Busy Moms Of Etsy Team

Featured Shop: TheOldPinkPorch

2012-01-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

" I love putting different fabrics together and making something bright and cheerful. My house is filled with colorful banners and pillows that I have sewn myself because I also love to decorate. I am always trying to think of something new that will catch the eye."

http://www.etsy.com/people/TheOldPinkPorch

Monday Feature: BeautyRecycled

2011-12-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

"I enjoy creating new jewelry from old and broken ones and from different materials. I also love going through people's unwanted beads stash to create some new jewelry. Recycling is a must in my life. I get my inspiration from walking in the woods, reading, music, people around me and a bit of TV when I have time."

http://www.etsy.com/people/BeautyRecycled

Creative Spaces with overDAcrib

2011-12-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

Our first creative space feature, overDAcrib.

I really love Sandra's creative space. This shows how we can convert a piece of space in our homes to make it our creative getaway. I especially like how you can close the curtain and it converts to a guest room.

This is a very functional & inspiring creative space. Thank you Sandra for sharing! Be sure to check out her awesome creations in her shop.

www.overDAcrib.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/overdacrib

When we moved to the DC suburbs two years ago we agreed Ineeded a space to work. The apartment is quite small, so finding a placeto paint was a little bit of a challenge. I wanted to make a place Icould work but also interact with my six year old daughter and 1 year old son.I turned our "den", a 20' x 10' space into an art studio/ kid'shomework and play area/ guest bedroom- ha! One wall I leave free and clear forphotographing and the other wall I hang all my lights, camera, tripod and largeeasel.

It works out great... I can paint away while my son plays onthe floor and when my daughter gets home from school we can do homework and thebaby colors (or scribbles). When my in-laws are in from out of town, Isimply slide curtains across my messy painting area and my children's clutteredplay area, put down a mattress and viola- instant guest room!

At night, when all the kids are down, I put on some TrevorHall music and zone out with a glass of wine. It is very peaceful time tounwind, paint and be surrounded by my work.

Tuesday Treasury

2011-12-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

'Creations from the Busy Moms of Etsy' by industrialhippie

Some off my favorite picks from the Busy Moms of Etsy Team

Real Blue Morpho Lympha... Athenianaire $50.00	Cute and Colorful Mini ... GiftsForEleano... $2.50
Petite Bright Yellow Bu... IsaacandRebeka... $5.00	Teething toy - airplane... creationfaerie... $25.00
Cloud Weather Handicraf... NingSterling $44.00	Zipper Pouch- Linen coi... sewchicboutiqu... $11.00
Handknit Toddler Girl H... LittleKnitsStu... $35.00	Holiday Hoot Christmas ... missbellaexpre... $15.00
She Was Embroidered - ... VisionsInPrint $150.00	Red Dichoric Pendant Mo... justByou $15.00
Canary Bird Music Korke... BowCheekyCreat... $4.00	Snagless Knit Stitch Ma... withlovefrommo... $10.00
Dangle fabric earrings-... ishalohalo $12.00	A BUG ON A MUG Cozy Lad... LaBelleMadelei... $8.50
MERRY & BRIGHT modern C... twogreenolivet... $12.00	Kids' Penguin Scarf TheFlyingNeedl... $15.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Monday Feature: BakeSweets

2011-12-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

This Monday feature shop is BakeSweets. Alexandra is a stay at home mother of 3 wonderful boys. She enjoys baking, throwing parties and making crafts.

http://www.etsy.com/people/BakeSweets

This is a very sweet shop that offers an assortment of colorful cupcake liners, paper straws, pastry tips & bags, cookie cutters, food coloring and much more. Helping you with a memorable party or baking experience.

Holiday crafts with the kids: Handmade Holiday Napkin Rings

2011-12-06T09:56:00.001-08:00

The holidays are a great time to sit down with the kids and do some seasonal crafting.

Here is a really fun tutorial for holiday napkin rings, from http://allthingshomey.blogspot.com, check out the blog for full instructions!

http://allthingshomey.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-craft-tutorial.html

Contributed By:

Holiday Treasury from the Busy Moms of Etsy Team

2011-12-05T22:18:00.001-08:00

'Busy Moms of Etsy Christmas Creations ' by industrialhippie

Christmas Creations by the Busy Moms of Etsy

Travel Size Christmas W... madeinvt802 $13.00	BellZ On Rave Bracelet ... RaveBracelets $12.00
Red heart Earrings red ... BeautyRecycled $15.00	Free shipping silk tie... recupefashion $45.00
8 Christmas Bird Tags, ... BeMyBee $5.00	Silk scarf. Peacock- ha... TheSilkMoon $50.00
Mr & Ms Christmas Maryj... HelloShoes $18.00	Dahlia bud studs in Rub... VanCocoaDesign... $12.00
Fingerless Gloves Red, ... thecrochetloft $20.00	Ruby Red Velvet Holiday... HappyliciousIn... $36.00
Mini Album Kit Echo Par... JsCraftyStudio $30.00	Christmas Tutu & Onsie ... LMGCreativeDes... $30.00
JUBILEE COLLECTION Hot/... savedbygracede... $15.00	Red and Black Patchwork... stitchuation $9.00
Shea Butter Soap Eucaly... AshliDesigns $5.00	Handmade Pink Winter, S... AlishaKayDesig... $3.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Monday Feature: Cerra

2011-12-04T22:52:00.001-08:00

Cerra creates wonderful felt decor,accessories, toys and more!

“My felt goodsare made with eco-felt, which means that you can reduce your environmentalimpact while supporting an independent artist. They make great gifts, toys andcan also act as beautiful display pieces.”

http://www.etsy.com/people/Cerra

www.facebook.com/EtsyCerra

http://twitter.com/EtsyCerra

Monday Feature: nickeldesign

2011-11-27T22:17:00.001-08:00

Mabel from nickeldesign is a work from home mom raising 2 boys; one is 2, the other is 4 years old. Mabel designs custom cards and invitations; there are many styles to choose from such as Alice in Wonderland, Where the Wild Things Are, Disney, Little Golden Books, Iron Man, Vintage Toys, and many more.

“My passion is to celebrate life creatively. I love all kinds of art, but my favorite kind to create are invitations to events that involve love, life, and family. To me, an invitation not only sets the mood for the event, but it is a warm welcome into someone's life.“

http://www.etsy.com/people/nickeldesign

Contributed By: www.industrialhippie.etsy.com

Cyber Monday with the Busy Moms of Etsy

2011-11-27T11:42:00.001-08:00

'Busy Moms Cyber Monday' by industrialhippie

Busy Moms of Etsy handmade gift sales for Cyber Monday November 28 2011

Earrings "Gold... MonasCreations... $8.00	Ornament Baby Bib, ... maddywear $22.00	Personalized statio... ByTheBookPaper $14.00
Black Diamonds Hand... pollyannedesig... $40.00	SALE Save 30% Black... bijouxdesignsf... $28.00	FREE SHIPPING - Chi... LilachOren $14.00
Pleated Hobo Bag BittyBambino $18.00	Hand Stitched & Cus... eleanorestreas... $20.00	Snowflake Soap Silv... CabanaBarSoapC... $5.00
Black Friday Etsy C... ditda $18.00	FREE Shipping Black... wannaHM $16.00	Follow Your Heart B... chariT $13.00
Free Shipping -Any ... StellaKenton $10.25	Handfelted purple &... knitonefelttwo $4.95	Name Plate Desk - C... KDragonflyDesi... $28.00
Beaded Charm Bracel... Eienblue $14.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Tuesday Treasury

2011-11-22T09:45:00.001-08:00

'Busy Moms of Etsy - Gifts Under $20' by industrialhippie

Wonderful Handmade Gifts Under $20 from the Busy Moms of Etsy Team

Zebra Print Photo F... BeanBugCrafts $14.00	Kids Lacing Hoop Le... CanDoStitching $8.50	Lime Plaid Hanging ... ThriftatHome $10.00
All Natural Shea Bu... NaturallyHandc... $3.00	Tooth Fairy Pillow ... fAverittecreat... $10.00	Chocolate Cream Ban... MastersCreatio... $10.00
Tea Wallet, Amy But... forkeepsamanda $8.00	Girls Magical Cloud... HelloShoes $18.00	Purse-Bag-40% off-O... PetalknitsFash... $15.00
Rubber Stamp - Koke... myrubberstamp $4.00	Petals of a flower ... CaptureBeautif... $13.00	Cocktail Ring Wire ... KatiesCreative... $12.00
FREE SHIPPING for C... oo0JJOriginals... $12.00	Apron Gearheads Rob... SpicyAprons $11.50	Baroque Heart with ... LuckyNola $18.00
Snowflake Christmas... ASimplyEnchant... $3.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Contributed by www.industrialhippie.etsy.com

Monday Feature BabyEllieDesigns

2011-11-20T21:06:00.001-08:00

Our featured shop for this Monday is BabyEllieDesigns.

BabyEllieDesigns is a busy mom to two girls. Hershop offers bright and colourful handmade baby items such as bibs,burp cloths, diaper cases and soother clips.

My Favs - - -

The tote bag is up-cycled froma pair of curtains which are a light weight cotton canvas fabric with a flowerdesign.

“My aim is to provide mothersalike the choice of funky, one of kind accessories for themselves and theirbaby.

A little bit about me....I have been sewing forover 14 years. I first started making baby items when my first daughter wasborn and just love to be creative with fabric. I moved to Canada over 4 yearsago with my Canadian born husband but I am originally from Merseyside Englandwhere all our family still live. We are huge Liverpool FC fans in our house.I'm a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a cousin, adaughter in law, a sister in law, and a best friend all in one person! I havetwo beautiful daughters, one great husband and a lovable Kerry Blue Terriercalled Olly!”

From BabyEllieDesigns profile: http://www.etsy.com/people/BabyEllieDesigns

BabyEllieDesigns is a great one stop shop for unique baby gifts, the prices are great and so are the shipping rates.

Like BabyEllieDesigns on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabyEllieDesigns

Contributed By: industrialhipppie: www.industrialhippie.etsy.com

Busy Mom Handmade Holiday Treasury

2011-11-15T08:56:00.001-08:00

'Busy Mom Handmade Holiday' by industrialhippie

Some lovely handmade holiday items from the Busy Moms of Etsy!

Patchwork Christmas... EmilyandIzzy $25.00	Christmas Green and... RibbonsAndRose... $8.00	DIY PRINTABLE Winte... mylittleworlds... $7.50
Christmas skirt wit... kellybowbelly $21.00	Christmas in Stripe... creativelifeby... $12.00	Snow Man Hugs Winte... JoyfulStitches... $13.00
Christmas Ornaments... WoodgrainDesig... $20.00	7 Cute Holiday Gift... HuntingDragons $3.50	M2MG Gingerbread Gi... foucaultbear $9.50
Christmas Snowflake... CraftyHomescho... $3.00	Chirstmas Flower Be... justHOOKing $16.00	Holly Fairy Hand En... GlassGoddessNg... $16.00
Fingerless Mittens ... FromTheSticks $35.00	Christmas colors 9 ... craftsbynesli $24.00	Smiling's My Fa... ZavalickDesign... $10.50
Santa Crochet Baby ... nicolesbreastf... $28.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Contributed By: industrial hippie: www.industrialhippie.etsy.com

Busy Mom Monday Feature: stitchin’netka

2011-11-14T02:30:00.000-08:00

Our featured shop this Monday is stitchin’netka

"I'm a mother of four kids and can make my dream shop come to life on Etsy. I do love design for kids, they are my daily inspiration and set back at the same time.They make me want to make and create so many beautiful items, and at the same time need my full attention. But even thought they are with me 24/7 I still manage to find moments for my work. It is possible to be a mother and have time to have creative outlets. I think all women have a stunning power of balancing different forces and yes, my life might be the example of that. With love patience and persistence we can all change our dreams into reality."

Like stitchin’netka on Facebook

www.facebook.com/Stitchin.netka

Follow stitchin’netka's blog

www.stitchinnetka.blogspot.com

2010-11-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Coral and Turquoise in Harmony

This November I'm Thankful for Friendship which the Busy Mom's Team Provides.
This treasure perfectly represents the unity often found in Etsy teams. Be sure to stop by and comment :<)

Thank you
Chomel Chomel
for putting together this beautiful treasury~

Contributed By: Angela of Amievoltaire

Trick or Treat with The Busy Moms of Etsy!

2010-10-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Busy Moms of Etsy Team is excited to announce Trick or Treating! Please come and trick or treat through our team member shops for the opportunity to qualify for 15% off your total order in participating member shops!

You will be looking for our special treat image:

(Special thanks to Kelsey of Poofy Boutique for creating our image!)

This image will be included in one listing in SOME of our team member shops. Between now and Sunday, October 31st, find 5 shops that have included this image in one of their listings. To find our member shops, enter "busymomsteam" (one word) in the Etsy search bar. Once you have your list of 5 shops, e-mail your list to busymomsteam@gmail.com.

The discount code will be e-mailed to you on November 1st and will be effective through December 1st. The code will be good for 15% off one total order in each of the participating shops. A list of participating shops will be included in your e-mail. There are over 20 participating shops! That's a lot of holiday shopping!

Contributed By: The Busy Moms of Etsy

September Challenge Winner!

2010-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our August Challenge Winner! Little Muffin Bottoms!

The winning entry was this super cute Ghostly Organic Cotton Cloth Diaper! Perfect for the upcoming spooky season!

Be sure to check out the rest of her shop! Little Muffin Bottoms features quality handmade organic cloth diapers, nursing pads, blankets, diaper covers and more!

Thanks to all of our participants in this month's challenge! Everyone's items are really great!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor
Shop: Bagel Creations

August Challenge Winner!

2010-09-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our August Challenge Winner! Heather Jane Design!

The winning entry was this super cute Pocket Mirror! Perfect for Back to School!

Be sure to check out the rest of her shop! Heather Jane Design features handmade cards, baby blankets, pacifier clips, frames and more!

Thanks to all of our participants in this month's challenge! Everyone's items are awesome!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor

Shop: Bagel Creations

2010-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Busy Mom's in

The Land of Fuchsia

See more items from our Busy Moms Team on Etsy

Contributed By: Jen of Itty Bitty Bag

Christmas In July

2010-07-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Christmas In July

The Mid year season to share with friends.

To Celebrate the Season

Our Busy Moms Team shares a gorgeous treasury

with fellow sellers from the following

Etsy Teams

Meet Team CAST

(Christian Artists Street Team)

& Trade-a-holics

Where folks try out what they like by trading craft for craft.

Beautiful Work Gals!

Enjoy more items from our Busy Moms Team on Etsy

Treasury Created by Huggermugger

Check out her lovely work on Etsy

We'd love it if you could stop by and comment on our work!

Contributed By:Angela of Amievoltaire

What Can Go Wrong With Red

2010-07-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

Enjoy

What Can Go Wrong with RED

From Etsy Busy Moms Team find more of our items by searching BusyMomsTeam

Contributed By:Amber of Craft Me Crazy

June Challenge Winner!

2010-07-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our June Challenge Winner! Robin's Nest Originals!!!!

The fabulous winning entry was this darling Patriotic Dress and Capri Set. Super cute!

Be sure to check out the entire shop! Robin's Nest Originals features gorgeous handmade clothing for your little girl.

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor

Shop: Bagel Creations

Summer Fun!

2010-06-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

Our Busy Moms Team Enjoying some

Summer Fun!

Stop by Joy's fabulous treasury and leave a comment!

Summer Fun

To Find more fabulous Busy Moms Items Search

BusyMomsTeam

Thank you Joy!

Contributed By:Joy from: The Art of Joy

Team Treasury Wed.

2010-06-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Aqua Meets Fuchsia

From Etsy's Busy Moms Team

Treasury Selection from

Scottish Lily Jewelry

Contributed By: Ros Shop: Scottish Lily Jewelry

May Challenge Winner!

2010-06-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our May Challenge Winner! Mommy So Sweet Boutique!!!!

The fabulous winning entry was this super cute Butterflies and Flowers Pillowcase Dress. So darling!

Be sure to check out the entire shop! Mommy So Sweet Boutique is filled with super cute handmade pillowcase dresses, bandana dresses and shoes.

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor

Shop: Bagel Creations

Great Baked Beans

2010-05-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Don't Knock 'emTill You've Tried 'Em!

Rock your Holiday Barbeque with these GREAT BEANS! Since having these the first time, I won't eat regular beans any more. They are just that good! Why not try this awesome recipe?

Time from start to finish: 1 hour. Super Easy, Super Crowd Pleasing

What you'll need:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Yes, canned pineapple is also OK, but I'm all into fresh pineapple these days,

Dice several slices of bacon along with 1/2 large white onion.

Saute on medium heat for approx. 10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent,

and the bacon is well done and beginning to brown,

Drain the grease (I use low sodium) or (less fat) bacon.

Add the following:

1 large can of baked beans (I use Bush beans)

Drain the beans by pouring the sauce that comes up when you open the can.

Don't drain all the juice unless you want dry beans

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

3 - 4 tablespoon ketchup

2 - 3 tablespoons of molasses (can sub brown sugar)

1/4 finely diced pineapple, squeezing some juice into mixture (yum)

Place into preheated oven covered with aluminum foil, and bake for

30 - 45 minutes.

During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil and stir beans,

For a nice glazed dish, continue baking uncovered and serve immediately.

This dish has a high carb content of a million or more carbs so beware.

But it is really delish!

Enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day

Contributed By: Kelly Taylor

Meet Jessica Beyer!

2010-05-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Rambling Rogue Reporter from Cassia's Garden airing our Spotlight Feature of another Busy Mom!
Speaking about rambling; my climbing roses are going bonkers here in Houston, and the loveliest jasmine is growing up the side of my 2 story home; if I open my bedroom window, the fragrance is absolutely divine!

Off subject, (sorry!) so....here we go! Shall we?

Busy Moms.....Meet Jessica Beyer!

Kelly: Hello, Jessica, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Jessica: Hey Kelly thanks for having me! I am a youngun' 22 years old and a mother of a 3 year old.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Jessica: Well I couldn’t think a good name so I just went with my name Jessica Beyer Jewelry. I didn’t know that the name that you choose as your log in name for etsy was going to be the name that they use for the web address and the name that everyone sees lol, that is jbeyer719!

Kelly: When did you begin?

Jessica: I started my shop on etsy last year in March and that was when I started to make jewelry and I look back now at what I was creating and I think to myself "Wow, that looks horrible!" HAHA But I have been crafty since I was a kid. My mom owned a beauty salon in a small town and I would make braided necklaces and sell them for a few cents or something and making other things like pinecone ornaments one year and this and that.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or jewelry making?

Jessica: I have no background in really selling but I get advice and I am learning as I go. I also have been interested in sewing by hand but never really got to do it. Sewing machines and I really don’t get along too well. I tend to break them. But my own designs that I do are kind of like sewing...

Kelly: What motivated you to start Jessica Beyer Jewelry. What inspires you to create?

Jessica: I really don’t know what gave me the idea to be a jewelry designer but one day I told my hubby that I wanted to start making jewelry. But then I thought I would sell a lot but that really hit me in the face. And it got me really down, but my family, including Darren’s side really pushed me to keep it going.

I really don’t know what inspires me; to tell the truth, I just think up a design and do it. That’s just with my wire wrapped pieces but with my upcoming collection I love organic looking stones and natural beauty that I get from them. But I also love the facets elegant gems too. I love nature and being outside. Spring is my favorite time of the year because I can have the windows open and be outside all day and seeing new life come up all around me and tending to my plants. I am a country girl and I love the open fields but at the moment I am living in the city where my house is bigger than my yard…. And I have a small house!

Kelly: I know what you mean about Spring and Gardens and open windows, Jessica! What is your favorite product?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43005742/cybele-copper-and-sterling-silver

Jessica: My favorite products that I make are a few things 1. My skinny copper bangles because oddly I don’t wear a lot of jewelry maybe a simple necklace and those bangles so something that I can wear everyday and 2. The mothers necklace I made/making me and my sister-in-laws mothers necklace for mother’s day. Since I only have one kid right now it’s pretty simple.

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Jessica: Handmade copper circles that has been wire-wrapped together with sterling silver wire to create an eye catching piece of art. This particular piece has two rows of two different size circles and from it being wire wrapped together is flexible and comfortable to wear.The width is a little over 1.25 inch and it is 8 inches long. This is available in different metals.

Sterling Silver $162

Gold Filled $198

Well for one my wire wrapped bracelets and wreaths are my own designs I came up with them and the end technique that I use. I work with copper, sterling silver and gold filled in all of my items but with the pieces with gemstones I can do any stone that you want as long as I can find it. I don’t want to tell my secret to my wire wrapped bracelets and neckpieces but the special feature with that is after I get done wrapping the circles together I kinda lock it in place so the wrapping won’t come undone.

Kelly: I REALLY like your favorite too! What are your business goals this year?

Jessica: My goals for this year are to get more people to know me and to get wholesale orders across the country. I would also love to expand my collections and attend public events. Also getting a really nice website up that I a fellow busy mom is going to do for me Grace Hester.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Jessica: Well I am still learning but I try to promote in different areas like etsy forums and the chat room, and I am also getting new business cards, catalogs made and other items so I can pass them out and send out with orders. I have a discount that I would say that would be big but I do discounts for returning customers and referred customers. I’m not telling how much I get you would just have to find out by ordering LOL!

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a young child. How do you juggle everything?

Jessica: I have a 3 year old girl and she is a handful but a pretty good mannered kid as long as I listen to her when she talks or she will tear up the house. So that is why my items are usually made to order because it takes so long to make my circles and to make them into a piece. It usually takes a day just to wrap the circles together and if I have the circles made I can usually make the pieces while I am outside with her but she hardly lets me do that.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Jessica: I wish I could get what I want as supplies go but we don’t have enough money to get them. So I get upset that I have so many ideas that I want to do and also I would love to help pay for some of the bills so my hubby doesn’t have all the burden on him to make those payments so that is another big frustration.

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Jessica: Patience! And having the right tools for the job like packaging, business cards, ect….

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Jessica: Well I am still learning myself but don’t give up stay positive and you can do anything that you put your mind to. I always follow that saying and I express it to other people.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Jessica: Yes, for being a featured seller on this blog I would gladly give a discount for 25% off with free shipping. Just email be at jessbeyer719@ymail.com or message me thru etsy to get a custom order. Remember that I can do different metals and stones if you want.

Kelly: Jess, thank you so much for being here today with us! Now ladies, why don't we go on over to these links and show our support for this great Busy Moms Team Member? You go, Jessica!

Jessica: My website is http://jessicabeyer.shopping.officelive.com/default.aspx

Facebook (when i can sign into it) is http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000464539611#/pages/Lancaster-OH/jb-by-Jessica-Beyer/177813513243?ref=mf
My blog http://jessicabeyer.wordpress.com/

Here are some more of Jessica's fabulous creations:

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=22372392

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44377178/amalthea-wire-wrapped-bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/27308673/weekly-special-swirly-wirly?ref=v1_other_1

I just went on over to Jessica's blog and it is so cute! I "followed her" and now I'm headed on over to her Facebook Fan Page! You know, I've been reading so much lately about how we need a strong support base in order to be successful. One of our core values on this team to to encourage and support one another. To share ideas, network and purchase, use and share each other's wonderful products. I am so proud of our team! Rock on, ladies!

Until next week......Dream Big and Never Give Up and Go!

Don't forget.....convo me for your interview!

Contributed By: Jessica Beyer Shop: Jessica Beyer

April Challenge Winner!

2010-05-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our April Challenge Winner.....

Jenifer of Canteloupe Corner!!!!

Our theme from April was "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and Jenifer won with her Diamond Chandelier Onesie. So cute!

And by the way, Jenifer is having some awesome sales in her shop this week! Don't miss out!

Thanks so much to all of our fabulous members that participated! Don't forget to check out this month's theme in the Etsy Forums!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor
Shop: Bagel Creations

2010-05-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

Felitz Cinco de Mayo!

In honor of this festive day here is a colorful look at

Etsy's Busy Mom Team

compliments of
Art of Me's :Them Dolls

Check out her cute shop

Contributed By:Angela Keller of Amievoltaire

Meet Amber Guge from Amber Dawn Jewelry!

2010-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Busy Moms! Is Springtime not the most beautiful season of the year? Here in Texas there is a nice cool breeze blowing and being outside is absolutely heavenly! Here we are again, the rambling rogue reporter ready to talk about a fantastic new Busy Mom, her passion, and her brand new Shop!

So without further ado, I bring you Amber Guge from Amber Dawn Jewelry!

I love that she is there at home working with her children! How adorable!

Kelly: Hello, Amber, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Amber: I am 27 years young.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Amber: Amber Dawn Jewelry. Dawn is my middle name. My husband decided that I should use it.

Kelly: When did you begin?

Amber: I started learning and trying to make jewelry almost 4 years ago. I have definitely come a long way. I love learning new things, and using new items in my pieces.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business or crafting or jewelry making?

Amber: I used to do loom beading with my mom when I was between 5 and 10 years old. I remember that I liked making small things because I would lose interest if it took too long. But I did love going to the bead store with her and looking at all the great colors and designs. My parents also ran a small business when I was about 14, and I helped quite a bit with that.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Amber Dawn Jewelry ?

Amber: My friends and family kept telling me I should sell my jewelry, but my husband is the one who lit a fire and got it all started. I am more excited about the business everyday, and especially when I have a sale! My inspirations come from all sorts of things. Sometimes, it's something I see that I like, but I know I could just make it myself, or a certain type of bead or pendant jumps out at me and screams “USE ME!”, and sometimes I get inspiration from just looking through my collection of beads, wire, chain, stones, etc.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42378969/wire-wrapped-stretchable-bracelet

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Amber: I love stretchy bracelets! The multi-strand is very “in” and the stone reminds me of the moon. The wire wrap design makes it original and is definitely an eye catcher.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Amber: This year is my first year actively selling my jewelry. My goals are to be involved in several social networks, in order to be seen by as many people as possible, and to consistently use available resources to learn new ways to make jewelry.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Amber: Currently I use Facebook, and I follow and leave comments on others blogs. I use my family and friends to spread my name with business cards and discounts. I also have a family blog and just started a business blog.

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have small children. How do you “do” all that you “do”?

Amber: I am lucky enough to not have to work a full time or part time job. I have one son in Kindergarten, and the other one is still young enough to take naps. Most of my jewelry making gets done during nap time or after the kids are in bed. Sometimes I get a few spare minutes when they occupy each other and I can work on my stuff. Of course jewelry comes after meals, cleaning house, laundry, dishes, and trying to maintain a few close friendships. I wouldn't say that I have found a balance, but everything gets done somehow.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Amber: Right now, my biggest challenge with my business is not having the space in my tiny house to have a workspace. I work at the kitchen table with poor lighting and the constant need to put everything away, then drag it all back out. It has become very frustrating. I guess if that's all I have to complain about though, things must be okay. :)

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Amber: Starting this business only 7 months ago, I have learned a lot. Most importantly, I have learned to ask questions. Anyone who owns a small business, especially other crafters, are very helpful, and knowledgeable. You can learn a lot from others.

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Amber: Do it! What's the worst that could happen? There is no greater feeling in the world (besides maybe having a baby) than having your first sale.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Amber: I currently have a spring cleaning sale in my shop. Several items are listed from 30-50% off! Also, April 30th - May 7th, I will be having a give away on my blog. Be sure you are a follower.

Kelly: Amber Dawn, thank you so much for joining us here today. I can tell that you are a "go-for-it" person and I love your positive attitude. I also say that to anyone out there who might be afraid.....Just DO IT! Jump in and get started! Push fear back into a dark closet or say "Move out of my way"!

Here are some more great items that I picked out of Amber's shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/35766339/green-pearl-necklace?ref=vl_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45550726/green-peacock?ref=vl_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45774076/dark-blue-pendant

Go, Amber, Go! Here are some ways you can connect with Amber and show your support:

Blog- http://www.amberdawnjewelry.blogspot.com/

Etsy Link- http://www.amberdawnjewelry.etsy.com/

Facebook Link- http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/amberdawnjewelry?ref=ts

Ladies, we need more interviews, so be sure to convo me your email address so we can get you featured!

Blessings!

See you next week!
Contributed By: Amber Dawn Shop: Amber Dawn Jewelry

2010-04-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day
with the Busy MOMS Team

Discover more handmade Eco items from the Busy MOMS Team

Treasury selected by The Art of Joy

Click to find out more about Joy

Contributed By: Angela Keller
Shop: Amievoltaire

#FF! Facebook Friday...Meet Tricia Richner!

2010-04-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ladies, do you all have your taxes done? Yeah, I thought so. Well, after all the hustle and bustle, it's time for a wee break. Grab your coffees, lattes, Blizzards, tea, or whatever refreshes you, and let's go down yonder to the Great State of Texas, my home also, and meet our Busy Mom of the Day...... Tricia Richner of Tricia Richner. Shall we?

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Tricia: It's a pretty boring name - Tricia16. I set up shop on etsy before realizing that shop names cannot be changed, and I was already a buyer using that name so I just went with it. Before I knew it, it was too late to change it.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tricia16

Kelly: When did you begin?

Tricia: May, 2009

Kelly: Do you have any background in business or crafting?

Tricia: In my previous life, meaning before kids, I worked in marketing in a variety of different capacities. However, very little of that experience prepared me for running this online business where blogging and so many forms of social (and electronic) media are prevalent.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Tricia16.etsy.com? For instance, what inspires you to create?

Tricia: A few people I knew were opening shops and buying on etsy so once I decided to dive in, I knew where to go and was comfortable with the site. My original motivation came from a woman I met at a bridal shower who loved my gift to the bride so much (monogrammed note cards) that she convinced me to sell her some personalized cards and then once she got her own, encouraged me to pursue a "little business" for myself. She was very sweet and gave me the confidence boost I needed to open a shop at etsy.

The original product listing - Monogrammed Note Cards

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29822999

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Tricia: My favorite product right now are the custom journals. I really enjoy working with each client to get the details exactly right and then the positive feedback I get once she has received it is very gratifying.

Design Your Own Wire-Bound Journal

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Tricia: Almost endless options on paper styles, embellishments and "look". I just designed a journal as a gift for a bakery in LA. It'll be used to keep notes and recipes. I just love that it'll be keeping company with delicious cookies. I did it for "Sweet Cheeks" Bakery.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Tricia: This is one of those questions that gets asked a lot at the beginning of a new year. Many of my teams had lengthly discussions about this as well. So, I did actually sit down and write out a lofty list of goals, some of which I will share here.

Promote on blogs

Build inventory

Participate in local craft fairs

Expand journal/diary styles

Kelly: Those are great goals! How do you get traffic to your website?

Tricia: Blog, facebook, twitter, active on teams, comment on other blogs, pass out business cards

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have 4 children! How do you “do” all that you “do”?

Tricia: I have 4 kids, ages 9, 6, 5 and almost 4. We also have a new puppy. As for balance, there is none. I wish I had something more positive and encouraging to say here, but this is an area of struggle for me. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I want to get done. I just do what I can and try not to get too frustrated.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Tricia: Not getting all that I want accomplished when I want it accomplished.

Kelly: Me too! (Busy Moms all echo....."Us, too!") What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Tricia: I have really been inspired and blessed by the teams I am on; BusyMomsTeam and EtsyGreetingsTeam are very active and have been a wealth of support and encouragement.

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Tricia: I'm still such a newbie myself that I am not sure I'd be much encouragement on this topic. As I said before, my teams have been super helpful to me so if I had to give one piece of advice it'd be to join a team and be active on it. You get what you put into it and there are some amazing and supportive people out there that are willing to help.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Tricia: As a promotion for this blog - free mini note (my choice) with purchase. Just be sure to mention this in the "notes to seller " section upon checkout.

Kelly: Well, ladies, that is it! Tricia is on Facebook, she has a Facebook Fan Page, she is also on Twitter, and she's "got her hands full" on her blog too! Let's venture on over and show our support! Also, she is taking part in the fabulous Busy Moms Team of Etsy Scavenger Hunt, so be sure to check her shop, get a few things, and find her hidden flower!

I've been looking around Tricia's shop, and I can tell you, she is an artist, and her designs are original, full of love, one of a kind, and very well put together! Take for instance this one:

How Do I Love You? Let me count the Ways....

At $9.75, what an awesome gift! Appropriate for our Moms, our children, our Dads, our spouses, but how awesome to use this to capture our affections for our children, while we are thinking of it; and to save it and give to them when they are older? Tricia's work is very well done and put together with love and care and attention to detail. I can tell that love guides her work every step of the way!

This is what Tricia wrote in her description:

Inspired by my kids' book, "How Do I love You?"

Written and illustrated by P.K. Hallinan

How do I love you?
Let me count the ways.
I love you on your very best. . .
and very worst of days.
I love to see you laughing
and dancing in the rain.
And even when you lose your shoes, I love you just the same.
I love to hear you singing.
I love to see you smile.

" To me, there is no greater love than the love I have for my children. I was inspired by these words to recognize that love by creating a place to record those precious ways we love them. "

This 5x5 inch (12.7cm) notebook has solid and sturdy chipboard covers that are fully recovered with Stampin Up Designer Series Paper and matching textured card stock. Mitered corners. "Love" is die cut, layered in chocolate brown and pink. "How Do I Love You?" and "Let Me Count the Ways" is hand stamped in chocolate brown ink. Wire spiral bound notebook contains 100 lined pages.

Or what about this one? Oh I love it!

"You" Upcycled, One of a Kind Journal

See her complete listing of personalized items at http://tricia16.etsy.com/.

See you next week, Busy Moms! You are awesome, and every single one of you has a unique story, and it is worth telling and shouting out! So, don't be shy, convo me and let's get YOU, fabulous You on the schedule today.

Contributed By: Tricia16
Shop: Tricia Richner

2010-04-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

I Beg Your Pardon....

I never promised you a rose garden.

Gorgeous treasure provided by Huggermugger

This treasury is posted on Etsy. Please stop by and leave a comment!

Contributed By: Angela Keller
Shop: Amievoltaire

March Challenge Winner!

2010-04-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Announcing the March Busy Moms of Etsy Challenge Winner.......
Heather Jane of Heather Jane Design!!!!

Heather won with her Mother Handstamped Picture Mat in Frame in Purple and Green. Great Mother's Day gift idea, huh?

Congratulations, Heather! Be sure to check out Heather's Shop for more super cute frames, cards and blankets!

Busy Moms Team Members, don't forget to enter the April Challenge! Our theme is "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend". Post your entries in this forum thread!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor
Shop: Bagel Creations

Mother's Day Scavenger Hunt

2010-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Scavenger Hunt is now over. Our winner is Very Married. Congratulations!!! Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the hunt!

Announcing the Busy Moms of Etsy Team Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt! In honor of Moms everywhere we’ve put together a fun scavenger hunt through our Etsy shops with a fun and fantastic prize at the end. It’s easy to participate! All you have to do is browse through our participating shops and find the flowers hidden in our Etsy listings.

Each shop will have one flower image hidden in one of their shop listings. Once you find a flower come back here and leave a comment along with a link to the listing where you found it. It’s that easy! You’ll receive one entry for each flower image you find. Please leave a separate comment for each flower you find. Also, please be sure that we can contact you if you are our winner!

Please browse the participating shops listed below:

http://www.bagelcreations.etsy.com/

http://www.randomsacksofkindnes.etsy.com/

Don't forget about that prize basket! Check out just a few of the things that will be included! More are arriving every day, so check back for updates!

Clipboard and Photo Frame from Poofy Boutique, Dish Scrubbies from Huggermugger, and Decorative Plaque from Kim's Kandy Kreations.

Reusable Snack Bags from Urban Harmonie Designs and Earrings from Jacaranda Designs

Journal from Tricia Richner, Zippered Pouch from Made by Ciel, and $15 Gift Certificate to Sweet and Cozy Children's Gifts

$15 Gift Certificate to Cute As A Button Handmades 4 Baby and Notebook Set from A Quick Study

$10 Gift Certificate to Heather Jane Design and Bracelet from Jessica Beyer Jewelry

Fabric Cuff Bracelet and Headband from Little Bettie Creations, Earrings from New Hope Beading, and $10 Gift Certificate to Little Muffin Bottoms

The Scavenger Hunt runs from Sunday, April 11th until Sunday, April 25th. A winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries on Monday, April 26th.

All comments on our blog will be hidden until the contest is over to keep us all honest.

Be sure to check the shop announcements of our participating shops! Many of our shop owners are offering special discounts or sales to scavenger hunters.

Now get your hunt on and find some flowers! Good luck!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor
Shop: Bagel Creations

Apologies are in Order......

2010-04-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Does your desk look like this? Probably not.....but mine does.

Apologies are in order, Busy Moms of Etsy.....I do not have a Featured Shop

for this week, and I am so sorry.

Stay tuned for next week, and if you would like to be featured

on this blog, on Twitter, on Facebook for Busy Mom's Team, please

convo me and get in the line up!

Blessings, Busy Moms! Enjoy the beautiful Spring time!

Until next week.....

Contributed By: Kelly Ann Taylor
Shop: Cassia's Garden

2010-04-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

April Showers

Enjoy April Showers from

Poofy Boutique

Contributed By:Angela Keller
Shop: Amievoltaire

Across the Pond and Over the Mountains....Meet Tracy Schaal!

2010-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies! We all know how hard each other works, and I am here to tell you: Let's take a wee break; it's time for our Friday Feature! Un-fasten your seat belts: we've reached a cruising altitude of 40,000 ft. Out your left window you can see the Alps......... and nestled down amongst the snow-capped grandeur you can see the city of Zurich. To a tune of Eidelweiss, we will land in about 10 minutes. Grab that cup of cha and enjoy the scenery for just a moment!

Where she lives...

I was intrigued by Tracy and so I asked her a few extra questions. Knowing she is a fairly new team member, and one living "across the pond" as they say in Etsy, I wanted you to know just a little about her story. And so, to celebrate Euro Week just a tad post-date, I bring you Tracy Schaal.

Yes, I did ask her if anyone else has ever told her that she looks like the fabulous Catherine Zeta-Jones.......oh yes! This girl was born for glam it seems. Let's read on...

"My husband and I moved to Zurich, Switzerland about 6 months ago from London, UK. I am Canadian-my mother is from the Philippines and my father is from Ireland. My husband is American. We move around quite a bit as my husband, Aaron works in International Tax. Communicating here is a challenge, as the locals speak in a non-written language called Schweizer-Deutch and read in High Deutsch (German). In many ways I wish we were living in the French side of Switzerland as I understand French much better (as French being one of the official languages of Canada).

I think the only thing I am homesick for are really the conveniences: late night shopping, multi-cultural foods and Sunday shopping--oh, and Mexican food! I also miss the ability to walk into a shop and speaking freely without sounding like a dip-stick in my raw-German! :o) In the cute little village we live almost no one speaks English!

However, for the time being we are set to stay here indefinitely. Switzerland is a very safe country with good schools and a low crime rate and is an ideal place to raise children--and that is what it all boils down to for us!"

That was free, but this is the interview. Shall we?

Kelly: Hello, Tracy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Tracy: I will be turning the big 4-0 this August. I’m SCARED!!

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Tracy: I had no idea what to call it so I go by my name. TracySchaal

Kelly: When did you begin?

Tracy: The Etsy shop was opened in June 2008 but I didn’t start putting anything in it until a year and a half later as I just gave birth and needed some time for things to calm down in the house.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or design?

Tracy: I have a degree in Fashion and worked in the industry as a designer, merchandiser and illustrator on and off for about 10 years.

Kelly: What motivated you to start your shop, Tracy Schaal

Tracy: Although I absolutely LOVE being a mama, I really missed creating and a friend of mine told me about Etsy and after looking at the site I got so inspired, I had to do something!

Kelly: What inspires you to create?

Tracy: I have been constantly making things my whole life, even as a child I was sketching clothing designs and trying to emulate my favorite fashion illustrators at the time. My current motivator though, has been reading about the atrocities happening to women and children in the world. I really felt the urge to do something and came to terms that the key to peace and poverty is by empowering women and girls, by educating and training them and giving them a future. That is why I support Women for Women International-helping women victims of war rebuild their lives. www.womenforwomen.org. I support them on a monthly basis and have set up my Etsy shop to help them by donating half my profits to their cause.

Kelly: Tracy, I love your heart for this! I just went onto the WomenforWomen Website, and that is so gratifying and wonderful to see this outreach into the 10/40 Window! I know you will be rewarded for your heart of compassion!

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Tracy: This is a hard one, because I don’t make anything I wouldn’t wear myself. My top two, however are my Monaco Bangle and my Black Tigress bangle which have both sold out but I managed to make one for myself, he he!

The other faves I have are my Skinny Sista Bangles in both copper and gold

and my La Tigress bracelet in nude color

What are the special Features?

All my items comes with complimentary giftwrap as featured in most of my pictures of each item.

I also try to make things easy with shipping, therefore ALL my items are shipped complimentary worldwide. Yes, you read right!

Kelly: OMG, Tracy, that packaging is class act! I have sought to have this extra special touch in my products too, and sometimes it is not easy to do! Your packaging and your products positively ROCK.

What are your business goals this year?

Tracy: This year, I really want to get the word out about the shop and making more items to fill it out a little more--oh, and yes, SALES!!

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Tracy: I lurk around the Etsy forums every once in a while and make the odd, posting. In February I joined the fabulous Busy Moms of Etsy team and that has made a big difference not only getting my name out but just the support alone is great—what a friendly and well organized group!

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a small child.

Tracy: I have a son, who will be 2 in April and who IS my day job! He is an only child but I tend to doubt myself as a mother everyday because it can be so exasperating! I don’t know how moms with more than one kid do it!! :o)

My husband gets a good laugh out of me because I am an incessant list maker. It also helps that my social life here in Switzerland is pretty bleak (being new here and all and not speaking the language!) so I have a lot of free time in the eves! :o)

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Tracy: Not sure if frustrated is the word to describe it, perhaps just a little saddened that I’ve only got one measly (yet PRECIOUS!) sale. I kind of feel like the nerdy kid at the prom compared to so many other shiny sellers out there with billions of sales!

Kelly: Your products stands out in a world of ordinary, Tracy! I am sure sales will come when you reach your target market! What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Tracy: To restrain myself when it comes to sourcing craft supplies. I think I have a hoarding problem. There are far, far too many trimmings and not enough things to make them into—its just embarrassing, really! I suppose when the time comes when I pass away my husband can decorate my coffin with all my sequins, rhinestones, furry trims and countless over-the-top embellishments...

Kelly: I do believe you are not alone in that regard! I have stockpiles of cigar boxes, ribbon, sequins, mosaic tiles, sea glass too! What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Tracy: Read everything you can about what business you are going into and talk to other designers who make what you want to make. Separate business from pleasure and spend ONLY what you can afford. If you are a shy person, reinvent yourself, especially when talking to buyers. Oh and sometimes its OK to say 'no' to a buyer--especially if they are a large chain or a department store--many of which take advantage of independent designers by demanding massive discounts, late payments and the reshaping of your own product--I'm speaking from experience there!

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Tracy:Yes, I've got some new hand-painted patterned pieces that I'm the process of completing--really excited about how they turned out! Going to list them this week!

Also, if you're wondering who that gorgeous blonde woman is modelling my jewelry it's Miss Switzerland, Linda Fäh--who ended up buying some of my collection then and there at the photo shoot! So happy about that!

Lastly ---followers wanted!

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tracyschaal
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracy-Schaal-Design-Activism-LOVE/212592264970
--yes, the nerdy girl needs fans!!
Blog: http://www.tracyschaal.blogspot.com/
My own website: http://www.tracyschaal.com/

Kelly: Tracy, thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to let me interview you this week! I am so blessed to meet with you and I love your heart for underprivileged women. Your product and your packaging is elegant and "class-act". One day I do believe you will be famous and I would love to meet you! Don't be homesick too much and enjoy this time with your little boy and your husband! And I hope that soon you will be able to "speak en de Deutsche" as it were! I am amazed at your creativity! One thing I have heard on Etsy that is crucial is to list and list often. So that keep you visible in the stream of thousands of listings.

We will catch up with you and I personally will look for you in high fashion magazines as well!

Ladies, why don't we go on over to Tracy's Facebook Fan Page, her Twitter, and her Blog and show our support and cheer her on? Maybe if any of us are lucky enough to have our products in shops where we think her things might be a fit Stateside, we could recommend Tracy Schaal as well? Why Not? Right now I can think of two boutiques in my own town who might be a fit for Tracy's fantastic high end accessories!

Remember, Ladies! The roving reporter from CassiasGarden want to interview YOU! Be sure to convo me when you can and I will send you the interview! Until next week, Happy Easter to all the Busy Mom's Team!

Contributed By: Tracy Schaal

Shop: member's shop & http://www.etsy.com/shop/TracySchaalDesigns

2010-03-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

A Baby's First Easter:

What's in your Basket?

Enjoy beloved items from our Busy Moms Team of Etsy

Lovely treasury set up by Twisted Designs

Have a Happy Holiday and while your at it

visit Twisted Designs Shop and Discover Linday's gorgeous Jewelry!

Thank you Linday!

Contributed By:Angela Keller
Shop:Amievoltaire at Amievoltaire.Etsy.com

Monday Promotions!

2010-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Contributed By: Jacaranda Designs
Shop: http://jacarandadesigns.etsy.com

Hello everyone...Happy Monday! Hope you had a fun weekend. Here are some Busy Moms promotions for the week.

From jbeyer719, 20% off the regular price of copper bangles!

Weekly special from jbeyer719 is the Hera Bracelet

Gwendolyn's Designs is offering a BOGO sale on all straight pins. Purchase any pin for only $5.00 and receive another FREE. See shop for details & have fun shopping.

Jacaranda Designs has been featured on Adore By Nat and there is a giveaway for a pair of Little Shimmer Earrings in Peach. Enter here.

Grace Hester Designs is running a BOGO promotion on her line of personalized stationery, all of which can be seen HERE!

Just purchase any of the listings and use promo code "APRILLOVE" in the checkout comments and she will double your order.

Meet Amy Cox - Couture Diva from Rosella Claire

2010-03-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Y'all! Ya-eas ma'am, thazz the way we talk down 'roun these parts! Our rambling reporter from CassiasGarden and our lovely guest today, Miss Amy Cox of Rosella Claire; we live near the bayous and our idea of fun is eatin' dem crawdads, yes! Now, I wished I knew Miss Amy a little better, but I'm willing to wager that she has boiled a few in her lifetime, right, Amy?

A pretty Busy Mom and what beautiful children!

Did I see some of these children modeling their Mommy's creations?

So, with no more introduction, it's time for our Friday Spotlight Feature on one fine Southern Lady; a truly Busy Mom of three lovely children, a Doctor of Pharmacy in her previous life, and now a designer and creator of the lovliest children's pieces! This shop is going somewhere!

Let's get to the interview.....

Kelly: Hello, Amy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Amy: I am 36.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Amy: Rosella Claire

Kelly: When did you begin?

Amy: Rosella Claire began September 2009

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?

Amy: I am a Doctor of Pharmacy, so I have experience working in a business setting. My sewing had always been something I played at until recently.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Rosella Claire? (rosellaclaire.etsy.com)

Amy: I got an embroidery machine a few years ago when I quit working. At first I embroidered ready-made items, but I decided to branch out into making my own items, specifically clothing for my kids.

Kelly: What inspires you to create?

Amy: Obviously, I love to put boutique-style clothing on my children, and the seasons often inspire me to create things for them to wear.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

"Fancy Feathers" Infant, Toddler, Girl Skirt

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Amy: Fancy Feathers is bright and free! Bird print by Alexander Henry paired with bold stripes is fun fun fun, and super swingy, too! Perfect for Easter and for springtime. Custom-made to your measurements, from infant to approximately girls' size 8. Elastic waist.

Kelly: So cute! What are your business goals this year?

Amy: I would love to sell 100 items this year!

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Amy: I have a Facebook Fan Page, I am a member of several Etsy teams, and I like to make Treasuries.

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Amy: I have a toddler son and 2 daughters, whom I homeschool. We spend our mornings focusing on schoolwork, and I usually get some sewing done in the afternoons. I’ve also been accused of being “nocturnal”, because sometimes I pull all-nighters, especially when I get inspired. I can’t sleep if I start thinking about a project that I just “have” to do!

Kelly: I can relate, I homeschool our 12 year old daughter and run my husband's construction office; all from home! Whew! It can be "interesting"! Can you share some of your frustrations?

Amy: Obviously, time management. I live in a rural area, and I don’t have access to a lot of supplies, either. It also gets frustrating when I list an item that I think is fabulous and the views and sales come very slow!

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Amy: I have learned that you really have to stay at it, your business, that is. You have to pay attention to it everyday, tweaking it and keeping it fresh.

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Amy: Well, in addition to the above, do something that you love and are truly passionate about. Burnout still happens, but you always want to go back to it.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Amy: I don’t try to sell anything that I haven’t already tried out on my family or friends. The items in my shop are things that I would put on my own children!

I can still get your orders to you by Easter if you order by FRIDAY MARCH 26th.

TWO NEW ITEMS ARE BEING OFFERED AT SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Tiny Tulip Jumper and Rosy Roo Sundress

Right now my featured items are Spring Sweetie, Tweedy Pie, and

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Skirts

I also have a Buy 1 Get 1 Skirt ½ Off sale

Kelly: Well, can I vote right now? I have looked all through your shop and I simply ADORE this dress! The GREAT thing about it is.......Amy is offering this dress at a special introductory rate right now! Just look at this adorable dress.........and it is custom embroidered as well!

Spring Sweetie Infant/Toddler Jumper-3 mo.- 4T

Kelly: Amy, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day and this busy Easter Season to chat with us today! We all wish you more than 100 sales this year and the expansion of your business! You have a wonderful product and obviously a love for children! To me, that is a Win/Win situation! Blessings upon your business!

That concludes our interview and Ladies, there are still lots of Fridays to Spotlight Your business too! We always post them to this blog, other ladies blogs, our Facebook Fan Page, and Grace tweets about 'em too! So don't be shy! Convo me so I can send you your interview today!

Contributed By: Amy Cox
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosellaclaire

Meet Shannon from Random Sacks of Kindness!

2010-03-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

TGIF Ladies! It's Friiii-Day!!!! I don't quite know what I'm yippee-ing about; during tax time every day is a work day for me! But hey, who is complaining? Not I! The brown, dry bleak wintery ground here in Texas has turned Bright Bright Green just in time for St. Patrick's Day! It's so beautiful out there all I wanna do is go to Lowe's, by tons of plants and get to digging and planting and making everything beautiful in my yard!

Today, we have a lovely lady from California; by the beautiful Pacific Ocean! Oh, I love Central California! I would like you to meet Shannon, from Random Sacks of Kindness.

She is truly a Busy Mom and quite colorful too, as we will see in a bit. So, grab your Jelly Donut (@joycharde) or your tea, or your coffee and let's see what Shannon has been "whipping up" at her WAHM headquarters!

Kelly: Hello, Shannon, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Shannon: Hehe, young…. I’m 39 years young, a wife, and mom of 4 kids or 5 if you include my husband ;).

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Shannon: The name of my business is called Random Sacks of Kindness.

Kelly: When did you begin?

Shannon: I started last May when I realized how many plastic zip bags I was putting into my kids lunches and how many were not coming home! There had to be another way. So I investigated a fabric that I could use as a liner and went from there.

Kelly: What motivated you to start http://www.randomsacks.com/ ? What inspires you to create?

Shannon: My kids, the idea of being green and reducing our carbon footprint. I really push recycling in our home and using products that are earth friendly. We have a garden each year and compost our yard clippings.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?

Shannon: I worked in retail through college…then worked in the corporate environment before staying home with my kids. I have been sewing since I was 11. My mother taught me. My favorite thing to do is make awesome Halloween costumes.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Shannon: Kabuki Japanese Ladies Sandwich and Snack Bag Set of 2, Resusable http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42340492

I love this set because is is so colorful!

Kelly: OH MY GOSH, that is So Cute! I have to have that! What are the special Features?

Shannon: The snack bags are reusable… can be washed and dried with your kitchen towels. They have a waterproof liner so I can put things like grapes in the bags.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Shannon: My goals this year is to achieve a total of 300 sales in my Etsy shop and just to get out there more… Get people interested in reducing the amount of plastic waste.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Shannon: I have business cards, attend craft faires, hand out in the virtual lab on Etsy, and use social networking sites.

Kelly: Yes, here are Shannon's Blog and Facebook Links:

www.randomsacksofkindness.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/RandomSacksOfKindness

Kelly: So, how do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, 4 growing children and a husband. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Shannon: I have to do a lot everyday… taxi kids to/from school, make lunches, volunteer in the classroom, all the mommy chores…and then work on my shop. I mainly sew in the afternoons when kids are at school and then at night after bedtime. It’s tough sometimes, but worth it.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Shannon: My frustrations are not being patient. I hate waiting. (lol) But I do take it one day at a time, because I have to .

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Shannon: You know, I’m not sure yet… my business is still very new. I’m just trying to keep at it and keep the house in control (ha!).

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Shannon: Patience.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Shannon: My products are featured in the Local Collection store in the Glendale Galleria in California. It’s very exciting to have a retail store presence. I hope to just get out there more! I am also working on some Alice in Wonderland inspired snack bags.

Special Offer: Anyone who orders something from now through the rest of March (3/19-3/31) will be entered into a drawing for one of my reversible grocery/shopping sacks! For more details, check my Facebook Fan Page: Here are the details! Good for the planet, handy for you!!Pocket measures 7in/18cm X 5in/13cm.

Environmentally conscious bags!

Grocery/Shopping Sack

This is a beautiful grocery sack and is reversible!

Carry this to farmer’s market, grocery store, etc…

The sack has a pocket for holding your shopping list or coupons!

The sack carries 0.67 cubic feet of stuff. I have 2 large boxes of cereal,

3 boxes of rice, a box of something else, 2 cans of Chef. That just filled

the bottom of it... you could still add lighter stuff on top!

It measures 17in/43cm tall (including handles), 12in/30.5cm wide and 8in/20.5cm deep.

Kelly: Here are some more Great Products that Shannon produces:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42121138

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42990731

Kelly: Shannon, I can tell from these great pics that your work is very high quality, durable, and totally relevant to the eco friendly consumer products market! I love your use of color, the subtle sense of humor, and the workmanship! We all at the Busy Mom's Team wish you success above your wildest dreams! And, I absolutely Have to have the Kabuki; but now I see these ants I am torn!

Why don't some of us ladies go on over to RandomSacks's Blog, Facebook Fan Page and Shop and see what we can do to encourage, support, cheer on, refer and even buy? She has a great product!

That concludes our Friday Spotlight Interview! Ladies, I am going rogue looking for more lovely Busy Moms to Interview! Please check out this link to let me know that YOU are ready to increase sales, exposure to your shop, and new friends today!

Toodles!

Contributed By: Shannon
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RandomSacksofKindnes

Spoon, Sift, Pour, Repeat

2010-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Contributed By: Beth Grushkin
Shop: Fuzzy Mama

This has been a favorite activity around here lately. A simple underbed box lid, lots of rice, and any “tool” that suits H.’s daily fancy. He raids his kitchen(or mine) and car drawer to collect a few good things for pushing, scooping, pouring, and dumping. The rice feels great in your hands and has a nice sound as its being scooped and poured. We have about 2 pounds of rice here, which has proved to be plenty. It was dyed for a craft project and then never used. Really, I would advise against it for this kind of activity—the dye does come off on little hands and who knows what else.

The lip of the lid is just enough to keep (most of) the rice from spilling out on the floor and low enough so little arms can reach everything. When it gets warmer, we will move this outside on the porch and then 18 month old T. can get in on the action. For now its a good “while baby brother naps” activity. When we are done, I just tilt the lid up and dump the rice back into a large container for next time.

2010-03-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media

by Paula Palette of

Paula, a mixed media guru seeks out coordinating mediums due to her Illustrator training and more specifically her preference for uniting drawing and painting mediums. She explains, "the combination of the two fascinates me. Now I paint on everything! I love mixed media drawing and paintings. The uniques textures, colors line, shapes...the texture of it all!"

So for today Pauls identified mixed work among our Busy Moms Team. Sharing her passion here's: Mixed Media

Thank you Paula!

Contributed By:Angela Keller
Shop: Amievoltaire

Meet Kathy Cherry of Kathy Cherry Designs

2010-03-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Reporting for duty, the rogue reporter from CassiasGarden! Ladies, I'm having SO much fun interviewing and getting to know each one of you! Each of you is a treasure; kind of like a gift just waiting to be opened, or like a flower, just like the ones budding in our yards this time of year! I absolutely can't wait to follow you and your businesses and to see where we all go one year from now! Isn't it exciting?

Today we have a new team member; Kathy Cherry from Kathy Cherry Designs! So that means, time to grab a coffee break if just for a few to get to know this lovely Busy Mom of Etsy. Enjoy! Be sure to read to the very end of this post; Kathy has a Special Promotion in her shop just you!

What a radiant picture of Kathy and her darling little boy!

Kelly: Hello, Kathy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Kathy: Thank you for interviewing me! I really appreciate it. I’m 37 years old.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Kathy: It’s called Kathy Cherry Designs and I make handmade greeting cards.

Kelly: When did you begin?

Kathy: I officially launched the business in October 2009, but have been making cards for several years for friends, family and my own use. In 2004, I even made my own wedding invitations, programs, and placecards.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or art?

Kathy: I have over 15 years of business experience and have a Masters of Science in Public Services Management and been working for nonprofit organizations in leadership roles.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Kathy Cherry Designs What inspires you to create?

Kathy: I was motivated to launch Kathy Cherry Designs after selling some of handmade cards as a fundraiser for my organization. They sold really well and received great feedback and thought why not?! Everything inspires me to create – colors, nature, objects, great pieces of paper and many other things. Also, my son inspires daily to create and just be an overall stronger, happier person.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Kathy: One of my favorite items for sale right now is this hug card:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41406378

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Kathy: I really love the two pieces of paper and also how the brad attaching the tag matched so perfectly. The different components just fell together in a beautiful mix of pink.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Kathy: My business goal for the year is to improve my marketing efforts and increase sales.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Kathy: I’ve been trying different methods like my Facebook fan page and Twitter. I can definitely improve in this area and welcome any suggestions!

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Kathy: I work 30 hours a week as director of human resources for a great nonprofit organization called Breast Cancer Network of Strength. I also have a great husband, adorable almost 2 year old boy, and very loving big dog. I usually do my creations in the evenings after bedtime or on my off days during naptimes. My husband works odd hours, so I have time when it’s just me and the pup to focus on creating new cards.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Kathy: My greatest frustration has been with my camera and taking decent photos of my products. It’s a learning process, but I have days when I might toss the camera in the backyard.  I have definitely received some great feedback on how to improve the photos to really show my cards better.

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Kathy: I learned to stay organized with my finances which really helped me out with my 2009 taxes. It’s easy to focus only on the creating and neglect the business stuff, but that business stuff is very important.

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Kathy: Be willing to try new methods and be open to advice from others. I’m learning each day from my fellow Etsy creators and love the team networking.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Kathy: Yes! A promotion at my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyCherryDesigns! Buy 2 cards, get one card free promotion! Use the word Cassia during checkout to denote the promotion.

Etsy shop: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.etsy.com

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/kathycherrydesigns

Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/kcherrydesigns

Web site: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.com/

A few fun facts about Kathy:

~ loves hiking, biking and camping

~ loves traveling

~ enjoying microbrew beers

~ loves to read a good book

~ really enjoys her time with her family

~ really, really loves making cards especially for you

Contributed By: Kathy Cherry
Shop: member's shop & http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyCherryDesigns

2010-03-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

Citrus Summer

Today's Treasury Contributed by

Ros chose this treasury because "I love summer!"

With the weather sneaking in like a lion, cold and rough and wild she finds herself missing the warmth of the sun. She chose this treasury to "surround myself with the bright, fruity colors of warmer weather."

Contributed By: Angela Keller
Shop: Amievoltaire

Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Onions

2010-03-09T04:13:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Rosalind Gourvitz
Shop: http://etsy.com/shop/designsbyros

Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Onions (From Real Simple)
Serves 4
Hands-On Time: 10m
Total Time: 1hr 00m
Ingredients
2 small sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into thin wedges
1 red onion, cut into wedges
12 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces
Directions
Heat oven to 400º F. In a large roasting pan, toss the potatoes, onion, thyme, oil, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper.
Season the chicken with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and nestle it, skin-side up, among the potatoes and onions.
Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, 40 to 50 minutes.

By Kate Merker, October 2009

February Challenge Winner!

2010-03-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Announcing the February Busy Moms of Etsy Challenge Winner.......

Jenny Lee of 4 Seasons Embroidery!!!!

Jenny won with her St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Embroidered Long Sleeved Onesie. Super cute, isn't it?

Congratulations, Jenny! Be sure to check out Jenny's shop for more super cute items!

Busy Moms Team Members, don't forget to enter the March Challenge! Our theme is "Mother Earth's Garden". Post your entries in this forum thread!

Contributed By: Maryanne Taylor
Shop: Bagel Creations

Busy Moms Team Monday Promotions

2010-03-07T10:59:00.001-08:00

Contributed By: Jane (Jacaranda Designs)
Shop: Jacaranda Designs

1st Promotion - TheArtofJoy - Spend $5, Get $5 Sale

Joy is offering this promotion at her shop from now through St. Patrick's Day! Check out the shop announcements for the details.

http://TheArtOfJoy.etsy.com - The Art Of Joy

2nd Promotion - Giveaway for an adjustable coffee cozy of the winner's choosing from Bagel Creations.

Go to Bagel Creations BLOG to enter!

The first entry will be to go to Bagel Creations and choose your favorite item.
Additional entries for following on twitter, fan on facebook, following Bagel Creations blog.
The giveaway will run until March 14th

3rd Promotion - Giveaway for a hair posy of your choice from Jacaranda Designs

Go to Jacaranda Designs BLOG to enter!

The first entry will be to go to Jacaranda Designs and choose your favorite item.
Additional entries for following on twitter, fan on facebook, following Jacaranda Designs blog.
The giveaway will run until March 31st.

Meet Rachel Kovaciny New Mom & Huggermugger!

2010-03-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Ladies, go on and get your cup of tea, or chocolate or if you must, coffee and let's welcome Rachel's newest edition! I have had the delight to follow, check up on and watch this young woman build her business, grow her family, walk out her faith, support others, and be a free lance author in her own right! Welcome Rachel Kovaciny of Huggermugger.etsy.com

Here she is: Mercedes Anne. She was born just before 5pm on Monday, Feb 22nd, and weighed 8 lb 10 oz and was 20" long -- the same length as her big brother Daniel, but nearly a pound heavier. Hence those chubby little kissable cheeks :-)

Says Rachel: "My labor was about 4 times longer than with Daniel, oddly enough, but much less intense until the last hour or so. And I did way less pushing, so I'm recovering really rapidly. One of my Certified Nurse Midwives said it was a joy to assist me because she rarely saw women so in tune to what their body needed. To which I wanted to reply, "I just did whatever felt the most comfortable at any given time."

I went home that same night, about 6 hours after Mercedes was born. The birth center only lets you stay up to 12 hours post-birth, and I really didn't feel like making my husband wake up again at 4am to come get us. So we all slept at home, and probably got much better rest as a result. When Daniel was born (in WI, two months before we moved here), we stayed in the hospital for 2 days, which was great because it gave me time to get used to being a mom and caring for a newborn. But I've done this before now, so I felt very comfortable just coming home."

Why don't you take a second and travel over to Rachel's blog and congratulate her on her new bundle of love? http://huggermuggerblog.blogspot.com/

Kelly: Hello, Rachel, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Rachel: I'll be 29 for a few more months yet.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

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

Rachel: Huggermugger. It's an old word that means, among other things, "jumble," and my store is definitely a jumbled mix of different items.

Kellly: When did you begin?

Rachel: I joined Etsy in September of 2008 and started my shop in October. But I began crafting pretty much as soon as I was allowed to use crayons, scissors, and glue.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or art?

Rachel: I took Business 101 in college, does that count? And I took a lot of art lessons when I was in grade school and high school. I also co-owned a face-painting business when I was in high school -- a friend and I painted faces at all sorts of local festivals for several years. It was a great introduction to running a small business and also to the world of craft shows.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Huggermugger? (www.huggermugger.etsy.com) What inspires you to create?

Rachel: In the spring of 2008, I realized I needed a sun hat for my son, who was about six months old at that time. I looked at hats in stores, looked at sewing and crochet patterns, and decided I didn't like any of them, so I made up my own crochet pattern for a sun hat. I really enjoyed making it, and made several sizes as he kept growing. Then I just kept making more, and some wintery hats for babies too, but I didn't know what to do with them. My best friend Julie had just started an Etsy store and was really loving it, and she said I should sell my hats on Etsy too. I hemmed and hawed for a few months, then decided to give it a shot.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26277158

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40988759

All the things I sell in my shop are inspired from real life needs,just like my baby sun hats. I'm a writer, and I use a lot of journals and notebooks. I've always loved to create collages, and in college I started using them to decorate notebook covers, either to use myself or give to my writer-friends. I knew when I started Huggermugger that I would definitely be selling those in my store as well. My other products, from "instant canteen" water bottle carriers to crocheted scrunchies to finger puppets, have all sprung from things I needed to use myself and then thought maybe other people might like too.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18407788

Rachel: I love my journals, and my favorite right now is the Once Upon a Time Journal

Kelly: What are this product's features?

Rachel: I decorated this particular journal with a theme of taking time toread and savor books, one of my favorite activities. The covers are laminated so the collages won't come loose or be damaged. Inside are 60 unlined sheets (120 pages) just waiting to be filled up. The journal as a whole measures 7" by 5" and is 3/8" thick. To me, this would be the ideal place to keep a record of books you want to read or have read, or even to write down favorite passages you want to remember. And of course, it would be great for every-day journaling too, especially for a book lover.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Rachel: I'd like to survive! Okay, I'm somewhat kidding, but I have a two-year-old son who's very active, and I have a new baby on the way, just born on February 25. So I'm hoping not to be overwhelmed by keeping my shop moving and growing while at the same time doubling my mommy load.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Rachel: I have a blog, http://www.huggermuggerblog.blogspot.com where I post not only news about my crafting and my shop, but also recipes and book reviews, and features of other Etsy crafters. I also try to find cool blogs like this one that are willing to feature my shop. I had a booth at a few craft fairs this fall, to try to build up some local awareness of my business. And I hand out my business card to anyone who admires a hat I or my son is wearing, things like that.

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a two-year-old boy and a baby on the way. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Rachel: I call myself a time thief. I steal time here and there, the wasted minutes that would otherwise be lost. I crochet in the car while my husband drives us to church and back. I work on collages while watching a movie when my son is napping. I combine taking my son on a walk in the stroller with taking sold items to the Post Office. Basically, I just utilize my time as well as I possibly can.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Rachel: I think my biggest frustration is coming up with an idea for a new product, making several of them, and then having them be ignored in my shop. What I like isn't always what other people like, and that can be really tough to accept. I tend to fall in love with everything I make, especially my journals and notebooks, and then to have them either get few views or else sit in my shop for months can be very frustrating.

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Rachel: Be willing to fail. I'm a perfectionist, and failure is not something I deal with well, but I'm trying to learn to accept that not every idea I have is brilliant.

Kelly: What role does your faith play in your business?

Rachel: First Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God gave me my creative abilities, and I try to use them to his glory however I can. If that means crocheting the best hat I possibly can, then that's how I will praise and serve my Creator and Redeemer.

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Rachel: Jump in! But look before you leap. Do some research, see what kind of competition you'll have, and then keep improving your products and yourself.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Rachel: Never underestimate the power of a happy customer! My biggest custom order yet came because someone saw a child wearing one of my hats, asked the mom where she got it, and then ordered some from me for themselves.

Kelly: Thank you so much, Rachel, for taking the time to be a guest on our Busy Mom's Blog! I wish you much success in your business, and multiplied blessings with the birth of Mercedes Ann! Each new child bring promises of blessings and added joys to life!
OK, ladies, coffee break is OVER and now back to work and our lives as Busy Moms! Stay well, be blessed, peaceful, productive, and prosperous!

Contributed By: Rachel Kovaciny
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Huggermugger

2010-03-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Art in Amber

by Rena Rossner

As busy moms we know the daily efforts required to establish, build and maintain relationships and few relationships are more special than that connection between a grandparent and grandchild with a splash of mom. I asked Rena, our fellow Busy Mom Teammate from Fairy Dust Crafts, to share why she created this treasury for our Busy Moms Team she explained that the color amber is a personal symbol between her grandmother and herself. She writes:

When I was 12 my grandmother bought me a ruby and diamond heart ring - which I hated. I felt so bad about how I felt - but my mom convinced me to tell her. We went back to the shop and I picked out an amber and gold ring and I have loved amber - and the color amber ever since. I featured my mom's shop in the treasury - she sells vintage items (literally!) from her attic and she recently posted these stunning amber murano glass beads which gave me the inspiration for the treasury.

Enjoy her treasury:

This is an actual Etsy treasury - please stop by and share your love of her treasury Art in Amber.

Edited By: Angela Keller
Shop:Amievoltaire.Etsy.com

Hearty Italian Marinated Vegetables

2010-03-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

3 or 4 red peppers, roasted and peeled or 1 large jar roasted red peppers
12 mushrooms, sliced
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can pitted olives (green or black)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 heads of garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 Tbsp. olive oil

Combine mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Add artichoke hearts (undrained). Add salt and pepper to taste, and then olive oil. Mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with thick and crust bread as an appetizer or a great side dish.

Contributed By: Rena Rossner
Shop: Fairy Dust Crafts: renarossner.etsy.com