Hi, everyone! My name is Amanda Lillie and I’m the owner and designer here at The Lillie Pad. Here you can find delightful and humorous gifts and decor that are destined to bring a smile to your face. From my world-wide bestselling original designed 80s inspired crochet Cabbage Patch hat to funny graphic kitchen towels and decor. I have also recently launched some locally-themed products and collections geared towards my North Georgia hometown area and our beloved Lake Lanier. 

The Lillie Pad is based in North Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I’m an 8^th generation Georgia native and a 4th generation crocheter in my family. In fact, I crochet my products using the crochet hooks and tools that once belonged to my Great-Grandmother and her son, my Grandfather, who were well known for their extraordinary crochet talent. 

I opened an Etsy shop for The Lillie Pad in 2011 as outlet to sell all of my crochet creations, which at the time was only a hobby. In 2012, at the height of the recession, I lost my job as a school teacher due to major budget cuts. I then decided that I would focus my efforts on starting a family and expand my Etsy shop.

GOING VIRAL

In the Fall of 2012 I came up with a crochet baby wig that was inspired by the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls of yesteryear. I published the crochet pattern and began custom making hats for customers from my Etsy shop. In the Summer of 2013 my hats were featured in The Daily Mail, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Perez Hilton, and much more. My hats immediately went viral worldwide and my crochet hobby officially turned into a full-time business overnight. My hats were invited to be featured as part of the 35th Anniversary Party at Babyland General in 2013, the Cabbage Patch headquarters in Cleveland, Georgia. To date I have sold more than 15,000 crochet patterns and more than 7,000 crochet hats in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. The experience has launched me to the status of Etsy top seller.

 

 

 

Today The Lillie Pad continues to grow! In addition to the crochet hats I now also carry handmade, personalized, and laser engraved gifts and decor. From funny  kitchen towels and pot holders, to lake-themed cutting boards and trivets. Unique soap dispensers and coasters, to earrings and keychains. Plus, fun and engaging holiday decor, and so much more.

OTHER ADVENTURES

Since starting The Lillie Pad, I have participated in a wide variety of craft 

shows. In 2012 a group of Etsy seller friends and I co-founded Handmades Sale, a curated craft show based in Atlanta. We started as an in-home trunk show and took our passion for high quality, handmade goods and have since expanded to two larger juried shows. I serve as the event Vendor Coordinator for our annual shows.

Through my experience with craft shows and Handmades Sale I have gained a lot of experience in craft show success. I have been invited to speak publicly at handmade seller conferences, as well as to be a handmade seller expert in professional coaching groups online.

From 2014 to present I have been a handmade seller expert for the Flourish community in the areas of craft shows and digital sales. What is Flourish? It is an educational online community for artisan entrepreneurs that provides presentations and support for those that make and sell all things handmade. The group has revolutionized my business. So if you're a maker you definitely want to check it out at www.makeandflourish.com.

In 2017 I became the co-owner of The Market Gals handmade seller coaching services on Etsy. There I provide direct mentoring and coaching services to other handmade sellers and artisan entrepreneurs. 

MY TEAM

To keep up with demand for the Cabbage Patch crochet hats and my kitchen towel orders I work with some lovely and talented local ladies. Some have even been with The Lillie Pad since I went viral in 2012. I couldn’t have asked for a better support team! I also have other friends and family that come on board with us during the busy season to help manage communication and shipping. 

SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL

As an Etsy top-seller, a vendor coordinator for Handmades Sale, and a former educator I have a desire to share my knowledge and experiences with other makers and help them springboard their businesses to the next level. And as a crocheter and handmade artisan I love to share my passion and products with the world. It is my mission to bring delight to your life and a smile to your face as I share these things with you.

The Lillie Pad

Ever Delightful  -  Always Handmade