Paying it Forward

Can I interest you in an act of kindness? Since becoming a part of the 'Handmade Community' the one thing that stands out to me the most is the generosity of the people. I am always surprised at the number of people in this group of artists that will welcome you to join their group, willingly share their hard earned knowledge and experience and will give away items they have created with their own hands to people they don't know in the name of 'paying it forward'.

I am struck by how generous we all can be when race, economic status, education and personal appearance never come into play. In this community I know so many people, some I talk to daily and some occasionally but most of them I have never seen. I can identify them by their abilities or by their avatar but not by their face and yet I call them friends. For all the negative things that can be said for socializing on the internet the 'Handmade Community' seems to have set it's own norms. One thing that remains consistent throughout is the sincere desire to be kind to each other, offering praise, encouragement and assistance to your fellow artist. Even in situations were we compete for recognition, the loser has praise for the winner. How wonderful the world would be if only this tradition were carried on 'in the real world'!

The practice of 'paying it forward' is second nature to many of us in the 'Handmade Community'. As the Holidays approach, let's be mindful to practice this generosity in our daily lives away from the computer. This year especially with so many people struggling financially let's remember to 'pay it forward' any way we can. So what do you say? Can I interest you in an act of kindness?

Souly Barb: Where funky meets traditional

One evening while checking out Facebook I came across the most unique and totally fun item. I just had to get a better look. What was it you ask? A Tea Cozy! Oh yes. But not just any tea cozy. A funky, fuzzy little number with a Mohawk!! I was in love! I spent an hour just checking out the eye candy in the cutest Etsy shop called Souly Barb. Before I knew it I was posting my favorites to Facebook and 'hearting' everything I liked. Finally I just gave up and 'hearted' the shop! You see, I am not over it yet because today I am introducing you to Souly Barb.


You have to go no further than Barb's shop banner on Etsy to know that you are in for a treat. Who doesn't love brightly colored fuzzy things after all?

Meet Barb, the artist who creates these wonderfully fun and imaginative tea cozies. Barb obviously has a creative soul. She says for as long as she can remember she has dreamed of owning her own store. "Etsy has made my dream come true." says Barb. And what all will we find in her Etsy store? Lets take a look...


I should tell you that you may not find all of these are available at this very moment in Barb's shop because I am a customer as well as an admirer! However, Barb does take custom orders and will create a design that is uniquely you. "I started making teapot cozies about a year and half ago." Barb says. "I was designing and making purses at the time. One day I was having tea with my neighbor and I took a few purses with me to show her. She took one of them and put it up to the teapot and said 'wouldn't this look great as a teapot cozy?' I agreed and she was the first one to receive one. I made her a cozy to match her kitchen and she was so excited. She loved it. I've been going crazy ever since designing and creating these cozy little things to keep our tea hot." What a treat! Tea cozies are not the only item you'll find while exploring Souly Barb.


How about a mug cozy to help ward off that fall chill? Oh yes, you can request mug cozies to match your tea cozy. And customize your tea cozy to compliment your kitchen colors. How divine! But there is more. I mentioned I shopped for an hour. Well look what else I found!


With Christmas closer than I want to think about, wouldn't these make darling gifts for a young lady? This multicolored beanie is the prettiest blend of colors I have seen. Rivaled only by the beauty of the fuzzy little tea cozy that caught my eye in the first place.

So take a few moments out of your day. Sit down with a cup of tea and browse through Souly Barb. Can you just imagine your own fuzzy little teapot keeping your tea all warm and toasty while you browse? Plan ahead for those snowy days in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa all wrapped up in a pretty little mug cozy. I can't wait to get mine!

The Handmade Movement Weekly Giveaway has Begun!!

What an exciting time for everyone involved in The Handmade Movement, home of the Sneak Attacks! Over the past year The Handmade Movement has made a name for itself sponsoring Sneak Attacks on unsuspecting Etsians, sometimes striking as many as three Etsy shops in one night to the utter delight of the shop owner who watches in amazement as their sales climb. Now a new element has been added in the form a Weekly Handmade Giveaway. The Handmade Movement continues to promote artists and their shops by making this giveaway open to everyone - not just shop owners. Promoting handmade is what it is all about and what a great way to do it!

Members of the S.N.E.A.K. Team (of which I am proudly one), invite everyone to join us for the Sneak Attacks, currently happening on Monday and Thursday nights. Learn more about the Sneak Attacks and The Handmade Giveaway by visiting The Handemade Movement website or clicking on the Giveaway picture in my sidebar. Be sure to join the S.N.E.A.K. Team in the Etsy Forum for a great time before during and after the attacks. See you there!