Handmade Team Logo

I made this logo if anyone is interested in using it in their Etsy shop as one of your five photos. I will post it to facebook too. Please get in touch with me or comment if you want to use the logo and cannot download it from here or facebook. Cheers!

fAverrite Creations, Our Newest Featured Local Shop

This post was actually written and saved by Liz before she handed over the blog to me. Thanks liz for putting so much time into this article!

I'd like to introduce one of our newest membersAmy Averitte. Her shop fAveritte creations features perfect little toys for your perfect little one with fun designs and bright colors.


This fairy doll can be custom made with colors to fit your little one's nursery decor. Actually, most of Amy's items can be customized. This particular doll is cuddly enough for babies to snuggle with and it has parts skinny enough for them to fit in their little hands.


If you're looking for the perfect toddler travel companion then you're looking for Lynny. He's small and soft. He'll make the perfect headrest for a toddler in a car seat that just can't stay awake during those long car trips.


In Amy's shop you'll even find a pillow that holds your child's favorite bedtime story. It has the cutest little monster on it and Edgar the Monster can also be customized to match room decor.


Amy, what inspired you to start crafting?

I have always considered myself to enjoy making art, even growing up I loved to depict growing up on a farm in Idaho through creating art. I started crafting full - time (as full - time as I can with a one year old) after I had taken a fibers course in college a few years ago. I had no idea the world of fabric could create so many awesome pieces of art and how one could manipulate fabric into such creative art forms. I was hooked!!!


When did you decide to start selling on Etsy?


I started selling on Etsy in 2010 with jewelry pieces I had made for an art show, but had to take a break during the last few months of my pregnancy. A couple of months after my son was born last July, I needed to start creating again. I had made all of his nursery decor from all of the bedding, to wall decor to stuffed monsters. I made a prayer flag out of monsters and primary colors and a friend suggested I sell my flags on Etsy...so I did! Now a few customized prayer flags have turned into creative creatures for kids to carry around and become their buddy.



How do you choose the wonderfully colorful fabrics that you use?

This may sound very cliche, but I allow the colors and patterns in fabric to speak to me and to tell me what creation they would like to become. I head to the fabric store most of the time with no plan in mind and just fill my basket with different brightly colored fabrics. I have always enjoyed colors and love the feeling they portray.

Thank you so much, Amy! 


featured shop: fAveritte creations

Better Photos

So, who doesn't want to learn to take better photos? We all do! I am by no means a great photographer, but I have been focusing on better photography as the number one way in which to improve my crafting business. I admit, I find it time consuming and tedious. I would rather be making soap than taking pictures, but seeing my creations look good, is a great reward. I have a long ways to go, but here are some easy tips to get you started on making your products look better in photos.

-Use a photo editing program, such as photoshop or GIMP to adjust the colors of your images. Bright is better! Get GIMP free here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Middle-Tennessee-Etsy/109313592487617

-Take your pictures in natural light, if possible. Set up a photo area outside, or in a windowsill.

- Keep a white or uncomplicated background. Many people choose weathered barnwood for a rustic look.

-Avoid black or dark backgrounds, as they don't look as sharp or clean as white or cream.

-Simple and cheap, matte posterboard makes a great background.

-Make a lightbox, like in this tutorial: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

-Keep practing! The pictures here are my first attempts playing with the free photo editor, GIMP. I didn't even know about it until this etsy seller showed me where to get it and how to use it, thanks! http://www.etsy.com/shop/amathia?ref=ss_profile

A New Team Avatar and Name, New Members Welcome!

Whether you live in Tennessee, or your heart lies here, come join us! We now have a new team name and avatar to reflect the desire to grow and include everyone who loves this state to share in what local artisans are creating and celebrate the unique shopping experiences Tennessee has to offer!

Featured Shops

Our first featured shop will be local jewelry artist, HillBillyBaubles!

Follow our team facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Murfreesboro-Etsy-Team/109313592487617 and or the etsy team boards to be featured. You do not need to be an Etsy seller; this blog is for all local artisans and buyers. Refer your friends :)

This picture is our next featured artist's hand stamped jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/listing/75090933/copper-2-disk-hand-stamped-customized

Hello From Your New Etsy Team Leader

Hello everyone and thank you so much for allowing me to be captain of the Middle Tennessee Etsy team. I am really excited to hopefully take the team in a more business oriented direction, to help promote our shops and let local buyers know about our items.

Please help me to make the team as active as we can for better networking and participation. Any time you want me to blog about your shop or something new you are making, let me know!

So many of us on the team are not from Tennessee, so please chime in, if you know of any local arts and crafts events.

Please share our blog with your friends on facebook and twitter. My personal twitter is @MylanaEtsy and my facebook is http://www.facebook.com/Mylana.creations.

Business Tip of the Day: This is a photo of my latest packaging. Including a picture of your packaging in your etsy listing as one of the photos helps buyers to perceive your product as more professional.

2 New Members, 3 New Shops!

This month we have two new members and one returning member under a new shop!
We're up to 31 members!!!

First off, our returning member Candace has a shop all her own now. Cinnamon Candies has mineral make-up and skin care treats.

New shop Zadzukki has colorful hand-knit items.

And last, but not least, our newest jewelry contributor is Blonde Betty Designs.

Be sure to stop by their shops and check out their stuff!!!

Don't forget about our facebook page!!!


 - The MET: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team