I started doing Plastic Canvas Crafts about 9 years ago. I then decided I wanted to learn how to knit. I never paid attention or wanted to learn when my Grandmother wanted to teach me. I wasn't even a teenager yet and thought "knitting is for old people". Well, I bought myself a knitting kit it learn how to knit. Yeah, that didn't go so well. I just didn't get it. One day, my husband and I were at a craft store and I came across the Knifty Knitter. After some debating and convincing my husband, we bought one. I got it home and started right away. I have been doing it ever since.
I have been trying to find my niche and one day we were at a wedding and they had Smore's favors and I thought "I can do this." And so, started my interest in making food gifts. The S'mores are my biggest sellers on Etsy and my candy bar cakes are my biggest seller on facebook.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
April Lewin Photography "Capturing the moments that matter most" : New Facebook Group and Etsy Team!
Check out the new Facebook group and Etsy team.
April Lewin Photography "Capturing the moments that matter most" : New Facebook Group and Etsy Team!: Follow My Blog on facebook. The purpose of this group is to find new followers for your blog and to follow othe...
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
All About Blogspot Team Treasuries
This one is called "Warmer Days Ahead" and was curated by me, April Lewin from GiftsFromTheKitchen
To see more of these treasuries, click here: https://www.etsy.com/teams/20293/all-about-blogspot/discuss/14097945/
To join All About BlogSpot, click here: https://www.etsy.com/teams/20293/all-about-blogspot
Thursday, March 6, 2014
I'm An Irish Girl
In honor of St. Patrick's Day because I am Irish, I created this Etsy Treasury. Enjoy!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Thrifty Finds
My hubby and I love to go thrift shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales auctions etc. That is what we did on Saturday. We found some good deals!
The first thing we did was stop at an estate sale. We found a beautiful bookcase for $45. There were also books being sold for $1-$2. Because we bought the book case and a whole pile of books, the lady running the sale gave us the books for free!
This is the top part of the bookcase. Unfortunately, right now, it is a little crowded. We plan on making our living room bigger over the next couple of months.
I let the hubby have the top of the bookcase.
Along with being a crafter, I also have a booth at a local co-op vendor store. So, I picked up a couple of things to resell.
This is the top part of the bookcase. Unfortunately, right now, it is a little crowded. We plan on making our living room bigger over the next couple of months.
Here is part of the bottom of the case.
I am a huge Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb Fan!
The bookshelf, except the bottom shelf is full of Nora Robetrs and J.D. Robb books.
I let the hubby have the top of the bookcase.
Along with being a crafter, I also have a booth at a local co-op vendor store. So, I picked up a couple of things to resell.
I found these old vinyl albums for 99 cents each! There are 13 altogether. These sell for $2.00 and up online.
I found this little figurine made by Lefton for $1.49. She sells for about $20.00.
I bought these Wooden Scoop Wall Sconces for 99 cents each. They sell for about $10 each.
And this my friends is why I LOVE thrifting!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Etsy and Your Blog
Does promoting your blog on Etsy get you new followers? I am finding it very frustrating. I follow the blogs of others and even leave comments on their blogs in hopes they will follow back.
In the past, I even started posting recipes and coupons to crafts stores. I was trying to create content for everyone.
What would you suggest to people to make their blogs more interesting? I would love to hear your ideas.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
What is the difference between a diaper cake and a candy bar cake?????? What we create with them is handmade.
I have to shut down my Zibbet shop because I use candy to make candy arrangements. REALLY????? Well, people that use diapers and store bought toys and accessories to create diaper cakes should not be able to sell them there either. What is the difference between a diaper cake and a candy bar cake?????? What we create with them is handmade.
That is like saying you can't use card stock to make greeting cards because the cardstock is not handmade. Isn't the whole idea of handmade to create something with something else? It's like saying using flowers to make floral arrangements is not actually a handmade item because the flowers aren't handmade!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Update: What I have Been Doing On Etsy
Hello everyone! I have been very busy over on Etsy. I have added some new items to my shop and created some new teams. I would like to share them with you.
These candy favors are made with Wilton Vanilla Flavored Candy Melts. Minimum order of 12. Each favor includes 3 candies and will be packaged in treat bags and tied with coordinate colored ribbon.
See something you like? Looking for something a little different? Visit my shop. Gifts From the Kitchen
And now to share some new teams with you.
Games, Games and More Games - Increase traffic & gain exposure for your shop by playing games that involve promoting yourself and others. .......Team games really increase your visibility on Etsy because you are being promoted by other members, and you are showing up on their feeds for their followers to see. The more active you are on Etsy, the more VISIBLE you will be. Don't just join a team and hope for the best. Join a team and participate for more exposure!
Promotion Fanatics - Do you really like "having" to heart items or shops you really don't like? If you answered "no". this team is for you.
Hearting is not required in any thread but by all means, if you see an item or shop you love, please heart!
There are plenty of ways to promote each other instead of giving "hearts" to items or shops that you are just not in to.
We will promote by social media, blogs, treasuries. We will also have a "Favorite an item from A shop above you".
Hearting is not required in any thread but by all means, if you see an item or shop you love, please heart!
There are plenty of ways to promote each other instead of giving "hearts" to items or shops that you are just not in to.
We will promote by social media, blogs, treasuries. We will also have a "Favorite an item from A shop above you".
All About BlogSpot - First and Foremost: This IS NOT a post and run team.
Promote your blog, follow and be followed, feature and be featured. Give and get advice on how to improve your blog. Your blog must be Etsy related.
Promote your blog, follow and be followed, feature and be featured. Give and get advice on how to improve your blog. Your blog must be Etsy related.
Check them out and hope to see you join!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Problems with Zibbet
When I first joined Zibbet a couple of weeks ago, everyone was so warm and welcoming. Then things went sour. I had 3 shops and now only have 2. I went to sign into my account for Gifts From The Kitchen only to find out I couldn't. I had not checked my email for a couple of days so imagine my surprise when I found an email from Zibbet telling me my account had been suspended. Apparently, someone reported my items. Now, of course when I tried to click on the links for these items, I couldn't because the shop doesn't exist. I could not research why these items were reported. So, I sent a message to Zibbet to explain that I had not checked my email to know that there was a problem. I asked them what I needed to do to have my account reinstated........I am still waiting for an answer!
Now, this was not the first time I had been reported. Someone also reported my photography shop. I will admit, I had some listings that had some problems but was unaware that I couldn't do what I was doing. I corrected the problems and still have my account.
I am now waiting for my Knit Me Warm and Cozy shop to be reported.
I may not be getting sales on Etsy but at least I am not being reported every time I turn around!
Monday, February 3, 2014
A Whole Lot Of Changes (Etsy Deserter?)
I find myself getting more and more frustrated with Etsy's policies. They seem to be making it harder and harder for sellers. As a result I have opened shops elsewhere.
My shop on Storenvy. Discover goods you'll love from brands that inspire. The easiest way to open your own online store. Discover amazing stuff or open your own store for free!
As you are only allowed one shop, I have combined Gifts From The Kitchen and Alew Photography into April Lewin's Variety Store
My shop on Zibbet. Buy and sell handmade goods, fine art, vintage items and crafting supplies on Zibbet.
Gifts From The Kitchen http://www.zibbet.com/GiftsFromTheKitchen
I am not sure if I will completely give up on Etsy but my main focus will be on Storenvy and Zibbet.
If anyone has shops on either of these sites, please share your links. I would love to check out our shops.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
A Busy Summer
I haven't blogged in a while. I had a very busy summer. We had parties and outings with friends and family and I had 3 big orders to fill. I had to make over 500 S'mores Party Favors.
I am now working on adding Halloween item to my shop. Here is one item I have added.
Along with adding Halloween items to my shop, I am preparing for a wedding in November. I will be the photographer and will also be making the wedding favors. The favors will consist of candy corn and pumpkins with the following labels.
What are some things you are working on?
Friday, September 20, 2013
Blog This
I belong to an Etsy team named Social Media Likes and Follows . We have a thread called Blog This. Members of the team post items they would like blogged and then other members share these items on their blogs. This just started so, I only have one to share for now.
From the shop: ALewPhotography
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Best Little Team On Etsy Shop of The Week - 8/27/13 - 9/3/13
vintagebyrudi
vintage jewelry & estate collectibles
Antique A J WILKINSON England Royal Semi porcelain vase brown transferware pretty vase
Vintage Delft Blue mIniature shoes
Thursday, August 22, 2013
My New Etsy Shop!
Favors for weddings, birthdays, showers and other occasions. Homemade treats make great gifts. I also have favors for kids parties. I am just getting started in this so, look often for new items. All food items are made to order and ship at customer's own risk although I do everything I can to ensure safe shipping.
From Plasctic Canvas to Wedding Favors
Find me here:
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/ggiftsg/boards/
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
A Niche!
I think, finally after around 6 years on Etsy, I have finally found my niche. It seems my party favors are selling and my knitted items are not. I am waiting for approval from Etsy to change my name. I am going to change it to Gifts From the Kitchen. If they don't approve it, I will be making a whole new shop. I will also be making a whole new blog and shutting this one down. Stay tuned........
Monday, August 12, 2013
Shop of The Week 8/2/13 - 8/9/13
ALewPhotography
Bringing you the beauty of New York State. I offer beautiful nature photography. These photos are great décor for the home or office. I do not sell my photos matted or framed. This is because I think the customer is a better judge of what kind of matting and frame they want.
I also do special occasion photography. If you live in Central New York, please feel free to contact me about your special event!
I also do special occasion photography. If you live in Central New York, please feel free to contact me about your special event!
Friday, August 2, 2013
The Best Little Team On Etsy Shop of the Week
Each week I will select ONE shop from our team to be featured. I ask members to please post at least 2 items from the featured shop in the discussion board. Also, please promote to via, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, your blog etc.
This week's winner is This week's winner is Rachel Sayre from HairLoveShop
This week's winner is This week's winner is Rachel Sayre from HairLoveShop
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Best Little Team On Etsy Shop of The Week 7/23/13 - 7/30/13
TigerCreekGifts
Quality & Unique Handmade Gifts
Looking for a gift or just something special to treat yourself to? Tiger Creek has you covered with our quality and unique handmade jewelry, accessories, and gifts.
Rustic Bath Salts Mini Tub Handmade 3 Pack Vanilla Lilac, Sweet Pea Pearberry
To see more from Tiger Creek Gifts, click here.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
"The Best Little Team On Etsy" Shop Of the Week
Each week "The Best Little Team On Etsy" will select ONE shop from our team to be featured. I will feature this shop here on my blog and on the team facebook page www.facebook.com/BestLittleTeamOnEtsy .
This week's shop is Baby Inspired Crafts www.etsy.com/shop/babyinspiredcrafts?ref=teams_post
Be sure to visit her shop for more great items!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Shop of the Week 6/28/13 - 7/5/13
This week's shop of the week for the team Best Little Team on Etsy is Cyn Humphrey. A Showcase of Treasures at Affordable Prices.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER SHOP FOR MORE GREAT ITEMS!!!
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