Get some sales from the ETSY FOR CHARITY BNKO!!

After much consideration, I've decided to host another Etsy for Charity BNKO (Buy 'N' Knock Off)!! The BNKO will run from Monday, April 21st until Sunday April 27th, with the possibility of extending an additional week if sales are good.

I have been told by Richard of UniqueGrabs that he is willing to help me host this thread, but we will still probably need one or two more members willing to help keep the thread going!! Please convo me in Etsy if you are interested in helping out, and I will make sure your name gets put onto the BNKO list.

I am also taking requests to be added to the list! Please be aware that you will have to help promote the thread for as long as your name is included on the BNKO, and that means checking in regularly and keeping the thread bumped up.

I am limiting this BNKO list to only 15 shops, so this is a first come/first served sort of thing! If you don't make it on the initial list, you can always buy onto it.

Four slots are already taken:
1) etsyforcharity.etsy.com
2) creations4causes.etsy.com
3) uniquegrabs.etsy.com
4) etsyforcharity.etsy.com

I am including the Etsy for Charity shop twice, since that is our home shop for this wonderful group.

Here are the rules that will be used for this BNKO:
FIRST - FIND THE LIST OF SHOPS AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM
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Before you buy, post who you would like to buy from (as they may already be spoken for).

HOWEVER...please do not claim a shop until their name is actually posted on the list of shops.

ONLY THE FIRST PERSON TO POST "shop preference" AFTER THE CURRENT LIST POSTS IS THE PERSON WHOSE SALE WILL COUNT AND GET THEM ON THE LIST.

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SECOND - YOU MUST PURCHASE A MINIMUM OF $5 OF MERCHANDISE, NOT INCLUDING SHIPPING!
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This means that if the item you would like to buy from a participating shop is only $2.50, you must find another item to purchase to make your final total (not including shipping) $5 or more.

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THIRD - BUY BUY BUY!!
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Buy from any of the shops listed below:
(Come back and list your transaction and the shop or shop(s) you bought from and your shop will take its place. - If you buy from more than one shop at a time, both sellers will be removed.)

Featured Shop: scandeez.etsy.com !

1) What is your shop name, and why did you choose it?

Scandeez was taken from a little name I like to called us Scandinavians.

2) Where are you located?

I am located in 2 different cities. Omaha, NE & New Braunfels, TX. I live in Omaha & my boyfriend lives in New Braunfels. My business travels with me when I go to visit him. I will stay there up to several weeks at a time.

3) What charities do you support?

I am a huge animal lover, so I tend to support those causes that help them. I am especially fond of funding the stopping of puppy mills. Those little ones have the worst conditions and treatment, it just breaks my heart to see how they live and how poor of condition they are in.

4) Do you participate in any other groups, and if so, which ones?

I also belong to EstyKids and Etsy for Animals.

5) What's the one material your shop can't live without?

That's a tough one! I would have to say reclaimed leather. My Moks just wouldn't quite look the same in a different material.

6) What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

I bought the cutest crystal flower stitch markers from sunneshine for my knitting :) They have a lite pink swirl center and could also be worn as a pendant, or put on some hoop earrings as a charm.

7) When you aren't being a "Super(wo)man of crafting," what is your "Clark Kent" dayjob?

My dayjob is an independent financial representative. I am self employed all the way around and LOVE IT! Some weeks I work Etsy full time. I'm very fortunate to be able to move back and forth between the two as needed.

8) If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

My camo Moks :) Those frogs are just too inquisitive and really need to visit a new home :)

9) If I had enough money to pick one item on my wishlist from another Etsy for Charity members' shop to buy, it would be...

earthy arabesque bracelet John and Vickie from designsbykat619. This is a sad story and I love this bracelet! Since we are a group all about helping others, this is a perfect item.

10) If you had 30 seconds to give an impromptu infomercial on your store - what would it be?

Scandeez is the place for children's items with a Scandinavian flair. I use reclaimed leather and all natural fabrics for my items. I believe that from nature is best and also to reuse whenever I can. I have found that reusing can create some very beautiful, intrinsic values that new can't ever produce. I am of Scandinavian descent, particularly Sweden and Denmark. I love the approach and feel they have for design. It is clean, simple, yet very modern and classic. Also the use of color is incredible!

11) What are your top four favorite items you have currently listed in your store?

Paw print Moks; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10164878

Cherries Moks; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9826588

Frog Camo Moks; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9873949

Flower Leather Ponytail Holders; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9605854

What mycatlulu thinks of scandeez's store:

What I like about scandeez's store is this: I like that 10% of every sale goes to helping animals.
Here's my favorite item listed in her shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10726357
although much to small for me :)



**If you would like to have your shop featured in our Etsy for Charity blog, please convo Creations4Causes on the Etsy site, or leave Creations4Causes a message on her Etsy for Charity profile page.**

Featured Shop: ayanacreations.etsy.com !

1) What is your shop name, and why did you choose it?

Ayana Creations. I originally was going to include my name. I was thinking about Crystal Florals or Crystal's Bead Flowers. I also considered Flower Creations. None of these appealed to me, so I decided to look up African names to tie in my heritage. Thankfully Ayana was at the beginning of the alphabet. Ayana means "beautiful flower" in Ethiopian and fits perfectly with what I do. I make beautiful flower creations.

2) Where are you located (city, state or country)?

Richmond, VA, USA

3) What charities do you support?

I currently support Go Red for Women, which is a national movement founded by the American Heart Association. The mission is to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the number one killer of American women. I have a family history of heart disease, which is why I originally chose this charity. I recently found out that I have high blood pressure, which could lead to heart disease.

4) Do you participate in any other groups, and if so, which ones?

Yes I do. Richmond Etsy Street Team, Etsy Artists of Color

5) What's one material your shop can't live without?

My shop cannot live without floral tape, which is the "glue" that holds my flowers together.

6) What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

So far I've only purchased supplies off of Etsy. My favorite one is a unique solid robles wood with blacklip shell inlay because I bought so I can make something for myself. :D
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7486259

7) When you aren't being a "Super(wo)man of crafting", what is your "Clark Kent" day job?

I am currently a social work graduate student and administrative support for a doctor's office. I will be graduating in May so I am looking for full time employment.

8) If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

this moss rose and ivy brooch
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9471125

9) If I had enough money to pick one item on my wishlist from another Etsy for Charity member's store to buy, it would be...

The 3 Blossoms cards from mvegan5
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=442804

10) If you had 30 seconds to give an impromptu infomercial on your store, what would you say?

Beautiful beaded flowers, jewelry and gifts for any occassion or just becuase. My flowers can be used for decorating, just like real and silk flowers. They make wonderful alternatives to real flowers for those who have allergies or curious pets and children. What makes them unique is that they can be passed down as heirlooms and they truly are works of art. The best thing about beaded flowers is that you don't need a green thumb because they never die.

11) What are the top 4 fave items currently listed in your store?

This cute basket of lilies
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8667958

These Hollow Rose Earrings, which I absolutely love
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9470837

The mini-me apple blossoms that will bring good fortune
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9349935

These beaded orchids
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6952605

What scandeez thinks of ayanacreations' store:

What I like about ayanacreations shop is this: She has the most intriquite and amazing flowers! I could see them as a wonderful bouquet in any room or event. The attention to detail is wonderful! Spring has arrived everytime you visit her shop :)

This is my favorite item in her shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6952605.

**If you would like to have your shop featured in our Etsy for Charity blog, please convo Creations4Causes on the Etsy site, or leave Creations4Causes a message on her Etsy for Charity profile page.**

Featured Shop: Creations4Causes.etsy.com !

Read on to find out more about Creations4Causes:

1) What is your shop name, and why did you choose it?
It actually took me a little while to warm up to Etsy. I was more of an Etsy-stalker at first, browsing through stores and trying to decide if I would want to participate. But I fell in love with so many things, and I just had to join in! I knew I wanted to donate some profit to charity, and tried several combinations (including CharityCrafts, crafts4charity, crafts4causes, and creations4charity) before sticking with Creations4Causes. I thought it gave me artistic freedom with the items I sold, as well as let people know that we supported several causes through our store.

2) Where are you located?
Bellevue, Nebraska and Omaha, Nebraska (which are basically the same place)

3) What charities do you support?
This year, we are supporting four major charities: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Institute, Cellphones for Soldiers, and the Nebraska Humane Society. Each has a special meaning for us which is why we chose them.

4) Do you participate in any other groups, and if so, which ones?
We are definitely active on Etsy! :) We love Etsy for Charity, and are also involved with the Omaha Etsy Street Team (an Omaha, NE group), EtsyHookers (an Etsy team composed of crocheting and knitting fanatics), and EcoEtsy (an environmental Etsy team). Additionally, we try to participate in BNR/BNKO promotions, and are currently listed in this fantastic BNKO that has already had 144 sales: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5500486

5) What's one material your shop can't live without?
Definitely YARN! Though lately we have been working with a lot of polymer clay, my first passion was always crocheting, and it's something I do whenever I need to relax.

6) What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?
Hmmmm... it's so hard to pick a favorite! I think it would probably be these beautiful earrings that I bought from crystalvibe: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7608743

7) When you aren't being a "Super(wo)man of crafting," what is your "Clark Kent" day job?
There are three crafters in our store right now. I work at an art, teacher, and toy store called Arts&Minds, where I am a shift manager. My husband works for a company called Conductix, building festoons and things. Finally, my mother is a teacher for Mt. Calvary Lutheran School.

8) If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...
I would love it if I could sell this adorably functional purse!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9204176

9) If I had enough money to pick one item on my wishlist from another Etsy for Charity members' store to buy, it would be...
Everything! ;) lol. But I guess I if I have to just pick one, I would probably go for these fantastic earrings because I am an earring fanatic:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9935666

10) If you had 30 seconds to give an impromptu infomercial on your store, what would you say?
Help yourself while helping others by buying from Creations4Causes! 15% of profit is donated to charity and there are a variety of different products to choose from. Buy now and help us hand-make a difference!

11) What are your top four favorite items currently listed in your store?
1. This beautiful black and maroon date night purse, crocheted with some chenille yarn, is perfect for a night out! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8734009
2. Anyone looking for supplies would love this destash from my shop! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9038482
3. Nothing is cuter than this colorful pink hat and scarf set (and it's modeled by Tigger!)!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9366098
4. These beads turned out so awesomely - I can't wait to see how a fellow Etsian will use them! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9978637

What Ayanacreations thinks of Creations4Causes' store:

What I like about Creations4Causes Store is that each piece is unique. There are items that have a dual function, which is perfect for me so that I won't have to buy too many things. I can get it all in one. My favorite item from Creations4Causes Store is the Bird and Nest Polymer Clay Red White and Blue Buttons. I'm going through a button phase right now and I love the uniqueness of these buttons. I really like that each button is different than the others.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9893309


**If you would like to have your shop featured in our Etsy for Charity blog, please convo Creations4Causes on the Etsy site, or leave Creations4Causes a message on her Etsy for Charity profile page.**

Goings on in the world of Etsy for Charity!

Wondering what Etsy for Charity is and how you can sign up? Check out this forum on Etsy for all the details:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5397340

We have our very own shop on Etsy, and 100% of the proceeds from the shop goes toward charity! It's a great cause. You can find out more about it by clicking here:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5467228

If you are sitting there thinking, "Yeah, ok, but what the heck is Etsy?", Etsy is a great community of buyers and sellers who believe in promoting hand-made goods. You can check out the site here:

http://www.etsy.com

And if you're wondering how YOU can be the next featured shop here on our blog, wonder no more! Just convo Creations4Causes in Etsy, or stop by my Ning website:

http://etsyforcharity.ning.com/profile/creations4causes

and leave me a message!

I hope to be starting up a new Buy 'N Return/ Buy 'N Kickoff thread sometime soon for our wonderful group - be on the lookout! This is a great chance to raise money for our charities and raise awareness of our group.

Happy Thursday!

Featured Seller: The PeachTree

1) What is your shop name, and why did you choose it?

My boyfriend actually came up with the name :) I think I must have spread out a few creations before him and asked him to encompass them into a shop title. One of the sets of earrings were these gorgeous faceted peach glass rectangles. I guess that must have been it!

2) Where are you located?

Brooklyn baby!

3) What charities do you support with your shop?

We do not currently do any donations directly through our shop but are active members of the EFA, EtsyFriendsCharity and obviously, EtsyforCharity.

4) Do you participate in any other groups, and if so, which ones?

Oops, guess I just answered that one :)

5) What's one material your shop can't live without?

Eek! Just one! Let's see.... well as the song says "Silver and gold, silver and gold, Everyone wishes for silver and gold"

6) What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

Oh, that's so hard! I've found so many unique and tantalizing treasures here on etsy. I'd probably have to say my favorite was a jewelry box I commissioned from BananaBatch. She did an absolutely amazing job restoring this old torn up antique box! It makes me smile every time I see it :)



7) When you aren't being a "Super(wo)man of crafting," what is your "Clark Kent" day job?

My boyfriend and I run a Cat Sitting service!

8) If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

The Blueberry Wine are near and dear to me, it would have to be those.

9) If I had enough money to pick one item on my wishlist from another Etsy for Charity members' store to buy, it would be...

I've actually admired ValeriesGallery's "Little Slice of Heaven" from afar for quite some time now :) There's so much detail and craftsmanship poured into it!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8638567

10) If you had 30 seconds to give an impromptu infomercial on your store, what would you say?

Haha!

Queue Feist. Scene opens on a long manilla envelope. A hand reaches in and extracts a lovely pair of earrings and places them on top of the enveople. End scene.

What do you mean that's been done before??

11) What are the top four favorite items currently listed in your store?

#1 Cleopatra
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8980593

#2 Aurora
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9405000

#3 North Star
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9313727

#4 Stardust
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9276972

What CagedBirdSings thinks of ThePeachTree's Store:
Her style is amazing, and pictures truly to be admired. Her shop also allows a good taste of variety so that anyone shopping there is sure to find a winning piece of jewelry and art :)
It's hard to pick a favorite as I love most of her items. This one is good:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9338223

**If you would like to have your shop featured in our Etsy for Charity blog, please convo Creations4Causes on the Etsy site, or leave Creations4Causes a message on her Etsy for Charity profile page.**

New Featured Shop: mvegan5.etsy.com !

Read on to find out more about mvegan5 (mvegan5.etsy.com):


1) What is your shop name, and why did you choose it?
For now, my shop is called Cards and Jewelry by Michele, because I can't think of the perfect name yet!

2) Where are you located?
I am from Oakland, California and go back there in the summers, but currently live in Be'er Sheva, Israel with my Israeli boyfriend, and our two rescued kitties, Moses and Tala.

3) What charities do you support with your shop?
I support many animal and environmental charities, but some of my favorites are; The East Bay SPCA, Farm Sanctuary, and NRDC.

4) Do you participate in any other groups, and if so, which ones?
I started and run Etsy for Animals http://etsyforanimals.com, and belong to CCCOE, JET, EcoEtsy, EtsyVeg, VeganEtsy, EtsyGreetings, and SFETSY. I also belong to IsraelisonEtsy.

5) What's one material your shop can't live without?
Vintage findings.

6) What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?
Lovie Dovey Postcard by Etsy for Animals member, bluedogrose: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9452848

7) When you aren't being a "Super(wo)man of crafting," what is your "Clark Kent" day job?
I teach art and English to kids and adults.

8) If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...
I would love to sell a custom animal painting and cards, I love to do those, and it gives me a painting assignment!

9) If I had enough money to pick one item on my wishlist from another Etsy for Charity members' store to buy, it would be...
I LOVE this adorable painting by sharonfosterart , who is also with me in Etsy for Animals, and offers items helping animals.

10) If you had 30 seconds to give an impromptu infomercial on your store, what would you say?
Animal and nature inspired art, cards, jewelry, and more, with 10% going to animal charities.

11) What are the top four favorite items currently listed in your store?
Vintage Filligree Kitty Ring http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9513382
Custom Animal Portrait and Cards http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5270255
Vintage Horse Magnet- 50% to Redwings Horse Sanctuary http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9353457
Funky Vintage Owl Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7742635

What ThePeachTree thinks of mvegan5's store:
It's funny that I have a chance to promote mvegan5 as she is the very reason I even know that etsy exists! We were on the same flight coming from San Francisco to NYC. She had one of her kitties with her that would be in the cabin and we struck up a conversation on our mutual love for animals. The rest is history!
Here's what I like about mvegan5's store: Her intense drive to help and protect animals in every way possible. My favorite item from mvegan5's store is: These rock my world :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5607693

**If you would like to have your shop featured in our Etsy for Charity blog, please convo Creations4Causes on the Etsy site, or leave Creations4Causes a message on her Etsy for Charity profile page.**