June Monthly Challenge Winner

Congratulations to our beach themed contest winner, Karol of karolsvintageart! Karol's lovely art quilt won 32% of the vote.

The quilt was made from Karol's original design and embellished with a beautiful multi colored thread and free motion quilting to highlight the motion of the piece.Karol has been quilting for over 15 years and her one of a kind collectible quilts show the care and creativity that go into each of her designs.



Our first runner-up with 16% of the vote was the Boat Pull Toy and Puzzle by McCoyToys. The McCoys have been making hand-crafted toys, games & puzzles for over 12 years & use wood & paint that are "lead-free" & safe for children.


Coming in close behind with 14% of the vote was the Navy Linen Zippered Clutch/Purse by AGreenElephant. Cathy offers a variety of handmade goodies for you, your home, and your family.

A big thanks to all of you who joined in and voted. We really enjoyed sharing our creations with you. Be sure to join us next month for July's team challenge, and please, let us know if you have any suggestions for themes that you would like to see us try.

An Interview with McCoy Toys

This week's featured artists are John and Emily of McCoyToys http://mccoytoys.etsy.com/. They handcraft wooden toys, games and puzzles. Hmm, Christmas gift ideas anyone?!
Is there a story behind your shop name?
Our business name is The Real McCoy - so etsy store became McCoyToys - our last name is McCoy - & the real mccoy means authentic - we felt it was appropriate for our wood toys, games, puzzles etc.

What made you decide to open your own shop?
We heard about etsy from April of mooremagnets. Explore the site & decided to give it a try. We are passionate about making toys & try to agree on a reasonable price in order for more children to enjoy them.

What is your favorite material to use? Wood

Talk briefly about your favorite item:
We have several items that we have not listed on etsy - our folk toys are probably our favorites - it is hard to pick one. The limber jack, jacob's ladder & of course the stack & roll pull toy.

What are your creative inspirations?
Friends, family & customers are frequently giving us ideas or making suggestions on how to improve an item. We listen! John loves to work with wood & create...I (Emily) love to add "character" to our toys & details that are eye catching.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?
Full time (since retirement). When we began we were both working full time - & the toys were a "stress release". We decided to turn it into a full time profession.

Who encourages you to create? Our family, friends, & other crafters.

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?
We have been on etsy less than a month - we are learning patience, & would encourage others to do the same.