Gone to the Dogs: December 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

Each item purchased in my shop helps me be able to afford treatment for Late Stage Lyme Disease and I appreciate each and every sale. To find out more about Lyme Disease visit the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Today's featured Etsy shop... Style Studio at 413 Honeysuckle Rd.

My name is Cici, and my business is named Style Studio at 413 Honeysuckle Rd.

When did you start your Etsy shop?
June, 2013

What is the story behind your business name?
The name of my shop is a way a pay homage to my childhood home. The street # for our house was 413. Behind our house, there were several honeysuckle bushes. I love honeysuckles: the way they look, the scent, and the taste of the nectar. One of my favorite activities as a child was to suck the nectar out of the flowers. Although the name of the street I grew up on was NOT called Honeysuckle Rd, whenever I say "Style Studio at 413 Honeysuckle Rd" I picture that house with the honeysuckles behind it.

What do you sell?
Accessories -- bracelets, scarves and barrettes -- made from t-shirt fabric. .

How did you get into your craft?
I've always had a creative spirit, whether it's writing or making something. I made a bracelet for my sister for Christmas, 2012. When my mother saw it, she suggested I try selling them. So I began researching other items I could make with t-shirt fabric. I wanted to use as many materials as I could that were upcycled, since I'm a budding environmentalist.

Anything else you would like to share?
When I finish making an item, I get a little bit of a zen feeling. It's like a gift to myself when I see how well an item turns out.

Click here to visit

Style Studio at 413 Honeysuckle Rd.!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Today's featured Etsy shop... Lil Stinker Design

My name is Cheri, and my business is named Lil Stinker Design.

When did you start your Etsy shop? Originally, I opened my shop creating and selling inspirational artwork in the summer of 2012. However, in the spring of 2013 I realized that the art prints weren't selling like I wanted them to. With God's direction (one unique little encouraging step after another), I transitioned to selling my artwork on a new little canvas, commonly known as phone cases in the summer of 2013.

What is the story behind your business name? Ah, people always ask that question. It all began when I was a child and was attracted even then to the arts and the graphic quality of black and white. When everyone else collected cows or penguins I wanted to be unique and thus started to collect skunks. The whole skunk "thing" continued throughout my life and naturally became part of my business name. Its also appropriate as I do create diSTINCTive designs to help you express yourself. :-)

What do you sell? Currently my canvas is the iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5/5s and Samsung Galaxy S3 & S4. However, in the near future I plan to add some other products. I anticipate including additional options for weddings such as drink koozies, ornaments, signage, and potentially jewelry.

How did you get into your craft? Creativity has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I've been a designer for the past 20 or so years (Shh!). As stated earlier, I kind of stumbled into creating artwork for phones but can clearly see the Lords direction through the process. It wasn't an easy journey by any means. I went through the death of a vision when the art prints didn't sell well. And even after I transitioned to phone cases things were slow for a long time. My immediate friends told me to quit and get a "real" job. But I had vision, knew the market, saw so much potential, and also remained steadfast that the Lord had directed me into this business. Thankfully, I continued to maintain focus, do more market research, analyze what people were making and selling and weren't selling, and found niches that were untapped and went from there. Its all been about research, fine tuning and lots of prayer. Although my business isn't where I want it to be yet, its providing a decent income at this point and I see so much potential ahead. This is hugely gratifying.

Anything else you would like to share? I'm grateful for the encouragement I've had along the way: from friends who supported my efforts, from the Etsy CASTteam who helped in so many ways with how to run my Etsy shop, from the Lord who has taught me to pursue His vision even in the midst of chaos (ie. slow sales, friend's telling me to quit, and 3 housing moves!) From experience, I can say that the road may not be easy, but truly the Lord will bring to pass what He has provided vision for. My faith and trust in Him continues as I take baby steps into new territory in increasing sales and expanding inventory. - Cheri @ www.LilStinkerDesign.etsy.com

Click here to visit

Lil Stinker Design!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Today's featured Etsy shop... MM Candle Creations

My name is Mel, and my business is named MM Candle Creations. My Etsy shop was started in November 2012, just after I became serious about my candle-making business. Basically, my business name is an extension of me... MM are my initials, and I felt "Creations" covered what I do the best... simply because I do not just make candles, I make many creations, and most of these are my creative outlet!

I currently sell highly scented soy candles, tarts, essential oil aroma bead sachets, and wax-dipped scented fire starters. I am currently considering expanding and including a bath and body line.

I have always been fascinated with candles, and I have wanted to make them since I was a kid. At about ten years old, I had a HUGE mishap in trying to make a candle with no knowledge of how to do so (how hard can it be, right?!). I decided a couple years ago to buy some candle making kits, and I learned how to make candles that way. After I learned about the process and researched all the supplies I would need, I started shopping around for the highest quality supplies I could find at the most affordable price. I am proud to say I have found the best wax I have ever burnt in a candle, and some really nice scents! Over the past year, I have learned how to make many other wax creations, and I will continue to learn as much as I can to keep my customers happy.

I have never had an unsatisfied customer, and 87% of my customers are repeat customers with specific requests. Custom orders are challenging at times, and those are my absolute favorite orders to fill!!!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Today's featured Etsy shop... Chelsea's Heart

My name is Chelsea and my Etsy shop is Chelsea's Heart.

When did you start your Etsy shop?
April 2013

What is the story behind your business name?
I like to think that I put a little bit of my heart into each of my creations. There's nothing like creating something small, like a pair of earrings, that can brighten someone's day!

What do you sell?
Earrings, necklaces, and the occasional bookmark and keychain

How did you get into your craft?
I spotted some neat looking button jewelry online over a year ago, and thought to myself, 'I can do that too!' So, I dug out my Grandmother's old buttons, got some supplies, and gave it a go! From there I went into beads, and learned how to wire wrap, and make necklaces!

Anything else you would like to share?
I'm always looking into trying something new, and I have so much fun with it - I'm always open to custom orders, and would be happy to help in any way that I can =)

Friday, December 27, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Today's featured Etsy shop... Julie's Crafty Crochet

My name is Julie and my Etsy shop is Julie's Crafty Crochet.

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I opened my shop in Oct -2013 so it is still new and growing.

What is the story behind your business name?
I am disabled and spend my days at home, have had the crochet bug for years and decided to see if I could sell some of them. I LOVE getting orders and knowing that people love the items they have purchased and use them often. I feel useful helping others ( in this manner).

What do you sell?
Crocheted hats, scarves, hats and scarf sets, hot pads, pot holders, head bands, afghans, baby blankets, throws, and can do others,like rugs, sweaters, baby clothes, some dolls and doll dresses, but have not had time to do any recently and post pictures.

How did you get into your craft?

I got into this craft by my grandma teaching me when I was about 6 years old! could only do a basic stitch at that time, but have self taught the rest that I know and do over the years.

Click here to visit

Julie's Crafty Crochet!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Welcome to the blog for Gone to the Dogs. My shop has crocheted items for dogs, cats, and even kids!

My goal for Christmas 2014 is to compile a photo book
for both my daughters. I hope you enjoy the
walk down memory lane Rebekah & Abigail!

Closing out the year... day 4 of 4

From December 23rd to December 26th I will be featuring 10 different items I found on Etsy that are on closeout. On December 27th I will go back to my regularly scheduled program of featuring an Etsy shop a day. If you have an Etsy shop and would like to be featured just message me through Etsy or drop me an e-mail.