Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Welcome to our weekly NH Etsy Shop Feature!

This week we're featuring some of the cutest baby fashions and accessories you'll find in the Granite State.

Karen Mitchell is a work at home mom who runs a successful Etsy shop, Very Cozy Baby.

If you're a Mom like me, you're always hunting for stylish ways to outfit yourself while out and about with your little ones. Let's face it--diaper bags and essential Mom accessories are often lacking in the style department. Enter Karen Mitchell's shop. She uses bold yet durable fabrics and classic designs that take frumpy, tired Mom to hip and sophisticated Mom!

I am particularly fond of her line of diaper bags featuring Amy Butler fabrics. The size is perfect for fitting all those nitty gritty essentials that we can't live without, while not sacrificing on every woman's desire to look pretty and put together.



When the weather is nice, I love taking my 10 month old for walks in her stroller. It's not really necessary to take a full bag with me, but I do need to bring a few things with me like my cell phone, house keys, and maybe a Chapstick. This wristlet is the perfect answer! It's small enough to hold those few things that you inevitably need on a quick jaunt outdoors. And it's certainly not limited to outings with the baby. This versatile wristlet would travel in a diaper bag or purse perfectly.


And what about the babies?

Who could resist this adorable number, shown here in 12 month size? It's quite possible that I may need to pick this up for my soon to be 1 year old daughter!



And let's not forget the sweeter side. This precious baby blanket can be customized with your child's name. This is the type of blanket that will become a keepsake for your child. It would make a perfect baby shower gift for the expecting Mom, or a wonderful welcome home gift for new baby.

I had a chance to talk with the lovely and talented Karen Mitchell. Here's what she had to say about herself and her wonderful creations:

What is your name, and what is your Etsy shop name?

Karen Mitchell, VeryCozyBaby.etsy.com and VeryCozyBabysport.etsy.com

Do you have a blog, website, etc. you'd like to share?

verycozybaby.com or verycozybaby, LLC on facebook

Describe your craft/art.

I create and sew infant blankets of all types, infant and toddler clothing and accessories.

Describe your work space. If you could have your ideal work space what would it be?

Currently my sewing room is our office area. My ideal workspace would be a sewing room with lots of shelving for fabric as well as a cutting table!

Tell us a bit about yourself in general.

I have been at home with my three children (Cameron - 8, Brady - 6 and Haley - 2/1/2) for three years now. Prior to being at home, my career was at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack, NH for 11 years. I began as a trader and when I left, I was running a team of financial retirement specialists. I am very busy with all of the kiddos, but love to sew and create!

Aside from your art/crafting, what is your life like?

Pretty busy as I have three young children, but I keep myself busy with my business as well and I am always looking for ways to meet more crafty people. Until I started sewing for my business, I do not think I truly appreciated all the hard work and thought that hand crafters put into their work. Now, as I look at what people on Etsy and other places have created, I am so impressed!!!

How did you get into your art/craft?

I began sewing my Cozy carseat blankets for family and friends and people started asking me to make and sell them the blankets. From there, I just ventured into making other items and it has just taken off!

What do you love most about living and crafting in NH?

I love the willingness of other crafters to share thoughts and ideas. The NH Street Team was so welcoming when I joined a couple of years ago and has never disappointed me!

How do you promote your art/craft?

Other than Etsy, I have had some of my items in local shops, left biz or instructional cards at places that sell infant and toddler items and I have had a feature article in Kidsworld (a buyers magazine).

Are there any local venues where you sell your work?

I am about to have some of my blankets listed online for Bippity Boppity Baby in Nashua, NH

Describe a typical day in your crafting/art life.

lol!! when the kids are in school or nap, I sew!

What are your immediate goals for your work and life? Long term goals?

My immediate goals are to keep the orders that come in steady. Going forward, I would love for my business to be busy enough that when the kids are in school, I can do this work from home rather than get a job outside of the home.

If you could be doing anything with your life, what would it be?

I am very happy where I am right now - but would also love to be designing infant, toddler, kids items for others to make!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would love to someday have a shop where I could make and sell my items!!

Well there you have it, folks. Be sure to visit Very Cozy Baby on Etsy, become a fan on Facebook, and check out her website. You'll be glad you did!

Thanks for supporting NH Artists living and working right here in the Granite State.

Friday, March 26, 2010

NH Etsy Shop Feature: Lauren Alana Jewelry

Welcome to our weekly NH Etsy Shop Feature!

This week we're featuring a talented jewelry designer from the Granite State.

If you're looking for beautiful, elegant designs, Lauren Alana Jewelry on Etsy is an absolute must see. Lauren writes, "I often go on out of the way trips to find unique stones & crystals to use in my designs to make sure my customers get artisan pieces, not cookie cutter jewelry." And cookie cutter is not something you'll find in her shop by any means. Whether you're looking for a bracelet made with stunning lampwork beads, sterling silver and Swarovski crystal necklaces, or vintage inspired brass pieces, Lauren Alana Jewelry is the place to look.

One of my favorite pieces is this beautiful brass necklace. At only $28, I may have to pick it up for myself.



It's romantic and whimsical vintage styling would make a perfect gift for that beautiful woman in your life.

Another favorite is the Serena bracelet. Lauren says that it breaks her heart to part with such a gorgeous creation, and I can see why. It's simple and sophisticated enough to wear everyday to the office, but the blue lampwork beads give it enough jazz to dress up an evening out on the town. It's a steal at only $70, and I suspect this bracelet will move quickly into the hands of it's new owner.



I had a chance to talk with Lauren about her life and her work. Read on to learn more about Lauren Alana Jewelry on Etsy.

What is your name, and what is your Etsy shop name?
Lauren Boss
Lauren Alana Jewelry

Do you have a blog, website, etc. you'd like to share?
www.LaurenAlanaJewelry.etsy.com
http://www.LaurenAlanaJewelry.com
Facebook: Lauren Alana Artisan Jewelry
Twitter: LaurenAlanaB


Do you sell anywhere else online?

Above & supply shop at: www.MermaidBeadBooty.etsy.com

Describe your craft/art.
Artisan Jewelry, mostly one of a kind or very limited "production". I do a lot with dichroic glass jewelry, which is a timely process, but so pretty! I also do a lot with pearls, swarovski crystals, beach glass, wire wrapping...




Describe your work space. If you could have your ideal work space what would it be?
I have a portion of a finished basement dedicated to jewelry making. I also am lucky enough to have the dichroic glass kiln/saws/grinders set up where I work.

Ideally, I picture in my home studio... a back wall of enclosed glass cases...complete with lights, so that I can see everything at a glance. Everything would have a home & a specific place. Glass jars filled with swarovski crystals, beads, findings, rolls of sterling silver & gold filled wire, strings of high quality pearls hanging in one spot.... Of course there needs to be a place for my music... and a tv to watch the Red Sox on! Great lighing over the desk, a spot dedicated for picture taking... oh the dream goes on!



Tell us a bit about yourself in general.
I run a small family business renting construction equipment, so I deal with guys all day, and equipment. So I always joke around that my jewelry is my girlie thing that I do to keep balance in my life.

Aside from your art/crafting, what is your life like?
Well, I am a mom/daughter/sister/aunt/cousin/friend... I love old Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movies and often find inspiration in the beautiful costuming. I also love the beach, I bring my dog there a lot, he's quite the beach bum, I think he even knows how to read the signs because he starts getting excited while we are still on the highway! The beach is my get-a-way spot that sooths my soul... maybe I was a mermaid in my last life? (haha) Which was the inspiration in my supply shop--MermaidBeadBooty


How did you get into your art/craft?

I love sparkley things! Pretty jewelry with lots of crystals! Years ago I started collecting vintage pins... and then it started to go into bracelets and an occasional necklace. Then I thought...hmmm I can make that. What started off as I can make a couple of things with fishing line and inexpensive beads and crystals grew into an art form for me. A really pretty way for my creative side to be fed. Then of course there is only so much you can wear yourself and give as gifts, so I started to sell it, which allowed me to expand my horizons to better quality and so it keeps on growing...

What do you love most about living and crafting in NH?
I love the etsy people that I have meet the past couple of years at craft fairs, they are all so nice and helpful. You don't get that competitive resentment from peopole doing the same craft, just nice, people!

I also have met a lot of different artsy people who years ago I wouldn't picture myself being friendly with, but I have expanded my horizons and have met some really cool, interesting people who are opening my eyes to a whole new world!


How do you promote your art/craft?

Etsy, website, word of mouth, craft fairs, art galleries....

Are there any local venues where you sell your work?
Maison de la Art in Nashua and Strait Ahead Hair Salon in Salem


Describe a typical day in your crafting/art life.

Typically at night I will do my designing. After working all day, it allows me to relax and put my mind away from work. During the day I sometimes find my muse working over time and have to draw designs and save them for later.
I usually have music on in the back ground, or a Red Sox game.


What are your immediate goals for your work and life? Long term goals?

Like most of us, immediately I'd like to survive this economy, and then grow my day business to a point where it would require less of my attention so I could focus more on the jewelry designing.

If you could be doing anything with your life, what would it be?
Have a nice jewelry studio over looking the ocean in my beach house (see above), but more realisticly, I would like to have more time to spend with family/friends. Do some relaxing--which for me includes designing, my muse comes alive when I'm relaxed, things just seem to flow so much better. I would also like to see my jewelry selling in a few more spots.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
You never know life will take you....Where ever I am I am pretty sure I will still be experimenting with how to make pretty jewelry! :)



Be sure to visit Lauren Alana Jewelry for one of a kind, artistic jewelry pieces. You won't be dissatisfied.

Thanks for supporting NH Artists living and working right here in the Granite State.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

December Birthdays for the New Hampshire Street Team!

December 3rd - Heart to Hand

Happy Birthday Carol! If you have a pet, then Heart to Hand is a MUST shop for you to check out. Customized items for your pet - like her pet treat jars and pet portraits - are meticulously crafted just for you and your pet. Visit Heart to Hand and see for yourself!



December 15th - Adrianne Designs

Carey - from Adrianne Designs and Adrianne Designs Petit - is celebrating her birthday today! Beautiful bags abound in her Etsy shop for both adults and any special little girls in your life who insist on carrying their own handbag. Adorable little onesies are also available - who could resist?



December 25th - L & B Accessories

Patty has a birthday - Happy Birthday! L & B Accessories, Patty's Etsy shop, has wonderful items that will make your life easier and more organized. Handmade wallets, handbags and pouches are just a few of the items to be found at L & B Accessories!

Friday, December 4, 2009

One of our own has been noticed by the Discovery Channel!


Kim, over at WoofPurrCreations has had her Tug-O-War braids featured over at Planet Green at Discovery.com. She has made their ecofriendly list of gifts that are "semi handmade". To read the article click HERE (for the record she is number 41). To go directly to her shop and purchase your very own Tug-O-War braids pictured here, use this quick link. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35871083
Congrats Kim!!!!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Congrats NHWoodCreations!

On being the featured seller! Your shop looks amazing and it is a well deserved honor.

Here's a quick link to the article: http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

NH Team November Birthdays!

November 4th - Ebony Paws

Stephanie (aka Ebony Paws) is celebrating her birthday on November 4th. Happy Birthday from all of your team members Stephanie! Using her photography skills, Stephanie has some gorgeous prints, unusual jewelry and other photographic goodies in her Etsy shop - check it out!



November 28th - Glenna's Garden

Happy Birthday Glenna - best wishes for a wonderful day! Gorgeous gift items abound in Glenna's Garden (her decorated notebooks are definitely worth checking out!) - do yourself a favor and visit her Etsy shop!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

It's for a good cause...


Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month I decided over on my blog I would be selling pink ribbon mini key fobs, with a portion of the sales going to sponsor my friends team, the "B Cups" for the annual walk. To read more about it, or to purchase a mini fob of your own please visit my blog at http://www.bagsbymelaniec.blogspot.com

New Hampshire Street Team at Etsy.com

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