders and has a few offers going on right now.  Free shipping worldwide for any purchases $50 and over (price of shipping will be refunded via Paypal). Faerie Bearies ON SALE for $40. $10 off select items (as marked in shop).


ZenAndCoffee creates wonderful fingerless gloves and arm warmers in a wide variety of materials, designs, and colors. ZenAndCoffee accepts custom orders and has a large selection of material and lace for you to choose from.


Burlesquers sells incredible, gothy jewelry that any teenager would love.  Burlesquers offers a variety of colors for her jewelry, but also accepts custom orders!


StarBrightGirl has some lovely and stylish jewelry as well as a few geeky and pop culture pieces in the shop.  StarBrightGirl accepts custom orders and is offering an exclusive 10% off if you use the coupon code 'KARILAN' at checkout.

I hope you can find something suitable for the children and teenagers in your life!  Also check out my gift guide blogs for her, for him, and stocking stuffers!  Look forward to one last gift blog next week for friends!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

8 Gift Ideas For Him

Finding the perfect gift for men can sometimes be difficult, but I've put together a guide of wonderful handmade goodies to suit any man!


Veterok creates amazing handbound journals that have a unique, old look to them.  You can find both full size and miniature journals in the shop, and Veterok takes custom requests.  For those who request it, free earthy wrapping will be included in your order.


Zipper8Designs has fantastic glass coasters featuring beer caps and also some botanical ones.  The coasters can be customized with your choice of beer caps if the brand is available.


RyanIllustration is home to some fantastic art with subtle humor, the one above titled '30 second memory' being one of my favorites.  Ryan's shop features a variety of print sizes, greeting cards, and button pins.  For custom orders, contact him here.   Ryan has two sales going on: buy 2 cards get a 3rd free, cards come with festive red envelopes; buy any print get a second of equal or lesser value free!


SecretSafeBooks is the best place to find book safes!  As well as normal book safes, SecretSafeBooks has some cool flask shaped book safes with many covers to choose from.  SecretSafeBooks takes custom requests if you don't see the cover you want!




Projector has a wonderful variety of great, quality ties for men, ranging from geeky to scientific to sporty!  With plenty of designs and color choices, you're sure to find the right one.  




UrbanEye has a wider variety of cuff links available, ranging from cartoons to lego, and Star Wars to wedding!  UrbanEye also has some customizable Initial cuff links, and also takes custom requests if there's something else you'd like.




GypsyTailor has some really awesome designs for wallets, and the best part is, they're made from recycled ties!  Using a tie as a wallet...you don't get much more manly than that!  GypsyTailor is currently offering free shipping to the U.S.




AlfrescoUniqueGroup is home to some amazing handmade watches.  You will definitely find some incredible designs in this shop, and custom orders are accepted!  Here's the deals going on in the shop: buy 2 bracelet watches and get the third one for 50% off plus get an extra leather band or a braided bracelet for free ! That's $50-100 value gift! Also, if you buy one bracelet watch you get 1 extra leather band or a braided bracelet for free! $25 value gift!

I hope this guide will help you find the perfect gift for the man in your life! Please also check out my blog guides on gifts for her and stocking stuffers!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

10 Gift Ideas For Her

Picking the perfect gift for the girl in your life can sometimes be difficult.  This guide will help you by providing 10 wonderful and different shops with quality goods for the holiday season!


My own shop, Karilan Designs, is home to many inspirational dream catcher necklaces, both traditional and out of the ordinary.  I am taking custom orders, allowing you to choose any color bead, thread, and feather that I have available, and also the shape of the dream catcher if I have it in stock.  I'm also offering an exclusive 10% off for my readers if you use this coupon code at checkout: KARILANBLOG so please enjoy the savings!  You will also receive a special gift with your purchase.






HiJinx creates wonderful hats with optional flower embellishments that are a must this holiday season!  These hats are sure to keep you warm.  HiJinx accepts custom orders and is currently offering free shipping to the US & Canada, and reduced shipping for the rest of the world!


BijiBijoux's shop is home to elegant jewelry at a fair price.  She has a wonderful selection of colors and styles to choose from.  Biji is offering free shipping to those who mention 'Karilan's blog' in the message to seller at checkout.


OutNumberedNovelties carves wonderful items from wood, including jewelry boxes, hair sticks and clips, housewares, and more!  With a beautiful rustic look and a terrific finish, a gift from OutNumberedNovelties' shop is sure to please.  OutNumbered accepts custom orders and is offering an exclusive 10% off to my readers for putting "Karilan's blog" in the message to seller at checkout.


ClydazeandCrew is home to fabulous bags including purses, tote bags, and wine totes!  Clydaze also has a variety of hand made soaps and photography prints!  As well as accepting custom orders, Clydaze has a sale going on starting today and ending on December 4th - 15% off the entire shop!  Jump on those savings!


Dazzle her with a beautiful gift from katescottage2!  KatesCottage is home to enchanting and peaceful accessories that are truly one-of-a-kind.  Kate will be hosting a “Black Friday through Cyber Monday” sale from November 26th-29th and will be offering free worldwide shipping and a free gift for orders over $15.  Kate also accepts custom orders!




AbsintheDragonfly creates unique perfumes, and what girl doesn't like perfume?  With a variety of scents to choose from, there is sure to be one she'll like!  Absinthe also accepts custom orders, allowing you to create the absolute perfect scent for a little extra price.  Starting on November 26-29, Absinthe is offering 10% off orders over $25, 15% off orders over $50 and 20% off orders over $100.  Absinthe already offers free shipping until end of year.


StarletGlamBathBody has a great variety of wonderful bath and body products at great prices!  There's even a sale section in the shop if you're a bargain hunter or want to pick up something extra for a stocking stuffer.




ArtofAmy has many beautiful prints and stationary of her wonderful and unique paintings.  I personally own 4 of her prints and they are so lovely!  Amy accepts custom orders and is offering an exclusive deal for my readers: buy 1 and get 1 50% off for mentioning 'Karilan’s blog' in message to seller at checkout.




ErzulieCosmetics has a wide variety of makeup and skin care products, including holistic products!  You'll find tons of different shades at Erzulie's shop to ensure you find the one you're looking for.


Good luck finding the perfect gift for the girl in your life, and check out my recent blog on stocking stuffer ideas and gift ideas for him!  Look forward to more blog guides on gifts for family and friends!