Showing posts with label robots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robots. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 11 Pony and Poppy

Can you tell I love linens? 
I can't wait to tell you about this next shop, full of my favorite things:

I want, well, pretty much everything:

The towels...
Linen Tea Towel - White Flowers. Natural Flax. Hand Screen-Printed.
Buy it here
The produce bags....
Farmer's Market Produce Bag. Set of TWO. Three Red Apples. Hand screen-printed and handmade.
Buy it here
The pillows...
Fern Pillow. Purple on Natural Canvas. Screen Print.
Buy it here
The table runners...
Hemstitched Linen Table Runner. Red Snowflake. Christmas Gift Idea. Holiday Table.
Buy it here
The scarves...
Pinwheel Doily. Jersey Scarf. Hand-pulled Screen Print.
Buy it here
The notecards
Pomegranate. Linocut block print.
Buy it here
The napkins....
Cloth Dinner Napkin. Marigold. Set of Four. Hand Screen-Printed.
Buy it here
And a little something for my baby. That's really for me, right?
Trike and Robot. Onesie Bodysuit Set of Two. Hand Screen Printed.
Buy it here
I never get bored of linens.
Thanks for brightening my day Pony & Poppy :)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Kayla from LetterKay

Thank you all for waiting so patiently for the next giveaway.
I think you'll find it was worth the wait!

This time I've teamed up with Kayla over at LetterKay
who has graciously agreed to send one lucky reader 
one of these fantastic Made with Love stamps!

Made with Love - Hand Carved . Unmounted . Rubber Stamp
Buy it here

If you haven't yet, head over and check out Kayla's shop. 
There you'll find an assortment of hand-carved rubber stamps as well as some fun vintage finds. 

The prices are unbelievable, 
AND she does custom stamps, too!

In fact, Kayla created this fun little robot using one of my designs!
 I can't stop smiling whenever I use it, 
I can't believe my own design has "come to life" in a whole new way.

Hand Stamped Unique Robot Tags for Gift, Favors or Notes - Set of 12 - 2-1/2" x 1-3/4"
Buy it here

In addition to hand carved stamps, Kayla's shop is also full of fun vintage finds.
Craft supplies and vintage finds, all in one place?! 
It's like I've died and gone to heaven :)

Let's get to know a little more about Kayla and here shop. 
I'll be sure to give you a sampling of her fun finds along the way:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: Well, I’m just a girl who loves to make things! I live in a fairly small city where I spend my time creating and treasure hunting when I am not working. I like to do a little bit of everything. I do graphic design, stamps for etsy, search for cool vintage items, face paint, give art lessons, etc. The list is pretty long, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love staying busy and love having a variety of things to do! 

Q: You've got what they call "raw" natural talent. How did you get started as an artist? 
A: I have always loved creating. When I was little, my favorite “toys” were tissue paper and glue. With those two things, the possibilities were endless. During high school I began to focus more on the arts and decided to major in Studio Art. I just recently graduated and still love making things, whether crafts or fine art.

Q: When did you come up with the idea of carving your own stamps? Where did you learn this craft?
A: I can’t remember the project I needed a stamp for, but I know I was making something for one of my friends or family members and I decided to make my own design for it. I first learned how to carve a wood/linoleum block in school and the same techniques apply to carving rubber stamps. I have loved it ever since.

Q: Hand carved stamps have become VERY popular on Etsy. How do you set yourself apart from other sellers, what makes your work unique?
A: Hand carved stamps have gotten more popular and it is a bit surprising in some ways. I feel that designing my own unique stamp designs is important. I also feel that my stamps feel and look natural – a look people are beginning to appreciate more. Other than that, I just try to work hard and make as many stamps as I can J

Script Font Initial Rubber Stamp -  Your Choice of 1 Initial Stamp - Hand-Carved
Buy it here
Q: I love your packaging. Where did you come up with this great idea?
A: This is terrible, but I can’t really remember how I got the idea. Yikes, I need to work on my memory. I believe I started searching first for organza bags, but then I kept researching and found the muslin bags which I feel has a much more natural look which really compliments the stamps. I love giving the customer a custom hand-stamped bag for their special stamp.



Q: Do you sell your stamps anywhere beside Etsy? 
A: I have tried selling my stamps on other sites similar to Etsy, but Etsy has proved to be the best place so far. It is also hard to keep up with several different sites. You can sell more if you focus on one online venue. However, I have sent stamps for consignment to a few local shops.


Q: What stamp or design holds the most personal meaning to you and/or which stamp in your shop is your favorite? Which is the most popular?
A: Hmm…that’s a tough question. I am really like the faux wax seal stamps that I have recently designed. I just love dressing up a simple letter or envelope! The most popular stamp is definitely the Custom Logo Stamp.

Fleur de Lis Wax Seal Rubber Stamp
Buy it here
Q: Any new designs in the works?
A: Yes! There are many new designs brewing around in my head! I am trying to come up with more custom designs. People love custom, it means more to them or the person that they are giving it to. Any ideas for things you’d like to see would also be greatly appreciated. After all, I am not just designing for me.


Q: You've been very successful in a relatively short period of time. Any advice for new sellers looking to increase their sales?
A: Putting the time into it is the biggest thing for me. If you want your Etsy shop to be successful, you have to put the time into it. It really is like a second job. I come home from my day job and then work on Etsy orders or coming up with new ideas. I’ve also made some sales by joining teams I was interested in and meeting people. Also, tell your friends about it! Local sales are great!


Vintage Yellow Rose Brooch/Pin
Buy it here
Q: Just for fun, what is you're favorite treasury feature?
A: I am not sure I really have a favorite. I think they are all great! The vintage treasuries are very fun because you learn a little about something each time, like this treasury

Kayla would like to offer my blog readers an exclusive coupon code!
Use the coupon code MODERN15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase 
now until the end of October. This can be used on ANY item J 
Have fun shopping and please let Kayla know if you have any questions.


When you're done shopping at n   LetterKay or ordering your custom stamp,
be sure to head on back and enter the giveaway!



How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Heart LetterKay on Etsy or an item from her shop
and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item.



3. "Like" LetterKay on Facebook and let her know I sent you
and leave a separate comment here about it.


Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already, 
and READ THE FINE PRINT

Fine Print:
Only 3 entries per household please
Giveaway ends November 7th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

Recently I have had to choose a second winner for quite a fewgiveaways 
due to lack of an email response from my winners. 
If you really want to win, check your SPAM folders often, or better yet 
add moderntypography@aol.com to your address book. Good luck!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

I've reached 300 followers! Let's Do a Giveaway

I can't believe how quickly things are moving along. 
Makes me feel like celebrating! In case you didn't notice, I like to give things away :) 
So, for this grand occasion I'm giving away 
300 items from my shop!

(Don't tell my husband)
That's right 300 handmade items from Modern Typography!

Here's what one luck winner will get:

100 Chevron Tags in the color and size of their choice
Chevron Pantone Fall 2011 Embellishment Die Cut Tags for Gifts, Scrapbooking, or Paper Crafts-  Set of 100
Buy it here
75 1 1/2" Circle Stickers in the design of their choice
Reserved for amandagooch Robot Stickers - Set of 24

75 Scalloped Circle Embellishments in the color of their choice
2 Inch Scalloped Circle Embellishment Die Cut Tags for Gifts, Scrapbooking, or Paper Crafts-  Set of 100 - Primary Colors
Buy it here
25 Mini Notebooks in assorted styles
Cupcake Dessert Birthday Party Favor Mini Notebooks - Set of 12
Buy it here
AND


50 Mini Envelopes in assorted styles
Mini Envelopes Handmade from Upcycled National Geographic Animal Maps - Set of  12 - 2-7/8" x 4-1/4"
Buy it here

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did (1point)

2. Heart Modern Typography on Etsy or an item from the shop
and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item(s) (1point)


3. "Like" Modern Typography on Facebook and leave message on my wall
and leave a separate comment here saying you did (1 point)

4. Purchase an item from Modern Typography
and leave a separate comment here saying you did (5 points per item)

PS. I love you guys. Thanks for following!

Oh yeah, don't forget my other giveaways!
Good luck :)


Fine Print:
Please, only 4 entries per household (unlimited points for purchased items, of course)
1 winner will be chosen October 12th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Amelia from Vector

Okay, all you jewelry addicts, wood lovin' gals and altogether groovy readers.
I've got a really cool peace piece to giveaway from VectorCloud.
One lucky reader is going to win this funtastic lasercut wooden Vintage Van Necklace!

Vintage Van Necklace (w/personalized engraving)
Buy it here
I first fell in love with VectorCloud when I stumbled upon this unique little robot necklace (yes, I'm obsessed with robots...)

Robot with a Heart
Buy it here
Amelia is no one-trick-pony. She can do amazing things with all types of jewelry, like these fun hot air balloon dangly earrings:


Hot Air Balloon Earrings
Buy it here
Or these adorable little studs:

Squirel & Pine Cone Earrings
Buy it here
This is not your run of the mill laser cut wood jewelry. Amelia can custom make items like these amazing little house necklaces, too!

Custom  'House'  Pendant /Brooch/Ornament (One of A Kind, made just for you)
Buy it here
I could fill pages with all the fun stuff from her shop, but I'll let you head on over and check it out yourself. In the meantime, let's find out more about Amelia and the direction her shop is taking:

Amelia
Q: Tell us a little about yourself/your shop.
A: My name is Amelia and I live in Queens, New York with my husband and one year old son. VectorCloud is a home based design studio that I started about 1.5 years ago. VectorCloud focuses on laser cut design products ranging from jewelry, to clocks and home decor.


Q: How did you get started making laser cut designs? 
A: I started this endeavor after working at an NFP helping kids in the Bronx learn CAD programs to create a variety of projects using a laser cutter. The experience really inspired me and opened up new perspectives on what I can do with my skills.


Q: What do you like about Etsy?
A: I love how convenient and easy it is for people to start selling their handcrafted items on Etsy. Etsy provides space for independent artists to develop. 


Q: You've been very successful in your shop in a relatively short period of time. To what do you attribute your success?
A: Lots of exploration and hard work. 
Amelia's Work Space



Q: Do you have any advice for new sellers?
A: One of the first things you have to ask yourself is who would buy your products and how do you differentiate yourself/store from the others. Finding a niche that not a lot of people have done already and that you are really good at should be the focus of your entrepreneurial journey. 



Q: What is your favorite laser cut piece? 
A: The Dress Up Polly Necklace. It takes a lot longer to make, but I've never seen anything like it on the market and it has been one of the best sellers. 


Dress-Up Polly Necklace
Buy it here

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs? 
A: I love browsing various blogs online, not only to find out what's 'current' but also to get inspired from many other disciplines such as interior design, graphic design, fashion, and children's products.

Q: What are your future plans for your shop
A: To do more wholesale and consignments, as well as exploring other lines of products. 


Eco-Retro Desk Clock
Buy it here
Q: Just for fun, what is the last thing you bought yourself on Etsy?
A: The last thing I bought for my self was a handmade baby carrier from twirlybirdbaby  :) It looks similar to this one.

Let's show this hard-workin' mama some love.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. "Heart" VectorCloud on Etsy
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


3. "Tweet" about the VectorCloud Giveaway 
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

4. "Like" VectorCloud on Facebook
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


5. Leave a comment on Facebook about your favorite item
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


Best of luck to all who enter. And thanks Amelia for joining us!


Make sure to visit the Giveaways tab for more great prizes!


Fine Print:

Only 5 entries per household please
1 winner will be chosen September 7th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Robots Galore!

Sometimes I get so busy with reviews and giveaways that I forget to let everyone know what's new in my world! I've been hard at work on a whole line of Robot Party Supplies. I'd love to get your feedback on my designs, prices, photos, etc.


First things first, for a great party you've gotta have a great invitation! I decided to use my favorite of the 4 robot designs. My party supplies are all print-your-own, so I decided to go with fill-in invites. 

Robot Party Invitation Fill In Print Your Own - 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 - Customizable - Matching Party Supplies
Buy it here
I've also created these great little party favor bag toppers. You can fill little 3"x4" treat bags with a billion different things and top them off with adorable little tags. I tried both jolly ranchers and animal crackers, and they both worked just perfectly!

Robot Party Favor Bag Label Tag Topper - Print Your Own - Matching Party Supplies
Buy it here
Have you ever gone out looking for fun, inexpensive party favors and come up empty handed? That's what brought me to come up with my own little unique mini notebooks. I also use scrapbooking papers and upcycled books to make these. These are available pre-made, or you can make them yourself if you order the complete Robot Party Package.

Robot Party Favor Mini Notebooks - Set of 10
Buy it here
The last couple of products are all from the same basic circle pattern. They come in 1 1/2" and 4" circles for a banner, stickers, cupcake toppers, and really just about anything else you can think of! They can be used to adorn party hats, glasses, utensils, coasters, confetti, and table decorations or seal invitations. 

Robot Party Cupcake Topper or Straw Decoration - Print Your Own - Matching Party Supplies
Buy it here

Individually, each pattern sells for $5. But for just $20 you can get the complete set.

The print-your-own Robot Party Package comes with: 
Fill-in invitations

Thank you postcards
A banner
Cupcake toppers
Stickers
Favor tags
Mini notebooks (this is exclusively part of this set)


All of these are customizeable for a small additional fee. If it were up to me, I'd design custom items exclusively, it's much more fun! 

Can't wait to see what you guys think. Have a great day :)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Snowmachine = Shopful of Robots = Love

Did I mention I'm obsessed with robots? No?!?!?! I'm obsessed with robots....


Abby from Snowmachine has the market cornered plush robots, period. I have to admit, her robots have been an inspiration for my new robot designs. Having sweat over mine, I realize how much creativity goes into creating unique robot "personalities." 


I'll just admit it, it's impossible to choose a favorite, 
but I am just jealous of this design: 

Robot Plushie Medium
Buy it here

Abby says this it is the most popular style in her shop. 
The first one she made last year at Christmas sold in an hour!  

I also love that she made girly robots, robots aren't just for boys!

Robot Plushie Girly Medium
Buy it here
Abby also makes "edible" robots ;)

Robot Plushie Mini stroller car seat toy
Buy it here
Enough about robots! Let's talk about Abby (and robots, of course). Now, typically I ask people 8-10 questions and you only get the most interesting. I couldn't resist posting everything Abby had to say: 


Q: How has your shopped changed since it opened?
A: My shop has been open about a year and a half and it's changed a lot since it opened. At first I was more focused on burp clothes and other baby items but I started to realize that my robots were the most unique item I had and therefore the most successful. I focus mostly on them now. 

Q: What is the best business decision you ever made?
A: In January I decided to change how I ran my shop- previously I would make a robot, take pictures, and then list the robot. Everything was always ready to ship but if I was busy my shop would get empty. I decided to reverse how I worked- I now have several styles to choose from and I make the robots as they are ordered. It means that my shop is never empty and I still have the flexibility to stay creative and add new styles whenever I want.

Q: What advice do you have for new sellers on Etsy?
A: Do a search for the item you want to make. If there are a million items for sale just like what you have in mind you might have a long road ahead. Try to find your niche, what makes your product unique? Focus on making that great. A bit of advice I read on the forums when I was starting was to just keep making things. If you keep making and listing things will fall into place. 

Q: How do you come up with new ideas? 
A: I've always been a really observent person. My mom says that when I was little she could move one thing in the house and I would know immediately. I think observation is what inspires me. Looking at the visual culture around me gives me ideas for what should be the next thing in my shop. I also get ideas from customers who want something specific. Sometimes the best ideas come from, "do you think you could make...?"

Q: What is the best compliment your shop/you have received?
A: I've had some really amazing heartfelt feedback that makes me feel great about what I do. There have been a couple times that a customer has told me about their children taking their new robots somewhere very meaningful, one to a surgery and one to an adoption hearing. I will always treasure those stories where something I made was there for comfort during an important time in a child's life. 



Q: Just for fun, what is your favorite shop on Etsy?
A: I have a few shops that I really like but moncadeau is one of my very favorites. I have the initial rings for my son's names and I really want some of her necklaces.


Inspiring!


Abby has generously agreed to offer an exclusive coupon code for our readers! Use the code ROBOTMAIL to receive free shipping on your order from Snowmachine!


Domo arigato, Abby! I couldn't be more thrilled!


-Melanie