Design Handmade Fabric
How successful is selling your handmade items/crafts online?
I have always wanted to sew and make crafts (primarily for fun) but the reality of graduating in the middle of a recession has motivated me to try my hand at crafting for profit.
I am creative and love working with intricate details (I have a real steady hand and a good eye) and the fact that I did remarkably well in my ceramics and interior design classes provide a [temporary] ego boost….that is until I hop onto Etsy! The creativity on Etsy is AMAZING so the competition fierce (this is the part where I hide my ipod nano sleeve in my back pocket and quietly but quickly step back for a reality check).
Even though I have the passion and creativity anyone needs to make something crafty I lack a real confidence (is Etsy for everyone or just crafty professionals). So, before I purchase an expensive sewing machine and stock up on fabric swatches and other materials …I need to know now…can I make it on Etsy?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a good day:)
I agree with a lot of what’s been said before (…and btw, note that very few of the sellers on etsy are actually full-time professionals, that many of them make basically the same thing over and over–so of course they’re good at that-whatever-it-is, and that there are many *other* places to sell your work just to make money as well).
Just being arty and creative though isn’t enough for doing your art/crafts *as a business*… for that you’ll need a whole other set of skills and knowedge that have nothing to do with art/craft, though can have to do with creativity 
but also ability to tolerate repetition and to be willing to do the non-art parts alot of the time.
Also, making an entire living at selling arts/crafts is pretty difficult (for those and other reasons), but very good supplmental money can be made doing it or it can even allow one to survive-cheap for awhile.
Check out some of the info, possibilities, tips from others, etc., about doing art/craft as a business on these pages at my site (my site is primarily about polymer clay, but the info on those pages could apply equally to any other art/craft as well).
And remember there are a lot of places to sell your pieces, and also *various ways* to make money related to your art/craft skills and knowledge, especially when needing to maximize profits:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/business.htm (main page)
(also)
http://glassattic.com/polymer/start_a_business.htm
http://glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm
http://glassattic.com/polymer/demos.htm
http://glassattic.com/polymer/teaching.htm
http://glassattic.com/polymer/owning_copyrights.htm
and
http://glassattic.com/polymer/photography.htm (because you’ll want to be able to have excellent photos of your work almost no matter where you sell it –for online listings, portfolios, suggestions via e-mail for custom work, etc.)
…and perhaps also this one on creativity and inspiration:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/creativity,inspir,art.htm (esp. click on Creativity&Inspiration)
HTH, and good luck!
Diane B.
How to Sew Handmade Purses : Measuring Strap Fabric for Handmade Purses
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handmade ho bo purse peace sign design cotton fabric 18″ x 12 1/2″ $0.99 |
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Easter Print Design Fabric Handmade Hair Scrunchie/FS $1.75 |
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Candy & Candy Corn Design Fabric Handmade Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $1.75 |
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Handmade Purple With Bats Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $1.75 |
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Handmade Green Bats Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $1.75 |
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Big Candy Corn Design Fabric Handmade Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $1.75 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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BOOKMARKS~Fabric & Button Style~Designs Vary~Handmade~Custom Made~NEW~FREE SHIP $2.24 |
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Dice Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Heavy Silky Zebra Design Handmade Cotton Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Cupcakes Design Handmade Cotton Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Chocolate Candy Kisses Design Handmade Cotton Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Ship $2.75 |
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Ice Cream Cones Design Handmade Cotton Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Orange Quilt Design Handmade Cotton Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Snowmen on Blue Fabric Design Handmade Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Bright Turquoise/Wh Flowers Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Big Sunflowers Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Cheer/Black Handmade Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Friend Sayings Handmade Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Handmade Minnie Mouse Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Handmade Cheer White Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Handmade Country Flag Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Ladybugs on Yellow Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Scooby Doo Red Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Care Bears Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Light Blue With White PAD Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Light Blue With White Stars Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/Free Shipping $2.75 |
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Rams Design Handmade Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Handmade Party Design Fabric Hair Scrunchie/FS $2.75 |
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Loralie Design Golf pegs handmade zipper Fabric coin/change purse pouch $2.99 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN PURPLES $3.85 |
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PUG HAIR SCRUNCHIE orange,hand made, designer fabric, dog, pets, animal, canines $3.95 |
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Loralie Design Garden lady handmade zipper Fabric coin/change purse pouch $3.99 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN REDS+BLUE $4.00 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN BLUES $4.01 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN BROWNS $4.10 |
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HIGH CRAFT SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE PURSE ELEPHANT DESIGN BLUES $4.25 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN BROWN+RED $4.25 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN PURPLES $4.25 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN BLUES $4.25 |
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HIGH CRAFTS SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE ELEPHANT DESIGN PINKS+RED $4.67 |
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Green and White Floral Fabric 100% Handmade Clutch – Simple Design $4.99 |
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New Brown Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Hand Stenciled Design $4.99 |
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New Blue Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade & Stenciled with Design $4.99 |
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New Blue Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Blue Stenciled Design $4.99 |
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New Green Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Green Hand Stenciled Design $4.99 |
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New Red Quilted Calico Fabric Pot Holder Handmade & Stenciled with Red Design $4.99 |
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New Blue Quilted Calico Fabric Pot Holder Handmade & Stenciled with Blue Design $4.99 |
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New Navy Blue Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Yellow Hand Stencil Design $4.99 |
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New Navy Blue Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Yellow Hand Stencil Design $4.99 |
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New Red Quilted Print Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Red Hand Stenciled Design $4.99 |
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New Green Quilted Fabric Pot Holder Handmade with Hand Stenciled Design $4.99 |
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HIGH CRAFT SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE PURSE ELEPHANT DESIGN BROWNS $5.61 |
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HIGH CRAFT SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE PURSE ELEPHANT DESIGN REDS $5.62 |
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HANDMADE PILLOW HOME DECOR AMERICAN INDIAN GIRL PAINTED DESIGN COTTON FABRIC $5.99 |
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BEAGLE Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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BULLDOG Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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BASSET HOUND Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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BOSTON TERRIER Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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GOLDEN RETRIEVER Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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POODLE Dog LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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FISH Tropical LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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FROG LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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GECKO Lizard LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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MOOSE LUGGAGE TAG Hand Made Paper Fabric Design Vinyl Cover NEW $6.00 |
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HIGH CRAFT SMALL HANDBAGS THAI SILK FABRIC HANDMADE PURSE FLOWERS DESIGN BROWNS $6.25 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Handmade Fabric Cotton Bunting New Designs 3 for 2 £4 each free p&p $6.32 |
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Bunting Red fabric Bunting 10ft 3m HANDMADE READY TO POST Your Choice of designs $6.32 |
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Bunting Red fabric Bunting 10ft 3m HANDMADE READY TO POST Your Choice of designs $6.32 |
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POT HOLDER weaving LOOM & loops colored FABRIC kid NEW $13.00 Your kids will have fun just like you did when they make their own pot holders with this classic weaving loom. The set includes instructions, 150 loops, metal loom and hook. The loom measures 7 1/8 x 7 1/8 square…. |
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Glitter Halloween Witchy Trick-or-Treat Table Placemats and Napkins Set $59.99 This is a handmade Halloween witchy print set of 6 placemats and set of 6 napkins with a glittery beautiful fabric, with witches, bats, script that says Trick-or-Treat! AND it is reversible with black fabric! Gorgeous for everyday use or special occasions! Great Halloween, Christmas or Birthday gift! Set of 6 placemats measure 12×17 Set of 6 Napkins measure 16×16 Check out our other handmade it… |
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Halloween Black Cats, Crows, Bats Table Runner and Napkins Set $79.99 This is a handmade Halloween print table runner and set of 6 napkins with glittery fabric, spooky black cats, crows, owls and bats, and it is reversible with black fabric! Gorgeous for everyday use or special occasions! Fringe tassels on the end of the table runner. Bright colors! Great Halloween, Christmas or Birthday gift! Table runner measure 54×16 Set of 6 Napkins measure 16×16 Check out ou… |
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Bargain Headbands, Chocolate Brown, Cocoa Soft Fabric Beautiful and Elegant Headband $4.99 This Beautiful Fabric Headband Features -Handmade one at a time. |
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New Beige Flowers Headband $5.99 Beautiful cotton hand-made headband. . All Season cotton style fabric Print. . Made with quality 100% cotton fabric the exterior . Made of comfortable, soft micro-suede interface, in the back. . Soft light weight and flexible. . Approx. 1″1/2 inches at the widest point. . Wide headbands are perfect any day for a fashion statement. . We customize with any fabric you prefer. . We ship by USPS from A… |
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Janet Collection Synthetic Hair Whole Lace Wig – Mini Janet Collection 100% Hand Made Premium Synthetic Whole Lace Wig – MINI Undeniably Superior Quality and Design with Technology. ? Virtually undetectable by the most realistic and natural looking. ? Most comfortable to wear |
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[Fly To The Moon] Embroidered Applique Fabric Art Mouse Pad / Mouse Mat / Mousing Surface (10.3*8.8) $10.99 Aesthetics and Functionality Combined. This cute fabric art Mouse pad features a fully embroidered and hand-appliqued design with lovely characters and patterns. Measures 10.3 x 8.8 inches. It’s made of 100% quality crushed, wrinkled look cotton fabrics. Specially designed non-slip rubber base prevents the pads from sliding. Keep your mouse rolling in style on this durable and cute hand-made cloth… |
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[Funny Bear] Embroidered Applique Fabric Art Wrist Wallet / Coin Purse / Wrist Pack (2.7*3.4) $9.99 Aesthetics and Functionality Combined. This cute fabric art Wrist Wallet / Coin Purse features a fully embroidered and hand-appliqued design with lovely characters and patterns. Measures 2.7 inches wide x 3.4 inches high. Contains a main zipper compartment on top of purse and a wrist strap to wrap around the wrist to keep your gadgets secure. Carry all your change, receipts, notes or anything in s… |
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[Sweet Black Cat] Embroidered Applique Fabric Art Trifold Wallet Purse / Card Holder (4.7*3.5) $12.99 Aesthetics and Functionality Combined. This cute fabric art Wallet Purse / Card Holder / ID Holder features a fully embroidered and hand-appliqued design with lovely characters and patterns. Measures 4.7 inches wide x 3.5 inches high. Compact, stylish wallet offers several card / ID slots, currency compartments, velcro closure and a zippered coin purse at its back. Carry all your money, receipts, … |
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IPHONE 4 BAMBOO CASE – HAND MADE – HARD WOOD – PROTECTIVE HARD CASE $5.15 Form-fitting hard case designed to perfectly fit your iPhone 4 Durable and protects your iPhone 4 from scratches and bumps Cut-out design for the touch screen so that you can keep the same tactile feel as if using the iPhone 4 without a case Camera cut-out located on the back Designed with two interlocking pieces for easy installation… |
