Sneak Attack Report-- Emariecreations and anglily

Stockannette sponsored the October 12, 2009 sneak attack on Emariecreations and anglily. Emariecreations sells a variety of items made from polymer clay and fabric. They got 9 sales from the attack. Anglil's All That Boutique sells hair clips and headbands. She got 4 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you had been sneak attacked?

Emariecreations: Very surprised! I had heard about the sneak attacks, but never thought it would happen to me! I am very grateful for the people who participated in the attack and helped make this shop owner's day.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Blue Paisley Reversible Headband from Emariecreations"][/caption]

anglily: I was really surprised and excited to see that I was being sneak attacked. It was a pretty crummy day and the next day was my birthday so it was perfect timing. I love the concept of sneak attacks and have been following the The Handmade Movement blog since my attack. I even joined in on an attack myself. What a great way to put something positive out in the universe.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324" caption="Orange And Chocolate Brown hair flower from anglily"][/caption]

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

Emariecreations: I specialize in polymer clay creations. I sell a variety of items, including pendants novelty push pins, Christmas ornaments and more! I really enjoy working with polymer clay and it is so exciting to sell my items to people who appreciate my work and handmade items.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="sweet gingerbread ornaments from Emariecreations"][/caption]

anglily: I guess I would like everyone to know that I put a little piece of myself in everything that I make. I truly love to create and therefore I am happy to spend extra time on a project to make sure that it is perfect. If you want to see something special or different than what is in my shop just let me know. I have tons of new ideas so come back often for new items. With the holidays coming my accessories make a perfect inexpensive gift.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324" caption="Purple and Blue Sparkle Hair Flower from anglily"][/caption]

Hand Made How-Tos

This will be a new reoccuring section on the Handmade Movement that will appear every other Wednesday and feature a variety of Handmade How To instructions and pictures. We are always interested in suggestions so please feel free to send your ideas.

Floating Kids Ghost Wind Sock Craft “How To”

This is a fun and easy “How To” for those parents and grandparent out there. Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to get ready than to decorate the outside and inside of your home.

These ghoul ghosts represent a fun and fairly mess free way of accomplishing the decorating and some great quality time with your child or grandchild.

First you will need the following materials:

1. White Construction Paper or Poster Board
2. Black Permanent Marker (the only potential “mess” maker)
3. Stapler
4. White Crepe Paper
5. Tape
6. String

“How To”:

1. For each wind sock, decorate a 6-by-18-inch piece of white construction paper or poster board with ghostly eyes and a horrific mouth.

2. Roll the paper to form a tube shape and staple the ends together.

3. Cut eight 8-foot-long strips of crepe paper and drape them over the top edge with both ends hanging down to create "tails." Secure with tape.

4. For a handle, cut a 30-inch piece of string and staple the ends to opposite sides of the top of the decoration.
That is all there is to it. A great decoration and lots of fun making it.

Make sure to take pictures of your wind socks and email them to us. We would love to share some of your results.

Look for another “Handmade How To” soon…

Tips:
As an interior decoration, have a fan blowing lightly in the room for the same effect as a breeze.

http://EsThings.Etsy.Com

Sneak Attack Report-decorateyourfridge and CureForCancer

Catchastarcreations sponsored the October 8, 2009 Sneak Attack on decorateyourfridge and CureForCancer. Decorateyourfridge sells food themed magnet sets and got 8 sales from the attack. CureForCancer sells fabric and quilted items to raise money for cancer research. She got 15 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you'd been the victim of a sneak attack?

decorateyourfridge: I was scratching my head at first over why I had so many sales all of a sudden, but when I read the message about the Sneak Attack, it all made sense! I was surprised and really excited that my little shop was chosen out of the thousands of sellers on Etsy. Really, I'm so appreciative and happy that I got the chance to share my magnets with other people!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="Basket of apples magnet from decorateyourfridge"][/caption]

CureForCancer: Thanks again for the sneak attack...I only noticed a couples sales at first and thought,cool I sold something. then as I looked down my emails, I thought OMG! and started counting them....15 sales! It was crazy. I was amazed.
When I realized what had really happened, I thought, how nice to be chosen.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="40x40 Quilt Top from CureForCancer"][/caption]

Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

decorateyourfridge: I do this 100% for fun, and am stoked so many people like them. I seriously have a whole fridge + magnetic chalkboard covered with them at home, and most of my magnets aren't even up in my shop. So if you're looking for something in particular, just ask - chances are I have it!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="Coffee magnet from decorateyourfridge"][/caption]

CureForCancer: Everyone who purchased something is now scrolling on my 3-day page: www.the3day.org (Stephanie Faust walking in Michigan 2010) or www.1of8.org Thanks again!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="Pretty Floral Fabric coasters from CureForCancer"][/caption]

Over 3000 sales to unsuspecting shops

On October 8th we reached yet another milestone: We surpassed the 3000 mark in total sales, meaning literally THOUSANDS of items have been purchased as part of the Sneak Attacks from 258 unsuspecting artists and crafters. Thanks to all who have participated so far. Here's to another many-thousand!

....Michael

Current Giveaway: October 15th - 22nd

We're doing another drawing (well of course we are- we do one every week!) Alonia Creations is giving away a cute, child friendly cloth doll.  She is roughly 13 x 13 with arms open.  The winner can choose one doll with any eye or hair color. To enter, click on the "weekly giveaway" box to the upper right of this page and follow the instructions. Good luck!

Sneak Attack Report--thesugartoothdragon, ncharshaf, and omilife

Pandacub sponsored the September 28 sneak attack on theugartoothdragon, ncharshaf, and omilife. Thesugartoothdragon makes handmade soap and jewelry. They got 7 sales from the attack. Ncharshaf sells custom notebooks and journals. She got 14 sales from the attack. Omilife designs greeting cards and got 7 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you'd been sneak attacked?

ncharaf: I was at work when I got the email saying I was being sneak attacked. My first reaction was that I was being hacked, or that something bad was happening. I clicked the link and went to visit the website to learn more, and then got quite excited. I then clicked back to my inbox, and there were two more emails, a purchase, and a payment notice. Thats when things started getting very exciting. It seemed every time I clicked on my inbox more orders came in. I was beaming and could hardly concentrate. Before the sneak attack I had not made a single sale, then all of a sudden in the matter of about 1 hour, I had made 11. By the end of the night I had made 14 sales. I am very thankful for the exposure, and made me very excited to continue adding to my shop.

[caption id="attachment_606" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Robot Paper Hand Bound journal from ncharshaf"][/caption]

omilife:I am new to Etsy and didn't know what sneak attack was so my first thoughts were - crap what have i done!
I finished uploading my products on Sunday evening and to my surprise the following morning I woke to find my first sales! All due to being sneaked attacked. Was a lovely gesture and much like a little kiss on the cheeks.

[caption id="attachment_607" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Girl Among the Flowers from omilife"][/caption]

Celeste: Is there anything else you'd like our blog readers to know?

ncharshaf: I guess I would like everyone to know that I can do custom orders. I have multiple types of interior paper (brown, blank, lined) and am willing to get different types of paper if requested. Also, thank you so much to Sneak Attack for finding my shop, this has been a very unique experience!

[caption id="attachment_608" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Wavy Circles fabric covered journal from ncharshaf"][/caption]

omilife:Well, my shop is full of illustrations for cards that capture my observations of life, day to day. Illustrating helps to keep the voices in my head quiet for a bit and the characters I draw become little friends that I hope will bring smiles to others. I use high quality forest friendly card and envelopes that give my products a distinctive and unique look.

Sneak attacks really help those little makers out there to feel not so isolated. a wonderful thing. :)

[caption id="attachment_609" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Spewing my Heart Out card from omilife"][/caption]

Sneak Attack Report--cupcakecrochetshop, Mr. Cookie, and AllinANote

Winemakerssister sponsored the October 5, 2009 sneak attack on cupcakecrochetshop, Mr. Cookie, and AllinANote. Cupcakecrochetshop makes crocheted baby booties and got 5 sales from the attack.  Mr. Cookie sells, well, cookies! He got 9 sales from the attack. AllinANote sells note cards, announcements, invitations, and gift tags. She got 13 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you'd been sneak attacked?

Cupcakecrochet: My reaction to the sneak attack was one of happiness and being overwhelmed that people loved my work so much that my shop was chosen to be featured. Not only did I have surprise sales but I also received such lovely mail through Etsy's conversation feature. That is what its all about for me, as a designer for people to love my work.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Mary Jane style booties from cupcakecrochet"][/caption]

AllinANote: I was taking a break at work and thought I would check my shop to see if anyone had viewed any of my items. I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the screen and saw that my items were missing. I thought maybe I had done something wrong or my pictures hadn't uploaded. When I discovered that I had actually made my first sales and that I had been selected for a sneak attack I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I called everyone that I could think of to tell them my exciting news. I had opened my shop in September and added a few items. It wasn't until the night before the sneak attack that I added more items to my shop. I was actually debating whether or not I should even continue because I never expected to sell a single thing! My friend encouraged me to keep going with it and the very next day, I had the sales thanks to the sneak attack. I think it is such a lovely thing to do and I can't thank everyone enough who purchased my stationery. The whole experience was fantastic and I was truly touched. I can't wait to pay it forward and to give someone the same feeling that I had when I made those first sales.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Birthday invitation from AllinANote"][/caption]

Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

Cupcakecrochet: I would really like for everyone on the blog to know how important it is for me to create quality work and to always stay innovative while maintaining the best level of customer service. Thank you all at the handmademovement for the sneak attack, for the lovely convo's through etsy and the amazing feedback I received about my "hand baked" baby bootie cupcakes :-)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Kimono style booties from cupcakecrochet"][/caption]

AllinANote: I would like people to know that I am constantly adding to my shop (I'm still working on catching up from all the sales I made so more items should be added soon!) and that I really love being creative. I think there is nothing better than making someone else's day and the sneak attacks are a perfect way to make someone's day. I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in such a wonderful surprise! I still think about it and I smile!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="330" caption="blank note card from AllinANote"][/caption]

We're on Facebook

Help promote the Handmade Movement and Sneak Attacks by becoming a fan of our new Facebook page, and then sharing it with your friends there. (Click here to go to the Handmade Movement's Facebook page.) Many thanks to Marlene of countrysoapsbymarlen for putting it together.

Next week’s giveaway- Felted Wool Bowl from HandmadeBySandi.etsy.com

We'll be doing a drawing on October 8th for this felted wool bowl from HandmadeBySandi.etsy.com

"Felted Wool Bowl - Soft and Tweedy
A perfect little bowl to hold things on your desk, your dresser, and coffee table. And it won't scratch your furniture!
Kids can use this adorable bowl too - for their little trinkets and they won't break it!
This little bowl measures 5 inches in diameter, 2 1/2" high, and the opening is 3 1/2" wide."

To enter, click on the "weekly giveaway" link on the upper right.

Sneak Attack Report--LynNewhouse, LisaCawoodCreations, and SkidMarkKid

Tinkersshop sponsored the October 1, 2009 Sneak attack on LynNewhouse, LisaCawoodCreations, and SkidMarkKid. LynNewhouse makes mixed media collages, dolls, prints, bookmarks, and accessories. She got 6 sales from the attack. LisaCawoodCreations sells photography, jewelry, fimo clay sculptures, and knit and crochet items. She got 5 sales from the attack. SkidMarkKid sells key chains made from toy cars and got 7 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you'd been sneak attacked?

LynNewhouse: My first reaction was surprise, I couldn’t believe I had all these purchases the same day!
Then, when I read the message where explained I had been sneak attacked, I felt very happy. This is a great handmade movement.

[caption id="attachment_636" align="aligncenter" width="226" caption="Sweet and Soft Doll Gothic Child from LynNewhouse"][/caption]

LisaCawoodCreations:I was really surprised when I was sneak attacked! I didn't know what to think. But I checked out the website and had quite a few sales all at once! It was awesome! I really love what you guys are doing. It is a great idea! There are a lot of new shops out there just waiting for exposure. I really hope you keep doing this!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="Cute Sculpey Fimo Butterfly from LisaCawoodCreations"][/caption]

SkidMarkKid:Well, If I can paint a picture of that evening for you it would go something like this! I was stuck at work which hardly ever happens but there I was. Suddenly, my blackberry vibrated and I read a message that said something about Etsy and that we were being "sneak attacked." All the wind was sucked out of me because I believed that my new Etsy Store (with the hilarious name) was being HIJACKED by some hacker! I immediately called my husband (who so far had helped me create the keychains but he really didn't have any hands on experience with Etsy or listing items etc..) and I (in a panicked voice) told him to hurry up and sign onto the Etsy account and see what is going on.... Somebody is attacking our store! We're being hijacked! My Blackberry was practically vibrating off my hip and I was watching sale after sale after sale happen. I could not make any sense of it at all! Why in the world would a hacker be buying our cars?

[caption id="attachment_638" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="POLICE TRUCK TACTICAL RESPONSE from SkidMarkKid"][/caption]

What makes this funny is that both my husband and I are investigators. He is a detective with a local township and I'm a corporate investigator for one of the major car companies. We are all too familiar with fraud and I was sick to think it was happening to us!

So the long and short of it is... when he (Brad)finally signed onto the Etsy account he followed the link and learned that a group of AWESOME people were actually promoting our store and all the sales were REAL! I didn't have access to a computer so I couldn't see for myself and I was really having a hard time believing him. Once he calmed me down, I then started barking out orders! One after the other... You have to post something on the blog to say thank you! You have to get more cars listed! You have to do this... You have to do that! He was in a complete frenzy... I wound him up pretty good! LOL! The poor guy had no idea how to list anything and spent all of his time trying to answer questions, find custom cars and talk to his frantic wife on the phone! I was dying to get to a computer and trying terribly hard to finish working so that I could get home and join in the fun!

It was a great experience and truthfully, I wouldn't want to change the way it happened! I'm so glad that Brad got to experience all of the wonderful people on Etsy and got to meet some of the other sellers! He had a great time chatting away with Tinkershop, VintageEmbellishment, Mr. Bubbles, and his wife,PaintedMemoriesbyRos and all the others on the Blog!

Celeste: Is there anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

LynNewhouse: ’m a self-taught artist. I live in a small coast town near Barcelona and I like painting mixed media collages and create with my hands anything I could imagine. Also I love make dolls. So now in my Etsy shop you can find beautiful paintings and prints, lovely dolls from the characters of my paintings, whimsical pin sets and cute bookmarks. If you want to follow my creations, you can visit my blog

[caption id="attachment_639" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ghost Child Print from LynNewhouse"][/caption]

LisaCawoodCreations: I make handmade items such as sculpy/fimo clay figurines, crochet and knit items, photo editing, jewelry making etc... I just like crafting and I like to learn new crafts! I put my heart into my pieces and can customize just about all of them. I have a range of prices as low as 20 cents! I am pretty new to etsy, so please check out my site and let me know what you think! Thanks again for the awesome opportunity to be sneak attacked!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="cute little knit elephant from LisaCawoodCreations"][/caption]

SkidMarkKid: We would love for the readers to know that we are just a normal married couple who love to create things! We laughed hysterically when we came up with the name for our shop! Someday if you ever do a blog about how sellers came up with their store names, be sure to let us know! We've definitely got a funny story behind the name! But seriously, we are completely captured by Etsy and all of the wonderful people here! I have participated in a sneak attack and surprised Brad at work with a dozen chocolate chip cookies from MrCookie. They were delicious!

[caption id="attachment_637" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="MUSTANG SHELBY COBRA JOHNNY LIGHTNING from SkidMarkKid"][/caption]

We have been totally inspired by the people on Etsy and the work that they do! I have decided that the majority of gifts I buy this Christmas will be handmade and from Etsy Sellers! Brad & I think Etsy is great and will definitely be staying! Don't tell him, but I am planning on being one of the "quit your day job" people on here! I dont know if we have enough cars for that... Maybe I'll have to break out my sewing machine! :0)

Well hopefully I didn't carry on for too long! Thank you again for choosing to "attack" us and we'll definitely be assisting in the "attack" of others! In a good way of course!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Michelle and Brad of SkidMarkKid"][/caption]