Angel of AD LOVE, the online shop famous for it’s one-of-a-kind hand screen printed, stenciled, and hand painted unique items, is running a very special promotion. She is trying something a little different and selling a few items auction style on ebay. Items starting at $15 dollars, hopefully you can bid and get a great price too! Regular prices range from $28-$35 so this is a deal!

Visit the AD LOVE ebay store and bid today!

How did you get your start?

I started selling my artwork in a previous etsy store called SparksFly last August? I had originally opened the store to sell my photography, but I ended up designing packaging for other etsy sellers, and was staying WAY too busy. It was then that I decided to pick up an old passion of mine… drawing. I really had no photoshop experience whatsoever, but knew how to use a pencil. I listed a few finished pieces, and it turned out people were interested, and buying. It was like a dream come true. I decided in January to take the plunge and start fresh with vol25. I feel very fortunate that things have picked up and stayed fairly constant ever since opening. Many people ask what the story is behind the name vol25. In January of 2008 when I opened the doors to my little shop (via etsy.com) I was 25 years old, and vol25 was like opening a new volume in my life, which in turn has created several new chapters for me.

Do you have any formal training?

No, I am proud to say that I am completely self taught. However, it did take quite a few google searches, and online tutorials to teach myself photoshop.

When and why did you create your business?

After I got married in October of 2003, my husband and I decided I would quit my job (secretary at our local chevy dealership) and we would try to live off of one income, his. We had immediate plans to start a family, and knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. The following November our daughter was born. We managed to get by with his income just fine. Granted it wasn’t always a picnic, we had to make responsible decisions… which meant very few splurges. I have always been a crafty person and loved making original handmade baby books with my illustrations. One day I did a search for handmade baby book, and it brought me to etsy. I opened up my first shop that same day. A few months later, I was still at home with my daughter, filling my need to create and making extra money for those “splurges.” We still do not rely on my income, and this keeps it “extra.”

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

Yes, it has dramatically. Photography is hard to sell on etsy, because there are SO many talented photographers with shops. I really didnt feel like I could even compete with them… my lack of sales made it obvious. I have always had a desire to create graphics, and began learning photoshop, designing banners, business cards, and other packaging for etsy sellers. I was doing VERY good, but my family was suffering. Working around customers’ schedules, and NEVER resting until my customer was 110% satisfied. It was then that I decided to test the waters with my art. It was so much more relaxing, to create at my own pace, on my own time. While I still have a few super sweet customers that followed me over to vol25, for the most part I am focusing completely on my art. It is nice to not feel pulled in so many different directions.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being able to do 90% of my work at home in my pj’s, with my daughter in my lap.

and the worst?

Setting myself a schedule! Since I enjoy drawing so much, I find it is hard to make myself stop and get things done around the house.

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

Thank You! Clothing stores inspire a lot of my color combinations. Lately, quotes have been inspiring an entire drawing. I also have a huge collection of Martha, Real Simple, and Domino Magazines, they inspire me as well. My husband is also a constant source of inspiration, he is always encouraging me to try something new.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

I have a few favorites, but I simply adore Alix from treehouse28’s designs. Not only is she super sweet, but her talent is amazing. treehouse28.etsy.com

What was your most recent indie buy?

I bought a pair of minky baby frog feet for my niece from justkiddn on etsy. JustKiddn.etsy.com too cute!

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

My 10 mp sony a-100 digital camera.

What will you be wearing come summer?

Anything comfortable. I am due this July to deliver our second child.

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

Currently my Ikea catalogue is getting quite a bit of loving. After drooling over the last three years of catalogues, I am finally planning a trip to Ikea. As you could guess my wish list is somewhat long… I am keeping track of page numbers, prices, and getting a grand total before I even walk through the store doors! We will be leaving this saturday, so wish me luck!

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

I sure do. Don’t expect the sales to come immediately flowing in… but be optimistic about your work, and believe in its potential. Have a plan mapped out, and definately be prepared to spend a little money advertising. Search blogs that seem to target your audience, and inquire on advertising. Many blogs will host giveaways that bring in a ton of exposure, and you would only be out that one product you donated.

Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?

I would love to have had a couple magazine features, my own room/studio, a few more customers, and several new *favorite* pieces of art hanging on my walls.

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

Yes! I have a pregnancy book designed, and almost completely ready to send to the printer. I plan to follow up with a matching baby book. I have several designs featuring some of my more popular pieces of art in mind. I think there is a HUGE market for baby/pregnancy books that are not so frilly and cutesy… a little more modern. I hope to launch these into my etsy shop by the end of the year.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding your business?

Do not expect people to fall into your shop… promote, promote, and when you dont think you can promote anymore… promote.

Site: vol25.etsy.com

Anna Cote is the designer and owner of Modern Printed Matter, a stationery and graphic arts studio based in Rhode Island. Anna has always considered herself an artist, although it is until only recently that she has brought creativity into her professional life. Anna’s designs are bright, simple, modern, and fun. She is inspired by nature, by color, and by modern design of all genres.

In September of 2007, Anna Cote and Modern Printed Matter found the amazing world of Etsy. Since opening up her Etsy shop, Anna has been able to experiment and explore new designs and medium while feeding off the interaction and community that makes Etsy so successful.

Apr. 26, 2008 9am-6pm St. Paul Craftstravaganza St. Paul, MN

Apr. 27, 2008 11am-9pm Bust Spring Fling Craftacular Brooklyn, NY

The BUST Spring Fling Craftacular will feature over 50 of the most unique and talented crafters from across the country offering the very best in handmade wares. But BUST’s Spring Fling Craftacular is not just another craft fair, it is also an all-day party with an entire room set aside for dancing and mingling. BUST Craftacular DJs will put the spring in your step, spinning all your favorite jams from the ‘90s all day and into the night for a prom-themed dance.

For more upcoming events and places to go check out our event listings.

Each sugar lily card is printed on premium quality, natural linen card stock and is accompanied by a coordinating envelope. From the printing to the packaging sugar lily’s cards are unique and fabulous!

Earlier this week I stumbled across these amazing bulletin boards by LittlePrettyStudio. Jennifer and John are the makers of the hoop.dee.do embroidery hoop bulletin board. I’ve actually been looking for a bulletin board for my workspace and I think a few of these in different sizes would be perfection!

Each hoop.dee.do bulletin board is handmade, stamped and numbered. You can even remove the outer hoop to paint or stain and even switch out the fabric if you become bored.

The bright, bold colors will liven up even the whitest of walls and plainest of rooms. You may find yourself getting excited to head into your home office with these cheering up the space.

Kristine of Tags On Bags has been an artist nearly her entire life. She specializes in creating laminated luggage and bag tags. Each tag is created, by Kristine with a little help from clip art, either in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. She even does custom orders so if there’s something special you’re looking for just ask!

At Sugar Cane Handbags you will find lots of sweet treats to tempt your craving for beautiful bags and purses. All handmade with sugar and spice and all things nice.

Berries Oversized Tri-Clutch : $35.00

Ladybirds and Mushrooms Multi Pocket Pouch : $22.50

This week as some of you may or may not know is Administrative Professionals Week. What better way to celebrate than to treat your favorite secretary to some jewelry from Naughty Secretary Club! Each year they celebrate with a 25% off everything sale for one week. So this week until the 26th just enter the word secretary in the coupon box at checkout and receive 25% off your order.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve seen the movie Secretary with Maggie Gyllenhaal or my love for all things vintage, but I have a lifelong desire to be a secretary. I can’t get enough button down shirts and pencil skirts. I am after all jealous of the work wardrobe because working at home lends itself to the most casual of clothes. Who knows maybe someday my dream will come true:)

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you be more earth friendly in your life and home:

-Stop buying bottled water and try a home water filter. They are available in faucet mount or pitchers and when you need water on the go just fill up your favorite reusable water bottle.

-Get rid of all that junk mail! Go to DirectMail.com to get your name off commercial mailing lists.

-Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

-Recycle everything you can. Check out Earth911 for local listings of where you can recycle.

-Bring your own canvas bag to the market instead of going for paper or plastic.

-Replace your lightbulbs with eco-friendly ones.

-Only do full loads of laundry & dishes.

-Walk instead of driving wherever and whenever possible.

-and of course…Wear vintage and secondhand clothing.