...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
September 1st: August 27 Sneak Attack Report–ardiegaye and janiece59
ElephunksTrunk sponsored the August 27 Sneak attack on ardiegaye and janiece59. Ardiegaye sells a little bit of everything, including jewelry, cards, soap, and blankets. She got 24 sales from the attack Janiece59 sells beautiful artwork and got 15 sales from the attack. They agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you had been sneak attacked?
ardiegaye:This was a wonderful experience. That week was especially busy because my out of town guests were leaving the next morning and I had to fit gym and special dinner parties all in. Friday evening after coming home from the airport, I got on my computer and learned the great news. I was shocked and so happy, I decided to make personal gift wrap for everyone who purchased. It was my way of saying thank you and giving back.
LAVENDER TO GO by ardiegaye
Janiece: Wow, what an awesome surprise. I was talking on the phone to my daughter and opened my email to 42 emails and saw the first Etsy transaction. I was so excited and still wondering why so many emails so I started scrolling to find one transaction after another. I tell you I started shaking with excitement and a little confusion. It took me a while to figure out what was going on and when I did the biggest smile came over my face and stayed. What a awesome, friendly, giving, game to play. What a great sense of community you all have to use your time and money to give someone a hand up. I’m am impressed beyond words. It wasn’t the sales that left me speechless it was the giving and I can’t thank you enough. I want to join in your merry prankster world as often as I am able.
Dance as if no one where watching from Janiece59
Celeste: Anything else you’d like our blog readers to know?
ardiegaye: When I was four, I recieved a child’s needlepoint kit for Christmas, I have been crafting ever since. I have always entertained myself with craft. My husband gets tiffed because when I leave the house my purse, book, and craft bag usually follow. I don’t like to waste a minute of crafting time!
I worked for years outside of the home and did not have alot of time for crafts. Since retirement, crafts became my life. There are not enough hours in the day. I made my first bracelet when my mom passed away. I made a breast cancer bracelet to wear in her honor. Friends and co-workers asked for them. The rest is history one bead at a time.
A life-long dream was to own a gift coffee/shop. I never dreamed everything in my shop would be made by me.
I am honored to be attacked and given notice by the team!
GOLD FLOWER by ardiegaye
Janiece: About me…. I have been making things with my hands for a very, long time. When I was 5 my grandmother handed me a needle with some bright colored yarn in it and said make me something pretty. She taught me simple embrodry stitches that I would use to make flowers and such on the edges of pillow covers that we would then donate to charity auctions. My mother then taught me to crochet edges on these pillow cases and I loved it. My grandmother would take me across the creek to where a public dump had been long ago. We dug trough the piles of old bottles, chunks of metal and such in search for treasure. Basically any thing that looked interesting. With that she taught me to see things as they could be and not just what they were on the surface. I have used the skills of my ancestors to jump start me in to the world of art having won many awards and scholarships along the way. I have had the privilage to do my art for movie studios, theme parks and many large corperations. I have been blessed to be able to make my living with my art for 30 years now, throw in a few real jobs and a lot of bartending and waitressing. LOL My shop, my work, it’s all about my family, my friends, the people who always show up when you need them, (and attack you, lol) It’s about trying to see things as they could be beyond what they are. I hope you all enjoy your purchases. Know that they have a lot of my heart in them. I am honored that so many bits of me are about to travel in so many new directions.
Abundance from Janiece59
August 27th: August 24 Sneak Attack Report–CardCandyBoutique, PaperPetalCreations, and rainsontheplain
EsThings sponsored the August 24, 2009 Sneak Attack on CardCandyBoutique, PaperPetalCreations, and rainsontheplain. CardCandyBoutique sells cards, books, and notebooks. She got 10 sales from the attack. PaperPetalCreations sells handmade greeting cards and got 8 sales from the attack. Rainsontheplain sells photos and postcards. She got 6 sales from the attack. They all agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when your first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
CardCandyBoutique: Well I can say I was a little confused when I checked my email and saw all the notices from Etsy. Thought maybe something was wrong with my account or someone was playing a trick on me. But when I realized that I had been “attacked” I was excited to say the least. It was also very encouraging as I was beginning to feel disappointed by lack of sales.
Tootie Fruitie Blue Notebook/Journal from CardCandyBoutique
PaperPetalCreations: I was online at the moment of the attack and was just amazed at the sales flowing in. A smile came to my face each time another purchase was made a smile that hasn’t yet left my face. Here is the blog I wrote the evening after I was attacked providing more details about how I felt. Thank you so much!
From PaperPetalCreations’ blog:
Today was a typical Monday, busy day at work and about half way through the day I was dreaming of the weekend that was still so many days away. When I finally arrived home I sat down to work on my Etsy shop and brainstorm a few new promotional ideas…then all of the sudden….an email arrives stating I have made a sale (a small smile forms on my face). But wait, next came a second email and then a third. I am now grinning from ear to ear and curious where all these sales are coming from. After much thought and investigation and sales still popping in I still can’t figure it out. Thankfully all the questions are soon answered as a Convo arrives from a fellow Etsy seller Es Things informing me my shop was selected for a sneak attack. New smiles come to my face…someone picked me and it resulted in some great sales.
Bird ready to fly card from PaperPetalCreations
rainsontheplain: I was overwhelmed by the community effort and thoughtfulness that lead to it all and my first sales. I actually gripped my fiance for support, because I had been waiting so long for a sale, and to get sneak attacked with multiple sales was such an honor! It makes me more motivated with my shop as well, I’d been holding pictures back because I hadn’t sold any yet, and now I am happy to go forth and offer new items that weren’t seen before.
The Man in the Ground 5x7 Print from rainsontheplain
Celeste: Any thing else you would like our blog readers to know?
CardCandyBoutique: I want to say that I love the “sneak attack” concept. Thanks for choosing my shop to be a part of. Other than that, I love making cards and creating new things, and I just want to share them with everyone. So feel free to stop by anytime and check out what’s new.
5x4 Thank You Handmade Card from CardCandyBoutique
PaperPetalCreations: I create handmade cards as a way to brighten the day of those around me. To be selected as a “victim” of a sneak attack reminded me how a little support can really boost someone’s spirits. I would be more than happy to share my creative card making abilities with anyone else who is looking for that special creation to pass on to their loved ones.
Baby Giraffe card from PaperPetalCreations
rainsontheplain: I started this shop because it had been a dream to live a life more devoted to my inner artist and well-being. I love being a part of the handmade community and hope to be influence here for a very long time.
My shop was born of my dream to share art with the world. I started taking pictures on a whim, we got a new camera and I wanted to photograph my paintings and our trips. The pictures became a passion, almost to rival my painting and sewing. I love being able to offer little bits of my life and love in my shop. Learning new things about art has become a passion as well – I want to keep evolving and making more beautiful items both for myself and for others to purchase.
Buying and selling handmade is important to me. As I grow older and start a family of my own, I think about the thoughts and efforts behind products. When someone makes something with a sense of passion and thoughtfulness, with love and care, it resonates throughout the product. I try to bring that kind of care to everything in my life, from the food I cook to the pictures I make and take. I appreciate the handmade community and the many wonderful people that I have met through it.
Art and photo postcard bundle from rainsontheplain
August 26th: July 13 Sneak Attack Report–lilygirlpaper, deelights, and 3sistersandabrother
FlirtyGirlBath sponsored the July 13, 2009 Sneak Attack on lilygirlpaper, deelights, and 3sistersandabrother. Lilygirlpaper sells handmade notepads and got 3 sales from the attack. Deelights makes jewelry and got 3 sales from the attack. 3sistersandabrother sells handmade baby things and got 10 sales from the attack. 3sistersandabrother agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
Lilygirlpaper: Complete shock! When I saw all the orders in my mailbox I thought I had suddenly become incredibly lucky. I couldn’t believe that I made so many sales in one day. Later that day I received the email letting me know I had been “sneak attacked” and I was thoroughly confused. It took several minutes for me to put it all together but when I did I felt very special. What an awesome thing that someone looked for a new shop who was having a slow start and took it under their wing to give it the little push out of the nest, so to speak. I’m very honored to have been chosen. Not only did I make several immediate sales as a result of the “attack”, but I have also developed relationships with these customers. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of them to create custom business cards, stickers, etc. for their Etsy businesses.
French Diamond Pattern (Lime) - Set of 10 from lilygirlpaper
3sistersandabrother: My reaction was complete and total surprise…followed by a warm and fuzzy feeling inside knowing that someone had taken the time to look at my shop and pick little ol’me for the SNEAK ATTACK. What a way to start your day I think that the sneak attack is a great way to introduce new one’s to etsy. It helps boost their sales and gives them a run at getting all the paper work, packing and so forth going. I am so thankful to all those who stopped by and I look forward to participating in a sneak attack myself.
My Mom is Foxy onsie from 3sistersandabrother
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about?
lilygirlpaper: I am the mom of two precious children, Ethan (6) and Lily (2). (Ethan calls Lily “Lily Girl” which is how I came up with the name of my business.) I love creating new products and working with customers to develop custom designs to meet their needs; whether it’s stickers, tags, business cards, etc. I have so many new products that I plan to add to the Etsy store in the next week so I hope everyone will stop back by and check them out. Many adorable Halloween bows will be listed, Bag Tags, Note to the Teacher Notepads, Grocery List Pads and so much more! (Now that school is back in session I should be able to add things on a more regular basis.) If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for please convo me! Like I said, I do custom orders all the time and love it. I would be honored to help with your party invitation needs, wedding invitations, programs, place cards…anything!
I love giving (and receiving) gifts that are handmade and unique. Having an Etsy store is an amazing way to get your products out there and experiment with what will sell well before spending a fortune to create those items and hoping to sell them at vendor shows. It offers me more opportunities to be home with my kids while still running a business and reaching new customers all across the country rather than relying on word of mouth in my home town. I plan to do the majority of my Christmas shopping this year on Etsy where I can pick out unique, thoughtful gifts for my friends and family. Plus I love the idea of supporting the other work-at-home moms out there; and I hope you will too!
Thanks again to everyone who set up the “Sneak Attack” on me! I will be forever grateful!!!!!! ; )
Adorable Blue Owl Bookplates, Set of 10 from lilygirlpaper
3sistersandabrother: A little about me…hmmmm. Well for the first time in 13yrs I am a stay at home Mom and wife…and I love every minute of it. Ever since I was a kid I loved making things for other people whether it was a mud pie while outside playing or a barbie dress for a friend. That is something that has never left me…only now they get real pies and pretty dresses for their kids. I do my best to share that same love and passion for creating with my daughter in hopes that she doesn’t fall victim to the world of video games and instant gratification that we seem to be losing so many of our children to. I feel that its so important that we pass on the traditions we learned as kids before they are lost….oh wait I’m rambling again. Making, buying and selling handmade should be something we love to do and not something we do b/c it’s cool. We should see the value and beauty in the items we buy and know that someone created it to be loved and treasured. I’ve been a bit busy with life since the sneak attack but I am working to get new items in the shop as soon as I can so if you have the time stop by and see me….I love visitors.
Chenille Burp Cloth Amy Butler Kaleidoscope from 3sistersandabrother
August 24th: August 20 Sneak Attack Report–Truepennie and KatieandEmma
HappyCloudMoments sponsored the August 20, 2009 Sneak Attack on Truepennie and KatieandEmma. Truepennie sells purses, headbands, and handmade flowers. She got 7 sales from the attack. KatieandEmma sell handmade cards and got 14 sales from the attack. They agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
Truepennie: It took a little while for me to realize what had happened. I thought at first that my cousin and all her friends had suddenly decided to buy a bunch of stuff, but then I saw the “sneak attack” comments, I got really confused. Finally I saw the message from Joyce (HappyCloudMoments) and realized what had happened. At that point, I was just speechless! And I felt so special and privileged to have been one of the lucky few chosen. I was at work when all of this happened, but luckily it was a slow day so I was able to absorb everything and then figure out all the next steps that I needed to do.
Eco-Friendly Medium Size Plarn Bag from Truepennie
I think sneak attacks are a tremendous surprise to unsuspecting shop owners, one that truly is special and makes one’s whole week. It’s a great way to help newbies figure out the last remaining steps (creating invoices, figuring out actual shipping costs, etc) and it’s great to be on record as having sales and feedback as a seller. I’d definitely like to participate in attacks on other shops.
KatieandEmma:It was very exciting! I didn’t know that there was such a thing but it is a lot of fun! Sneak attack is such a great idea. There are so many talented people out there and it is a great way to get noticed.
A True Friend card from KatieandEmma
Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
Truepennie: As for me, even though I live in Boston now, I’m a born and bred Californian and I think that still comes through in my creations. I love being able to do what I can to help out the environment, but being a part-time crafter, my space, time, and abilities are limited. My boyfriend and I both love using found objects and upcycling materials, but we have to limit ourselves since the materials have a tendency to take over the whole apartment so that soon the only space left is where the two greyhounds are sleeping. Right now I’m working on more designs and color options for the flowers, different designs for the headbands, and upcycling old t-shirts and other clothes into bags as well. I have a lot of old hawaiian shirts from the days when my boyfriend was a manager at Trader Joe’s, that I’m hoping will turn into brightly colored bags without the cheese factor. I’m loving the trend that’s taken hold now-a-days with reusing and repurposing old stuff and am really glad to be a part of it.
Dark Blue Organza Flower Hair Clip from Truepennie
KatieandEmma: I am still trying to get more cards out there. I have added quite a few since the sneak attack so feel free to stop by again sometime! Thanks for choosing my shop!!
Its Your Day card from KatieandEmma
August 23rd: August 17 Sneak Attack Report–RubyMarie and Leydac
Catchastarcreations sponsored the August 17, 2009 Sneak Attack on RubyMarie and leydac. RubyMarie sells notecards, tags, and decorative clothespins. She got 11 sales from the attack. Leydac sells handmade cards and got 14 sales from the attack. They agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
RubyMarie: Well what can I possibly say about this whole Sneak Attack experience?? It was just unbelievable! I have been a member of the Etsy community for a while now and I have never had a single sale. For the most part it didn’t bother me though because I was simply having fun creating things. But the other day, when I received the email stating that I had been sneak attacked… it made my day!! I was so excited about all the sales that I had received; not to mention touched by the generosity from other fellow Etsy members.
Garden Bug Notecards from RubyMarie
Leydac: I was totally shocked when I checked my email and started seeing “Etsy Order”. I have had my shop for several months now without any sales. I was a little bummed about it, but I just used that energy to create more goodies for my shop in hopes that something would catch someone’s eye. A special thank you to Sara at Catchastarcreations for picking my shop to be Sneak Attacked and thanks to all of those who purchased from my shop…you have no idea how much it means to me!!!
Set of Handmade Birthday Cards from Leydac
Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
RubyMarie: Since the sneak attack took place I have had a few more sales and I have been busy creating in order to restock my shop! Overall, the sneak attach experience has been wonderful! I just want to say thanks again to all who have stopped by my shop RubyMarie, to take a look and to those who have made purchases as well. I’m still unsure as to what my “niche” is, but for now at least I’m having fun figuring that out 
)
Floral Clothespins from RubyMarie
Leydac: I have been busy making new creations for my shop and have had a couple of sales since the Sneak Attack took place. Now I am gearing up for fall and the approaching winter holidays so look for new items soon!!! I appreciate all of the support that I received and now that I know what they are, I hope to participate in a Sneak Attack soon.
Set of 6 Mini Cards from Leydac
August 23rd: July 16 Sneak Attack Report–pinkribbonturtles and EleganceBoutiqueATL
EverImprovingMe sponsored the July 16, 2009 Sneak Attack on pinkribbonturtles and EleganceBoutiqueATL. Pinkribbonturtles sells cards, stickers, prints, and magnets featuring pictures from the Pink Ribbon Turtle Project. She got 14 sales from the attack. EleganceBoutiqueATL sells jewelry and art prints. They got 7 sales from the attack. Both shops agreed to be interviewed for this blog.
Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?
pinkribbonturtles: My first thought when I opened my email that morning was…what the heck? then it was kind of a hmmm…I’ve crossed into the Twilight Zone…I wonder if it’s real…then when I got the message that it was a “sneak attack” I thought…well…how cool is that! I thank all of those who participated…it was a wonderful surprise.
KAMEKO - Greeting Cards (Pkg. of 6) from pinkribbonturtles
EleganceBoutiqueATL: When I first found out, I was surprised and then glad!
Blue-Green Glass wrapped in Copper from EleganceBoutiqueATL
Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?
pinkribbonturtles: This year’s Pink Ribbon Turtles are on their way…please keep abreast of the PRT going’s on for 2009 at www.atawhisper.com/prt.htm
From pinkribbonturtles shop announcement: The “Pink Ribbon Turtle” Project was started in the fall of 2005 by Jena M Tuntas in memory of her mother. Each year a hand beaded turtle is completed and professionally framed then given away in a drawing. ALL PROFIT earned from the drawing tickets is sent to the ACS for Breast Cancer Research. Over the past four years over $2,000 has been sent.
Jewels of the Sea stickers from pinkribbonturtles
EleganceBoutiqueATL: Elegance Boutique online is partnered with Art4TheHomeless, which is an organization that uses the arts to help the homeless and right now there is an active fundraiser going on where donors who donate $1.00 may win prizes such as music, art, and jewelry.
Multi Crystal Pendant from EleganceBoutiqueATL
