Sarah from Going Coastal

I am part of a great group of Etsians and have had the honor of meeting a few very talented designers that contribute to the group.

One in particular was very sweet when I met her in person at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. I had only met Sarah from Going Coastal in one little exchange online, and introduced myself to her at the bash. I had wanted to get a bracelet from her for a while.

I bought a great wrap bracelet for myself and a little one for my daughter that night and just fell in love with her work. I later placed a custom order for a black and red wrap bracelet, since they are my favorite colors and she turned it out in very little time. She even had to special order the red coral beads I wanted. I really appreciate her going above and beyond and just wanted to share my great experience. She was even so sweet to send along a thank you note with a bracelet for Gennie, because of "my continued support."

I love people like this. This is the why I love buying handmade. There's just an extra feeling of friendship that goes into the process. Even though I don't really know Sarah, I feel a little connection, with her and her work. When items are handmade, they mean something. At least that's how I feel about it, lol.

I always enjoyed creating handmade cards for my friends and family. There's just something special about handmade items, whatever they may be.

Here's a look at the great bracelet she made.

You can see more great hemp accessories at her Etsy shop.

The quality of her work is amazing and the materials she uses are genuine coral and top quality hemp.

Visit:
GoingCoastal.etsy.com

Sweet, Simple Card

It's never a bad time to give your loved one a little note to say "I Love you." I created this cute little card of two birds (another bird card- what? I love birds) mingling on power lines... one confessing it's love for the other.

Its sweet. It's simple. And you still get a surprise gift sample with purchase.

Only $2.50 (cheaper than Hallmark!!)

It comes with your choice of a white or red envelope. Please specify when ordering, to conserve paper and supplies. Thanks!

I decided to print this one on a light brown weave textured card stock, and as with all my cards, it is cut and scored by hand with care. Approximate measurement is 4.25"x5.5" folded.

It's blank on the inside for you to personalize by hand. Sweet!

Colorful Bird Cards

Colorful Bird Note Cards

I've added some even more colorful bird cards to my etsy shop. These are printed on colorful textured card stock and come with matching envelopes (unless you want white)

$6.50 per set of 4

Save the Date - Etsy Dallas Show in May

"Etsy Dallas is planning it's next big arts & crafts show!

Mark your calendars for
Saturday, May 16th

We suggest jotting down in your agenda, "Must buy local handmade goods and support Dallas' greatest art/craft collective." Or something along those lines...

Stay tuned!
Sign up for our newsletter"

-Etsy Dallas

Please sign this Petition!

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

"CPSIA Impacts on Children's Apparel Industry"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e

It doesn't effect the things I make, but it effects a lot of crafters I know. It effects their ability to make and sell handmade children's clothing and toys.

CPSIA is a blanket act that covers ALL children toys and clothing, rightfully protecting children from the crappy toys made in China. However, it needs to be revised.
They need to consider the clothing and toy makers (and crafters) that follow the lead regulations set for the US, Canada and Europe. Most crafters cannot afford to get every single handmade item tested for lead content, I believe if they are using materials manufactured in the US, they shouldn't have to.

Please take a minute to add your name to the list. Forward this to however you think would agree.

Here's some more links to articles and stuff that will help you get a little more educated on the topic:

http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/legislation.html
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/322.pdf
www.nationalbankruptcyday.com
www.fashion-incubator.com
www.apparelandfootwear.com/
http://cpsia-central.ning.com/

Thanks!

Susie

Crafty Crafts...

I've finally got to the point where I can actually have some free time to do stuff I want to do. Part of that comes from having a job that isn't so demanding of my physical and emotional stamina. I have started to enjoy my weekends at home and decided to make use of my free time and get back into crafting. It's a hobby that I had long since put on the back burner since I was working and going to school. Now that I'm done with school, I can start making stuff again.

I had already been a member of Etsy.com and joined the Etsy Dallas Team, because my friend Rita asked me to. I hadn't really been involved because I really didn't have the time to devote to it. But I've started the ball rolling for my new side projects.

I have decided to start building the stationery side of Sanctum Design Studio. I will be creating modern thank you notes, blank stationery and unique artwork postcards. I ordered a custom hand stamp with my logo that I will be signing all my items with.

I will post new products and links to my Etsy items soon.

For now, please take a look at my Modern Holiday Greeting Cards

Only $20 for 10 cards. Usually about $2.50 Each. And they are customizable, just contact me with your info and I will put in your order as soon as possible.