Spiderbunny bath & lip balms

Another good trade happened to me and I got some yummy roll-on perfumes from spiderbunny. And LIP BALM. I'm addicted to this stuff, and I especially love the handmade varieties, the ingredients are so much more wholesome. I try to buy local but hey, when it's up for trade, I can't resist.

There are still lovely things in her shop and she's having a big sale on hemp items, it's exciting:

7 ml Dreamy Chocolate Super Moisturizing Roll On Perfume
by spiderbunny

8 oz Pink Hopeless Romantic (Raspberry White Chocolate) Super Moisturizing Goats Milk and Honey Lotion
by spiderbunny

Flavored Chocolate Chip Lip Balm .15oz Paraben Free Sweet Yummy Cocoa
by spiderbunny

FINAL CLEARANCE Creme Twist Hemp Bracelet
by jesalynn

LamplighterJewelry giveaway winner is...

A huge congratulations goes out to MelissaLulu for winning our giveaway of the cuff bracelet from Lamplighter Jewelry!

And thank you to lamplighterjewelry for sponsoring this great giveaway! We had over 40 entries in the contest and her shop favorite count increased nearly 50% last week! If anyone reading this has an etsy shop and would be interested in sponsoring our next giveaway, especially if you're a shop that's done okay in the contest, convo me on etsy.

With the cuff bracelet gone away, here are more things to love in lamplighterjewelry's shop. Stay tuned here for our next giveaway!

Copper Patina Earrings - Pearl - Brass - Sterling
by LamplighterJewelry

Copper Handforged Ring - Metalwork - Pearl - Swarovski Crystal
by LamplighterJewelry

Copper Patina Necklace - Metalwork - Roman Glass - Jade - Pearl - Leather
by LamplighterJewelry

Photo tip #2: Sense of scale

Continuing my series on photo tips, here's #2: always include a "sense of scale" photo. It doesn't have to be your first (although it can) but it has to be in there.

And I suppose this kind of goes along with a bigger rule: always use all five photos. You get five, you're paying twenty cents for the listing, you might as well use all the spots. If a customer was holding your item in a shop, they'd get to turn it around, look at every side, hold it up, look at the detail, hold it against their skin, feel how rigid or floppy it is. The more you can do to communicate that information, the better.

So to give them a sense of size, include other items in the photo they're familiar with. I like pens and pencils (because I make pencil cases). I used to depend on coins, but someone clued me into the fact that people in other countries might not understand as well what size US coins are, so they might not be the best thing. Here are some other good listings I found.

This table looks great in a room like the one it's meant to be in:

May 20th, 2012 - 3rd place
SAWTOOTH Custom Handmade Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table with shelf sample
by appendageandbough

I love the rice in this photo, it provides a great white background and gives us a sense of the width of these bangles.

May 20th, 2012 - 12nd place
Four Silver Bangles
by thesilversmith

Newspaper print tends to be a standard size and adds a lot of visual interest.

May 19th, 2012 - 6th place
CECILE Peacock Feather Hair Combs, Fascinator Wedding
by Lucyohlucy

When in doubt, use a model!

May 17th, 2012 - 9th place
Cotton Crochet Dress in Dark Green
by oOlives

Or your hand. Isn't this picture just lovely?

May 19th, 2012 - 31st place
silver frame coin purse- turquoise flower
by thezakka

Featured artist: heather rose custom dice & personalized gifts

Today's featured artists is Heather Rose, who had such a unique item in the top 10 one day it totally caught my eye: dice! She makes polymer clay dice, Candle Holders and more, and loves custom orders, which is crazy because nobody loves custom orders... anyway let's find out more!

April 6th, 2012 - 9th place
Pair of Rainbow Multi-Colored Unique Dice (Six Sided - D6)
by heatherrose82

Tell us a bit about yourself
Well, I am a 33 year old female living in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m currently unemployed which has it’s obvious drawbacks, but I keep myself busy. I probably never would have started crafting, had I not been looking for creative ways to make extra money and stay busy. I live with my other half in a small house in the East Bay Area. Until recently, I always worked in administrative jobs in various industries, but I wanted something different. I hated being in an office all day, usually on the phone or typing - doing such repetitive work was mind numbing. Now, for the time being, I am able to explore “creative and hands-on” work . I never before considered myself an artist. I am amazed at the new side of myself I’ve discovered.

April 14th, 2012 - featured
Purple, Black & Silver Polymer Clay Covered Candle Holder
by heatherrose82

What got started?
Dice. I’ve always enjoyed playing games and dice games have always been my favorite. Yahtzee, Craps, Farkle (10,000) and more. Well, socially, we played fairly frequently and this is when my secret artist side started knocking harder. The dice were boring, usually just black and white or maybe a solid plain color. I first looked online to try and find “fancy dice”. They were hard to find and usually a little pricey or just not unique enough.

My first decorated dice were done with nail polish on plain white Bicycle dice. I filled in the dots with a hot pink nail polish I had just gotten. They looked awesome and I started winning all the time with them. And, it was fun to do. From there, I started trying to come up with ways to decorate the dice even more. I have a box full of dice painted with nail polish. And while many of those are really cool, I still was looking for a way to make them even more unique.

Pair of Gunmetal Grey, Black and Red Unique Dice (Six Sided - D6)
by heatherrose82

How did you choose your medium?
One day I searched “make your own dice” and found a site that said “make them out of clay”. I immediately went to Michael’s and discovered polymer clay. The minute I saw it, I knew…I found my dice solution. I probably bought ten packs that first time. When I got home, I quickly started playing with it and made a simple swirl of two colors. Through trial and error I figured out the best way to shape them, and then started thinking about the pips (dots). At first I painted them on. Then I tried drilling the holes, filling them with nail polish or clay. And, compared to just painting on dice, being able to control the size, color and shape of the dice was exhilarating. I kept making them for friends, trying new methods or materials. The rhinestone pips were a major breakthrough for me, saving time in the process and looking better than any painted dot or drilled hole.

After a short time, I started looking up what other people were doing with polymer clay and as I suspected, people were making amazing things. At Christmas , I thought I would save money and make ornaments for family and friends. They turned out so well, everyone was impressed and amazed I had made them myself. Between the dice and the ornaments, people started encouraging me to try to sell online. I was selling lots of sets of dice and figured why not? And I’m glad I did!

Purple and Gold Mosiac Compact Mirror with Rhinestone and Bead Accents - Beautiful
by heatherrose82

What got you to open your shop on etsy?
Other people. They kept saying over and over, “Heather, you could sell these! They are really good!” My sister had talked about Etsy before to me but I never really checked it out until this point. When I saw that my crafts were as good if not better than most, I found the confidence to give it a shot. And, I have gotten a great response, pushing me to create even more. Etsy is not only a place to sell to me, but it’s also a souce of inspiration and a good measuring tool. Comparing my own work to other people’s goods pushes me to find new innovative ways to stand out from the crowd and create something that people can use and appreciate.

Pair of Tiger Stripes with Green Game Playing Dice (D6 - Six Sided)
by heatherrose82

What's your home like?
Small. I have a little work area out in the garage that I spend most of my time in. I look forward to the time when we can move and I have more space to take over with my art. My boyfriend is completely supportive of my past time and he comes up with some awesome ideas. Plus, he is always willing to help me when I need it and will do some of the harder work involved with this medium. I am lost with out him.

Glow in the Dark Stars w/Blue Night Sky Light Switch Plate, Perfect for Kids
by heatherrose82

What inspires you?
Everything. When I’m not in my “studio” I’m usually always thinking about new things to make or new colors to try. I have so many ideas and so many of them are feasible, it’s overwhelming sometimes. I’ll just overload with ideas and jump from one to the next. Often times, I will have an idea that I want to see, but don’t know how to create. Sometimes it will take 10 tries before the light bulb lights up and I figure out how to turn the idea into a real thing. I love the challenge! More than 75% of my orders are custom orders…people will see items I’ve made and want specific colors or patterns. It’s such a challenge to visualize what they describe and then figure out how to bring it to life.

Tips for other etsy artists?
Well, my biggest tip would be to find a product or idea that is practical and stands out from the crowd. But that seems like an obvious tip. My other one would be, don’t underestimate yourself. I did for a long time. Sometimes we create and when it’s not exactly what we thought it would be we think it’s a failure. But so often, other people see the beauty and they don’t view it as anything but what it is. They don’t see a failure at all.

Beautiful Translucent Aqua, Green & Gold Covered Glass Candle Holder
by heatherrose82

Want to make an "I did great at the contest" acceptance speech?
Thank you. I am honored. Buy some dice!

Custom Dice - Choose Your Own Colors - Any colors with colored rhinestone pips. Made to order.
by heatherrose82

Photo tip #1: Think in the thumbnail

I want to do a series of photo tips just in case any etsy newbies come across this, some of this I gleaned from teams and some I learned on my own, and my photos definitely aren't perfect. But a HUGE difference between the items in our Welcome Wednesday newbie contest is always the photos. There's kind of a learning curve there, you know?

So anyway, I want to start by addressing my biggest etsy photo pet peeve: thumbnail wars.

You can post a picture in any ratio you want on etsy, you can crop your photo to 8000 pixels tall and 100 pixels wide. But the thumbnail that EVERYONE sees when they search etsy or visit your shop has a 10x8 ratio. Or, if they're using listing view, it's square. It's never taller than it is wide.

So if you're photographing something tall, and you don't keep the dimensions in mind, your listing gets cut off. It's terribly sad.

May 15th, 2012 - featured
8 x 10 Art Print. Musical Rooster On Baking Bowl
by studiopetite2

I notice it most often with necklaces, and it's tragic because the bottom of the necklace is usually the most important part!

May 15th, 2012 - featured
Red Teardrop Glass Pendant Necklace, Red Necklace
by Michelleshandcrafted

May 15th, 2012 - 86th place
Victorian pendant necklace - romantic - red rose beads - gold chain
by maybesparrowsjewelry

My advice: for your first photo, don't ever turn the camera to portrait orientation. Make yourself capture the whole item in your camera's viewfinder without turning it. Make sure none of the edges hit the sides of the thumbnail, because it looks messy.

And every so often, look at your shop in both views, and ask yourself if you're happy with what's being seen. Most users won't see anything more than that.

Etsy Coupons: Jewelry, pottery, and one purple monkey

The coupon code page has been hovering right around 400 lately and every day it seems like the shops change a little! Thanks to everyone who's shared coupons lately... if you've got an etsy shop and are running a sale, be sure to tell us about it on the signup page!

Here are some of my favorite specials from this week's contests:

May 12th, 2012 - 14th place
Crochet Headband Spring Colors
by ToppyToppy

GET18OFF 18% off

May 11th, 2012 - 10th place
Incense Herbs Healing Wellness
by SofiasRose

CONTEST10 10% off

May 12th, 2012 - 99th place
Wheatley Portal Necklace Glass Tile
by AngelElements

etsycontest 15% off

May 13th, 2012 - 44th place
Large art pottery jug by northwest potter Gerald Newcomb
by brikoloor

JAM Free shipping

May 12th, 2012 - featured
HartFelt Monkey Softie by iHart
by ihartfelt

ETSYCONTEST 10% off

Featured artist and giveaway: LamplighterJewelry

After a string of giveaways that I featured on spacefem.com, I realized it was time to feature them over here on my etsy blog where I can draw more attention to the wonderful shops I'm featuring! This month's artist is Emma from LamplighterJewelry: artisan jewelry that mixes urban and natural themes into pieces that are truly one of a kind!

She will be giving away this AMAZING cuff bracelet to one lucky winner! Entry details are below:

Large Cuff Bracelet - Metalwork - Leather - Pearl and Bloodstone
by LamplighterJewelry

Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, I’m Emma, I’m originally from Wales, U.K but have lived in the States (Virginia) since 1991. The mountainous regions of Virginia remind me of Wales and I love that connection between my past and my present. I am personally driven with a yearning to explore many avenues in life and see life as an adventure, where I am a treasure hunter always seeking and searching. I am drawn to natural beauty and find magic and wonder all around me, from the intricacies of a skeleton leaf, water crashing against rocks, gnarly beach pebbles, driftwood, architecture, human nature, vulnerability and imperfection.
The youthful exuberance of my daughter Rhiannon and the boundless curiosity of my daughter Genevieve remind me of my childhood and how I spent countless days searching the garden for fairies, building birds’ nests, climbing mountains and trees, utilizing the things around me to imagine and create. I return to that place when I sit down and form a piece of jewelry.

May 13th, 2012 - 30th place
Bold Metal Necklace - Oxidized Copper - Bloodstone - Beach Pebble - Crystal - Leather Wrapped Choker
by LamplighterJewelry

I began making jewelry in 2001 as a means of expressing myself in my own personal way. As a jewelry artist I am self taught for the most part. My style leans towards the free-form artsy flow with an earthy element and the uniqueness of my work stems from being raised in an environment where being different and finding your own voice was encouraged.
My husband John is a formerly trained artist and he is a true perfectionist. I had been married to John for ten years before I realized I had any artistic talent. I think his work, sense of individualism and work ethic have influenced both my style and the creating and finishing sides of my handcrafted jewelry and I value his input even now…ten years into making jewelry.

May 10th, 2012 - featured
Blue Glass Earrings with Sterling Silver
by LamplighterJewelry

I have a lot to say and I like to say it, whether through speech, in writing or visually through my jewelry.

Feminine Necklace - Metalwork - Sterling Silver - Copper - Cultured Pearls and Sterling Chain
by LamplighterJewelry

What got started creating handmade jewelry?
My friend Kate got me started creating handmade jewelry. She had a party at her home and showcased some beaded necklaces and bracelets she had made. I was amazed and impressed and felt the challenge to see if I could make jewelry too. I know, I know, I’m an extremely competitive person ;)

Anyway, I bought a few beading kits, tried a few necklaces and loved the results. I’ve never looked back.

Hill Tribe Silver Necklace - Silver Rose - Bold Red Coral - Crystal
by LamplighterJewelry

What got you to open your shop on etsy?
I commented on a necklace a good friend of mine was wearing and she said she’d purchased it off Etsy and suggested I open a store. That was the first I’d heard of Etsy and I’m so glad she did.

Metal Dangle Earrings - Fun and Bold - Green, Copper and Silver
by LamplighterJewelry

What inspires you?
I am inspired by many things, from my surroundings, found objects, places I visit, memories, but it’s the materials themselves that speak to me and dictate the outcome of the piece. This is especially true when I work with metal and wire. When I worked on my Spring Collection I started with a blank slate – no design in mind, no direction, no idea where I was going. I just let my hands and the copper wire work together, bending, twisting, coiling, working the wire by hand and with my needle nose pliers in tight spots. The freedom to create without a preconceived idea was exhilarating, but the best part was the outcome. Every shape is different, the patinas are different, the stones and pearls used in each piece are different and I love every piece.

Successes such as these and also failed attempts inspire me to keep going, to explore new techniques, new materials, new designs.

Metal Pendant Necklace - Brass - Black - Knitted Wire Chain
by LamplighterJewelry

Have you bought anything cool off etsy lately?
Last week I bought some black mustache cupcake toppers for my older daughter as she loves baking cupcakes and she has a fetish with mustaches. She’s thrilled with them.

Tips for other etsy artists?
Patience, participate in your team threads, keep adding items to your store, tweak your titles, tags and descriptions regularly and keep a positive attitude.

Wire Wrapped Necklace - Copper - Leather - Sterling Silver - Glass
by LamplighterJewelry

Contest Info

You must complete two steps to enter:

First, favorite her shop on etsy: etsy.com/shop/LamplighterJewelry

Second, let us know! Pick any way you choose, one entry per person:

1) Follow this blog & leave a comment on this blog entry along with your etsy shop link so we can contact you.

2) Post a twitter status update that mentions something like "Entering to win an artisan bracelet by LamplighterJewelry from http://etsycontest.blogspot.com/" (click here to tweet just that!)

3) Reply to our contest thread on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spacefem

4) Reply to the thread on our forum at spacefem.com.

Must enter contest by May 23rd and winner will be announced May 24th! If selected as a winner you'll be asked for your Etsy account so we can verify that you favorited her on or before the 23rd. You will have six days to claim your prize. At least 10 people must enter for giveaway to happen, and after 100 entries the contest will end regardless of date. Winners can be from anywhere in the world. Okay, go!

More trading, more cozies!

Apparently you can turn any team into a trade team! Some of us got to talking in the etsy contest team about trading and apparently it happens all over the place, so we outlined some guidelines for the newbies (of which there are many!) and guess what showed up at my house this week... new mug cozies & face scrubbies from misschristiana!

Cotton Mug Cozy
by misschristiana

I LOVE mug cozies. Don't ask why, I can't even totally describe my fascination, I started off using them on my travel cups and now I have quite a collection. I get a million wonderful compliments about them around the office though, I think that's what makes them fun, they just make everyone happy.

Anyway misschristiana is on our team because she was in the contest. See how well this is working out for me!

May 11th, 2012 - featured
Baby Booties
by misschristiana

And while I'm yammering on about cozies, look what was in today's contest making me smile:

May 14th, 2012 - featured
Space Invader Coffee Cozy - Coffee Cup Cozy
by MouthyMitts

and more:

May 14th, 2012 - featured
Cup Cozy, Mug Cozy, Tea Cup Cozy Blue with Red Heart and Wood Tree Branch Button
by GoldenLucyCrafts

May 14th, 2012 - featured
Colorful Mug Cozy
by pippisLongstockings

and I don't know what to say about this, except that it's uniquely fabulous! and from a new shop that just opened and has had one sale... I love it even more... I kinda want it... dang it this is how they get me...

May 12th, 2012 - featured
Angry Pig Soda Bottle/Can Cozy
by QueenHooker5

Widget to find items with the same colors as your listing

Some of you know that the etsy contest is just one of many random little scripts I've written with the etsy API, it's just so darn fun to tinker with!

So I have a listing color app:spacefem.com/etsy/listingcolor.php. It lets you put in a listing ID (these are easy to find) and it tells you items that match with it (I have a basic color app too, that just lets you put in a color)

Anyway I used the listing color search to find items that might go well with this week's Welcome Wednesday winner, a shop that opened seven days before the contest!

Here was her winning photo:

May 9th, 2012 - 1st place
Twisted Tree
by CalypsoPhotos

But I liked this one for the treasury:

Sunflowers
by calypsophotos

I think it turned out just lovely.

'Natural golds' by spacefem

Great bold colors!

Sunflowers CalypsoPhotos $50.00	Hot / Cold "Corn&q... littlebitsoffa... $10.00	Mid Century Dansk Dutch... vintagekitchen... $45.00	2 yard Vintage Sewing T... JunkStoreDiva $3.25
Beautiful 1903 Oil PAI... NestHomeDecorL... $5200.00	Brown Sea Beach Glass N... kathleensonia $15.00	Dill's Best Tobacco... polkaostrich $10.00	Mapa de Peru AcllacunaEarri... $20.00
golden pheasant Kamikazekat $16.00	earrings- oriental roun... creeksidegems $12.00	Sunglasses Ring - Gold ... BrooklynStunne... $9.00	Ipad desk stand TheBachRoom $50.00
Scarf, hand crocheted t... accessoriesetc... $44.00	Adorable Kids Kiss-Vint... CharmedVintage... $8.99	Original Painting Love ... NathalieVan $225.00	Citrus Lime Batik Fabri... QuiltsFabrican... $7.64

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio