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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cupcakecrochet: My reaction to the sneak attack was one of happiness and being overwhelmed that people loved my work so much that my shop was chosen to be featured. Not only did I have surprise sales but I also received such lovely mail through Etsy’s conversation feature. That is what its all about for me, as a designer for people to love my work.

Mary Jane style booties from cupcakecrochet

AllinANote: I was taking a break at work and thought I would check my shop to see if anyone had viewed any of my items. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at the screen and saw that my items were missing. I thought maybe I had done something wrong or my pictures hadn’t uploaded. When I discovered that I had actually made my first sales and that I had been selected for a sneak attack I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I called everyone that I could think of to tell them my exciting news. I had opened my shop in September and added a few items. It wasn’t until the night before the sneak attack that I added more items to my shop. I was actually debating whether or not I should even continue because I never expected to sell a single thing! My friend encouraged me to keep going with it and the very next day, I had the sales thanks to the sneak attack. I think it is such a lovely thing to do and I can’t thank everyone enough who purchased my stationery. The whole experience was fantastic and I was truly touched. I can’t wait to pay it forward and to give someone the same feeling that I had when I made those first sales.

Birthday invitation from AllinANote

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

Cupcakecrochet: I would really like for everyone on the blog to know how important it is for me to create quality work and to always stay innovative while maintaining the best level of customer service. Thank you all at the handmademovement for the sneak attack, for the lovely convo’s through etsy and the amazing feedback I received about my “hand baked” baby bootie cupcakes

Kimono style booties from cupcakecrochet

AllinANote: I would like people to know that I am constantly adding to my shop (I’m still working on catching up from all the sales I made so more items should be added soon!) and that I really love being creative. I think there is nothing better than making someone else’s day and the sneak attacks are a perfect way to make someone’s day. I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in such a wonderful surprise! I still think about it and I smile!

blank note card from AllinANote

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

LynNewhouse: My first reaction was surprise, I couldn’t believe I had all these purchases the same day!
Then, when I read the message where explained I had been sneak attacked, I felt very happy. This is a great handmade movement.

Sweet and Soft Doll Gothic Child from LynNewhouse

LisaCawoodCreations:I was really surprised when I was sneak attacked! I didn’t know what to think. But I checked out the website and had quite a few sales all at once! It was awesome! I really love what you guys are doing. It is a great idea! There are a lot of new shops out there just waiting for exposure. I really hope you keep doing this!

Cute Sculpey Fimo Butterfly from LisaCawoodCreations

SkidMarkKid:Well, If I can paint a picture of that evening for you it would go something like this! I was stuck at work which hardly ever happens but there I was. Suddenly, my blackberry vibrated and I read a message that said something about Etsy and that we were being “sneak attacked.” All the wind was sucked out of me because I believed that my new Etsy Store (with the hilarious name) was being HIJACKED by some hacker! I immediately called my husband (who so far had helped me create the keychains but he really didn’t have any hands on experience with Etsy or listing items etc..) and I (in a panicked voice) told him to hurry up and sign onto the Etsy account and see what is going on…. Somebody is attacking our store! We’re being hijacked! My Blackberry was practically vibrating off my hip and I was watching sale after sale after sale happen. I could not make any sense of it at all! Why in the world would a hacker be buying our cars?

POLICE TRUCK TACTICAL RESPONSE from SkidMarkKid

What makes this funny is that both my husband and I are investigators. He is a detective with a local township and I’m a corporate investigator for one of the major car companies. We are all too familiar with fraud and I was sick to think it was happening to us!

So the long and short of it is… when he (Brad)finally signed onto the Etsy account he followed the link and learned that a group of AWESOME people were actually promoting our store and all the sales were REAL! I didn’t have access to a computer so I couldn’t see for myself and I was really having a hard time believing him. Once he calmed me down, I then started barking out orders! One after the other… You have to post something on the blog to say thank you! You have to get more cars listed! You have to do this… You have to do that! He was in a complete frenzy… I wound him up pretty good! LOL! The poor guy had no idea how to list anything and spent all of his time trying to answer questions, find custom cars and talk to his frantic wife on the phone! I was dying to get to a computer and trying terribly hard to finish working so that I could get home and join in the fun!

It was a great experience and truthfully, I wouldn’t want to change the way it happened! I’m so glad that Brad got to experience all of the wonderful people on Etsy and got to meet some of the other sellers! He had a great time chatting away with Tinkershop, VintageEmbellishment, Mr. Bubbles, and his wife,PaintedMemoriesbyRos and all the others on the Blog!

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

LynNewhouse: ’m a self-taught artist. I live in a small coast town near Barcelona and I like painting mixed media collages and create with my hands anything I could imagine. Also I love make dolls. So now in my Etsy shop you can find beautiful paintings and prints, lovely dolls from the characters of my paintings, whimsical pin sets and cute bookmarks. If you want to follow my creations, you can visit my blog

Ghost Child Print from LynNewhouse

LisaCawoodCreations: I make handmade items such as sculpy/fimo clay figurines, crochet and knit items, photo editing, jewelry making etc… I just like crafting and I like to learn new crafts! I put my heart into my pieces and can customize just about all of them. I have a range of prices as low as 20 cents! I am pretty new to etsy, so please check out my site and let me know what you think! Thanks again for the awesome opportunity to be sneak attacked!

cute little knit elephant from LisaCawoodCreations

SkidMarkKid: We would love for the readers to know that we are just a normal married couple who love to create things! We laughed hysterically when we came up with the name for our shop! Someday if you ever do a blog about how sellers came up with their store names, be sure to let us know! We’ve definitely got a funny story behind the name! But seriously, we are completely captured by Etsy and all of the wonderful people here! I have participated in a sneak attack and surprised Brad at work with a dozen chocolate chip cookies from MrCookie. They were delicious!

MUSTANG SHELBY COBRA JOHNNY LIGHTNING from SkidMarkKid

We have been totally inspired by the people on Etsy and the work that they do! I have decided that the majority of gifts I buy this Christmas will be handmade and from Etsy Sellers! Brad & I think Etsy is great and will definitely be staying! Don’t tell him, but I am planning on being one of the “quit your day job” people on here! I dont know if we have enough cars for that… Maybe I’ll have to break out my sewing machine! :0)

Well hopefully I didn’t carry on for too long! Thank you again for choosing to “attack” us and we’ll definitely be assisting in the “attack” of others! In a good way of course!

Michelle and Brad of SkidMarkKid

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

ruxuxu: I was so happy and surprised. Not just that, my heart was truely moved and thought about something like giveing love and help how changes others. And I felt I start to love even my cat more. I was so shocked and excited too. I did not know what happened. I could not help myself to stop trumble. I think my first reaction was get things ready to send. Of course I went to sneak attacker community and website try understand what happened on me. I saw my shop name was there first page. And I joined a short time conversation for thinks everyone and let them know about my feeling. I was so busy to get to ready send things, so I did not have enough time to read all thing about sneak attack.

a sunflower change - ePATTERN by ruxuxu

deliarayne: I read the sneak attack convo before I realized I was sneak attacked, but I still very excited. I had actually just found out about the sneak attack team about a week prior to mine. I had secretly wished that it would happen to me. So it was sort of a dream come true.

hair flower in crimson from deliarayne

designsbyjessi: The first thing I said to myself was, “What’s a sneak attack?” I looked at my email and saw I had a sale – immediately called my Mom and said (almost yelling) “Mom, I got a sale!” hahaha. After reading a little more about sneak attackers I got really excited and started working with my first customer!

Digital Custom Wedding Photo Card Design - You Print by designsbyjessi

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

ruxuxu: I went to everyone’s shop site who put my shop in their  favorites and shopped my things or hearted my items. I put everyone in my favorite list too. I tried to visit everyone’s shop so carefully, but I did not have enough time to do in a short time. I think I will visit everyone’s shop who helped me anytime. I heart some items too. They are all wonderful and creative. These days because my internet works slow, so I am just off line and try to make really good things. I think this is the best way. Thanks everyone who helped me.

Orange Shadow by ruxuxu

deliarayne:I have enjoyed being a work at home mom for the past 4 years. I love creating clothing, accessories, and so much more for my friends and family. Etsy has been a great way for me to network and get my name out.

double strand headband from deliarayne

designsbyjessi: I know 2 sales doesn’t seem like a lot, but my shop is set up a little different. As a result from the sneak attack, I had an increase of 10 etsy users add my shop to their favorites and several told me they were interested in Christmas cards so that is what I’m working on right now! I also am putting some “mini cards” on there for cute little Halloween or Thanksgiving photo cards. Thanks for getting the word out about my shop sneak attackers! Now, I check the blog all the time and want to join in attacking other victims

Custom Baby Announcement from designsbyjessi

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

SaraAnn21: Well, it was Labor Day, and it had been a long day with friends at an outdoor concert by the sea! I arrived home at about 8pm and checked my email. When I saw all the emails from Etsy buyers and Paypal confirmations, I was shocked! There were 16 emails total. I literally sat and stared at my computer for minutes! (And a minute is a long time to do nothing!) I’ve never had a sale before so a million thoughts were running through my head. “I need to package all these items, I need to make a list of everyone, I need to make more for my inventory!” I didn’t want to mix them up, so I started organizing everything! I was so excited!

Mystic Wave set from SaraAnn21

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

SaraAnn21: Sneak attacks are bundles of joy! And the attackers have such a big heart to participate! I would like to attack people as well to spread the same joy I felt. I believe the first sale is the hardest and it gives so much inspiration! I am a college student so I started my shop to help pay for school. I learned that it takes some effort to run a successful shop, and between my time on Etsy and 6 classes worth of homework, I truly appreciate the boost!

Feel free to stop by and see my collection! Oh- and I love to do custom orders because it helps me be open to different and unique styles!

Wine Glass Identifyers from SaraAnn21

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

chocolatecreators:I did not know anything about Sneak Attacks until that night…I was checking my emails late and saw that I had received four sales and I was totally amazed and was thinking how crazy that was to receive a group of orders in one night…That had never happened before..One of the orders mentioned they had purchased during a sneal attack and so I went to research just what that was about…i think it is such a fun thing to do to help get sales for the selected artists that night…I felt elated and so thrilled that my shop had been chosen…I almost felt like I was being inducted into a sorority at college…I love the idea and the whole feeling that it creates for everyone involved with etsy…

I LOVE U Heart from chocolatecreators

KawaiiSupplyShop:I did not know what was going on at first – it took a while to realize what was happening – it was the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I loved it – it gave me such hope.

Beautiful Japanese Fabric - 3 Geisha Portraits from KawaiiSupplyShop

BELLABABYSTUDIO: I was a little freaked out! i had no idea what was going on! and since this was my first huge multiple sale i panicked a little but it was a “happy panic”! Then i realized how much money i had just made overnight and was full of glee:) Thanks everyone!

Jeweled Ribbon flower hair clip from BELLABABYSTUDIO

Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to konw?

chocolatecreators: I am still fairly new to etsy and still trying to figure out all og the many ways to market and promote our businesses. I think etsy is amazing and wish I had all day to spend understanding all the ins and outs…I am happy to be a small part of such a huge enterprise.

I have always been a self employed creative spirit and want to tell others to follow their dreams and let their creative juices take them away. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are putting a smile on someones face each time something you have made is given to someone else. I am all for the small business versus the large chain factories. Start out small and see where it goes. Dont let anyone stop you or dissuade you from following your inner instinct!! Etsy can help take you to that very place!!

Fun party favors...champagne bottles from chocolatecreators

KawaiiSupplyShop: My shop came about because of my love for Japan and my visits there. I brought back a lot of things that last time I was there. And also I have friends there that send me thing to sell. They also make things and I will be selling them also. I love doing craft and also plan on making some items from the things they send me.
I love dealing with people who love making craft items – they are wonderful people and very kind spirited.

Beautiful Japanese Washi Paper-Momiji-Autumn Leaves two pieces from KawaiiSupplyShop

BELLABABYSTUDIO: i would just like people to know that everytning I make is full of love and i thoroughly enjoy creating every piece. I also dont just make one thing, I have a TON of ideas running through my head at any given moment! So, there will always be something different in my shop. I also want everyone to know how totally FUN these sneak attacks are and a great ego/sales boost! Way to go team “sneak attack”! Keep it up!

yellow CUTE AS A BUTTON acrylic painted wood frame from BELLABABYSTUDIO

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

LilyPondCrafts: I made the discovery when I was checking my email, I had all these etsy emails saying I had sold an item….I got very, very excited and I was grinning from ear to ear and I think I even jumped up and down a bit, lol, my daughters were like “mom what is wrong with you?”. I started checking some of the emails and thought, “I wonder if I got sneak attacked”, wish, wish . So I went over to etsy to check it out and saw a message on an invoice that said “Sneak Attack”! If I had to say it with one word it would be “elated”. I felt honored and so grateful to be supported by all the very talented etsy artists.

Till the Cows Come Home card from LilyPondCrafts

ScrapsofHope: When I discovered that I had been sneak attacked, I was dumbfounded to say the least! I just couldn’t believe that I’d been chosen! The sales were coming in one after another and I was elated each time another showed up. In total, I made 24 sales due to the sneak attack. I don’t have too much stock left in the store after the attack, but I’ll be happily creating very soon! I can’t thank you guys enough for the opportunity to get the word out about my shop and about my cause.

Lil Lady Frame from ScrapsofHope

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

Art and crafts have always been my passion, when I share it with others and they love it, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. I find color extremely inspirational and for many years painting has been the medium I’ve used to explore all colors of the rainbow. I am currently working on some small pieces I want to put in my shop for the holiday season. Color is also what got me hooked on paper crafting, all the colorful papers and patterns are so much fun to put together that I have fallen in love with card making and other paper crafts.

When I decided to open an on-line shop a crafty friend of mine told me I should get an etsy shop, I’m so glad she did. After doing some research about etsy and buying and selling handmade, I felt like it was a perfect fit, I love the etsy community, and idea of artists supporting other artists. I read about the Sneak attacks and the Handmade Movement somewhere at etsy, can’t recall right now where, but I went to the website, and bookmarked it, and thought this is so cool, such a wonderful way to help other new shop owners, and secretly thinking “I wish they would sneak attack me”, but never did I imagine it would really happen. So I would like to thank all my fellow artists/crafters, I’ll be watching and participating in future attacks, I want to pass the magic on!

Journal and Matching Notecard Set from LilyPondCrafts

ScrapsofHope: Besides saying thank you to all who bought from my shop during the sneak attack, I would like to encourage everyone to continue checking back for new items. I am still working my hardest each day to get Scraps of Hope funded and off the ground. As a high school junior, It would be difficult to find the time and money to do so without the support of people like you. Thanks again to everyone who has participated.

Mini-Valentines - Set of 10 from ScrapsofHope