Comic Con starts today, and while I've never attended, I thought it would be a great idea to see what a few Etsy shops had to offer featuring a popular theme: Star Wars! Here are my Top Ten Finds for customizable items.
1. I always believe if you want your kids to love the things you love, you have to start early. This Intergalactic Princess Bun Hat by alimatkwo can be made for your little princess starting for 0-3 mos to a 7 yr old. I don't know about you, but I'd love to see a newborn wearing this cute hat.
2. Another cute item for the kiddies is this adorable C3PO inspired dress by Christine at ChrisCrossCraftsEtsy. The waistband on the dress is just perfect. This shop also has a version for R2D2. Visit her shop to see more.
3. For a married couple, this custom R2D2 ring holder is just over 3" big and perfect for an anniversary gift. Aphrodite's Canvas applies R2s image just above the couple's name and wedding date.
4. If you're going to the convention, then you may have already found The Urban Cloth's custom Obi Wan Kenobi/Jedi costume. The comfortable oversized hood completely hides the wearers identity, just like in the movie.
5. These Stained Glass cabinet inserts by Donna at Terraza Stained Glass are perfect for the man-cave of any Star Wars lover. It features that famous Mos Eisley cantina scene, right before the audience meets Han Solo! Yeah, I'm a Han Solo fan. This cool and beautiful piece can be made into any size necessary. Although doors are not included, you can get this framed.
6. My Tiny Tot Creative has these adorable personalized graphic art prints. This one is made for your little stormtrooper, but this shop also has prints for Yoda and Darth Vader.
7. You can't be a Jedi Knight (or a Sith Lord for that matter) without your own lightsaber. Carrie & Matthew at Tweedle Geeks use similar techniques that prop masters use to make these custom, elegant hilts.
8. These His and Hers rings are perfect for the Star Wars loving couple. The design by Chelsea at Swank Metalsmithing incorporates the Death Star and includes the famous lines from the movie, "I love you" and "I know". Visit the shop and ask about your custom rings.
9. This Star Wars caricature by Jimmy at mccillustrator is for the entire family. The artist works with you the entire way to create this fun sci-fi scene. You send in your photos and will receive a sketch for approval before the real artwork begins. Totally worth it.
10. While this isn't exactly a custom item, I thought it was too cool to leave out. This Death Star clock, made from an upcycled record, is by Lindsay at LProducts. It takes one AA battery to run and you'll have your own Death Star countdown in working order. She also made her a Princess Leia dress out of duck tape! Check it out and visit her shop to see this awesome clock and other Star Wars items.
Aren't these custom finds awesome? I even jumped onto the Comic Con bandwagon, without even realizing it! This 8x10 custom painting was made for a Star Wars fan. He gladly went up against Darth Vader.
These are just items that I found, but there are more. Visit my little comic con world to see more of my finds.
Etsy recently introduced a new way for sellers to show that they take custom orders. With this new feature, you're able to communicate with the potential shopper so they can ask questions and you can get all the details you need. Once everything is all ironed out, you can create a private listing just for them. With a "private" listing, no one but the shopper can buy or even see the listing.
Unfortunately, you're only allowed to upload one picture at this time, so make it a good one. If a picture isn't possible, most Etsians use "reserved listing" or "custom" signs specifically made for their shop like below.
Here's mine. Did I go too far?
Lately, I've been answering a lot of questions and seeing comments on blogs, tumblr, pinterest and etc about my custom hand painted shoes I have listed at Ashton Atelier. I welcome the questions and I'm happy to answer them all, but I thought I'd do a Q&A of the top ten that I get asked about the most.
1. Q: What sizes do you have available? How do I pick the size? Do you have size...?
A: The way the listing works is that you send me the shoes. That way, you get the size and heel height you need in a style and color that you love.
2. Q: Where can I find the shoes in the picture?
A: Just send me a convo and I'll tell what style the shoe is and/or where you can find them if they're available.
3. Q: What heel height do you need?
A: Typically 4" and above is easier to display the picture, but I'd be willing to try out lower heels.
4. Q: Can you paint another character or something not shown?
A: I sure can! One time I painted Cinderella's castle for one pair, and a dog's portrait for another. The possible artwork on your shoes are practically endless. You can even mix & match characters, or have them in a different pose or version. Just show me a picture of what you have in mind and I'll see what I can do. Here's one example of the classic Mickey & Minnie Mouse listing and a pair for someone who wanted a different version.
5. Q: Can you paint the soles of flats?
A: I haven't tried flat shoes, but I don't think the painting would last long.
6. Q: What fonts are available for the hand painted Name and Wedding Date/Monogram Initial shoes?
A: Fontspace.com is a great place to find lettering. If you'd like to match an invitation, announcement or program, please let me know what lettering was used.
7. Q: Where I live is really rainy. Are the shoes waterproof?
A: All shoes are covered with a water resistant coating. Water resistant does not mean waterproof so just to be safe, don't get them wet too often.
8. Q: I've seen the photos on Etsy. Be honest, do they really come out looking like the actual characters?
A: You be the judge. More views of different characters are available at my shop.
9. Q: How long does it take?
A: Depending on when I get the shoes, it possible for them to be sent back to you within days.
10. Q: Where do I send my shoes?
A: The address where to send them will be sent to you after the listing is purchased.
If you have any questions not seen above, just post a comment or send me a convo at Etsy. I'll be glad to answer them.
