Etsy SK Tell Your Story

Last month we hosted an Instagram challenge for those who wanted to play along, help boost their shops, show their creativity and meet other Etsy SK team members.  Here are some of the highlights of the challenge. We had over 326 posts towards #EtsySKTellYourStory.  To see all the great posts from those who participated, check it out - we even had videos and singing!

We all have interesting studios and work spaces where work on our creations:

Since we all work in different media, our collections of tools are very unique:

Not only do we make things with our hearts here is a look at some of our hands that also do much of our art.

And almost most importantly - why do we do what we do and why should you support handmade?

sew_crafty_creationsDay 30 of#etsysktellyourstory ...why handmade? Ever since I can remember, I have been doing a craft of some sort. It's in my DNA makeup! I find it both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. I love to create things that contribute to kids' playtime. But mainly the reason is to see happiness on the faces of little guys like this! Photo credit to Colleen Finlayson of Fin Photography 

mytrueluminosityDay 30 of the#etsysktellyourstory challenge ~ Why Handmade: Quite simply...because creativity heals my soul. Thank you so very much @knitnatural @tooaquarius@glassyeyed for making month of June so fun! This challenge has been a blast!
meganspinatasDay 30 - Why Handmade? For the smiles! I love making exactly what my customers (or kids) want. I never get tired of the smiles and laughter that come when they love their pinatas and have a memorable party. I am an artist and creative through and through - it makes ME happy too and creating things helps me relax and unwind.

sewbrightcreationsDay 30 of#etsysktellyourstory ---> WHY HANDMADE 
it's simple, handmade is happiness. It brings happiness to the customer because they are able to get the unique, quality product that works for them.  Happiness for the maker. Sewing is (most of the time) relaxing for me and the process of being creative brings me happiness. Happiness for my family. The income goes directly to my family. 
Happiness for other makers. I purchase as many of my supplies as I feasibly can from other small shops. This brings them happiness.  I support handmade because it brings happiness to so many people 💗

knitnaturalFinal day of#etsysktellyourstory why do I love handmade and fibrework? Well I have several reasons. It ties me to the past and to many many cultures around the world. It really is better than commercially made items. I can use knitting/spinning/crochet etc to relieve stress and relax while being productive. By spending time to handmake items for my family and friends I am giving them a portion of my life in everything I make. I am promoting the craft for others to keep it alive. I can make anything I want and it is very rewarding to start with animal fibre and end up with a usable garment that will serve a specific purpose for a very long time. I can use it to send a form of love to those I care about. I have met so many amazing people though fibre and made lifelong friends. I can take it anywhere and it's fun! Thank you to all the EtsySk members who posted throughout this challenge. It was nice to read all about what you do and connect with you all on a more personal level. You are all an inspiration. Why do you love handmade

marjielous_creationsLast day of the June #etsysktellyourstory I've had so much fun doing this! Today is why#handmade. I #crochet and #knit for relaxation and to keep me sane on bad health days. But I also love #homemadethings for the smile when someone gets something they love, even better when they let me capture the smile

Thank you to everyone who participated, it was a lot of fun!