Indie Find: Good4You Herbs and Teas

I love my morning cup. I like to vary it up between coffee and tea. What I also love about tea is all the varieties that are caffeine free so I can enjoy them in the evening as well. I have purchased several teas from Good4You on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/good4you and enjoyed them all. They had a deal on Heartsy last week, so I stocked up. (Not familiar with Heartsy? Super discounts from Etsy shops! http://heartsy.me) You can order either loose teas or bags, whichever you prefer. I use a lot of loose teas but decided to try some bags this time. With great names and super fab artwork, this is a fun shop to browse. And excellent customer service makes it a breeze to purchase as well. Some varieties include: pure bliss chai, simmer down, wake up & live, for spring sniffles (speaking of Spring sniffles, we have some of that around our house right now, should have put that one in my cart!), and dream tea. If you are a tea lover, I highly recommend Good4You teas.

Rhubarb Vanilla

Rhubarb is one of my favorites in the Spring and Summer. I've posted my rhubarb love a few times in fact! Now, I finally decided to put that rhubarb love into soap form. I think this combo of rhubarb and vanilla is divine!

Tangy, fruity rhubarb adds a burst of excitement and energy to delicious, elegant vanilla. A sophisticated blend, though, not so foody. In fact, I think it's a very classy, feminine scent for Spring.
Here's the listing on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72749759/rhubarb-vanilla-soap-bar

New Collaboration with Hearts and Laserbeams

Steph of Hearts and Laserbeams http://heartsandlaserbeams.com worked up some super fab new label designs for me in a Limited Edition series of soaps. I love what she came up with, they are so cute and fun!! I hereby introduce Oatmeal Stout, Bonsai, and You're a Peach, Ginger!

Sugar Scrub Cubes~New Product!

Soap and Sugar Scrub all-in-one! I just love a pampering bath or shower, but usually there is so little time. These make it easy to feel pampered while keeping to your busy schedule.

My solid sugar scrub cubes are made with moisturizing sweet almond oil, gently scrubby fine sugar, and an all natural glycerin soap base to give you the ultimate exfoliating shower scrubbing experience.

These first-in-the-line-up cute little cubes are scented Ginger Orange. Freshly squeezed oranges spiced up with refreshing ginger. A clean, crisp, delicious blend. More scents to come soon!

To use your scrub cubes, simply smoosh a cube in your wet hands and scrub over your body.
Check them out at http://soaprehab.etsy.com

Etsy Find: imwithsully

The Etsy Twitter Team member featured this week is Kimberly Coles and her Etsy shop imwithsully. Kimberly makes original art, illustrations, prints, and graphic jewelry in her own unique style. She is a fascinating person! Read on--here is an interview in her own words:

What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm an award-winning Creative Director, Designer and Illustrator with more than 20 years of advertising and marketing experience. I have lead multi-disciplinary teams at large and small ad agencies and have developed many big name brands across a variety of digital and traditional mediums. In 2009, I was named one of the “50 Best Female Web Designers Around the World”. I was also recently featured on PBS.org as top woman web designer. My branding work, web design and product illustrations for Hello World Clothing were featured as “the most adorable pajamas ever” in the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide as on Dooce.com, the leading personal blog ranked 7th on Forbes’ list of the most influential women in media. My custom handmade mother's jewelry was showcased by the Clothes for a Cause - Pink Ribbon Collection through the Home Shopping Network.

What do you want your customers to know most about your products?
My wish is to transport viewers into dream-like worlds where mythical characters, whimsical fairytale princesses, precocious pixies, and vintage kitsch cuties tell tales of enchantment and merriment. I experiment with all different types of media: graphite, paper collage, color pencils, acrylics, oils, pen and ink, crayons, copic markers, pastels, digital, clays, metals... just to name a few. I have studiously avoided “signature” motifs and prefer to evolve my illustration work with fresh concepts, techniques, and materials. Many artworks start with the potential of being my favorite, but like children, I just can’t choose one over the other.

How do you use Twitter? Do you have a business goal with Twitter?
Because I am influenced by all sorts of creativity and creative people, I recently created an inspiration showcase blog at www.websitebakery.com. Now that I’ve made the leap to being an independent Creative Director with my own design studio, the inspiration site and social media on Twitter is the most relevant way to become to inspire other creative people and drive traffic at the same time.

What is the single most important way you bring traffic/sales to your shop?
My personal portfolio and blog is devoted to illustration, design, and interactive design. As an Interactive Creative Director by day, this is my chance to get back to the art of drawing by hand and promote my work online.



Links to Kimberly Cole and her work: Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/imwithsully
Twitter: @kimberlycoles
Blog: www.imwithsully.com/blog
Portfolio: www.kimberlycoles.com
Inspiration Showcase site: www.websitebakery.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlycoles

imwithsully ships internationally.

Happy Thanksgiving And a Sale!

To celebrate the season, I'm having a special Buy One get One Half Off Sale this weekend! Friday, November 26 through Monday, November 29 (Black Friday through Cyber Monday) each item in my Etsy shop is Buy One get One Half Off (with the exception of Gift Sets). I will promptly refund through Paypal your lesser priced item(s). Happy Thanksgiving! http://soaprehab.etsy.com

New Holiday Soaps are ready!

I have a few new additions to my Etsy store especially for the holidays:

~Gilded Sugar Cookie smells like freshly baked sugar cookies with vanilla buttercream frosting. I topped each bar with a light dusting of golden mica for a festive shimmer. It's yummy!

~Peppermint Stick was made with pure peppermint essential oil for a crisp, clean, refreshing mint. Smells like cheerful candy canes and peppermint sticks and it's perfect for gloomy mornings or too much holiday shopping.

~O Christmas Tree soap is an exclusive blend that my husband helped me mix together (so he'd have something in the shower for HIM he said). It's a fresh, crisp green mix of real blue spruce, cedar, and fir essential oils warmed up with just a hint of woodsy sandalwood. Smells just like a forest of evergreen trees. Even though he helped design the blend, it's a wonderful green unisex scent.

http://soaprehab.etsy.com

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week - anapinatelier

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week - anapinatelier

This week, the Etsy Twitter Team has gone far afield to interview our shop of the week: Meet Ana Pina, the creative mind behind anapinatelier. She handcrafts jewelry which she is happy to ship all over the world.

Ana lives in live in Porto, the second largest city of Portugal, which is a small European country facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Ana describes it as "a diverse country, with sunny beaches, a beautiful countryside and mild weather." In fact, Ana is so eloquent, I will let you in on our conversation:

What do you want your customers to know most about your products?
"I create an original, unique and feminine jewelry line using mostly gemstones and metal, but also mixing different materials such as glass, wood or plastic with a vintage touch. I develop distinct collections to match different kind of personalities: some pieces are modern and rich, some are colorful with an ethnic style and some are more simple and light."

What inspires you to create?
"I couldn’t live without art – it makes me feel alive and constantly inspired. When I create jewelry I feel inspired by the versatility of combining different kind of elements, by textures and colors of natural materials such as gemstones. I also feel inspired by art itself and I love to learn watching other artists work – it makes me look at things in a new way and experimenting is a fundamental part of creation."

How does your location inspire/affect your work?:
"...I like the diversity and the small scale of the city, that allows me to walk from my home to the historic center, where I can easily visit exhibitions and craft fairs.I also live relatively near the sea and I can't live long without pay it a visit - it inspires me and makes me feel renewed!"

What is your favorite thing about your craft?
"I love to improvise as I create and my pieces often reflect states of mind – I love this intuitive side of crafting, which is an ally of technique. When I started about two years ago I was so inexperienced and I evolved a lot! It’s great the feeling of creating something unique with my own hands and to realize that other people appreciate it – I feel rewarded."

What is one of your current business goals?
"I have opened my etsy shop a few months ago, but the sales are few… I’d love to see it grow and I’ve been working on it. In my dreams I’d love to make a living with my art or at least to dedicate to it the most of my daily time, so I could evolve even more. I’ve been thinking about the possibility to take a jewelry class and invest more time in painting, which was my first and biggest passion."

What special events or plans do you have planned for Fall/Winter?
"I recently launched a new Collection line that I wish to develop during this season. It’s the Pendant Collection and it’s designed thinking about the colder days, with long and medium necklaces to use over your clothes and some hot colors. I also intend to have a promotion thinking about Christmas shopping, so stay tuned!"

How do you use Twitter? Do you have a business goal with Twitter?"I use twitter to promote my shop and spread my blog posts, which are about my work and my life. I also like to connect with other artists that share some common interests."

What is the single most important way you bring traffic/sales to your shop?"Since I created a blog...writing regularly became part of the whole creative process and this as been a great divulgation tool, but also a way to share my life and connect with others. Lately I've been also receiving a lot of feedback through facebook."

~I love the earthy feel to her designs and choice of materials.


anapinatelier is offering
Free Worldwide Shipping
if you buy two or more products!
Use the code “etsy twitter team” at check out and
the shipping cost will be refunded through Paypal after your purchase.
~~~~~~~
Etsy Shop: http://anapinatelier.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/anapinatelier
Facebook: http://facebook.com/anapinatelier
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/kuartzo
Blog: http://anapina-blog.blogspot.com
Website: http://anapina.com

Interview by Judy of WellspringCreations

Cranberry Spice Leaves and Pumpkin Spice Pumpkins

So Cute! I had a lot of fun making these sweet little shaped soaps. The red fall leaves are Cranberry Spice, and the little pumpkins are (naturally) Pumpkin Spice! Two quintessentially fall shapes and scents to enjoy in the bath. Would be very pretty sitting in a dish in the guest bath, too, if you'll let them use it. ;)

Roxy Loves Boomer's Biscuits

I'm always looking for good treats for the dog that are good for her, too. She has digestion issues with wheat and corn, so I feed her a good, natural dog food that is free of those, and don't want to mess up her system with treats. So many of the dog treats readily available out there have either corn, wheat, or both. ugh! Sometimes I just give her small chunks of apple because she is crazy about apples. But I also like having easy to grab treats around for her, and it helps reinforce training and good behaviors. I happened to find Boomer's Biscuits on Etsy and found a good match.

From BoomersBiscuits:

We know that dogs may have food allergies. Three of the most common food allergies for dogs are wheat, corn and soy. Because of this, we do not include any of these ingredients in our dog treats. Instead, we use alternative flours such as organic oat flour and organic brown rice flour in all of our dog treats. Plus we don't add any sugar or butter to our treats. All sweetness is from natural ingredients such as molasses, natural applesauce or carob chips (a dog-safe chocolate alternative).
At "Boomer's Biscuits", we like to do what we can to help save the earth. Our packaging boxes are 100% recycled! The ribbon we use is also 100% recycled (70% post consumer waste and 30% post industrial scrap). And instead of using styrofoam peanuts for shipping, we use shredded newspapers.

So, in addition to great treats, they are packaged in super easy to recycle boxes. And they have Apple Pie Bites! Apples! Roxy is crazy about them. And actually, they smell so good I had to try a crumb. Tasty indeed! :) You can find Boomer's Biscuits at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BoomersBiscuits

Wonderland Weddings

Etsy Twitter Team Celebrates Weddings!

*WHO: Etsy Twitter Team

*WHAT: WONDERLAND WEDDINGS - A NINE DAY EVENT

*WHEN: OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 9

*WHERE: http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/

*WHY: Because there’s love in the air! Great deals and offers on unique,
handcrafted finds that will make your fall or winter wedding memorable.

The Etsy Twitter Team (the authority on Twitter for all things handmade)
invites you to the wedding. Starting October 1 and running thru October 9,
team members will be offering a dazzling display of items that will make
your special day memorable.

Planning a wedding can make you crazy with all the activity that surrounds
it. It’s hard enough to find a dress and a caterer and a band, never mind
thinking about the little extras that make the event fun and memorable. The
Etsy Twitter Team is creating this event for the bride-to-be so she can find
unique items in one place. Our wedding gift to the bride will be great
specials and discounts that will make it easier on her wedding budget.

From October 1 thru October 4, Fall weddings will be featured. A splendid
display of all the Autumn colors will make for a beautiful wedding. Items
for themed weddings - Halloween, Victorian, Goth, and Southern Bell will add
to the fun.

From October 5 thru October 9, Winter weddings are in season - snow white,
sparkling blue ice, warm reds, Christmas and New Year’s. Come and see how
the Etsy Twitter Team can help you have a magical celebration.

Visit the Team’s page at
http://delicious.com/EtsyTwitterTeam

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp Pledge

I pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Body Butters are Back!

Just in time for cooler weather! When skin gets dry and flaky, it is a result of both water loss and loss of your natural skin oils. By adding water in the form of a lotion, you add back essential water to your dehydrated skin. With the addition of butters and oils, you keep that water locked in, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing further water loss. That's why I include both water and nourishing butters and oils in my body butter formulation.


Scents currently available:

~Cuppa Chai- tea, vanilla, chai spices
~Punk'in Pie- pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg
~Hot Apple Cider- apples, cinnamon, orange peel
~Pineapple Crush- juicy pineapple
~Fuzzy Navel- peach + orange
~Tiny Bubbles- fruity champagne
~Bohemian- patchouli, sandalwood, spice
~Pure Rehab- unscented
~Caramel Latte- sweet coffee with caramel
~Island Pear- juicy pear + vanilla
~Hawaiian Orange Guava- Satsuma orange + guava

Cuppa Chai-New Soap for Fall

Chai tea is one of my favorite beverages, especially in the fall. That warm spicy blend of creamy vanilla with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Yum!

My Cuppa Chai soap is made with skin-loving, creamy shea butter for a non-drying bar. I also added a real black tea infusion and tea leaves suspended throughout for light scrubbiness.

Doggie Bed

Check out the adorable new doggie bed I got from http://acutedesigns.etsy.com! :)

New Spring Soaps!

In my Etsy shop! Pineapple Crush is a juicy, delicious tropical paradise-type scent. All about the pineapple, this scent takes me right back to Hawaii, eating fresh pineapple on the beach. yum
And a sneak preview: Fuzzy Navel, coming soon! A fun, fruity blend of fuzzy peach and bright citrus-y navel orange. Just like sipping cocktails poolside.

Think Spring! UWIB Promo

I am so glad Spring is on the way! The sun is up earlier...you know, when I am! The birds are out, the sun is shining, and now the snow is starting to melt. Huzzah! Some of our UWIB members' Etsy shops and independent businesses are having different promotions inspired by Spring. Qualifying items for each shop vary, so please see each individual shop for their promotion.

Etsy shops participating will have a shop announcement: Unique Women in Business Etsy Team will be having a THINK SPRING event starting Friday, March 5th thru Monday, March 8th. Search using UWIBSPRING to find all shops/items participating.

Here is the thread for more information and to see who is participating: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6434845

To immediately start searching, click here.


Independent Businesses participating:
Charms~N~Things
http://www.naughtyandnicelingerie.com - Fast free shipping within the USA, dollar rewards and free gifts
http://www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/tammyreed - 20% off any purchase
http://www.zibbet.com/faerycharming
http://glitzyevents.com - I'll be having a $25.00 off any invitation order of $300 or more. Use promo code THINKSPRING at check-out March 5th-8th at http://glitzyevents.com and click Shop.



Please help us spread the word by blogging, Facebooking, or tweeting about this event.

You can learn more about UWIB here: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Unique-women-in-buisness/

UWIB Team Free Shipping Promotion - Jan 22-25

Due to my current mad-hectic schedule I'm not going to be able to participate in this event, but I do want to promote it and the fabulous ladies of UWIB (Unique Women in Business) so here are the details:

UWIB is excited to announce their first Team Event! Participating UWIB businesses are offering free shipping Jan 22nd - 25th. Please look forward to an upcoming post with website links.

In the meantime, please visit this thread moderated by our wonderful creator of this event, Cobweb Corner. Here you will find the rules and means by which you can find the participating Etsy shops. Look for UWIBTEAMFS tags to receive free shipping on many wonderful items!

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop Of The Week: Scrap With Style

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop Of The Week: Scrap With Style

Shop Of The Week: Scrap With Style

If you're always on the lookout for unique papers and embellishments, Scrap With Style is a dream come true.


As owner Janelle Jones says, "I have papers, ribbons, rub-ons, embellishments, cardstock, scrapbook albums, fun things that can bring family photographs to life! I also make some premade scrapbook albums (paper-bag, recycled CD style and others) and put together page kits and cut paper packs too."


A stay-at-home/work-at-home mom with two little girls, Janelle finds inspiration " in the tons of pictures I take of my two girls. Those pictures are what got me into scrapbooking and making photo projects! I really love displaying family photos."


She also loves the fact that the business allows her to work at home alongside her girls, ages 2 and 4. "My 4 year old particularly likes to help with packing the orders and ribbons!"

From a business perspective, Janelle finds Twitter great for connecting with fellow crafters. "I love to meet people and I really enjoy the social aspect of twitter. It's fun to meet other crafty people and share tricks and tips about papercrafting!"

The shop happily ships both across the country and internationally.

For more information about ScrapWithStyle:

http://www.twitter.com/scrapwithstyle
http://facebook.com/scrapwithstyle
http://janellescraps.com/
http://scrapwithstyle.com/
For this week, Janelle is offering the following great discounts:

10% off orders of $5 or more, 15% off orders of $10 or more, and 20% off orders of $20 or more just put "SOTW" in msg to seller @ checkout. Refunds made via paypal or you can request an updated invoice before payment.

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale

FREE worldwide shipping in my Etsy shop on all orders placed between Thursday November 26 and Monday November 30. Get your holiday shopping done now! Stop by at http://soaprehab.etsy.com