The Paper Pod

Top 5 Spotlight: Leas Letters

Name: Leas Letters

About the shop: I sell handmade greeting cards and other paper goods for all occasions

What’s your story, how did you get started?

I started selling cards to support my paper addiction. I had a shoebox full of cards and nothing to do with them. I started listing items on ETSY and it grew from there. I really do this for stress relief. I have a full time job, family and elderly parent that lives with me so paper crafting is my “me” time.

What’s your muse?

Paper inspires me. All of the patterns and designs scream out to me ʺcreateʺ.

What are your favorite materials when creating?

Paper, paer and more paper. Also, I love my ATG tape gun. Couldn’t craft without that one.

What are your goals?

I would like to have more ETSY sales and do two shows a year to start. I’d like to meet other paper artists and craft together. I think that would be a lot of fun.

Any advice to share?

I’ve learned that your stuff can not look like everyone elses. That is one reason I don’t have a die cutting machine. I don’t want to have the same cut outs as everyone else. Also, you have to love what you create.

Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com!

Handmade Traditions

This post is part of the EtsyGreetings Team Holiday Blog Hop. Our theme is Handmade Holiday. Happy reading!

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With Thanksgiving 10 days away that means the holiday season is just around the corner! Can you believe it? I sorta can. I hate to admit it, but our Christmas decorations are up. I have a string of busy weekends ahead of me and yesterday was the only complete free day I had to hang my stockings with care. With carols streaming from my ipod as I decorated our house thoughts of gifts cross my mind. There’s no doubt that I think handmade is very special. And today’s post is just about that!

This week (November 14-18th), a few members from The Etsy Greetings Team are having a “Handmade Holiday Blog Hop”. Subject of topic- our favorite handmade tradition!

It was hard limiting my favorite handmade tradition because I always give a lot of handmade. From gifts and tags to of course greetings cards- handmade fills my holidays. But my favorite of all, is handing out plates of baked goods.

For as long as I can remember I’ve made cookies, candies and sometimes bread every December. Even when I was in high school, I’d bring treats to classes and even a plateful to a boyfriend’s parents. These days platters come with me to holiday parties, sent to work and handed to the neighbors.

The reason this tradition is my favorite not just because I really love cookies but because it’s such a fun group activity. Over the years I’ve baked in some of the very best company. I’ve baked with my mom, grandma, little brother and cousins. There’s been baking parties with friends. And sometimes large family bake-a-thon weekends. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon- laughing, taste testing and having fun.

Giving cookies is my favorite handmade holiday tradition because of the time I spend creating the goods and how much fun I have handing them out.

What’s your favorite handmade holiday tradition?

Continue on this blog hop journey by clicking the arrows below. Or click here to start at the beginning.

Sit back, relax and take a stroll though our Holiday Traditions Blog Hop. You’ll find poignant stories, yummy recipes and great holiday printables. There’s no time limit so feel free to browse our blogs - maybe you’ll find a new tradition to start with your family!

Top 5 Spotlight: Parker’s Prints

Name: Stephanie Johnson

Web: http://parkersprints.etsy.com

Items you sell: handmade cards & banners

What’s your story, How’d you get started?

I’ve always had a love for paper crafting. As a little girl, I’d find any excuse to cut up paper, draw, and create new things. I’d make dinner menus, cards, pictures, etc. As I grew older, I found my love with cards. My friends & family always say you could sell them. Then the summer of 2009 I stumbled upon Etsy & now I do sell my cards!!

What’s your muse?

I let my papers inspire me. I use a printed paper for the envelope and I’ll pull colors & designs from there. Also, my Yorkie Parker, hence the store name, Parker’s Prints :)

What are you favorite materials when creating?

Paper, cardstock, double sided tape, 3D mounting squares, rhinestones, pearls, buttons, ribbons, brads, paper flowers, the list goes on & on

What are your goals?

To sale my cards in local boutiques

Any advice to share?

Believe in yourself. If you are going to take a chance, do it with all your heart, not just halfway. Also, be patient.

Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com