The Handmade Movement - Home of the Sneak Attack

September 29th: Sneak Attack Report–First Annual Sneakerversary!

The sneak attack on September 24, 2009 marked the first anniversary of the Handmade Movement.  Celebrations for the anniversary lasted all week, and culminated with the Thursday sneak attack. Sponsors VintageEmbellishment and peppercorns2 were extra sneaky and, with the help of TeamSNEAK, launched a surprise attack on Handmade Movement founder phippsart. The day saw a record breaking attack on four shops, with a total of 105 sales! In addition to phippsart, we attacked RRBoudin, FlatFlowerCards, and LisaJeanNaturals. Phippsart sells screen printed t-shirts, original paintings, posters and ACEOs. He got 50 sales from the attack. RRBoudin sells crochet goods, blank greeting cards, and handmade books. She got 11 sales during the attack. FlatFlowerCards sells handmade cards and got 34 sales from the attack. LisaJeanNaturals sells premium powdered facial masques. She got 24 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?

Phippsart: I’ve been there for every Sneak Attack since we started a year ago and have heard from countless “attackees” about how touched they were to be on the receiving end. I never thought I’d be able to share their experience, so imagine my surprise when so many of the faithful Sneak Attackers turned and gave me a taste of my own medicine! I had no idea it was coming, and I think I sat at the computer with a shocked look on my face for quite a while. I managed to hold back any tears (barely) but definitely felt a rush of emotion thinking about all these great people who so kindly prepared this surprise for me.

SNIP t-shirt on Organic Moss Green from phippsart

RRBoudin:At first I thought it was too good to be true when I got the message I had been sneak attacked. Since I am relatively new to Etsy, I had never heard of the sneak attack and didn’t know what to think of it. Once I read up on it, I was intrigued, but pessimistic. I hadn’t had any sales up to that point and had even considered closing up my shop once or twice in fits of frustration. An hour later I happened to check my shop again, only to find I had 10 sales!!! I did a funky dance in front of my computer and eagerly started packaging my items. The sneak attack really turned my day around and gave me back some of the faith I had lost in my shop.

Black and White Amigurumi Crochet KITTY CAT by RRBoudin

FlatFlowerCards: When the sales started coming in all at once, I have to admit, I thought something was broken and some kind of strange virus got me. But once I realized it was on the up & up it made me feel like there are still kind and fun people out there.

Purple Winecup Flowers with Elephant from FlatFlowerCards

LisaJeanNaturals: I was so excited to see that I had gotten some orders! I checked my blackberry on my way home from work (after 9:00pm!), saw the orders and didn’t fiqure out it was a “sneak attack” until the next day. Had no clue what one was, but I can tell you now, it’s like a big warm “welcome hug”. It felt great! Like I had landed in a group of people who really care about each others success.

Coconut Island Creme from LisaJeanNaturals

Celeste: Is there anything else you’d like our blog readers to know?

Phippsart: There have been nearly 3000 sales made through Sneak Attacks so far. It’s amazing to think of all the charitable “Sneakers” that have made these purchases over this past year, the 100s of recipients of the Sneak Attacks, and the many many hours put into the creation of the handmade items that have been sold. Here’s to another amazing year!

In search of the yellow elephant from phippsart

RRBoudin: First of all, sneak attacks are amazing! Having been on the attackee side of things, I will definitely be participating in sneak attacks in the future so I can help other sellers feel special. I love Etsy for how it has promoted the buying and selling of handmade crafts. In this industrial world, it’s amazing how handmade items made with love are starting to make a comeback!

As far as my shop is concerned, it is a reflection of all the things I enjoy doing. I specialize in all things crochet (dishcloths, beauty scrubs, stuffed animals, scarves, hats, etc.), but I also have handmade books/journals/sketchbooks and blank greeting cards available in my shop. I am always working on new and familiar projects to list in my shop, so you’ll find an assortment of goodies whenever you stop by. I am big into amigurumi (cute crocheted animals) and pet-centered toys (catnip mice, squeaky dog toys). I accept custom orders and am always happy to do my best to turn your ideas into a crocheted dream!

Thanks again to everyone who helped with the sneak attack. I can’t tell you how it has helped get my shop up off the ground!

Handmade Tiffany's Blue/Chocolate Polka Dot Journal from RRBoudin

FlatFlowerCards;Sure, sending someone a card in the mail is still a great thing! And not one that has been mass produced in the 10’s of 1,000’s. Flat Flower Cards are unique, fun, and just have a detail and quality to them that feels good.

Arabian Jasmine with Little Girl from FlatFlowerCards

LisaJeanNaturals: Making and selling my facial masques through etsy, feels like more of a mission to me. To provide truely healthy products, that are easy and fun to use. A little mini break in a package. I try to treat all of my clients at my skin care studio with a very personal touch, and that will be the same with customers on etsy. I’m looking forward to being on the other end of a sneak attack!

Chamomile Relief Facial Masque from LisaJeanNaturals