Board No. 129 - Cyber Monday Holiday Edition

Here are some great holiday decor and clothing finds for sale this Cyber Monday. Have fun and go shopping!

Top row: Peppermint Candy Silkscreened Holiday Pillow from sewluckygirl; Blown Glass Ornaments from wolfartglass; Vintage Gnome Porcelain Bell from TidBitz
Middle row: Santa Hello Kitty Christmas Hat from PrettyKiddy; Frankincense Vegan Body Soap from daisycakessoap; Pixie Stocking Cap from BrairRoseCraftyThing
Bottom row: Moose Heart Bird Infant Bodysuit from thebirdandelephant; Berry Peacock Eye Peep Toe Pleated Pumps from LaPlumeEthere; Jolly Christmas Decoupaged Ornaments from retropage

Board No. 127 - Cyber Monday Sales

Support Etsians in your holidays shopping (for you AND for others) with Cyber Monday buys - including those having sales today such as these. More to come in subsequent posts!

Top row: Auvenier XL Bag from iragranteco; Faded Blue Plaid Pencil Skirt Dress from VonlenskaVintage; Puppy Love Plus Stuffed Animal from LayneDesign
Middle row: Morpho Didius Giant Blue from REALBUTTERFLYGIFTS; Knitting Pattern Sale from NeekaKnits; Vinyl Wall Sticker Decals - Owls, Birds, Butterflies Branch Set from wallartdesign
Bottom row: Cotton Wang Chung Two Tone Infinity Scarf from boubo; Chocolate Brown Fretwork Pillow from studiodesignlab; 2011 Desk Calendar from modernarteveryday

Board No. 109 - The Stork Keeps Landing

I am in the throws of co-planning a baby shower for one of my friends, and I've been immersed in all things baby for a while now, since it seems like everyone around me is popping one (or three!) out. So, I thought I'd go in search of some gifts on Etsy, and maybe even some ideas for the shower.
Top row: Wooden Pinwheels Stacker Toy from prettydreamer; Matilda the Giraffe Baby Tag Toy/Rattle from babybomb; Wash Cloth Cupcakes Girlie Style from babycakesanddecorSecond row: Fish Mobile from PerpetualChildhood; Maya Reversible Pouch Baby Sling from polkadotpapoose; Organic Crochet Teething Rings from locoMOmomma
Third row: Brazilian Cherry Natural Cars from happysquashtoys; Baby Boy Cupcake Hat from NinisHandmades; Organic Nap Mat from SewnNatural
Bottom row: Changing Table Organizer from RockyTopDesign; Polka Dots Cloth Play Blocks from knitstyle; Reversible Baby Bib from thepatacakebaby

Board No. 102 - Pounce

It's been a little while since I've done a Pounce post, which is quite a shame — I think they're my favorite because you don't go in with an expectations and they are such a good representation of your current mood. It's weird. I also love browsing through the Pounce Undiscovered listings because you get to catch up on all of the latest trends. So fun!

Top row: Copper Pick Earrings from dannikellidesigns; Apple Kitchen Canister from beckysterrett; Handmade '80s Rainbow Earrings from msthingsandstuff; Grass Fat Quarter of Fabric from repeat
Middle row: Black True Norway Draw String Shoulder Bag from cparty; Antique Applique Textile from ThreadsOfOld; My Deer Heart Embroidered Cushion from angharadjefferson; 14k Gold-Filled Chain and Swarovski Crystal from Leakat
Bottom row: GothSack - Needled to Death from Pixlkitten; Three Hearts in Sterling from KriksSilver; Starlight Candle from BeautifulFlame; Ruffle Bum Onesie from sewsavie

Board No. 97 - Personalization

Sometimes it's just hard to know what to get for someone (especially someone who seemingly has it all already) and you just don't want to go the impersonal gift card route. Well, here are some extremely personal (no, not in that way!) ideas that I think most gals would dig — featuring in the center Etsy Bloggers Street Team Shop of the Month, memoriesforlifesb:

Featured in center: Custom Name or Word Album-Up to 6 Letters from memoriesforlifesb (I chose this one in particular because I actually have a friend who named her son Zander and I had never heard that before, but I guess there's another one out there!)
Top row: Personalized Monogram Initials Pink and Green Lunch Box from myduckduckgoose; Sterling Ingot Initial Ring from brightsmith
Middle row: Hannah Flat Note Cards from PeonyPaperie; Schoolhouse Alphabet - Child's Birth Keepsake Print from prettymod
Bottom row: Initial Necklace in 14 Karat Solid Gold from reddestradish; Custom Photo Charm Necklace from MamaBethBling; Alphabet Pillow Custom from hilarycosgrove; Sweet Lavender and Leaf from onelifejewelry

Board No. 94 - Crack Snap Shot

I just got a new camera for my birthday (thanks Dave!) and it takes some pretty awesome photos, which I'm pretty excited about for my store listings. The last item I listed was photographed with my old camera and I was almost hesitant to post it because the photos were shaky (though the bowls were cute). For those Etsy sellers who want some photographic advice, The Storque has written many posts about it. (UPDATE: Ha! Right after I posted this, I checked my e-mail to see that Etsy' success tip today was about photography, too. We all just think alike...) So, I have been randomly searching through Etsy noticing some of the most amazing photography — and all for item listings, not for photo prints, though I would think about buying some of them...

These mustache glasses by BreadandBadger I'm featuring because the photographs showcase the product perfectly: in use in a funny way (the girl); the glasses full, so that the design can be better seem; and the product being made. Great example of how to sell a product through photography!

I love when a fashion piece (or, really, any item that can be used in different ways) is modeled or displayed in numerous styles so that you can visualize various ways to wear it. This convertible scarf by fray is a great example because if it was just laying folded on a table, you'd see the pretty colors but not realize the utility and function of the buttons in creating different looks.

Here some other exemplary examples*:

Corelle Open Handle Cups from Troop2Libb
It's just a little funny without being silly and the dog makes the shot without distracting from the object itself. And by the seller using the dog in most of the store's product shots, it gives it consistency and branding; the dog automatically becomes recognizable to the store and is the mascot of sorts!

Lovely Little Chocolate Diamond Ring from BloomStudios
I just think the background here adds so much to the photo. By it being the same color family but being out of focus, it draws out the best qualities of what is in focus. Too many sellers have busy backgrounds that distract from the product image, especially when it's in small preview/list mode.

Vintage Martinez Valero Leather Modern High Heels from yesterdaysnew
I featured these shoes on a previous board and every time I see them they catch my eye. Now, I don't usually recommend playing around with a photo too much because it can take away from the sincerity of the product, but in this case it showcases it very nicely — plus, it makes it look like it came out of a magazine.

Personalized Giant Fleece Ball from handmadepretties
For this one and the next one, it's all about showing relative size. You can give the dimensions of a product, but what does 52" mean when you are picturing something in your mind. By putting an object that is either a common size (like a penny) or the intended user (like a baby) in the same frame, your eye can see relative size of the object. Plus, babies are really cute!

Monogrammed Organic Baby Blanket from organicblankees

* I didn't include bead photos even though there are some awesome micro shots, but there's just too many sellers who do a good job in this category. Also, I didn't make this into a "board" because it would have cutoff some of the photo composition, compromising some of the integrity of the shot and making it harder to prove my point - but do keep in mind that Etsy automatically crops everything into those horrid little squares and you want to make sure that the focus of your photo is your product.

Board No. 88 - Pounce Roundup 1

While searching the pounce undiscovered listings I found so many things to feature that I didn't know what to do with myself. And, most notably, I found new trends, which I always love. Here are some great clothing/accessory finds from new sellers:

Top row: Retro Dress (Navy) from justkitsch; Car Onesie from mandymade; Eco Friendly Button Tree Bag from dreammachines
Middle row: 1970s Tulip Button Up from VioletVariance; 80s High-Top Sneakers from ellmerfud; Grey Flower Tank from Coie
Bottom row: A Spring Cape from kajaro; Silk Summer Scarf from alisonsweaving; Turquoise A-Line Vintage Dress from RachaelsRealm

Board No. 87 - Free Bird

Yes, this post is inspired by the classic rock anthem. I was scanning through Etsy seller reddestradish's shop and saw a beautiful necklace she made, coincidentally called "Free Bird," and I was instantly transported back to the multiple (yes, that means many, many) times I saw Lynyrd Skynryd in concert — hey, come on, they were awesome, and I'm from Cleveland... So, I scanned Etsy to see if there were other listings called "free bird," and there were — a lot of them — and they were cute! Here are some of the more rockin' ones:

Top row: Free Bird Locket and Crystal Drop Chain Earrings from dezforget; Free Bird Vintage Charm Necklace from reddestradish; Free Bird Necklace from goodfriday; Free Bird Peacock Feather and Paua Shell Earrings from bornefrie
Second row: Free Bird Tank from Alliecraft; Free Bird Canvas Print from KelliMurrayArt; Free Bird Hand Screenprinted Art from whomadewho
Third row: Be Free Bird Necklace in Turquoise Finish from GenevieveGail; Free Bird Ring from persimmonjewelry; Free Bird Silver Necklace from shesells; Free Bird from onelifejewelry
Bottom row: Free Bird Vintage Wedge Heel Shoes from NostalgicDesigns (not sure why these are called free bird, but I love them!); Free Bird Artistan Silver Earrings from Samantha33; Free Bird Necklace from edor; Free Bird Guitar Pick Necklace from kahlaw

Board No. 83 - Going Green

It seems like this is the time for teams to get together for a cause! Well, here is another one I'd like to highlight: The Etsy Twitter Team is Going Green with tips, tricks, giveaways and sales on green products this week. (Plus, they're having a scavenger hunt, which is always fun and a good way to get people to visit loads of shops! Though this one is really hard — I only found one of the eight and I visited EVERY shop. As a hint, I featured the one I did find...) Here are some of my favorites from the sale:

Top row: Black Rubon Alphabet for Scrapbooking Letters from scrapwithstyle; Houndstooth Garden Bouquet Clutch from pinswithfury; Beachcombed Sea Buttons from NovaScotiaBeachGlass; Poker Chip Altered Art Pendant Burnt Orange Butterfly from prettywhimsical
Second row: The Coraline- A Vintage Upcycled Felted Flowers Pillow from FirebirdHouse; Go Green Hand Painted Canvas Tote from HandmadeBySandi; Go Green Leaf Handmade Silver Necklace from PunkyJane; Natural Felted Organic Soaps from herbanlifestyle
Third row: Apple Dress Striped Recycled Pillowcase Jumper from Amievoltaire ; Recycled Vintage Bead Earrings from threepeats; Link You Fill My Hearts Print from geekdetails; Cable Knit Mug Cozy from waysideviolet
Bottom row: Upcycled Lady Godiva Earrings from ThatsHeadley; Cockle Shell Gold Earrings from prettycheap; Wooden Soap Dish / Soap Deck from crochetgal; Crochet Criss Cross Scarf Pattern from JaybirdDesigns

Board No. 82 - Christmas in July

The Etsy Bloggers team (which I am part of) is having a Christmas in July sale (which I am not part of, out of pure laziness of course - it also started last week and I'm just getting this up...). Click here for the complete list of stores participating, but here are some highlights:

Top row: Peter the Dancing Panda Onesie from twozanyzebras; Blue Sky Cloe Cloisonne Earrings from lindab142; Fancy Christmas Dangles from roseworksjewelry; PlayTime Potholder Set from veryverdant
Middle row: Poppy the Pipette Garden Fairy from beckykazana; Snowman Howlite Earrings from AKeepersJackpot; Curly Cute - Hand Knit Ruffled Holiday Scarves from FoxyGknits; Rainbow Sorbet Jade Necklace from FabulousChic
Bottom row: Angel Dust - Moonstone and Copper Angel Earrings from BeadedTail; Mollie Clutch In Alexander Henry's Red Carolina from TiLTcreations; Gingerbread Whipped Sugar Scrub from spottedcowsoaps; Vegas Strip - Rainbow Striped Bead Dangle Earrings from BeadedTail

★★★ And, here's the lazy man's out: If you mention this blog post when ordering from my store through July 31, I'll refund you 15% of your purchase (not including shipping). Just remember, you have to mention the post!

Board No. 81 - Etsy's Popularity Means More to Pounce on

I am definitely not the first person to make note of this, but as Etsy becomes increasingly popular, there are more and more sellers and it is harder to standout among the crowd. Your listing quickly gets buried in category listings and you have to offer something special (discounts, free shipping etc.) in order to entice people to buy from you. Plus the bad economy... Anyway, as I was searching for items for my regular pounce undiscovered posts I was noticing that there seems to be a more-than-usual amount of fantastic artisans and crafters that haven't had any sales. Here's some of my favorites:

Top row: Three-Strap Belt from MeanttoB; Fading Heart Earrings from ssMiscellany; Vintage Dominic De Rosa Fuscia Heels from RoseandJigs
Middle row: Chocolate Milk Onsies from MissTwiggy; Love Note Card from sandpiper; Romantic Grey Dress from miablaz
Bottom row: Summer Afternoon Mint Dress from gooodmorning; Cowboy and Indian Earrings from navillusmik; Fresh Peaches Bracelet from pearlandpebble

Board No. 79 - The Great Commonwealth

In honor of my trip out into the hills of Virginia — namely the Loudoun County Wine Trail — this weekend, I thought I'd continue the 50 Nifty series with the great Commonwealth.

Featured in center: Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia - Set of 5 Vintage 1930s Postcards from ProsperosBookshelf
Top row: Virginia License Plate Photo Album from tagliatela; Vintage Virginia Enamel Charm from trialbycupcakes; Pentagon Steel Bracelet Bengals from lucymachine; Wayward ACEO Print from AlteredAbbey
Second row: Spring from Underneath (Dogwood in Richmond) Photo from gallogirlphotos; Richmond, VA Love Moleskin Journal from artsharkdesigns
Third row: The Virginia Original Painting from patdehart; Richmond, Virginia Map Pinback Button Set from XOHandworks
Bottom row: Vintage Virginia Glass Tray from lookonmytreasures; Virginia Tobacco on Canvas - 8x10 from lyoungstudio; UVA Wahoo's Girls Dress from theclassicbaby; Virginia Tech Baby Bib from LydibugDesigns

Board No. 75 - CREST Lovin': It's Summer Edition

I have been trying to be more active in the CREST team discussions, which has led me to get to know some of the members — and their shops — better. I thought it was perfect timing to feature some of the team members' items again (try searching "etsycrest team" on Etsy!) - many of which are offering sales and free shipping right now after some discussions about the effectiveness of such efforts:

Top row: Flipflop Stationery Set from atelierdesigns; Hand Embroidered Wrist Cuff Blue Daisy from DotDotStitch; Robins Egg Blue Paper Bead Necklace from aprilmist
Second row: Rosy Morning Scarf from prettypanda; Chocolate Cupcake Pincushion with Emery Cherry from dottyral; Custom Tie-Dyed Layette Set from GenerationsTieDye
Third row: Victoria Earrings from hazeldesigns; Vintage Mother of Pearl Copper Ring from AWEshop; Caribbean Queen Copper and Glass Earrings from SarahElinor
Bottom row: Sterling French Bulldog Necklace from mooshygooshies; Luminescent Drop Earrings from FPC4You; Spring Fever Hoop Earrings from Pamlita11

Board No. 64 - OH - IO

Here's post No. 2 on my way to 50 Nifty. I'm heading to Cincinnati this weekend for a wedding and whereas I didn't have much love for Jersey, there is an odd place in my heart for Ohio. I am from the Buckeye State and spent 18 years growing up in the land of Cleve, so it will always be my home state (and the state that introduced me to my boyfriend, an OSU graduate).

Top tow: Sterling Silver Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Guitar Pick from AndrosCreations; Ohio in 1915 Wood Broach from ME2Designs; Buckeye Tie Dye Women's Tee from TwoFishTieDye
Middle row: Handcut Ohio Sterling Silver Necklace from MaxineDear; Homegrown in Ohio Onesie from nothingasitseams; Vintage Cardinal Gold-Plated Cameo Locket from birdylove
Bottom row: Hand-Crocheted Ohio State Buckeye's Throw from dmsdelights; Vintage Ohio Blue Charm from saltsmansoap; Ohio State Plate from RememberMeMonCherie

Board No. 63 - Take a Hike!

One of the many things I'm currently working on is a review of a hiking book, cleverly titled "Take a Hike." (It's pretty good.) It's gotten me really excited to get outside and explore some new trails. So, here's some hiking-inspired items to get you outside, exercising and feeling great!

Top row: Share the Trail Shirt from Pedal1Long; His or Her Washable Wool Hiking Socks from NeedfulThingsofSalem; Vintage Orange Galvanized Metal and Plastic Canteen from vintageagogirlMiddle row: Carved Bear Baby Onsie from mylie; Forest Photo Print from Scarlettfox; Red Striped Hiking Belt from stitchaline509
Bottom row: Going Hiking Resin Necklace from aPassionForFashion; Travel Silverware Set from ponyup; Campers' Soap-to-Go from SudsNSuch

Board No. 59 - Pounce Back

I'm here, I promise. Hopefully I can post a few today to make up for my last post being Friday. And, while looking for some items for this pounce undiscovered post I came across way too many items for just one board, so check back for some more-themed boards, this one's the random other stuff. (And as a heads up, I'm feeling a bit girlie today.)

Top row: Birdhouse with Hand-Painted Trees from swurme; Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Girls Costume Dress from dottyscloset; AuntieCookie-Designed ABC Blocks from blockage
Middle row: Wonderland by Momo Tweedle Dum Jam from VidaFabrics; Anchor Earrings from heartsandstripes; Who Gives a Hoot Unisex Onesie from YourPrintsCharming
Bottom row: Asymmetric Jersey Dress from betty2744; Cheerily Checkered Thermos from captainkitsch; Greek Key to Life Embroidered Cotton Pillows from Dahlush

Board No. 56 - My Almost Treasury

I was over looking at a friend's treasury in Treasury West a few minutes ago and noticed the list had gotten down to 223 boards — it opens up to new ones at 222. So I stalked. I decided what I wanted to do and I refreshed every five seconds until I couldn't handle it and just had to go to the bathroom. Well, when I got back, there were 343. Oh well. Anyway, here are the items I was going to post:
Top row: Baby Shoes 60s Leather from petitvintage; Colorful Bowling Pins from sweetshorn; Vintage Carter's Yellow Play Suit from PlayingHouse
Second row: Vintage Peanuts Snoopy Coin Bank from kitschkitch; 1950s Children's Book 'Little Duckling' from elizabethwrenvintage; 1970s Children's BINGO Game Cards from sushipotparts
Third row: Vintage Double Sided United States Map Puzzle from bouquet; Vintage Set 26 Wooden Alphabet Blocks from storybookcharm; Vintage Modernist Chubby Elephant Toy Figures from ScottieinaCanoe
Bottom row: Rolling Horse from thebestthings; Large Monkey Couple - 1960s Vintage Wooden Toys from UncommonEye; Vintage Wooden Toys from johnmo

Board No. 51 - Strawberries Mean Summer

I can't believe I've broken the 50-board mark! It seems like I just started doing this yesterday. Anyway, thanks for reading!

We've been picking the red, ripe strawberries from our backyard for more than a week now and are so excited that there are still loads of flowers on the plants — meaning there's going to be more strawberries for weeks to come. There is absolutely nothing better than straight-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, and strawberries are always one of the first to be picked, letting me know it's officially summer. Here's some inspiration for those who may not have a their own bushes.

Top row: Red Strawberries Potholders from frommysewingroom; Strawberry Pewter Charm from beadsws; Funky Strawberries Earring Collection from shaizcar; Strawberry Fields Necklace from redheart13
Second row: Strawberry Fields Two-Part Stamp from Corrabelle; Wild Strawberry Seeds from GardenItaly; Strawberries and Cream Votive Candle from thecraftasaurus
Third row: Strawberry Batik Onesie from jerusha; Silver and Concrete Strawberry Necklace from lulubugjewelry
Bottom row: Strawberry Pie Necklace from fakerybakery2; Juicy Strawberry Bar With Exfoliating Seeds from LoveLeeSoaps; Vintage Brass Strawberry Lockets from vivi1981ken; Vintage Anchor Hocking Strawberry Shortcake Milk Glass Mug from buppins

Board No. 48 - Cocktails and Steaks, Oh My!

So, I was also busy this week writing a review of Morton's the Steakhouse's newest book, "Morton's the Cookbook" (creative name...). The book is full of not only steak recipes, but also some amazing cocktails, salads, desserts and entrees that were all over the culinary spectrum. So, that inspired this post even though my items are a lot more kitschy than the always-classy Morton's would ever serve up — also look at it for some interesting Father's Day ideas:

Top row: Crabby Cakes Doggy Treats from MyPooperScooper; Vintage Hazel Atlas Cocktail Shaker from BazarBcuz; Vintage Celluloid Simmons Steak Knives from blogbloglog
Middle row: Hand-Painted Martini Glasses from KatsFabricsnMore; Meat and Potatoes Twin Onsie Set from bambinamia; Father's Day Blue Light Special Card from JillKinLA
Bottom row: Organic Heirloom Tomato Seeds from EcoOasis; Swordfish Notecard Stationary Set from reBloom; Cajun Steak Rub from chickenscratchllc

P.S. The swordfish joke is as follows (from my article): "Larry King 'likes' to dine at booth 10 [at the downtown D.C. location], where a painting of him hangs directly overhead, and orders the Morton’s Chopped Salad, 'chopped fine,' along with breaded swordfish, which is no longer on the menu..."

Board No. 47 - I'm Ready for Summer Pounce

I am so ready for summer. Basically, I am ready for "recess," since I work Congress' schedule, I get to relax a bit when they aren't working, which is all of next week (and all of August...)!!! Here's to my counting down the days 'til I can breathe and here's to you shopping with undiscovered Etsy sellers:
Top row: Vintage Leather Dangle Earrings from butterflybohemia; Turqouise Blue Mohair Wrap from kiamichi7; Flowers Hand-Painted Kids Shoes from mspek
Second row: Glass Light Catcher from hiddenbiscuit; Seated Woman Print from FineArtStudio; Custom Flower Lights from nymphlyres
Third row: Reversible Bike and Cherries Pendant from shopmarmalade; 70s Vintage Polkadot Shirt from loucella; Swirl Shell Photograph from QuiteTheSight
Bottom row: Remnant Birdie Pillow from olivesbranch; Amazonite and Peach Moonstone Earrings from madfishdesigns; Ryanne Sundress 12-18 mos from annarellagirl