Thursday 29 October 2015

Halloween denim clutch purse and reminiscing about Etsy Street Teams

I started selling on Etsy back in early 2007. Soon after, I joined the Etsy UK Street Team. Back in 2007-2008 the Etsy UK Street Team used to set monthly creative challenges. The theme for October 2008 was 'Halloween'. I made this denim clutch purse featuring a ghost on the front and a felt applique "BOO!" on the inside. I recently found this clutch purse in a box on top of my wardrobe and thought I'd share it again in the run up to Halloween.

Halloween denim clutch purse and reminiscing about Etsy Street Teams

Not long after joining Etsy I received a conversation from Seaurchin, another Etsy seller, saying 'why don't you come into the forums and have a chat?'. From there I learnt about the Etsy UK Street Team & I met some amazing crafty people off the back of it. I have fond memories of our forum chats & crafting challenges. it's hard to believe its been nearly nine years since I first set up my Etsy shop.

Halloween denim clutch purse and reminiscing about Etsy Street Teams

Halloween denim clutch purse and reminiscing about Etsy Street Teams

Street Teams are designed to help sellers connect with other members. Sometimes there is a geographical connection, such as the team based in the United Kingdom, sometimes it's a shared skill such as crochet or ceramics.

I still keep in touch with a small group of the original Street Team members. In fact, I recently met up with Lisa from Seaurchin and Laura from Lupin Handmade in Bristol for lunch and a chat. I often see other members of the original Street Team popping up on Twitter & Facebook. I have kept in touch with Sally from Tinkering Textiles, Kirsty from Paperfish, Laura from Laura Fallulah, Lu from Summersville, Megan from Mr.PS and Christine (or Pink Christine as she was known on Etsy), she now blogs about her ex-pat life over on Pinwheels and Stories. We've witnessed many milestones together, such as marriages, arrival of babies, business successes, relationship heartaches & even a move to the United States.

I'm grateful that Etsy bought these people into my life. The UK Street Team also gave birth to the UK Handmade online magazine, which I still write for along with other Etsy Alumnae from the Street Team. Although many of us have moved onto pastures new work wise, we all still have a love of the creative community & still find time for crafting in one form or another.

The Etsy UK Street Team still exists, you can find out more here.

Etsy also recently celebrated 10 Years of Etsy Teams.

Etsy UK Street Team monthly creative challenge for October 2008 Halloween theme








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