Ladybumblebee is a Magical and Colorful World of Children's Toys

Who doesn't like toys? Ladybumblebee's owner and crafter, Diana says she makes children's toys but I'm not a child and I surely would buy one. They are so cute, how could you not want one? No matter how old you are. I came across Ladybumblebee one day while searching for toys to buy for my nephew. The pictures of toys were so enticing, I had to enter the shop. I think I spent half an hour there debating with myself which would be most appropriate for a little boy, all while trying to keep my personal preference out of the equation. I still have not purchased one but now that I found out I have another nephew on the way, I will surely have to. After all, I do need baby shower gifts. What a perfect idea!

In the meantime, as I still try and decide which toy to get, I decided to interview Diana. Below are the questions I asked her and her responses.


1. How would you describe your toys?
My toys are amigurumi toys which are crocheted in rounds, increasing and decreasing when necessary to form shapes. They all wear knitted dresses or sweaters. I wanted to get some knitting on each as I love the combination of crochet and knit together.

2. How long have you been making children's toys for?
I've been knitting and crocheting for many years but only started making children's toys since November of 2007. I have two little grandkids that love plushies so I took it upon myself to learn the amigurumi method from the internet and it took off from there.

3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
I have always loved crafting quilts and paintings for children's rooms so this was a natural progression. Making these animals is joyful and fun and it keeps a smile on my face!!! My husband gets a kick out them also.

4. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
I have a hard time picking a favorite because each is my own creation. They 're all my children!!! I'm partial to the pigs, cows and frogs. They are extra cute!!

5. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
My favorite shops are Spotted Dog Studio which has great artwork!

The Daily Pincushion has beautiful pin cushions, very imaginative!

Babycakesdnd - wonderful whimsical artwork

DZfantasy - great sculpted dolls

6. How do you attract people to your shop?
I usually go onto the promotions section of the forums and promote my shop when I add a new listing. I try to spend at least a half hour or more adding my link onto different threads. I'm not sure it works but I do it anyway. I give and get lots of hearts from participating in the forums. I've also given some of my animals to charity auctions and sent along lots of my cards hoping to make new customers.
I also try to keep my shop visually pleasing to the eye so that people will come back.

7. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers?
The advice I would give is to be patient at first. Keep at least 30-40 things listed. Keep working on your shop until your photos are just right, and last but most importantly, try to keep the focus on selling one type of thing as opposed to many different things in your shop. I mean if you're selling hand made dolls, don't sell hair clips and slippers in the same shop. I think the shops that keep their focus look much better and have a much stronger impact on the prospective buyer.

8. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
My items are only available on etsy for now.


Business Information

Name: Diana Benitez

Business/Shop Name: Ladybumblebee

Location: New Jersey

Etsy URL: ladybumblebee.etsy.com