Why Handmade Column Debut

For those interested in the handmade movement, I'll be writing a new column at tryhandmade.com devoted to helping buyers navigate the online world of handmade goods. The column archive can be found at http://tryhandmade.com/author/beverly/

The bi-weekly column, Why Handmade, will explore the major handmade venues from a buyer's perspective, how to connect with artists and artists' groups, the great possibilities of custom work and how to order it, meeting up with other buyers who have a particular interest in a particular type of work, how to deal with any problems that arise with an order, navigating the feedback systems of the various venues, how to introduce others to handmade and more.

The debut installment is an introduction to handmade, titled "How You Spend Matters: The Case for Buying Handmade" and discusses the impact you can have as a patron of handmade artisans. It can be found here: http://tryhandmade.com/how-you-spend-matters-the-case-for-buying-handmade/#more-2555

EtsyPatrons Sponsoring Today's Sneak Attack!

EtsyPatrons is the sponsor of today's Sneak Attack, a fun event designed to surprise a new etsy artists with a flurry of sales!

The object of the Sneak Attack is kept a secret until the very last minute, when the shop is announced and there's a mad rush to find the perfect item in there shop and purchase it before someone else beats you to it! In the meantime, a discussion thread here http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6026209 , is where everyone hangs out, having fun and answering questions about the event.

Today’s attack is at 7:00pm EST,. At that time, or any time after that (the shop remains posted until midnight EST), go to http://www.handmademovement.com/ , click on the shop, or shops, that are the victims of today’s attack find something you want to purchase and go from there. When you check out please add “Sneak Attack” to the notes to seller so the shop(s) know that your purchase is being made as part of the attack. A convo is sent to the shop(s) just prior to the attack so they are aware of what is happening and are not alarmed by the sudden number of sales.

Please come join us and give a new etsy artist the surprise of their life!

EtsyPatrons Last Minute Gift Guide

So you want to buy some handmade goodies for the holidays but need some suggestions for reliable artists? Here's our list of gift ideas from Etsy artists that at least one member of the team has personally tried and recommends as great work and wonderful service:

Dave's Homeroast Coffee, http://daveshomeroast.etsy.com/ , is roasted to order, shipped free in the US and Canada, and 100% of funds taken in benefit the Batten Disease Support and Research Association. Dave donates all of his costs, including raw materials and shipping, so not only do you get some amazing home roasted coffee but you're donating to a great charity as well. An EP favorite.

RockLove's alternative edge handmade sterling silver pendants are all hand carved and cast by RockLove® in New York City, which makes every piece a stunning gift with a great story. Excellent service and international shipping elevates the level of this shop to a "little whip-cream covered slice of Etsy pie". Find it at http://rocklove.etsy.com/

JPatPurses, http://jpatpurses.etsy.com/ , makes cute little pouches for all of your favorite gal's accessories and has every one in the shop ready to ship at a moment's notice. These are very well made pieces, and international shipping is available at a reasonable cost.

Ann's Lotions and Potions offers amazing handmade soap that looks and smells good enough to eat. If you or those on your stocking stuffer list have never tried handmade soap, this will make you a convert. Shipped quickly and professionally. http://lotionsandpotions.etsy.com/

EtsyPatrons Are This Week's Featured Buyers!

We've selected a wonderful array of new artists to showcase in our role this week as Etsy's Featured Buyers. Members nominated their favorite new items, then the team voted to select the pieces that would appear in the article. The result is a feature in Etsy's blog, The Storque. You'll find find the complete article, along with some wonderful comments by the Etsy community, here:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/featured-buyers-etsypatrons-etsys-team-of-buyers/2563/

EtsyPatrons Make Someone's Day BNR

Doesn't it feel good to make someone's day? EtsyPatrons has a new way to introduce new Etsy artists and offers buyers a chance to make two artists' days with the same purchase!

In EtsyPatrons new BNR (Buy & Replace), you can choose any item from any of the shops featured, all of which currently have five sales or less. Make a purchase, and you've made that person's day! Then you have the chance to make another person's day by choosing the next shop to be featured, as long as it's not your own shop (if you are an Etsy seller). The idea is to have some fun, find some great new work, and help out others at the same time. This is also a great opportunity for buyers-only to participate in the fun of BNR's. Pick up a great item and help out one your favorite shops too!

More information is available at the BNR here:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=9628

Please stop in, we'd love to see you!

This Undiscovered Treasury Pops!

Check out this new Treasury by EtsyPatrons' Treasury Director VintageEmbellishment. These undiscovered artists will definitely add some zing to your day! See it in its entirety, while it is still active, at http://www.etsy. com/treasury_ list_west. php?room_ id=24630

Have You Made Someone's Day?

Now you can tell us all about it here:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5784204&page=1

It's EtsyPatrons "Have You Made Someone's Day" thread in the Etsy forums, allowing those who have purchased from great new Etsians to share their finds and for new sellers to let us know how wonderful it is to make their first few sales! Come join us, it's going on now!