Guidelines

A creative challenge open to all members of Etsy!
Create a treasury around the current Inspiration Item. Win the Challenge and the Inspiration Item for the next Challenge will be something of yours! Who knows how many treasuries will be created with your item!  Find out what it's all about....

Why should you join a NonTeam?

This is different because...

* No commitments. - Participate once, daily, weekly. It's up to you! No pressure.

* We're never full. No applying. No rejections. - Everyone is welcome to participate! Buyers-only and Sellers of handmade, vintage and/or supplies are all welcome to participate.

* This NonTeam is spreading the treasury love. We aren't featuring the same people every time.

* Shop Exposure -
* Win a Challenge and one of your items will be the inspiration for the next Challenge. Your item could be in tons of treasuries!
* The winners will have their etsy mini on the sidebar of this blog until the next winner is announced.
* The winners will have their shops linked permanently on the sidebar and on a page with past winners.
* If your NonTeam Treasury makes it to Etsy's front page, we'll post a screenshot of it here along with a link to your shop.
* Volunteers have their minis on the sidebar.

Even if you don't win....
* You may be included in many treasuries just for participating. 
* Great exposure for your treasuries from other NonTeam members' views/clicks/comments.
* You'll get to know fellow etsians and they'll get to know you and your shop.
* Participating shops will have their shops favorited and have their first four most recently listed items show up on our etsy buyer account

Those are two ways that you're promoted so others can find you to include you in treasuries. For each one, you will appear for one week after you participate.  Continue to participate and your link and hearted shop will remain.

The sidebar list and the shops on our buyer account will change every week, reflecting the shops that participated in the *previous* Challenge. More about that here.

How does it work?
* Each week, a new Challenge starts. Treasuries created will be based on an "Inspiration Item". Create a treasury inspired by that item in any way you'd like That's your challenge! It's great to see the many interpretations and ideas that a single item can spark.
* At the end of the week, a winner will be announced.
* The Inspiration Item for the next challenge will be something from the winner's shop. If a buyer wins, he/she may choose any item on etsy for the next Inspiration Item.
* The Inspiration Item and the shop of the winner MUST be in compliance with etsy's TOU and Do's and Don'ts.
* The winner will be the judge for the next week's Challenge. He/she will choose the winning treasury (based on any criteria).
*The new winner will choose her own Inspiration Item for the next Challenge.  It might be best to choose something in which you can raise the quantity and something that goes along with Etsy's Merchandising Desk to help us get treasuries to the front page.


How does the judge decide the winner?
Anyway she/he wants! It can be the most creative way to build a treasury around the Inspiration Item. It can be the most beautiful. The most outrageous. The funniest. The one that's simply the most appealing. It's totally up to the judge.
All treasuries submitted by the deadline and that follow the guidelines are eligible to win - even if they've won a Challenge before.  Shops that have obvious violations of etsy's TOS will not be eligible to win.  Please read the guidelines for judging here.

*New challenges begin every Thursday.
We have Thursday through Sunday (noon - eastern) to create ONE treasury each.
The judge reports the winning treasury to Dotty on Tuesday evening.
The winning treasury is posted on Wednesday.
The new winner reports the Inspiration Item to Dotty by Wednesday evening.
The new challenge is posted Thursday at noon (eastern time).

US eastern is the same time zone that etsy uses.

Guidelines for Participation...
Create a treasury using the current Inspiration Item as one item in your treasury. Fill the rest of the treasury with any other items on etsy. Follow etsy's treasury guidelines. Do not include any of your own items. Don't include more than one item per shop.  Make your treasury awesome - great photos, variety of item types and prices, etc. Add descriptive tags to your treasury and give it a creative title.
1. Read the guidelines.
2. Include the Inspiration Item in any of the first 12 spots (not as an alternate).
3. Do not include more than one item from a shop.  Use 16 different shops in your treasury.
4. Tag your treasury with nonteamchallenge and the current number (separated by a space). For ex: nonteamchallenge 1.
5. Be sure to include a link to the blog or the current challenge post in your treasury description. If it doesn't fit into the description, you may leave it in the first comment.
6. Leave a link to your treasury in our weekly entry thread by the deadline on our Team page on etsy.  Your treasury will not be judged if you don't leave the link there in time.  Also, your shop link on the sidebar and your shop on the buyer account will not be added if you don't leave your link there.  The judges and volunteers use the Entry thread to go through the challenge treasuries.
7. Make sure that if you win, you'll be available to judge the next week's Challenge and report the winning treasury by the next Tuesday to the volunteer in charge.  Judging is a HUGE job. Please read the Judging Guidelines should you win a challenge.
8. Support other participants - View/Comment/Click on other treasuries in the Challenge.  Do not leave a link to your treasury in the comments of another's treasury.
9. Don't tag your nonteam treasury with tags for other treasury teams. Your nonteam treasuries are not to be used to promote other teams that you're a member.


Your shop and items must be in compliance with Etsy's Terms of Service and Dos and Don'ts in order to win a challenge.   Judges will not choose curators whose shops have major and obvious violations.  We won't promote shops that we should be flagging.

* Only treasuries that follow the above guidelines will be eligible to win each Challenge.

Suggestions...
* Keep your treasury updated during the Challenge. Replace expired/missing items.
* Include a few items from other NonTeammates if possible.  There are several ways to find participating shops. You can read about those here.
* Become a follower of the blog.
* It might be best to give your treasury a descriptive, creative title to help getting our treasuries to the front page.  Titling with "nonteam treasury challenge" or similar might not be as appealing to viewers.
* Tweet, Facebook, Blog, start a forum thread, post to the forums, etc to spread the word about your treasury and our Challenges.
* Post a button to our blog on your blog.
* Follow NonTeamTreasury on Twitter.
* In between challenges, play the Lightning rounds!
* Volunteer. Check out the volunteer page to see if we need help. Volunteers' minis will be posted on the sidebar. Volunteers are welcome to participate in challenges and are eligible to win.
* Come chat with us in our chatting thread on the Team page.


* If your treasury makes it to etsy's front page (or if you see another NonTeam's treasury on the FP)  let us know by leaving a link in this thread.

***Please keep checking back to this page.  We're making changes all the time to it as we figure things out and new ideas come rolling in.***

If you have any questions or suggestions, please post them in the comments below.
Thanks!

78 comments:

Laura said...

Seems like fun. Count me in!

Unknown said...

I created a Treasury, but I dont see my shop on the side, am I in?
Here is the link to my treasury:)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cbb7e12dad56d91a2dfd2fa/mustard-and-ketchup
Thanks

Dotty said...

Hi Molly. Just leave a comment on this page for Sarah with your shop link and she'll add you.
http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/2010/10/non-team-shop-listings.html
Thanks!

Unknown said...

Adorn Me Jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdornMeJewelry

Hi there Dotty! When I put myself in the shoes of Awaken, the thought of having to sift through what is now 6 pages of treasuries, I really feel for her. I think that one treasury per person really is best to keep the judge's sanity. :c)

Tina

Efia said...

What a great idea! I am so happy I found you all. I was looking at treasuries and noticed "nonteamchallenge1" as a tag, and checked it out... looks like I just made it in under the deadline. Hooray :)
Efia

Dotty said...

Thanks Tina. I really appreciate your input. I'm glad you agree!

Thanks Efia! Glad you made it!

watercolors said...

Well I did one called...Love with a Touch of Pumpkin.
So interesting to see the different interpretations of the theme.
Enjoyed doing this and plan to check out the next one.
Roxanne
Watercolorsnmore

watercolors said...

Question? Should the treasuries be made using the Nonmembers listed on the side?

Watercolorsnmore
Roxanne

Dotty said...

So glad you've joined us Roxanne!

You can use any items on etsy for the treasuries. If you feel like using items from the list on the side, that's great, but not necessary.

Rose said...

Sorry another question:
To be considered a participant (included in the list) you have to create a treasury?

Dotty said...

Hi Rose! Yes. Those are the shops that created a treasury for Challenge #1. When Challenge #2 is over, that list will change to show those that participated this time. They'll remain there through Challenge #3. So that list always shows shops that participated in the previous challenge.

watercolors said...

Great, I created one so will be on the list next time. Looking forward to the new inspiration theme.
Thanks,
Roxanne

Mary Kerran said...

I certainly would like to try. Mary Kerran

storybeader said...

what a fun idea! Here's my link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cca2ed8e22e8eef6b5ecd23/gypsy

BLUE FIRE macmahon said...

cool!

sofisticata said...

What a great idea :) I would like to be part of :)

GoofingOff said...

count me in. Sounds like fun

FabricFascination said...

Somehow I missed that we have a Twitter account. I am a follower now!

Anonymous said...

here's me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/im2keys

Caron Michelle said...

I miss making treasuries - will give it a go

My shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadsire

Woodfrock said...

Here is my just for fun treasury...http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cd625b3ab3a6d91ac07be28/on-the-wings-of-a-dove

terraterra said...

very cool! my tile was featured in a treasury so of course i had to snoop! count me in...
www.terraterra.etsy.com

E W McCall said...

is there a limit to how many treasuries you can make for one challenge?

Sarah said...

Yes EW- We had to put a limit to one per person. It was getting too overwhelming for our judges to look through so many wonderful entries.

E W McCall said...

that def. makes sense!! thanks!

Waterlily Studio said...

this is so fun--just joined for # 5--love it! :)

waterlilystudio.etsy.com

Suzanne

Lakshmi said...

Hello ! I love the idea of a non team :) I just joined in for Challenge #5 .
www.doodlekreations.etsy.com

Lakshmi

newhopebeading said...

Oh I so want to be a part of this! So do I join just by jumping in? I can't find how to add my name to the list or what day of the week the new challenge starts on? I will peek again

Dotty said...

Yep. Just jump in and create a treasury using this week's inspiration item. This one ends tomorrow - Sunday at noon eastern. The winner will be announced on Tuesday. The winner chooses her own inspiration item, then the new challenge starts Thursday.

The list is the participating shops from the *previous* challenge, so if you participate in challenge #5, your shop will be listed throughout challenge #6.

newhopebeading said...

Thanks Dotty

The Lazy Gastronome said...

Thanks - This one was fun!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cdfef094e876d9128ff14e9/fern-favorites

MysticMoonJewelz said...

Stopping in to say Hi! I really like this NonTeam approach. I had a great time creating my first treasury for the nonteamchallenge 5. I'm looking forward to doing it again :)

raine studios said...

I'm late in this week's treasury, as always, but I made a treasury anyway. Fun fun! Trying to do it on TIME will be my next task!

Layney Dasher said...

Hi!!! Just saw this! Super cool!

www.layneydasher.etsy.com

Unknown said...

I am in, this will be fun and I love challenges.

www.etsy.com/shop/alearea

Maria Beitel said...

This was fun to get creative!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cf887e66ada6d91b58432da/packs-o-plenty-gift-guide

Audrey said...

This sounds like so much fun!! I'm your newest blog follower :)

Sea Flower Studios said...

So glad I came across this! Can't wait for the next challenge to start so I can participate!

www.seaflowerstudios.etsy.com

Anonymous said...

Fantastic idea! I'm in!!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea! Will be in with the next challenge!

I love to search the whole Etsy and I had problem with spreading the world about such treasuries :-))) I am so happy I can do it with you, here :-)))

Maria Beitel said...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d430e82c7366d91390a8d64/lemon-lime

E W McCall said...

hey! just to clarify... one per person or one per shop? our shop has three people that consistently work in it! thanks!

Dotty said...

Hi EW! It's kind of both.

One treasury per person if you have more than one shop.

One treasury per shop if you have more than one person behind it.

Laura said...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PapersandProse?ref=pr_shop_more
Cool! I love this!

E W McCall said...

thanks dotty!!

Susan said...

New here, what is the challenge as of today?

Sarah said...

Susan,
The new challenges are posted on Thurs around noon. In the mean time, feel free to read through the guidelines and make yourself comfortable on the blog. Welcome!

Laura said...

Oooh...I can't wait for this week's challenge!

poédra said...

sounds fun!!!

ARTinVENICE said...

My treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d68f03866c46d917f1ed86e/shabby-chic-in-the-farmhouse?ref=pr_treasury

was featured on CRAFTCUL.COM FP!

today, just a few hours ago!

Linda said...

Sounds like fun...!
I'm in..........

Anonymous said...

People who don't have shops can still participate right?

Dotty said...

That's right! If a "buyer only" wins, he/she can choose any item on etsy as the next Inspiration Item.

Anonymous said...

Here is the link to my shop...since I don't see it on the side list of participating shops..and my treasury

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NymphsNecessitys?ref=si_shop

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3241c95a4c8eefee489b52/sunrise-sunset?index=3

Unknown said...

Love love love making Treasuries! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8d80a356cd8eef3614450c/mr-spring-rooster-sees-the-sun

Weeeeeeee!!!!

paula said...

wow, i think i ve just found my place to make coocoo making treasury lists! thanks!

Whimsical Winston said...

Sounds like a wonderful way to spread the handmade love !

addikaysmom said...

Do you have to be a seller to participate? I'm an avid shopper but love to do Treasury.

Sarah said...

addikaysmom- we welcome anyone to our team. If your treasury wins, you would pick any shop to be represented in the next challenge. Welcome!

Sandra's Satchels said...

I'd like to follow, but can't find the option. I'll be doing the challenge. :)

Dotty said...

The button to follow the blog is on the bottom of the right sidebar. Thanks!

Gayl Caul said...

I'm in! When will my shop name appear on the left? Just wondering.

Unknown said...

Don't know how to post the correct Url, or whatever...

Sarah said...

GaylC- The blog and the shop minis are updated the week after the challenge. Your name should appear by Wed. if you make a treasury. Thanks!

Miss E said...

I am excited to participate!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MissEsAccessories

LavenderField said...

Hope you like mine:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njg3MzU1M3wzNzI3MzIwMjY/curly

Unknown said...

Can't say how excited I am to finally be able to participate without being pressured into doing treasuries all day. It's not my full time job yet, but I hope it will be one day. Thank you for making this team for folk like myself!

Link to my nonteamchallenge 43 treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODk5Mzc2NHw1NTMxMTE5OTg/falling-into-harvest-love

My shop link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Farizula?ref=si_shop

Thanks again & look forward to more awesome stuff to do!

Christine said...

How fun!

Autumn's Wild Bride
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjEyNjg0Mnw2MDM3NzE2NjI/autumns-wild-bride

it was easy b/c I love the featured piece! Thank you

Unknown said...

I'd love to do this. What a great way to share and that skein of yarn is SO pretty.
Anne

Unknown said...

i applied to be a team member, but clicked the enter key in such excitement that I forgot to post my reason why I wanted to join....because it looks FUN and I love to make treasuries and share.
here is mine any way. Anne

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTU0Mzc3NzN8NjU3NjAyNDI5/comforts-for-an-island-sanctuary

5elementknitr said...

I'd love to join! My store is:
http://5elementknitr.etsy.com

Valsart2000 said...

I'd love to do this I make treasuries all day long at work. Shhh dont tell the boss.


valsart2000.etsy.com

kim said...

Could you please try and get your non-members to stop filling inboxes with convos notifying people that they have been featured in a treasury? I happily comment and share treasuries that I come across in my activity feed. Thank you!

Dotty said...

Sorry that it bothers you to be informed that you're in a treasury. Most sellers are grateful to be included in treasuries and would never tell those that do include them that their convos are a nuisance.
Whether or not to convo those included is up to the curator. I won't tell them not to do it. It's very much an accepted practice on etsy.

http://www.geminiartworks.etsy.com said...

I love this. I want to learn to play. So exciting!!!

Mafalda said...

Hi! Thanks so much for choosing my little kitties purse! :D
I haven´t made any treasuries yet but now I'll have to learn how to!
Count me in! ;D

Anonymous said...

Hi there! Those that are participating that do not follow the guidelines - are they disqualified? I see a number of users who are tagging team names into the NON-TEAM challenges...?

Sarah said...

Yes, they will be disqualified. The judges are asked to check for anything that may disqualify a person prior to picking a winner.