...supporting artists and crafters worldwide
Next Sneak Attack: Thursday, September 9, 2010:
Date: Thursday Sep 9th; 2:00pm EDT
Shop Name: to be announced at above time
Sponsor: StockAnnette
Click here to see the discussion about last Thursday's Sneak Attack
What's all this? Read below to find out!
Sneak Attack Schedule:
Date |
Time (EDT) |
Sponsor |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Th | Sep 9 |
2:00pm |
|
| M | Sep 13 |
7:00pm |
|
| Th | Sep 16 |
4:00pm |
|
| M | Sep 20 |
12:00am |
|
| Th | Sep 23 |
6:00pm |
What is a Sneak Attack?
It's a way to support independant artisans who are trying to sell their wares online. Two 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! To the upper 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
December 21st: Sneak Attack Report–SugerberrySensations, CruzChic4Crafts, and Ecoternative
On October 26 Manic Spider sponsored a sneak attack on SugerberrySensations, cruzchic4crafts, and Ecoternative. SugerberrySensations makes cute things from polymer clay. CruzChic4Crafts makes cards and gift tags, and Ecoternative creates upcycled envelopes and paper goods.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you had been sneak attacked?
SugerberrySensations: My reaction when I realized I had been sneak attacked was *SMILE ~ THIS IS SOOOOO AWESOME, I LOVE IT*
Snowman and Teddy Bear friends from SugerberrySensations
cruzchic4crafts: When I realized I was being “attacked”, being new to Etsy, I thought I was in trouble in some sort of way! Then, a big smile came across my face when I understood what it meant: it made my day, my week, my month! I went to the thread and loved talking to the person who chose me and the people who bought from me! It’s very nice to feel appreciated for the work I do and I felt extra special because ManicSpider thought I was a good choice for an attack!
U Big Showoff by cruzchic4crafts
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know about you?
SugerberrySensations: How about if I let you all know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bon Jovi!!!! I so desperately want to see them in concert!!!! I LOVE my Hair Bands Rock! ;o) Haahaha! Sneak Attacks are AWESOME – they definitely generate sales, and in my case – my ONLY sales!!! It’s such an awesome surprise to be sneak attacked, it made me happy for a good week to know I was chosen! I know there isn’t always a market out there for handmade goods, and you probably never get enough money out of the time and love you put into things, but hey – at least you are getting to do something you love, and if you don’t sell your items – you have gifts on hand!! Hahahaa! =)
Monkey Birthday Cake Topper from Sugerberry Sensations
cruzchic4crafts: I thank the SneakAttack team because it definitely gave my store a jump start. I had only opened it for about a week and no sales… with the attack, I got 7 sales! And now I’m at 19 sales! Everyone needs a boost now and then and this team has a good heart and the best of intentions-to see Etsy stores be successful! I love being on Etsy and I now have a way to channel all my creative work and continue because I sell it on Etsy!
Mod Owl from cruzchic4crafts
December 10th: Sneak Attack Report–Jawbone1957 and journeylanestudio
ElephunksTrunk sponsored the October 22 Sneak Attack on Jawbone1957 and journeylanestudio. Jawbone1957 makes awesome polymer clay creatures and journeylanestudio makes beautiful handmade cards.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
Jawbone1957: I thought it was great, although I really didn’t know what a sneak attack was at the time it was announced to me in an email. Seeing the items posted as sold actually made me fall off of my chair. Again thanks to everyone involved. It has to be the most ultimate welcome I ever had. I truly look forward to being able to join in a “ Sneak Attack” and passing it on. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Polymer clay is a very new material to me and at the moment of the “Sneak Attack” I was wondering if anyone was seeing my work. After the “Sneak Attack” I started getting more visits and that really added to the awesomeness of the “Sneak Attack.”
Ewan the Giraffe from Jawbone1957
Journeylanestudio: Hi! My being sneak attacked was an awesome experience that took me through a whole range of emotions. Honestly, my first reaction was just all out confusion. You see, I was leaving work after a very long and trying day with my kiddos. I had just spent hours repeatedly asking my kids to listen, pay attention, walk quietly, not mess around, etc… and it put me in quite the unbecoming mood.
So when I picked up my phone to see a text from my friend saying to rush home and check my shop because things were selling, I didn’t have any brain power left to process how or why that could be happening. I was confused, but brushed it off and assumed she just saw something incorrectly.
When I finally made it home, logged in for myself and saw with my own eyes what was taking place, my demeanor quickly changed. I went from driving home as Oscar The Grouch, to confusion, to being flattered, and landed on being touched. Honestly, the fact that there are people out there that would think to do this for others just warmed my heart.
My sneak attack meant so much to me, not only because it helped promo and elevate my etsy store, not only because it was my first day of sales, but also because it renewed my faith in people. It is such a lovely gift of kindness! I thank each and every one of you and I’m sure my students do too, as I’m certain I had much more patience with them in the following days.
Holiday Trees Blank Card from journeylanestudios
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
Jawbone1957: To let you know a little more about me. I have been involved with the arts most of my life. Not only creating my own works, but having the opportunity to hang lots of shows and works of truly great artist. Form the Local Masters to American and World Masters of the arts. With my personal work I love the emotion of the characters I build, and the humor it might share. Although I do electronic graphics, video media and 3d animations, it is the clays, woods and metals that make me feel whole as an artisan and craftsman. Thanks Again for the “Sneak Attack.’
Fuuny Blue Stork from Jawbone1957
Journeylanestudio: Well I seemed to write a lot for question 1, so I think I covered most aspects of question 2 while doing so. I would like blog readers to know that many more items of all sorts will be joining my shop in January! Also, I hope each of you have a lovely Christmas season!!!
Seasons Greetings Bird Card from journeylanestudio
December 7th: Sneak Attack Report–MonkeyDesignUSA, WestCoastOrigami, and HappyHoundCreative
On October 20, 2009 Stockannette sponsored an attack on MonkeyDesignUSA, WestCoastOrigami, and HappyHoundCreative. MonkeyDesignUSA sells commercial supplies for papercraft postcards. WestCoastOrigami makes origami boxes, flowers, and other paper art. HappyHoundCreative sells cards and custom stationary.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you had been sneak attacked?
MonkeyDesignUSA:Let me share with you my ignorance of sneak attacks right up front! To be honest, as a ETSY newbie I was thoroughly unaware of what a sneak attack was! However, when I began seeing more than the normal number of sales coming from ETSY and after I received your e-mail stating I was being attacked, I jumped online immediately to see what was going on. It was a truly wonderful experience! As you probably know, all of us put our heart and souls into the products we create and sell and it’s just so satisfying to share that with other people. It’s really not the money- it’s about receiving affirmation of an idea and the reinforcement to continue battling against the tide of unimaginative products to possibly add something creative to an otherwise barren retail landscape.
Monkey 1018 from MonkeyDesignUSA
WestCoastOrigami: Absolute surprise! I was busy that day so I didn’t check my emails until around midnight. My husband just gone to bed. I had 4 sales, don’t sound like much but it’s huge percentage when you only have 10 or so listings. I woke up my husband just to tell him about it 
I even wrote on my blog about the sneak attack.
Origami Thank You Notes by WestCoastOrigami
HappyHoundCreative: I had been participating in Sneak Attacks for a few weeks so I never expected to be a victim. At 7 pm that night I was searching everywhere for the link to the Handmade Movement website and remembered that the Sneak Attackers had a facebook fan page and I could find the information for the shops that were being attacked on there. I saw one of my cards in the thumbnail next to one of the shop announcements and thought for sure there was a Happy Hound impostor out there! I clicked on the link and was in complete shock to see that it was in fact my shop. I think I gasped out loud and my husband had to come check on me. I was so shocked and excited! It was fun to see the sales come in and to check out what everyone was saying on the thread. I will be forever grateful to such a wonderful group of giving and caring people!
Oh Christmas Tree note cards from HappyHoundCreative
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
MonkeyDesignUSA: It’s interesting that papercrafting is still in its infancy in the U.S. In Taiwan where these are designed and printed, Monkey Design sells over 800,000 cards annually. While are numbers are nowhere near that yet, we’re hoping that more Americans come to enjoy the art of papercrafting.
For Monkey Design, ETSY has been a good way to test our product concept, get feedback from the crafting community, and to simply create a “buzz”. Because we carry over 130 different models, we’re unable to list every one on ETSY. So, we hope that people who like our designs will look for them at independent retailers near where they live (there’s a list on our website) and if they can’t find them there, request Monkey Design by name.
Robot 1091 from MonkeyDesignUSA
WestCoastOrigami: I have a blog that I just started. It’s focussed on Canadian handcrafted products or supplies, please let me know what you think . I started this blog because I enjoy researching other crafters so I’d like to share my thoughts and findings with others.
In addition to Etsy, I also have another online shop. This shop focuses on regular items customers who usually order in higher quantities such as weddings or showers. Even so, there are a few that like to buy a couple for their own enjoyment. I’m currently redesigning the shopping cart but I take order by email and can send Paypal invoices.
Origami Roses by WestCoastOrigami
Etsy is the store that I list items that doesn’t fit my online shop profile. I like Etsy as those who buy has a great appreciation of the time put into a handmade item. An example is that I love making origami roses made from handmade paper from Thailand. I could make it with regular paper, and it would be more cost effective, but visual impact is not the same. The store is a little bare but I will be listing more very soon. I’m have more envelopes to list and working on Valentine’s Day and maybe even for Chinese New Year. (It’s the Year of the Tiger and happens to land on the same day as Valentine’s Day)
HappyHoundCreative:I love sneak attacks! They are so addicting and fun. I am so amazed at the kindness and generosity of the group and am making such wonderful friends. I am completely addicted to handmade and love etsy. I have a blog , am on facebook and I have a website.
Perpetual Spring custom notecards from HappyHoundCreative
November 16th: Sneak Attack Report–BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite
FromMarz and verveinteriors co-sponsored the October 15, 2009 Sneak Attack on BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite. BlissClips makes handmade clips for “all the princesses in your life.” She got 4 sales from the attack. AFabulousFete sells fun party supplies and got 4 sales from the attack. MarrsElite sells “a wide array of handmade and recycled crafts ranging from hair accessories, extentions, jewelry, to patches, postcards, toys/dolls, and more!” She also got4 sales from the attack.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
BlissClips: I really didn’t understand it at all, I was reading the email sent and while reading it an order came through and before continuing to read to find out more, I rushed to tell Hubby that a really weired thing just happened, and I was telling him about the email and then how an order came through and I said I think it has something to do with this Sneak Attack email I received. To say the least I was very excited.
Eve-One for Mommy, One for me from BlissClips
AFabulousFete: My reaction? Since I had already read about sneak attacks, I was SUPER excited to see those words in my inbox. Then after that I think I sat at my computer screen and updated it every few seconds to see if I received any more sneak attack orders.
Candy Buffet sign from AFabulousFete
MarrsElite: I was freaked out actually! LOL. I listed my first batch of items not even a few days before! I wasn’t sure what the heck a ’sneak attatch’ was in relation to Etsy, but once I figured it out I was pretty stoked and impressed that there’s a group here on Etsy that is that kind! Thanks again for my first 4 sales!
Ribcage guitar pillow from MarrsElite
Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
BlissClips: I have only started my business this year and now have such an appreciation for handmade items, you are basically receiving items that are lovingly made & not mass produced and it’s the nicest feeling knowing that you are dealing directly with the people that are producing the items.
I have also learned as a seller, there are so many choices through ETSY and other means, so when some-one is choosing to buy your product, they are believing in what you do and that is a real honor.
I was really touched that my store was chosen for a sneak attack & the warmth from the buyers was really special and humbling.
My Pretty Christmas Headband/Hair Clip from BlissClips
AFabulousFete: want to say THANK YOU to the people that participate in sneak attacks! Sneak attacks are such a boost in conifidence for new sellers, or sellers that haven’t had that many sales yet. I guess you can say I’m an impatient person that likes instant gratification, so when I started my shop and didn’t receive any sales, I kept asking myself what I was doing wrong. The sneak attack changed that! Even if you don’t receive a ton of sales you are getting a lot of exposure and feedback. I had a few convo’s from people telling me that they couldn’t buy anything, but wanted to let me know they loved my product. My advice? Be patient… it doesn’t happen overnight:)
If you have the choice, choose to buy handmade. I believe that so much more thought, effort, and care go into making a handmade product. You are going to get a unique product that isn’t mass produced, and also know that you are supporting someone in doing what they truly love to do.
That is why I started my shop. I work an 8-5 with limited creative responsibilites. So I needed someway to get out my creativity and keep me motivated… otherwise it would be the same old thing… work, eat, sleep, wake up, work. Blah! I love planning parties and entertaining, I love Etsy, so making party supplies and decor was the way to go for me. It’s been a slow process getting my items listed, as I do have a full time job, but I’ve been working on new products that I will be listing soon… just in time for holiday entertaining! (check back often please!)
Support sneak attacks, they are an amazing idea and I can’t wait to sneak attack someone myself soon!
Yellow Stripe Painted Serving Tray from AFabulousFete
MarrsElite: I’m just a young stay at home mom who takes on too many projects! I tend to cater more towards people who like art with a scense of humour, grit, and glamour. Stay tuned for more from MarrsElite! I currently have just added a sister Shop, Drunkbynoon, to Etsy featuring similar styles of work made by myself & bestfriend/business partner that’ll be in need of a sneak attack!
Deathly Magnet gift set from MarrsElite
October 29th: Sneak Attack Report– Emariecreations and anglily
Stockannette sponsored the October 12, 2009 sneak attack on Emariecreations and anglily. Emariecreations sells a variety of items made from polymer clay and fabric. They got 9 sales from the attack. Anglil’s All That Boutique sells hair clips and headbands. She got 4 sales from the attack.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you had been sneak attacked?
Emariecreations: Very surprised! I had heard about the sneak attacks, but never thought it would happen to me! I am very grateful for the people who participated in the attack and helped make this shop owner’s day.
Blue Paisley Reversible Headband from Emariecreations
anglily: I was really surprised and excited to see that I was being sneak attacked. It was a pretty crummy day and the next day was my birthday so it was perfect timing. I love the concept of sneak attacks and have been following the The Handmade Movement blog since my attack. I even joined in on an attack myself. What a great way to put something positive out in the universe.
Orange And Chocolate Brown hair flower from anglily
Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
Emariecreations: I specialize in polymer clay creations. I sell a variety of items, including pendants novelty push pins, Christmas ornaments and more! I really enjoy working with polymer clay and it is so exciting to sell my items to people who appreciate my work and handmade items.
sweet gingerbread ornaments from Emariecreations
anglily: I guess I would like everyone to know that I put a little piece of myself in everything that I make. I truly love to create and therefore I am happy to spend extra time on a project to make sure that it is perfect. If you want to see something special or different than what is in my shop just let me know. I have tons of new ideas so come back often for new items. With the holidays coming my accessories make a perfect inexpensive gift.
Purple and Blue Sparkle Hair Flower from anglily
October 27th: Sneak Attack Report-decorateyourfridge and CureForCancer
Catchastarcreations sponsored the October 8, 2009 Sneak Attack on decorateyourfridge and CureForCancer. Decorateyourfridge sells food themed magnet sets and got 8 sales from the attack. CureForCancer sells fabric and quilted items to raise money for cancer research. She got 15 sales from the attack.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been the victim of a sneak attack?
decorateyourfridge: I was scratching my head at first over why I had so many sales all of a sudden, but when I read the message about the Sneak Attack, it all made sense! I was surprised and really excited that my little shop was chosen out of the thousands of sellers on Etsy. Really, I’m so appreciative and happy that I got the chance to share my magnets with other people!
Basket of apples magnet from decorateyourfridge
CureForCancer: Thanks again for the sneak attack…I only noticed a couples sales at first and thought,cool I sold something. then as I looked down my emails, I thought OMG! and started counting them….15 sales! It was crazy. I was amazed.
When I realized what had really happened, I thought, how nice to be chosen.
40x40 Quilt Top from CureForCancer
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
decorateyourfridge: I do this 100% for fun, and am stoked so many people like them. I seriously have a whole fridge + magnetic chalkboard covered with them at home, and most of my magnets aren’t even up in my shop. So if you’re looking for something in particular, just ask – chances are I have it!
Coffee magnet from decorateyourfridge
CureForCancer: Everyone who purchased something is now scrolling on my 3-day page: www.the3day.org (Stephanie Faust walking in Michigan 2010) or www.1of8.org Thanks again!
Pretty Floral Fabric coasters from CureForCancer
