...supporting artists and crafters worldwide
Next Scheduled Sneak Attack: Thursday, Mar.11th, 2010:
Date: Thursday Mar 11th; 7:00pm EDT
Shop Name: to be announced at above time
Sponsor:
click here to see all the fun during Monday's Sneak Attack!
What's all this? Read below to find out!
Sneak Attack Schedule:
Date |
Time (EDT) |
Sponsor |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Th | Mar 11 |
7:00pm |
|
| M | Mar 15 |
7:00pm |
|
| Th | Mar 18 |
7:00pm |
|
| M | Mar 22 |
7:00pm |
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
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
November 11th: Hand Made How To… Christmas Felt Purse
Easy as 1, 2, 3
While looking for a new “How To” I wanted to incorporate the upcoming holiday along with my inability to sew. I hear all the great artists talking about felting, sewing, crocheting etc. and it is all way over my head; however, I did find a great looking felt purse that even I, and those that are sewing impaired, can make.
What You Need
• 1 yard white wool felt
• 3 sheets 8-1/2-x-11-inch paper for pattern
• Tape
• Scissors
• 1 skein red cotton floss
• Needle
• Red felt
• 1 button
• 1/2 yard cording
• Crafts glue
How to Make It
1. Wash the white felt and let it air-dry.
2. To make the pattern, tape the long end of one sheet of paper to the long end of the next; add the third sheet of paper in the same way.
3. Use scissors to cut the top piece of the pattern into a V that will become the purse flap.
4. Place the paper on the white felt and cut all around.
5. Fold the bottom third of the felt over the middle third; stitch the sides together using a blanket embroidery stitch, to create the purse pouch.
Also, stitch around the V flap to keep a uniformed look.
6. Cut four petal shapes from red felt and glue them to the point of the V.
7. Stitch a button in the center to finish.
8. To make the handle, cover the cording with a scrap of white felt and glue the ends shut.
9. Stitch the handle neatly to the back side of the bag.
After you have tried this great How To, take pictures and send them to us!
Come back in 2 weeks for another Hand Made How to!
Enjoy
EsThings
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 28th: Hand Made How-Tos
This will be a new reoccuring section on the Handmade Movement that will appear every other Wednesday and feature a variety of Handmade How To instructions and pictures. We are always interested in suggestions so please feel free to send your ideas.
Floating Kids Ghost Wind Sock Craft “How To”
This is a fun and easy “How To” for those parents and grandparent out there. Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to get ready than to decorate the outside and inside of your home.
These ghoul ghosts represent a fun and fairly mess free way of accomplishing the decorating and some great quality time with your child or grandchild.
First you will need the following materials:
1. White Construction Paper or Poster Board
2. Black Permanent Marker (the only potential “mess” maker)
3. Stapler
4. White Crepe Paper
5. Tape
6. String
“How To”:
1. For each wind sock, decorate a 6-by-18-inch piece of white construction paper or poster board with ghostly eyes and a horrific mouth.
2. Roll the paper to form a tube shape and staple the ends together.
3. Cut eight 8-foot-long strips of crepe paper and drape them over the top edge with both ends hanging down to create “tails.” Secure with tape.
4. For a handle, cut a 30-inch piece of string and staple the ends to opposite sides of the top of the decoration.
That is all there is to it. A great decoration and lots of fun making it.
Make sure to take pictures of your wind socks and email them to us. We would love to share some of your results.
Look for another “Handmade How To” soon…
Tips:
As an interior decoration, have a fan blowing lightly in the room for the same effect as a breeze.
http://EsThings.Etsy.Com
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
October 18th: Over 3000 sales to unsuspecting shops
On October 8th we reached yet another milestone: We surpassed the 3000 mark in total sales, meaning literally THOUSANDS of items have been purchased as part of the Sneak Attacks from 258 unsuspecting artists and crafters. Thanks to all who have participated so far. Here’s to another many-thousand!
….Michael
