Meet Ann of DestinationDesign!

Name: Ann
Birthdate: January 28, 1990
Location: Arlington, TX
Shop Name: DestinationDesign

When and why did you first join Etsy? 
I joined Etsy around March of 2009, curious on what the hype is on Etsy. To be honest, I saw the ads on Facebook, saying I could find kawaii things on Etsy. One peek, and I was already sucked in!

Did you open your shop right away?  
Not right away, because I haven't thought much of selling. After some trial and error, I figured out what I wanted to make and opened a couple of months later. 

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty? 
Because the team offers a great variety of sellers, and I just want to be a part of it! I want to connect with other sellers that are in my 'genre' of items, and maybe become good friends.

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)? 
Hands down, green! But ever since my daughter was born, I'm beginning to like pink a lot...

How did you choose your shop's name?
I guess it's an alliteration type of thing, I was always a sucker for those. The name, really, was just something I came up on top of my head, and the tag line soon followed, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why? 
I love Peppermint the deer necklace (yes, I named her for now)!! The bead work for the necklace was something I didn't know how to do at first, and when I first learned it, I made that necklace. It holds a lot of meaning, and I could only wish that someone could give Peppermint a good home.

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy? 
I'm also a mom, stay at home mom at that. I sacrificed a lot to become a mom, and crafting is something to escape my stressful mother life (or vice versa!). I'm also an avid Korean pop lover, and I'm slowly incorporating K-pop and crafting together. I also enjoy playing video games on the Wii and Xbox360 (Call of Duty ftw!) and watching movies with my friends on the weekend. 

Do you have any pets? 
None! I don't think I could handle a pet and a child!
What is your most cherished possession and why?: Is it possible to say my daughter? I believe she's pretty important! 

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy? 
Aside from the endless supplies, I bought these cute stuffed pandas from y0omii. They are very soft and I ended up keeping one for myself!

Tell us about your family members. 
My family came from Taiwan to America with a dream, just like any other immigrant. My dad is currently a sushi chef in the DFW area with my mom as a waitress. My grandmother knows Japanese along with the usual Mandarin-Chinese, so she helps me a lot when it comes to the Japanese culture and keeping up with the trend. I have a little sister, who can be useful when it comes to telling me what I should and should not do when it comes to making jewelry (even though she is not a jewelry wearer herself). Last, but not least, my cute daughter who knows how to get me going!

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be? 
My daughter, iPhone, and tape. Tape will definitely entertain both of us for a while.

What things inspire you to craft/create? 
Aside from the Japanese culture, looking at re-ment sets gets me going on what I should make. I also flip through Japanese craft books, specifically clay ones, to get ideas especially ones that I could deco-den with!


What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers? 
Be patient! It doesn't matter if you have 10 or 100 sales. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, and you are having fun, you are truly happy. 

Meet Twinkie Chan!

Name: Twinkie Chan!
Birthdate: August 7, '76
Location: San Francisco, CA
Shop Name: twinkiechan

When and why did you first join Etsy?

It appears I joined in 2006 (hehe I can't remember myself!). I remember a lot of the other crafters I knew were leaving eBay and joining Etsy, so I was curious! I didn't necessarily feel like I was being treated badly as a seller on eBay, as many people did feel, but there was something very clean and streamlined and delightful about Etsy.

Did you open your shop right away?

I mostly just shopped on Etsy to begin with, and did not start selling on it until 2008. It was hard for me to leave eBay and have to name my own prices for my items, but I loved the idea that it wouldn't necessarily just be the highest bidders who could purchase my goodies.

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?

Cuz the coolest sellers in the universe were part of it, and I wanted to pretend to be as cool as them! I love the beautiful, uber-girlie aesthetic that most of us seem to incorporate into our work!

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?

I don't want to say pink, but it's the truth.

How did you choose your shop's name?

My shop is my name! Okay, it's obviously not my real name, but I chose my superhero craft name by adopting my mother's maiden name, Chan, and a word that is obviously a food, but "Twinkie" is also a term for an Americanized Asian person, yellow on the outside, white on the inside! I just thought it was a funny twist, as I feel I am quite Americanized in many ways, but my work would seem very inspired by trends and imagery in Asia/Japan.

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why (add URL)?

I have  huuuuuge soft spot for the pepperoni pizza scarf! I always swear I will make myself one day, but I never do  cuz I have so much other stuff to make!

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeoushandmade things for Etsy?

Oh man, right now I don't have time for anything else. I used to work in publishing, so I used to read A LOT. I thought that I would read more after leaving the industry, but that hasn't happened yet! Does playing with my dogs count as a hobby? My boyfriend and I also love to watch bad horror movies!

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have too adorable dogs, Bibi (Shar Pei/Basset mix), and Bunny (Min Pin/demon mix).

What is your most cherished possession and why?

At the moment, I would have to say BIBI. I feel like she is my little, odd, human baby. I'm weird.

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?

I am a huge fangirl for fellow Tea Party member imyourpresent. It's embarrassing how many items I have purchased from her. She is genius.

Tell us about your family members.

I have an awesome family. My mom is very handy with powertools, and my dad is like a math and physics wizard. I have a brother who is 6 years younger than I am, and we are so different but still get along. He's married and a grown up, and he is also my web-master!

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

My dog. My laptop (there's wifi there, right?). A machine that churns out an endless number of brownies!

What things inspire you to craft/create?

Just living and being!! I love making things in my head come to reality. It's the most gratifying feeling ever!

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?

Stay true to yourself. The most unique thing about your business is you, so don't mind what others are doing or what's trendy. Make what you love.

better late than never!

One of our own, our beloved team member & friend has a book published! Its full of crafty foody scarves and delicious goodies to crochet. Go Check it out! twinkiechanbooks.com, twinkiechan.com, twinkie on etsy!!

Meet Lindsay From Em & Sprout!

Name: Lindsay

Birthdate: February 15th
Location: Southern California, right outside Los Angeles.
Shop Name: Em & Sprout

When and why did you first join Etsy?

I wanted to start selling my shoes. I looked around Etsy to see if anyone else was doing the same thing and no one was so I was super super excited to open shop.

Did you open your shop right away?

Yes!

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?

Because it's the cutest Etsy Team and I like all the girls and shops involved!! Plus, being associated with cute things can't be bad for business, right? :)

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?

This is not an easy one!! I love lime green, red, deep pink, black, white, grey. I wear a lot of black but I guess I'll sayyyyyy LIME GREEN.

How did you choose your shop's name?

Em & Sprout are the names of my cats. I call them Em & Sprout but their full names are Emily Pussyfoot and Beansprout Sassypants.

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why (add URL)?

My Cat on a Bike Striped Dress. I like it because it's a new print and it's a CAT and it's a dress!

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy?
I love to draw, play video games, crafts of all sorts like applique and sewing, take pictures, cook and bake! I recently started to teach myself how to knit. :)

Do you have any pets?

Yes! Two gorgeous tabby cats: Em & Sprout.

What is your most cherished possession and why?

A unicorn beanie babie my mom bought for me when I was little, back when beanie babies were all the rage. HA!

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?

I've scored some awesome deals on Etsy! A while back I got a big wooden cat shaped spool holder for only 5 bucks!!

Tell us about your family members.

I have a dad and two younger brothers who all live in Southern California. My little brothers are both musically inclined and my Dad makes fake teeth for a living!

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things,what would they be?

Since people and animals don't count as things I'm going to assume my husband and cats are already with me :) SO I'll say:a neverending supply of diorshow mascara, the internet, and a digital camera. I would totally blog my whole stranded island experience. HA!

What things inspire you to craft/create?

Animals, cute things, other crafters/artists, naps, cloudwatching, all the little things in life!

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?

Have a unique vision, work hard, and be authentic. Oh and take good photos! :)

Hoppy Easter!

Here are some sweet Easter goodies to fill up your Easter baskets this Spring! Whatever lucky doll that gets these little treats in her basket will be sure to love the Easter Bunny that brought them to her! Happy Easter!!

Click the pics to buy 'em!

Bunny Loves Cupcake Necklace (Brown Bunny) by PinkHelloKitty $23

Pom Pom Baby Bunny Ring by missmercy $5.99

Vintage Chick Ring by HelloKewpie $5.99

Pink Bunny Mary Janes by Em&Sprout $28

Meet Kelly of Imyourpresent!

Name: Kelly Eident

Birthdate: June 28th, 1984

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Shop Name: Imyourpresent

When and why did you first join Etsy?

I first joined etsy in November of 2006. It was a few months after I graduated from college and I was half heartedly looking for a job. I wanted to find somewhere online where I could start selling the things I made and even though I didn't know that much about etsy yet it seemed like the best place.

Did you open your shop right away?
Yes, I signed up to be a seller, I had no idea that I'd also start shopping so much on etsy too, or that it would soon become my whole life!

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?

I love Etsy and the community of designers. I really cherish all the friendships I have made because of Etsy! All the girls on etsyteaparty are awesome and an inspiration to me.

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?
Purple, pink, black, white, gold and silver!

How did you choose your shop's name?

The name fits really well with the style of clothing that I make, very cute and girly and everything is wrapped up with a bow!

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why (add URL)?

I love these dresses I've been making from vintage tshirts- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39805098I think they are really fun and unique. Plus I get to go shopping all the time to find more!

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy? I love thrift and antique shopping and spend a lot of time on weekends going on shopping adventures with my boyfriend. I also love to cook and bake. On the weekends I love going out with my friends and having people over my apartment. I also just started playing keyboard in the band Triangle Forest.

Do you have any pets?

I have an awesome cat name Meatball!

What is your most cherished possession and why?

My apartment is covered with things that my friends have made me, and those pieces are the most special to me! My boyfriend also made me a beautiful necklace for christmas because my favorite necklace that I wore all the time before recently broke while i was out and I lost a piece to it. The necklace he made me is a gold kaleidoscope that you can look into. He covered it with rhinestones and hung it with little charms.

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?

Everything I have bought from Etsy is so awesome I wouldn't be able to pick one!

Tell us about your family members.

I have a sister Jenny who is a year older than me & goes to Stanford business school and a younger brother Drew who is a senior in high school. My mom is a math teacher in Connecticut and my dad is an economic developer, he lives in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things,what would they be?

My boyfriend, a handle of whiskey, and a boat to get back!

What things inspire you to craft/create?

Seeing the amazing things other people make on etsy is a huge inspiration. I am inspired by different things all the time, tacky 80s prom dresses, elaborately decorated cakes, porcelain figurines. Most of my outfits and accessories come from what I would want to wear next and its fun being able to make so many clothes, my closest is the fullest its ever been!

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?

Make things that are true to yourself rather than what you think would sell, people are most attracted to innovative and unique ideas that only you can come up with. Also, try and list as often as possible, make sure you are constantly working and coming up with new ideas! Everything in your shop should be cohesive and look nice, pictures are so important. And always be kind, humble and appreciative to every customer you have whether is your first or 5,000th. If you make the whole buying experience as good as possible they will surely come back!

Happy Heart Day!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner love is in the air! Grab some conversation hearts to nibble on while you look at these handmade goodies that will make you look sweet for your sweets.

Remember to click the pics if you're interested in buying any of these items!

Lotsa Love!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pink Lolita Bow Ring $15 by Candychick

Strawberry Hime Petite Bow Scarf $20 by mousseauchocolat

Sweet Girly Princess Panda Ballerina Necklace $18.99 by missmercy

Big Pink Bunny Ring $5 by melodydoll

Sweet Valentine Leggings $40 by kelseygenna

White Kitten Muff $72 by ImYourPresent

The Cutest Mouse Necklace $21 by HelloKewpie

Cute Light Pink Bearwarmers $14 by CrimsonEtClover

Blast From The Past

Who doesn't love the '80s? The fun bright colors, cropped tops, the spandex, and even the cute characters from television make the '80s unforgetable and loved by many! Here are some awesome retro inspired finds that will bring you back in time!

If you're interested in purchasing any of these goodies, just click the pics!

Iridescent Sweet Pink Sparkle Mermaid Hair Bow $6 by SugarPopClothing

This bow by SugarPopClothing totally reminds me of the cute bow that Cherry Merry Muffin wore! What do you think? Any resemblance? Either way, I love it!

TMNT $20 by RainbowSweetStitch

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Heroes in a half shell! Turtle power!

Cowabunga dudes!

Vintage Animal Wall Decorations $19 by PinkHelloKitty

Retro Reebok Hi-Tops Chain Earrings $7 by Melodydoll

Barbie would be mega jealous of these!

Pink Popsicle Panic Hair Clips $5 by Cuddlebugeeshi

Rainbow Heart Perler Necklace $6 by Coleydinosaur

So Rad!

Party Girl Pin $8 by Laceybabydoll

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

Smurfette Tshirt $24 by SewOeno



Yay for Smurfs! Amber even made a Papa Smurf one! Go check it out!

80's Retro Giraffe Tights $25 by 123lalalovely

Meet Carla of Carrotcake

Name: Carla Morales

Birthdate: December 5, 1983

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Shop Name: Carrotcake
When and why did you first join Etsy? January 2007. I had recently graduated from art school and for the first time in my life, I didn't have homework. It was a really weird feeling, so I started assigning myself projects. Many of which were ideas I had had for years, and finally hadthe time to make.
Did you open your shop right away? Yup. Ever since i was little, I've loved playing store. Beauty parlor, candy store, pet shop, you name it. I love being a shopkeeper.

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?

It's really fun to be in a cute club. I love our little network. It's like having a ton of BFFs.

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?

I love pastel Easter colors,particularly seafoam green. I hate being around ugly colors. If I buy anappliance that only comes in beige, I paint it. Or glue trim to it.

How did you choose your shop's name?

Carrots are a big part of my life. I have a rabbit, red hair, and I'm vegetarian. My first name also starts with the same three letters. I love food coloring and frosting. And want to decorate you like a cake.

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why (addURL)?

The garments I have sewn using my own screenprinted fabric. These pieces combine my love for graphic design and fashion and are totally one-of-a-kind and unique.Pretzel Print - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30571224French Things -http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19231452

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmadethings for Etsy?

I'm in a highly-acclaimed rap group with Sam of forever2012.etsy.com andKelly of imyourpresent.etsy.com. We've been performing off-and-on for six years.

Do you have any pets?

I have an amazing 6 year old rabbit named Paris.I've had him since he was a baby and have taught him many tricks andwords. He's litterbox trained, and is always hopping around the house and hanging out on furniture.

What is your most cherished possession and why?

Everything made by SamGerlach. Particularly the iron pooper scooper she made for my bunny Parisin a blacksmithing class. I will keep every hilariously thoughtful thingshe's ever made for me forever.

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?

A pastel sheep dress by ImYourPresent. I love Easter, so of course I had to buy it.It's fleece so it makes me feel like a big baby.

Tell us about your family members.

I'm the youngest of three sisters. My sister Jennie is an attorney, my sister Bonnie an architect. For mybirthday Jennie bought me a Trademark for my Fancypacks. Bonnie has a 4 year old boy named Nico, my nephew. I hang out with him almost everydayand teach him words like "glitter, leopard print, hot pink, lavender." Heloves maps and Katy Perry. For Halloween, my dad was a pizza. My mom isreally tiny, hyper and fun.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, whatwould they be?

A Fancypack, obviously. Paris and chocolate milk.

What things inspire you to craft/create?

I'm inspired by all my friends and the amazing things they make.

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?

Make what you love,not what you think may sell. Create items with a clever, peculiar twist. Write entertaining descriptions.