Simple Sweetcakes - Unique Handcrafted and Custom Made Handbags and Fashion Items!

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www.simplesweetcakes.com

www.simplesweetcakes.etsy.com

The Independent Designer of the Week is Made by Melissa- an eclectic shop on Etsy featuring jewelry, crochet work and craft supplies.

Here is my favorite item from Made by Melissa - Live Laugh Love Shop Bottle Cap Magnet. Wht a delightful way to be reminded about the important things in life!

I asked Melissa a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

My jewelry is simple but I try to make it unique at the same time, mostly traditional, although I do follow some trends. My baby blankets and washcloths are traditional for the most part while still being one of a kind.

How did you get started?

Friends told me I should try to sell my jewelry and my good friend and Etsy seller AliV found Etsy and here I am!

How long have you been crafting?

Forever! Even at 5 years old I was taking apart costume jewelry and restringing the beads every morning to match my outfit. I had the best accessories of all my kindergarten class! My sister and I used to spend our summers crafting. Right after school ended my mother would take us to the craft store and get us whatever supplies we wanted for our summer crafts. I started off making braided friendship bracelets from embroidery floss for everyone I knew (even my dad wound up wearing a few) and somewhere along the line I discovered beads.

What is your inspiration?

I just like to make things that look good - whether they are traditional, trendy, one of a kind or easily replicated. I am inspired by looking at my beads sitting in there storage caddy and picturing them in a necklace, or braclet or earrings.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

This bracelet made with purple glass hearts and amethyst crystals is my favorite jewelry piece:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7339102 And this classic rainbow zigzag blanket is my favorite crocheted piece. I made a blanket in the same pattern for my son and I use it all the time in his car seat. He was fascinated with all the colors on this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8796014

How do you market/advertise your wares?

I do a lot of little things, I am street teams, I hang out in the Etsy forums, I've been in some buy and replace treasuries, I spam my friends and family and I have a blog that I update as regularly as life allows. (http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/)

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Don't give up!! It takes a while to get started and make a name for yourself. Keep listing things and relisting expired items, promote yourself and make things that you like. Don't sell anything that you aren't completely proud of. Its easy to promote things if you truly love them, and if you love them, then there is certainly someone else out there who will love them as much as you do.

Thanks Melissa for your interview! We all wish you continued crafting success :>

The Independent Designer of the Week is Buttercups And Butterfiles- a fun and whimsical Etsy shop specializing in everything from stone pendant necklaces to crocheted baby booties.

!Here is my favorite piece from Buttercups And Butterfiles - Blue Couch Tissue Box Cover. What a fun way to liven up any room in your house. This is truly a conversation piece :>

I asked Buttercups And Butterflies a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

I have a little bit of everything, Its simple and the items are so useful and unique. Our crafts are made by my daughter and I and we love working together to make people happy with our products.

How did you get started?

I was told by a friend through myspace about etsy. So I checked it out. I sold items at local fleamarkets and shows. But never thought of the idea of selling online till now. I love it, its great.

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was 8 Years old, I was young when I started. I'm 28 now and still going strong with it all. I dont think I'll ever stop crafting. Its so rewarding.

What is your inspiration?

My mother was the most inspiring person in my life. Now she still is even though she has passed on. Now my daughter gives me all the inspriation I need.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

My Favorite piece would be the little blue sofa tissue box cover. Its a bright blue and its so adorable.

How do you market/advertise your wares?

Business cards, word of mouth, friends and family.
Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Keep your chin up and stay positive, if a sale doesn't come today it will come the next day. Staying positive about things is what makes great products and if you have great products, you have happy customers. : )

I COMPLETELY agree with your last bit of advice. We all have good days and bad days. As long as we are true to ourselves, love what we do and put our heart in our work - we can make our businesses thrive!

Thanks so much for your advice and keep up with your adorable crafting!!

The Independent Designer of the Week is Doodle Designs - www.doodledesigns.etsy.com - a fantastic Etsy shop specializing in beautiful handpainted signs and home decorations

!Here is my favorite piece from Doodle Designs - DADDY first hero, first love . What an absolutely inspiring Father's Day gift!

I asked Jenny of Doodle Designs a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

Fun! I love to create fun pieces of art for your special place. Of course with a 3 year old daughter and 5 year old son, it isn't hard to tell where a lot of my influence comes from!

How did you get started?

I have been crafting all of my life. My mom painted wood items and went to craft shows while I was growing up and is still very crafty. I loved to "doodle" and paint, and after years of making things for my family and friends i desided (with a little nudging) to make a business out of it.

How long have you been crafting?

All 31 years (ok, so just after i could actually use crayons!)

What is your inspiration?

Color, my precious kiddos, friends, papers...everything I see really.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?

I think my favorite piece isn't listed in my shop yet (it is coming soon!0 but as for what is IN my shop today...well, I have too many but I am partial to the "Has anyone seen my tiara?"- my little princess definitely pushed that one along!

How do you market/advertise your wares?

I have my own web boutique as well as my Etsy shop. I have more customized/personalized items in my web store than Etsy. I have a business blog (I am just getting started with that...) and a ton of word of mouth. I am so thankful for other crafty ladies who spotlight artist like me. That is a GREAT advertisement!

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?

Do what you love and stick with it. The more I try to venture off in different directions the more i am reminded that it is important to stick with what you love. It will work in time and with tweaking. Start slow and build. A tree grows over time from a little seed....not overnight.

Thank you so much for this feature! I am enjoying following your blog!!

Thanks Jenny - for your information and inspiring handpainted messages!!

The Independent Designer of the Week is Beach Haus Designs - a fantastic Etsy shop specializing in limited edition jewelery that sparkles and shines!

Here is my favorite piece from Beach Haus Designs - The Jenny Necklace - from the website - http://www.beachhausdesigns.com/. What a delicious raspberry shade - a very FRESH addition to your spring wardrobe.

I asked June of Beach Haus Designs a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?
It is an extentison of our website with a few beautiful pieces of jewerly on it. We are looking forward to expanding our collection on Etsy in the near future.

How did you get started?
I was creating jewelry as a hobby & as gifts for friends and family when people started asking to buy my jewelry. My first sale was a sparkly shamrock bracelet!

How long have you been crafting?
Honestly, all my life! My mother was a huge crafter and really made it fun for myself & my sisters. So for me to be creating jewelry is such a natural thing........I have been creating jewelry specifically for about 10 years now.

What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by my two beautiful daughters & supportive husband. I love to travel pretty much everywhere as well as we spend a lot of time at the beach in Florida and in Northern Michigan. The sand, the water & the sunsets are huge sources of inspiration everyday! Being a southern girl I love feminine, girly, fun things and that reflects a lot in what I design.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?
In the etsy shop- I love the Rosie Posie Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9725646
At our online store- I love the Olive Necklace http://beachhausdesigns.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=175

How do you market/advertise your wares?
We advertise in some regional magazines as well as we do quite a bit of web marketing, newsletters, postcards as well as we have our web address on everything we send or give out. Really helps to get the store name & website out to customers.

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
Don't give up. If you feel this is your calling in life then go for it! Sometimes it is learning a better way of doing things, marketing it differently, trying different shows, etc....I found that once I try something & it doesn't work then we try something else and try not to keep repeating the same mistakes. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from others that are being successful. Mentors are a great thing!

Thanks June - for your information and a bit of sparkle and bling!!

The Independent Designer of the Week is Tada! Designs - www.tadadesigns.etsy.com - a funky and unique shop at Etsy specializing in fun art pieces!

Here is my favorite product from Tada! Designs - I Am Family - a unique sign created with handpainted black letters on glass. What and elegant art piece for your family or living room.

I asked Beth of Tada! Designs a few questions about the craft business!

How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?

It's a fun collection of my imaginings...paper mache' ornies, handpainted glass signs, framed initials, wooden baby signs...

How did you get started?

I've just always been an artsy sort of girl, graduated from college with a degree in Interior Design, and began staying home when my children were born. I had to have some sort of creative outlet & always loved to paint my furniture. When I realized that furniture was too much of a pain to ship, I decided to concentrate on my smaller stuff.

How long have you been crafting?
Ever since I can remember...2ish???

What is your inspiration?
nature, other crafters, using what I have on hand, garage sale finds.

What is your favorite piece in your shop today?
I LOVE my "I am Family" sign, & soon to be released "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" glass sign.

How do you market/advertise your wares?
By being involved in GOOD groups such as DSM, Interiordesignetsy, & Oketsy. I also have fun trading biz cards with others. This past fall I painted 200 baby signs for 200 gifts bags for a swanky Mommies Who Shop Holiday Market in Boston, MA & THAT was a fun challenge!

Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?
I was so nervous about going online...I was afraid I'd get too busy or that people wouldn't like my stuff! So, if anyone feels like me, my advice is to just jump in with both feet & just try it :-) It's never as bad as you think it will be. In fact, it's fun!!

Thanks Tada! Designs- keep on satisfying our desire for fresh, funky art!! :>

Most ladies (mom's especially) know that there are a million things to keep track of in your handbag (most of which are oversized!!!) These handy zipper pouches will tackle that job for you. I use several - one for cash and change, one for credit cards and ID, one for lipstick and hand sanitizer, one for receipts, one for pacifiers.....you get the drift!!! Check them out at www.simplesweetcakes.com - let's get organized ladies!!!!!

Woo hoo! I am totally stoked about this new design! It has everything that I need as mom - style, function, largeness!!!!! I will have this style available for purchase through http://www.simplesweetcakes.com/ and http://www.simplesweetcakes.etsy.com/ in just a few days - I need to load it......I have another slight twist on this design too - I added metal rings to 1 front and 1 back handle. It's just enough to give a lttle oomph! So exciting! :>

Hello out there...ere....ere....So, it's the dead of winter and yet I am BUSY thinking about Spring! What will the latest and greatest fabrics be?? What will be the fresh color combinations?? I, of course, LOVE pink and green so I will be featuring A LOT of those two colors! Black, white and brown are always favorites - every season. So, I am looking at a swirl print black and white, a zebra print and some floral. Just picked out some kicking madras prints - what's summer without madras?? Looking into some great damask also - a little chocolate and brown and maybe a little lime green and brown. I will be sure to load the pics as soon as I get them! See ya soon!

Wallets can and should be simple and to the point. They carry money and money's friends. They can also carry beauty items, pills, business cards, notebooks, crayons, receipts, coupons, gift cards. Can one ever have enough wallets?? NO.....and you can have totally cool accessory piece wallets like this punk rock one! So 1980's!!! Have fun while you spend your hard earned dough!!!