This blog will always feature news about my Etsy Shop, but, it is also going to start being a whole lot more. I get questions from other stitchers about how to make their work better, or how to find this item or that chart. There are also a ton of websites out there that promise free charts but take your identity instead. I am also noticing a lot of needlework shops disappearing.

Shop news… I added a bunch of magnets about 10 days ago, and am finishing off the stitching for another group. This group will be a bit smaller, but will include one of my favorite designs – a wizard.

This is just a rough teaser of him. He still has to be washed, blocked and finished. He was originally a Christmas ornament, but he would be so cute hanging year round. Watch for him to make his shop debut very soon. While he can be finished as a magnet, he is best at his job of just hanging around from a golden cord. His wand will also be topped by a crystal.

My Etsy Shop is also now a part of the Finland Handcrafter’s Team. This is a phenomenal group of artisans based in Finland that do a wide range of handwork – fine jewelry, knit goods, accessories for your home, and so very much more. They have been fantastic at helping me learn to work in this country and developing my online presence. I really do enjoy working with them. I also get to help them with blogging and language skills.

But first, why Etsy? From my standpoint (the crafter), it offers a nice platform to display my work for sale. They do take a small commission as well as a nominal listing fee, but I don’t have to pay for my hosting. I get nice statistics as well. For you shoppers, you really win out on this. PayPal is the preferred method of payment, which means you shop securely without ever having to give out your payment information. I don’t get your credit card or banking information ever. You also have PayPal’s shopper’s guarantees behind you- If you don’t get your item or it isn’t as I described it, you do have recourse and it is even better than using your bank card. Etsy has thousands of shops offering an incredible range of items – high fashion, accessories, home decor, craft supplies, gifts, and just about everything else you can possibly imagine. Items that say they are handmade are just that – handmade by me (or the artisan/shopowner) and not purchased from China. It also offers an easy way for you to place a custom order.

So, so yourself a favor and check out Etsy or my new blog. Easter is coming up, so you can always just search for Easter and enjoy the outstanding selection of goodies to tempt you.