The Story Behind Your Etsy Shop Name

Guest post by Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots

When I decided to open a shop and start my blog, I knew I wanted to raise awareness for Retinoblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the retina (in the eye) that has affected a few members of my family so to incorporate it, I came up with EyeLoveKnots. I don’t have many eye related or inspired items, but I do have a number of children’s items created for my little cousin’s affected by this cancer.

Members of the Etsy Christmas In July team share the stories behind their shop names below! Enjoy!

Edna from AddaSplashofColour says:

I grew up with my Aunt who battled depression and I’ve lost family members to depression. There was a brief moment in my life when I was spiraling towards depression. It was after my husband’s brain surgery to remove a tumour. I had to quit my job in order to take care of him and my son which affected my confidence. So when I opened my shop I wanted to create colourful items that inject energy. Adding tastefully designed colourful items can be a great mood lifter. Especially in winter when is it is gloomy and grey here in Melbourne. Imagine how nice it would be to come home and find a room that is inviting.

AddaSplashofColour

Alison Kelly from DelanoDesignsHome says:

Delano is a family name and when I was having trouble thinking of what to call my business my daughter suggested Delano Designs. The Delano part of the family was very creative so it seemed like a great way to honor my family and I like how it sounds. Here is one of my newer blankets.

DelanoDesignsHome

Susan-Sharon Passmore from MsPDesignsUSA says:

Hi, I’m Sharon from MsPDesignsUSA! My sister, Susan, and I design whimsical and unique quilt patterns

Our shop name came from our maiden name “Passmore”, along with the nickname that my brother-in-law used for my sister, “Ms P”. When we decided to pursue our dream of having a quilt pattern design business, we added the word “Designs” to her nickname, and then “USA” to the end of our name.

MsPDesignsUSA

Emma and Ivan from treadandpedals says:

When we first started out our business name was Ivy & Em (our nicknames). We make jewelry, home wares and accessories through re-purposing old bicycle parts into fun and functional designs – we’re also (as you’ve probably already guessed) slightly obsessed with bicycles.

As our business grew we felt we needed to have something that reflected our brand, the products we make and our story a little more… we decided on Tread & Pedals.

We use the tread of bicycle tyres to make our belts and we pedal our wares – we also make wheelie cool clocks (and love puns, especially cycling related).

treadandpedals

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks says:

Emma Kay is actually my middle name. The Kay comes from my Aunty – it is also her middle name. My mum gave it to me when I was born.

I chose the Emma part. I chose it when I was 8 years old. My step dad was adopting me legally. Mum asked me if I wanted to change anything about my name, since we were going through all the paper work anyway. I asked to add Emma.

Singer-songwriter Bon Iver made an album called ‘For Emma, Forever Ago‘. I heard it for the first time on a friend’s old Toyota’s car stereo during a road trip from Sydney to Canberra during autumn – clear blue skies, multi-coloured leaves, a chance to get to know one another better.

I’ve listened to the album many times since then, but could barely tell you what the lyrics are. I listen to the melodies and the slow rhythms. Its an album I put on when I need to sooth myself.

One of the songs on the album is called ‘For Emma’. Bon Iver has described Emma as “an elusive subject… Emma is a statement, a sentiment and a closing of my own history.”

He elaborated further in another interview: “Emma isn’t a person…Emma is a place that you get stuck in. Emma’s a pain that you can’t erase.”

His words resonate with me. I agree that Emma is a feeling. But Emma to me is not pain so much as sentiment. Longing and loss. A moment from childhood that flashes through your mind before you can catch it all.

I don’t want to erase Emma. I want to keep it. Hold it close. I want to curl up with it on the lounge while I gaze out of the window and reflect on days past.

EmmaKayInks

Jackie Irvin from JackJacksWayart says:

Jack Jack’s Wayart came to be in part my nick name is Jack Jack the Way art come as my style of art. So I put the two words a one Wayart.

It took me some time to decide on a name one day it just came to me. I like my shop name it just fits

My shop offers custom design one of a kind door decor. Me.

JackJacksWayart

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit says:

We developed our concept before we chose a name for our business and when it came to choosing our name it was difficult. When you specialize in offering designs and accepting custom orders for inspired designs, we needed a name which described the concept of our endeavor. Combining The Sky is the Limit with Graphic Design Artwork, Design’s the Limit was born. We couldn’t find any other businesses with our name, so we purchased the domain and registered a trademark for our business. We welcome custom design requests and as we say, “We can design for any ideas you have in mind!”

DesignstheLimit

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns says:

My shop name came about because after earning my Doctorate in 2009 my partner started calling me DD (Doctor Dawn), so this eventually translated into DeeDee, ergo DeeDeeDeesigns!

DeeDeeDeesigns

Tammy Richardson from VintageCastaways says:

My animal rescue is called Castawayacres that is what I named my shop to start out with. As I use a lot of my profits from the shop to help buy food and pay vet bills on the animals I rescue.

I have a few months back changed the name to VintageCastaways to give it more of a feel for what I sell.

That is how I became VintageCastaways.

VintageCastaways

Shelly from ShellysSelectSalvage says:

I have an antique booth that I started out with first, so I really didn’t have a name for it.

I decided I wanted to go online and really try this avenue and make it a success.

My husband came up with my shop name. He used my name and said since I search out items for my shop then I am selecting vintage items and salvaging them from garage sales, estate sales, and others.

I really like it and the alliteration, he loves alliterations so go figure.

ShellysSelectSalvage

Sue from SuesAkornShop says:

I named my shop after my father in law who passed away. I opened it to help me deal with my grief and to keep his memory alive. He was a special guy.

SuesAkornShop

Jennifer from CocoaDragonfly says:

I’m not sure I like it anymore, but “CocoaDragonfly” comes from our first rabbit, Cocoa, and our many dragonflies here. I like it, until I say it out loud!

CocoaDragonfly

Liesbeth Visscher from JHFWBeadsAndFindings says:

First it was Zathura. I was thinking of a catchy name but i realized I had to make something that can relate to my handmade jewelry.

So, one evening i was Just Having Fun With Beads And Findings and so JHFWBeadsAndFindings was born!

And this was the necklace i was making that evening.

JHFWBeadsAndFindings

Lisajoy Sachs from saxdsign says:

This is going to totally sound corny compared to all your stories, because all of you have put such important meaning into your shop names, and mine was sort of an accident.

My legal business name has been Sachs Design since 1999 – hence my last name is Sachs (pronounced SAX) I really wanted to get vanity tags for my car one year with my business name on them but I couldn’t fit all the letters so I figured out that I could do:

SAX D SIGN

and squished them all together – and there ya go – it evolved into Saxdsign

I have since moved (13 years ago) and those old tags had to be turned in. Maryland doesn’t offer that many spaces on their plates so I have different tags now, but kept SAXDSIGN as a brand now.

See not very exciting!

saxdsign

toysfrom70s from toysfrom70s says:

When we first opened everything listed was toys and all were from the 1970’s easy way to find us. Since then we’ve added some collectibles. Seems easy to remember when searching online too. Pretty oldies but goodies available for a fun era in history.

toysfrom70s

Opportunity – #EtsyCIJ

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

When was the last time you took advantage of an opportunity?

Merriam-Webster defines opportunity as: an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done.

On July 1st, 2016 I offered an opportunity to all Etsy Christmas In July team members.

The opportunity was to be featured here on our blog and on a special Christmas In July Pinterest board – Etsy Christmas In July 2016.

I challenged the the team members to share themselves with us through an item from their shop.

I am a firm believer that taking advantage of an opportunity leads to another opportunity, that leads to another opportunity and so on.

Here are the Etsy Christmas In July team members who took advantage of this opportunity!

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit says:

Cozy up next to the chimney with us and enjoy a glass of your favorite Christmas spirits with friends, family, and in style! If you are looking for the best combination of quality in both the product you are purchasing and the personalization you are including, look no further. If you are planning a personal gift giving experience or just shopping for yourself, use the Etsy Christmas in July team coupon code offer in our shop for the best offer available all year! We love Christmas and thank you for planning ahead!

At Design’s the Limit, we offer two distinct types of engraving on our glass and crystal products. Our crystal wine & distiller decanters are 100% lead-free crystal and we deep sand-carve them for the best personalization available. This is the most time consuming product to complete in our shop and is not available for Christmas delivery in December without additional fees. We believe that gift cards do not tell a story and that they make gift giving impersonal. Don’t tell your gift recipient that you were obligated to get them a gift. Show your gift recipient’s that they are worth taking the time to design a personalized gift giving experience for. Shop for a keepsake that will be treasured and which can be passed down for generations to come. Please drink responsibly and Merry Christmas in July from Design’s the Limit!

DesignstheLimit

Pam Maggio from PamsPawsJewelry says:

Hi, I am Pam from PamsPawsJewelry

I have been on Etsy as a seller since Feb. 2014. I opened my shop with my handmade gemstone and Sterling Silver jewelry but started to love and look for beautiful Vintage items too!

Everyone knows me as a friendly, crazy, cat mom!

My cats, Moses and Mirri model some of my items and have also modeled for a couple of other teamies’ shops, LOL!

I love animals and nature and recently started donating to causes that help animals.

One was the Shadow Fund in MA which assists people with money for pet emergency health issues who cannot pay up front. www.shadowfundne.org

Two others through Petco are a Cancer research fund and a drive to assist local animal shelters.

I would like to donate to more local shelters and some people related causes too when I get more sales!

Here is a Christmas item that reflects the beauty of nature, animals with the reindeer, Christmas theme and colors, and a Nordic design too!

PamsPawsJewelry

Shelly from ShellysSelectSalvage says:

Hello, my name is Shelly and I opened my vintage shop in 2014. I love vintage and antiques.

My absolute favorite piece in my shop is a set of Fostoria Electric Blue Plates. I found these when I picked a man’s storage units. He was downsizing, or trying to, and I got called to pick his units first.

Stuff in there had been there for decades, untouched, and placed haphazardly in boxes or totes. The color drew me instantly to them and I added to my boxes of great finds.

Later when I researched I found they were made by Fostoria in the late 1920’s. Who knows how long he had them. He told me he enjoyed spending his days at yard sales and would pack his finds away.

These appear to have been rarely, if ever, used and still have 8 plates.

ShellysSelectSalvage

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says:

Reading the novel “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey inspired me to this painting with the same title. It’s about a childless couple who is homesteading in the Alaskan wilderness. One day they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone – but a real young girl enters their life. This girl often has a little red fox by her side. It is a beautiful though heart breaking story that occupied my imagination and I felt the urge to paint it.

I chose a wood panel for this painting and used a molding paste for the foundation. I wanted a lot of texture in creating kind of a “rough” painting. This is not a smooth surface – you can not only see this painting, but feel it as well. It represents the harsh Alaskan environment and the dark color in the background is a symbol for the long, dark Northern winter.

This was the first time that a novel or written story inspired me to visualize it in my own way.

CarolaBartz

Carla from CarlasCraft says:

This past year had been a bit of a challenge for me, as it has for many of us. I see, for example, the last time I wrote on my blog (clisette.wordpress.com) was 2015 just after my brother passed away from complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Since then, I’ve focused on taking care of myself, because, really, who else is going to do that for me, better than I will? I had a knee replacement and have been doing water aerobics and swimming laps several times a week. What a joy it is to be back in the water (must be the Aquarian in me?)!

Along with improved health, I’ve lit a fire under my creative side and have been happily creating new mixed media projects, many of which you can see in my Etsy online shop and one I am sharing here with you now.

I created this textured canvas using extra coarse pumice gel to cover the wood panel surface. I recycled packaging material cutting it into seed shapes. Once the surface dried, I outlined the kiwi and then adhered the seed shapes using modeling paste. Shades of lime green acrylic paint made the inside of the one kiwi which has been cut in half. Then brown acrylic paint over the coarse pumice created the fuzzy skin of the kiwi fruit and mixing some of the brown with black I painted the outline and the seeds.

The background is a series of colorful complimentary rectangles painted in shades of light yellow, navy blue, lavender, pink, an orangey red, a rusty red, grey and white. Once the piece was finished I felt the background was too bright and distracted from the focus of the mixed media art, which is the kiwi fruit. I tested several shades of paint to tone down the brighter colors in the background until I settled on an Interference Blue, which created a lighter iridescence over the background.

I added a frame and now it is the first of three fruit mixed media pieces available in Carla’s Craft The other two are titled: 3 Little Figs and Ruby Red Grapefruit.

CarlasCraft

Susan-Sharon Passmore from MsPDesignsUSA says:

Hi! I’m Sharon from Ms P Designs USA. My sister, Susan, and I have had our Etsy shop since August, 2015, and we design whimsical quilt patterns.

Our most recent endeavor is a line of animal applique patterns in which the animals are all dressed up for Christmas. We chose animals that aren’t normally associated with the holidays, and then had some fun making them “Christmas-y”.

My favorite design in the collection is the happy holiday horse. She’s dressed in her special saddle blanket, and waits beneath the mistletoe for her first Christmas kiss. The Christmas tree is bedecked with sparkly rhinestones.

I created a banner to feature the horse applique and also used several of my favorite piecing techniques to make pinwheels that remind me of Christmas goodies and a row of pieced trees. Since the horse looks so joyful, I added the word “JOY” to the banner.

I love it, and hope that this Christmas banner pattern will bring “JOY” to others as well.

MsPDesignsUSA

Jackie Irvin from JackJacksWayart says:

Hi my name is Jackie my shop started out as wood door hanger shop.

I have added jewelry, Jewelry display shelves, chalkboard, sewn items and more.

I love to design my door decor I specializes in custom designs. All I need to know is what you have in mind or what team mascot you would like done.

My passion is painting pastel portraits I love working in pastels.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.

Here is one of my favorite Snowman door hangers.

JackJacksWayart

Nautico Creations from NauticoCreations says:

My mom and I both contribute to my Etsy shop – Nautico Creations. I do all of the floral arrangements and other gifts including holiday ornaments and other items during the holidays, and my mom focuses on quilts and quilted gifts.

I chose to feature this fish wall hanging because it is the most complex piece that was created for the shop. It includes 30 different fabrics all pieced together to make this beautiful work of art.

Since we live in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, fishing is also a very popular past time – in winter and in summer. For a lot of us, summer is a much better time to highlight it though, when we can spend some quality time by the lake.

NauticoCreations

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks says:

This is the very first drawing that I completed in 2016. It is the very first drawing that I completed after I opened my Etsy shop.

The design is a five pointed star. This signifies the body – two arms, two legs and the head. It also signified the hands in particular – because we have five fingers.

Because it references the body it stands for the boundless possibilities of strength that we hold within us. Because it references the hands, it stands for our creativity and ability to make things that have never existed before.

I penciled in the basic design at the end of 2015. When I returned to complete it, about one week after David Bowie died, it just felt right that it should be dedicated to him. His final album is called Black Star and featured a similar five pointed star on the cover.

I held the legacy of Bowie and his creative exploration, adventure and risk taking in my mind while I chose and laid down the pigment colours for my own Black Star.

EmmaKayInks

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says:

I chose to feature our Paris Love Locks photograph. These Cadenas Amoureux, or love padlocks have sprung up all over the world, but this photograph was taken from a bridge across the Seine River in Paris. Lovers have been binding their love with a padlock on a bridge and then throwing the key to their hearts into Seine below. Unfortunately, the bridges could not hold the weight of all that love and the padlocks had to be removed. But love lingers on in this golden photograph!

StockLaneStudio

willowvalleyvintage from WillowValleyVintage says:

My daughter and I opened our Etsy Shop last September with some of my mother’s Renwal dollhouse furniture and a few other items.

We were thrilled when we made our first sale a couple weeks later!

It’s nice that we both share the appreciation of vintage items and we enjoy looking for treasures to fill Willow Valley Vintage.

This little dollhouse bed belonged to my mother and we thought it would look sweet on a dressing table repurposed as a jewelry box!

WillowValleyVintage

Laetitia Hebert from Folkeshi says:

This is a Japanese wooden doll, called Kokeshi (I focused on kokeshi dolls with my vintage shop). These dolls have been handcrafted in Japan for the last 150 years, first as toys for girls, then as local hotspring village souvenirs, then as home decorations or collectibles.

This specific darling is a Sakunami doll, by Suzuki Shoji. Traditional kokeshi dolls are divised in 11 types, and Sakunami is one of them. This type enhances the elegance and shy beauty of northern Japanese girls.

Each kokeshi maker learns his trade along his master, often his father; painfully and slowly learning the lathe secrets, the brushes skills. The apprentice inherits the distinctive patterns or characteristics set by his master, and his own master before that, which means that each doll has a story build through generations.

When moving to Japan, I have fallen in love with these dolls. I like their cuteness, their uniqueness, and the idea of a craft built, taught, and learnt though generations. The wood ages very gracefully, the dyes fade with the years, and make the dolls all the more beautiful!

I go through local markets, antique fair, flea events to find them, select and identify them, and make them available to everyone.

Folkeshi

Emily D from TwigandPosy says:

Hi there, I’m Em the daughter-half from Twig and Posy. My mother Deb is the other half. Welcome to our shop where vintage design meets Aussie Bush!

Our timeless and unique floral clothes and accessories for girls aged 0-6 years are made to celebrate the wonder of childhood. Sprinkle in a bit of mud and mix in equal parts outdoor adventure, play and party, there is so much to explore and it might as well be done wearing a flower crown!

We love clothing that is girly but does not restrict play, so the designs are simple and practical and can be mixed and matched. We focus on the small details that girls love, whether it be a lace cuff, a heart button, an embroidery panel, or hidden butterfly.

This size 5 (or 5T) dress is one of my favourites as it is an all seasons linen dress which can worn as is in summer or layered with a long top and tights in the winter (for those girls that never take off their dresses no matter how cold!). The dress has been made from a beautiful piece of floral vintage fabric and Deb has made some striking embroidered pockets to match, particularly good for leaf and stone collecting, or storing bits of birthday cake!

TwigandPosy

Janine from AlteredEcoDesigns says:

I started making these first as a party favor for my grand-daughter’s 2nd birthday party, it was a woodland theme, so I thought these would make a nice addition. They were such a big hit that I decided to make a few to sell in my shop, not long after introducing them, they were a chosen feature on Emmaline Bride blog. They are still a big hit for brides maids, flower girls or just for home decor, they look fantastic in galvanized vessels!

AlteredEcoDesigns

Take advantage of an opportunity today!

Thank You For Visiting Team Members Workspaces – #EtsyCIJ

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Good night everyone! Thank you for joining us in visiting the workspaces of fellow team members and continue to enjoy the Etsy Christmas in July celebrations!

Here is a recap of the workspaces we visited today!

Jessica and Bryan King from FeathandKee / Workspace 

Maureen Wood from MoCycled / Workspace

Ari from HoneysuckleandLime / Workspace

Leigh from MeriMakes / Workspace

Marion Walsh from BlueButterflyCrafts / Workspace

Ineke de Vries from InekedeVries / Workspace

Emma and Ivan from treadandpedals / Workspace

Elisa from Lukseh / Workspace

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks / Workspace

 

 

Show Us Your Workspace: EmmaKayInks

Contributor post by Dawn from DeeDeeDeesigns

Today we visit the workspace of Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks who creates hand drawn original ink artwork. Please visit her shop and favourite some items, maybe even buy something!!

Here’s what Michelle has to say about her workspace:

I dreamed of having an art studio ever since I was a child. True story. I used to love hanging out and making things in my Nanna’s small but separate and comfy studio shed that overlooked the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes of Australia.

I used to work in my bedroom and had to unpack it and then pack it away every time I made something.

Now I’m grateful every day that I have a home studio of my very own.

Who’s afraid of a blank canvas? Not me. Ok, maybe it is a little daunting. But I find the best thing to do is just jump right and get started.

I truly believe, like Viginia Woolf, that we need a room of one’s own. You can make it work in a smaller space, but having a studio just makes things that much better. I can leave things out to dry. I can spread things out and move them around and see how they look in different combinations. I can dedicate a particular space for photography.

Having more space physically allows more space creatively!

I don’t mind making do with an old bed sheet as a curtain. I’m just happy to have a whole room, just for my own creativity!”

Musical Conclusion – #CIJParty 2016

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

“Guest Blog Article: “Musical Conclusion” by Michelle Emma Kay of EmmaKayInks

What is your Christmas Inspiration?

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Christmas. The part I loved the most about it was singing Christmas carols. My mum played the piano and I sung the songs. We would practice for months in advance. Then on Christmas eve we would put on a performance for the family. I would often make and give out Christmas carol themed crafts at this time.

Musical Conclusion

I’d like to share three of my favourite Christmas songs:

‘Little drummer boy’ is one of the songs that my mum and I perfected together. She practiced it over and over to get the riff right. I practiced over and over to the par rum pa pum pum parts right.

I love that ‘Peace on earth’ is also included because this to me is one of the main messages of Christmas.

Here is the David Bowie and Bing Crosby version of the song.

Another favourite Christmas song of mine is ‘God rest ye merry gentlemen’. It’s also one that we performed for the family together.

One part of my Christmas obssession was learning the lyrics to every verse of every Christmas song. I can tell you that this one is a difficult one to remember with lots of verses.

I really like the melody of the song, the way that it dances along, up and then down again. I like that it references being saved and that gives me hope.

The last line of the chorus “tidings of comfort and joy” really does encapsulate Christmas doesn’t it?

The final song I would like to share is ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ by Mariah Carey.

Being a child of the 1990’s, I remember when it was released. I was a big fan of Mariah at the time and it is first and favourite Christmas pop song.

In particular, reminds me of the Christmas holidays after I finished high school (In Australia we have a long 5 week holiday over summer that includes Christmas). Each year when I hear it, it brings back on the excitement of Christmas.

It’s not just about whichever crush I have that year. It’s really expresses the celebration of that time of year for me.

I asked other Etsy sellers who are participating in Christmas In July what their favourite Christmas songs are and here are their answers.

Katrina from BygoneAllure says:

This got me thinking whether ‘Hallelujah’ (by Leonard Cohen) is a Christmas Song. And I concluded whilst I love it – it is less of a Christmas tune for me than ‘Amazing Grace’.

Bono singing it is mighty fine and he sings the heart of it in this short piece.

Mallori from MGPCreations says:

I would say my favourite Christmas song is ‘O Holy Night’. I love the lyrics and love singing it every Christmas. Just brings the meaning of Christmas out and is such a powerful song.

So many good versions out on YouTube but you can’t go past a good Celine Dion cover.

Melissa from 89stitches says:

I would have to say my favourite christmas song is ‘All I want for Christmas is you’. It is from one of the sweetest and funniest movies “Love Actually”!

CarolaBartz from CarolaBartz says:

My favorite song is The Christmas Song’ by Nat King Cole.

I love it because it is kind of old fashioned and has a beautiful atmosphere – I can picture the chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the anticipation and the very special non-commercial Christmas mood. Plus, Nat King Cole’s voice is just delicious!

Sue from SuesAkornShop says:

My favourite song is ‘Silent Night’ and I love this version.

Christmas is more than just gifts and this song is a reminder of all Christmas is.

Dawn from DeeDeeDeesigns says:

I think it has to be ‘Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer’!

I love this version of the song sung by Australian children’s band The Wiggles because they came to fame when my (now adult) children were young – yes I have been to several concerts.

I also love it because it is an empowering song for children in terms of its overcoming ‘bullies’ message. It always brings a smile to my lips.

Flora from Littlegiftsofnature says:

‘God Bless Us Everyone’ is my favourite Christmas song.

Lovely the beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics. Mr. Bocelli’s voice is amazing. ‘Christmas Carol’ is always my favourite novel.

Corkycrafts from Corkycrafts says:

My favorite Christmas song is ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ (Merry Christmas) by Bing Crosby.

It reminds me of being in Hawaii on Christmas day fond memories.

 

Alicia from AliciasFindings says:

My favorite Christmas song is ‘Feliz Navidad’.

I have loved this song since my middle school days (junior high). It is so upbeat and fun, which is what the season is to me.

Shelly from ShellysSelectSalvage says:

My favorite Christmas song is ‘I want a hippopotamus for Christmas’.

I like this song, but it’s actually my husband’s favorite, which I think is so cute since he is a big burly guy that adores this song. On our first Christmas I found (on Etsy) a vintage Christmas ornament that plays this song. We keep it on a shelf year round.

How’s Your Creative Journey Going? – #CIJ Party 2016

Contributor post by Sheila from BeadyEyedBird

I love the book The Artist’s Journey by Julia Cameron. Amidst other great advice, she reminds us that when we nurture our creativity, it often leads to breakthroughs in problem-solving. The form of artist-brain ‘mulling’ cracks open our normal rigid ‘point a to point b’ thinking. As we serve a hobby, such as gardening, pottery, or cooking, we reap spiritual benefits never previously imagined. We are freed from the demands of the ego — allowing us to have a perspective that is lost in the everyday world of work.

We asked our great CIJ colleagues to tell us how their creative journey was going, and to share some items that represented the experience — here’s what they shared with us.

Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said:

 I usually find that if I work on my digital art any given day I learn something new. I can’t quit because not only is this fun but I haven’t yet stopped learning new things.

I’ve been trying some of the new things lately and love the way some of my paper packs are turning out. Too much fun. I am inspired by color combinations, and mint seems to be popular these days, so I have tried it out with a couple of combinations – this one is coral and mint.

Coral and Mint Digital Paper Pack, 14 Printable Papers, Scrapbooking, Card Making, DIY Invitations, Paper Crafting, Instant Download

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit said:

 True to form, we have been learning the hard way and continue to constantly evolve the products in our shop and the design options in our portfolio. We are working on adding even more options for all of our favorite spirits and for every spirited occasion. We get rid of design options no one selects and create new designs to give our customers a variety of options. We also accept custom design requests!

We originally offered stemless wine glasses or stemware and have now grown our product selection to include heavy bottom stemless wine glasses and a more traditional stemless wine glass offering both in either red or white wine. We have added a diamond-shaped wine glass in addition to our other glass and crystal stemware. We have added a few additional monogram options, expanded our font lists, and updated our listings with calculated international shipping options as well. We hope our customers appreciate our work and look forward to working with them to make every gift giving occasion a personalized experience.

Design Your Own Monogrammed Stemware Personalized with Our Monogram Design Options & Font Selection (Each)

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Annie from DesignedbyAnneliese said:

 I seem to have lots of ideas of things to create running around my head nearly all of the time! I really need to just sit down and write them all down in a book. At the moment, I am enjoying making different envelopes and cards using Japanese origami papers. I think they are lovely! So here are some bird themed envelopes I have done. I just love to see how they turn out!

Bird envelopes, bird stationery, snail mail japanese style, handmade envelopes, set of 6, patterned, spring

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Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio said:

 I am in love with the world around me and I’m proud of how our shop photography reflects that, but I am equally excited about the graphic design I have been creating lately. I have so much fun learning and discovering new ways to reflect feelings or concepts. Our ‘Milky Way’ prints and printables have been a labor of love. So many layers were used to create the starry sky background!

Sweet Dreams Milky Way Printed nursery decor, 8×10 blue galaxy typography, space art for boys girls, baby shower gift nursery decor wall art

Alexandra Richards from EyeLoveKnots  says:

A recent break up forced me to step back and re-evaluate where I stand as a crafter and designer, and has left me without inspiration and motivation. To keep my mind off of things, I have tried my best to keep up with my crocheting, which is currently in the form of working Crochet Pattern Reviews of others patterns – one of those being the Bead & Lace Cocoon Shrug, designed by my good friend Rhelena of Crochet n Crafts. A beautiful piece that has also brought me much comfort in both the crocheting of it, and in being able to wear it around.

Bead & Lace Cocoon Shrug-Sage and Ivory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks says:

Reading “The Artist’s Way” revolutionized my artist’s practice. It represents the point where I made a conscious decision to turn towards creativity. It gave me the confidence to call myself an artist and cemented by commitment to pursuing a creative life.

Things were happening in my life and I could have participated in one of the other twelve step programs where the focus is on recovery from the addiction. I decided instead to do Julia’s program due to its focus on creativity.

It felt right for me to put the energy into building something, rather than to step into a maze of self-reflection. I’d done a lot of that. What I needed was to redirect the energy to making and developing and growing.

I am by nature pretty enthusiastic and get excited easily! I choose to use this force to bring new things and positive energy into the world. Joining etsy and offering my art for sale is a part of this.

ORIGINAL art – Ink drawing – Hand drawn – Unique artwork – Abstract – Collectible – Colorful – Detailed – Line art – Pattern – Quality

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz states sometimes I wonder myself how my creative journey is going. It seems it is mainly going detours!

I fell in love with photography very early in life, before I was ten years old. However, I never truly thought to pursuit it seriously. I took the typical travel and landscape pictures, and that was it.

When I moved to the States at the age of 41 I finally realized that there is an artistic side in me that has been dormant since 10th grade when I had my last inspiring art teacher. I started to scrapbook and make greeting cards, quickly moved on to stamping and then started to paint. I love painting, but I often lack the time to do – I always seem to be pre-occupied with something else.

I also re-discovered my love for knitting and have become quite the expert knitter by now.

However, throughout these years I have always come back to photography. When I got my first digital camera it was quite a change after having shot film for 35 years. But I quickly saw all the possibilities of digital photography and the immediate learning from mistakes. I took classes in Photoshop and Lightroom and use both of these programs frequently. Altering photos is a special pleasure. This photograph of an old barn in our county was processed by layering textures and giving it a distressed, old world look. It is a very popular item in my shop.

Old Barn Photography -Fine Art

Susan Burton from SusieBDesigns says my creative journey has been a life long process. As a child my Mother sewed all of my clothes and even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time, she instilled a creativity in me that has never stopped growing.

During my college years and young adulthood, I turned to sewing out of necessity so I could afford to have the latest styles. I would go to department stores and examine garments to see how they were made and then buy bargain priced fabric and make my own pattern.

When I got married and became a Mother, I of course made my own maternity clothes but discovered a new creative outlet when designing my baby’s nursery. Soon I started making pillows and quilts and the sky became the limit. Home decor design and creation became my new passion.

I never lost my creative desires but the demands of raising a family and a demanding day job left little time for creativity. Things got put on hold and the only sewing I did was the occasional special outfit or gift for a friend or family member.

Fast forward 30 years. My kids are grown and thankfully employed and my husband and I recently moved to a new city and bought a very old house where I have my own design studio. I have a new and still demanding day job but I try to find time to create each day. It is my happy place! When I am designing and creating I can leave the world behind and become completely absorbed. It is great therapy!

I opened my Etsy shop in 2010 and had no clue what I was doing; it just felt like something I needed to do. Recently I have become interested in painting fabric and have made some pillows from my designs. This is my current favorite.

Abstract Hand Painted Pillow

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Many thanks to all who contributed — awesome creations and talent here!

Until Next Time,

Sheila

What Makes A House A Home – #CIJParty 2016

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

There is so much that makes a house a home…the people, the ambiance and most especially the decor. One piece can change the whole flavor of a room.

Here at Christmas in July we want to see your home decor items and a little bit about them.

Annie from DesignedbyAnneliese says when i think of house decor, I think or pictures or ornaments. These birds are a little different. I made these felt birds which originally I had as house decor at Christmas. But they could be used to decorate the house any time just by hanging them on a door handle or a hook!

Felt bird decorations

Angara Seeds from AngsanaSeedsPhoto said when I think of home decor, I think of the decorative throw pillows that complement the rooms.

Floral throw pillow

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit states that personalization turn a house into Your Home! We love to personalize everything and believe every home has to have a monogrammed cutting board. We offer different design options for newlyweds and families and custom orders are accepted! Make every gift you give a personal experience and Just Say No Giftcards! @Designsthelimit we offer glassware, coasters, cutting boards, picture frames, and a number of other items perfect for any recipient or gift giving occasion.

Personalized Famly Monogram Bamboo Cutting Board

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says for students heading off to college or young adults starting out in their first apartments, making a dorm, studio or apartment into a home can be challenging. Along with our higher priced fine art photography, we offer prints and printables that are fun and interesting, but won’t break the bank.

Our ‘Enter at your own Bliss” printable sets a welcoming tone for any home.

The photograph for this typographical art was taken while visiting the gorgeously medieval Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz), nestled in the hills above the Moselle River in Germany.

Printable Welcome sign

Ingrida from LivePastVintage states that neutral minimalist kitchen set will make cozy each home… Linen is highly valued fabric all over the world! Vintage set in great condition – the best choice for price and value!

Vintage Swedish Fruit print potholder and doily set

Lia Russo from Ghirlandiamo says I think each home has a particular accent, which expresses the woman’s personality living there: furniture, colors, accessories and decor, all that talks about her.

For this reason almost all my crafts are one of a kind, they are unique as each woman is.
For example, this decor, that can be used either as wreath and as centerpiece, talks about a simple woman, loving open air, nature and tiny meadow flowers. Doesn’t it?

Daisy flowering spring wreath

Julie Siomacco from SouthernCharmWreaths states lanterns have become very popular in home decor over the past couple of years. You can use lanterns in your staging on places like fireplace mantles, kitchen counters, tables, pianos, etc. Not only can you put candles inside the lantern but try filling them with other things such as pine cones, bird’s nest, small plants, Easter eggs, etc. There are so many styles of lanterns to choose from these days and finding one to fit your decor shouldn’t be a problem. To add seasonal flair to your lantern, try attaching a lantern swag (flower arrangement made for lanterns). This adds a special touch to your home decor throughout the season or holiday.

Spring Lantern Swag

Silvia Webel from Givemeyourphoto discussed when I think of home, I think of photos! What is a home without your memories? In “givemeyourphoto” I design personalized photo books from your travels and adventures, that will make your home really cozy!

Check them out here! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @givemeyourphoto_ for the latest previews and sneak peeks!

Travel Photo Book 8×8 Hard Cover

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns states that I believe a large part of making a house a home is the sharing and caring of the family members, and one of the best ways to encourage this is through food. And unique, handmade vessels can make the family meal even more special.

Ceramic Salad or Fruit Bowl

Jessica and Bryan King from FeathandKee says you really do not want to lose your keys! This key rack was made from re-purposed oak that came from a chair past it’s prime.

Wooden cloud key rack

Dana Hamant from LilybeanzBowtique says I think the most important part of a home is a first impression. I switch out the wreath on my front door with each season. I want my home to be welcoming to others. I love having people over and entertaining. What better way to impress them when they first walk in the door!

Made to Order Wreath – Rag Wreath

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks discusses that there are many historic Art Deco buildings in my home town of Katoomba, Australia. When I get off at the train station and walk up the ramp to step out onto the street, I always feel strongly “ahhh it’s so good to be home”. I’ve only been living here for 2 years, but we used to visit a lot when I was a child.

This drawing is very much influenced by both the feeling and aesthetic of Art Deco. I think buildings with these features feel more homely because they speak of endurance and have built up an energy as people have used them over time.

In this colder climate, one can just be grateful for having a roof over your head and a fire in the corner. The light shining through the stained glass windows is a bonus!

Hand drawn Original Ink Drawing

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz said there are many things that make a house a home, and the most important ones you can’t buy – it’s the people who live here. However, we can set up a certain atmosphere. That for me is often expressed in the wall decoration – which color is your wall, is there wall paper, wood? What hangs on the wall? I personally love to hang photographs that speak to me. That can be an old barn, a beautiful sunset, a dramatic landscape, an animal.

This 8 x 10 photo print of a sunset on the Oregon Coast is a favorite of mine. It holds a special moment and atmosphere. It can set the mood of a room. I see this in a masters bedroom or a quiet corner in a family room. A meditation room if you are lucky to have one. I even see it in a cozy breakfast nook.

Sunset Photograph, Cow Parsnip Before Setting Sun, Sunset at the Coast, Nature Fine Art Photography, 8 x 10

Catherine Caramanica from BlkBttrflyDsgns said I have had these candles in my home for years. Literally. Yes, they still light. There are all colors here, sizes and beeswax too. I used to love eat dinner by candlelight with or without company. Maybe others can enjoy them the way I once did and still do!

Lot of 60 unused candles

Sue from MissIvyVintage says I think a house becomes a home when family and friends gather around the dining table, relaxed and having lots of fun! I have so many memories of these times! I imagine these gracing such a festive occasion and making memories.

Vintage 70s Set of 8 Handmade Felt Napkin Rings

willowvalleyvintage from WillowValleyVintage discusses that having vintage “treasures” around my home makes me happy!

Even if they are chipped or worn, they tell a story and remind me of days past or beloved relatives who once owned them.

This sweet teapot looks cute, even when not in use!

Cottage Teapot Vintage Pottery 40s 50s English Tudor Decor Gift Serveware

Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2016

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Good morning everyone! Another new addition to our third annual Etsy Christmas In July Party this year is food and! What is a party without refreshments?

I invited members of the Etsy Christmas In July members to share their food and drink items.

Eleni from LenasCakes says:

Actually is this one. Totally CIJ , right?

As you all see it’s Santa. And his belt.

Making it at first, I thought it would be one of my Xmas items, for those who want their cupcakes decorated in a Holiday gathering.

Well, although I have sold it for Xmas season, it has most sales-believe it or not!- in July! There are a lot of people who love Christmas and they don’t want to celebrate only in December, but all year round!

(I’m sending one set of those next week, that’s why it’s the first I thought).

Have a great #CIJ Party everyone! And a lovely summer!

LenasCakes

Jackie Irvin from JackJacksWayart says:

A sweet cupcake to fill his tummy so yummy!

Dash away Dash away all.

And to all a good night.

JackJacksWayart

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks says:

In April I participated in “Creative Sprint (www.creativesprint.co/). Each day you are emailed a prompt and you make something in response to it.

The prompt for one day was “make something from a collection”. I went into the kitchen and saw my partner’s left over popcorn. I photographed a collection of them and drew them.

It was then that I realised that like snowflakes and finger prints, every piece of pop corn is a little bit different. I also enjoyed the way their forms looked when they are a bit abstracted. And thus, it became the basis of my first post it note design.

EmmaKayInks

Christine Parker from modernimpressionist says:

There is a coffee shop in Chelsea Market in NYC that has the best roasted coffee and it is such a treat to brew and drink a cup of steaming hot coffee at home. Here is a bag of their coffee in front of one of my paintings in the background and a floral still life waiting to happen!

modernimpressionist

Sue from SuesAkornShop says:

I have always seen cups decorated with fabric here and there. I thought it was something that I would like to try to make and came up with this fabric cup sleeve. I thought it would be neat to make one for our holiday get together and then after they were used at the party the people could take home the one that they used for their drink. I put a few in the shop for various holidays as well.

SuesAkornShop

willowvalleyvintage from WillowValleyVintage says:

My daughter and I found this milk bottle at an antique shop!

We love the graphics showing a woman displaying her archery skills!

It was made by the University of Wisconsin Dairy.

WillowValleyVintage

Tanya Hardman from TheWoollyTangle says:

So, I love tea. And I have children, so I often get cold tea! Tea cosy’s seemed the way forward. Since this is my first year joining in with christmas in July I thought I’d get the ball rolling by starting with some fun festive silliness. Why not turn the tea pot into a Christmas pudding?! Just don’t cover it in brandy and set fire to it. Won’t make your tea taste better!

TheWoollyTangle

Ashley Babula from ABStudio62 says:

Fall and Winter holiday beverages from my favorite coffee shop are something I look forward to every year. My favorite, the Peppermint Mocha Latte, inspired this piece of holiday decor in my shop.

All of my signs are hand painted and designed by myself. I created this piece to look like a chalkboard to coordinate with rustic holiday decor. I use a stretched gallery canvas and permanent materials to make the sign. Lettering cannot be erased.

My shop opened in April, so this will be my first year participating in CIJ. I’m excited for the promotion! I’m still creating a few more items to add to my inventory to join this holiday piece!

ABStudio62

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says:

“À Table”

Dinner’s Ready, it’s time to eat!

My mother would call all seven of us kids to the table with this French phrase. We might have been in the middle of what we thought was something very important, but we knew, if we heard our mother call that phase, we’d better hurry and wash up!

A perfect print or printable to accent any kitchen or dining room.

StockLaneStudio

Lizzy and Boo from LizzysBibsandBobs says:

‘Twas the night before Christmas …You’ve heard this before !? Anyway Santa has been hard at work and needs some refreshments, so wouldn’t he love to find this sweet little plate filled with delicious Christmas Cookies waiting for him!

LizzysBibsandBobs

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns says:

I love food and sharing food…. it is a great way to celebrate and feel close to family and friends.

I have lots of food and drink relate products in my shop, such as this set of nesting bowls which are great for condiments, olives, chutneys, dipping sauces – you get the idea!

DeeDeeDeesigns

Rosalia and Linda from Doublemuse says:

Throwing a nice holiday party is almost as fun as throwing clay and making pottery. When I can incorporate both loves it’s a win win. This sea shell chip and dip plate I made really brings my two passions together.

Doublemuse

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says:

When I think of food and drink I see my friends sitting around a big wooden table where we share a home cooked meal. The table is set beautifully which is an important part of the meal and the experience of eating (and laughing) together. Place cards are a nice and personal touch, and you can even take them home with you if you like.

CarolaBartz

Lia Russo from Ghirlandiamo says:

Come, friends, come, eat and drink with Pulcinella!

Pulcinella is the old Naples character, he has a great personality and his own philosophy and ….is always hungry.

He’s aware of his problems, but always smiling.

He’s disrespectful and makes fun at powerful people.

I wanted to honor him with something non-conventional, so I created this centerpiece, in cooperation with a talented ceramics crafter from Vietri sul Mare*.

And so was born my Pulcinella, the Naples king of the table!

A piece for connoisseurs, who will be able to appreciate the creativity of the whole piece, the added value of ceramics from Vietri sul Mare*, the so thorough miniatures.

It’s one-of-a-kind centerpiece, where a fine ceramic Pulcinella, the Naples character, and so many incredible miniatures stand out.

This rustic Mediterranean centerpiece is a parade of typical Neapolitan food and Pulcinella stands in the middle, ready to enjoy them all.

In one hand he holds a glass of wine, from his arm a salami is hanging and he’s surrounded by a lot of many other local delights: anchovies, tomatoes, salami, bread, eggs, apples.

Couldn’t Pulcinella eat any pizza? No, definitely! He got three!
And with all this food, a good wine in a wicker bottle.

This centerpiece will be perfect in the middle of any table, bringing cheerfulness at the first glance and adding a touch of Neapolitan life.

* Vietri sul Mare is a small village on the Amalfi Coast, very close to my town Salerno.

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

It’s famous in Italy and all over the world for ceramic tiles and all kinds of decorated crockery.

It’s ceramic traditions have their roots in the Etruscan period.

Ghirlandiamo

Musical Introduction – #CIJParty 2016

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Good morning everyone! A new addition to our third annual Etsy Christmas In July Party this year is a musical introduction! What is a party without music?

I would like to introduce you to The Choraleers Acappella Singing Group! They discovered our Christmas In July Party while searching the internet – it indeed is a small world! I invited Damon, the representative of group and the singers to join us!

The sextet was established over 35 years ago at Texas Southern University and performs Doo Wop, Gospel, Holiday and Motown hits. We have performed at private parties, weddings and at country clubs.

They are based out of Houston, Texas USA! Please contact Damon if you are in the area and are looking for performers!I also invited members of the Etsy Christmas In July members to share their musical items.

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter says:

This little tree ornament was created for the Music Lover. There are times in my life when music has helped my thru. I feel everyone has been touched by Music in one way or another. Last year this was the most popular tree ornament and sold the most of all my trees.

ThisandThatCrafter

Heather Barber from MooseintheMint says:

Each of the music pendants are unique as they are made from old music books, and then varnished.

I often sell out at fairs before I can get them onto Etsy!

MooseintheMint

Diana Voisin from GalleryTwelve says:

Music has always been a part of my life so naturally I had to include a music pattern set in my digital scrapbook section. The patterns are inspired by sheet music I used to read as a child when I would clumsily try to play piano or later when I played in the school band.

While I was never gifted when it came to playing instruments, I have always had an understanding of a musical composition and appreciation for the complexity and emotion music can bring to this world.

I love this set because I get to see other people make beautiful products or other items with my pattern. It’s not fancy or complex, but the simplicity of the black-and-white pattern in this musical note set always reminds me of that old sheet music.

GalleryTwelve

Catherine Caramanica from BlkBttrflyDsgns says:

I’m a Singer and these music sheets and books belong to me. During the 80’s I sang in Nightclubs in NYC, auditioned for Broadway, A Musical Company, Famous Musical Directors, Commercials etc. This is a small part of my collection. I’m sure there’s someone out that I can help acquire music they may not find out there today. It’s bittersweet really. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

BlkBttrflyDsgns

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns says:

As well as creating ceramic wares and jewellery for my Etsy shop I also love to upcycle materials for my jewellery – I do this as a way of contributing to the future of our planet.

One of the materials I use for jewellery is guitar strings. My partner plays guitar and I always have lots of strings potentially going into the rubbish, so I decided to begin making jewellery pieces to use them, such as this bangle which also incorporates vintage buttons!

DeeDeeDeesigns

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says:

Music has always played a big role in my life. Of course I like to listen to music – I love classical music, but also pop music. My all time favorite band is Fleetwood Mac. I loved them when I was 24 years old and I still do more than 30 years later! I’m also fond of some film music – the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a good example. Excellent music that is very inspiring.

Nowadays I also listen to New Age music a lot, mostly Native American music (my husband calls it “Carola’s canyon music”). It is calming and peaceful with a good rhythm. When I paint or create greeting cards I usually listen to this kind of music; I also like to have it on while knitting.

I love to include sheet music in my art work. Thrift stores are a good resource to find some decent sheet music that I then tear or cut up and use as a background, for example in my paintings. In this painting of the owl and the girl you can see several pieces of sheet music in the background, covered by the dark blue paint. However, the paint is transparent enough that the sheet music is still visible, and that is exactly the effect I want to achieve.

CarolaBartz

Michelle Emma Kay from EmmaKayInks says:

I’m very influenced by music and musicians. One musician in particular that rocks my world is Joan as Policewoman. She describes her music as “beauty is the new punk rock” and this is the aesthetic that I aim for in my drawings.

When I first listened to Joan’s music I didn’t like it. Still, something about it intrigued me and then suddenly I couldn’t stop listening. This experience changed the way I approach art because I realised that the things that are hardest at first can end up being the best things! The deepest things. The things that never get old.

This belief underlies my resolution of the aesthetic of my drawings. As I listened to Joan’s music over and over again I noticed new aspects on each listen. The meaning of the lyrics are not fixed, so they meant different things to me at different times

My drawings are intended to reveal themselves further over time too. They are complex and intense and can be hard to take in on the first look.

EmmaKayInks

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says:

Love a musical theme! Since Etsy is so visually oriented, it is not often you get sound-related themes. But Christmas and Winter are full of music, isn’t it?

This minty Diva QUIET sign always make me crack up.
the white and mint adds a wintery feel and it’s perfect for a little girl’s or teen’s bedroom door.

And this would add a fun and funny twist to a ‘quiet’ sign for any singer’s bedroom or performer’s door.

But what I really had in mind when I designed this QUIET sign was the memory of my little ones when they were babies. Feeling so relieved when I finally got them put to sleep, and not wanting to make a noise in case they should wake, like they were some sort of Diva. And then if they did wake suddenly, their cries and sometimes screams would really sound operatic – what prima donnas!

StockLaneStudio