Category Archives: handmade businesses/bloggers

A giveaway to Celebrate and the OhSoANTSY story Part 1

January 21, 2016

Did you know that nearly 5 years ago Oh So ANTSY was born? On January 31st, 2011 I was living in Austin, Texas and I was over at my boyfriends (husband now!) apartment and I was determined to get an Etsy shop set up.

Just prior to that a friend asked if I’d like to share a booth with her at a local craft show. She suggested I knit some items but I knew that would take way too long. I suggested I used my new jewelry making skills from a class I had taken over the summer. I got to work creating and I was really motivated. I decided I would do it all so that I looked like a legitimate business when I was selling at the show. The first step was getting an online shop up so I’d have a place to send people (since of course they’d be raving about all my designs) and also I needed a name.

I sat down, opened up Etsy, and navigated to the “sell on etsy” page. I was so nervous and excited. I had no idea what to do and I didn’t even have a name picked out. What I did know was that before midnight I would have some version of a shop set up. It was such a big moment for me that I knew I wanted to share it with my birthday month.

At the time I wanted my name to be super clever and all encompassing so I could sell any number of things. I also wanted it to be math related since I have a degree in Mathematics. I had some clever name in mind but it was taken so I went back to brainstorming. Finally I settled on IntegrativeCreations! Awesome! It’s pretty funny now but at the time I thought it was great! With a name finally chosen I could officially set up my shop. I added what few items I had made and photographed and called it a night.

Part 2 will be heading your way later this week. If you’d like to see how my shop looked back then head to my recap of year 1 in business.

Now for the even more exciting stuff! To celebrate OhSoANTSY’s 5 years I’ll be giving away a World Map Necklace! It comes in sterling silver or gold fill and you’ll have your choice of which you’d prefer. To be entered to will all you have to do is comment below and tell me: If you could choose any place to travel to, just for fun, where would it be and why? Giveaway ends on January 30th and I will be sharing my favorite answer and winner on January 31st! For another entry find me on Instagram (ohsoantsy) Good luck!

world map 1

Also just a heads up! Make sure to sign up for the newsletter (it’s free) and I’ll be sharing a super special newsletter only surprise at the end of next week! Don’t miss out!

New cuff links and a gift guide for him

November 30, 2015

Gift Guide for Him

 

Introducing men’s cuff links! I have been dreaming of introducing a men’s product into my line for years. I would get requests here and there for key chains or a necklace that was more manly but what I really wanted was a product that was specifically for men. I thought about the cuff link and did some research. Pretty quickly I realized I didn’t like the look of the manufactured backs and instead did some experimenting creating an entirely custom cuff link that had the signature OhSoANTSY look and was also entirely hand cut. After a few attempts I finally felt happy with what I had created. I made a set for Walker to wear on our wedding day and finally I get to share them with you! Just in time for Christmas also! Right now I have listing Michigan and Washington listed as well as a custom link for any state or country that I offer.
I can’t wait to see what you choose!
Custom Cufflinks MI Cufflinks box WA cufflinks holiday
To celebrate I’m offering 15% off with code cufflinks15 through Wednesday!

Ohsoantsy at renegade austin

March 11, 2015

ohsoantsy at renegade austinohsoantsy at renegade austin^I was customizing necklaces on the spot by adding the hand cut heart. It was a little stressful to do it with people watching but well worth it to see how excited they were.

ohsoantsy at renegade austinohsoantsy at renenade austinohsoantsy at renegade austinsaw display ohsoantsy renegade austin

In November I was a vendor at Renegade Austin. It was super exciting for many reasons but the top 2 were:

1. It was my very first craft show.

2. It was in Austin-a place I had called home and where my business actually had begun.

I spent about 6 weeks making a display (which was both stressful and fun) and making as many Texas Necklaces as I could. When the weekend arrived I was so nervous because I had no idea what to expect. But as with most things my nerves quickly went away and I just enjoyed talking with all of the super nice people who came to the show that day. Seriously everyone was so nice! Probably one of the reasons I love Texas so much.

It was a super great learning experience for me and one I would absolutely do again. And guess what? Renegade is coming to Seattle! The dates are on my calendar and I will be applying just as soon as the applications open. I can’t wait!