Top 50 Etsy Moms of 2011
We work on a lot of "best of" features here at Babble, but we can truly say that our annual Top 50 Etsy Moms piece is one of the most inspirational, pleasurable writing experiences of the year. The chance to meet these incredible women - some of them life-long artists, others former 9-to-5 corporate workers, all of them devoted mothers - and hear their stories makes us realize how much we're all capable of. It's also a reminder of just how important the handmade community is, most specifically Etsy.com. Etsy has given these women a chance they may otherwise never have had to explore, develop, and share their art and craftsmanship through a larger-than-life network. It's also given them the opportunity to work from home, to set their own schedules and raise their kids the way they want - and that's incredible.
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That being said, this piece is also one of the hardest features to write. Etsy is by no means solely for moms - there are incredibly talented dads and singletons and students as well - yet the flexible, creative community is the perfect environment for mothers. That's why we consider this just a small sampling of the most successful, talented, inspiring moms on Etsy, and it's why we update this list year after year. (Although we try and highlight different shops each year, we do have two repeats from our 2010 Etsy Moms list. When you read their write-ups, you'll understand why.) So if you know an incredible Etsy Mom that you'd love to see featured next year, nominate her here. And in the meantime, support the handmade revolution!
- Michelle Horton
Alisha is a wonderful SAHM with 2 children (Son is 19 months and daughter is 4 years old). Alisha fills her Diaper Cakes with plenty of items to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. Under new circumstances, Alisha is now a single mother trying to support her children with her home based business. She is a very strong-willed, down to earth, loveable woman and I just LOVE her work!
Mommy to a gorgeous little special needs girl and maker of all things posh, Tricia is an amazing talent. I’d love to nominate her – more people should know about her products!!
You will fall in love with her shop! You will find handmade designs for the modern home & family!
JoyMerrymanPaperie is legend for the best customer service (Her reviews bear this out). Her stationary is the finest quality I have seen to date. Sensual in color and texture, Joy’s rich prints stand alone as NICE gifts. I adore her baby footprint items–but she has something for everyone. For exceeding my expectations with every order–Joy is my favorite Etsy Mom!
She is an army wife taking care of business! She makes adorable head peices and tutu sets while taking care of her three babies.
Shannon is a SAHM to two toddlers. Shannon makes cute, fun, and reasonably priced boutique clothes for girls. She even makes some boys clothes which I love because its hard to find good-quality boys clothes that don’t have “little boy” designs on them. Shannon clearly has her customers wants and needs at the top of her list and her feedback proves it.
She is a full time mom of 2. That said, I really don’t know how she does it. Her store on Etsy “My Sweet Sunshine” is amazing!!! She is always bringing in a fresh new style where everyone always asks, “Where did you get that?” The clothes are fun and are extremely good quality. I look forward to every season to see what new creations she has, they are a must have for my kids.
Allice is a mom to two beautiful girls and the creative force behind Tutuland. She handmakes the most beautiful tutus and hair accessories. Her headbands are gorgeous and super light weight so they can be worn all day with no complaints! Amazing customer service and top quality products.
Amy is passionate about the clothes that she makes. She is easy to talk to and creates anything you need quickly. She has created many clothes for my son and they are perfect to fit, soft, colorful, and cute!
Mother of 4. Hand stamped jewelry. Active blogger. And she just happens to have two doctorates on the side.
Crystal’s creativity is contagious. Not only does she make beautiful things to sell to others, she uses her blog to inspire them to be creative as well. She describes her work and her life as “beautifully messy” and I think anyone who sees her amazing work would agree.
Awesome UNIQUE hair accessories like nothing I’ve seen before. Always super well done. The headbands are adjustable too! (brilliant!) Never worry about if they will fit! They fit Mommies and Babies!!
She’s constantly working on new designs and keeping up with the latest color palettes. It’s always fresh and new!
My sons LOVE their woobies! Lulu’s Woobies is my go-to spot for show stopping baby shower gifts. Tobie manages to make stylish heirlooms while raising two charming daughters.
She creates whimsical art that can make any nursery or kid’s room look like an adventure! On top of that, she somehow finds time to raise and home school two amazing little girls!
Handmade Cotton toys
Misty’s shop is new, but with beautiful design and a cute name, it is sure to be one of Etsy’s greatest. Her shop features printable invitations, announcements and much more.
Jenny has the most unique shop that I have seen. She features unique prints that appeal to many different styles. They are light and happy and sure to make you smile. Her fabrics are definitely something to keep tabs on.
Jennifer is a military wife and a mother to a rambunctious toddler. She works countless hours making the most precious little hats for babies. She is always making new designs that are beautiful and original!
Martini Designs is a little shop started by a SAHM. The shop currently specializes in handmade jewelry for both children and adults, and will be expanding its product line to handmade items for pets and home decor. New product is being added to the shop daily. The items are unique, affordably priced and simply gorgeous.
Her vintage inspired children’s designs have been seen in Altered Couture Magazine and Babiekins Magazine.
Tabatha is a totally awesome MOM! Vintage Lucys is her world and you can tell by the amazing fans she has! Tabatha is one of a kind and is an inspiration to us all. Her designs are outstanding and always unique to Vintage Lucys! She has celebrities who wear her designs and is now expanding to Las Vegas!! Go girl I hope you win!!
bags and purses
Ann is an amazing artist and craftswoman. There are a lot of felt flower headbands out there but hers stand out. They are unique and beautifully handcrafted. I have owned probably 20 over my daughters last 3 years and they all are gorgeous. She sets herself apart by using beautiful color pallets, unique and vintage touches that let you know she did not just run down to Michaels for her supplies.
Apple n Amos hasn’t been around long but her shop is just delightful with natural wood toys that are perfect for any child. These toys are colorful, all while being educational and multifunctional. Not your typical wood toy shop.
Mother of a very busy 16 month old boy who stays at home with him by stitching during his naps and into the night. She makes the cutest organic baby clothes and shoes! She genuinely cares about the environment and it shows in all she creates!
Jacquie is a busy earth mama of three, and still manages to create & run a beautiful, successful (she just had her 1000th sale) Etsy shop where she offers fertility jewelry and nursing necklaces – practical and lovely pieces that can be worn by anyone! They are perfect baby shower presents with so many colors & styles. Go Wild Mama!
Courtney is a SAHM to a rambunctious little boy and a diabolical black lab, Angus. She designs elegant, rustic wedding decorations and favors, kids nursery designs, party goods, and hostess gifts.
Makisha is the crafty mom of Nate and Sierra who are the inspiration behind her designs. She sells everything from blankets to snack bags, but my personal favorite are her stuffed animals. They are absolutely adorable! She is also a huge help to and inspiration for fellow members of the SAHM of Etsy team!
applenamos
Selling organic seeds on etsy while raising her toddler daughter, Laura really believes that families can have a great time growing and eating their own delicious foods. Kids that grow carrots eat carrots.
Munchkyms specializes in the design and creation of fun, trendy, original, one-of-a-kind diaper bags for todays stylish mom or even grandmother
Jocelyn of The Little Love Bug is a SAHM of 2 wonderful little girls and has been crafting for so long that she decided to start selling some of her items. A former teacher turned stay at home mom of two great children, she loves crafting.
Graphic designer, illustrator, food+life lover. ANEK is all about food, cooking & beauty of everyday moments, place where illustrations became real things.
When she not creating in studio, she enjoying spending time with her 2 amazing little boys.!
Love the awesome tutus that Andrea makes! They are so full and beautiful! She really takes time on each one and does a beautiful job. Perfect for any little girl!
Samantha is a SAHM of two toddler boys and makes beautiful hand-made hats and accessories! Her quality is above and beyond and her work is incredible! Her business, Happy Hooks Crochet is always on my favorites list! I love her customer service too and the fact that she’s always eager to help make the perfect custom design whenever I need her!
What a mom! As the single mother of a 3 year old little boy, Jenny also works full-time as a teacher and is working on a Master’s degree. She also created Inky Pinky Paperie, an etsy-based site full of awesome digital designs of invites and much more. She is definitely one of my favorite sellers – and should be one of the Top 50 Etsy moms of 2011!
Nicola is a stay at home mum of two lively children. She designs and makes one-of-a-kind, customized clothing and quirky re-fashions upcycled for the fabulously fun and funky kid. Simply put, she paints with fabric with originality and exclusivity with each and every design.
Lisa creates beautiful works of art to wear from new to reclaimed and vintage finds. She is a mother of one boy and has announced she’s expecting once more. You must see her shop and if your lucky she may have a booth at your local Art Festival near you.
Not only does she knit adorably cute items but she is hardworking mom to six little ones and in process of adopting 2 more kids from Bulgaria. Did I mention she also homeschool all of them?!
Joanne is a mommy who works from home with her 2 year old as a graphic designer by day. At night she makes the most adorable baby and toddler clothing. She has made my girl’s some amazing dresses!
Sarah McKenna of Bombshell Bling Jewelry makes beautiful handmade jewelry from home where she is primarily a stay-at-home mom. Her signature necklaces are unique and stunning, and her prices are surprisingly affordable!
I’m a stay-at-home mom to the sweetest little boy in the world. I do most of my crafting when he’s asleep, which means I am up early and try to make the most of naptime.
I’m nominating Katie not just because she’s my sister (which she is) and not just because she is an Etsy Mom balancing creative work with raising two beautiful children but I’m really nominating her because she does AMAZING work! I love all of her creations – and so do my kids and all of their friends! She’s an incredible creative professional AND a loving Mom (and Sister too)!
Linda is a homeschooling mom with four children ranging in age from 4 to 13 years old. She has a MFA in ceramics but has been without a studio to work in. She began making jewelry a few years ago both as a creative outlet and to supplement her one income family. Very creative, very dedicated!
My amazing wife Rachie is the most incredible mother of two awesome kids, who somehow finds the time to create little works of art for all of the most stylish little babies out there. Any baby that want’s to look their best or sleep better than ever should go check out her tutu’s, ruffle bums and yoyo mobiles. http://www.riandpi.etsy.com go check it out.
Samantha is a mommy to 3 wonderful children, 2 of which are special needs. She is also the owner and designer of Lil Miss Muffin which is a boutique quality, little girls clothing line. She has also just opened a shop in her local town so she can spread her creations online as well as around town.
Heidi is a busy stay at home of two little children. Her shop is full of cute, fun, and practical items for your children. Some of my favorites are her adorable crocheted dolls (she makes them without a pattern!), and the fun go fishing set. But, my favorite is her toddler snap belts, which have been a lifesaver for me!
Mother of a four year old daughter who makes amazing plush owls and birds as well as bibs and a few other things. She is super sweet too
Laurie is a mom to 6 children and loves to be creative. Her shop Cuddlehugs features adorable colorful tutus, sparkly shoes & lots of other fun things for little ones. Her shop was recently featured on TV in Tory Johnson’s “Secret Sale” segment on WABC Eyewitness News this past July. Laurie loves to make custom items as well to jointly create with her customers.
I want to nominate my sister, Debbie & her shop AccessoryAlamode. She makes the most beautiful jewelry and most of them are custom personalized! She has had a shop on Etsy for years and does all of her creative work while raising 4 children! I am very proud of her and I think you would love her jewelry.
She makes AMAZING crocheted hats, and props that are great for not only every day where but FABULOUS for photos!!! She does all this WHILE being a mom of 5! To me THAT is a REAL Etsy Mom!!
I am nominating Rebecca because she is the hardest working mother I know. She has a full time 40 hour a week job, plus manages to have her own business – Marsh Country, and has three children all under 9. Her felt designs are just the cutest and most original. and all personalized or custom orders can be whatever you are wanting to match. Love, Love, Love her store and her!!!!!!!
Stephanie is a mom who has alot of talent. She picks the best fabrics, and everything she makes is great quality. I love her ecofriendly snack bags and sandwich wraps. Mada’s Place is my favorite Etsy shop!
Amazing artist and designer who shares her love and considerable artistic talents with her three-year-old son, Archer. He’s a lucky little boy!
Claudia is amazing. Sure, I perhaps am biased given I am her husband, but anyone visiting her Snuggly Monkey shop, being wowed by the wonderfully creative and high-quality crafts, and reading the fantastic feedback, would be similarly impressed by her skills. And that’s before realizing that she holds down another outside-the-home job and is an absolutely amazing mom to 2 little ones!
Mellon is an amazing mama to 8 very awesome kids! She is the master mind behind bebeMellons clothdiapers…cute, eco friendly, and unique.. each diaper is handcrafted with much love and attention. Not only does she create beautiful diapers, she also knits hats for her second etsy shop, homeschools, and
Michelle and Ashley are sisters that love being creative together. They started sewing and crafting at a young age and after they both had babies a year ago, they really enjoyed making things for their kids! Their friends and family encouraged them to open an Etsy shop to share their cute creations with the world! They love sewing and crafting when they are not chasing after two toddlers.
I am nominating Heather because she has wonderful talent and uses it to enrich the lives of others with her beautiful creations. She is the wife of my nephew and they have 4 beautiful children. I believe she has found the perfect way to utilize her talents and yet be there for her family.
Aubrey is a mom to 3 wonderful children, ages 6, 4, and 3. She is the currator of MarkoosModernDesign, an online boutique offering unique and modern children’s clothing and accessories. She currently offers super posh little girl’s clothing at livable prices!! She also writes a blog that features styleboards for kids featuring all handmade offerings from Etsy sellers. (style-a-kid.blogspot.com)
Vicky creates the most amazing hand felted wool toys and other creations. She is a mom to 2 boys and makes gorgeous natural toys and goodies for your little one or for the young at heart
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Cherry is a mom of 4 amazing kids with varying special needs.
Cherry makes amazing jewelry, mixed media artwork, crosses and anything else that strikes her fancy. Sales from her “pretties” (as she likes to call them) are what allow her to be a Stay At Home Mom, which her children desperately need.
When you buy from Cherry’s Creations, you will not be disappointed.
I am nominating supermom, Jennifer Little, owner and master-creative-mind to Bronstar Originals because who doesn’t love adorable personalized things for our kids? Her affordable growth charts and wall art are one of kind, durable and look straight out of that catalog we all dream our kids’ rooms really looked like… (hint: rhymes with Lottery Yarn Lids
Erica makes the most adorable and practical “Bison Booties” (baby booties for infant through toddler size). She makes the booties around her 16-month-old daughter’s nap schedule, in her home studio in rural North Dakota. Erica combines her professional graphic design experience with her long-time sewing hobby for a amazing product that is not only washable, but stylish and adorable.
Rebecca is a creative mother of two, with a BFA in Fine Arts. She and her kids have several food allergies, so she makes handmade, fun and imaginative felt toy foods that encourage healthy eating habits learned through play, using natural and eco friendly materials. She is very dedicated to her children and balances working at home as well as being a loving wife and mother.
Carly is a military wife and stay-at-home-mom … giving her the opportunity (during nap time, of course) to create fresh, modern, raggy quilts. Her reversible quilts are made with fun designer fabrics that add a splash of color to any room … not to mention they are super cozy! She does mostly custom orders and can make a unique quilt just for you in any colors or patterns you have in mind.
Whimsical artisan soap handcrafted by Sarah in the woods of Southern Oregon.
Jacqueline Makes the most gorgeous gifts and essentials for baby’s and children. Her customer service is fantastic always going that extra mile. Can’t recommend her highly enough. Oh and she has 4 very busy children.
Daria is a wonderful artist and a mother of 5 children. I am not nominating Daria because I’m one of her sons, but because her products for small babies and especially dolls are so great!
Check them yourself and you’ll see!
Daisy is a single mom of Two Boys and Three Bichon Frises ..She works on ETSY FULL TIME to support her two children. Daisy makes amazing unique hand stamped jewelry with very rustic natural materials. Im nominating her because she is an amazing business women who juggles her.. personal life and work life with ease and deserves to be recognized.
Westmama is the mother of two children, 2 and 4. She is the owner and artist of Westmama Designs. Self-taught is the ways of screen printing, all her apparel is printed at home using materials that are kind to the earth and kind to the people making them.
Recently featured on the September issue of BabyTalk magazine.
Kim is a great designer, I love her original designs she uses in her childrens clothing, I was very happy to see she has used her designs in personalized cards. Love the designs, colors, and material she uses. Mother of two she definitly has the eye for the design you don’t see anywhere else.
Lisa is a Kindergarten teacher turned stay-at-home mom. She is a self-taught crafter and loves to learn new things. The diva and 3 dudes are her brood of four. The shop offers cool stuff all handmade. Camera strap covers are the shop staple, but I’m sure you could find a little something for everyone!
Handmade reusable items for kids and their grown-ups, like super-cute sandwich wraps and coffee sleeves, plus selvage pincushions and other unique things from time to time.
Favorite colors. Favorite paper. Favorite lettering. Favorite gift idea.
Looks expensive. Something really fine for the price.
Gabrielle is a mother of twin daughters. She and her daughters make jewelry to offset some of the costs of tuition for two. She lovingly makes the most beautiful glass earrings that are affordable.
Jen balances being a full-time mom with her creative work for Blush Printables. She designs custom invitations and announcements for brides and moms across the world, and helps bring their party visions to life.
Fun and creative custom party invitations, valentines, and greeting cards. I am in LOVE!!! You can even showcase your children and pets.
Shelly is a stay at home mom to four terrific boys ages 15 – 20 years old. She creates beautiful hand stamped jewelry geared toward moms, families and friends. What sets Shelly apart from most is that her shop is dedicated to helping charities, organizations and others. She donates $1 from every item sold to a charity of the month and also donates items for fundraisers and charity events.