Becoming a Bag Lady ... In a Good Way!

If you aren't into bags and purses, you will be after visiting Cecil and Co. I know I'm becoming a bag lady. I already have a few picked out and I can only see myself wanting more.

I came across Cecil and Co.'s Facebook fan page and based upon, designer Lisa's profile picture, I HAD to visit her Etsy shop. The bags at Cecil and Co. are awesome! Not exaggerating, I don't think there is one I don't like. After marveling at Cecil and Co. for awhile and hearting a bunch of items, I knew I HAD to ask Lisa a few questions:

NM: How would you describe your shop?
L: Stylish handbags that are classic, meshing modern and vintage (which I love).

NM: How long have you been sewing for?
L: Since I was little...about 30 years

NM: How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
L: I started making handbags about two years ago for my retail store because I couldn't find what I was looking for. When I carried one everyday I would get stopped everywhere I went...so I decided to design a whole line and sell them to more than just my store. That has brought me here.

NM: Do you do this full time?
L: I sew full time. I have a drapery workroom and retail store and have been making and designing draperies for about 20 years. I design and make draperies by day, and handbags whenever I can. I am hoping to turn that into handbags by day!

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
L: My favorite would be The Designer Tote. It is the most versatile for me. I use it to and from work and when I travel and for knitting and the list goes on. Although I carry the Shopper everyday as well, my favorite one to date is in my new fall line, coming soon.

NM: What are some of your favorite handmade shops or items online?
L: I have so many! I usually look for things I can't or won't make myself. I will start with Graciewear. She was my very first purchase. She has amazing fiber art clothing and accessories, something of which I haven't tried yet. Second would be TheFeltElf. She has really awesome elf-like scarves. For vintage, It goes to CatBooks1940s. I love everything about this shop from the way it is set up to what is for sale. Another very talented artist is KaysK9s. She creates an unbelievable sculpture of your dog! There are so many amazing artists on Etsy.

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
L: I tell everyone who comes into my store about Etsy. I just recently started online with facebook, twitter, flickr and I have a blog. Trying all to see which ones fit best and I also network in a lot of the Etsy forums.

NM: What advice can you offer other handmade sellers to boost their sales?
L: Patience, and promote outside of Etsy! I do not have a lot of sales to date but I am definately getting much more exposure now that I have started networking off Etsy.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
L: Our retail store which is located in Batavia, IL. We are currently working on our web site, a very time consuming process.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
L: My blog is cecilandco.blogspot.com. It's in its infant stages. I would like to not only provide updates of our progress and our products, but to promote what we like and what we believe in, like the 3/50 project, and maybe even provide inspiration to others. That is what I would like to do.

NM: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
L: I love fabric and have a passion for the creative process.

NM: Lisa, thank you SO much for sharing some information with us. I hope everyone else appreciates and loves your shop as much as I do. Readers, share your thoughts on Cecil and Co.

Business Information:

Name: Lisa

Business/Shop Name: Cecil and Company, USA

Location: Batavia, Illinois

Website URL: www.cecilandco.com (currently under construction!)

Etsy URL: cecilandco.etsy.com

Blog URL: cecilandco.blogspot.com

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/pages/Batavia-IL/Cecil-and-Company-USA/135957095672?ref=ts

Twitter: twitter.com/Cecilandco

Exploring Color at 10eisha and a Giveaway Too!

Since I created my Facebook fan page two weeks ago, I was introduced to so many talented artists and wonderful shops I had no idea about. A few shops in particular captured my attention and I will be featuring a few of them in the coming weeks.

The first shop that really caught my eye was 10eisha. Artist/crafter, Teneisha (what a clever shop name!) creates fabulous hair accessories and plush toys but the colors are what struck me. Her items are so vibrant, and Teneisha is a Master of mixing and matching! Yes, the "M" deserves to be capitalized!

Earlier this week I asked Teneisha if she would tell us more about herself and her shop, and fortunately, she agreed. In addition to taking time to answer my questions, Teneisha is offering Nature Manipulated's readers a chance to win one item ($12 and under) from her shop. Find out how you can win after the interview ...

NM: How would you describe your work?
T: Very colorful

NM: How long have you been making hair accessories for?
T: Since February 2009…I’m a newbie! However, I was selling plush monsters and puppets for a few years.

NM: How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
T: I made my own birdcage/fascinator for my wedding and I enjoyed it so much that I said, "You know…I could do lots of these…in crazy colors!"

NM: Do you do this full time?
T: I would like to. I have been unemployed for almost 6 months, so I guess you could say this is my full time job. Right now I am gearing up to start doing wholesale as well as craft fairs, swap meets and so on.

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
T: I love all the small fascinators. They are such an easy accessory. You can stick them on anywhere and forget about them, yet everyone else notices them. I get a ton of compliments every time I wear one outside of my house. I think they also set a tone for your outfit. There are some that I feel like I have to throw on matching heels with and some that work perfect with jeans and a t-shirt.

NM: What are some of your favorite handmade shops or items online?
T: I love the supplies sellers that hand make their items. I’ve recently been getting my brads this way. Aimoobaroo is a great one.

I love love love the wristlets from meringueshop. I have one in black and white and one in red and white, and I get a ton of compliments on them. You can carry your purse without even realizing its there!

I’ll also give a shout out to Briana Edelman Designs. I got my wedding necklace from her and it was such a high quality. It also came in a great box that I have been using since!

And last but not least, Etsy Hacks. These hacks will change your Etsy selling life!

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
T: I do a little bit of everything. The one that gets me the most purchases I think is Offbeatbride.com. I advertise in the tribe on that site which is a pretty direct marketing approach. I also do occasional one day $2 Facebook ads. I was trying Google AdWords for a while but I suspended it for now. I have a Facebook Fan Page and a blog. I also stay involved in the Etsy community forums which I think is a great way of networking.

NM: What advice can you offer other handmade sellers to boost their sales?
T: Stick with it! I know that Etsy is really slow right now and a lot of newcomers are discouraged. Just keep making what you make and get as much stuff up there as you can. Talk to people in the forums. Just stick with it.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
T: I tried ArtFire and Ebay for a while. I actually did well on Ebay…Its just a pain to add items. I’m hoping to get out into real life venues soon.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
T: I have a blog called Dumpster Ninjas. We have multiple contributors but I am the main admin. We blog about art, design, ideas, crafts or whatever seems inspiring at that very moment. I’ve started featuring a lot of Etsy sellers and we seem to be getting more traffic.

NM: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
T: I have a degree in Industrial Design (Product Design) which I always forget pertains to exactly what I do with crafting. I always forget that product design doesn’t have to mean shoes and cars. It can mean handmade items and functional art!


Business Information:

Name: Teneisha (aka 10eisha)

Business/Shop Name: Hair Accessories for the Brave

Location: San Diego, CA

Website URL: http://www.teneishabydesign.com

Etsy URL: http://10eisha.etsy.com

Blog URL: http://dumpsterninjas.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/10eisha

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Accessories-By-10eisha/120030310942?ref=mf


Hope you enjoyed learning about Teneisha and her shop. Now, ... for a chance to win one item ($12 or under) from 10eisha, leave a comment with your favorite item from Teneisha's Etsy shop. Tell us why you like it and make sure you leave your contact information (email, Etsy username, Artfire username or link to your Facebook page). One entry per person. All entries must be submitted by July 31, 2009, 6pm ET.

Weekly Giveaway - May 18-24, Tickleworm

Enter this week's giveaway for a chance to win two great prizes from Tickleworm


Earth and Sky Corduroy Pouch valued at $15.00


The Bro valued at $7.00

How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated hosts a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy or Artfire shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire shop URL)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, May 24, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winners at random and contact the winners via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Like the flower on the corduroy pouch, Rachel Herzog of Tickleworm loves to free stitch with layers of fabric and felt. Rachel
is always trying new things out with her sewing machine; always working with new colors, layers and styles, and she will be doing more in the future. Rachel comes up with new ideas all the time and recently has been working on a line for men. One her first men's item is the pouch above being offered as one of the giveaways.

While you are looking around Rachel's shop, please take advantage of her great offer: 10% off all items. Enter code "NM10" in the notes to seller upon checkout and Rachel will refund the difference through PayPal or send Rachel a convo making your purchase and she will adjust the price for you.

Post a link to your favorite item from Tickleworm, along with your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire URL or username) for a chance to win two great prizes.

rachelherzog.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Monday Giveaway - Fairy Wallah - CLOSED

Win one of two giveaways from Fairy Wallah - Monarch Butterfly and Pretty Orchid Hair Clip or Beautiful Exotic Orchid and Butterfly Comb. First winner will have a choice between the two giveaways. Second winner will receive the remaining item.


Monarch Butterfly and Pretty Orchid Hair Clip valued at $15.00



Beautiful Exotic Orchid and Butterfly Comb valued at $17.00


How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated will host a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your email or Etsy shop URL (so I can contact you if you are the winner)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, March 8, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winner at random and contact the winner via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Fairy Wallah's artist/owner is Talita Choudhury. Talita is an accessories collector, a small children's clothing designer (www.fairywallah.com) and a lifestyle marketer. Talita grew up in Bangladesh where she was surrounded from an early age by books, flowers and vibrant colors. It as there that she developed a love for all things bejewelled. The name "fairywallah" is Bengali for a traveling salesman selling ribbons, laces, and trimmings from village to village...often a Pied Piper of sorts.

Fairy Wallah offers silk orchids and floral butterfly hair clips. Materials used include corals, mother of pearls, pearls, Swarovski crystal rhinestones and river shells. Fairy Wallah also has a semi-precious gemstones hair clip selection.

While you are visiting Fairy Wallah's shop, take advantage of her special offer valid through March 2009 - 10% discount. Enter the code "Nature" in the notes upon checkout and wait for a revised invoice before you pay.


Post a link to your favorite item from Fairy Wallah's shop, along with your email address (or Etsy URL or username) for a chance to win either a Monarch Butterfly and Pretty Orchid Hair Clip or a Beautiful Exotic Orchid and Butterfly Comb.

FairyWallah.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Monday Giveaway - KreativeKarryAlls - CLOSED

Congratulations to Fringelore for winning last week's giveaway!
Win one of KreativeKarryAlls' fabric desktop business card holder and matching keyfob in fabric of the winner's choice. One lucky winner will win both items.




How it works:
Every Monday there will be one featured seller and a giveaway. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment to this post with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your email or Etsy shop URL (so I can contact you if you are the winner)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, February 15, 2009. The following Monday, I will announce the winner and contact you via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.


KreativeKarryAlls is a proud mom of a very active little boy who is her inspiration for making her wonderful products. KreativeKarryAlls' products include business cad holders, totes, ribbon slings, ponytail holders and more. KreativeKarryAlls began sewing fun bags in the summer of 2006, to help compensate for her switch from Full-time Marketing Assistant to Full-time Mom.

While you are visiting KreativeKarryAlls' shop, take advantage of her special offer valid through February 15, 2009 - 10% discount on all bags (not including shipping). Place code NM10BLOG in comments to seller, pay through Paypal and KreativeKarryAlls will refund the difference through Paypal.

Post a link to your favorite item from KreativeKarryAlls' shop, along with your email address (or Etsy URL) for a chance to win a fabric desktop business card holder and matching keyfob in fabric of the winner's choice.

KreativeKarryAlls.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway.

Monday Giveaway - PrettyinPosies - CLOSED

Congratulations to scoomer for winning last week's giveaway!
This week's featured giveaway is from PrettyinPosies.

For a chance to WIN A LAYERED FELT FLOWER BROOCH AND A LAYERED FELT FLOWER HAIR PIN, leave a comment on this post with your:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop .
2) Email address (or Etsy shop url so I can contact you if you are the winner)

If you do not include both items in the comments your entry will not be included.

One lucky winner will win both items. Colors may be determined by winner.


The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, February 8, 2009. The following Monday, I will announce the winner and contact you via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.


PrettyinPosies is a stay home mother of two who creates all her wool felted goodies in her studio in Hudson Valley, New York. PrettyinPosies' accessories are featured in boutique stores & handmade galleries around the country.

On her seller profile, PrettyinPosies writes, "I do this because I truly love it and I hope it shows through in my work!" Well, it definitely does. Each item looks exquisite and professionally crafted. I don't use hair clips too often but I'm thinking of starting now.

All of PrettyinPosies' accessories are made with soft, luxurious wool blend felt or 100% wool roving.

While you are visiting PrettyinPosies' shop, take advantage of her special offer valid through February 8, 2009 - 20% off your entire order when you include code "NatureManBlog" in the notes to seller upon checkout. The difference will be refunded through PayPal when the seller is ready to ship the order. Remember, this offer is only valid this week.

Post a link to your favorite item from PrettyinPosies' shop, along with your email address (or Etsy URL) for a chance to win WIN A LAYERED FELT FLOWER BROOCH AND A LAYERED FELT FLOWER HAIR PIN from PrettyinPosies.

PrettyinPosies.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good Luck! See you again for next Monday's giveaway.

I Wish moocow Was Keeping Me Warm Now

A few minutes ago, I turned up the heat, sat on my couch and and turned on the news. Guess what the first thing I saw was! No, not coverage of the presidency. Not new development on the "Miracle on the Hudson". I saw the weather and no, it's not getting warmer.

I was planning on publishing this post in the next week or two but moocowhandknits' shop is too appropriate for the moment and the colder weather I am anticipating so I decided to publish this interview early. Hope moocow's work warms you up too.


1. How would you describe your shop?

Well it's the land of knittedness :D I guess you could say it's a justification for my monstrous yarn stash, and the result of a brain filled with too many ideas and not enough time.


2. How long have you been knitting for?

About 3 and a half years now. It was love at first stitch.


3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?

Knitting's a hobby for me. I originally started after I had 6 months off work to undergo major surgery (and I mean REALLY major). I was bored, someone mentioned a knitting group locally, I bought some yarn and that was that!


4. Do you do this full time?

Sadly no. I have a full time job in the medical diagnostics industry, which takes me away from home for at least one night a week. It's long hours and interferes with what would otherwise be knitting time but I do love it.


5. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?

Blimey that's a hard one *thinks*. I'd say the City Chic shrug. It's massively labour intensive but it's worth all the hard work - fits like a glove and really versatile. I have two myself (one blue, one black). Or maybe the Simply Soft wrap... or maybe the Cross My Heart wrap... LOL if I carry on I'll just mention everything in the shop so I'll stop now.

NM: The Simply Soft and Cross My Heart wraps are my favorites!


6. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?

I recently discovered nutandbee ... HOW CUTE!!

I have a major thing for siansbury's sock monkeys.

I'm looking forward to Abi's new collection coming soon at abibansaldesign

And unsurprisingly for a knitter, I covet pretty much everything in snowberrylime's shop


7. You currently have 329 sales. How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?

I am completely terrible at promoting, blogging, facebooking and any other kind of social networking but I've built up a small following of previous customers and friends from the UK Etsy massive. :D I was also incredibly lucky to be chosen by etsy to be their featured seller last November - a real bolt from the blue.. unexpected, terrifying but great fun. I can only assume that good photos are the key, as my views, sales and treasury inclusions shot up when I altered my photography style. Reading that back it makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about when it comes to 'photography style' LOL - I don't. My photos are mostly taken in the corner of my bedroom, with the camera on self timer!


8. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers to boost their sales?

Hmm. I may have anwered this question in the one above LOL.


9. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?

Yes, I have a shop on a UK handmade site called Folksy - the currency there is in GBP, which is better for UK buyers as the exchange rate for US dollers means the price can fluctuate. I have also just agreed to have a small section on another UK online shop which I'm working on at the moment.


10. Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.

I used to, but I gave up last year, having realised that blogging is not my forte :D


Business Details

Name: Siobhan

Business/Shop Name: moocow

Location: Liverpool, UK

Etsy URL: moocowhandknits.etsy.com

Dressing Your Kids With Personality

Just like everyone else, kids have personality. Even as an infant they show traces of it. They take to certain people, react to different things and behave in different and sometimes unusual ways. As children get older they show even more personality. They become animated and become establishing themselves and their place in the world - well, at least in the homes.


When I look at children's clothing, it all looks the same to me. It lacks personality and does an inadequate job or representing different types of kids. The colors are often subdued, themes tame and styles limited. Children's clothing should be just as animated as the child. There is plenty of time to conform as they grow up.

Joey & Aleethea™ brings coolness and personality to a child's wardrobe. Whether your child is a monster, a rocker, a jock, a tree-hugger, a military brat, a corporate coo-er, a diva, a retro radical, a cowboy, an indian, an artiste, a punk, a prince or princess, Joey & Aleethea has clothing that fits.

Joey & Aleethea uses only high-end designer fabrics and the highest quality of materials which can be customized for your child. If you have something it mind, Joey & Aleethea can digitally design it for you.

I'll leave you alone now, you have some shopping to do!

Joey & Aleethea's shop

Joey & Aleethea's blog

Cozy makes an accessory I want but really don't need

Do you have an item/accessory you always find yourself buying even if you NEVER use or wear it? There are a couple of things I do that with... belts and headbands. Belts - I always buy new ones but I always wear the same old boring one I've had for over ten years. Headbands - I buy them because I think they look cool and I NEVER wear them. I have a collection of headbands and I think the longest one has ever stayed on my head is three minutes (at most). I put them on, look in the mirror, and immediately take them off. They look silly on me. Nonetheless, today I find myself looking at more headbands and of course, seeing one I like. "STOP, DON"T BUY IT," that's what my reason is telling me. This time I might just listen to it. Instead, I will display a few of Cozy's headbands in hopes that you, the reader, gets to them before I do.




To see more of Cozy's items, visit cozy.etsy.com
You can also visit Cozy's blog at cozyetsy.blogspot.com

Featured Artist/Shop Purple Flower Designs

Last month I went on an Etsy mission to find a new handbagthat I could sport to my new job. I wasn't quite sure what I waslooking for except that I needed something that could fit quite a bit of stuff. The bag also had to have pockets. I posted in the forums section and looked at tons of shops and items. As I searched it became harder and harder to decide. I found so many styles and patterns I liked but none of them were perfect. I was so indecisive but something kept making me come back to Purple Flower Designs' shop. Jenny Van Horne, Purple Flower Designs' had an abundance of bags and all were so beautiful. The fabrics were stunning and the styles were plentiful. That's when I sent Jenny a message asking if she would custom design me a bag. She immediately responded that she would be glad to. I chose a handbag style and fabric from her shop and less than a week later I learned that the bag was ready to be purchased. Shortly after, I received the beautiul bag (shown above).

Jenny has been making handbags for almost two years although she has been making clothes for 20. Her sewing experience is undoubtedly visible in her incredible craftsmanship. Jenny told me that her grandmother used to sew. When her grandmother passed away she left her some money and Jenny decided to use it to start up her business. Jenny's grandmother plays a big part in her work. With each piece she asks herself if her grandmother would be proud of it. Reflecting back on her grandmother keeps the quality of her work high and the designs eclectic.

When I asked Jenny how she would describe her shop she answered, "sometimes the products are fun, sometimes they are pretty and sometimes they can be both. You never know what you are going to find because I get bored doing the same thing and I like to experiment." Jenny's work is greatly inspired by nature, beautiful lines and curves, and color harmony. She aims to keep colors working together and does so flawlessly.

Jenny's favorite color is purple so almost anything with that color is a favorite of hers. When I asked for her to submit specific examples, Jenny picked: "Grey and Burgundy Floral Applique Handbag," "Bookbag in Amethyst Skies," and "Cherry Blossoms in the Spring Messenger Bag." It's funny that the three items she chose are all sold already (and mine isn't one of them).

You can find Purple Flower Designs' products in three places. On Vancouver Island you can find them at the West Coast Community Craft Shop and Salts Boutique. For people like me, a much more convenient location (online) is purpleflowerdesigns.etsy.com