october's design challenge... PUMPKIN PATCH!

necklace by simplyraevyn - sorry, i couldn't resist using it because it's so darned cute

Autumn is upon us, the kids are back at school and the leaves are changing! So… it’s time for another design challenge! This month’s challenge is "PUMPKIN PATCH", as chosen by the last winner, jaxxcandles! As always, we leave the interpretation of the theme up to you – there are no limits!

the rules are simple:

- entries will be accepted until october 18th, 2011 at 5pm EST (that’s etsy time)

- only one entry per individual (you can only submit one entry even if you have multiple shops)

- all entries MUST be handmade and listed for sale/trade in your Etsy shop. (no supplies or destash please!)

- all entries must reflect in some way the current theme "PUMPKIN PATCH"

- tag your item with this month's challenge tag "tradeoct11" so that people can find your item!

- when you're ready to enter, CONVO muffintopdesigns with the LISTING ID# only of your entry (it's the number that you use when you make treasuries). it's located on the actual listing page below the listing date and above the number of views your item has had. we will be making treasuries with the entries and posting the widgets on the blog so everyone can check everything out (and maybe end up on the front page?)

Feel free to promote the challenge - and yourself! - via facebook, twitter, etsy, your blog or hot air balloon! the voting will start on october 20th and go till the 25th!

thanks to you all – especially the lovely jaxxcandles for choosing this theme! and as always - TRADE ON!

xoxoox muffin & raevyn & the tradeaholics’ leader team!

Congratulations to JAXXCANDLES!

 Without further ado, the Tradeaholics present this month's challenge winner!  Congratulations to the fabulous JaxxCandles - and many thanks to the wonderful InfusedDesigns for her amazing interview!

Jackie Weber, of Jaxx Candles won the monthly challenge with her cool striped star floating candles. I had the pleasure of interviewing her and here is what she had to say.

Trade-A-Holics: How did you come up with your winning design?

Jaxx Candles: For the summer I think floating candles are nice additions to outdoor parties. I found star molds and thought they would be perfect. Then I got the idea to make them in layers of red, white and blue to have stars AND stripes!

TAH: How long have you been crafting?

Jaxx: I have been a crafter all my life, but have been making candles since 2002.

TAH: Who taught you?

Jaxx: As for candle making, I began by reading books and experimenting. In more recent years I have joined forums and candle organizations where I have met other candle makers who willingly share their experiences. I have also used the Internet for research. And I even attended a candle workshop where I learned a lot from experienced candle makers.

TAH: Do you have any formal training in any crafting/art subject?

Jaxx: As stated above I have read a lot, experimented a lot, and met and learned a lot from other candle makers, but I am not sure that would be considered formal training.

TAH: When did you open your Etsy store?

Jaxx: November 2010


TAH: Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?

Jaxx: I do sell at local craft shows. I also have online stores through Etsy and ByTheseHands.com. I also sell my products at a store in my hometown that caters to local artisans.

TAH: What is one of your favorite items in your store?

Jaxx: I love many of them, but I would have to say my long stem roses are one of my favorites. From a simple single rose, to a full bouquet, they are beautiful and everyone who has received them just loves them.

TAH: Where do you gain inspiration for your items?

Jaxx: EVERYWHERE! I see containers and think, ‘wow, that would make a nice candle!’ I see home decor and envision how my candles could fit into the different designs. I live and breathe candles and candle making. It is definitely my passion.

TAH: Do you feel like you have found a niche for the items you sell?

Jaxx: I am working on that. Candles come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. I have customers from all age groups. I offer every day products, but I also offer unique one of a kind items and targeting this market has been a bit trickier. I obviously want to cater to a large number of consumers, but I have definitely started small and will continue to expand and define my niche areas.

TAH: What advice can you give your fellow team members?

Jaxx: One thing I have learned is to do what you love. Candle making is my passion and I seem to have endless energy for it. If you do what you love the rest should fall into place. It is not easy, though, and takes hard work, but is so rewarding.

Thank you again to Jackie and to Arina!  Next month's challenge details will be up shortly, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!

May Design Challenge - the POLL is UP!

thanks to everyone for hanging in there as i tried to work with the glitches on blogger for the design challenge vote - seriously, they have been having some issues as of late, much to my chagrin!  and a HUGE thank you to everyone for trying to help me find better ways to show off the designs here - this time around we are testing the treasury widget to see if it helps people access the entries better!  you should be able to click the treasuries above to see the entries in their entirety!

and of course, finally - the POLL is up!  you have till the end of the month to vote! (to make up for the couple of days it took me to find another poll alternative!

so blog, facebook, twitter, and promote your entry and those of your fellow team members!  and don't forget to VOTE!

xoxooxoox

august's design challenge!

as promised, the design challenges are back! so, without further ado, august's challenge is ON! this month's challenge has been chosen by the lovely rayvenwoodmanor and is "A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH".

entries will be accepted from now until the 17th of august. the rules are simple:
- only one entry per shop
- the item must be a handmade item, listed on etsy, and made by you (no supplies or destash, please)
- the item must somehow reflect the theme as chosen by the previous challenge winner
- tag your item with this month's challenge tag - "tradeaugust10"
- convo muffintopdesigns via etsy with a photo of your item (so that it's easier to post on the blog during voting!)

feel free to promote the challenge - and yourself, if you enter! - via twitter, facebook, on the etsy forums, and/or on your blog! the voting will start on august 18th and go till august 25th here on the blog and the winner will be announced on august 26th. SO GO AND GET CREATIVE! (and thank you again, rayvenwoodmanor!)

rayvenwood manor rocks! (and more design challenge info!)

i have been the most awful tradeaholic. especially with the design challenge. i cannot apologize enough to you guys for being so lax with my duties. but between my return to work (i miss you, maternity leave!) and us selling, buying and moving into a new house, things have been crazy around here.





but, i'm mostly settled now, and i owe the wonderful rayvenwoodmanor this feature for winning March's design challenge! her shop is full of fabulous pretties and you HAVE to check it out. so without further ado, here is her long overdue interview! we love you, anastacia!





What made you decide to open shop on Etsy?


Etsy gives the seller the ability to reach many potential buyers all across the world while creating an environment where you can share and learn from other artists as well.





What does your shop feature?


Rayvenwodmanor's product line consists of Custom Jewelry, Handmade Hair Accessories, Heirloom Crystal Bridal Bouquets with matching Bridal Party Accessories, Unique Swavorski Crystal Headpieces and Hair Jewelry, Cake Toppers, and custom made jewelry. Each item made by Rayvenwood Manor is exquisite and unique.





What is your inspiration for your designs?


Every item from Rayvenwoodmanor has a little piece of my life incorporated into it, whether it be past, present, or future. My inspiration on a daily basis to create beautiful handmade items is my wonderful husband, who supports what ever I do, and my beautiful 19 month old son, who is inspiration incarnate for anything.





A couple of your favorite shop selections include...


Swarovski Crystal Bridal Bouquets which are custom made for each client... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12996557


Anything with bunny rabbits! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38011747





Any other Web sites (blog, facebook page, twitter) that everyone can find you at?http://rayvenwoodmanor.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-FL/Rayvenwoodmanor/112053788807480

Please stay tuned for details on August's design challenge! we will be having these again on a regular basis, so get ready!!!!!

congrats to designedbyginalouise - our february design challenge winner! PLUS march's challenge details!

Inspired clothing doesn't have to be new or designer to be awesome. Gina, at Designedbyginalouise.etsy.com has proven that. With the first of her Spring and Summer Island Hopping tunic listings, A Cloudy Day http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=40556657 has swept the voting for the Tradeaholics February Design Challenge. Cute maribou removable trim along the top is remnicient of a cloudy day and Gina's trademark roses and leaves adorn the waistband on this cute tunic. And the entire dress is made from recycled and upcycled materials! Not only a design challenge entry but eco-friendly too.

We recently sat down to talk with Gina about her shop, and her design challenge win. Here's what she had to say:

* What made you decide to open shop on Etsy? "A friend of mine was nagging me for a few years to open up my own shop on Etsy. Then after I spent a night browsing on the sites for HOURS I decided to join the fun."

* What does your shop feature? "I create Eco-Friendly Altered Couture. Which means I take things you would normally throw out and turn them into upcycled clothing and accessories. All my designs are one-of-a-kind (OOAK), although I do take custom orders to make similar designs in other sizes and colors."* Where else do you sale? "I also design jewelry from bits and pieces of antique jewelry mixed with some new to create OOAK pieces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/GinaLouisesBling "

* What is your inspiration for your designs? "It is so hard to narrow down what inspires me to create my designs. First would be the colors; I love colors and the way they dance together on a canvas. I buy an outdated thrift shop blouse because I loved the colors and then I'd create something from it. It becomes anything from a scarf to a dining room chair cover. I've worked in film and TV most of my adult life, hence me being inspired by many Hollywood costume designers. I am also inspired by roses. The colors, the way they dance in the warm summer breeze, and the unique shape of each petal. I incorporate them in my designs a lot."

* A couple of your favorite shop selections include... "My favs are my pieced together feminine dresses that can be worn on a Caribbean Island or to a Wedding. I make them from pieces of damaged lace table clothes, old shabby curtains and even prom dress pieces. I have lots of those coming in the next couple of months as soon as my custom orders slow down."

* Any other Web sites (blog, facebook page, twitter) that everyone can find you at? "I was a big blogger, then I got too busy and stopped for a long time. I just opened a new blog specifically for Etsy fans that I have to get back into. It can be found at http://designedbyginalouise.blogspot.com/

Facebook for Etsy - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1080765004

* Anything special you would like to add? "Etsy has been a blessing in disguise. It has brought many new wonderful people, as well as boutiques into my life and it makes me wake up with a smile every morning and I look forward to my next creation. I love to open up my esty mail and read beautiful letters from people all over the world telling me that they love my designs. It's a really great feeling.Many thanks to all who voted for me and took the time to visit my shop. See ya at the next trade!"

and now, without further ado... this month's challenge, as chosen by ginalouise, is "MARCH ON". Challenge entries will be accepted through the 16th and voting will take place from 17-25 of March.

The rules are simple: Only one entry per shop per month please.The item must follow our monthly challenge theme, chosen by the past month's winner.

Challenge entry days will be opened through the 16th of each month. Voting will take place from 17-25 of each month. The winner will be announced and featured on the Tradeaholic blog each month. Your challenge entry does NOT have to be an item for trade in your store, simply something handmade you have listed in your store. There's no trading involved in this challenge (of course, unless you want to.)
This month's design challenge is "MARCH ON". Show us your theme inspired item for sale in your store. Entries will be accepted through March 16 and voting will take place March 17-25 on the Tradeaholics' blog (http://etsytradeaholics.blogspot.com/). Show off your items via Etsy with the team challenge tag "tradeonmarch10" without those pesky ". (If you don't tag your challenge item correctly, it will not be included in the voting. Tags will change monthly.)

so go and get creative! and congratulations again, ginalouise!

February's Design Challenge Entries!!!

pendant by glassredefined

without further ado, here are the entries to the february design challenge - "a cloudy sky"!!!! so please vote for your favorite - AND PLEASE ONLY VOTE ONCE! the winner will be announced on february 26th and featured here on the blog! SO GO VOTE!!!!

abespoketouch

angiehandmade

brightcircle

cappysueclay

chainflower

cleanb

countrywindows

createdbythe3maries

creationsbycori

designedbyginalouise

householdwords

jerseymaids

julieellyndesigns

kelsilove

mrssmeow

nikkisuniques

onestopclothingshop

paperleaves

rachelherzog

sharonkaydesigns

SWeetiepooh

tessacotton

theodapore

thegirlyplace

triplestitch

ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!! January Design Challenge!!!

we threw down the gauntlet, and you created! here are the 33 - yes, 33! - entries to the first tradeaholics' design challenge! click here to see the entries!

please vote on the poll on the sidebar - one vote per person! we'll announce the winner on the 26th!

(i know that this might not be as streamlined as we could make it, but it's our first huge design challenge... we'll work out the kinks as we go! if you have any suggestions, please let me know via etsy convo!)

Designer Challenge!

We're still in need of a Team Banner for our blogsite PLUS a team widget. The original deadline for submissions was April 21.

Come on, Traders!! Let's see those creations!

TRADE & REPLACE - the tribe has spoken!

Okay, no one has been voted off the planet - we don't vote people off here at the TradeAHolics!!!!

BUT....

the tribe HAS spoken and our next TnR will start SUNDAY, APRIL 20th, 2008!!!! Ak or I (who ever is up first) will start the TnR thread in the Promotions forum in the early morning, ETSY time (which is Eastern Standard). The list will be made up of the shops that ended the last TnR - unless they are unable to participate. (just convo either one of us and let us know)

So, make sure that you can stay and play, make sure your shop is stocked, and make sure that you are ready to TRADE!!!!!!

A quick reminder - don't forget to vote on the team tag and don't forget to get designing on the widget and the banner!!!!

Ready, set, TRADE ON!!!!!

xoxooxox AK and Muffin

(thanks to cafepress for making the fabulously funny tote bag!)

here is the list that will start the TnR - it is the last list that was posted when we closed the thread.

this is the list from the last pages of the thread:
http://sweetside.etsy.com/ - wonderful beads, fabric and quilting/sewing
notions
http://nhubs.etsy.com/
http://knitandpearl.etsy.com/ - has jewelry and fiber arts!
http://beadsidemyself.etsy.com - great jewelry and cards.

http://unefemme.etsy.com/ - the most amazing fine art prints and bags!http://sarahinflorida.etsy.com/ or http://theknitbrit.etsy.com/
http://beckynot.etsy.com/ - sweet jewelry for pets and humans! Plus a suave new line of "supplies"
http://gloplace.etsy.com/ - has fabulous jewelry!
http://mimisjewels.etsy.com/
http://ginabee.etsy.com/
http://stacirose.etsy.com/ - has lovely jewelry!
http://thepeachtree.etsy.com/ - beautiful semiprecious jewelry!
http://akhotdoggies.etsy.com/

TEAM CHALLENGE!!!! Designing our Team Identity... and Tagging!

Attention all you designers!!!!

We'll be holding two separate Design Challenges this month!!!! Read 'em and weep!

1) Design a banner for the team blog website!!!!

2) Design a team widget. Once the widget has been decided on by the team, we will incorporate code so when the widget is clicked on, the user will be directed to the team website. Team members can attach the widget to their blog or website.

Designs are due in 3 weeks, Monday, April 21st. Email your entries to Ak or Muffin by that date and we'll post them here! Feel free to enter as many times as you wish!!! Two separate polls will be set up so team members can vote on their favorite for each category.

and part two.... TAGGING!

No, we're not talking about a huge team game of tag (but wouldn't that be fun????)

The fabulous FlamingoLady asked, "What about team tagging?" Excellent question! Yeah, so what about it? As an easy search tool for team members and buyers or traders, please identify your tradable items with 'Tradeaholics Team'. A suggestion for non-members of the Etsy Trade-A-Holics Team who like to trade is to tag their tradeables with the tag 'trade'. In the next few days, AK will incorporate a search link from the Team website for all items with the team tag, "Tradeaholics Team" and another search link from the trading list blog for all items with the 'trade tag'. This makes it easier to see what talent is out there... and narrow down your list!!!!

Of course, this just might make your "to have at all costs" list even longer!!!! FYI - creationsbychristina had already started tagging some of her items this way!!!! Yay to our brownie queen!

Ak also just sent around an email asking for ideas about an acronym for our team - Etsy TradeAHolics is quite long to use as a tag, LOL!

Here's a few: THT ( Trade-A-Holics Team)TAH ( Trade-A-Holics)ETT ( Etsy Trade-A-Holics Team)ETAH ( Etsy Trade-A-Holics) Okay, folks! We want to hear back from you. Let us know how you want to tag your items!! Add your suggestion to this post and we'll put up a poll ASAP!

So get designing, get tagging, and as always, TRADE ON!!!!

xoxoox AK & muffin