Saturday, December 26, 2009

2009 Needs Thread Success and Well Wishes

Hello everyone, We here at HOST hope that every one's holidays have been great and that all those who needed help found what they needed to make it that way.

From the last post on the blog till now there have been many others who have been helped and have helped others in need. A lot of people prefer to keep out of the "limelight" but we want to acknowledge them in this way by giving our thanks and best wishes to all of them.

The needs thread this year has been a great help and has brought a lot of new friends into the fold. We would like to also say "Welcome" to all the new members and friends who have found us this year.

The needs thread http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6350534&page=1 will continue for those who still need last minute gifts or holiday help until Jan 6, 2010 three kings days and there after we advise that anyone who still needs help in any way or would like to recommend someone to HOST to post in our monthly team thread in the teams section of the etsy fourms.

Please remember that you DO NOT need to be a member of the HOST team to request for help or recommend someone. We are here to help etsyians in whatever way we can (of course within reason) when they come to us for help. We help in many ways, from helping with sprucing up a person's shop to helping them find organizations in there community that help those in needs.

A helping hand is a loving hand.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy new year!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Needs Thread Update For Today

Here is an update on who has been helped out with their needs:

************: several folks have contacted her and are sending gloves so that she can give out to several homeless women who need them to fight the bitter cold weather here in Anchorage, Alaska. THANK YOU so very very much all!

(Your emails made me cry and my hubby said "there really are nice folks in this world WOW")

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*************: I would like to send a special thank you to MyNovember who has offered me some convertable fingerless gloves to keep my hands toasty warm. It was such a sweet act of kindness, and I'm truly touched.

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************: NEEDS MET _ ADOPTED: has been adopted by a HOST member. Thank you all so much for your help

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***********: HAS BEEN ADOPTED she needed some help for her family for the holidays

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*********: had an angel help her get her car to a mechanic and fixed

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********: received help so she can give her children gifts for the holidays

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********: thanks to Ldcrafts, she was able to get the glue sticks.also kitchenkitsch will be sending her a stuffed toy, and ladybug will be giving her hairclips. you all are just great!
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**********: Has been helped by some generous etsy angels! With selling her car last
night and the sales people have helped her with. she has been able to make her december rent payment and pay her electric bill! Thank you so much to all of you.
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If you would like to help or donate to help those in need feel free to contact the HOST shop on etsy: http://www.host.etsy.com all profits (minus shipping charges) from the shop to go help etsy members in need.If you are someone in need or know someone in need please visit our thread on the etsy etc forum or contact HOST.All updates of those helped will be posted here on our blog.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Today's Helped Needs Thread Update

Here is an update on who has been helped out with their needs:
HuggiesHodgepodge/HippieHempstress: HAS BEEN ADOPTED she needed some help for her family for the holidays************************************************************************************DragonflyStitches: had an angel help her get her car to a mechanic and fixed
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Callistia: received help so she can give her children gifts for the holidays
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0namesleft2: thanks to Ldcrafts, she was able to get the glue sticks.also kitchenkitsch will be sending her a stuffed toy, and ladybug will be giving her hairclips. you all are just great!

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ladybugbeads: Has been helped by some generous etsy angels! With selling her car last

night and the sales people have helped her with. she has been able to make her december rent payment and pay her electric bill! Thank you so much to all of you.

************************************************************************************

If you would like to help or donate to help those in need feel free to contact the HOST shop on etsy: http://www.host.etsy.com all profits (minus shipping charges) from the shop to go help etsy members in need.If you are someone in need or know someone in need please visit our thread on the etsy etc forum or contact HOST.All updates of those helped will be posted here on our blog.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Today's Needs Thread Updates

Here is an update on who has been helped out with their needs:

HuggiesHodgepodge/HippieHempstress: HAS BEEN ADOPTED she needed some help for her family for the holidays
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DragonflyStitches: had an angel help her get her car to a mechanic and fixed

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Callistia: received help so she can give her children gifts for the holidays

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If you would like to help or donate to help those in need feel free to contact the HOST shop on etsy: http://www.host.etsy.com all profits (minus shipping charges) from the shop to go help etsy members in need.
If you are someone in need or know someone in need please visit our thread on the etsy etc forum or contact HOST.
All updates of those helped will be posted here on our blog.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Helping Hearts and Helping Hands, etsy HOST Needs Thread 2009!!

It's that time of year again. The 2009 etsy needs thread is up and running and great things are already starting to happen.

HOST was created because of the first needs thread which was created back in 2007. What was/is the needs thread? It was just a simple act of kindness started by one etsy member which evolved into many posting and helping out people they just met on the etsy etc. forums during the holiday season. The thread took off in a way that no one expected with etsy members helping with all kinds of needs, from warm clothes, to sales, to prayers and support and even some small donations on some ends. Many etsy members were soo moved by all the kind hearts who came out and helped that it was decided to create a team based on this concept and that team is Helping Others Street Team better known as HOST. This thread has become an etsy tradition and this is the third year of the needs thread in the etsy etc. forum.

This year's thread began on Nov 16, 2009 http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6350534 and only after three days of being up and running miracles are already taking place.

Here is an update on who has been helped out with their needs:

HuggiesHodgepodge/HippieHempstress: HAS BEEN ADOPTED she needed some help for her family for the holidays

*************************************************************

DragonflyStitches: had an angel help her get her car to a mechanic and fixed

If you would like to help or donate to help those in need feel free to contact the HOST shop on etsy: http://www.host.etsy.com all profits (minus shipping charges) from the shop to go help etsy members in need.

If you are someone in need or know someone in need please visit our thread on the etsy etc forum or contact HOST.

All updates of those helped will be posted here on our blog.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Winner!

The HOST blog giveaway has a winner. Congratulations to Bison61! Thanks to all for entering.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Orange You Glad it is Fall?

Another Great Pumpkin Necklace

Autumn Birds, Pumpkins and Zigzags

Cosmetic Set - Orange Crush - Donated by BagsByMelanie

Orange, Black and Candy Corn Hair Clips

Jack O Lantern Barrette

Orange Catseye Bracelet

REACH FOR THE STARS PENDANT

Pumpkin Spice Tea Light Candles

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Helping Others Street Team (HOST) Blog is having a GIVEAWAY!

YAY! The winner will receive a HOST Sampler Pack. These are packed with goodies.

You can view it here:
HOST Sampler Packs

This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! You do NOT have to be a member of HOST or Etsy. We will ship WORLDWIDE!

TO ENTER, go to any 5 shops from the HOST member list (on the right side of the blog; scroll down) and pick out a favorite item from each of the five shops and comment back here with the shops and items. You MUST have in your comment an item from 5 different shops.

There are several other ways to get an additional entry (you must do the above first):

a. Blog about this giveaway and be sure to link it back to here. Leave a comment here with your blog link.

b. Make a purchase at the HOST shop www.HOST.etsy.com and comment here with the transaction number. This will be verified.

c. Follow this blog and comment here that you did.

Make sure there is a way we can contact you. If there isn't and your name is drawn, your entry will be invalid.

This giveaway will end Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 5 P.M. EST. The winner will have 5 days to reply to the message that they have won. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the prize and another name will be drawn.

Thank you so much and enjoy. Good luck. Originally posted 9/14/09.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Thank you for helping us to help others! ♥♥♥

~~~September 2009 the HOST Team helped these Etsians in need:

-6- shops were helped financially for a total of $230.00 given!

_15_ shops were helped by providing information on resources that may be helpful for their particular situation.

_56_ shops were helped by promoting on the forums.

_46_ shops were helped and countless others were given shoulders to lean on, cry on...

Thank you for supporting Host, the items your purchased helped make a ETSIAN smile.

HOST SHOP

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - SmileyMoo

SmileyMoo

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? a dolphin!

Fruit or chocolate? chocolate covered fruit! but if I had to choose just one I would say fruit.

Your favorite meal? Chicken alfredo and garlic toast.

City break or weekend in the country? a weekend in the country. Preferably the mountains.

Why did you join HOST? I am trying to find my place on etsy and felt HOST could help me by offering encouragement and helping me learn how to promote etc.

How did you first get interested in what you do? To be honest, my husband and I live a very frugal lifestyle. In doing so we make a wide variety of things homemade for not only ourselves but for gifts. It's simply a part of our lifestyle choices.

Tell us about your shop. SmileyMoo's is truly a variety shop for the reasons I mentioned above. I enjoy crafting as does my husband. I enjoy sewing, making soap and other bath products while he is more interested in jewelry. The name SmileyMoo is one of my daughter's nicknames and I just thought it was a generic name for a variety shop.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy? It pushes me to become better at the crafts that we do and opens me up to new ideas. It also allows me to meet people I normally wouldn't have a chance to.

Where else can we find you?
Blog: http://smileymoos.blogspot.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmileyMoos

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this? I think my advise would be the lesson I am learning now. Keep your eyes open, learn from those that have been around longer and know what they are doing. Keep striving to be better with each new listing and each new craft you make.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - Sedgeworks

Sedgeworks

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I already have her; Sofie, my jenday conure parrot.

Fruit or chocolate?
Premium chocolate loaded with bits of fruit and nuts.

Your favorite meal?
Italian pot roast and roasted veggies.

City break or weekend in the country?
Waaaaaay out in the back country.

Why did you join HOST?
Because a little help and encouragement goes a very long way.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
Several years ago, I moved to the middle of nowhere, which provided a long hoped for opportunity to create and sell from home.

Tell us about your shop.
I make a wide range of styles and colors, from rustic to elegant and chunky to sleek, and don't focus too much on trends. My jewelry designs primarily feature select stone beads accented by other quality materials. I have numerous ideas I hope to bring to fruition as my shops grow. I also have supplies at stashworks.etsy.com.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
The outlet it provides for me to sell from home, with one shop or five, as my creative self dictates.

Where else can we find you?
I'm still learning about networking...
sedgeworks.blogspot.com
flickr.com/photos/sedgeworks
twitter.com/sedgeworks

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
Right now, my online shops are my job, but for me, designing, creating and selling still need to be relaxing, inspiring, and flexible. It is very important to keep loving what I do and be challenged by new things, even when the results are laughable at first.

Meet the HOSTies - Tias

Tias

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I'd love to have a hedgehog, they amaze me.

Fruit or chocolate?
Chocolate, I am not a fruit person. I love eating healthy and eat loads of vegetables but rarely any fruit. But I love chocolate.

Your favorite meal?
Beans and pasta stew made by my mum.

City break or weekend in the country?
When I used to live in a city I'd go for a country break. Now when I live in the countryside I am craving some city action.

Why did you join HOST?
I bumped into your forum thread by chance, and loved the philosophy of the team. Then I browsed the HOST member's shops and absolutely loved the shops, hearted most of them and decided that I want to be a part of such a great community.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
I saw glass work of a local artist and absolutely loved the colours being trapped in the glass. I loved the idea of me being able to do the same.

Tell us about your shop.
In my shop you can find fused glass rings, necklaces and earrings. I cut and design each piece individually. I use glass colours to paint between two layers of glass and my favorite glass pigments produce a bubble effect which I absolutely love.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
It is so simple to become a seller and to get into this big creative community. There is a big support from other sellers and lots of side activities like treasury making, teams, forums which keeps you active and informed. It would be much harder designing and maintaining your own website- I often take Etsy for granted.

Where else can we find you?
http://www.facebook.com/GlassTIAS
http://facebook.com/tiasglass
www.twitter.com/tiasglass

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
Love your life ;)

Meet the HOSTies - soulinchains

Soul In Chains

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
A donkey of course , they work hard and carry the load of the world and still smile.

Fruit or chocolate?
Fruit, watermelon or strawberries.

Your favorite meal?
My very favorite meal is wheat bulgar with garlic and butter with oven roasted chicken baked in onions and green peppers, along with a nice salad and a piece of cheesecake.

City break or weekend in the country?
I really dislike city life , country.

Why did you join HOST?
I like to do things for others and all items sold in my shop I usually donate back to others by buying things from people needing sales and stuff like that.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
I have always been crafty since birth i guess.

Tell us about your shop.

It is a mix of what ever I happen to have made. I like to loom the mini bags they are not knitted they are made on a jenny loom. Each one is different and I really enjoy creating them. I like to make fun one of kind items and strange items ... nothing normal here.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I like getting Positive feedback; it's the thrill of having someone like my item. I have met a lot of really nice people on etsy.

Where else can we find you?
Just on Etsy and facebook. We also have several websites : www.usenergyindependence.com Our green energy site. My partner is a Inventor/aerospace engineer. www.renewablethermodynamics.com Our other Green energy site and site for our inventions www.appliedthermodynamics.com Our engineering site.

I am also a ham radio Operator and maintain our Club website.
www.yates-arc.com

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?

Always follow your gut feelings. Do what is right for you not what
is right for them. Be proud of who you are and take pride in your work.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - Scrappin2gether

Scrappin2gether

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
A cat, my husband is allergic to both dogs and cats!
Fruit or chocolate?
Definitely Chocolate!

Your favorite meal?
Pizza.

City break or weekend in the country?
Weekend in the country.

Why did you join HOST?
Support group!

How did you first get interested in what you do?
I started scrapbooking 10 years ago, it's a great way to preserve your memories!

Tell us about your shop.
We design premade scrapbook pages, albums and other paper crafts!
What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I like the support you get from fellow Etsy sellers, so far the people I have met have been very helpful!

Meet the HOSTies - silentlanguages

silentlanguages

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I have a kitten now (his name is Basil) but eventually I'd love to have a small farm with a few goats on it. I love goat milk, yogurt, and cheese,and it'd be awesome to be able to make that fresh.

Fruit or chocolate?
I crave fruit for snacks, but chocolate covered strawberries are divine.

Your favorite meal?
Sushi, for sure, with extra ginger.

City break or weekend in the country?
I live in the city and hope to someday live on a farm, so a weekend on a quiet farm would be bliss.

Why did you join HOST?
I'm struggling a bit economically on account of health care costs, and thought this would be a great way to help out others and get help in return.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
I've been into maps since I could remember, but it only occurred to me a couple of years ago to combine my obsessive drawing and painting with maps.

Tell us about your shop.
My shop has lots of original map paintings, prints, cards, and necklaces. I also love to do custom maps for people.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I love when someone really appreciates what I have made and treasures it. It's such a fulfilling feeling.

Where else can we find you?
My blog is http://silentlanguages.blogspot.com

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
Never stop creating, never stop trying.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - treasurehuntvintage

treasurehuntvintage

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
---A Llama.

Fruit or chocolate?
---Chocolate covered fruit!

Your favorite meal?
---A huge CRAB LOUIE salad, with lots of fresh crab!

City break or weekend in the country?
---Weekend in the country, especially the ocean, featuring beach combing and bike riding!

Why did you join HOST?
---Like the idea of helping other Etsy members.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
---I have been collecting and wearing vintage for years, so it just seemed natural to share my passion.

Tell us about your shop.
---treasurehuntvintage features an eclectic mix of goods from the past, from funky to fabulous. My new venture is transienttreasures.etsy.com, where I sell my handmade creations--all made from vintage and/or found objects.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
---The great buyers and helpful fellow sellers. Plus, the LOW fees!

Where else can we find you? (facebook, blog, twitter, flickr, etc)
---Sorry, none of the above. I am lame about that stuff. I do sell on Ebay as treasurehuntvintage, and on 1000markets as transienttreasures.

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
---Favorite Quote: "Above all else, to your own self be true."

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - The Silver Hand

The Silver Hand

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I would love to have an English Bulldog named Fred and a skunk named Louie.

Fruit or chocolate?
Fruit, definitely.

Your favorite meal?
My grandmother's roast beef.

City break or weekend in the country?
I love the peacefulness of the country, so I would choose that, but a city visit is great for things to do.

Why did you join HOST?
I first heard of HOST during the help thread last Christmas. I received so much help from people who didn't know me. I was utterly stunned at the generosity. I wanted to be a part of it the good feelings I had and I didn't want to lose the connections I had made through that thread.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
Rather than buy new earrings, my mom and I decided to give making them a shot. It didn't take long before I was making them every day.

Tell us about your shop.
TheSilverHand is dedicated to new handmade jewelry. I just opened a new shop for vintage re-purposed jewelry at www.JeweledAbyss.etsy.com. I also have a mature shop, www.Pricktastic.etsy.com
It's all so much fun!

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I think the community atmosphere is great, but what I love most is that I send my jewelry off to places that I've never been and my craft is spread all over the world. It's pretty neat.

Where else can we find you?
My Etsy shops:
www.TheSilverHand.etsy.com
www.JeweledAbyss.etsy.com
www.Pricktastic.etsy.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pricktastic
Blogger: www.silverhanded.blogspot.com
www.pricktastic.blogspot.com

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
Be patient and love what you do.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

HOST has been featured on a Blog!

Thank you to Coco of ByCoco for featuring the Helping Others Street Team on her blog. You can view the post here:

Etsy Artists Help Fellow Artists

Friday, August 28, 2009

Meet the HOSTies - Zzazz

http://Zzazz.etsy.com

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
A miniature schnauzer.

Fruit or chocolate?
I love both'

City break or weekend in the country?
Well, if its in the city then the theatre is the place to go. If in the country, a nice little Inn or scenic place.

Why did you join HOST?
I needed some help and they gave it willingly. And I liked the people I met there.

How did you first get interested in what you do?
I was taught to crochet while in the 6th grade and loved making Christmas gifts. We were so poor we could never really buy any, so we all chipped in and made stuff for each other. And I've been crocheting ever since. As far as sewing goes, I used to make my girls all their items until they were preteens. Now I just sew my little heart out for everyone.

Tell us about your shop.
Zzazz is a colorful shop. Pillow covers, placemats, napkins, and now adding bookcovers, checkbook covers, business card holders and eyeglass covers. I wanted a style of my own for this shop. Something just a little different than what others make. I love using colorful and decorative fabrics. So when I see a fabric that catches my eye, it speaks to me and tells me what it wants to be. I'm hoping to add more items soon, and that sales will pick up so I can afford to keep making some beautiful designs.

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
The joy my items bring to others. If it pleases them and brings a smile to someones face, then I've done my job well.

Where else can we find you?
I'm on Twitter as ZZAZZ, my blogspace is Arrets Place, and I'm just plain old me on Facebook.

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?
Whatever your craft, create it as though it were for a member of your family. Add your own little touches to make it your style. And always treat customers with a smile and communicate with them often.

I'd like to add ... If the casual buyer would just understand our craft is not just something you pick up in a store. We tend to each item to make it genuine not production line. We spend time searching for the right fabric and supplies, the time involved in preparation and creating the items, and them listing and promoting them. We all give a lot of thought and love to each piece.