...supporting artists and crafters worldwide
Sneak Attack Happening NOW!!!
3 Shops: carrieannn
AND DBEAUTIFULMIND
AND zoezloft
Sponsor: uuendyandfriends
Click here to see the discussion about today's Sneak Attack!
What's all this? Read below to find out!
Sneak Attack Schedule:
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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
October 6th: Sneak Attack Report–cupcakecrochetshop, Mr. Cookie, and AllinANote
Winemakerssister sponsored the October 5, 2009 sneak attack on cupcakecrochetshop, Mr. Cookie, and AllinANote. Cupcakecrochetshop makes crocheted baby booties and got 5 sales from the attack. Mr. Cookie sells, well, cookies! He got 9 sales from the attack. AllinANote sells note cards, announcements, invitations, and gift tags. She got 13 sales from the attack.
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
October 1st: Sneak Attack Report–LynNewhouse, LisaCawoodCreations, and SkidMarkKid
Tinkersshop sponsored the October 1, 2009 Sneak attack on LynNewhouse, LisaCawoodCreations, and SkidMarkKid. LynNewhouse makes mixed media collages, dolls, prints, bookmarks, and accessories. She got 6 sales from the attack. LisaCawoodCreations sells photography, jewelry, fimo clay sculptures, and knit and crochet items. She got 5 sales from the attack. SkidMarkKid sells key chains made from toy cars and got 7 sales from the attack.
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
September 21st: September 11 Sneak Attack Report–ruxuxu, deliarayne, and designsbyjessi
Stockannette sponsored the September 11, 2009 sneak attack on ruxuxu, deliarayne, and designsbyjessi. Ruxuxu sells photography and digital patterns. She got 13 sales from the attack. Deliarayne sells crocheted hair accessories and got 4 sales from the attack. Designsbyjessi sells custom photo cards for any occasion and got 2 sales from the attack. Ruxuxu and desigsbyjessi agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
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
September 17th: September 7 Sneak Attack Report–FAPhotography, SaraAnn21, and thelittleshabbybox
Winemakerssister sponsored the September 7, 2009 sneak attack on FAPhotography, SaraAnn21 and thelittleshabbybox. FAPhotography specializes in nature photography on prints, postcards, and mousepads. She got 7 sales from the attack. SaraAnn21 sells handmade jewelry and got 8 sales from the attack. Thelittleshabbybox sells embellishments, appliques, keychains and more. She got 7 sales from the attack. SaraAnn21 agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
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
September 13th: September 3 Sneak Attack Report–chocolatecreators, TheKawaiiSupplyShop, and BELLYBABYSTUDIO
Stockenette and TinkersShop co-sponsored the September 3, 2009 Sneak Attack on chocolatecreators, TheKawaiiSupplyShop and BELLABABYSTUDIO. Chocolatecreators makes custom designed home made chocolates. They got 5 sales from the attack. TheKawaiiSupplyShop sells cute craft supplies from Japan. She got 13 sales from the attack. BELLABABYSTUDIO sells flower hair clips, paintings, and more. She got 17 sales from the attack. They all agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
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
September 10th: August 31 Sneak Attack Report–LilyPondCrafts and ScrapsofHope
Doodlebeacards sponosored the August 31, 2009 sneak attack on LilyPondCrafts and ScrapsofHope. LilyPondCrafts sells upcycled paintings, papercrafts, and prints. She got 17 sales from the attack. ScrapsofHope sells handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and frames. A portion of the money from her shop goes to helping bring paper crafting to people who other wise would not be able to afford to do it. She got 21 sales from the attack. They both agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
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
