Mama's Magic: Friday Feature -- T and Little S Designs

This week's featured Etsy artist is T and Little S Designs. Traci explains, "My daughter (Little S) tends to be nearby when I work and is an inspiration to me." Her shop is simply charming -- I especially admire her paper goods, like this baby shower invitation. And isn't this upcycled journal fun?

Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you.

I was formerly a fifth grade teacher before becoming a stay-at-home Mommy to my 17 month old daughter. I love watching her learn new things. My husband, daughter, and I live in a quiet suburb of Columbus with our two cats. We love to go to the zoo and play outside. A recent Etsy achievement of mine--I just recently surpassed 100 sales and 150 hearts!

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I sell paper crafts (custom and premade scrapbooks, cards/ invitations, altered items, and gifts) and onesies.

To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong?

I just recently joined Etsymoms, Etsyscrap, and EtsyColumbus.

What inspires your creations?

I'm inspired by different things. Sometimes a new creation comes from when I need or want something for my daughter and start playing with papers, embellishments, etc. Other creations are often inspired by a current fad or new item, like the Amy Butler papers, that becomes a favorite of mine. I just got a new Cricut cartridge that cuts fairy tale characters, paper dolls, people in jobs (policeman, etc.), so that will definitely be the inspiration for some new pieces that are coming soon!

Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

My creative process is definitely more creative chaos than an organized masterpiece. LOL I typically have an idea that I want to try, then I just wait for the time to go and play to try it out. This is usually during naptime or bedtime when I have a few quiet moments to myself to work. It's not unusual to see papers, ribbons, etc. all over my scrapbook table and floor when I'm in the process of working on orders or new ideas. I love it!

I started out 8 years ago going to an at-home scrapbooking party and learning the basics behind scrapbooking and preserving photos. While that style preserved my memories and photos safely, I definitely didn't feel creative with it at all. Over the next several years, I continued to look at scrapbooking magazines, online sites with sketches, etc. for my creative inspiration until I really felt that I developed a style of my own. To this day, I continue to learn new scrapbooking techniques through workshops and online sites. Sometimes it's just trial-and-error until I end up with my finished product. I'm currently learning to create my own envelopes for my cards, mini cards, and invitations.

What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

My current favorite item is this Amy Butler altered tin that can be used for cards, receipts, coupons, etc. I absolutely love this pattern of her paper and the earthy greens, browns, and blues that are used.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

I would say that I'm caring, creative, and devoted/ dependable. I would truly do anything to help my family and friends and consider myself a good wife, mother, friend, etc.

What do you like about Etsy?

I love the fact that Etsy sellers are so supportive. Once I really got more involved with Etsy, I discovered that other sellers are genuinely very willing to help out someone who's just learning, wants to improve, etc. I've had a great experience so far with Etsy, and I truly value the fact that everything is handmade.

What makes your shop unique?

My shop is unique because it focuses on a few different people and needs. I really love to create for children and Moms, so I have onesies, baby shower and birthday invites, premade scrapbooks for pregnancy, baby's first year, etc. I also have Amy Butler blank notecards and mini thank you notes for the Etsy seller or anyone that needs to send a personalized note or greeting. I really try to feature a variety of items for babies and kids, Moms, and women in general.

What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

My best advice is to really get involved in the Forums on Etsy and to place frequent bids for alchemy requests. I really noticed an increase in sales when I got to know other sellers through the Promotions board. I also received valuable feedback in the Business forums on things to improve for my shop, like my profile, taking better pictures, etc. I think that these relationships are vital to success!

Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

I also have a blog that is updated with recent creations, both for Etsy and for custom orders, and that I update with craft show info, etc.