My 200th Post! Want to win a free banner??

I can't believe this is my 200th blog post and that people are actually reading it still. LOL

To celebrate, I'm sponsoring a giveaway on Monkey Tree Creations, and the winner will get to pick a free birthday or party banner from my shop or have a custom banner created just for them! Giveaway is from 3/30-4/6.

I'm currently working on monkeys and ladybugs, but seriously, the sky's the limit on banners and party supplies. Winner will be contacted after I return from vacation on 4/6.

To enter, please head over to Monkey Tree Creations blog:

http://monkeytreecreations.blogspot.com

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller and Team Member--Goose Hill Designs!

I met this seller through Twitter, and she's now a Spotted Box member (and on the EtsyMoms team, too)! She has amazing party favors for children and for baby showers or new parents. She's getting ready to celebrate her one year Etsy-versary on April 1st and is offering all of my blog readers a 10% discount on their orders in her shop for the entire month of April! Use the code "tscrapper" in the notes to seller when purchasing. Happy browsing and shopping!

-What is your shop name and URL?

Goose Hill Designs, http://www.goosehilldesigns.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

My husband and I were married in 2001 after dating for just over two months. We then moved four times in three years before he left the Navy. Now we are in my home state of NY where I am a stay at home Mom to our 3.5 yr old son Noah. Fortunately my husband is supportive of my addiction to all things crafty and has even given up his half of our home office so that I could expand my studio.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Right now I sell primarily molded crayons. I have many different shapes and sets available; and specialize in creating custom favors for birthday parties and holidays. I also create scrabble tile pendants, and baby washcloth gift sets. I have several new products in the works and I really look forward to adding many of those items as time allows.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

EtsyMom & The Spotted Box

-What inspires your creations?

My inspiration has always come from my family. Everything I make is the product of a need or desire of myself or my son. Having a vision of something and being able to create it for yourself is extremely satisfying!

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I have always been a creative person but never really put any time into a craft. In March 2008 I ordered a shopping cart cover on ebay. When it arrived I was so dissappointed by the quality. Suddenly I had a light bulb moment and I knew I could do better. Within a matter of days I purchased my first sewing machine and Goose Hill Designs was born! I literally watched the DVD it came with which taught me how to thread my machine and sew a few basic stitches. I sold my first cart cover on Ebay one week later. Nine months and 105 cart covers after that I retired to pursue a few new crafts. Everything I do is self-taught. If I see something that I would like to use, or that I would like to buy for my son I know it will be worthwhile to create. Having the freedom to create whatever you want is not always a good thing though. These days I walk into the craft store and I think "Oh I could make that!" and " I can make that!". Sometimes it's tough to remember what I went in for!

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I love my alphabet crayon set.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

It is such a fun, unique gift for kids and I think it sets me apart from other shops. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21768002

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Driven, Creative, Devoted

-What do you like about Etsy?

I love the community. Between the forums, the treasuries and the teams, Etsy does a great job of getting everyone to interact with eachother. I also love the support. Setting up your shop and maintaining everything is very user-friendly!

-What makes your shop unique?

I have really tried to create a pleasant visual experience in my shop. I work hard creating crisp pictures and detailed decriptions. I think when you put a lot of time and energy into something it will show.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

The best advice I can give to anyone is to stay fresh and get yourself out there! Continually adding new items to your shop will challenge your creativity and keep you excited. Get on the forums, network whenever you can. If you love your shop and love what you are doing your customers can't help but be attracted to you. Also if you want to be more creative just start refering to your workspace as your "studio". It works! :o)

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

Visit my website http://www.goosehilldesigns.com/. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all the latest updates!

April Spotted Box Samples!

Just finished up my samples for the April Spotted Box, and I'm sending in 60 spring polka dot cupcake toppers. I hope that everyone enjoys them!

More Dinner Ideas and Tips!

I promise, I will be back w/ more business posts after my vacation, but I'm really trying to get more organized in our house. Last week, I mentioned the site www.5dollardinners.com , and I still follow it and love it. While reading another blog, I discovered a link for "dump chicken" recipes. Apparently, you dump the ingredients in a large ziplock bag w/ the chicken, then use them when you're ready for a quick dinner. She said she made 9 dinners in 20 minutes (prep time) using these 21 dump chicken recipes. OMG--I've found a lifeline! As I mentioned, I hate to cook, and I'm not very good. This sounds like a great standby for me! I can put ingredients in a ziplock bag! I can thaw out and cook using recipes! Yay! Hope this helps someone else, too.

http://busymomscookbook.blogspot.com/2008/02/21-dump-chicken-freezer-crockpot.html

All 21 recipes are posted there. :)

On a business note, I am working on several new banners and kits--ladybugs and monkeys are the next two that should be in my shop later this week!

Saturday Night Special for Blog Readers!

This weekend special is good until Sunday night at midnight, so you've got over 24 hours to shop, and it's only for my blog readers!

--All custom luggage tags are BOGO 1/2 off!!!

--All ceramic coaster sets are $10!

Mention code "blog reader special" in the notes to seller, and I will refund the amount through Paypal. Happy Shopping!

Friday's Featured Seller--Jewelry by Desiree!

I can't believe that it's Friday already, but I have another featured team member from The Spotted Box team! Meet Desiree of Jewelry by Desiree. It was so nice to get to know someone with successful shops on other selling venues--Artfire and Shop Handmade!

What is your shop name and URL?

My shop name is Jewelry by Desiree. I actually have 2 shops the first on Artfire http://jewelrybydesiree.artfire.com/ and the other is on Shop Handmade http://jewelrybydesiree.shophandmade.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

Lets see, well my full time job is as an architect with a multi-national architecture firm headquartered in Atlanta. I've been living in Georgia since 2005. We relocated down here from New Jersey where both my husband and I grew up. Besides jewelry design one of my passions is soccer. I played for 10 years before a knee injury convinced me that I'd be better off watching instead of playing. I have coached for a local soccer club in my county for the past three years.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I don't have an Etsy shop but I'll tell you what's in my Artfire studio. I design, make and sell jewelry and wine charms. I'm hoping to expand into keychains and cell phone laynards sometime in the near future.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

Again no Etsy but I belong to Artfire Guilds. I am the Guild Master of Georgia Artisans. I am also a member of Blogfire, We Love Artfire, Artfire Jewelry Design & Jewelry Supply and Artisan Jeweler Guild.

-What inspires your creations?

Anything and everything. Maybe it's a cool bead, color combination, painting, drawing or anything else.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I am completely self-taught. I have learned by scowering the internet for various tutorials of I've come up with my own way of doing something. I have written a few tutorials on my blog as well as http://byhand.me/ and ArtDaily on Artfire. I always keep a notebook on me in case inspiration strikes. The last time it did I was in a project team meeting at my day job.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

My favorite item in my shop is my Painter's Canvas Set. It's a bracelet and pair of earrings. You can see it here: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=72954

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

When I found these beads I wasn't even looking for them. I was on my way out of the isle at the store and had to wait for someone to pass before I could make my way out of the isle and there they were. The beads emind me of the painter Jackson Pollack's works.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

compasionate, outgoing, creative

-What do you like about Etsy?

I don't but I love Artfire's admin. They are always on twitter or in the forums to help you out whenever you need it. I'm not quite sure when they sleep!

-What makes your shop unique?

Jewelry is by and far the largest category of handmade selling venue. Each artisan that creates jewelry is unique and all of their creations are in turn unique. This is due to the fact that no two of us are the same or have the same personalities or styles.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

For the sellers out there the best advice that I can give is to ask lots of questions and to promote like crazy. All of the Artisans on Artfire are a great bunch. You need only to post a question on the forums and there's always someone that is willing to try to help you out. For buyers my best advice is to read the seller's policies before making a purchase.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

My blog http://jewelrybydesiree.blogspot.com/ My flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/JewelrybyDesiree My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=54904712 My MySpace http://www.myspace.com/rerun42 Twitter http://www.twitter.com/JewelrybyDesire and Indie Public http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/JewelrybyDesiree

The March Spotted Box--Yay!

Once again, I love the contents of my Spotted Box! There are so many things in here that we can use, and again, my little helper pulled a few things out and claimed them before I could get the photos or even the name of the shop. Anyways, I'll do my best to describe them. :)

--$5 off coupon from www.hyenacart.com/babybeandesign
--$5 gift certificate to www.princessjuliannescloset.com
--really cute bow clip from www.polkatotboutique.com
--soap sample from www.countrysoapsbymarlen.etsy.com
--tulip soy candle sample from www.themeltingpotcandleco.com
--tropical key chain/ zipper pull from www.vinhthidesigns.com
--hair clip from www.hyenacart.com/bittyfluff ( a bit too big for my daughter's fine hair, but she'll use it with her dolls)
--really cute play cookie from www.hyenacart.com/fairycakesandpixiebows
--upcycled mailer envelope from www.fluffnfixings.etsy.com ( love this idea!)
--thank you card and butterfly postcard from www.dfmidesigns.com
--night time eye serum from www.picnicbasketcrafts.etsy.com
--exfoliating scrub from www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com
--full bar of soap from www.mollycoddlesoap.com
--large mudslider from www.hyenacart.com/2by2boutique ( we don't cloth diaper but we'll use it for something around the house)
--nail jewelry from www.scratchjewellery.etsy.com ( definitely not my style, so I probably won't use this one)
--lip balm samples from www.clearhillshoney.com
--small beanbag from www.adornwithaandm.etsy.com
--earrings from www.hyenacart.com/tiffanystrinkets (not my style but will give these away)
--lavendar rose of sharon seeds from www.fluffnflowers.etsy.com
--crochet Easter bunny pin from www.polkadottedpickle.com
--really cute cloth wipe from www.stylinbabycloth.etsy.com (my daughter loves these to wipe her hands and face after eating!)
--recycled crayon from www.elizabear.etsy.com

Saving money on meals/ Monday post

This is not my normal post on here, as I typically focus on business items and new ideas. However, in my effort to save my family money and become more organized in the process, I've discovered a few recipe websites to share. I've also decided to start planning our menus for the week. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to cook, and I'm not a very good cook. My hubby is just now in Phase 2 of South Beach, so at least he can eat some normal foods again. Therefore, I have to have recipes to follow. I'll let you know how this first week goes.

The first website is http://orgjunkie.com/ and her Menu Planning Monday section. She includes her recipes for the week, as well as links to several of the recipes. Other readers comment w/ their recipes for the week, so there are tons to choose from!

The second website is http://www.5dollardinners.com/ where the entire meal costs $5 or less. If you click on the Bargain Meal of the Week on the right side, other bloggers create a meal based on what's on sale at particular stores that week. You can pick your grocery store. Love it!

So, here's what I'm going to try for the week:
Monday--1. leftover pot roast w/ veggies and 2. sausage/ wheat noodles from the weekend
Tuesday--Italian Pork chops w/ veggies http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/01/italian-pork-chops.html
Wednesday--20 Clove Chicken from the Kraft magazine that just came in the mail
Thursday--Spinach Pasta again from the Kraft magazine
Friday--Some kind of soup and salad, as it's supposed to turn cold again in Ohio :(

I would love to hear other tips/ recipes from my readers. I need easy recipes that are also somewhat healthy and fast to make. Thanks!

Hooray! The Spotted Box is on Sale Today!!!!

I love the 15th of each month. Why you might ask? Because The Spotted Box goes on sale starting at noon EST on Etsy and Hyena Cart! There are only a limited number of full-size and mini boxes available each month, so go forth sample shoppers and get your box! My daughter and I both love getting our "polka dotted box" (her words) in the mail each month.

http://www.thespottedbox.etsy.com/

To take your chance at winning a FREE box donated by Etsy seller fluffnflowers, please go to www.thespottedbox.com and enter the giveaway on the blog! Good luck!

SALE, SALE, SALE!!

It's been awhile since I've had a sale in my shop, and I'm working to build up my portfolio in a few areas, so......

all custom order boy-themed and bridal or baby shower party supplies are on sale! Save 15% off your total order! Some ideas for your banner, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, favor bags, party favors, centerpieces, etc.--
-monkey or other animals
-cars/ trucks/ airplanes
-dinosaurs
-sports
-a certain character or show
-let me know your ideas, and we'll make them happen!

Sale is good through Sunday evening. Please put "it's a party!" in the notes to seller to receive the sale price.

Friday's Featured Seller--Fairycakes and Pixiebows!

I'm so excited to feature another team member from The Spotted Box! Meet Pamela of Fairycakes and Pixiebows. She makes everything from basic hair bows to korker bows to faux cakes and cookies. It's an adorable shop on hyena cart! Please be sure to check it out.

-What is your shop name and URL?
Fairycakes and Pixiebows www.hyenacart.com/fairycakesandpixiebows

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
I am a work at home, homeschooling mom of 2 and love all kinds of crafts

-What do you sell in your Hyena cart shop?
Currently I am selling Faux Pastries and Boutique Hairbows I will be adding crotchet item, tote bags, clothing and tutu sets (tutu bows, magic wand, tutu skirt) soon

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
None

-What inspires your creations?
My children

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I learned to do what I do by searching on the internet for new and unusual items to create and that's where I start. I love making hairbows to match all of my daughters outfits and that is where I get most of my ideas. The seasons as well usually inspire my creations.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
My favorite item right now is my standard sized faux cupcakes

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
They are my favorite because they look so completely real

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Crafty, Nurturing, Whimsical

-What do you like about Hyena cart?
I love getting together with fellow crafters

-What makes your shop unique?
I think my products make my shop unique

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Hyena Cart?
It is the place to go for handmade WAHM items. I always shop here first

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
www.hyenacart.com/fairycakesandpixiebows
www.hyenacart.com/theenchantedglen
http://www.thespottedbox.com/

Lots of custom birthday orders!

I always joke that whenever I'm starting to slow down with orders that I do should do a trade. Seriously, it works for me everytime. I do a trade w/ someone then I get slammed with orders in the process. Yay! Lately, it's been birthday banners. I promise I'll post pictures soon.

I really want to get some listings in my shop for boy birthday banners--monkeys, cars/ trucks, bugs, etc. Anyone need one? Have any other ideas? I unfortunately have a little girl (love her to pieces but she doesn't help much when I'm trying to do boy items). LOL

Friday's Featured Seller--Glorybeherbals!!

I'm so happy to feature another team member from The Spotted Box team! Glorybeherbals is another Etsy seller that features amazing herbal items in her shop including zit killer, soy aroma candles, cold cream, and more. Always wanted to learn more about making your own herbal products for your home? She even has "how-to" kits where you can learn about herbs and oils and introduction to aromatherapy kits! How cool is that? She also offers one-on-one phone and email consultations to solve all of your herbal and aromatherapy questions and concerns.

-What is your shop name and URL?
My shop name is Glory Be Herbals and I have shops on etsy and hyena cart
http://www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com/
www.hyenacart.com/glorybeherbals

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
I am a Postal Worker with a husband, teenage daughter, and a poodle. I grow as many of my own herbs as possible and hope to someday have lots of land to raise more. I also love to crochet and knit but herbs and aromatherapy are my first love. I teach classes for my job and I love it so I would love teach herbal and aromatherapy classes. I also blend my own perfumes.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell herbal and aromatherapy products. I love working with customers on custom orders.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
I belong to 2 street teams-The Spotted Box and the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team (B.E.S.T)

-What inspires your creations?
I'm never sure where inspiration comes from. I think it cooks in the back of my brain. A particular herb or oil will grab my attention and I'll play with it until I have a new creation. I am always trying to find new ways to incorporate herbs and essential oils into daily life. I hate the thought of having harmful chemicals everywhere and the herbs and oils are much more pleasant.
-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
This is not an easy question. I guess a good example would be last summer when I harvested my German Chamomile flowers and made an infused oil with them. When the oil was finished I decided to make a cold cream with it. It came out so nice that I put it up for sale. So far it has been my best seller. I usually just think about what I want my finished product to do and use herbs and essential oils that will have a synergistic effect. Sometimes I create a masterpiece the first try, sometimes I have to tweak it for weeks, sometimes I have to abandon a project completely.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
I just listed an aromatherapy training program. I also love my hypericum cream and sleep balm.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21240702
It has samples of 13 essential oils, salve bases, carrier oils, clays, salts, and lots of empty containers. I wanted to have a complete program where you can learn about the oils and use them immediately. When I started learning I had mail order most of my oils a little at a time.

-What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, Hard working and loving in all that I do, I hope.

-What do you like about Etsy?
I like etsy because it really is easy and economical to get started. I also love the fact that you can see how often each item is being viewed.

-What makes your shop unique?
There are lots of similar shops that do what I do. But I think my personal style shows in my offerings. Plus I will NOT use fragrance oils. I think I am one of the few who don't.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
For anyone buying on etsy..I would say don't be afraid to ask questions. Anyone who is willing to take your money should not be afraid to explain their products. For sellers, it has been my experience that most people are shopping near a major holiday and on weekends. I try to list new products on Thursdays or Fridays so they will get more attention right away. Also, the spotted box has gotten me much more exposure and I have at least one customer who found me that way. And she has ordered from me twice already.

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?
http://www.glorybeherbals.blogspot.com/
I blog about my spotted boxes and other projects.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER BLOG FOR A GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK, TOO!!!

And the winner is....

#2!!! Kat C., please send me your address so we can get this right out. Thanks again to Abi at Monkey Tree Creations for a great giveaway and to all of you for visiting my blog and her shop! Look for a new Friday's Featured Seller later today.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 2 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Last day to enter the giveaway in the post below!

Monkeytreecreations giveaway ends tonight at midnight. Winner be drawn by random.org and posted tomorrow morning. Don't forget to enter in the post below! Who couldn't use stress balm?