Soap + Coffee = Addiction

Recently, I was introduced to the world of handmade soaps.

(Oh hush, I have been bathing for 30 years now. I just always used big company products.)

Etsy has hundreds upon hundreds of bath and body type shops. You can find everything from plain jane soaps to soap pretending to be a burger! Whipped body butter? Sure, you can find that alongside of the scrubbing salts. Oh, and do not forget the EXPLODING frog soaps. How does one choose.....

Trial and error!! I have tried a few shops out, and I have found a favorite in our very own Etsy Chat Team Member, Heathenshearth!

Her Cafe Mocha Goats Milk soap has captivated me!!



Upon opening the package, I was nudged with the delicious aroma of coffee! The tantilizing scent begged me to taste it! (But, seeing as it was soap, and I did not have a wish to visit the local emergency room.. I did not nibble the soap!)

I brewed a pot of coffee. Ran a bath. Put the kids to nap. Then - HEAVEN!! I lingered in the bath quite some time. The soap, the coffee, the quiet! It all worked in my favor for those few majical moments.

The goats milk soap was filled with little bursts of exfoliating awesomeness! The cafe mocha bar left my skin feeling like silk. A perfect marraige of smooth soapy goodness, and scrubby coffee grounds!

I recommend you go over to heathenshearth.etsy.com and purchase a bar, or two, or ... well, get a sampler set!! (I have one on the way!) Experience the awesome that is Heathenshearth soaps!!


~Jenn .. the BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!~
(Yes, it is January 28th where I am..)

Chat Team Treasury

Ok, So I'm not as good at saving the images, for some reason mine always come out tiny, but here is the latest chat team treasury! :-)

Go give it some lovins!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=34897

vetrinagirl

1. Who is vetrinagirl?

VetrinaGirl is a free spirited woman whom has made her home in Italy thanks to her fantastic husband. She has an amazing little boy and basically tries to go through life with a big smile on her face.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

I do various different types of crafting and art and have always been considered a “creative type” but have never tried to make a business out of it until now.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

I pull my inspiration from everything around me, whether it be my silly son or the vibrant streets of Italy.

4. What is your favorite medium?

I don’t have a specific favourite, it really is just whichever way the creative energy is flowing that day.

5. Is Etsy/your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

Etsy is not my full time job, I am a window decorator as well. However I think I prefer to stay on Etsy all day long!

6. How did you find Etsy?

I found Etsy one day as I was browsing through some creative blogs

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

One day I decided to try the chat rooms. I had never “chatted” before. I typed in “hello” and the rest is history. I am hooked!

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

I would have to say most definitely that my favourite piece I have made is my Vintage Button Cuff. I sort of have a button obsession going on at the moment and it was wonderful to create.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

I have so many...please don’t make me name just one!

10.Tips for other Artists?

Be true to who you are.

11. Tell me a secret about yourself.

Now it wouldn’t be a secret anymore then would?!?

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

I love being apart of the Etsy world. I have met some of the kindest, funniest and most creative people I have ever known. I encourage everyone to live life to the fullest, be positive and create gorgeous thin

Promotions ARE FUN!!

One thing we all wonder is: "How the heck am I suppose to promote my ETSY shop?"

Twitter? Myspace? Blogger? Chats? Etsy Forums? Business Cards?! Paid Advertisments? Features on other blogs? Word of mouth?

YES! To all of those.

I have been poking around the web. My plan was to find a fun, exciting way of reaching a multitude of new customers. I thought about the various Titter, Blog, Etc. giveaways. Then I said to myself : " Self, why not THE SAMPLER?!"

I went to their site and began to read up on it. (I had seen the site in passing some time back, but gave little thought to it.)

http://www.homeofthesampler.com/index.html

What you do:
Contact the sampler. Let them know what you have to offer. They will then give you the aokay or the nyeh.

Once they approve you, send in 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 or MORE "samples" of your product/ in neat little packages with your business card attached. (This way it is a sample, not a promo only.)

They then package up the samples and send out SAMPLER Packages to various subscribers. (These include business owners, media outlets, buyers, and other sampler contributers.)

The more items you send, the wider audience you will reach.
(I am planning on sending 100 samples. Each sample containing an upcycled gift card guitar pick on a hemp string, or even an upcycled giftcard charm on a keychain!!)

Here is a list of some of their recent contributors: SAMPLER CONTRIBUTORS

In addition to being distributed to XX number of potential buyers, you get a FREE SAMPLER of your very own for that month! (You will get to try out goodies from many MANY others). Depending on the amount of items you send in, you can even get discounts on advertising on their site. You could receive FREE ads as well.

So, go check out their site, http://www.homeofthesampler.com/index.html and see if it is a good fit for you!!

ENJOY..

Oh and P.S.
in 7 hours I will be choosing the winner of last weeks treasure hunt. Hopefully you all are finishing up and are going to post your finds!!! As of right now, we have ONE person in the running!!

~Jenn~
www.jupita.etsy.com
www.dropsofjupita.etsy.com

Wiseoldowl

A member of the Etsy Chatters Team and a maker of gorgeous jewelry (among other things!) Wiseoldowl is our first featured seller!

1. Who is wiseoldowl?

I'm neither as old or as wise as I would have you think. I'm a new mommy to the most incredible baby boy. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my husband and our three crazy puppy dogs.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

I really love it all. If it requires creativity or ingenuity I'm in. No matter if it's actually labor or requires an inane amount of detail - I am proud of my creativity, and hope to help others find what makes them artistic as well. I've been into painting, drawing and crocheting since I was very young - my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 6 or 7. I've been making jewelry with beads since I was about 16, so almost 9 years. (Good for you, those who can do the math.)

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

Everything. From animals, buildings, nature in general, friends, a well accessorized individual. I definitely always have my eyes open. One thing that can be said about me is that I pay constant attention to detail. Do you have a new haircut? I'll be the first to notice.

4. What is your favorite medium?

Right now I really love chain and brass charms. I really like any arts or crafts supplies and could wander around AC Moore for hours.

5. Is Etsy/your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

It is definitely an on the side project. While I would love for it to bring in enough money to at least support my coffee addiction - I enjoy just being a part of such a fine group of people.

6. How did you find Etsy?

I have no clue, actually. I can't remember for the life of me.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

Etsy chatters are hilarious, intelligent and inspired people. It's so nice to talk to people with whom I have something in common. (HA! Just kidding.)

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

I really can't pick just one! I certainly have pieces that I've made for my shop that I've loved and turned around and made one for myself, that's the great thing about making accessories - and why I originally got started with it, when I didn't have something to match an outfit, voila! I made something!

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

Oh, I couldn't say. Check out my favorites, there are some incredibly talented people on Etsy!

10. Tips for other Artists?

Do what you enjoy! Everyday find time to invest in yourself and practice your craft.

11. Tell me a secret about yourself.

I have a scar on my left side from when I was little. I was climbing a tree in a dress, and when I fell a branch pierced me. I'll never forget that walk from the tree to my house, sobbing and holding my dress up, all bunched around my waist. Classy, I know.

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. -Dr Seuss

First time out... is this thing on?

Edited Wed. Jan 21 at 10pm EST.

BALANCED is the winner by a landslide. Did not have to use the random number picker.. Because, balanced was the only entrant!!

balanced, I will be convo'ing you in re to your prize

Happy Wednesday Etsy chatters!

(It is Wednesday where I am. Jacksonville, Florida, USA)

A little intro:

I am Jenn of http://www.jupita.etsy.com/ , I am a chat-aholic! I am a 30 year old stay at home mom, ex-architect, ex-mortuary assistant. I love to create art, of all kinds!

Each Wednesday, I will wander into the Etsy Chatters Blog and leave behind something for you all. One day it will be product reviews. Maybe some "How-TO-torials". I love some random silliness. I'll also throw in some promo ideas. My favorite though, is when we get to play games and win PRIZES!!!

For my maiden voyage.. I would like to host a little game.

TREASURE HUNTING!!!

The object of the game is to locate items (in the Etsy Chat Team shops) that you have clues to here:

1. Something made with Lemongrass.

2. Eat this side to get bigger. Eat that side to get smaller..

3. The one that beat the HARE!

4. Life in Plastic. It's fantastic!

5. A wolf in SHEEPS clothing, oh my!

6. HEART (hey it's close to valentines day!)

7. A winged creature.

8. The dog needs a bath!!

9. Tea or Coffee anyone?

10. It is NOT a doiley, gramma!! sheesh.

Be creative!!! I am not a stickler for EXACT!! I want to see everyone's interpretations. (And get you all to know each others shops/personalities a bit more.)

Once you have found the items, post in reply here with the links to each item! Have FUN!!! and GO GO GO!!!! (You must have links to at least 8 of the 10 items requested in order to be put in the number picker!! see next paragraph.)

Next Wednesday, January 21, I will put the names into random.org to choose a winner! The weiner.. er, I mean WINNER... will receive a customized upcycled gift card bracelet from http://www.jupita.etsy.com/ (I'd give you a prize from others shops...but, I dont have any to give away. If you ever want to be one of the give-away prizes, convo me!! It is a great promo tool!!)

I will be back later on to check progress!! Happy hunting Chatters!!!

On your marks. Get set. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

~Jupita~

Advertising for your Etsy

Well, this is the first time I'm blogging for the team blog. I'm not sure what to blog about yet but I've been browsing around in the Forums and found a site that provides free trial advertising until Jan 15th.

There are only a few days left but I thought I'd just briefly introduce the site. The name of the site is Found Handmade! It's where you can purchase a block of advertising from the site for as low as $5 for each block per month.

The look is clean and nice, sorta like Etsy.


I've included a partial print screen of the site. Check it out at http://www.foundhandmade.com.

And these are a few of my favorite things...

I snagged a treasury this morning (weeeeeeee!) and put together just a few of my favorite creations made by my other team members.

Show it some love!

It's Official!

Etsy Chatters is an official Etsy Team!

I'm not 100% sure yet what exactly we will accomplish as a team (hey I'm just a soaper, lol), it's my hope that first and foremost we can provide support, friendship along with marketing and promoting for each other.

I already have a treasury ready to go full of Team members' items.

It's my thought that I will do weekly features of our members....I'll keep you updated on that!