Writer Archives

This designer started her company because she wanted to provide pet lovers with a unique line of greeting cards and invitations – artistic and upscale, yet fun, personal, and whimsical – different from what was currently offered in the marketplace. She designs and makes the cards herself. Many of the designs feature vintage Victorian illustrations of dogs and cats, and are enjoyed by people whether or not they own a pet. Laura adores Victorian imagery and illustrations. She collects them, fixes them up where needed, and combines them into digital collages for her greeting cards. Pet Scribbles cards are made to order in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, USA. Laura’s first card of note was one she made for her mother (when Laura was a little girl) for Mother’s Day. Her mom saved it and now Laura has it. The back of the card says “Whole Made Cards” written in crayon. Obviously Laura knew the importance of handmade way back then…she just got the words wrong!

Thursday Blog Links: January 6th

by Laura Kuhlmann on 1/06/11 | View Comments Comment(s)

Giclee Fine Art Print-St. Charles Bridge | $100 | Deborah Julian Cards and Prints
Happy New Year and welcome to 2011!  As you’re formulating your plan for 2011 here are a few links to get you started.  If productivity is at the top of your list, these may just offer a …



Thursday Blog Links: December 30th

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/30/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Split Rimmed Butterfly Bowl | $12 | Judy B Freeman
As we fast approach 2011, we are reminded here on our blog and elsewhere to make resolutions and goals both professional and personal to enrich our lives and businesses, to help us make 2011 a great year. With that in mind, …



Heard of Glancely? Another way to search Etsy listings

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/28/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

I saw this on TechCrunch last night: Glancely, a new app just created in October, allows you to search Etsy listings by color.
From the TechCrunch article:
Let’s say you want to find that perfect quirky little black dress for New Year’s Eve? Like a mashup of Etsy, Flickr color search and Google Instant, Glancely …



New York Times profile on Etsy: building on sense of community

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/27/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Etsy was profiled in the New York Times today, in their Technology section. Not surprising for one of New York’s hottest start-ups! What makes Etsy stand out more and more in the eyes of those actively watching them, is how they continue to build on a sense of community with …



Thursday Blog Links: December 23rd

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/23/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Framed Butterfly Display | $60 | Insect Art
With Christmas just a few days away…here are some links to crafty tutorials and yummy recipe gift ideas for your enjoyment!

Fabric Pinwheels Free Project Tutorial [Sandi Henderson Design]
From the author of Sewing Bits and Pieces comes this fun project!

Things To Consider With Bookbinding …



Thursday Blog Links: December 16th

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/16/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Boho Holiday Gift Tag Set | $12.15 | Bijoux Paperie
We’re coming down to the wire, with just a bit over a week left until the Christmas holiday. Hope everyone is doing their best to stay sane by staying as serene as possible. Remember, the word is “holidays” not “holiDAZE” – …



Book Review and Giveaway Courtesy of Lark Crafts: Craft Hope by Jade Sims

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/15/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Giveaway Alert! We have three copies of Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause to give away! All you have to do is leave a comment below, telling us why you would like to have this book (Only one entry per person, please.) We will take your comments through Sunday, …



Book Review & Giveaway: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Selling Your Crafts, by Handmade Spark Member Chris Franchetti Michaels

by Laura Kuhlmann on 12/09/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

One of the best parts of being an editor of Handmade Spark with Amber, my partner extraordinaire, is that we get to constantly see the amazing talent and products of our members. Seeing this daily, we find ourselves “oohing and aahing” over and over again, at all the goodies in …