The Handmade Movement: Home of the Sneak Attack

	Date	Time (EDT)	Sponsor
M	Sep 13	7:00pm	WineMakersSister
Th	Sep 16	4:00pm	HandmadeBySandi
M	Sep 20	12:00am	Sneakerversary Week NO Sneak Attack today
Th	Sep 23	6:00pm	SNEAKERVERSAY CELEBRATION with prizes and loads of fun

The Handmade Movement Blog

December 21st: Sneak Attack Report–SugerberrySensations, CruzChic4Crafts, and Ecoternative

On October 26 Manic Spider sponsored a sneak attack on SugerberrySensations, cruzchic4crafts, and Ecoternative. SugerberrySensations makes cute things from polymer clay. CruzChic4Crafts makes cards and gift tags, and Ecoternative creates upcycled envelopes and paper goods.

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 Bears from SugerberrySensations

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

Comments (2)

September 29th: Sneak Attack Report–First Annual Sneakerversary!

The sneak attack on September 24, 2009 marked the first anniversary of the Handmade Movement. Celebrations for the anniversary lasted all week, and culminated with the Thursday sneak attack. Sponsors VintageEmbellishment and peppercorns2 were extra sneaky and, with the help of TeamSNEAK, launched a surprise attack on Handmade Movement founder phippsart. The day saw a record breaking attack on four shops, with a total of 105 sales! In addition to phippsart, we attacked RRBoudin, FlatFlowerCards, and LisaJeanNaturals. Phippsart sells screen printed t-shirts, original paintings, posters and ACEOs. He got 50 sales from the attack. RRBoudin sells crochet goods, blank greeting cards, and handmade books. She got 11 sales during the attack. FlatFlowerCards sells handmade cards and got 34 sales from the attack. LisaJeanNaturals sells premium powdered facial masques. She got 24 sales from the attack.

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

Phippsart: I’ve been there for every Sneak Attack since we started a year ago and have heard from countless “attackees” about how touched they were to be on the receiving end. I never thought I’d be able to share their experience, so imagine my surprise when so many of the faithful Sneak Attackers turned and gave me a taste of my own medicine! I had no idea it was coming, and I think I sat at the computer with a shocked look on my face for quite a while. I managed to hold back any tears (barely) but definitely felt a rush of emotion thinking about all these great people who so kindly prepared this surprise for me.

SNIP t-shirt on Organic Moss Green from phippsart

RRBoudin:At first I thought it was too good to be true when I got the message I had been sneak attacked. Since I am relatively new to Etsy, I had never heard of the sneak attack and didn’t know what to think of it. Once I read up on it, I was intrigued, but pessimistic. I hadn’t had any sales up to that point and had even considered closing up my shop once or twice in fits of frustration. An hour later I happened to check my shop again, only to find I had 10 sales!!! I did a funky dance in front of my computer and eagerly started packaging my items. The sneak attack really turned my day around and gave me back some of the faith I had lost in my shop.

Black and White Amigurumi Crochet KITTY CAT by RRBoudin

FlatFlowerCards: When the sales started coming in all at once, I have to admit, I thought something was broken and some kind of strange virus got me. But once I realized it was on the up & up it made me feel like there are still kind and fun people out there.

Purple Winecup Flowers with Elephant from FlatFlowerCards

LisaJeanNaturals: I was so excited to see that I had gotten some orders! I checked my blackberry on my way home from work (after 9:00pm!), saw the orders and didn’t fiqure out it was a “sneak attack” until the next day. Had no clue what one was, but I can tell you now, it’s like a big warm “welcome hug”. It felt great! Like I had landed in a group of people who really care about each others success.

Coconut Island Creme from LisaJeanNaturals

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

Phippsart: There have been nearly 3000 sales made through Sneak Attacks so far. It’s amazing to think of all the charitable “Sneakers” that have made these purchases over this past year, the 100s of recipients of the Sneak Attacks, and the many many hours put into the creation of the handmade items that have been sold. Here’s to another amazing year!

In search of the yellow elephant from phippsart

RRBoudin: First of all, sneak attacks are amazing! Having been on the attackee side of things, I will definitely be participating in sneak attacks in the future so I can help other sellers feel special. I love Etsy for how it has promoted the buying and selling of handmade crafts. In this industrial world, it’s amazing how handmade items made with love are starting to make a comeback!

As far as my shop is concerned, it is a reflection of all the things I enjoy doing. I specialize in all things crochet (dishcloths, beauty scrubs, stuffed animals, scarves, hats, etc.), but I also have handmade books/journals/sketchbooks and blank greeting cards available in my shop. I am always working on new and familiar projects to list in my shop, so you’ll find an assortment of goodies whenever you stop by. I am big into amigurumi (cute crocheted animals) and pet-centered toys (catnip mice, squeaky dog toys). I accept custom orders and am always happy to do my best to turn your ideas into a crocheted dream!

Thanks again to everyone who helped with the sneak attack. I can’t tell you how it has helped get my shop up off the ground!

Handmade Tiffany's Blue/Chocolate Polka Dot Journal from RRBoudin

FlatFlowerCards;Sure, sending someone a card in the mail is still a great thing! And not one that has been mass produced in the 10’s of 1,000’s. Flat Flower Cards are unique, fun, and just have a detail and quality to them that feels good.

Arabian Jasmine with Little Girl from FlatFlowerCards

LisaJeanNaturals: Making and selling my facial masques through etsy, feels like more of a mission to me. To provide truely healthy products, that are easy and fun to use. A little mini break in a package. I try to treat all of my clients at my skin care studio with a very personal touch, and that will be the same with customers on etsy. I’m looking forward to being on the other end of a sneak attack!

Chamomile Relief Facial Masque from LisaJeanNaturals

Comments (4)

September 15th: Giveaway! 8 blank notecards from Doodlebeacards!

Julie and Beatrice have been best friends since they were in school together, and now they have achieved something most of us only dream off–going into business together. That business is doodlebeacards and it combines Beatrice’s creativity and talent for drawing with Julie’s business acumen. Beatrice’s cute, cheerful drawings adorn greeting cards for all occasions which Julie markets on etsy and in other venues. The winner of this week’s giveaway will get a pack of 8 blank note cards with their choice of drawings.

How did you discover Etsy and first get started selling?

I actually heard about Etsy back at the end of 2007. I invested in a website package that included one-on-one coaching sessions and my coach told me about it. I actually had 2 coaches and both of them really pushed me toward Etsy, but I ignored them – trying to devout my time to building a website. I had no idea what my site would do or sell at that time. The story about my partner is further down in this. Bottom line to this question is my partner has a sister that joined Etsy, and she started pushing even more, so I gave in and got started building our shop.

You Moo-ved me Thank you Card from doodlebeacards

Do you have a “day job”?

Day job? The bit about the website in your first question was the result of loosing my day job and doing the “job search” thing. Despite the interviews and resumes, God had another plan for me. My Mom’s health was declining, so finding something to do from home was the best option IF it were possible. Now, between my Mom, our card shop, my other Etsy shop, and our website – I guess this IS my day job. (and my night job) In case you’re wondering, I was able to find a way to support myself in order to do this. God did provide.

So Many Frogs by doodlebeacards

What is your first memory of Sneak Attacks?

I can’t remember HOW I came across the forum for sneak attacks, but in looking back, the first time I ever posted in an Etsy thread, it was a Sneak Attack thread back in March. I had only popped in, and it was at the end of the day. It was so intriguing that I had to return for the next one. I think I have only missed one since then. My first purchase was in April – talk about exciting!!! And now, I’m totally addicted. I have even sponsored a couple of sneak attacks and would encourage everyone to do it.

This little Piggy keeps great notes from doodlebeacards

Doodlebeacards is co-run by two friends. Tell me a bit about what that is like.

This ties back in to the first question Celeste. In my search for a “niche” to this website I had just invested in back in 2007, I had no idea what I was going to do. My best friend was an artist. She had been drawing for many many years and was trying to get someone to market her cards. In my mind, I had thought “why not?”. I need a niche (according to my coaches). I can market her cards. We sat down and discussed the possibilities and agreed “nothing ventured, nothing gained” so we went for it. She is the artist, I am the business woman. You can read more about that in our profile.

I believe she is a gifted artist and I am happy to have joined with her to promote her talent. This past April, we celebrated our first year of being in business together. And one of the fun parts of our business now is the opportunity we have to offer “personalization”. We are also moving beyond greeting cards – Etsy has opened a new world of creativity for us. Look for fun NEW things coming to our shop real soon.

"Let's Fight Heart Disease Together" card from doodlebecards

************************************************

To enter for your chance to win 8 blank note cards with your choice of drawings, simply go to doodlebeacards and pick a favorite. Come back here and tell us what your favorite is! If you want a second entry, tweet this give-away @teamsneak and leave a comment letting us know you tweeted. Don’t forget to leave us a way to get in touch with you if you win (email address, etsy shop, etc.). A winner will be chosen randomly on Monday September 21.

Comments (23)

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

Comments (2)

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

Comments (2)

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.