The Handmade Movement - Home of the Sneak Attack

...supporting artists and crafters worldwide

Next Sneak Attack: Thursday, September 9, 2010:

Date: Thursday Sep 9th; 2:00pm EDT
Shop Name: to be announced at above time
Sponsor: StockAnnette
Click here to see the discussion about last Thursday's Sneak Attack
What's all this? Read below to find out!

Sneak Attack Schedule:
 
Date
Time (EDT)
Sponsor
Th
Sep 9
2:00pm
M
Sep 13
7:00pm
Th
Sep 16
4:00pm
M
Sep 20
12:00am
Th
Sep 23
6:00pm
1

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 11th: Hand Made How To… Christmas Felt Purse

Easy as 1, 2, 3

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

August 19th: July 7 Sneak Attack Report–klmanna and thepinqueen

Magpiemary sponosored the July 7, 2009 Sneak Attack on klmanna and thepinqueen. Klmanna sells jewelry and got 4 sales from the attack. Thepinqueen sells jewelry, hair accessories, hats, and shawls. She got 7 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?

klmanna: Um, overjoyed, shocked, thrilled… I could continue but I think you get my point! I was just so happy to finally get noticed. It was flattering and very exciting for me. I’ve had a lot of sales via neighbors and friends/family but was getting discouraged on etsy. It couldn’t have happened at a better time!

Green stone bracelet from klmanna

Green stone bracelet from klmanna

thepinqueen: When I received those e-mails about been attacked, first I thought in deleting them, thinking about spams and viruses. But the curiosity killed the cat, and I read them. I was thrilled. I loved to be attacked that way.
My first seven sales in Etsy! It was wonderful!. It’s working!

Metallic golden green shoulder wrap from thepinqueen

Metallic golden green shoulder wrap from thepinqueen

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

klmanna: Sneak attacks are great. If you’re ever given an opportunity to participate in one, please do! I think it has a positive impact on not only the seller but the buyer too! Such a great thing! As for me, I try to keep my etsy site updated as much as possible. Unfortunately, working full time and going to grad school full time seems to offer little opportunity for jewelry. It’s definitely a hobby and something I do whenever the time allows. I love it, it’s like therapy for me!

White Multi-strand Necklace from klmanna

White Multi-strand Necklace from klmanna

thepinqueen: was doing crafts all my life, for my children and family and friends, always as gifts. I had no luck when I wanted to sell something to stores. I tried porcelain dolls, sleeve pins(it was here when I get my name, the pinqueen), soaps, christianing dresses, embrodery things, jewelry, wedding accesories. But there was always a failure. I always think that this is the last try, but I always keep trying, no matter what. When I read some interviews about people that have sucess and quit the day job, I am so jealous. Why not me? I don’t know and may be I will never know. The only thing I can tell your bloggers is: keep trying, no mather what. That is my motto.

white satin flower with golden angel dress pin from thepinqueen

white satin flower with golden angel dress pin from thepinqueen