tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31793893624908327362011-11-27T19:36:35.709-05:00Rust Belt GalleryRustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-75715134215062901912011-09-20T11:16:00.000-04:002011-09-20T11:16:43.355-04:002011-09-20T11:16:43.355-04:00My First Craft Show<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This past Saturday, September 17<sup>th</sup>, I set up a table at my very first craft show. It took place at the VFW Pavilion in Alliance, Ohio. Although the visitor count was low, I was very excited to get my first show jitters out of the way and practice setting up my table. I had a great time meeting other vendors, and setting up for a good cause. I also got some gift shopping done while I was there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are some photos of my table. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I will also be setting up at the OktoberArtFest at the B&O Station in downtown Youngstown, Ohio on October 1<sup>st</sup> & 2<sup>nd</sup>. If you'r local, come by for a visit! You can also see my items at <a href="http://www.rustbeltgallery.etsy.com/">http://www.rustbeltgallery.etsy.com/</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2uAFj1ooSo/Tnito-6QI-I/AAAAAAAAAJE/17X9Kf1NNag/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2uAFj1ooSo/Tnito-6QI-I/AAAAAAAAAJE/17X9Kf1NNag/s400/IMG_3552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uIQHcP098Q/Tnitlt9r_sI/AAAAAAAAAJA/rMbpLETZ7OI/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uIQHcP098Q/Tnitlt9r_sI/AAAAAAAAAJA/rMbpLETZ7OI/s400/IMG_3551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-of2JDC0PXsA/Tnitw8I4FwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/ssEguyegI4w/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-of2JDC0PXsA/Tnitw8I4FwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/ssEguyegI4w/s400/IMG_3548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-7571513421506290191?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-645184521569478952011-08-20T20:40:00.000-04:002011-08-20T20:40:46.098-04:002011-08-20T20:40:46.098-04:00New Silly Item!I listed a new item in my Etsy shop that makes me chuckle. It can be customized with different faces!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71QDKa_ql38/TlBSKpV8LFI/AAAAAAAAAI4/xgOn4YKwaXg/s1600/back2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71QDKa_ql38/TlBSKpV8LFI/AAAAAAAAAI4/xgOn4YKwaXg/s640/back2.JPG" width="507" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can find this item here---></span> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80007939/friend-embroidery-hoop-art-i-got-your"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/80007939/friend-embroidery-hoop-art-i-got-your</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-64518452156947895?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-81028189311966263292011-08-07T21:19:00.002-04:002011-09-20T11:17:52.665-04:002011-09-20T11:17:52.665-04:00Etsy Seller Feature and GIVEAWAY: KB Photography<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2nqP4C7aV0/Tj8VuLt-nPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/LNRADTb5MIc/s1600/KB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2nqP4C7aV0/Tj8VuLt-nPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/LNRADTb5MIc/s320/KB2.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Note: KB Photography has reached 100 facebook fans and the giveaway has ended. Still read on and find out more about this great artist!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">While surfing the pages of Etsy, I came across KB Photography, a shop whose photography was both intriguing and mysterious. Among other things, she takes close ups of everyday items with vibrant bursts of color, making the ordinary extraordinary. I had the chance to get to talk to shop owner, Kelly, about her photography. I wanted to share this gem with all of you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Read on to find out more about KB Photography, and how you could win any piece of photography from her shop!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">How long have you been selling on Etsy?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
I joined Etsy back in September of last year and I have been selling for just over three weeks now!<br />
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What role does Etsy play in your life?</b><br />
At this point, Etsy plays a big role in my life in that it gives me the ability to promote my photography. As a stay-at-home-mom to my three kiddos, it feels good knowing that I am able to be home with them while also contributing to our family’s financial needs.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qq9-xGIO3TU/Tj8ZT1P0R7I/AAAAAAAAAIk/XaYvR9PfHeU/s1600/KB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qq9-xGIO3TU/Tj8ZT1P0R7I/AAAAAAAAAIk/XaYvR9PfHeU/s200/KB1.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How did you get involved with photography?</b><br />
I have always had a love for photography - I can remember dressing my younger brother and sister up and making them pose for me. I think that my true passion for it was discovered when I started having children. I have a hard time putting my camera down as I truly enjoy capturing all the special moments in the lives of my little ones. You know how they say that you take less pictures the more children you have? That saying does not ring true for me at all – in fact, I am the exact opposite!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where does your inspiration come from?</b><br />
From everywhere! I am inspired by so many things! My children are my biggest inspiration, but I also find beauty in the everyday. I started a 365 project at the beginning of this year in order to stretch myself personally as well as in my photography. It has really helped to give me a new perspective! I enjoy going for walks to see what I can find. I make an effort to pay attention to the tiniest of details, to look at things I’ve seen many times over in a new light. It’s amazing what you can discover if you just stop and observe. If you take a moment to look not just at the big picture, but also at all the little things that help to make up the big picture.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?</b><br />
If it is what you love to do, if it is your passion – keep going! Think outside the box and take tons and tons of pictures! If you want to better your abilities, improve your craft – you’ve got to practice and take risks. In practicing, you will discover your style and what most inspires you. Good luck and happy shooting!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anything else you'd like to add?</b><br />
Really just a big, heartfelt thank you to everyone that has been so supportive and encouraging to me thus far! You all helped me in gaining the courage I needed to start this journey and I am excited to see where it takes me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGffuQt7apE/Tj8ZkJdBiKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/yJRHKzbXAfI/s1600/kb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGffuQt7apE/Tj8ZkJdBiKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/yJRHKzbXAfI/s200/kb3.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Now you have the amazing chance to win a beautiful photography print from this artist. Win any photo from her shop, in any listed size! This is open to everyone!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">How to enter…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Mandatory Entry</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">ONE ENTRY: Like KB Photography’s facebook fan page. Then, return here and let me know you did and under what facebook username.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also leave your email so we can contact you if you win. If you already are a fan on facebook, just remind us below to enter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">We will draw the winner once she reaches 100 fans so there are a limited number of entries for this giveaway. KB Photography’s facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KellyBosPhotography"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/KellyBosPhotography</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Bonus Entries</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">ONE ENTRY: Also on KB Photography’s facebook, “like” the photo you think you would select if you were to win this giveaway. In another comment below, let us know which one you selected. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">ONE ENTRY: Follow this blog, and then let me know below. If you’re already a follower, just remind me below for a bonus entry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Good Luck everyone! I will continue to update you as we get closer to drawing the winner!</span></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPTgYLIhh9w/Tj8WcSrtV1I/AAAAAAAAAIc/bc6-eIin8m4/s1600/kb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 113px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 99px;"></a></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1Em4pVZKwo/Tj8YIj_Hm4I/AAAAAAAAAIg/LYX6St4OHBg/s1600/kb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1Em4pVZKwo/Tj8YIj_Hm4I/AAAAAAAAAIg/LYX6St4OHBg/s400/kb4.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly and her family. A beautiful photograph, of course!</td></tr>
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</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-8102818931196626329?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-20551540243628737422011-08-04T17:56:00.000-04:002011-08-04T17:56:13.156-04:002011-08-04T17:56:13.156-04:00Nikki's Giveaway Selection<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As mentioned a few days ago, follower Nikki was the winner of the Grand Opening Giveaway. She selected my Newlywed ornament with a few adjustments to it. I liked this so much I decided to make it a new listing in my shop! You can customize the name, year, and faces on your own ornament at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79131225/personalized-married-couple-2011">http://www.etsy.com/listing/79131225/personalized-married-couple-2011</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6tt4DTpHU8/TjsUmh0elII/AAAAAAAAAG8/ifTyL9v3Xf4/s1600/couple+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6tt4DTpHU8/TjsUmh0elII/AAAAAAAAAG8/ifTyL9v3Xf4/s320/couple+3.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ-j151dYmw/TjsUoc7ROUI/AAAAAAAAAHA/2O2GioZ9f5s/s1600/couple+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ-j151dYmw/TjsUoc7ROUI/AAAAAAAAAHA/2O2GioZ9f5s/s320/couple+2.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rW_kn4GwJw/TjsUqxxytUI/AAAAAAAAAHE/lU1lzV_3ymw/s1600/couple+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rW_kn4GwJw/TjsUqxxytUI/AAAAAAAAAHE/lU1lzV_3ymw/s320/couple+1.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks Nikki for allowing me to share this with everyone! I hope you enjoy your new ornament!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-2055154024362873742?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-70769478379873310552011-08-03T09:06:00.001-04:002011-08-03T15:10:59.763-04:002011-08-03T15:10:59.763-04:00Etsy Seller Feature: NatesMommyMadeIt<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSNT96X8Mg/TjhpkYiwLVI/AAAAAAAAAGw/NJqvyrSPf3c/s1600/NatesMommy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSNT96X8Mg/TjhpkYiwLVI/AAAAAAAAAGw/NJqvyrSPf3c/s320/NatesMommy1.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I recently visited Etsy shop, NatesMommyMadeIt, and immediately fell in love with owner Makisha’s </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">reusable cloth wipes, blankets, and rag dolls, but it was the reusable sandwich and snack bags that I absolutely had to have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NatesMommyMadeIt made me two incredibly durable reusable baggies, with a thick velcro strip to keep all contents inside. These bags are very easy to clean, and I have no need for the plastic, disposable variety anymore, so I will save money (woohoo!)! All the while, reducing my carbon footprint! I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I had also had the opportunity to ask Makisha some questions about her business… </span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>How long have you been selling on Etsy?</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been selling for a little over a year now. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What role does Etsy play in your life?</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really has a pretty big role right now. Being a mom of two little ones and staying at home and raising them, is very important to my husband and I. My shop is a way for me to supplement our income, and continue to stay at home with my kids! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Explain your typical day.</strong></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6tVTZgFB1I/TjhptAtN27I/AAAAAAAAAG0/mBLFWCB12ko/s1600/NatesMommy2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6tVTZgFB1I/TjhptAtN27I/AAAAAAAAAG0/mBLFWCB12ko/s200/NatesMommy2.JPG" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ha, ha...very busy! Mornings are spent checking and replying to emails in between feeding my kids breakfast and getting them dressed. If I need to make a run to the post office, it's usually done in the morning, unless of course I have more than a couple packages. A post office trip with 8 packages, a four year old, and a two year old, don't mix very well for anyone involved! Those trips are saved for the evening when my husband gets home and I get to sneak off for a quiet trip alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the day, I try to focus on the kids as much as possible, although some days I really do have to just get some work done. I am fortunate that my kids love doing crafts, and I can usually keep them busy with a pile of fabric or other crafts. My husband has graciously offered to take over "bath time" and I get some free time in the evenings to get a little sewing in. Most of my "work time" comes after the kids are in bed for the night. It makes for a long day!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Tell me about your product(s).</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sell a wide variety of baby and children's items. Baby blankets, reusable cloth wipes, dolls and stuffed animals and reusable sandwich/snack bags. All of the items in my shop you will see in my own home! I hope that others can get as much pleasure and joy out of my creations as we do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MTzl0Q4Vw/Tjhp3jYKzKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/8vVyw9VuKtw/s1600/NatesMommy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MTzl0Q4Vw/Tjhp3jYKzKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/8vVyw9VuKtw/s200/NatesMommy3.jpg" t$="true" width="150" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What advice do you have for new Etsy sellers?</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv486362523apple-style-span">I would say go for it! If you want to become successful, you have to put a lot of hard work and dedication into it. Join a few great teams, get involved with the Etsy community, ask for advice and don't give up!</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to add?</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel very lucky that I have found Etsy. I have met a lot of really nice people, and have the most fabulous customers!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<strong>Check out all of NatesMommyMadeIt's items at <a href="http://www.natesmommymadeit.etsy.com/">http://www.natesmommymadeit.etsy.com/</a>!</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-7076947837987331055?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-63031534148915762442011-08-01T17:01:00.002-04:002011-08-01T17:01:51.826-04:002011-08-01T17:01:51.826-04:00Grand Opening Giveaway… The Results!And the winner is... Nikki! I will be posting pictures of the custom item she selected later this week! Thanks everyone for entering! This giveaway was such a success that I plan to do more in the near future so check back. Thanks!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-6303153414891576244?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-91648166653121887232011-07-26T16:57:00.001-04:002011-07-26T18:45:53.828-04:002011-07-26T18:45:53.828-04:00Etsy Seller Feature: littlepearlquilts<div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk3TEdc0YRU/Ti7_04U253I/AAAAAAAAAF0/SelcNG69WqY/s1600/1+Crinkle+Toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_q12ty6="130" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk3TEdc0YRU/Ti7_04U253I/AAAAAAAAAF0/SelcNG69WqY/s200/1+Crinkle+Toy.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I recently encountered Etsy shop, littlepearlquilts, specializing in <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">modern embroidery and patchwork. The designer, Jessa, features baby quilts, cotton play food, and my favorite, crinkle toys. I purchased one of these for my 9 month old son, and it has since been my best investment. It has a permanent place on his high chair to entertain him while I prepare his meals. He plays with the soft tags and crumples the square in his hands to hear that oh-so-interesting crinkle sound. I had the pleasure of getting to ask Jessa some questions about her products, her shop, and her life with Etsy…<b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>How long have you been selling on Etsy? </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I think my Etsy page says that my shop opened in 2008, but that's just when I found Etsy, fell in love, and started shopping. I actually just started selling this February, so July makes 6 months.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>What role does Etsy play in your life?</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I spend my days at home, caring for my toddler and my mom, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. My days are full, and it can be kind of lonely. Etsy has been really wonderful for me, a way to connect with the outside world, to get mood-lifting praise and feedback from my customers, and to make enough money to buy all the pretty fabric I love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Explain your typical day.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCWSprLEN2Q/Ti8AHmN8YjI/AAAAAAAAAF4/TEquqnbT4ys/s1600/1+Pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_q12ty6="296" height="139" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCWSprLEN2Q/Ti8AHmN8YjI/AAAAAAAAAF4/TEquqnbT4ys/s200/1+Pants.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I squeeze moments of sewing in between changing diapers, cooking dinner, sweeping, laundry, and errands. I also get a lot done at night, after my little one goes to sleep. My husband has his own Etsy shop, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.candyandoysters.etsy.com/">http://www.candyandoysters.etsy.com/</a></span>, and it's nice to have that evening time together, just the two of us, him painting and me sewing, with the house quiet and peaceful.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Tell me about your product(s).</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I make quilts and soft toys for babies and kids. I've just started selling some clothing, like these baby pants: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76225792/cotton-seersucker-baby-pants-peppermint" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/listing/76225792/cotton-seersucker-baby-pants-peppermint</a>. The quilts are my favorite. I love seeing the colors and prints I choose come together to make something new and beautiful. I use an improvisational piecing method that makes each quilt one-of-a-kind. I use all natural materials as much as possible, because that's what I always want for my own baby - and soft, 100% cotton is just so nice to work with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJKxMIY47-s/Ti8Fo4s9neI/AAAAAAAAAGA/hmD84EeiU6E/s1600/1+play+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJKxMIY47-s/Ti8Fo4s9neI/AAAAAAAAAGA/hmD84EeiU6E/s200/1+play+food.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>What advice do you have for new Etsy sellers?</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Be patient, and make what you love. Also, shop on Etsy! I love buying gifts and material and supplies from other Etsy sellers. It's a great way to make connections, add to your own positive feedback, and support other small business owners just like yourself.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to add?</strong><br />
I love doing custom orders. Getting to know my wonderful customers is one of my favorite things about Etsy. I love seeing their choices and favorite colors come together to make something really special, that I might not have thought of myself but really love in the end. And I love hearing about the little ones I'm sewing for, and embroidering their sweet names, and thinking about them snuggled up with their special things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">View all of littlepearlquilts' items at <a href="http://www.littlepearlquilts.etsy.com/">http://www.littlepearlquilts.etsy.com/</a>. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-9164816665312188723?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-25340981188215458762011-07-21T13:37:00.000-04:002011-07-21T13:37:31.708-04:002011-07-21T13:37:31.708-04:00Simple Craft Ideas: Button Pendant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9XCGcgkU2c/Tihia85WWkI/AAAAAAAAAFc/kIM0BJ5I_4o/s1600/button+pendant+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9XCGcgkU2c/Tihia85WWkI/AAAAAAAAAFc/kIM0BJ5I_4o/s200/button+pendant+1.JPG" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am the first to admit that I have a craft supply shopping addiction. If I see something that sparks my creative interest, I buy it on impulse. That is exactly what happened when I bought an economy sized bag of assorted buttons at my local craft store. I imagined all the amazing things I could make with these buttons, and I have made a few, but the lonely rest have been sitting without purpose. Until now…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4f9hUQPJiE/Tihi_N9JtRI/AAAAAAAAAFg/XelKYEwFEIA/s1600/button+pendant+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4f9hUQPJiE/Tihi_N9JtRI/AAAAAAAAAFg/XelKYEwFEIA/s200/button+pendant+2.JPG" t$="true" width="168" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I decided to experiment with some of the buttons to make jewelry, and came up with a simple pendant idea that turned out adorable. Materials needed were one large button, one smaller button, a small piece of DMC cotton floss, a bail, and glue (Judi Kins Diamond Glaze). First, I overlapped the buttons and glued them together, holes matching. I stitched them together as well for decorative purposes, and then glued a silver-toned bail on the back for hanging. I got a little glue on the front of the pink button, but know to be more careful next time! This cute-as-a-button pendant only took five minutes to create! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-2534098118821545876?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-78719738057969570202011-07-19T17:24:00.000-04:002011-07-19T20:19:49.269-04:002011-07-19T20:19:49.269-04:00Something New: Painting on Wood<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hand stitching is very accommodating to my lifestyle since it doesn’t require many props.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can sit on the couch with a small piece of fabric, and work while my kids play on the floor. No machines. No mess. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But today, I took a break from my usual hoop art obsession of cross stitching and hand-embroidering. As fate would have it, all naps would align and I could venture into the untidy world of painting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had enough time to sketch a design on a wood plaque and get most of it painted <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">using acrylics </span>before the baby monitor started blasting. The rest, I finished in 60 second increments throughout the day. Although not my best work, since it’s been a while since my high school painting class, definitely something to brighten up my son’s bookshelf! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPbwhTrWNuE/TiX1Ptm664I/AAAAAAAAAEs/43vmC4ti7vM/s1600/Letter+J+Painted+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPbwhTrWNuE/TiX1Ptm664I/AAAAAAAAAEs/43vmC4ti7vM/s400/Letter+J+Painted+Wood.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-7871973805796957020?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-16769307905779281602011-07-18T07:55:00.000-04:002011-07-18T14:17:36.699-04:002011-07-18T14:17:36.699-04:00Grand Opening Giveaway!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">To welcome new visitors to my Etsy shop and blog, I am having a giveaway! You have the chance to win your choice of any item in my Etsy shop, including custom or personalized items! I create original works of hoop art, using whatever materials and embellishments I can find. I get a thrill out of turning a simple piece of fabric into something special and unique. See some examples below...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlb6hL8o_o/TiQcyLdmD7I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/mmdwtcjb4Us/s1600/buttonflower3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlb6hL8o_o/TiQcyLdmD7I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/mmdwtcjb4Us/s320/buttonflower3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMEPohv4YoA/TiQcvvQxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAEM/hARzMz0UMoM/s1600/Blue+Button+Swirl+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMEPohv4YoA/TiQcvvQxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAEM/hARzMz0UMoM/s320/Blue+Button+Swirl+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FYJzdbOaw0/TiQc1Yz2UsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_CACrlyw2lc/s1600/pregnant+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FYJzdbOaw0/TiQc1Yz2UsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_CACrlyw2lc/s320/pregnant+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It’s REALLY easy to enter!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">All you have to do is follow my blog. Then comment to this post with “following!” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Gain an extra entry by liking my shop on Etsy! Then post a link to your Etsy shop or profile below! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Gain a third entry by following me on twitter. Then comment to this post with your twitter name!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you are already following any of these items, you can still enter! Just post said comments below!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">All entries will recieve a free shipping coupon upon request! Just convo or message me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This contest will go on until July 31<sup>st</sup>, so don’t wait! I will draw the winner on August 1<sup>st</sup>. The winner will get to chose from any item that is listed in my shop at that time, so check back often to view new listings! Contest is open to United States and Canada residents.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Etsy shop link: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltGallery">http://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltGallery</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Twitter link: <a href="http://twitter.com/RustBeltGallery">http://twitter.com/RustBeltGallery</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-1676930790577928160?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179389362490832736.post-43781802348786833452011-07-15T09:54:00.000-04:002011-07-15T09:54:26.190-04:002011-07-15T09:54:26.190-04:00Welcome!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">After a great deal of organizing, I have coordinated social media with my Etsy Shop! Now, it’s time to start posting and sharing my love of all things creative. Look forward to many great things such as product reviews, tutorials, articles, and anything else related to the world of arts, crafts, and all things handmade. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">To start, you can follow my blog, and then view my new Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltGallery">http://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltGallery</a>. It’s a work in progress so expect new items often!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3179389362490832736-4378180234878683345?l=rustbeltgallery.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>RustBeltGalleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729209881698844009noreply@blogger.com2