Feature Friday: Violet's Buds

Eco-friendly accessories for you and your little flower

I am so excited to bring to you, Melanie Gipson of Violet's Buds this week in the Feature Friday spot! I am a big fan of her her hair accessories, but I don't have a daughter, so I have not bought anything yet. But I will make a purchase someday. (Seriously, how beautiful is this set?!) Don't forget to check out the other places that you can find Violet's Buds in the shared links at the end of the post.

What kind of items do you offer in your shop?
Eco-friendly hair accessories for girls and women of all ages, plus handmade hoop art décor to brighten any room of your home.

About the shop:

Handmade eco accessories for you & your little flower. Hair accessories for all ages, and hoop art decor to adorn your favorite rooms.

Violet's Buds strives to be green by upcycling, repurposing, and making the most out of all our supplies while creating a unique item for you.

Is there anything unique about your shop that readers should know about?
Violet's Buds items are unique in that the majority of the fabrics used are either remnants, or are upcycled from clothing & linens. Beads, pendants, & buttons in Violet's Buds accessories and art come from old & sometimes broken costume jewelry, clothing, or scouted out at flea markets.

What are some fun facts about you that you'd like to share with readers?

I have a degree in Photography with specialization in portraiture, but currently use my skills to photograph my own products plus items from several other makers. I also write photography tip posts for Daft Crafts.

My family is crafty, and my husband is the owner/creator at GipsonWands, as well as a graphic designer who helped to create my logo. Our daughter is on her way to becoming a maker as well!

Here is her adorable daughter modeling for her.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
My favorite musical artist is Ben Folds. I've seen him in concert, both solo or with a band, around ten times total and it's always amazing.

What is your favorite song and why?
I have a tough time choosing one favorite song. It depends on my mood, or what I'm into at the moment. One song my daughter and I love to dance and sing to is Man, It's So Loud In Here by They Might Be Giants.

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is purple (no surprise there!)

What is your favorite quote?
I found this quote online last year and don't know who to attribute it to, but I wish I did. "You can't reach for anything new with your hands full of yesterday's junk."

GIVEAWAY:

I will send the winner a mystery grab bag of hair accessories worth $20, with free shipping in the US only. International winners agree to pay shipping and any applicable customs fees.

SALE:
I will offer all fans a 20% discount with the code ShopHandmade. The code will expire 2 weeks from the end of the feature date (03/27/2015).

Are there any auctions, giveaways, sales or other events that you're participating in that we should know about?

I will be in an upcoming multi-vendor Spring giveaway at Life's Gems, April 1st- April 8th. I will be participating in the local Strawberry Swing Spring craft fair May 2nd & 3rd. I'll have details posted on my blog and facebook page soon, plus there are details on Strawberry Swing's facebook page.

Blog - http://violetsbuds.blogspot.com/

Storenvy - http://violetsbuds.storenvy.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/violetsbuds

Instagram - http://instagram.com/VioletsBuds

Twitter - https://twitter.com/VioletsBuds

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#happyhandmade week 93: my favorites

Every Wednesday on the Daft Crafts blog, there is a #happyhandmade link up where handmade shop owners can share up to three product links and are asked to share at least three of the other products on social media with the hashtag "#happyhandmade."

In no particular order, here are my favorites from this week:

This adorable, geeky gamer onesie from Evangelina's Closet. There's even a coupon code featured in her shop for 10% off purchases!

This You Are My Sunshine chalkboard art from Life's Gems.

I really, really like this music note ornament from AngelCraftsShop.

And this Batman themed plush dragon from Plum Papaya would make my "Bamban" loving 2 ¹/₂ year old son ecstatic.

As for myself, I linked up the kitschy cat themed set from my shop. The set of four coasters and two trivets makes a great housewarming or bridal shower gift for the crazy cat lady in your life. 

Be sure to head over to the link up and check out all the handmade goodness that shop owners from all over have contributed to. Click on your favorites, make wishlists or even order from these small businesses and support handmade.

#happyhandmade week 90: my favorites

Every Wednesday on the Daft Crafts blog, there is a #happyhandmade link up where handmade shop owners can share up to three product links and are asked to share at least three of the other products on social media with the hashtag "#happyhandmade."

In no particular order, here are my favorites as of this afternoon (11/19/2014):

This adorable wee amigurumi knit gingerbread man from Crafteroni & Cheese. I mean, c'mon, how cute is this tiny, little guy?! And a bonus, Crafteroni & Cheese is one of the shops participating in the big #StorenvyFlash30 event!

This stuffed monster from Lu & Ed is also pretty cute and would make a great Christmas gift for a kid on your list. Mara isn't available yet, but she will be on November 30th in time for the #StorenvyFlash30 event on Storenvy. The awesome WAHM behind Lu & Ed is the organizer of the event. Her monsters and mon-stors are insanely popular and sell out super quickly. So if you're a fan of something she has teased for her next stocking, you need to be there as soon as it's live many times!

I am in need of a new wallet and this pretty purple one from BirdsandBagz in the link up caught my eye. I think it's a very real possibility for my new wallet! Not only is it pretty, it's super affordable!

**If I get the chance, I will come back and update this post with more of my favorites and the date they are added.**

Feature Friday: Hailstorm Creations

Happy Friday to all of you lovely readers! It's time for another installment of Feature Friday here on the Stitches by Ashley Nicole blog and the featured shop this week is Hailstorm Creations and the WAHM behind it, Haleigh. Hailstorm Creations is a fun and funky jewelry shop with lots of unique and bright pieces to appeal to many ages.

"Handmade Jewelry and Gifts"

Let's get to know more about Haleigh and Hailstorm Creations:

Haleigh is a stay at home mom (SAHM) who decided she wasn't going to let life pass her by, and thus Hailstorm Creations was born! What makes Hailstorm Creations unique is that she buys all of the jewelry supplies (chains, rhinestones, wire, etc.) from other Etsy sellers. Supporting other small businesses is very important to her.

"I love being at home with my daughter, and I think being able to make jewelry and sell it to the world from home is the perfect job! I never thought about making or selling jewelry until my best friend suggested it. I had made her a Leather Bow bracelet for her birthday, and she was in love! I have always been told I'm a creative person, and that I have a unique style in accessories so when she suggested I open an Etsy shop, I was sold on the idea. I have a passion for my creations, and I strive to express that in every piece of jewelry I make."

Haleigh has generously offered a coupon code for readers of today's post. Follow the link below to get to the Hailstorm Creations Etsy shop and use the coupon code: thanks2014 for 20% off any purchase of $12 or more!

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/hailstormcreations

Storenvy - http://hailstormcreations.storenvy.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hailstormcreations

Feature Friday: Moose Country Crafts

Since last weekend was a holiday, there was no Feature Friday post. Here's the first Feature of the month and today it's Moose Country Crafts ("For the love of rustic, Americana, and home.") and the talented work at home mom (WAHM) behind it, Jamie. Her shop is full of great items and she's an amazing person, too.

Here's a bit about Jamie and her shop in her own words:

Welcome! I'm a stay at home mom (for now) with two kids (4 and 20 months, two dogs, just one husband :). I love all things country and homey!

A little bit about me...I was an environmental planner who was laid off about three years ago, worked some contract work in between and then became pregnant again in January of 2012. I found out in July of 2012 that I had breast cancer. So after coming out of that with a beautiful baby girl, as she and my son have become a bit older and more independent, I decided to get back into doing something a bit creative. Re-started my Etsy and facebook page in May and have just been plugging away at marketing ever since :) I'm slowly adding items all the time!

I try to use mostly upcycled or recycled items just because I feel like reused items can tell a story. Many of the items I'm using right now, frames and such, came from my grandparents house that I have been cleaning out for the past two years. And many that my grandfather made himself. I love burlap because it just exudes country, old and rustic.

How cool is it that she gets to repurpose frames that her grandfather made? I really like that aspect of her creations. Giving new life to items is always a great creative adventure!

Make sure to follow the link below to the Moose Country Crafts Etsy storefront and use coupon code FEATUREFRIDAY for 25% off of your purchase!

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/MooseCountryCrafts

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moosecountrycrafts

Instagram - http://instagram.com/moosecountrycrafts

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MooseCntryCrfts

Feature Friday: Blue Umbrella Designs

It's the last Friday in June and the featured shop this weekend is Blue Umbrella Designs. I first learned about this shop in a group on facebook for people who love to craft. I think many of her items are great and hope that when my sons are old enough to use them properly, that she'll still be in business.

The work at home mom (WAHM) behind Blue Umbrella Designs is Amanda. Let's get to know Amanda and Blue Umbrella Designs, and then enter the giveaway for a felt weather chart valued at $13 (shipping not included, winner agrees to pay for shipping).

Please be sure to check out the links at the end of the post to interact with Blue Umbrella Designs! Also, each photo has a direct link to its Etsy listing, should you want to purchase the featured items.

This cute hair clip can be found here

Let's learn a little more about Amanda and her shop in her own words:

I am a WAHM of two young boys. I offer a variety of machine embroidered accessories and toys for children and every now and then I throw in something for the grown-ups. I also offer a variety of wholesale felties that are perfect for scarpbooking and bow makers. I love what I do and customer service is my number one priority!

This can be found here

My two year old son, PGS is currently obsessed with the moon and stars. His love of the moon and stars is why we painted his bedroom the way we did. It's also why I'm considering purchasing the glow in the dark phases of the moon learning tool. I know he's still too young to really understand it, but it would help him learn what the moon looks like before we go outside and look for it. Now, for those of your with older kids with a passion for the night sky, it's a great learning tool!

This can be found here

Another item in the Blue Umbrella Designs shop that I like is the emotions chart that is offered. To me, it seems like the perfect way to help your child tell you how he or she is feeling. I know that PGS can point to faces and say that he feels a certain way, but can't always tell us how he is feeling with words.

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueUmbrellaDesigns

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blueumbrelladesigns

Instagram - http://instagram.com/BlueUmbrellaDesigns

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlueUmbrellaEmb

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Feature Friday: Bows Sew Beautiful

This weekend's Feature Friday post is an exciting one! We're featuring the talented bow maker, Samantha and her shop Bows Sew Beautiful. Samantha has been kind enough to offer up a $10 store credit in a giveaway, too. Be sure to check out the links at the end of the post and to enter the giveaway.

Until Samantha submitted a Feature Friday application, I'd never heard of Bows Sew Beautiful. That's not to say anything negative about her shop at all, I have a two year old son and a second boy on the way, those beautiful, fancy hairbows just aren't on my radar. Naturally, I checked out her Etsy shop and facebook page before responding to her application. I was impressed. The bows look great and bonus: she sells clip-on bow ties for little boys! A pretty bow shop that is not just for the little girls! I'm a fan of that aspect.

"There is nothing better than a hot glue gun!!!"

Samantha opened up Bows Sew Beautiful on January 3, 2014 and is based out of her home in Dayton, Ohio. Not only is she an artisan, she is a mother to three children and wife of four years.

Bows Sew Special offers a variety of hair bow styles and infinity scarves; and is currently working on providing more boy themed items. If you don't see something you are looking for, don't be afraid to send a message for a custom order!

In addition to Bows Sew Beautiful, Samantha is also a part of the group The Bow Diva's. There are multiple vendors that come together as a group and do features, giveaways, games, auctions and more!

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/bowssewbeautiful

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bowsswbtful

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bowmakindiva

Instagram - http://instagram.com/bowssewbeautiful

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Feature Friday: Ribbit Gifts

These can be found here

It's a new month and things are finally starting to be back to normal in the Stitches household. What does that mean for you, our awesome readers? It means a brand new Feature Friday post! This week, I'm bringing to you the very talented Cristina and her shop Ribbit Gifts.

At Ribbit Gifts, it is specialized in everyday jewelry. Meaning, a necklace, bracelet and a pair of earrings that can dress up any outfit, on any day of the week and for any occasion. Accessories are the perfect way to change up your wardrobe when it feels like you're wearing the same outfits every week.

This can be found here

A portion of the sales goes to a different local cause or organization each month. She also offers puzzle piece jewelry and a portion of those sales goes to Autism Speaks (or your local autism resource center, if you request that).

Ribbit Gifts has something for every price range. There are cute corded bracelets for as low as $6 USD (plus a very reasonable shipping charge); with the highest priced item in the shop being $20 USD. I personally love the dinosaur charms she offers for jewelry. How cute is a tiny T-rex or Brontosaurus?

This can be found here

Here's a little more about Ribbit Gifts in Cristina's own words:

I'm a 20-something mom, wife and entrepreneur with a love for life, baking and crafting. Ribbit Gifts specializes in everyday jewelry - a necklace, earrings or bracelet that can be worn with any outfit and for any occasion at an affordable price. I am a strong believer in giving back and supporting the local community. Each month a portion of sales goes to a different local cause or organization. I hope you enjoy your shopping experience at Ribbit Gifts as much as I enjoy making each piece with you in mind!

While I haven't had the chance to purchase anything from Ribbit Gifts yet, I love what is offered and keep her shop in mind when I'm thinking about jewelry purchases. The thing that really stops me is that I have a two year old who still thinks that he should grab necklaces to look at them. But I just might be asking for a fun pair of dragonfly earrings for my birthday this year.

This can be found here

There is an exclusive sale for blog readers, please use offer code FEATUREFRIDAY20 when checking out on Etsy to receive 20% off of your purchase (see below for links). Sale expires June 15, 2014 at 11:59:59 pm Central.

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/RibbitGifts

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RibbitGifts

Instagram - http://instagram.com/RibbitGifts

Email - ribbitgifts@gmail.com

Feature Friday: Lava Designs by Mia

This week in our Feature Friday post, I am bringing to the lovely and talented Mia S. and her shop Lava Designs by Mia. She makes some very beautiful jewelry and it's very creative and unique.

Mia has also generously included a giveaway for store credit. You have through Monday to enter and a winner will be chosen Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in the morning. This store credit will expire on July 31, 2014.

Now let's get to know her in her own words:

My name is Mia and I am a working wife and mom with a passion for beads, bead weaving and making jewelry. I am the designer and driving force behind Lava Designs by Mia but there is no possible way that I would be able to do any of it without the support and love of my family.

Lava Designs is about love: love for God, love for family, love for beads and designing jewelry. The ultimate goals of Lava Designs are to fully rely on God, to glorify and honor Him with the talent and passion he has given me and to be a good steward of His blessings.

Over 20 years ago I took a beading class with a friend who invited me along at the last minute. That day I learned the net stitch and there was no turning back. I had fallen in love with designing and, "Oh! the beads!!!"

I took a break while our two sons were young but about two years ago, I dove back in with passion and a vision. This last year I have been working really hard to make my dream of being a WAHM become a reality.

PGS loves this baseball bracelet picture!

Later this year, I will be opening shops on Etsy and Storenvy. I am excited and I have a plan to expand my business; but, in the meantime, you can order from my ready to ship (RTS) album on Facebook or message me to place a custom order.

There are some exciting things going on in the Studio this month:

• Thursday, May 15th - Monday, May 19th Lava Designs by Mia will be participating in a 20-Vendor Memorial Day auction and giveaway. This amazing event will be hosted by AKM Vinyl Designs.
• I have also teamed up with the New Mexico Muscular Dystrophy Association (NMMDA) for the 2014 Lock-Up. My goal is to raise $1,600 in bail money (but I am praying for more) to help send two children to MDA Summer Camp. Even if I don't make my bail goal every amount helps and I know that I was called to help bring this blessing. All custom orders and RTS sales placed before the 22nd will have 15% of the purchase price donated to post my bail. Please check our facebook page between Monday, May 19th and Wednesday, May 21st for an auction that will benefit the NMMDA. If you are interested in making a direct donation on behalf of Lava Designs please click on this link.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LavaDesignsByMia

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#happyhandmade week 63: my favorites

I'm changing it up this Monday and bringing you my favorites from the #happyhandmade link up over on the Daft Crafts blog. It's week sixty-three of #happyhandmade and please go check it out! Our baseball coasters and our blue & yellow rose coasters are included in the amazing handmade products.

You're only asked to share a minimum of three items from the link up, but I couldn't choose just three! In no particular order, here are my favorites:

Harry Potter hoop art from Gipson Wands

This cute blue-haired dollie from The Mollie Shop (sold via Lu & Ed) - I recently won the red-haired buddy of this guy in a giveaway from Lu & Ed; and PGS absolutely loves it. Sadly, he's already packed away for our upcoming move into a new house.

Adorable cloth elephant from PeeWeePrincess

Summer bucket list from Bugaboo Bear Designs

Amigurumi mermaid from Kits

Go check out all these awesome products and more over on the Daft Crafts link up, and then share your favorites with everyone! 

Feature Friday: EkayG Crafts

This week, I'm bringing EkayG Crafts to you and the amazing WAHM behind it: Erin! Let's get to know her in her own words:

The amazing racetrack rug!

I began crocheting in college when I could no longer play basketball due to an injury. It seems like a strange transition, but it was so relaxing for me, and really helped to take my mind off how much I missed playing ball.

Two very sweet loveys available

My business really grew when I began making toys for kids, inspired by my own children and the things they love. The race track rug is one of my most popular items. The pattern by Cynthia Rae, was something I wanted to make for my own son one year for Christmas. When I posted pictures of it, many people wanted one. Now I am usually booked for Christmas by October with those orders.

A zippered owl wristlet

The name "EkayG" comes from my initials, and my middle name is Kay. I wanted a title which lets my customers know my products are made with love and heart. I really enjoy creating their orders, and am so grateful to be able to do so!

EkayG will offer 15% all purchases in the Etsy shop from Friday May 9th though Sunday May 11, 11:59 pm using the code FEATUREFRIDAY15.

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/EkayG

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EkayGCrafts

Instagram - http://instagram.com/ekaygcrafts

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/EkayGCrafts

Twitter - https://twitter.com/EkayGCrafts

Feature Friday: Chalk It Up Kids

PGS' chalk sets on our back patio
(I drew the line, not him)

This week is a special feature of the WAHM business: Chalk It Up Kids. Yesterday was the 1^st birthday of the shop! It's so exciting when your shop makes it the first year. Congratulations to the WAHM behind CIUK, Kayla.  There were so many awesome prizes available; were you one of the lucky winners?

Pretty packaging on the chalk sets

Chalk It Up Kids offers vibrant chalk products in 11 awesome colors and they even have Glow colors! (The glow chalk works best when charged underneath a black light.) CIUK's products are allergy and gluten free.

There are currently over 100 different chalk shapes and that number is growing weekly! If you are planning a party and want an awesome party favor to match your theme, send CIUK a message and they will work with you to see if they can figure something out.

PGS drawing on his play table with
one of his jelly bean chalk pieces

For Easter, we bought two sets of the dinosaur chalk and one Easter chalk set. The dinosaurs were Ice Blue, Red, Orange and Green and the Easter set was bought as stated in the description. I think the ice blue looks really pretty in person. I have no idea about the color on a chalkboard or sidewalk yet though because my son has only played with his ice blue chalk pieces. PGS refuses to color on the sidewalk with his chalk, but uses it on his play table and plastic toys instead. Oh, well, at least he's only chosen to color on easily cleaned off surfaces. 

Every Monday on their facebook page, there is a chance to win a small bag of Oops! chalk. Oops chalk means that things don't go as planned - sometimes a mold does work, or a piece breaks...perhaps a color didn't come out like expected! It's perfect for kids who aren't fussy about the way their chalk looks, just that it works!

CIUK has generously included a $10 store credit giveaway this weekend! One lucky winner will receive $10 in store credit to use and it expires one year from the end of the giveaway.

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChalkItUpKids

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ChalkItUpKids

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/ChalkItUpKids

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