Lollipop Brooch Tutorial

Here is another awesome super kawaii tutorial brought to you from Etsy Tea Party Team member Twinkie Chan! This tutorial is how to DIY your own crochet lollipop into a brooch, applique, or whatever you'd like. Check it out here how to make your own from http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/

Kawaii Alligator Hair Clip Tutorial

Hi dolls! This post is one I have on my blog of how to DIY your own hair clips! In the Kawaii Alligator Hair Clip Tutorial, I listed how to find the materials, and if you have any questions you can comment here or where the tutorial is posted! I hope you have fun making them, and feel free to check out what I have online, Berry Sweet Treats, or hair clips from our team members if you're not able to make them or you want to buy them. Stay tuned for more tutorials and new stuff from the Etsy Tea Party members! xoxo

youtube DIY

so I came across this awesome video on a homemade acne mask & toner. I was super curious how it would work so I figured why not, I already own all this stuff, I might as well try it!



so basically the recipe calls for:

1 teaspoon apple cidar vinegar

2 teaspoons cooled green tea

5 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon honey


It actually doesn't smell as bad as she says. I don't mind it at all, the honey pretty much masks any smell. The first time I made it a few days ago, I didn't like how runny it was, so today I added more sugar.. I haven't tried the toner because honestly it scares me a bit. but who knows what the future will bring!

I've also been having this crazy weird dry spot above my elbow in the back... never had it before, but I think its pregnancy hormones. so I decided to scrub my elbows with it in the shower and HOLY COW! my arms are soooo soft. I'm in love. I totally recommend this to any chick. Let me know if you give this a shot! its super yummy :)


xoxo Amber

Meet Krista of JiltedCoquette!

Name: Krista
Birthdate: January 23
Location: Anderson Island, Washington State
Shop Name: Jilted Coquette

When and why did you first join Etsy?
I began creating hair adornments before I even had anywhere to sell them! My friends and family recommended checking out Etsy and it seemed like a good venue to get my small business started. I joined Etsy on May 25, 2010 with the sole purpose of setting up my own shop.

Did you open your shop right away?
Yes, I began listing items the same day I joined.

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?
I'm always searching for new Lolita communities to make connections in and Etsy Tea Party caught my eye as a welcoming team of like minded individuals.

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?
At the moment I'm stuck on deep rich hues of red and purple accented with gold.

How did you choose your shop's name?
Choosing my shop name was an agonizing process that took the better half of a week to finalize! I wanted a name that would establish a relation to Lolita fashion without using the term 'Lolita' in the title. The name also had to be broad enough to encompass a variety of Lolita styles. A college professor once described a performance art piece of mine as 'coquettish' and that term always stuck with me so I combined it with 'jilted' to create what I find to be an amusing name that tells a little story =)  I like to think it conveys a sense of edgy elegance!

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

Ruby

I really love this Gothic cameo fascinator and I plan on making a replica of it for myself with some reject lace that is too damaged to use on another piece. I love the delicacy of the embroidery, the textured softness of the faux fur and the intricate detail in the resin cameo.

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy?
I don't consider my Etsy shop to be a hobby, but rather a full time job. I've dedicated the last 8 months entirely to the establishment, promotion and growth of my business, which leaves little time for much else!  But if I had an Etsy hobby, it would be creating treasuries. I love making collections of beautiful handmade Lolita items and there's nothing more satisfying than seeing them on the treasury front page!

Emeril

Do you have any pets?
I have two rabbits, Ruby and Emeril, who are both rescues. Ruby is a one and a half year old female English spot mix with an attitude problem and Emeril is a grey lop mix of unknown age with a liver problem. I love them both dearly.

What is your most cherished possession and why?
I would say my rabbits, but it seems a bit degrading to think of them as possessions because they are unique individuals with distinct personalities. So instead I'll say my iPhone, because I feel completely lost, out of touch and crazy without it!

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?
Because I found out about Etsy as a seller, I haven't made many purchases, but I have found some great shops for findings and cameos that I use in my creations.

Tell us about your family members.
My family is a bit scattered, so at home it's just me and my rabbits!

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
I live on a remote island and have to catch a ferry to reach civilization, so between 8pm and 6:30am I AM stranded! No supermarkets, no pizza delivery and no hospitals, which, combined with frequent and prolonged power outages, means I'm in a constant state of emergency preparedness. I always have to make sure I have stockpiles of firewood, matches, flashlights, candles, canned food and rabbit supplies. I know thats more than three, but survival's rough!! When it comes to luxury items I treasure my transistor radio; it keeps me in touch with humanity and I can use the 9 volt battery in conjunction with steel wool to start a fire if I need to!

What things inspire you to craft/create?
More than anything I'm inspired by materials. It's rare that I sit down with a preconceived idea of what I'm about to create. I like to look at what I have in front of me and then become inspired by all the different potential combinations of the materials. It's a very free form process and I never know what I'm going to end up with.

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?
Using all of your photo and tag slots is always important. Try to find as many ways to promote yourself as possible. The more items you have listed are more opportunities that people will find your shop! If you don't have new items to add everyday, renew old ones. Try building up local recognition in your own community by leaving business cards at coffee shops and approaching local small business' (shops where you can see your items being sold) about wholesale or consignment work. Get a business license! This will make you more official and allow you access to tax free supplies, and maybe even some discounts. But remember to keep good track of your sales and expenses so when tax time comes around you are prepared!

Meet Luna of Dellamore!

Name: Emily Luna Meza
Birthdate: July 28th :D (Leo)
Location: 818 California Valley Girl
Shop Name: Dellamore

When and why did you first join Etsy? 
Late 2009, I signed up to buy supplies and fell in love!

Did you open your shop right away?
As soon as my supplies arrived, YES! :D

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty? 
It's like asking why a unicorn is so magical. I am a huge fan of the teams sellers, and thought it was so neat that they all supported one another. Networking, new friendships and the sisterhood of it all made me want to be a part of the team. It's truly amazing to be apart of a group of lovely talented people with the same interests as myself. :)

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)? 
ooh any and every shade of blushing pink, soft lilac and barely-there peach. I love pastel colors!

How did you choose your shop's name? 
My favorite movie (Dellamorte Dellamore). My nickname/sn almost everywhere is Luna Dellamore. Luna... of Love, how sweet is that! ;) lol.

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why? 
I would have to say my St. Francis of Assisi prayer necklace. I take pride in my faith, It is a big part of who I am and have become. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. As a child I took in every stray animal I found and fed every critter who followed me home. I have donated my time and love to a few animal shelters, non-profit animal organizations and opened my home to many homeless animals. I believe it's one of those things in life that I was meant to do.

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy? 
Yes, I love to ride my bike, read, cook/bake, draw cute stuff for my boyfriend, spend time with my family & friends and shop on etsy. :D

Do you have any pets? 
A tank full of cute little fish and he doesn't really count as a pet but I have a sidekick named Otis. He's a very rare intelligent breed of applehead chihuahua and human.

What is your most cherished possession and why?
I really couldn't choose anything materialistic, so I would have to say my life. :) Because it has everything and everyone I love in it! (bonus points for cheesy-ness, lol)

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy? 
I buy a ton of organic and natural facial cleaners/toners, lotions, lip balms from Herbolution. I really couldn't decide but I will say all their stuff is AWESOME! :D

Tell us about your family members. 
I have a rather small immediate family. My older sister Rosie aka Cookie is the hip sassy one of the bunch, then there's me I'm the free-spirit artsy one (Yes, I am the middle child) and lastly Little Chella-nella-wella-bella my very eclectic and fashionable little sister Danielle (whom will be helping me design some new clothes in our new shop opening soon!).

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be? 
My boyfriend for sure! He's a natural woodsman (very outdoorsy) so I wouldn't really have to worry about food or shelter, Otis and my bike. :D

What things inspire you to craft/create? 
I think most anything pink and fluffy inspires me. Like so many things/people/styles can inspire me to create certain items but ultimately it's just in my heart, the need to assemble jewelry or pull out my sewing machine... it's a very natural feeling.

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers? 
Be yourself. Have your own style and just go with it! :) Have fun.

xo: Luna / Dellamore.etsy.com

Team Birthdays!!!

January
Jan 8 princesschibi.etsy.com
Jan 13 coleydinosaur.etsy.com & Melodydoll.etsy.com
Jan 23 jiltedcoquette.etsy.com 
Jan 28 DestinationDesign.etsy.com

February
Feb 15 emandsprout.etsy.com
Feb 17 TangerineDog.etsy.com

March
Mar 2 dollhouseonline.etsy.com
Mar 4 SophieToffeeCo.etsy.com
Mar 6 SugarpopClothing.etsy.com
Mar 15 zebracakes.etsy.com
Mar 27 aselfportrait.etsy.com

April
Apr 3 SewOeno.etsy.com
Apr 26 KelseyGenna.etsy.com
Apr 30 candyparadeshop.etsy.com

May
May 7 sassygraceboutique.etsy.com
May 14 CandyChick.etsy.com

June
Jun 6 Cuddlebugeeshi.etsy.com
Jun 9 gwyllion.etsy.com
Jun 14 CrimsonEtClover.etsy.com
Jun 21 samandrodger.etsy.com
Jun 25 folksylove.etsy.com

July
Jul 11 RusticRainbow.etsy.com
Jul 13 aPeacockPicnic.etsy.com
Jul 28 dellamore.etsy.com

August
Aug 6 TwinkieChan.etsy.com
Aug 19 Ladykonnyaku.etsy.com
Aug 21 mousseauchocolat.etsy.com

September
Sept 12 KittyDearest.etsy.com
Sept 20 stardustsupply.etsy.com
Sept 21 3LittleBowsBoutique.etsy.com

October
Oct 12 kumacrafts.etsy.com
Oct 27 exousia.etsy.com

November
Nov 7 sugarfreecreazioni.etsy.com
Nov 22 SilverLeica.etsy.com
Nov 24 ToxicLove.etsy.com
Nov 30 Laceybabydoll.etsy.com

December
Dec 4 carrotcake.etsy.com
Dec 28 FrostedCrossbones.etsy.com
Dec 30 berrysweettreats.etsy.com

Meet Liz of KittyDearest!

Liz

Name: Liz Sindler
Birthdate: Sept 12 (a girl never tells her age *blushes*)
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Shop Name: Kitty Dearest

When and why did you first join Etsy?
i can't remember exactly when i joined because i deactivated my first account. but i joined spring 2008.  i joined to buy my boyfriend a hand crocheted pillow shaped like boobs as a funny gift *blushes*.

Liz & Kent, Halloween

Did you open your shop right away?
not right away. for a long time i just looked at things and admired other sellers. i kept talking about how i wanted to open a shop, and my boyfriend kept encouraging me to. he kept saying he would be so proud and excited if i opened a shop! so a great deal of the credit goes to him. (he is the sweetest and most thoughtful boy, i love him dearly!)

Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty? 
the biggest reason is how sweet and supportive every member is. no one is stuck up, and everyone really just enjoys being part of etsy and part of a wonderful, great team! really, i am so impressed by how wonderful everyone is! it's just so much fun! i love all our sweet girls!

Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?
actually... that's not really an easy one. it changes constantly and depends on what it is in regards to! but i think a failsafe is pale green - it is calming and comforting. i'm obsessed with mustard right now, but unfortunately it looks terrible on me.

Azlan

How did you choose your shop's name?
i wanted a sweet name, and i wanted it to have to do with my life which my kitty azlan was a big part of. he passed away, but i have two new wonderful kitties!

Saffron Mesh & Lace Tunic

What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why?
my saffron mesh and lace tunic. i love the color and i'm obsessed with ultra fine mesh right now. the inset is the shape of a bustier. i thought it would be an interesting visual to have the representation of a tight fitting, structured item of clothing floating on the outside of a diaphanous, free fitting piece of clothing. it's really sexy in a different sort of way, and i'm really happy with how it turned out. it's great for layering, and has so many possibilities! belts, leggings, contrasting tanks underneath, slouchy sweaters.... and the list goes on! i'm going to make one for myself!

Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy?
i love indie, foreign, and offbeat comedy films, and music - although i couldn't tell you what they're playing on the radio these days. also i am part of a bike coop where you build your own bicycle, and then help others and volunteer time! i loooove horseback riding, but rarely get to. i learned english style as a kid.

Sebastian, Liz, & Max

Do you have any pets? 
yessss! my two wonderful kitties max and violet, and my puppy sebastian!!!! i got violet first, from a shelter. she is a cross-eyed siamese who is very clumsy. then i have max who is still a bit of a kitten who i recently rescued from a bad home. he is a flame point siamese, and really really rambunctious, but very slowly recovering from a bad illness! (their alter egos are violent and mad max). two weeks after i got max i found sebastian (a little chocolate brown mix terrier) as a stray wandering around downtown through traffic! i followed him all around town for about 45 min. trying to coax him over. finally i had a friend meet me with some food and a blanket, and we carried him home. it was love at first sight! i also found a baby squirrel about a year ago and nursed him to health until he was better to go back out into the wild! her name was equinox b/c i found her the day of the fall equinox.

Baby Equinox

What is your most cherished possession and why? 
my pets of course. and then probably my pink blanky that i've had since i was a baby which is now just in shreds from being loved so much. although, if there was a fire i'd probably also grab this gorgeous vintage wire and wood birdcage that a dear friend from college found in a dumpster. i also love my hand-built bike from vintage parts!

Violet

What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy? that is realllllly tough. there are things that my boyfriend and family have bought me that are awesome! and tons of vintage and handmade i've bought myself. ok, actually that question is impossible! so, here are two things among many many wonderful things! these earrings were a trade with lovely seller windup girl. they are perfect statement earrings! and these handlebar wraps b/c i love my bike (it's my only mode of transportation and handbuilt by me) and they were part handmade by me too because you get to sew them on!

Tell us about your family members. they are so great!
we are really close, have a great time hanging out, and have a goofy sense of humor. we like to get together and have great food and wine, and watch good movies. i don't know what i'd do without them.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
my boyfriend Kent. laphroaig scotch. first aid kit because i am accident prone.

What things inspire you to craft/create? 
nature, and the love of beautiful things. also work from countless other artists!

What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?
plug away and don't get discouraged. enjoying what you are doing and staying true to your own inspiration is the most important! the presentation and titles of your items are really crucial too. photography is a challenge, but i think the best thing you can do is use tons of natural light if you don't have professional lighting. light bulbs just don't cut it. also, i'm really bad at social networking, but i think that is majorly important in today's environment, so joining a team can be a big huge help! also, use your etsy resources! there are tons of awesome tutorials and advice from admin and other sellers! organization is key. keep inspiration handy. i like to take magazine clippings, fabric swatches, photos and more on a design board with a theme to keep me inspired and my collection cohesive.

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!

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