My new favorite fabric: Echino by Etsuko Furuya Scooter. Can't get enough of it and plan on making a TON of bags out of it! Have ordered more already.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pinterest-ing!
I stumbled across Pinterest a couple of weeks ago on a blog and was immediately hooked on it! This amazing web tool allows you to collect images from all over the web and organize them in boards or collections. You can then share them with others, and follow collections curated by other members.
To use it, you just add a bookmarklet to your bookmarks tab and whenever you see an image you like, you can just pin it and add it to whichever board you want. Easy peasy! I have to warn you, though, this gets pretty addictive so proceed at your own risk...
Have a great weekend!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Etsy iCandy
After a disastrous week and weekend, I am glad it's Monday again! And to get this week started in the best way possible, here's a pretty mood board in summer colors. Unfortunately, the weather outside is less blue and more gray but I am in high spirits, so who cares? I have a busy week ahead of me, with orders to fill (yay!) and fabric to buy (double yay!).
I will come back later and post photos of my work in progress. Until then, I hope you have a great week!
I will come back later and post photos of my work in progress. Until then, I hope you have a great week!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Loans That Change Lives
Giving back and helping the world's poor is something that all we all should be doing. Especially in developing countries, where the infrastructure is not available to support industrious, talented and motivated individuals. But how do you make a difference in someone's life, how do you reach these individuals without financing corruption and aid bureaucracy?
A couple of years ago, I came across Kiva and the answer was obvious!
So, what is Kiva?
Kiva is an micro-lending platform that connects investors from all around the globe to small entrepreneurs from developing countries, who are looking for funding for their business.
How does it work?
Kiva partners with existing micro-finance institutions, called the Field Partners, to collect information on the loans needed and risk involved. They also provide the details, stories and photos that are uploaded onto the Kiva website. The lenders then browse and decide which projects they would like to fund. You can lend as little as $25 and as much as the full amount! The Field Partners then disburse the loans. Depending on the terms of the loan, entrepreneurs start paying off the capital and interest - the interest is used to cover the field partner's costs.
How you can participate?
You can create an account at www.kiva.org, browse though the fund-raising loans available and start lending!
You can make a real impact in someone's life, in a community and ins't that what giving back is all about?
You can make a real impact in someone's life, in a community and ins't that what giving back is all about?
Friday, May 28, 2010
iCandy - A Creative Mint
A little pretty today, to celebrate the end of the week!
One of my favorite blogs and go to place for beautiful and inspiring images is a creative mint. Leslie, the artist behind it, shares her projects, ideas and inspiration through breathtaking collages of pictures and color palettes. All her photos are also available on her Flickr stream so if you have some time, I encourage you to check it out, it's worth it!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Treasure Hunting on Etsy
My learning curve in all things Etsy has become increasingly steeper in the last few weeks. Especially since opening my shop and joining the Dutch and European Street teams, I have been discovering new things everyday! Treasuries, what they are, who makes them and what for, is just one of them.
So, what is the Treasury? It's an ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery of handpicked items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or just whatever they like. Etsy’s staff (“Admin”) often choose whole or partial exceptional Treasury lists to promote to the featured, handpicked items on Etsy’s home page.
They are a lot of fun to make and the more you make, the better and prettier they get! I try to make them as beautiful and cohesive as possible and my primary goal is to promote quality items from European sellers and fellow teammates.
I have also had a few items featured in a treasury last week and one of them actually made it to the front page, which was super exciting! Plus, I got a million views on my shop and tons of hearts!!
I am currently featured in 5 treasuries and I am keeping my fingers crossed that one of them will end up on the front page again, bringing in all those new viewers that might not otherwise find b*lota! And wouldn't that be a shame?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Meet me at the fair!
My first fair! I finally received the confirmation from the organizers that I can join in the Sunday Market on the 6th of June. Not only will it be a great experience selling my things to the public but a lot of Etsy sellers will be present so I'll get to meet them all!
There is a lot to prepare and get done before the big day, though. I need to make more bags, mage price tags, decide on table decor and props, packaging, etc, etc. Luckily with the fair season kicking off, there are tons of blog posts about fairs and how to prepare for them, checklists and helpful tips! I have made a round-up of some of the resources available in case that, like me, you are getting ready to attend your first fair:
- 10 tips for a craft show booth, Going Home to Roost
- Let's make a list: craft fair preps, Dutch Handmade
- 13 Craft Show Display Do's, Buzz blog
- Craft Show Checklist: What to bring with you, Buzz Blog
- Seller How-to: Craft Fair Tips, Etsy Blog
So, wish me luck and if you are in the area, be sure to join us at the Sunday Market at the Westergasfabriek! We look forward to seeing you there!
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