HandMadeDame

Etsy Goodie Goodies Team wins FSM Random Drawing!

2010-02-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Congrats Etsy Goodie Goodies Team! Please see your messages to find out how to collect your free Posh Printable, from Etsy Seller and our Featured Seller of the Month: The Posh Event.

Thank you!

Handmade Dame

Handmade Dame Is Bogged on her Blog

2010-02-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

Please stay tuned for some great upcoming blog articles. We will be featuring some of the most interesting shops on Etsy shortly. However, Handmadedame is currently in the middle of an interstate move, so our internet access has been spotty. I will be doing another random give-away of a free posh printable. Please check your Blogspot messages to see if you win!

Best,

HandmadeDame!

Etsy Bitsy: Handmade Dame is Geeked!

2010-02-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

Well, you don't have to be a veteran of Etsy to know that Geekery gets its very own category. Yes, my black plastic frame glasses and ironic t-shirts get a front seat to Etsy browsers.

By MiddleCreekMerchants $10.00 (2.50 U.S. Shipping)

For a total of $12.50 you can amuse friends and entertain yourself at work or at home. This is a basic robot made of reclaimed computer parts. It's green and it's great!

By CyberMoon $37.00 ($3.00 U.S. Shipping)

Now, I am still doing research into the crazy world of "Steampunk." Steampunk clock or not, this clock is as facsinating as it is functional. Great conversation piece for a professional office. It really projects personality and sets a great vibe.

By Slaps, $39.00 ($5.00 Shipping)

Whether or not you have a scooter you can show off your love of this classic form right in your living room...or even park it in your office. My father has been searching for a Vespa. I think I might buy this and put it on his new office wall, to mark where his eventual scooter will go. I really think he deserves it, he just started his own company. And I am super geeked!

Winner Winner of www.ThePoshEvent.Etsy.com Free Posh Printable IS...

2010-02-13T11:47:00.002-05:00

Sofia! Thank you all for following and stay tuned for next weeks give-a-way!

Etsy Bitsy: Adorable Aprons

2010-02-08T22:25:00.005-05:00

I wish I could come up with a catchier title for this blog post. Hopefully the pictures will speak for themselves. So, I know most modern girls don't own an apron. Why? Because I don't own an apron, nor do any of my friends. This might be, because the majority of my friends are all doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents who claim not to know where their kitchens are. Actually, I have seen aprons on my male friends more than on my female ones. Mostly, the novelty kind, the bikini/barbecue type aprons. However, I am actually a pretty decent cook and I tend to bake pastries when I am stressed out. I also gravitate toward all black outfits which gets pretty ugly in my small kitchen. Recently, I came to the realization that I need an apron, so I don't always have to change after cooking. It was actually the day I didn't change after baking that I realized this. I had a giant white hand print on my thigh while I was out shopping. So embarrassing. Needless to say, I have been running searches for aprons on Etsy. I don't know why, but I am totally consumed by this. I really want to invest in just the right apron. I had very specific specs for this apron before even finding out if Etsy sellers made them. I wanted it to be feminine, to have an A-line and to be either damask print, colorful or my favorite colors (the colors of the blog.) Low and behold, Etsy artists came through again. Below are my top picks!

Jcarrelloriginals sells this this retro apron for $26.95 plus $4.95 U.S. Shipping . It's 100% cotton and has a lovely aqua, bright green and chocolate brown design.

Bambino Amore selles these Vintage Inspired Aprons for $28.95 plus $3.50 U.S. Shipping. 100% Cotton this fun apron is simply charming!

Love, Love, Love, Love it! Another Bambino Amore original. 100% Cotton fabric this "Chic Damask" is so classic in black and white, yet totally on par with trends. $28.95 plus $3.50 U.S. Shipping. On a fun note Bambino Amore also sells this sweet and flirty cupcake print apron and a heart print apron, just in time for Valentine's Day (also $28.95.)

Shop Memento makes custom aprons for mother and child. Turn around time for these is about two weeks so make sure to order in time for mother's day. They are $35.00 plus $8.00 shipping.

Etsy Bitsy: Body Sweets

2010-02-07T13:04:00.001-05:00

The drugstore is chock full of bath and beauty products ranging in price from $0.79-$20.00. The drugstore offers a vast selection of inexpensive items that are convenient to purchase. However, there may be downsides to these products. To be able to offer a shelf life long enough to survive, production, distribution, and eventual use by you, most consumer packaged beauty products contain preservatives such as parabins.

Also, extra elements are added to what could be natural products in order to stretch, stabilize and make them more pleasing to your eyes.

I never really thought about any of this in detail until I read some books about the subject and started to read the labels of my beauty products. My face moisturizer had alcohol listed as the third ingredient (ingredients are listed in order of content.) Why would I want to rub alcohol all over my face to moisturize it? I switched to an organic brand I found in the drugstore. Even that contained tallow (yes animal fat.) I know that organic and vegan do not mean the same thing, and that cow fat is an organic substance, but seriously...seriously.

So began my homemade obsession with beauty products. While there are some great sites (more to come) you can visit to get the materials you need to make your own personal arsenal of beauty products, Etsy artisans offer a great selection of organic, vegan friendly, and just plain delicious products. You don't have to worry about finding, making, sterilizing and cleaning up and you support a handmade artist. I don't know the shipping times for these items but I would think that some of them would make it still by Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Pink Sugar Strawberry Cube Scrub $6.00

YourTimeBodyTreats makes delicious handmade soaps, shampoos, conditioners, scrubs and more. Most products are Vegan friendly, with the exception of goat's milk, honey and beeswax in some items. YourTimeBodyTreats has a great selection of these sugar cube scrubs, which contain, grapeseed oil, organic sugar, coconut oil,palm oil, safflower oil, and vegan glycerin. The sugar cube scrubs come in this strawberry scent, as well as, vanilla, white cupcake, chocolate cake, and pecan pie scents. She also has oatmeal, shea butter, lavender and rose body polishes. U.S. Shipping on this scrub is $2.95.

Soap of the Month 12 Month Subscription $55.00

YourTimeBodyTreats has also implemented something I think all soap sellers should do. I can never decide on just one bar of soap, but I don't need 12 bars of soap sitting around my bathroom at one time. This would make an excellent gift to someone special, or would be an excellent way to keep a convenient and fresh stock of handmade soap available all year. U.S. Shipping is $15.00 for this subscription. YourTimeBodyTreats also offers a 6 month subscription of soap for $28.00 and $9.00 Shipping. If you are looking for something extra special YourTimeBodyTreats has 6 and 12 month subscriptions for their Whipped Soap.

Whipped Cream Soap 4.oz $6.00 (U.S. Shipping $2.95)

Weekend DIY: Lipbalm

2010-02-06T16:22:00.001-05:00

Please submit your variations in the comments section below.

Peppermint Lipbalm Recipe
1 cup beeswax
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1/16 cup jojoba oil
1/8 cup apricot oil
1/16 cup olive oil
1 tsp peppermint oil

I didn't do any of these measurements exact, we messed around until it was right.

What's your weekend DIY?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Give aways, freebies, samples, promotions and discounts.

2010-02-05T17:04:00.000-05:00

Our current featured shop: ThePoshEvent, one of the original sellers of custom and printable boxes, tags, cards and other posh event party supplies, has kindly offered a free "Posh Printable" for our raffle.

Rules:
1. Eligibility: To be eligible you must be a follower of http://handmadedame.blogspot.com/.
2. Prize: You win your choice of the original "Posh Printables" from http://www.theposhevent.etsy.com/
3. Notification: Winner will be announced on the blog, twitter and get an email.
4. Drawing: The winner will be drawn at random, using an online random name drawer or another fair method. My friends and family members are not eligible.
5. Date: The drawing will take place on Friday, February 12th.

Questions: Contact handmadedame for more information.

More Give-aways free samples, promotions and discounts are to follow! Let us know if you would like to offer a promotion.

Etsy Bitsy: Winter Brights

2010-02-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

Set of 10 Mix and Match Bangles: $28.50

CraftyChick101 handcrafts these colorful and fun bangles. Selling for just $2.85 a bracelet, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Yes, I really did say that. These are 10 of CraftyChick101's favorite variegated bangles and a customer favorite. CraftyChick101 also offers customizable sets of three bracelets for $12.00. You can chose from over 36 colors. These are a cute and affordable way give a gift to friends, co-workers and yourself without spending too much.

4 Bright Handmade Crocheted Washcloths $14.00

Sunshinegrovefarm created these cheery 100% cotton washcloths. They are sure to make your guests at your house feel extra special and to brighten you bathroom. $2.50 U.S. Shipping

Use with this Fresh Valencia Eye Candy Soap from GetLathered only $5.00 ($2.50 U.S. Shipping). The one two punch of soft cotton against your skin and burst of fresh valencia orange fragrance is sure to raise your energy levels and get you through another winter day!

Beijos Coloridos Gemstone Candy Kiss Necklace. $59.00

BeijoFlor is hands down one of my favorite Etsy Shops. Beijo's jewelry is juicy and poppy and exciting. Also, the sellers are very friendly and quick to respond to your conversations in my experience. The shop is based in Brazil and has reasonable U.S. Shipping. Just $4.00 U.S. Shipping for this necklace. This necklace makes me think of Rio De Janeiro so much it makes me want to pack my bags and hit the airport. At least I can bring a little shine and sparkle to Michigan, while we brace ourselves for another snow storm. Beijo has also done a wonderful job of creating a full collection. The pieces are easy to picture together and affordable enough to collect for moderate budgets. Be sure to check back for other great features from BeijoFlor. Kiss Kiss.

Hand to Mouth Series: Stay Tuned for the following topics!

2010-02-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

1. Imitation Limitation:
     A.How to seach for a Trademark, to know if it is active or expired and to search for available company names
     B.The basics of Copyrights, how to register a copywrite and how to search a copywrite.
     C. Copy Brats: What to do when you have been copied, according to social standards, previous practice and Etsy guidelines. Finding a decent and civil way to resolve these issues. (Send your comments, experiences and suggestions already

2. Handmade Enterprise Organization:
     A. Company Basics, Sole Proprieter, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Incorporation (S-Corp v. C-Corp)
     B. How to start the company, and other formation questions.

3. Accountants, Bookeepers and Tax Advisors

4. Can I or Can't I? Questions to ask before selling your products to others.

Hand to Mouth: Limitations on Imitation Part I. Trademarks (TM) and (R)

2010-02-03T19:03:00.001-05:00

One of the best things about sites like Etsy is the constant transfer of ideas and possiblities from artist to artist. Everyone is so talented that one artist may see something they like, decide to try to create it themself and if it works out they may try to sell it. Also, people may see names that they like or logos and designs and simply copy them. In close knit communities, like Etsy Teams and in chat rooms it may start to feel like you are being copied when you see the same products emerge by sellers who have obviously come into contact with you. Later, we will discuss what to do when you feel you have been copied. Right now we will discuss the basics of trademarks. Copyright basics will come in a later chapter as well.

When, you are just a small home business it's impractical for most sellers to invest time and money in copyright and trademark registrations if you are doing low volume, low cost sales. However, if you are doing high volume or are making a substantial profit then registering your trademark or registering your copyright may be a good idea.

Can you use the TM symbol without registering? This is a frequently asked question. It is also frequently answered incorrectly. To answer this, the question must be stated more accurately. The question should be: Can I use the TM symbol (SM would be a service mark for a service provider) without filing a Federal Registration? The answer: Yes. Once you file with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office and are approved you will use the (R) symbol. This symbol absolutely cannot be used in the U.S. without completing the registration process with the U.S. Federal Government. To be clear, the original TM symbol in question may be used *so long as* there are no local, state or foreign laws regulating its use. (As much as I like to be a help, I simply cannot research each local government and state law and especially not international IP law for each seller.)

Trademark: U.S. Trademark and Patent Office says "A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, device or any combination, used or intended to be used in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods." In short the trademark is what we as consumers recognize as *the brand*. There is a general understanding that if we came up with a great tasting, sparkling beverage that we should not and cannot legally name our product "Coca Cola." That general feeling of wrongness gets blurred somehow when selling on a small scale or from out of our homes.

Must you register your trademark? The answer is no. But here are the advantages of registration: (1) notice to public of your claim on the mark, (2) national presumption of your legal ownership of the mark, and (3) the guaranteed exclusive right to the use of the mark in connection with your products outlined in your registration.

Do you need an attorney to file your trademark registration application? As much as I would love to say a resounding yes, no, there is no legal requirement that you need an attorney. However, rules of effiecency say that you should always delegate what you are not good at. Therefore, if you are not good with research, filling out forms and or deadlines then I would say that you should find a competent individual to assist you. The USPTO will not review your filing for errors nor correct them. On the other hand, you can now run searches and apply online here.

Stay tuned for more information.

Etsy Bitsy: Date with Ornate

2010-02-03T01:41:00.005-05:00

Anyone that knows me knows, I love simple, modern and clean things. (Especially ShinyThings!) However, I have a love of ornate things as well. I am obsessed with classic movies. I am a TCM junkie. I love the bussled dresses, the silk dressing gowns, and the fact that in days gone, people changed into their evening wear for dinner and again to go out. My only issue with ornate things is mustering up the confidence to wear such "show stoppers." Granted, I love attention, but not everyone, everyday can get away with some designs. So without much more ado, I bring you ornate items that I have come across on Etsy that I adore. I hope you will enjoy them as well and find a great home for them.

Felted Scarf-Collar Wicker Patio $50.00

Felted Scarf-Collar Red Current $50.00

Felted ScarfCollar Melancholy Kala Flower Brooch $80.00

The Rudman Etsy Shop gave me a hard time. I could not pick any one item. All of this artist's work is so special and beautiful. To show that I have self control I chose to stick with scarves. Currently, Rudman is featured in over 15 treasuries and has made over 406 sales. All of the items above have $5.00 U.S. shipping. There is no doubt that Rudman is a first rate operation. Please come back again I hope to feature this store sometime in the near future.

Chandelier Earrings Wings $295.00

These earrings by poppyporter based out of London in the UK are remarkable. They have pop and snap without being too casual and are fun enough to be worn for almost any occasion. Shipping to the U.S. is $10.00.

Etsy Bitsy: Vintage Valentine

2010-02-02T01:19:00.006-05:00

Maybe you feel the same way too, but vintage usually inspires some kind of romantic feeling for me. I guess maybe it's my denial that items from the 80's can now be listed as vintage. Today on Etsy, I found a great treasury curated by InMyBlueRoom. It has some great pieces that I think would be amazing to give as Valentine's Day gifts or to wear for your Valentine's Day engagment. Even if you are a just going to watch the new movie Valentine's Day on Febuary 12th, these are affordable and glamorous accessory options. It's always nice to feel special and romantic. Just one more reason to love Etsy, is the fact that most sellers are socially aware and sensible (most that I have met.) This means that usually you can find low or at cost shipping rates. This was the reason I used to do all my online shopping at Overstock.com to get flat rate shipping. Now you can get something unique without overpaying for shipping. All sellers below offer domestic (US) and International Shipping at reasonable prices.

Vintage Ivory Ring $12.00

Pinkingedgedesigns lists this beatiful ivory colored and gold tone ring for just over $10.00. Great $2.00 U.S. shipping.

Nest Egg Cocktail Ring $22.00

By Etsy store, 2dy4 What's bigger right now than birds? This ring is sure to get some positive attention and who doesn't want more of that? Reasonable $2.25 U.S. Shipping.

Carry Me Vintage Mesh Coin Purse $38.50

By soradesigns.This Fleur de Lis gold tone coin purse is adorable. It is so mini it can be worn as a necklace. I had a few friends in college who were Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority girls and I always think of them when I see the Fleur de Lis. Again this seller has reasonable shipping, $2.50 U.S. Shipping.

Etsy Bitsy: Hearts for Haiti

2010-01-31T11:33:00.003-05:00

The Haiti earthquake has left more than the small country shaken. Once again, the good people of the world have sprung to the aid of the victims of a natural disaster. As news coverage dwindles on the topic, Etsy sellers are still showing their support with the Hearts for Haiti shop. More than twenty sellers have collaborated to run this shop. Over 1035 items are for sale, and they have raised $23,969.74 (as of 1/30/10.) Etsy artists are giving their items to the Hearts For Haiti store to sell, and the profits go to Doctors without Borders. This shop gives you confidence that you will not only receive a genuine handmade product, but that the money will go directly to Haiti disaster relief. This is such a great way for crafters and artists to contribute to the relief effort. For more information on the program please see this article: Hearts for Haiti.

Even if you were not planning on doing much for Valentine's Day here are some great gifts to tell your significant others, friends and family members that you love them and care about others. Your friends and family will be touched to know that the items you bought them were handmade and that your gift meant a few more dollars for Haiti relief. Also, all items have free shipping, sweetening the deal. be sure when you purchase these items to tell your loved ones how special their presents are.

Valentines Day Cards:

Loving Helping Hands for Haiti Posh Printables. These cards are made by ThePoshEvent. They are printable cards, which means that when you purchase the card, ThePoshEvent will send you a PDF file within 24 hours. This makes this the perfect last minute Valentine's Day card. Purchase now, or on Valentine's Day and print as many as you want, as you need them. Also, The card does not say Happy Valentine's Day, so you can send it as a Thank You card, Birthday card or any other purpose. Lastly, you can customize it by choosing the cardstock or paper you print it on. ThePoshEvent is a highly regarded seller with sterling customer feedback. Price: $3.50

Valentine's Day Gifts:

Eco Friendly Recycled Billboard Banner Storage Bin by NottyPooch, this bin is made from a recycled/upcycled vinyl billboard banner. This is an earth friendly, and useful gift for someone else or to keep yourself. 100% Positive feedback. It's another beautiful item from the Hearts for Haiti Store. Price: $18.00

Hat- Cloche- Flower Beanie in Burgundy handcrafted by Monarchdancer this beautiful knit hat with flower. It is made with Rose and Burgundy Acrylic Yarn. Keep your loved ones warm with this sweet hat and feel good knowing that you are helping Haiti. $15.00.

Valentines Day Jewelry:

Heal Haiti's Heart Necklace created by Archaicdesign. This amazing sterling silver, embossed heart with pink amethyst, and red garnet. Truly stunning, this is a meaningful and precious gift. This is a top selling jewelry designer and also has sterling customer feedback. $95.00.

Online Craft Show

2010-01-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

A great etsy seller and innovator, audreyscountrycrafts, created this Online Craft Show which showcases 40 sellers at a time in six week time slots. The sellers have "booths" that are broken up into "aisles," giving you the feeling that you are in an actual craft show. There are four aisles with ten sellers in each of them. The booths consist of the banners of the shops, interviews of the artists, and 10 item pictures which are linked to the stores. A buyer can simply purchase an item by clicking on the item of their choosing and then clicking the "buy now" button on the item page. This is truly a novel and effective way of promoting your shop. It is also a user friendly way for customers to discover and purchase unique handcrafted items. I love this idea. For more information and to secure your spot in the Spring Online Craft show click here.

Hello I am Handmade Dame and I want to see what you've got!

2010-01-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you for visiting. Before you go, pllease follow Handmadedame. We will be holding our first giveaway when we reach 15 followers.

This blog reviews, recommends and promotes handmade artisans as well as events and sites.

If you sell on Etsy, Artfire, or similar site, send me your shop information and I will check you out. Or if you have seen or purchased something fabulous please let me know or send me a review and I may feature the item.

The blog series
Etsy Bitsy: Weekly finds of exceptional work and unique creation sorted into relevant themes.
Hand to Mouth: Old tricks, new tools and how to build a handmade business.
Damsel in this Dress: Great Clothing finds and shops.
Shiny Things: Jewelry Finds

Thank You!

Sell Online: Useful Websites and Blog Tools for Crafters and Artists

2009-12-10T11:02:00.002-05:00

If you have been wondering where to go to get started here it is. Also, below are 12 other sites to sell your crafts and artwork online.

Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/storque/
_________________________________________________

Sites Other than Etsy:
http://www.shophandmade.com/
http://www.buyhandmade.org/
http://www.artfire.com/
http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/
http://www.blissen.com/
http://www.en.dawanda.com/
http://www.papernstitch.com/
http://www.1000markets.com/
http://www.cutxpaste.com/
http://www.craftster.org/
http://www.folksy.com/
http://www.pixelgirlshop.com/