Meet Mary*Mule

Name: Mary L.

Craft: sewing- "handmade fabric accessories"

Etsy Store: mary*mule- http://www.marymule.etsy.com/

How long have you been in business? Since March 09.

How did you get started? I bought a sewing machine about a year ago when I decided I wanted to learn to sew. I am one of those people who sees something in a store and thinks "I can make that." I also wanted to be able to hem my own pants instead of always paying someone to do it for me. My first project was a pair of PJ pants (that didn't fit), then I moved on to a purse and tote bags.

Do you have formal training? I am self taught.

What's the best part of having an Etsy store? Sharing my creations with others. I guess I don't really "do it for the money." But I like making things and have to get rid of it somehow! I love that I can now make gifts for people too.

What surprised you about having your own business? All the "housekeeping" work that goes along with it. Recording cost of supplies, keeping a log of what I sell, all that mumbo jumbo.

How would you describe your style? Simple I guess. But not in a bad way.

What one item should everyone see in your store? This purse!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28545249

Holiday Gift Guide: To stuff the stocking

My mom thinks shopping for stocking stuffers is the hardest part about Christmas shopping. If you are like her, check out these ideas!

Holiday Cards and Such

It's that time of year to think about holiday cards. If you like to send photo cards, it is even more important to think about ordering them sooner than later. To help you with that task, we've compiled a selection of holiday cards offered by some KNET team members.

Swish Designs offers several photo card designs. After she adds your photo, you can print the cards locally.

FourHarpDesigns has a multitude of photo card designs. She'll also add your photo, send you the file, and then you can print them locally.

Go Against the Grain offers photo cards, notecards, stickers and gift tags for the complete package!

NotMoira offers "handmade hilarity." With titles like "Enjoy the regift" and "You bring the ho to the holidays"these are not your grandma's Christmas cards, folks.

Upcoming Sale: Friday the 13th

Once again members of the KNET team will be banding together for a sale! This sale will be starting on Novemeber 13th (Friday!) and go through the 15th. Unless otherwise noted in shop announcements, shops will be offering 13% off purchases. Please read each shop's announcement for full details.

Four Harp Designs unique custom creations

Damask Diva

Go Against the Grain

Bella Mia Bows n Things fun handmade bows and other products

Belle Papillon fun.stylish.handmade

Certainly Chic when your details have to be unique

Swish Designs elegant and stylish paper products

Mary*Mule handmade fabric accessories

Any Cards cards~picture frames~trinket and jewelry boxes

Kristin's Eyes see the world through my eyes

Not Moira handmade.hilarious.greeting cards

2 Birdstone unique and custom paper creations perfect for the DIYer

Wedding Monograms custom designs for the chic bride on a budget

Karmas Creation Handmade accessories

Meet Bella Mia Bows & Things!

Get to know your fellow Knotties and Nesties as they share their creations on Etsy. Today we bring you an interview with Rosamaria Bonesse, the artist behind Bella Mia Bows & Things (http://www.bellamiabowsnthings.etsy.com/)

So, what is it that you make?
Bella Mia: Anything involving ribbon: bows, clips, bowholders, cards, scrapbooking, etc.

How long have you been in business?
Bella Mia: Officially I opened my etsy store in June of 2009, but I have been making bows for friends and family since 2008.

Do you have formal training?
Bella Mia: Nope, learned how to do most of my crafting projects through trial and error.

What's the best part of having an Etsy store?
Bella Mia: Meeting other people who have the same passion for handmade as I have. I have found some great gifts and personal purchases on Etsy and you can see how much heart and soul goes into each handmade piece. And getting my name and product out to people who live on the other side of the country is pretty cool too -- I'm not gonna lie :)

What surprised you about having your own business?
Bella Mia: I really didn't calculate all the time that needs to be invested in marketing and promotions. When I first started I thought I'd put my items up on etsy and I would be bombarded with sales. (LOL). In reality, most of my sales have come from the chat rooms and forums and getting to know other etsy sellers.

How would you describe your style?
Bella Mia: Chic and affordable. That goes for my items as well as my own personal style. I love finding great things at a good price! I am a sucker for a sale and the highlight of any shopping trip is to see how much money I saved or how many great things I got at a good price! I <3 fnding those diamonds in the rough!

What one item should everyone see in your store?
Bella Mia: I love my ice cream cone clips. So cute and fun to make!

See it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32593451


Thanks for the awesome interview, Rosamaria!

Halloween with the Team

Since joining etsy, I have tried to find ways to incorporate hand made items into each holiday.

Halloween is getting closer and there are some great decorations and treats out there!

I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of great hand made items from our team members!

From Bella Mia Bows N Things

From BellePapillon

From Go Against the Grain


From Jannypie Crafts


To check out all our teams please visit our team profile page on etsy.

Meet the team!

Check out the stores of some of the members of the Knottie&Nestie Etsy Street Team (KNET for short!) and get to know what your fellow ladies are making! Just search "knetteam" on Etsy to see more!

Green Beaded Fern D... karmascreation $7.00 Handaltered Embelli... EmbellishedBayo... $16.00 1 set of 15 Elegant... DamaskDiva $6.00 Doggone Cute Clippi... MopTopMaven $3.75 Gold Mexican Spoon ... plumbpretty $21.50 PINK VELVET GLAM- s... bellamiabowsnth... $4.00 Peony Wedding Invit... GoAgainstTheGra... $75.00 The Kelly and Tim F... jujubee455 $6.10 Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade jannypie.etsy.com