Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Friday, April 3, 2015

Feature Friday: Wilde Designs

The weird stuff is the best stuff

This weekend we're getting to know a little more about Wilde Designs, and its co-creator/co-owner Beth Howard. (She recently featured Stitches by Ashley Nicole and me on her blog!)

What kind of items do you offer in your shop?
I specialize is jewelry, art and design, but I tend to gravitate toward anything with a geeky or oddball edge, so you never know what might show up.

About the shop:
Wilde Designs consists of Beth and Wes Howard, a pair of geeky professionals from Texas. We both work all day (Wes in technology, and Beth as a graphic designer), then devote our “off hours” to our son and our second job running Wilde Designs. We create together and apart to continually improve and find new things to show all of you.
Is there anything unique about your shop that readers should know about?
As much as possible, I try to include repurposed or reused materials. The domino necklaces in the shop are all made from vintage and hand me down dominos. Wallets and necklaces featuring celebrity or fandom images that aren't illustrations by me are made with pages from calendars, magazines, and other secondhand sources.

What are some fun facts about you that you'd like to share with readers?
I'm a huuuuuuuge geek in case you couldn't tell from my inventory, so my secondary passion is going to conventions and cosplaying. My current favorite character to dress up as is Black Widow (the Marvel cinematic universe version).
What inspires you?
Usually something from pop culture. More often than not, it's a show or a movie I'm obsessed with, though it can be as simple as seeing a really shiny bunch of beads at the craft shop and not being able to walk out without them. My shop features a lot of different types of items because I like trying new things. Experimentation and playing with new techniques inspires me to try even more new stuff.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
That is such a hard question! I love music. I HATE driving if I can't have music. But I think that Duncan Sheik is consistently my favorite. His music has fantastic lyrics and a beautiful sound. My old domain name was named after his song "Bite Your Tongue." Ray Davies, the former lead singer of The Kinks, is a very close second.
What is your favorite song and why?
"Bite Your Tongue" by Duncan Sheik. It's funny and sarcastic and yet hopeful somehow. It's a good song to listen to when you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and just get stuff done, which I think we all need from time to time.

What is your favorite color?
That varies wildly from day to day depending on my mood, but lime green is always way up on the list for me. I admittedly love some truly, obnoxiously bright colors. They make me happy.

What is your favorite quote?
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." - Oscar Wilde (not coincidentally, I have several items in the shop featuring this quote)

GIVEAWAY: I'd love to offer one of my Glittery Green Skull necklaces, which retail for $6.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Feature Friday: The Dizzy Windmill

geek couture and quirky wearables

Meet Shelly Mourick, the talent behind The Dizzy Windmill!


What kind of items do you offer in your shop?
Eco friendly, handmade winter wear, bracelets, home goods/decor with a quirky or geeky flair.
About the shop:
Using the best supplies I can find from a independent local yarn shop, I've been putting the form and function into fiber since 2009. I specialize in geek couture and quirky wearables and home goods. I love a challenge to create quality unique goods for anyone, geeky, nerdy, or otherwise. In April of 2014 I changed the name/brand from Tiger Knitty to The Dizzy Windmill. I loved the idea of 'windmill' being in the name somewhere as I am part dutch. And the idea of a windmill being dizzy amused me and I think appealed to the quirky and geeky style of my products.
Is there anything unique about your shop that readers should know about?
All yarn scraps are saved to stuff toys with, items are shipped in upcycled boxes.
What are some fun facts about you that you'd like to share with readers?
I used to live in a really small town so if I wasn't in school or working, I would spend a lot of time in my room with some music on and knitting. The first couple times I made hats - they were completely the wrong size. But now I love them, I can make rather quickly usually, unless I'm busy or its a complex pattern. I am a bit of a nerd myself (sci fi and music) so I've realized I would like to work more in that area. I've started to learn what kind of materials I prefer to work with, and generally love what I do. From looking at patterns to shopping for yarn and seeing all the amazing colors. I really cant wait to see what happens next.There are several crafts I will like to eventually get into such as weaving, basket weaving, chain mail jewelry and dying my own yarn to use and sell.
GIVEAWAY: Barista mitts, winner's choice of color - as seen in the shop. Winner agrees to pay shipping.

Friday, March 13, 2015

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.



Friday, September 26, 2014

Second Birthday Celebration!

It has been two years since I started Stitches by Ashley Nicole, formerly Onesie o'Clock on the Dot, and we're celebrating with a giveaway and a sale!

Thank you to all of the fans and supporters of Stitches by Ashley Nicole! Your support means a lot to me and I greatly appreciate it. 

If you head over to the shop by clicking on the Storenvy "Visit my Store" badge on the right hand side of the blog, you can take advantage of the birthday sale by using coupon code 2ndBday when checking out for a 22% discount. Mobile readers, you can click here to visit the shop. And don't forget to check back in the shop each day over the weekend because the plan is to add new items each day.

Use the widget below to enter the giveaway for a chance to win $5, $10 or $15 in store credit!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, June 27, 2014

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.



Friday, June 20, 2014

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!


Friday, May 16, 2014

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, May 2, 2014

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 1st 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.


Friday, April 18, 2014

Feature Friday: Gmajanisew

Example of a leather bound book purse
This week, we're bringing to you the small business: Gmajanisew. The name implies that a grandma is the owner behind this funky small business, but nope, it's a young woman named Maranda! Her name came from "the ridicule I received in school for wearing hippie style clothing, from the kids calling me 'Grandma' and my love for the music of Janis Joplin."

One of the things that stands out about her shop to me is the hardcover books turned into purses. As a book lover, I cringe (don't worry, she's also a book lover, so she's not doing this to spite all of us book nerds ). As a fellow crafter, I think her creativity is genius and the work looks amazing! A lot of the products are everyday items that have be repurposed into fun, upcycled items. In addition to the book purses, there are book hooks, tie skirts and Scrabble tile jewelry. The creativity in this shop is endless!

Maranda was kind enough to offer up $10 in store credit to one lucky reader this weekend. The store credit is good for anything in her shop and expires on May 22, 2014 (this is 30 days after a winner was chosen).

Friday, March 21, 2014

Feature Friday: Sweet Pistol Rose

This week, I'm bringing Sweet Pistol Rose to you and the personable WAHM behind Sweet Pistol Rose wrote up this little bio for you to get to her, her products and what makes them so special.

Sofia inspired birthday stats sign
Hi I’m Racheal, the owner-designer behind Sweet Pistol Rose. While my little shop has only been open about nine months, I have been creating my entire life! I am the daughter of a jewelry designer and a wood carver who comes from a long line of artists (My uncle paints in Rome!).
As a mom, I've never had loads of free time, but always enjoyed the time that I was able to spend creating scrapbooks to hold our memories. After many people commented on my drive and creativity, I decided that Etsy would be a great place to share my talents.
Jake inspired birthday invitation
What started off as what my husband refers to as "Arts & Crafts hour" has become a profitable pastime! Once I came to Etsy, customers began asking for a variety of different things. I quickly realized that I could do so much more - signs, banners, cupcake and cake accessories...you never know! Recently I even added digital invitations and chalkboard signs to the mix.
Etsy has been a great place for me to share my creative ideas off with the world! I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of a long and creative relationship with paper and parties!

Racheal was kind enough to offer up a Spring Sign Subway printable from Sweet Pistol Rose (this is a digital download). This printable is exclusive to this giveaway and will not be available for purchase through the Etsy shop. For that reason, she has offered it to 10 lucky winners! (Any duplicate winners will be redrawn.)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 17, 2014

Giveaway for 150 Likes on Facebook!

Thank you to all the wonderful fans we have on Facebook!

Three sets of chevron coasters ready for purchase in the shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


**International winners will be asked to pay the difference for the Domestic US shipping.**

Friday, March 7, 2014

Feature Friday: Little Birdy Blue

Starting with this week, the Feature Friday post will now be a weekly feature on the blog. I cannot wait to share all of the great small businesses with you in the coming weeks!

Little Birdy Blue collage
This week, I am bringing you a new small business from South Haven, MI: Little Birdy Blue. The work at home mom (WAHM) behind Little Birdy Blue is Jennifer. This WAHM business is one worth supporting, in my opinion. The products are crocheted and very well made; and she has a wide variety of products to choose from, too!

© jenjendb, via Instagram
For Christmas 2013, I traded with her to get one of her adorable crochet bears. My mom is obsessed with teddy bears and everything about her Christmas decorations is teddy bears, so I thought a one of a kind, handmade teddy bear was the perfect gift for her. It was really well made and definitely worth the price! The picture to the left is the photo Jennifer shared via Instagram of the bear that I received from her. I would have used my own picture of it, but I didn't take any that aren't a blur of my son running around hugging it (this means that there is no clear shot of the great craftsmanship).

Jennifer was kind enough to include a giveaway this week of an amigurumi bunny just in time for Easter! Please take the time to check out her shop on Storenvy and her page on Facebook (see the links below).
Giveaway bunny!