Friday Give-Away ~ Alas My Dear

www.alasmydear.etsy.com

Alas My Dear is a very creative Etsy shop that features many unique and playful jewelry designs. I love this give-away! I wish I could enter myself! Here are a few of my favorites in her shop:

Let me introduce Deborah, the shop owner:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hallo! I'm Deborah, and I'm the happy owner of Alas! My Dear. I'm 28 this year. I'm a grad student doing cancer research by day, and a craft nerd by night. I live in Singapore with Mr. AlasMyDear and his family in a little house with a garden full of gnomes and pigs.

I make quirky jewelry and pins, and the occasional card when an idea grabs me by the throat. I work mainly with charms, cloth, felt and vintage and recycled materials.

2. What inspires your creativity the most?

Mainly nature, books, and lurking around the net. I love StumbleUpon! Apart from that, sometimes a particular finding or piece of cloth speaks to me so loudly that I just have to do something with it. to make it shut up. And I get many, many ideas at the time when I'm semi-conscious, either just about to fall asleep or just about to wake up.

3. How long have you been creating?

I was fairly 'artsy' as a child, my mother tells me that I was always painting, drawing, making little zines and cards. I got pretty stifled during my years in school (I was very academic - an awful swor and nerd!). I only had time for creativity in university, and after I started working. That's been about 8 years now.

4. What was the inspiration for your shop name?

I'm terrible at time management! I have a day job, which keeps me busy most of the day. I only get to create on weekends and evenings - which eats into family time. Mr. AlasMyDear has to pinch and drag me away from the work table. "Als, my dear!" was something he used to say when he saw me taking out my crafty tools.

5. Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?

Currently my pieces are inly available at my etsy shop at www.alasmydear.etsy.com

And now the give-away:

This adorable ducky necklace! I love it!!

Just post a comment to be entered into the contest. Make sure you tell Deborah your favorite item or what you like about her shop! The contest ends Thursday at noon mountain time. I will announce the winner that afternoon. Good Luck!!

Contgratulations!!

And the winner of Elle's give-away is...

MOLLIE

But you could be the next winner! Come back tomorrow to see what's up for grabs!

Friday Give-Away ~ Elles Studio

www.elles.etsy.com

I fell in love with Elles Studio the mintue I discovered her shop! Full of fancy paper that can be used for any number of things. There is stationary, journaling spots, calendar spots, Month by Month baby cards, etc! I have ordered from Elles Studio and I can say that I was 100% pleased. Here are a few of my favorites from her shop followed by Elles interview:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm 25 years old and have been in the design industry for 8 years already! I can't see myself any other place; design, arts and crafts have always played a huge role in my life. My hobbies all revolve around design too! I love to scrapbook, take photos, paint, etc.

2. What was your most memorable creation, or the one you are most proud of?

Probably the 25th anniversary book I made for my parents! It was a huge surprise and the entire time I was making it I had them convinced it was for my sister for her wedding present! They couldn't believe it when they opened it-Plus, it was so fun to make and remember all the memories.

3. What inspires you the most?

I think most of it comes from everyday life. Colors, surroundings, ideas come from everywhere! Some ideas even come from an "I could really use something like ___" moments! I love those moments:)

4. Where did you learn your creating skills?

Throughout life I was always experimenting. In high school I took every art class I could and then went to college after that to study Graphic Design. I worked in a print shop after that for 4 years and learned almost everything about the industry. From there I moved on to becoming a freelancer - which is where I'm at now.

And what is the give-away?

ANYTHING from the Elles Studio Shop!!!!

Make sure to leave a comment and you will be entered to win. Say what you like about Elles Studio or your favorite item. Contest ends Thursday at noon mountain time and the winner will be announced Thursday afternoon! Good Luck!

Congratulations!! Winner was chosen through Random.org

There will be another tomorrow! Come back!

Friday Give-Away ~ Baby Hoot

http://www.babyhoot.etsy.com/

I love this shop. So cute and reasonable!! Jessica Gran and Christina Kristler (sisters) run the Babyhoot and are good at what they do. Babyhoot has an assortments of burpclothes, bibs, toddler size aprins, changing mats, onesies, hair clippies and more! All done in good taste. Here is a little about Jessica, Christina and their shop:

1.How long have you been doing what you do?

We started doing research and testing out our products in the summer of 2007 when Kaylie was six months old and I was tired of not having quality products. We researched which fabrics are the best, which size dimension made the purfect burpcloth, etc. It was nice having the baby be so young so we could try everything out.

We listed our first product on Etsy in September 2007.

2. What do you like to create?

I like creating products that are fun and functional-as a mom of three kids; I only have time for things that are practical! I think every baby should get to have a wonderfully made, sturdy, super soft special blankie- the blankets that moms put in the child's keepsake boxes as they get older. I have never been a frilly girl that likes pink, so I lean towards non-conventional or typical fabrics -no pastels or little baby blocks for me. Christina is (and always has been) frilly; her wedding was over-the-top hot pink and EVERYTHING with black and white polka dots! We're a good balance together.

3. How did you get started on Etsy? Are you finding success?

My friend was selling jewelry on Etsy and while checking it out, I was amazed at how many creative people were selling their wares. I told my sister, "I've always wanted to do this, and Etsy is a great venue to start!" Our definition of success changes as our business grows. First, we just wanted people to look at our items, adn we'd get excited if our view counts went up. Then, if people "hearted" us. We said we'd be "official" of somebody that we didn't know actually bought something from us. We're still pretty new, and we're starting to dive into the wholesale world. There's so many Etsy sellers with baby products, I know it will take a while to set ourselves apart from the others.

4.Were you creative before you had children?

I've always been creative, when I was a child I hated coloring books because I wanted to make my own picture, not just color in what somebody else had drawn. For a while after my forst child was born, I didn't really have time to "be creative" and kinds lost the desire to do anything creative. But, baby, it's back!

5. How do you find time to stay creative?

I have a wonderful mother in law that watches the kids on days I need to sew. I stopped being so hard on myself for achieving my daily goals- if I set out to sew ten bibs in one sitting, but things weren't flowing for me that day; I just try again the next time instead of finishing my goal, even though it made me crabby and miserable in the meantime.

What is Babyhoot giving away you ask?

These adorable Burpclothes!!!

Just post a comment to win (and leave a way I can reach you, incase you are the lucky winner). Say what you love about Babyhoots shop or a favorite item from there shop. Contest will close on Thursday at noon, Mountian time. The winner will be announced Thursday afternoon. Have Fun!!!

Meeting Street Designs Winner

Congratulations Monamigreetings!! Tomorrow will be another chance to win, so keep checking back.

Winners are chosen through Random.org.

More talent than any one person should be able to have

The description fits perfect. My friend, Auburn Jones, is a bundle of talent. She is artistic in every way and can do anything. I have witnessed this. She is a great cook, her house belongs in a magazine (always clean and decorated to the nines), and she is currently designing my business logo which I am so excited to see!! Not to mention she has the cutest hair on the face of the planet, and one of the nicest people I have ever met.

There is one specific thing about Auburn I would like to share with the blogging world today, and that would be her trash-kickin' photography skills. Not kidding. She is amazing, had I only known about her earlier in my life. Don't worry, Auburn, I will have a lot more opportunities to use you in the future.

Bottom line, check out her website. I am not looking for a photographer at the moment, but I love to just mosey around her site and look at all the amazing photos in her gallery. And if you read her profile, you will find out that she loves to travel. She is well worth it, people. Take a 10 minute break and invest some time in enjoying some photos that will make you smile.

www.auburnjonesphotography.com

Mother's Day

For the first time I was not able to see my mother in person on Mother's Day. Honestly, it just felt like any other Sunday for the most part. A phone call just didn't seem to make up for the distance. However, I am ok. I will get to see her this upcoming weekend (I know, why didn't I book the flight a week earlier? I have no idea. I think I am brain dead).

The fun part for a mom with children out of state (looking on the bright side here) is getting a package in the mail. I love getting mail! LOVE IT! Always have, so hopefully my mom and mother-in-law feel the same. Here is what I sent:

Pretty boxes covered in fabric! This one was for my mom, she loves blue and brown and vintage things. I also threw a vintage doorbell in there too...which may seem odd to most, but if you know my mom, it would make sense. This was for Tamara, my mother-in-law. I filled hers with little cards that read what each kid and grandkid loves about her. It was a hassle gathering them up (which is why that didn't happen for my mom's, maybe next year...but you got a doorbell!!) and well worth it. Both gifts were a hit.

I enjoyed making these boxes so much that I listed them on my shop, custom ordered to your liking. This way I can be justified in making another one.

So, what did you all do for your mom's? Please share!!

Friday Give-Away ~ Meeting Street Designs

Featuring:

http://www.marymarsh.etsy.com/

Here is Mary Marsh, owner of the adorable store Meeting Street Designs. Her store is based off of these cute fabric covered buttons transformed into so many usable things: hair clips, ponytail holders (for little girls and big girls), headbands, jewelry, key chains, book marks and more. Take a gander around her store and see what she's got. Here were a few of my faves:

And here is a little about the woman herself, Mary Marsh:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Mary Marsh and I live in Charleston, SC (but grew up in NC). I have been married for 8 years. We have a Rottweiler and a cat. I love to create things! It's the creating something from nothing that is so rewarding to me.
2.What is your most memorable creation, or the one you are most proud of?

I'd have to say my most memorable creation has to be mu unique and one-of-a-kind button key chains. I came up with the design solely on my own. I was so pleased as to how they turned out. They are both fun and functional!

3. How did you find Etsy and what made you decide to sell on Etsy?

I was doing a web search one day for ponytail holders (to buy) and came across Etsy. This was shortly before I learned how to make them myself. Once I did learn, I decided that Etsy would be the perfect venue to sell them. So far, I have been very pleased with Etsy. I have been selling on Etsy for a little over a year now.

4. What was the inspiration for your shop name?

I came up with "Meeting Street Designs" after some careful thought. Here in Charleston, one of the major streets downtown is called "Meeting Street"...thus the shop name "Meeting Street Designs" came to be.

5. Where did you learn your creating skills?

I have to attribute my creating skills to my Mom. She graduated with an art degree from college so we were always making some sort of craft at home.

And now, the Friday Give-Away:

Mary is offering 4 cute-as-can-be Kitchen Magnets

Post a comment to win. Tell Mary what you like about her shop, or what your favorite item is. The contest will close at noon Mountain time on Thursday and the winner will be announced Thursday afternoon. Make sure and leave a way I can contact you incase you win! Good Luck!

CONGRATUALTIONS LIZ!!! You are the winner of Dani Designs beautiful necklace!

Stay tuned--tomorrow is another chance!!

The Friday Give-Away ~ DaniDesigns

Featuring Dani Designs!

http://www.danidesigns.etsy.com/

Allow me to introduce Dani, the owner of Dani Designs. Her shop is just super! She is really gifted at jewelry making and it is apparent that it is a passion for her. Her necklaces always have uniques charms and meaning. I strongly suggest giving this ladies shop a looksee! You will enjoy, here are some of my favorites:

And now, a little about Dani:
1.Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I'm a proud mom of a wonderful, energetic 2 year old boy. My family is the most important thing in my life and I truly cherish every moment with them. I studied Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NY. I love art, the expression; the deep connections that you leave are incredible to me. Art, creation has been in my life ever since I can remember. Picking up that pen or creating something runs through my blood.

2. What inspires your creativity the most?

Love, Happiness, Beleiving...Encouraging. Really everything inspires me. Each piece has hidden messages, whether it was the color bead that was picked or the charm that moved me. I want people to know when they wear one of my pieces that it was created for them.

3. How did you find Etsy and what made you decide to sell on Etsy?

A close friend who shops on Etsy told me about it. She really encouraged me to give it a try. She said, "these pieces were too pretty to keep locked away." So, I'm giving it a try.

4. How long have you been creating?

For as long as I can remember, I even think I was creating when I was an infant! When I was young I loved to draw. It was the only way that I could express myself. Then I started to write. Everything I have ever done in my life has been through art. It's really all I know, and I know it's the only thing that would make me happy.

5. What was the inspiration for your shop name?

My nickname is Dani, both my family and friends call me that. I wanted my shop to be a place where people thought of me as a friend. Creating or designing for them.



**Typist's note: I think Dani would be great at creating that special gift for someone, using beads that reflect who that person is or why they are special to you.



What's the Give-Away?

This beautiful necklace handmade by Dani herself (24" nickel ball chain, can be cut to any length winner wants).

Here is her meaning behind these wonderful charms:

Vintage buffalo coin

Feather = symbol of native american buffalo coin

Vintage stone black bead = Earth and stability

Clear bead = purity and clarity

Post a comment to win. Let us know what your favorite item is in Dani's shop, or say something you like about her. Make sure you leave a way I can contact you incase you are the winner. Contest closes at noon Mountain time on Thursday. Winner will be announced Thursday afternoon. Good Luck!!

And the winner is...

Congratulations!! I will notify you of how to claim your prize!! Enjoy your new wristlet!! Stay tuned and tomorrow we will anounce our new give-away!!

All winners are chosen randomly through Random.org