Editor-in-chief, Shop-a-holic, awesome gift finder extraordinaire.
Hello! My name is Anne, and I love handmade. I grew up in the Metro Detroit area. I have been crafting since I was 9, when I learned how to macrame friendship bracelets at Girl Scout camp. Then my mom taught me how to sew on her old Singer. I quickly moved on to making barbie clothes, purses and bags to carry my stuff, then onto clothing. What I create has always evolved from what I want for myself.
I lived on the West Coast for 14 years, making and selling my art and jewelry at shows up and down the coast. I settled in San Diego to go to school to become a Holistic Health Practitioner, Herbalist, Aromatherapist, and Esthetician, specializing in herbal skincare.
I have 4 children, ages 2-15. I make tons of stuff for my own family, from Herbal & Aromatherapy products, to clothing and jewelry. I also LOVE painting. and urban art. graffiti. In 2006 I collaborated with a group of other urban artists, and we started hosting art & fashion shows in our favorite bars and restaurants around downtown San Diego.
In 2007, I moved back to the Metro Detroit area from San Diego to be close to my parents. I started investigating ways to sell the 100+ pieces of jewelry and art I had made. I found Etsy in 2008, and set up my shop. For the first year I struggled with photos, listing, promotion, etc. I didn't really put much into it. I was working full time as an Esthetician and my shop got neglected.
I started The Handmade Gift Guide in October of 2009, shortly after getting back into selling on Etsy after taking a break from working as an Esthetician to have a baby girl. I love to support the handmade movement by featuring my fellow artisans' cool shops. I have had various Etsy shops of my own: Bijoux Paperie, Lillian George, and now my graphic design shop: Renovation Alley... so I know the challenges faced by crafters. I have learned so much, and love to share my knowledge about buying and selling on Etsy, blogging, and product photography with my friends.
I lived on the West Coast for 14 years, making and selling my art and jewelry at shows up and down the coast. I settled in San Diego to go to school to become a Holistic Health Practitioner, Herbalist, Aromatherapist, and Esthetician, specializing in herbal skincare.
I have 4 children, ages 2-15. I make tons of stuff for my own family, from Herbal & Aromatherapy products, to clothing and jewelry. I also LOVE painting. and urban art. graffiti. In 2006 I collaborated with a group of other urban artists, and we started hosting art & fashion shows in our favorite bars and restaurants around downtown San Diego.
In 2007, I moved back to the Metro Detroit area from San Diego to be close to my parents. I started investigating ways to sell the 100+ pieces of jewelry and art I had made. I found Etsy in 2008, and set up my shop. For the first year I struggled with photos, listing, promotion, etc. I didn't really put much into it. I was working full time as an Esthetician and my shop got neglected.
I started The Handmade Gift Guide in October of 2009, shortly after getting back into selling on Etsy after taking a break from working as an Esthetician to have a baby girl. I love to support the handmade movement by featuring my fellow artisans' cool shops. I have had various Etsy shops of my own: Bijoux Paperie, Lillian George, and now my graphic design shop: Renovation Alley... so I know the challenges faced by crafters. I have learned so much, and love to share my knowledge about buying and selling on Etsy, blogging, and product photography with my friends.
I blog about cute stuff that I find online that I would love to buy for my family! Or for my puppies. cool clothes and art, or cupcakes... mmm those flor de sal caramels.... Or just some stuff that I love.
The Guide's Facebook fan page, Flickr Group, Tumblr, and Twitter are places to network with other sellers and great places to find handmade gifts. Please come by and connect with me and share your creations! I love promoting handmade and the amazing artists and crafters behind the scenes. Also check out this easy peasy guide to connecting with me on facebook. PLUS, there's tips on other fun ways to shop on Facebook.
I also have a personal Facebook page, Twitter, Flickr, and blog.
Come by somewhere and say hi! I look forward to getting to know you! Questions? Feel free to ask. ~Namaste.
