Featured Crafter: Tara from Elanvitalanthology

In this Featured Crafter, we hear from Tara from Elanvitalanthology. Read on to hear how Tara’s bedrest allowed her creative juices to start flowing and she was able to start creating items for her daughter.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I turned thirty this year, and was overjoyed to find life didn’t end! I live in Bend, OR with my partner, Jeff and our beautiful daughter, Marley Skye.

Where can we find you?
You can find me on Etsy at elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elanvitalantho
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bend-OR/Elan-Vital-Anthology/112002598669?ref=sgm
AND find other featured Etsyians as well as cool finds from the Web at my blog: http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com
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The Cuttlebug: A Simple Solution for Embossing and Die Cuts

The Cuttlebug Machine released by Provo Craft provides a low tech solution to die cutting and embossing. The Cuttlebug is a cutting system designed specifically to help you make die cuts and embossings for your paper crafts and scrapbook designs. It takes a lot of the work out of hand cutting shapes and letters, and it also does the whole job without any computer or electricity! It’s like a low tech version of the Cricut Expression machine.
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Featured Crafter: Mia from PiccolinaDesigns

In this Featured Crafter, we hear from Mia from PiccolinaDesigns. Read on to hear the unique place where Mia finds her inspiration for her gorgeous children’s clothing designs.
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Craft Fair Displays

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Online Printing for Your Promotional Materials

For craft sellers who use Etsy, Artfire, DaWanda, or other online outlets, one of the most effective ways to drive additional sales has almost nothing in common with the internet, and is made of just plain, old paper!

Many of the best online sellers promote their work by sending creative business cards, sale announcements, or referral coupons with their product shipments. It’s a great way to get your message in the buyer’s hands and to keep them coming back to your store. When I’m shopping for handmade gifts, I always look through the stack of cards on my desk to rediscover those crafters whose work I loved the first time around.

For my own business cards I’ve been using an online printer called PsPrint. They focus on sustainability and recycled materials in their processes, and offer a pretty simple process for ordering their products and services. You can create business cards, postcards, direct mailings, and even have them do vinyl sticker printing. Be creative so your personality stands out! To try a test order, you can upload your own promotional designs to their website or, if you’re photoshop-challenged like me, choose from a wide variety of design templates they offer. You can preview your finished product before ordering, either as an image online or with a physical proof sent to you by mail. Check out their site for more information.

In a time where many of us only sell online, sometimes we forget to add a personal touch for our buyers. Send a business card with a handwritten ‘thank you’, and you’ll be surprised how this can enhance your relationship with your customers.

Featured Crafter: Birute from Amber Studios

In this Featured Crafter, we hear from Birute from Amber Studios. Birute grew up in Lithuania and has since moved to New Jersey. She derives inspiration for her pieces from nature, world travel, ancient ethnic styling and European couture.
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