Horrible Experience with Paper Built and Subsequently Etsy Staff

I am going to begin this post by stating three very important things.  First, I love Etsy.  I have built a successful business in Etsy's marketplace.  It has allowed me to stay at home, and turn what I love into a business.  Second, almost every buying experience I have had on Etsy has been great.  Third, I would not be writing this review had my voice on Etsy been heard.

When my son decided he wanted a train themed birthday party, and after my very good friend, and extremely talented photographer Gaby Olsen of Aries 70 Studio (www.aries70.com and on Facebook as Aries 70 Studio) agreed to document the day and provide some entertainment for our guests I found these photo props designed and sold by Paper Built: (https://www.etsy.com/listing/156359170/train-party-photo-booth-props-train?ref=shop_home_active_17).  They were perfect, and I couldn't wait to see the pictures. 

It was my intention to use my Silhouette Electronic Cutting machine with the props to achieve a professional result.  However, after purchasing the props, I discovered that the seller sends a password protected PDF file and if you have any plans of using your expensive cutting machine with this product you're out of luck.  I contacted the seller, explained what I wanted to do with the files (explaining that I completely understood that these files were her intellectual property, and that I was planning on using them for personal use), and asked for one of the following: 1)  jpg versions, 2) the password to the pdf file so I could convert the document to jpg and load it into my Silhouette software and have it print the registration marks on the pages; or 3) any other help she could provide so I could use my cutting machine.  This was the seller's response:

Unfortunately I am not comfortabel releasing unprotected files as I have had some of my designs stolen.  I don't mean to make a judgment on your character at all...

So... needless to say this was really disappointing.  Looking at the photos in her Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/PaperBuiltShop) it is obvious that she uses an electronic cutting machine to achieve superior results over hand cutting.  It seems odd that she would deny customers with access to these machines the ability to use them?  So, to make things even more disappointing, because I had to hand cut the props I only used about half of them.  Even following the directions, it was impossible for me to cut out the lenses of the glasses and have them look decent -- and this is from someone who sews for a living and cuts patterns all day long.  Needless to say, I can cut accurately.

The second disappointment really came from her response to my plea for help.  She treats her customers as potential theives.  Really?  2/3 of the students at our local high school could hack this password in the time alloted for them to travel from one classroom to another between periods.  The attempt at protection is weak at best.

Lastly, and the main reason for this blog post is because I posted feedback to her store, and she had it removed.  I left one star (1) because I couldn't use my toy (and yes, I'm being a bit bratty here); and (2) because she wouldn't help.  She chose to protect her files.  In my review I wrote: "files cannot be read by Silhouette software.."  This is when she perhaps did the most dishonest and insulting thing of all.  She relied on the ignorance of those who review feedback on the Etsy Trust and Safety Team and had my review removed because it mentioned a third party.  The review was perfectly legitimate.  It is reasonable that people with electronic cutting machines would want to use them with her product, and instead of looking at the feedback as an opportunity to improve her shop and product she skulked behind a loophole and squashed my voice.  So... this is what I tell her potential customers.  Buy the product, and if you want to use your electronic cutting machine download one of the programs that recovers "forgotten" passwords, or have your 10 year-old hack the file for you, and use your cutting machine.

Brag Book February 21, 2014

JUANITA

I have to lead with this picture because this is by far the best girl outfit I've ever done, and I'm so fortunate to have such a precious little model.  I love, love, love the tiara.  For everyone who loves this outfit, I have another that I'll be posting soon... in blue and white.

  

LIAM

This is another little boy who is like family.  I made his first birthay outfit; his mom and I are in the planning phase for his third birthday shirt, and he has a little brother who will be one.  I think this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship!  At the risk of insulting any readers of this, Liam had a Clifford the Big Red Dog party.  His mom and I came up with this design to suit the theme. 

Anthony

Anthony's mom wanted my Pooh outfit on a onesie that was something other than white.  I think she chose well.  If you see something you like, but want to change it up a bit, it's always a good idea to ask.  That is the beauty of my shop.  Everything is made to order, and you can customize to your heart's content. 

Hudson

This is another custom order, but different from the last.  This diaper cover is part of a full cake smash set, and mom just wanted the diaper cover.  I am always willing to split a set and sell the individual pieces.  Just ask.  I had to share this photo, because this baby has the cutest tushie ever!!!  Don't you think?

Tiam

This little boy's mother was not only a pleasure to work with, she styled his cake smash session beautifully.  Is it just me, or does anyone else want to dig into that cake?

  As always, I owe a special thank you to all of the moms and photographers who shared their moments.  Without you I would have to have a regular job!

Brag Book January 31, 2014

I'm a few days early or late on this one... depends on how you look at it.  Business, as usual, was very slow throughout the holidays, and as a result I didn't receive many pictutes to share.  2014 started off with a bang.  I'm looking forward to the new memories that will be created this year. 

Caiden

 Caiden is almost like family.  I have been helping him dress since his first birthday.  He's all decked out in my Lightning McQueen shirt.  This shirt has always been a customer pick, but who notices the shirt when the model is so darned cute?

Lilian     

   

Quite honestly, I am always excited when I put a new product in my shop, but this little pettiskirt outfit has been one of my favorites since it was first introduced.  Maybe it's because we are Disney fanatics, or maybe it's just because Minnie Mouse is so darn sweet.  Who knows?  The one thing I'm sure about is that Lillian looks adorable in her photos.

Holden

Late last year I decided to expand my shop and include some screen printed shirts.  This, just like embroidery is a tough business.  There are sooooooo many creative and clever sellers that it's tough coming up with fresh, innovative designs.  I think this one does the trick.  It's a take on the ever so popular little man/mustache bash theme.  The really nice thing about this shirt is that it can be customized to suit any color scheme, and really, it doesn't need to be just for a first birthday.  The hat, eyeglasses and stache can be added to any letter! 

Gavin

  

 Gavin's mom is one of those brave ladies who just selected a fabric and trusted me to create an adorable outfit for her son.  In my shop I have a cake smash set constructed from Disco Dot Caribe.  Gavin's mom loved the colors, but wasn't crazy about the fabric... we found this fabric and moved forward.  It's always fun coming up with something new, and this was no exception.  I love the outfit.  Thank you for helping me come up with something new.

Friday Brag Book: October 4, 2013

This week, two momma's granted me permission to share their photos. 

Judson

Judson's mommy designed this cake smash set, by selecting fabrics found here on my website.  I just have to say, she's got good taste.  Here is Judson enjoying his first birthday cake:

Judson's mom made the birthday banner in the back, and selected all of the accessories for this very successful cake smash session.   The accent colors on this outfit are red and aqua, which coordinate so well with so many popular birthday themes especially the little man mustache bash.  If you're interested, you can find more photos and information on this outfit in my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/164776222/personalized-baby-boy-first-birthday?ref=shop_home_active

Seth

Seth's mom picked out one of the most popular items in my shop, the cake smash set constructed from Seuss Celebration Circles.  This is probably one of the best cake smash photos I've ever seen.  Obviously he liked his cake.  So much so, it begs the question, don't you wish you could still dive into a cake like this? 

Here is our dashing model showing off the entire outfit:

The natural setting for this photo shoot was perfect. 

As always I owe a giant thank you to the mom's who have shared their photos with me, and have granted me permission to share them with you.

My Brag Book

Princess Georgia

Every time I get a picture of a proud momma it makes my day.  I love what I do, and I am blessed that I get to spend my time being creative.  A few weeks ago, I received an order from a lady who is as crazy about pink as me, and she asked me to create a birthday princess outfit for her beautiful daughter, Georgia.  Here are a couple of pics from the photo session:

Tutu Outfit: the standard white onesie was replaced with a pink sunflower onesie.

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I don't make the fairy want, but I think I should since it's the perfect addition to the set.  Miss Georgia's mom also asked that I make a matching bib for her cake smash photos.  Here is a shot of the cake smash session:

Georgia Bib  

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Is it just me, or is that cake simply too gorgeous to eat? 

This princess tutu set was the first girly outfit I put in my shop, and it has been a perennial best seller.  This is the first time I've received a photo of the outfit in action.  I've always loved it on the mannequin, but i have to say, it's even better on!  Of course the model is just darling, and she would look cute in a paper sack.

Owen and Madeleine

Just about 4 years ago, Owen's mom contacted me and asked me to do a custom Sesame Street shirt for her son's first birthday party.  Since then she's had another baby, Miss M, and I've had the good fortune to not only get to know this lovely family, but to outfit both of these beautiful children for all of their birthdays.

Owen will be 4, and he is having a fire truck themed party.  This is the same shirt I made for my son, Luke, for his 4th birthday, but the fabrics were changed around a bit.  I made the flag bunting in this photo for my son's birthday, and when Trish said she was doing a fireman themed party for her son, I knew who I would be the recipient of all those flags.

Miss Madeleine (or Miss M) will be having a Strawberry Shortcake themed party for her second birthday.  Her mom, selected the fabrics, gave me a general idea of what she wanted, and let me take the reins.  I have to say the outfit is completely delectible -- or maybe it's just that sweet little girl.

Jen and Trish, your children are absolutely gorgeous.  Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your celebrations.

I plan on making my brag book a regular feature of this blog.  Please, if you purchase an outfit from my shop Sprinkles of Love, and want to immortalize your baby's first birthday, please send a pic.