Feature Shop: Baby Swank

Team member Meagan Visser is a busy mom of two expecting her third in December! She runs Etsy shop Baby Swank, where she sells handmade, eco-friendly items for babies and toddlers, and coaches other work-at-home-moms on her coaching blog, MeaganVisser.com. Thanks for sharing your story, Meagan! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name? 
Meagan Visser

Where are you located?
I live in the beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee in a little town called Butler. We’re very rural, and it’s just perfect for us. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a SAHM to two boys ages 3 and 18 months. We’re expecting our third baby this December, and yes, it’s another boy! I’m so blessed! LOL! I’m married to my high school sweetheart although he was homeschooled. I love living and learning about the natural life, using herbs, being self-sufficient, and making things for my family.

Mini Bath Bombs

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I offer fashionable and eco-friendly products for babies and toddlers. That includes my OOAK handmade baby and toddler bibs called Washcloth Bibs, cloth flannel baby wipes, and a new line of natural skin care products.

How/why did you start your business?
I started my shop as a creative outlet when my kiddos were small. I’m always doing creative things and I thought that I’d give selling them a try for fun and extra money. It took me a while to come up with something that I thought was unique and original enough to create a business around, but once I found that, it seemed like everything else just fell into place.

Crocheted Scrubbie - 3 Pack

How long have you been crafting?
I’d say I’ve been seriously crafting since I was in high school. At least that’s when I really got interested in it. I’ve always loved to make things, but I don’t think I realized how crafting was actually a part of life and that you can make so many things that you can use.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I love making any kind of handmade gifts for people! I think it’s seeing their reactions when they open a gift and know that I’ve spend time and energy making it just for them.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Wow, I have so many. It’s hard for me to narrow it down into just a few. I’m one of those people who wants to be well-rounded and wants to learn all kinds of ways of crafting. I love to sew, I love to decorate cakes, I love to make herbal products, I love to crochet, and I dabble in jewelry making and ceramics a bit. I’m sure there’s more, too!

Baby Bib Pack

What inspires you to create?
I think seeing beautiful things gives me inspiration, whether it’s another product or a color palette or a stunning photo. Even hearing someone talk about something they’d like or need can bring on inspiration. I want to recreate it in my own way to fit my needs or to create something that will fit someone else’s needs.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
I don’t think I have anything in particular that I need to have with me. I do need my space to be clutter free, but that’s about it. I like being organized and prepared so if I start something, I want all the unnecessary junk out of my way and I want everything I’ll need within reach!

Baby Gift Basket

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Oh that can be a challenge! Besides running my Etsy shop, I also run a coaching website for mompreneurs – MeaganVisser.com - and that’s something that I know a lot of moms struggle with. I’m not perfect at it by any means!

To start off with, I know my priorities and they’re set in stone. Family first! I fit my business into my life, not my life into my business. Yes, I want to be successful, but successful to me is having a happy, well-cared-for family and doing what I love. There are times that I need to step back and refocus, but that’s normal and it’s a good thing.

I’d say the things that work best for me is to have a daily routine and do my best at sticking to a schedule. I try not to overwhelm myself by having too many “to-dos” each day. I’d rather under schedule my day, than to over schedule it. I get done what I need to during my work times and if for some reason I have extra time, great! I’ll do some more. I also schedule in times for my children’s school {we homeschool}, lunch, cleaning and family time. Some days are more rushed and things get skipped depending on what all I have to do, but for the most part we do well with everything!

Sample Pack - (3) 2 oz Sample Sizes

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love looking for gifts for people and I love finding beautiful treasuries to share.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Probably teaching my little guys, spending time with friends and family, cooking/cleaning, sleeping, etc.

Where can we find you? (Etsy link, blog, Facebook, Twitter, stores, etc.)
Etsy Shop: http://babyswank.etsy.com
MeaganVisser.com: http://meaganvisser.com
Baby Swank Blog: http://babyswank.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/EtsyBabySwank
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MeaganVisser

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
Oooh, tough…I have so many! I’d say my newest favorite find would be The Cozy Project {thecozyproject.etsy.com} because I love coffee and herbal teas and she has the cutest, most creative cozies for your cups!

Feature Shop: Little Owl's Nest

Happy June! You might remember Angie of Little Owl's Nest from our recent shop name contest. She shared the sweet story of how she named her shop and won! This week, meet Angie and find out more about her handmade business! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Angie

Where are you located?
Suburbs of Kansas City

Tell us a little about yourself.
Married to my husband Sean and mom to Callie (2). I have a BFA in Interior Design from KU and worked as a Corporate Interior Designer for 12 years.

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Custom crib sets and changing pad covers and nursing pillow covers in every color

Changing Pad Cover in Lemon Yellow

How/why did you get started?
I was laid off in 2009 due to economy. Architectural projects are the first thing to get canceled in a bad economy and last to come back. I knew it was going to be awhile before the jobs came back and decided to try Etsy while on unemployment.

How long have you been crafting? What got you started sewing?
My grandmother was a quilter and knitter so I guess I have the genes for it. Intro to Sewing was a required class in middle school, and I loved it. My first job was in fabric store and I worked at various places all through high school and college, so sewing has always been part of my life.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Halloween costumes for my daughter. So far she has been a Wookie (part of a family costume) and Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.

What is your favorite kind of fabric to work with?
Good quality quilting cottons -- the colors are bright and the patterns are usually pretty true to grain. I'm a ripper.

Nursing Pillow Cover - Citrus Orange

What inspires you to create?
All the fun fabrics available. New stuff is always coming out. I love putting together patterns for crib set ideas. True up is a favorite blog to read.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
My scissors. No matter how many pairs I have they always seem to be on the other side of the room.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I try to involve my daughter while I work and let her "help" if I'm trying to get something done during the day like package or cut stuff out. Mostly I work during nap time and after she goes to bed. I have her in preschool one day a week, and Saturday morning is a work day for mommy. Friday evenings are a no-work zone so I can spend time with my husband.

Dino Baby Bedding 5 piece Crib Set

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
My husband and I decided instead of getting each other gifts for our wedding anniversary, we would buy art. We both wanted to buy original good quality pieces but that can be tricky to fit into a budget. Once a year we get to splurge. Etsy is a great source for artwork that's not out of reach for us.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Planning a garden or re-doing the house. Both are fixer-uppers. I'm weird, I enjoy yardwork and painting.

Sock Monkey Baby Bedding - Bumper, Skirt, Sheet

Where can we find you?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/littleowlsnest
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleOwlsNest

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/Twinwoodcarving -- He hand carves wood bowls -- and he's a stay at home dad!

Feature Shop: My Love Bug Baby

Good morning! We have some wonderful active members on our team. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Monika of My Love Bug Baby. She helps out with Facebook and the blog, and helps keep our team discussions active. Thanks for all you do, Monika! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Monika

Where are you located?
Orange County, CA

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a big family with five sisters; we are all very close. My husband is from Michigan; we met nine years ago. We have two children - daughter Ryan (3 1/2 years old) and son Parker (9 months old). My husband owns a flooring business and I stay home with the kids.

Sensory Blanket - Jungle Animal Print

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Useful items from moms, babies & kids made with colorful prints

How/why did you get started?
I have always loved crafting but have had more time to do it after becoming a SAHM when my son was born last year.

Flannel Baby Blanket - Lots of Hearts print

How long have you been sewing? When did you first learn?
I first learned to sew when I was about 10 years old. I stated by hand sewing clothing for my dolls from scrap fabric my mom gave me.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I'm working on pretend play items for baby dolls right now, I love making miniatures!

Pink & Green Layered Flower Clip or Pin

What inspires you to create?
My kids!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Embroidery scissors to cut threads

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I only sew/create when the kids are asleep or with their dad. I try to keep the two separate so that I can give both total attention.

Diaper and Wipes Clutch with Pop-up Wipes Case

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love looking at soaps, but wish that I could smell them!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Spending time with my family, hopefully outdoors. We all love to spend time outside. Or baking -- we love to eat too!

Bib & Burp Cloth Set - Dog and Dots print

Where can we find you?
Etsy shop: www.mylovebugbaby.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylovebugbaby
Twitter: @MyLovebugBaby
Blog: www.mylovebugbaby.blogspot.com

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
ApplesNAmos, she has the cutest wooden toys!

Feature Shop: Wonky Wares

Good morning! Today, meet Jen of Wonky Wares! She is an active member of our blog team -- she makes sure the things we post are proofread and error free! -Cheers! Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Jen

Where are you located?
Wichita, KS, currently, but a native Floridian

Owl Earflap Hat

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a SAHM to three precious little boys, and when I'm not chasing them around or crafting, I love to read.

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
In my shop, you will find crocheted hats for babies, children and grown-ups; handmade sweeper covers; greeting cards; and much more to come this spring, including baby sandals.

Brimmed Newsboy in Sage with Brown Flower

How/why did you get started?
Wonky Wares began out of my love for crocheting, especially girlie flowered hats and bright colors. Since I'm the only girl in the house, Wonky Wares lets me work with hot pink and lavender yarn and pass my creations on to others.

How long have you been crocheting? Papercrafting? How did you get started in these two crafts?
I've been crocheting for about five years. When I worked in the mental health field, one of our clients taught me a basic stitch, and I was "hooked" after that. I got some books, taught myself some more stitches and how to read patterns, and have enjoyed it ever since! I've been scrapbooking/papercrafting for about 12 years and love how this creative outlet also serves as a functional way to preserve our family's memories.

Reversible, Washable, Eco-Friendly Sweeper Sock

What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite thing I've ever made was an open weave infant beanie with a big crocheted rosebud on the side. Something about the snowflake blue and winter white just went together perfectly, and the subtle fuzz of the yarn just felt like winter. It was elegant and feminine, and I loved it. I hope it's new owner loves it, too!

What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by bright colors and patterns; I love pairing different colors, and I especially love the spring and summer months when color is all around me!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
When I'm crafting, I need to have an empty room. I'm easily distracted, especially having three boys under four running around me all day, so when I craft, I like to close the door, put on headphones and just be alone for a little while. Pandora is also a must; preferably set to my Ben Folds station.

Pink Earflap Hat with Tassels and Flower Accent

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Figuring out how to balance motherhood and an Etsy shop has definitely been a process. I'm fortunate enough to have little ones that still nap (most days!), so naptime is my dedicated craft/business time. I don't always get to spend as much time as I'd like listing new items, and my "work-in-progress" basket is overflowing currently, but my number one job is motherhood, so I have to take advantage of every minute I can, and learn to cut myself some slack if the day's to-do list doesn't get completed.

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Right now, my favorite thing to browse Etsy for is handmade lip balm/solid lotion. There are so many shops out there with some delicious-sounding flavors. I'm definitely in the market, if you have any recommendations!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I'm not crafting, I'm running after my boys, playing outside, catching up on sleep, or watching documentaries on Netflix with my hubby. Or reading, I love to read.

Cheerful Windmill "Happy Birthday" Card

Where can we find you?
You can find me at wonkywares.etsy.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/wonkywares

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
My favorite shop on Etsy has to be Boojiboo (boojiboo.etsy.com) I ADORE her aprons and wear the ones I have all the time. As an often too-casual, covered in crumbs/child goo mom, I love how wearing one of her retro inspired aprons makes me feel pretty, feminine, and dressy. They aren't just for the kitchen, sometimes I wear mine most of the day!

Build a Better Blog #2: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

You've all heard the saying...and know what I'm talking about, right?

But here's what you may not know: you don't have to be a professional photographer to take good pictures! In this day of digital cameras, taking good pictures is easier than ever...but you can also fall into mediocre photo-taking traps just as easily.

Today I'm going to share some simple tips for getting (and taking) better pictures! Taking good pictures is more than having a great camera or awesome products!

1. KNOW YOUR CAMERA! Because of the ease of digital cameras, you can often overlook features that can help you take better pictures. It may seem like a really boring and unimportant thing to do, but read your camera's manuel! Get to know the features your camera offers. Do have the option to use a Macro lens? Figure it out! Do have the ability to adjust the f-stop on your exposure? Do it! (Don't know what these things mean? Your manuel will probably explain them!)

2. USE GOOD LIGHTING! It's easy to just use your camera's Auto-Flash when taking pictures, but there is nothing less professional looking than product pictures taken with a flash. Even if you are taking pictures of something in your own kitchen, using a flash makes it look unprofessional. You can use the same setting with good light and get fantastic pictures! 

Try to take your pictures during the day in a place that is lit by lots of brightindirect light! If this isn't quite possible take advantage of some good photo imaging software to "fix and brighten" your pictures. Most cameras have some sort of simple photo imaging software included for your computer, so when you upload pictures from your camera you can adjust certain things. 



Play with exposure, saturation, and shadows.



If your imaging software isn't quite up to snuff, you can also use another program like Photoshop or Picnik (which is FREE!)! Go mess around with your options!

3. GET FOCUSED! No amount of good light can make up for the lack of focus in a picture. Make sure you're subject is in focus. This being said don't be afraid to get up close and personal...if your camera has the option of a Macro lens setting, you can take some really fun and interesting shots by focusing in on just a part of your subject, rather than the whole.



4. TRY SOMETHING NEW! This one is pretty simple...Experiment with different backgrounds, lighting effects, and compositions. You don't always have to take a picture from a straight-forward angle: 

Change things up by putting your subject off-center!



Crop to feature a specific part of a picture! 



Tilt your camera to get a different angle! 



5. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! It's easier to eliminate the bad pictures if you have a bunch to choose from! Try to take multiple shots of each angle...this will help allow for lighting discrepancies, angles, and compositions. You can get rid of the ones you don't like with the click of the button...that is the beauty of digital!!

6. DON'T STRESS! Taking photos can be an overwhelming process...don't let it stress you out! Take it one step at a time! Read a little about your camera, and then take a break! Try something new during one photo shoot, and see if you like the result. Take it easy and have fun!!

Hope these little tips will help you start thinking about how you can improve your photos, and get you thinking about trying new things!!

Have fun!!!

P.S. I'm also sharing this post on the SAHM of Etsy Team blog and one the Olive Smiles fanpage!