The Handmade Movement - Home of the Sneak Attack

...supporting artists and crafters worldwide

Special Instructions For Today's Sneak Attack:

Tune into today's Etsy thread to see the chosen shops anytime after 4:00pm EDT.

Date: Friday, July 1st; 4:00pm EDT
Sponsor: LaBeq
click here to see the discussion about today's Attack
What's all this? Read below to find out!

What is a Sneak Attack?

It's a way to support independant artisans who are trying to sell their wares online. Three days a week at an appointed time, an Etsy* shop with few or no sales is announced on this site. As many people as possible then buy items from that shop, resulting in a frenzy of surprise business to the unsuspecting shop! (*Etsy is an online marketplace where individuals can set up shops to sell their goods) Want to join in? I bet you do! Read on...

To the right is the current Sneak Attack schedule. To participate, show up on this site at or soon after the time of the next attack and you'll see the chosen shop name in the box above. Then go to that shop and purchase an item, making sure to include the words "Sneak Attack" in the "message to seller". It's also fun to tune into the current thread on Etsy to talk about it with other "attackers".

The Handmade Movement Blog

 

June 12th: Sneak Attack Reports on S.N.E.A.K. Blog

Find the last several Sneak Attack reports on the new S.N.E.A.K. Blog at http://etsyteamsneak.blogspot.com/ Part of the fun of the Sneak Attacks is hearing from the "Attackees", so have a look!

Sneak Attack Shopping Cart

May 18th: Sneak Attack Report 5/11/09 - 5/15/09

Posted by michiganhemp

Another wonderful week of Sneak Attacks resulting in a total of 92 sales! There were 8 awesome undiscovered Etsy shops chosen for this week's attacks and some incredible items purchased! Again, I had the pleasure of asking the shop owners how they reacted to being Sneak Attacked, and below you will find their responses to these two questions:

1. What was your reaction when you realized that you had been sneak attacked?

AND

2. Is there anything that you would like me to include in the blog post (this can be anything that you would like)?

*pictures are of actual items purchased from the shop during their sneak attack*

PlanetelouPlanetlou Etsy Shop

Joined Etsy 4/25/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 4

planetelou: Thanks for the interest!
We were pretty surprised and exited to be attacked!
It was very welcome, we were working hard to get interest in our shop.

Pascale & Francois

Mellidee

Opened shop 2/19/09

Sales gained from SA: 5

1. What was your reaction when you realized that you had beenMellidee Etsy Shop sneak attacked?

I was actually pretty confused at first, seeing all those emails from Etsy in my inbox; I assumed I'd done something wrong! I had only set up my shop about a week before the attack, and hadn't told anyone about it yet, so I really wasn't expecting anything like that. Once I realized what was going on, it had me quite literally grinning from ear to ear for several days. I was so sincerely doubting that I would ever make a sale, and then -bam!- It was a fantastic feeling.

2. Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

Big big Thank Yous to everyone who took part in the Sneak Attack; whether you bought something, viewed something, hearted me, or whatever; you definitely made my day/week/month :D I think that what you're all doing is just the most brilliant idea, and the best welcome to Etsy anyone could hope for. I look forward to being on the 'attacking' side of one very soon! I'm also working on a lot more rings, as well as some pretty funky T-shirts, so stay tuned ;) Thanks again!

PaperDragonCards

Joined 4/19/09

Sales from SA: 15

PaperDragonCards: My reaction to the "Sneak Attack" was that I thought PaperDragonCards Etsy shopsomething was wrong with my site!! I had not heard of the attacks before so when I checked my email and had 8 from etsy, I was very surprised. Then got excited!!! Thanks for choosing my shop and please continue to shop! I'm constantly adding new designs - check often. Thanks again!

My daughter told me about Etsy about 3 months ago and I think it's a great outlet for creative people to get their products out into the world! There are so many talented people out there and this is a great way to meet them. Keep up the great work everyone!

Soyfullyyours

Joined 4/03/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 10

1. What was your reaction when you realized that you had beenSoyfully Yours Etsy Shop "Sneak Attacked"?

I didn't know I was being attacked until after I opened my email and saw several messages. When I opened them they were sales so after investigation, I was excited to see how it would work out. I was pleasantly surprised when I received 10 sales in basically 24 hours. It was a great way to introduce myself to the etsy world. Thanks so much!

2. Is there anything you would like to add? (This can be anything that you want it to be)

I would like to say thanks again for the sneak attack and I can only hope that many other new Etsians experience the same thrill of a sneak attack.

Ashton11

Opened shop 4/28/09

Sales from Sneak Attack: 24

Well...
I was just strolling past my computer when I felt compelled to check myAshton11 Etsy Shop email. This happens to me several times a day. Usually nothing too interesting is there to greet me.

Lo and behold, when I opened it, I was surprised to see a whole string of emails from Etsy and Paypal. I was baffled at first. I assumed it was some kind of spam or something. So, I looked at the first email and it was a conversation message telling me that I had been sneak attacked!

I was elated!! I had just read the handmademovement blog a week ago and had thought how cool it was that you did sneak attacks. I NEVER would have dreamed that I might actually get the privilege of being one of your "victims." Then, to my utter amazement...I WAS!!!

Next reaction! Holy cow!! They've cleaned me out! It was only 20 minutes into the attack and I had nothing left in my store to sell! So, I began to re-list items. Trust me this was no easy feat. Being relatively new to Etsy, maneuvering the website had not yet become natural for me. So, I clumsily made my way through re-listing all of my recipes. Thankfully, it was not too late!

I popped into the Sneak Attack Forum to share my excitement with the Etsians who were generously making my week. They were as excited about buying my recipes as I was about selling them!

I literally watched items sell as soon as I had them listed! What a thrill. My sales went from 0 to 24 in under an hour!
Now, I not only have some experience with sales I also made a few dollars and have gained some much coveted "feedback."

As a result of the sneak attack, I've had some requests for diabetic recipes. That's going to be my next project, so watch for it!

Thanks so much for giving me my "big break" on Etsy.

Ashton11

Xstopfloating

Joined 7/04/08

Sales from Attack: 17

I was honestly confused when I was Sneak Attacked. I went to check my e-xstopfloating Etsy Shopmail, not expecting there to be any new mail. I was completely wrong! My inbox was filled with Etsy transactions. I had no idea where all the orders were coming from. After reading the convo I was sent about being Sneak Attacked and seeing the forum, I was completely overjoyed and grateful!

I would really like to thank SudsNSuch for scouting my store and choosing it to be apart of the Sneak Attack that evening. And of course, I would like to thank The Handmade Movement for the opportunity! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

LoveFibres

Joined Etsy 3/07/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 4

Hi,Well, being in the UK, I received my convo about the Sneak Attack just LoveFibres Etsy Shopas I was going to bed, just passed midnight. As I was tired I thought at first from the title that it must be a bad thing. Oh dear! I thought, but then when I read it properly, I realised what an amazing thing it was and I was so excited I couldn't go to sleep. I ended up staying up most of the night watching my shop!! I was still hyper and acting like a little kid the next morning.
I am doubly pleased about the Sneak Attack, because it has started the ball rolling for my shop and helped my charity at the same time. It made me get myself organised on the invoicing and shipping side of things, so it was good for me in that way too.
I'm amazed at the sense of community there is within Etsy. Now I know about Sneak Attacks I hope to be able to help other newbies in the same way. Thanks ever so much!!

DreamrKate

Opened Shop 4/16/06

Sales from SA: 13

1. What did I think when I got sneak attacked? I thought there was a glitch DreamrKate Etsy Shopin my email. And for a nano second I thought, "gosh, how mean to get a glitch of Etsy email when my shop just isn't taking off and I'm waiting with baited breath for ANY kind of interest or comment on my work, or better yet - A SALE. And then, purging the junk mail out, I noticed that they weren't all from the same person!!!! Yayyyyyyyy. And YIPPEE!! So I opened one after another and then I did it again, just so I could see if they were really there. (I know, dumb, huh?) I was thrilled. To say I wanted to cry might be a bit much, but almost! I was really starting to feel totally invisible and wondering if I'd be able to do this at all.

2. What would I like to add? I love Etsy and check in several times a day. I recently left a job with a newspaper and thought this might be the right time to concentrate on my art to see if I could make it self supporting. When I look at Etsy it's to get inspiration, see what other people are doing. It's been really fascinating to realize that some of the ideas I've had, like my houses, or buildings, other people are doing similar things, but not exactly! It's fascinating to me. And to think that there are so many of us who like to create beauty with our hands is awe inspiring to me.

I love the way that this site is put together every day, sometimes it's like objects, sometimes it's color, etc. Whoever does this is a genius at work. The site is always interesting to look at ....it's a work of art in itself! I'm proud to be associated with it.

There they are. Another week of success stories and fun from the wonderful things we call "Sneak Attacks"! Remember, you don't have to buy something to support sneak attacks! Just stopping by the Etsy forum and giving it a bump is a huge help and I know many people who would tell you that Sneak Attacks are so much fun that they have been called addictive!

 

May 15th '09: Sneak Attack Report! 5/4/09 - 5/08/09


Posted by michiganhemp

It's that time again! Last week's sneak attacks were absolutely amazing! We attacked a total of 7 shops, resulting in an astounding 174 sales! Way To Go, Sneakers!!! The "Sneak Attack" movement is growing by leaps and bounds, with new people participating in the fun on a regular basis! Below you will find the reactions of the shop owners and a little bit of information about each of them. Remember, you don't have to buy something to participate in a Sneak Attack! Simply stop by the Etsy forum and help us give it a bump! I guarantee you will have a ton of fun and meet some absolutely wonderful people.

*pictures are of actual items from each shop that were purchased during their Sneak Attack*

Monday May 5, 2009

Goddessminerals
Location: Niagara, Ontario
Joined Etsy: Feb 9, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 48!

me: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "SneakGoddessminerals Etsy Shop Attacked"?

goddessminerals: I had actually been napping, haha. When I woke up and saw all the emails, at first I thought it was an error, so I logged onto my Etsy account and saw the sales, and they all said 'SNEAK ATTACK' and I had no idea what that was, but I was very excited!

me: Did you know what a Sneak Attack was before it happened to you?

goddessminerals: I did not, so after I'd gone through my Etsy shop I saw I had a Conversation from SudsNSuch giving me a link to the forum where they'd posted about Sneak Attack and I got the information from there.

me: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

goddessminerals: Thank you to those who chose me, those who shopped with me, and those who hearted me! I've been incredibly busy filling orders lately, and its been a lot of fun. Now I'm just waiting on more ingredients to be shipped in order to make more items, including blush, so look for more from Goddess Minerals in the near future. Thanks again everyone, you've made my week.

Budzandblossoms
Location: Pleasant View, UT
Joined Etsy: Feb 13, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 21!

I asked budzandblossoms the same questions, and this is how she responded:

Hi! I was completely surprised by the "Sneak Attack!" I was soooo excited!Budzandblossoms Etsy Shop I hadn't sold anything yet and was starting to get discouraged and then all of a sudden I had a bunch of sales!!!! I could not believe it!!!!
I had no idea what a sneak attack was before it happened to me!!! I think it is such a fun and exciting thing!! I am so glad that I got to be a part of it!!!
I can't wait to participate in a sneak attack for someone else!!! Thanks to all who did it for me!! I had a blast!!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

KittredgeCandles
Location: Mass.
Joined Etsy: April, 12, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 31!

Again, I asked the same questions, and this was her response:

Before last Wednesday I had never heard of a Sneak Attack. I was relativelyKittredgeCandles Etsy Shop new to Etsy, having only posted items a couple weeks before. In the first week I had an order but the person never paid and never responded to my emails so I was rather disheartened with my first selling experience. My sister felt badly for me and made a purchase so I'd at least have a sale.

I had just spent my day making candles and setting up my photos. I'd been on my feet for hours and finally sat down to relax around 7:00. My husband was on the computer and came out to tell me I'd just made 19 sales. I told him he was obviously reading something wrong - surely I had not just made 19 sales in the past hour! I came in and looked at the site and it was up to 21. After my initial experience with the person who never paid I thought - this must be someone playing a joke on me. Then I got the message about the Sneak Attack and I was just shocked! I just sat here saying "oh my gosh, oh my gosh" as the number kept growing. As I tried to get things relisted it was total, wonderful chaos! By the end of the night I had 31 sales!

I pulled an "all nighter" that night, making candles for 30 hours straight and I've never had so much fun. Of course, I haven't had a sales since, but I'm optimistic. What a wonderful experience. Not only was it loads of fun but it taught me a lot about doing this kind of thing under pressure. It was a great learning experience and incredibly exciting!

EarthlyDelightSoap
Location: Angola
Joined Etsy: April 20, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 41!

Same questions, her response:

Omg! I knew nothing about the sneak attack and when I saw the first 10 EarthlyDelightSoap Etsy Shopsales I was trying to figure out how I was scammed! lol. Then I saw they were all paid, and still thought I was scammed somehow, lol. Then I saw that I had a convo about the attack, and when I checked it out and was reading the blog as it was happening, I was laughing so hard at the absolute cuteness of it all that I almost fell off my chair. For sure, the sales are needed and wonderful, but the whole idea of the Etsy community pulling together to do something like that is absolutely amazing. I am just tickled that anyone would take the effort to do something like that for a total stranger! Thanks so much! I am now looking forward to being part of future sneak attacks and being part of and active in the Etsy community.

Friday, May 8, 2009

EnchantedStudios
Location: Smithfield, NC
Joined Etsy: March 31, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 14!

Same questions and her answers:

We had just gotten back from a week long vacation. I am new to Etsy and EnchantedStudios Etsy Shopdidn't put my shop on hold because I didn't think it would matter much. When I saw all of the e-mails, I said, "oh my gosh what in the world?" I was confused and excited and humbled all at the same time. There is so much on Etsy to figure out and the people are so awesome. It is great to be surrounded with such talented wonderful people. This sneak attack was a great start to my business.

Thanks

OOreGoods
Location: Clearwater
Joined Etsy: April 22, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 5!

me: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

OOreGoods: Ummm... ridiculously excited!!! I was already having a OOreGoods Etsy Shopfantabulous Friday, and then when I did my last email check before bed and saw all the orders I got giddy. A great end to a great day and a great week! Sneak attacks are the best things ever!

me: Did you know what a Sneak Attack was before it happened to you?

OOreGoods: No clue!

me: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

OOreGoods: An awesome idea! I love the initiative and the good vibes all around. The community of Etsy never ceases to amaze me :)

Thanks again!

teeniebug
Location: Silver Springs, MD
Joined Etsy: March 31, 2009
Sales resulting from Sneak Attack: 14!

teeniebug Etsy ShopI asked teeniebug the exact same questions as everyone else, and this is what she said:

Thank you for the sneak attack!! I am brand new to Etsy, so I had never heard of it. I am very flattered and excited.
What a great/ sweet idea!!

 

 

 

 


As you can see, this week's sneak attacks were incredible! 174 sales, 7 wonderful shops, and another great week of "paying it forward"! You too can be a part of this excitement and fun! For information about sneak attacks, see http://handmademovement.com !

 

May 11th '09: Sneak Attack Thread Explosion

Associated with every Sneak Attack is a thread post in the Etsy forums. Amy of the Etsy shop BitchenStitchen gives us a little insight about the massive growth of the Sneak Attack discussion threads in the past short while:

"I'm a science head. I like statistics. And when the past couple threads have gotten to 2000+ posts, it made me wonder, how much momentum have sneak attacks gotten? Sneak attacks have been going on for just over 7 months now. How have sneak attacks grown in that 7 months? The following image plots thread posts vs. date.

My first sneak attack was in November 2008. And I've tried to regularly participate since then. Every thread, I see new avatars, some are former victims, others are people who have stumbled in and are fascinated with the concept. I plan to redo these stats, maybe at a year, and hope sneak attacks continue to grow exponentially!"

Sneak Attack Disussion

April 27th '09: Sneak Attack Stories 4/27 - 5/1

Theresa of michiganhemp gives us another week's Sneak Attack report. Enjoy!

michiganhemp: Another AWESOME week of Sneak Attacks totalling 80 sales for the victims! It was a phenomenal week of attacks with wonderful items, and great shops. We also had the privilege of 'attacking' one of our fellow supporters, which made for a neat twist on things! Remember, all of the pictures are actual pictures of the items sold during the attack. Again this week, I asked the 'victims' to tell us how they reacted, and this is what they told me...

Lollypins

4/27/09

sales gained from Sneak Attack: 6

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadbeen "Sneak Attacked"?

Lollypins: I was very surprised! I was extremely flattered, and then slightly panicked because I'd been meaning to try to get more stuff photographed for sale, but have been unusually busy recently with other things and hadn't got around to it (um, still haven't). Because I'm in the UK, the 'attack' began at midnight for me, and I was about to go to bed when it began. :)

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like me to include in the blog post that I am preparing?

Lollypins: My very sincere thanks to winemakerssister for 'attacking' me, and to the fab etsians who made purchases on the night. I'm off to the Post Office straight after work today (Wednesday) with all the packages.
I'd also like to add that I think the Sneak Attack is such a great idea. Etsy can be quite a daunting prospect - it's so huge, and there's so much amazing stuff there - so although I'm very much a part-time hobbyist seller, it's wonderfully encouraging to get some sales and to raise awareness of my shop. Hopefully, from here on out I'll be able to improve my stock levels, figure out what works best, and keep a steadyish flow of sales happening.

AmbrosiaandBliss

4/27/09

sales gained from Sneak Attack: 8

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadAmbrosiaandBliss Etsy Shop been "Sneak Attacked"?

AmbrosiaandBliss: I was completely shocked, excited and a little overwhelmed. I didn't have any sales before this happened, so I had the thrill of my first sale, then multiplied because I had eight orders within about ten minutes. I did get a little worried that I didn't have enough packaging material!

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like me to include in the blog post that I am preparing?

AmbrosiaandBliss: I've been a Phat Fiber contributor for two months and I'm active on the Ravelry group and the blog. I love it because it's such a supportive group of artists. One of my fellow contributors is the one who nominated my shop and opened my eyes to yet another wonderful group. This is such a generous idea and I plan to join in future Sneak Attacks. It honestly made my day and gave me such a boost, especially after I saw what people were saying about the things in my shop. It felt like my birthday came early and I hope I can help someone else feel the same way.

GiveGift

4/29/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 7

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadGiveGift Etsy Shop been "Sneak Attacked"?

GiveGift: Sneak Attack made my day!
I was thinking there might be something wrong, is there any bug at ETSY, and is there anything wrong with my eyes when i see my email inbox is full of etsy notification.
I called my hubby on his mobile straight away to tell him about Sneak Attack and couldn't help screaming and shouting on the phone.

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like me to include in the blog post that I am preparing?

GiveGift: Sneak Attack is a great idea!
I hope there is a way to be affiliated with ETSY or somehow promoted via ETSY.
Maybe something like 'ETSY Team' for Sneak Attack?

(michiganhemp's note: Etsy SNEAK Team is in the works!)

Kitchentable46

4/29/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 12

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadKitchentable46 Etsy Shop been "Sneak Attacked"?

Kitchentable46: this sneak attack is a very good idea it helped alot to pup up my sales. it was great.

Linhlovesyou

4/29/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 13

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadLinhlovesyou Etsy Shop been "Sneak Attacked"?

Linhlovesyou: My reaction was literally "OMG what happened." Then I read the convo and was just so excited. And then "OMG my first sales!" And then I was terrified, but still excited. I think the etsy community is just amazing. And I am definitely going to join in on the sneak attacking because that'll just make someone else feel just as great. :)

Parkside Harmony

5/1/09

Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 34

michiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you hadParkside Harmony Etsy Shop been "Sneak Attacked"?

ParksideHarmony: I just couldn’t believe it!! I’ve been following the attacks as an attacker and really never thought that I would be the one attacked. Friday I had read in one of the forums that it was good to take a break from etsy, to do something else for a day. My house was in need of some attention and I decided to clean. I mopped the floors twice, cleaned under the couch, rearranged the living room, washed clothes, and cleaned the kitchen; then prepared for a class I was going to teach and then taught the class. Upon returning home, I decided that maybe almost one day was enough of a break from etsy and maybe I could peek in on Sneak Attack since the one clue I got in the am was “eco-friendly” and not only am I hooked on SA, I love to support eco-friendly sellers. When I saw my email I was astounded- I had 32 emails from etsy all saying, ETSY TRANSACTION. My smile was ear to ear. No way…. I checked www.handmademovement.com… yep, parksideharmony.etsy.com I read the convo from monkeytreecreations.etsy.com saying that she had picked my shop before I became active in the group and that she almost had a heart attack when I popped up in the SA thread. I am so unbelievably grateful and cannot wait to spread the joy in future sneak attacks.

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like me to include in the blog post that I am preparing?

ParksideHarmony: I just want to add that one of the best parts of being sneaked attacked was the convo’s from people saying really nice things about my work and my shop. The feedback was great to hear. So even if you can’t participate through purchasing things in SA, it’s just as great to get a nice convo from someone.

I have to add here that ParksideHarmony is a fellow supporter of Sneak Attacks, so her attack was even more special to us that know her, BUT her shop was chosen to be 'attacked' BEFORE she became a supporter. Being a supporter of Sneak Attacks is absolutely wonderful, but does not increase the odds of a shop be chosen for an attack.

Remember, you can be a part of this great movement! You do not need to buy something to help support a Sneak Attack, just stop by the forums and help us bump the thread! You are guaranteed to meet some wonderful people and have great fun in the process!

 

April 27th '09: Sneak Attack Stories 4/20 - 4/24

Theresa of michiganhemp has put together this great article summarizing last weeks Sneak Attacks, complete with reactions from each shop. Enjoy!

michiganhemp: I am so thrilled to have the privilege of reporting to all of you folks about last week's Sneak Attacks! There were some really great shops chosen, amazing items up for grabs, and as always, a whole lot of fun! The pictures next to each shop are pictures of actual items that were sold during their Sneak Attack. I had the opportunity to ask each Sneak Attack 'victim' what their reactions were when they realized they had been attacked! Read on to find out what they said...

April 20, 2009
Luckyapple.etsy.com
Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 16

luckyapple etsy shopmichiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

jean (luckyapple): "When I first found out I was being sneak attacked I was very surprised and curious as I hadn't previously known about the sneak attacks. I was shocked and awed that a group of people would want to do something so nice for another etsy shop! It was also a very very nice start to my week :)"

April 20, 2009
SweetPleasures.etsy.com
Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 8

sweetpleasures Etsy shopmichiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

Kerry (SweetPleasures): "I am new to Etsy and was stunned when I was attacked! I haven't had anything this exciting happen to me in ages. I've been dancing on cloud nine ever since and truly amazed just how wonderful the ETSY community is. So far I have gained eight sales and they seem to still be coming in!"

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

Kerry: I would like to thank everyone from "sneak attack" and I can't wait to settle down after all my orders are filled and join in on a few attacks myself.

April 22, 2009
TheAviary.etsy.com
Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 17

theaviary Etsy shopmichiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

TheAviary: Very pleasant shock. I had been having a rather tedious week at work, and this, combined with hormonal surliness, resulted in a less than pleasant mood. Arriving home to 16 orders immediately turned my mood around. This incredible support could not have come at a better time as I was also becoming rather worried at not having received any orders in over a week. I could not be more grateful!

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

TheAviary: I originally signed up on Etsy due to a combination of loving the products and wanting to (finally) get off my arse and do something with what I make. (I generally work several hours a night and simply stash the finished projects in a closet.) I, perhaps naively, did not realize the integral component of community offered through Etsy. After studying at Pratt and spending years in academia, my general stance toward art was a very solitary--and admittedly--elite one. I was always aware of the sharp distinction between 'art' and 'craft,' and this quite frankly prevented me from fully exploring what I truly enjoy doing. After completing coursework toward a doctorate in Art History, I withdrew from school after finally admitting to myself that I loathed the isolation. But perhaps I digress. The bottom line is that it is simply wonderful to not only have the ability to create without being bogged down in theory, as well as have a community in which to share work without judgment. For me, the best part about Etsy is that it provides an open community for people who may be solitary on one level--as I think that most artists are out of a certain necessity--yet realize that we cannot live in a bubble--nor want to. I would encourage everybody to take some time and simply browse through the shops on Etsy and support in any way possible, be it through purchases or, if on a strict budget, by marking pieces or sellers as favorites or starting or participating in a conversation. In less than a month I have 'met' so many great people and seen simply stunning things. Thank you all for contributing to such a great community!

April 24, 2009
SecretLolita.etsy.com
Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 6

secretlolita Etsy shopmichiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

Laura (SecretLolita): I was really surprised and honored to have my little shop selected. I
had no clue what was happening - very sneaky indeed!
I did not know what a Sneak Attack was - I am pretty new to Etsy. Now I
know and think it is very cool. I feel like part of a family now.

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

Laura (SecretLolita): I came home to find an email for my first sale - I was really pleased...
then I scanned down my email and saw more emails from Etsy and thought there
must be a glitch - I had been sent multiple emails for the same sale. Then
I looked closely and realized they were all different items and different
customers - I was stunned and pretty happy... I wondered what had happened
since I didn't know that I was being Sneak Attacked at that point. I looked
at the messages from buyers and saw the Sneak Attack note and that really
had me wondering - until I finally saw the email about what was happening.
It felt great. Thank you so much for picking my shop and liking what you
saw.

Thanks again - so much - what a great community of "arty" folks

April 24, 2009
YaneShops.etsy.com
Sales gained from Sneak Attack: 26

yaneshops Etsy storemichiganhemp: What was your reaction when you realized that you had been "Sneak Attacked"?

Janelle (YaneShops): I was completely surprised by the sneak attack. I just happened to be listing new items when it happened. I noticed one of my listings was missing and thought I had done something wrong. I started looking for it and clicked on "sold", I was shocked to see not only my "missing" item but lots others. Thats when I saw I had a new convo and learned it was a "sneak attack". It was very thrilling and exciting to see some items sell as I posted them.

michiganhemp: Is there anything that you would like included in the blog post that I am preparing?

Janelle: I am so grateful to have been chosen as a "victim". I think "sneak attacks" are a wonderful way to help new shops motivate sellers, I appreciate it. I am definitely going to be checking them out and adding "SA support items" in my shop. Thanks again for everything.

As you can see, Sneak Attacks change lives. Maybe not permanently, but we hope that the victims take with them the feeling of caring and generosity that we are trying to portray. Every Sneak Attack is one more way to "Pay It Forward" to new and undiscovered Etsy shops, and you could be a part of this wonderful concept! Until next week, thanks for reading and happy shopping!

April 22nd '09: NEW! Sneak Attack Support Items

Sneak Attack Support ItemsThere's a new tag in town!

Want a new way to help support Sneak Attacks? Can't make it into an actual Attack, or just feel like doing something extra? Look no further; we have a new twist on things!

We Sneak Attackers are a dedicated group, and love to show up at as many Sneak Attacks as possible. However, it's not always possible for us to buy. While being there for moral support is great too, and highly encouraged, it feels so good to be able to make an actual purchase! So ... we came up with a new idea.

We're dedicating certain items in our shops to Sneak Attacks - the money from the sales of those items goes directly to purchasing from future Sneak Attack "victims". It runs on the honor system, but as one person said, "there's a lot of very honorable people here!" Each item has "Sneak Attack Support Item" in its title, and a brief explanation in the item description. It's also tagged with "SA Support". That makes it easy to find the special items - just search for SA Support under All Items.

There's a wide range of items offered, in a wide range of prices. Check it out! Not only can you buy a special item just for you; you can also have the satisfaction of knowing you're helping out new Etsy sellers.

At the time of writing this, we're currently offering over 203 Sneak Attack Support items, and the list is just going to get bigger! Many thanks go to the shops that gave this a kick-off: they include doodlebeacards, moonspiritjewelry, BusyBeading, InuInspirations, michiganhemp, justjanesthings, parasox, goodgosh, parksideharmony, shadesofvictoria, LaBeq, iWunder, JustForTheShellOfIt, PaintedMemoriesByRos, and RunsWithScissors4.

To add the "Sneak Attack Support Items" button to your blog or other site, add this code to the html (clicking on the button will bring up an Etsy search for all items tagged with "SA Support"):

<a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=all&search_query=sa+support" target=_blank>
<img src="http://www.handmademovement.com/images/sneak_attack_support.gif" width="200" height="121" border="0"></a>

---Submitted by parasox

 

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