Spotlight on 5erg/Silja's Giftshop on Etsy

What is your shop's name and where are you located (url)
5Erg's. http://5erg.etsy.com

How long have you been in business?
About a year. I am pretty new with this, it was my first holiday season this year. Wrote everything down I need to think about if I make it to the next holiday season. You need to be prepared for November-December :D For example, think about buying more bubble envelopes and stamps and not spending 40 minutes packaging time on one order.

What motivated you to go into the crafting business?
There happened to be people interested in some of my craftwork and that made me think about it.
About starting an Etsy shop, I just tried it out without thinking about where I am going with this. If I would of done a proper estimate for the year, I wouldn't of tried it out for sure. So I guess it worked out well.
I like the idea that someone wants my stuff more than hoping to make a fortune on this, so I started with really low prices. I think that helped.

what's is your favorite item you've ever made?
Huh, this is a hard question. I have to think about what HAVE I done, haha.

There is this portrait I like. I sent it to New York for a show, but hopefully they will send it back too. In April or so. It usually hangs near my desk, it is a really happy portrait and it makes me want to do chores. I don't know why. So I am making a use of this phenomen and keeping it near. I guess I won't be doing any house work until April then. :D

It's a good day when ...
I liked it when we were removing stoves from out house. Whole summer full of breaking brick constructions. Great workout! So, my point is, it is a good day when there is something real to do.

Do you have any advise for someone who wants to open a shop on Etsy?
Yes, head off to forums right away. Check out some business topics. Then check out some red hot topics and see how it looks when someone is ranting, calling out or whining(whining too much. some whining is OK!) and then make your conclusions if you would like to sound the same way or not.
And do not worry, most of the etsyans are routing FOR you! So if you feel like handicraft is something you need to do, try it out! :)

My favorite item from her store:

Happy Valentine's Giveaway!

Starting today 2/9 and ending Sat. 2/14 , anyone who purchases from my shop will be entered into a a giveaway of a $25 Gift Card to use in my store. Each pattern you purchase will give you one entry. I will have my 7 year old draw the name and then announce here. Good Luck.

Thank You to all my Entrecard Droppers and Blog Readers

Dropper # of drops Alteredevents 31 Parental Instincts 31 My gypsygoods 30 theysaY 30 Silver Sachet 29 Three Fates Design - Beaded Jewelry 27 More Than Sew So 26 BeadedTail 26 Dunia soer 24 Favorite Online Shops Blog 24

I'd also like to Thank everyone who reads my blog and purchases PW ads.
You are the best.
If any of my Top Droppers is in need of a vintage pattern, come by my store and take 20% off and mention TopDropper Discount!

Looking for my 900th SALE!

If your my 900th sale, you'll get a surprise.
My Etsy Pattern store

Vintage 30s and 40s Lingerie Patterns

New York 470 Advance 4331
I came across a bunch of great 30s and 40s sewing patterns and these two lingerie patterns are my favorite. Look how long and lean they look. Exquisite.

Saying Goodbye!

As most of your know, I lost my Mom back on Nov. 22 and yesterday I got a call from my 86 year old Aunt Henrietta, who I called "Aunt Yetta", telling me her days were coming to an end and she wanted to say goodbye. This lady has been my second Mom and I told her so (but she already knew) She told me that I was the daughter she never had. We actually laughed about days gone by and cried about my Mom, who was her youngest and closest sister. They were eight years apart, just like my sister and I are. My Mom dying has really taken a hard toll on my Aunt. She felt she was suppose to go before my mother. Even thought I was extremely sad after I talked with her , I felt really good and happy she called me. SHe told me she would say Hi to everyone and hold the door open for me. I found this poem after my Mom died but I really hope I have the strength to read it at my Aunt's funeral.

God's Garden:
God looked around his garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered
"Peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
for part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

Inaugural Gowns

Watching the Inauguration Ceremonies yesterday, made me want to look back at the gowns other First ladies wore on this day. I know I didn't show all the First ladies but I choose the gowns I liked best.

1953 and 1957: Mamie Eisenhower
by Nettie Rosenstein, Inc.


1961: Jacqueline Kennedy
Her own concept; made by Ethel Franken at Bergdorf Goodman



1965: Lady Bird Johnson
by John Moore



Michelle Obama's inaugural dress by Jason Wu.


Michelle Obama is wearing an ensemble by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo for the ceremony.

Weekend Sale

3 Day SALE
1/16/09 through 1/18/09 at midnight. Take 20% off your order and you may combine with the Free Shipping offer, but no other offers. Mention "3 day sale" in the message box and either wait for a revised invoice or you can pay and I will refund you through Paypal.

Prom Season

Prom season is upon us ~why wear the same old boring dress EVERYONE is wearing. Make your own from a FABULOUS Vintage pattern like this:

Here is the description:
Junior Misses and Misses Evening Dress and Daytime Dress with jacket: View 1 has an overdress of net and underdress. Boned Bodice features ruffles and ribbon trim above midriff. Full overskirt is detailed with self ruffles and ribbon bows. Kimono sleeved jacket ties above midriff. View 2 daytime dress has bias shoulder ties. The brief jacket is fully faced.

Simplicity 4968

Kittens are hard to come by

My seven year old son (and me) have been wanting a kitten since before Christmas. There are hardly any to be found and when there are, the waiting list is long! We found two at our local animal shelter Tuesday and we were third on the list but we didn't get one. I use to have a beautiful Himalayan cat name Toby:,
who I gave to a co-worker when I moved here over seven years ago. I was pregnant and we were moving into an apartment and didn't have the $300 pet deposit. Oh, how I wish I still had him. I've been looking into buying one again but I can;t believe how much they are. I paid $300 back then and they are $600 and up these days. I've even seen these Munchkin kittens that are super cute but they are pricey too. Hopefully, we will find a kitten when "kitten season" hits in March.

50's Pattern Haul

It's hard to pick my favorites, but this is a third favorite! Listen to the description:
Junior Misses and Misses One-piece Dress adn Jacket: The sleeveless, figure molding bodice is cut in one with the center skirt sections. Upper front edge gathers to the neckband. Softly pleated side skirt billows from below long lone bodice. The cropped jacket, View 1, features short kimono sleeves and is detailed with bands at center front and neck edges. The ends fastening in a bow add interest to the jacket.

I love that word ~ "billows"
Simplicity 1571

Another favorite 50's Dress.

Here is another one of my recent patterns that is a fave! I adore the High waist ans turn up collar. I remember Lucy wearing one of these in her I Love Lucy show.

Oh! that 50's era

I'm listing a slew of 1950's patterns in the next couple days. I just love this dress pattern, I'm thinking this is what was called a shelf bust. Don't you just love it too!

Top Entre Card Droppers

Dropper	# of drops
Alteredevents	31
More Than Sew So	29
My gypsygoods	29
Tialey Vintage Clothing	21
The Certified Fashionable Chic	21
Ruth's Creations	19
Let's Jump Together	18
Photography by KML	18
time2cre8	18
Montana Moods	17

Guitar Hero and Wii Addictions!

We have had our Wii for quite some time, we probably got in within a year of it coming out. My now seven year old son has quite a few games, and got some great new ones for Christmas. He got the Wii Nerf and Lego Star Wars, which he loves. He got Bloom Box and he seams to like but hasn't played very much yet. My husband and I talked him into using his Christmas money on a Guitar Hero World Tour and Oh MY GOSH, I can't get him off the Wii now ~my husband too for that matter. I could easily loose a couple hours if anyone would let me play, but I really suck (but if anyone would let me practice!) My son got a real electric guitar last year for Christmas from his brother-in-law who plays, but we don't have anyone in this little town who gives lessons~so in his room it sits. I think he really could have some talent with a guitar. Watching him master this guitar hero tells me he'd be good at the guitar. He's only had it three days and he can close his eyes on some of the songs and get it right!

Some other Wii games we enjoy are Wii Sports and Wii Play. My favorite is Mario Party 8 and my sons use to be Super Mario Galaxy but I think Guitar Hero just took over that spot!

The 1940s

I came across some fabulous 1940s patterns. I just love the graphics on these. I would have loved to grown up in the 40's. Look at the wonderful skirts and blouses and their super thin bodies!
Advance 4937

Advance 4775

Advance 5039

Advance 4617

O' Christmas Tree...

I thought I'd show off some of my favorite ornaments on our Christmas tree. Most of them are ones I made or painted.



This one I hand painted in 1983.

The littel green mouse, I also hand-painted.

This is a hand-made dough ornament.

This is a hand-painted ornament.

This is two of my favorite ornaments. Troll Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Vintage 50s McCalls ROCKABILLY Low Back Bow Accent Blouse Sewing Pattern

I just renewed this pattern and frankly, I can't believe it is still in the shop. 50's blouse patterns usually go fast in my shop. I love these girls looks, so confident, so sexy. This one is a Size 12 Bust 30.
McCalls 9810

Own the Hour

This is an independent promotional site that you control!

OwnTheHour.com is a great resource for highlighting and finding some of Etsy's top items! Etsy sellers can advertise their product on our exclusive 12 item front page for just $0.50 cents per hour. They select the hours, and we do the rest! Etsy buyers, or those looking for great unique gifts, handmade crafts, and amazing pieces of art can stop buy each hour to see items that an Etsy seller has highlighted.

Spots fill up quickly, so get them as soon as you can. Once 12 spots have been sold for an hour, that time will no longer be available, until Midnight!

I advertised on "Own the Hour" today and Sunday, so I will see if I get any results from it and report back here!

Holiday Etsy Fest

I will offer a 15% off discount to be applied before shipping.

Here is the complete list of sellers participating in the Etsyfest sale:

heatherknitz.etsy.com
kikibirdjewelry.etsy.com
4sevenssake.etsy.com
idyllhands.etsy.com
woolyhands.etsy.com
diffraction.etsy.com
nathaperkins.etsy.com
greenfamilytree.etsy.com
liviasjewelry.etsy.com
anteris.etsy.com
silverriverstitches.etsy.com
lovealwaysxox.etsy.com
silverriverjewelry.etsy.com
tennekka.etsy.com
SexyGeekWithAttitude.etsy.com
MyDarlingBaby.etsy.com
LiDDesignsboutique.etsy.com
kikibirdjewelry.etsy.com
blondechicken.etsy.com
Knitsburgh.Etsy.com
tinybirdarts.etsy.com
MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com
hauttotes.etsy.com
paperwire.etsy.com
bycj.etsy.com
http://legeekestchic.etsy.com
TerriTaylorDesign.etsy.com
jmcguinness.etsy.com
novadesigns.etsy.com
glassmenagerie1.etsy.com
JustAddMemories.etsy.com
xabiajewels.etsy.com
kriskropmemories.etsy.com
lavendercollections.etsy.com
purpledaisyjewelry.etsy.com
BeadinBabe.etsy.com
whatsthatsmell.etsy.com
thewoodynook.etsy.com
alfcreations.etsy.com
mynewhomestead.etsy.com
charul.etsy.com
brooooke.etsy.com
prettywhimsical.etsy.com
SeasideStudio.etsy.com
Softpencil.etsy.com
StylinPupPillows.etsy.com
xxsnapdragon.etsy.com
MomNMiaQuilts.etsy.com
beautifulbridget.etsy.com
mynewhomestead.etsy.com
plumstars.etsy.com
beckandcallgirl.etsy.com
briaberger.etsy.com
twisteddesigns.etsy.com
wastenotwhimsy.etsy.com
jewelrybyallison.etsy.com
charul.etsy.com
TheBlueDaisy.etsy.com
amplifyme.etsy.com
craftsbycarer.etsy.com
ashleybug.etsy.com
happygrandma402905.etsy.com
glassismyname.etsy.com
SeasideStudio.etsy.com
kellyvanhook.etsy.com
spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com
nightskyproducts.etsy.com
lathermeup.etsy.com
gigglinggoldfish.etsy.com
vshfree.etsy.com
jetflair.etsy.com
elizabethjayne.etsy.com
ClawTreeDesign.etsy.com
modfineart.etsy.com
studio550.etsy.com
brownrose.etsy.com
squaresofflair.etsy.com
punkinhead.etsy.com
MyManyMoodz.Etsy.com
ellentheeye.blogspot.com
GaiaTroveChicago.etsy.com
michaelgrace.etsy.com
BouquetOfStitches.etsy.com
mistflowerstudio.etsy.com
sweetstickerexpress.etsy.com
imaginestudio.etsy.com
meegun.etsy.com
artisanclay.etsy.com
magnoliablossomart.etsy.com
shopdavinia.etsy.com
gifteddesigns.etsy.com
softpencil.etsy.com
gallerialindaloft.etsy.com
starless.etsy.com
whatshername.etsy.com
justaddcharm.etsy.com
earthcharms.etsy.com
wiretree.etsy.com
FairyDC2008.etsy.com
bluekatdesigns.etsy.com
anniebee.etsy.com
storybeader.etsy.com
molecularmuse.etsy.com
MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com
suenosdejmi.etsy.com
createdbyrisa.etsy.com
maddyandme.etsy.com
barrelofcrafts.etsy.com
dragonflyfinedesigns.etsy.com
cocobeans2008.etsy.com
MimisCrafts.Etsy.com
blackcatboutique.etsy.com
vigilantelabs.etsy.com
eanner.etsy.com
parallaxphoto.etsy.com
tscrapper.etsy.com
bluetricycle.etsy.com
Joycestolepainting.etsy.com
crochet18purple.etsy.com
lrichmond3.etsy.com
twilightknits.etsy.com
JoannasPhotography.etsy.com
dbabcock.etsy.com
bonhomiejewelry.etsy.com
beauxbijoux.etsy.com
katbag.etsy.com
knitandpearl.etsy.com
balaboostababy.etsy.com
jdfootloose.etsy.com
bagsandbuds.etsy.com
klemanphotography.etsy.com
babylane.etsy.com
theendofthechrysalis.etsy.com
lalala08.etsy.com
SewArtsy.Etsy.com
SewArtsyBethany.Etsy.com
OnSlenderThreads.etsy.com
AMOzarkian.etsy.com
ALLthangsOLDbutNEW2u.etsy.com
CreativeThings.etsy.com
cagedbirdsings.etsy.com
LunargentWorkshop.etsy.com
Jadedmind.etsy.com
jillredesigns.etsy.com
bamdesigns.etsy.com
jinx1764.etsy.com
http://happytrees.etsy.com
SunnyDayArtandCraft.etsy.com
ceejaybags.etsy.com
SkinJourney.etsy.com
ZaftigDelights.etsy.com
hammelmanart.etsy.com
simplysaidcards.etsy.com
stormysky.etsy.com
melsdaisypatch.etsy.com
potatoface.etsy.com
lovemeknotcreations.etsy.com
jmilliesjustforyou.etsy.com
craftylittlekitten.etsy.com
melsdolls.etsy.com
domosaics.etsy.com
beadifulbaublesSC.etsy.com
personaltreasures.etsy.com
SpiceofLifeDesigns.etsy.com
AndrusGardensQuilts.etsy.com
worksmith.etsy.com
zigzagstitches.etsy.com
sewinghappyplace.etsy.com
cmkcrafts.etsy.com
sandritocat.etsy.com
threelittleladies.etsy.com
simplywillow.etsy.com
artsoftheozarks.etsy.com
citydetails.etsy.com
knitsnmore.etsy.com
altanotes.etsy.com
HandmadebyPam.etsy.com
jessiemccann.etsy.com
amomentamemory28.etsy.com
kitsandcaboodles.etsy.com
www.goldentwine.etsy.com
objettrouve.etsy.com
brooooke.etsy.com
brookefuller.etsy.com
thepearproject.etsy.com
uncommondepth.etsy.com
alwaysadorable.etsy.com
iherdalpacas.etsy.com
www.amyliz.etsy.com
www.amarketcollection.etsy.com
jshaynes.etsy.com
www.Floridagirls.etsy.com
www.ElleGarrettDesigns.etsy.com
LoveOfVintage.etsy.com
simplyembellish.etsy.com
Croska.etsy.com
Perlinedesign.etsy.com
Regalbeads.etsy.com
cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com
cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com
presentsforpirates.etsy.com
9livesphotography.etsy.com
Barbesaintjohn.etsy.com
lissa73.etsy.com
lucidjewelry.etsy.com
BrightBlack.etsy.com
paddywackdesigns.etsy.com
beth123b.etsy.com