Welcome to Toddlerhood!

Last night was our first call to Poison Control after our 2-year-old decided to taste some Aveeno lotion. Luckily it wasn't much, and she didn't get sick. It just took her forever to fall asleep!

Today, she's decided that she's not napping at all. :(

Someone needs to send her the memo that Little S needs to give T a break so that T and Little S Designs can finish and ship some orders. LOL

Welcome to toddlerhood, right?

What has your business done for you lately?

I've been thinking of this as more of a business than a hobby for about 6 months now, and I can honestly say that my sales have gone up since I've taken it more seriously. I'm putting in more time in designing my items and marketing (forums, Twitter, etc.). Up until this point, my earnings have mainly gone to buy other business supplies and for odds and ends, gifts, etc. (mainly for my daughter). However, I have some goals that I'd really like to meet over the summer, so I'm hoping for some continued sales.

With earnings from my business, I really want to....
1. buy my family tickets to Dora Live! that's coming to Columbus in June.
2. buy my daughter a sandbox, slide, and some other outdoor items to play w/ over the summer.

So if you have your own business and/ or Etsy shop, what are some of your goals for the summer months?

Recent Custom Shabby Chic, Quilt-Inspired Birthday Banner

You may remember that I had a banner giveaway through http://monkeytreecreations.blogspot.com/ a few weeks ago while I was on vacation. The winner had a fabulous quilt photo that showed her favorite colors used together and asked if I could use that as inspiration for the birthday banner. I was happy to oblige, and I love the end result!

Here is the inspiration Vintage Baby quilt:

http://quilttaffy.blogspot.com/2009/04/favorite-colors.html

Here are the banners (Happy Birthday as one, and Lillian as the other):

Not quite as much bright pink, but I think it turned out really cute!

**Apologies for the unedited pictures. I'm still having issues w/ my Kodak Easyshare software.

Friday's Featured Etsy Seller--Alphabulous!

Here's another Spotted Box and EtsyMom team member featured this week. Her work is so cute and perfect to wear for playgroup, etc. , and her name canvas art would look great in the playroom or nursery. I love the fact that she wants her shop to look like a "bowl of jelly beans," and she has work in a local shop here in Columbus! Enjoy!

-What is your shop name and URL?
http://www.alphabulous.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)
My two most favorite things to do are to be with my fun family and get inspired to create more fun things!

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
I sell hand made patches, appliques, games, and gifts. I want it to be unique so I am always looking for new ideas.

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?
FAM team, Team EtsyBaby, Team Etsykids, Team EtsyMoms, The Spotted Box

-What inspires your creations?
my kids and the things around them

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.
I am self taught in my patch and applique creations. I am willing to create anything my customer wants (within reason). I have found more freedom in saying "I'll give it a try" and then be pleased with the outcome.

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?
I would have to say my "name canvas". There so many ways to make this your own. I have worked with Moms who have made these into memory boards after their kids have grown. I love to add personal details and different fabrics. Once they're done, they are your very own "one of a kind".-

Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)
One example is "Monkey See"http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17047263-

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Open, humorous, friendly

-What do you like about Etsy?
I love it all. I think Etsy is the best thing out there. It makes your dream of having a shop come true and they provide great tools for success.

-What makes your shop unique?
I wanted my shop to resemble a bowl of jelly beans. Bright, sweet, inviting and you just can't stop at one.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?
Just have fun. Join teams, reach out to other shops. Make friends. It's a wonderful community of artisans.

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

Happy Earth Day!

I hope that everyone is taking a moment today to at least think of a few changes that you can make in your life that are more eco-friendly. I believe that this is a process, and I'm slowly making more changes in our household that are better for the environment. I've talked w/ my 2-year old daughter this week about turning off the lights when we're not in the room. If she had her way, every light in the house would be on all of the time, but we're working on it. Here are a few of the changes that I've made in the last year and where you can buy the products/ find out more information:

--cloth wipes for lunch/ dinner messes in cute toddler patterns! They are just her size and much more fun than paper towels.
http://www.picnicbasketcrafts.etsy.com

--reusable cloths for the Swiffer instead of the disposable ones (the shop I bought these from is no longer selling them, but they work great!) The shop listed above has similar ones for sale.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21332781

--reusable grocery bags from Target
--Greenworks cleaners (when these run out, I'll start using the ones from the shop listed above. She has so many green items in her shop!)
--Felt play food for my daughter from thelittleLOVEbug shop
www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com

These are just a few of the many eco-friendly shops on Etsy. Happy Earth Day!

New Collaboration with EtsyMom--Sugarelli!

I've had this idea of custom wedding favors and baby/ bridal shower favors in my head for awhile now, and through a collaboration with one of my favorite Etsy sellers and my fellow EtsyMom, Sugarelli, it's finally a reality! Stephanie came up with 3 fabulous designs to use on my ceramic coasters to make a truly personal, beautiful, and functional favor for your upcoming event, and I love how they turned out. We'll work with you to personalize it to your colors, initials, etc. to make it a gift that your guests can treasure long after the event. Here are the initial designs (hopefully we'll have more designs in the future!):

Perfect for the baby shower or as a baby announcement/ keepsake gift for the new parents, grandparents, etc. It can be personalized with the shower details or the birth details in your choice of colors.

I love this cherry blossom/ monogram design for weddings! Again, it can be customized to your colors, initials, etc.

Such a classic design in your choice of colors!

I'm still working out the details for shipping large quantities of these, but I will work with you to find the most affordable shipping option that contains delivery confirmation and insurance. If you're local to the central Ohio area, local pick-up is always an option. Large quantity discounts are available.

The Spotted Box Came Yesterday!

My daughter and I talked about it all day, and it was here when we came home from lunch! Seriously, my two-year-old gets very excited about this and pulls everything out of the box before I can see it or get a picture. Then she wants me to open them all, and she talks about the "cute little soaps" and "new bracelets," etc. It was a great box again this month. I'm going to try to at least list all of the items, but I may miss a few. They tend to scatter fast in this house. :)

$5 GC to www.2by2boutique.com
$5 GC to www.beemerknits.com
Upcycled envelope from www.fluffnfixings.etsy.com
Organic sucker and $10 GC to www.seventeenstone.com (sucker tastes great!)
Lip balm samples from http://hyenacart.com/clearhillshoney
Recycled crayon from www.goosehilldesigns.com
Snap sample from www.ohsnapusa.com
Sleepy Sleepy Tea from www.monkeytreecreations.etsy.com
Lavendar Sachet from www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com
Clean Beans from www.bittyfluff.com
Soap sample from www.countysoapsbymarlene.etsy.com (smells great for my sinus and allergy)
Cloth Diaper towel? from www.weeones.biz (really cute, daughter claimed it for her dolls)
2 cute cards from www.dfmidesigns.com (love the owl one!)
Spring card and lollipop from www.memoriesbyolenka.com and www.customcandycreations.etsy.com
Cute spring clippie from www.socialbutterflies.etsy.com (perfect for my daughter's fine hair!)
Corner bookmark from www.lilbitsassy.etsy.com
Cotton Candy soy candle from www.themeltingpotcandleco.com (smells yummy!)
Tulip felt sugar cookie from www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com (daughter took this one, too)
Glitter cosmetics from www.glittersniffer.etsy.com (perfect for my SIL)
Beaded ponytail wrap from www.ponypretties.etsy.com (daughter wears as a bracelet)
Infant boys hat from www.kinderklothes.etsy.com (will give this to a friend)\
Healing Hemp Balm (full-size?) from www.sudzybaby.com

I'll try to post pictures and include the last few samples that I'm missing from my list. Thanks again everyone. It was another great box!

Giveaway Winner--Becki!

Thanks to all who commented and left me some fabulous new ideas and feedback for my Etsy shop! I'll be adding some ideas and categories in the next few weeks based on your comments--more office items, more mompreneur items, and possibly a wedding memory book and baby's first year book when I get a chance.

Thanks again!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 1

New Ideas in the Works--Please Comment for Giveaway!

I have a few new ideas in the works for my shop, and I'd love some feedback. I'll pick one lucky comment from this post and surprise them with one of the new items, so please leave me some honest feedback and ideas! I'll leave this open until Friday then pick the winner by random generator at 9pm EST. Thanks!

--Custom Wedding/ Bridal Shower/ Baby Shower/ Etc. Ceramic Coaster Favors--personalized, monogrammed, etc. for your event (this one is in the works and should be listed in my shop soon, just need to figure out the shipping logistics as they will be heavy!) Local pickup is available for central Ohioans

--DIY Kits- for cards (that your kids could make), scrapbook pages, and paper bag albums (these would all be great party activities for girls or to do as a Mother/ Daughter activity)

--More altered/ decoupaged items--clothespins, frames, etc.

--More party kits (monkeys and ladybugs will be listed soon, but more are on the way!)

Also, send me your suggestions. What would you like to see in my shop?

The Spotted Box Goes on Sale Today!!

Starting at noon EST, boxes will be available for sale on both Etsy and HyenaCart in mini and full sizes. They go quickly, and there are a limited number available.

To find out more about the box and to get your own, go to

www.thespottedbox.etsy.com

Front Page, Baby!

It's hardly The New York Times, but the Etsy article made the front page of The Newark Advocate. Here's the link:

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20090413/NEWS01/90413034&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Recipes for the week

Since I've started following a few recipe/ dinner $ saving blogs, I've done much better the last few weeks on actually making a variety of yummy, healthy dinners and not relying on take-out as much as before. This probably isn't the most exciting post to read focueach week, but it allows me to really plan for the week, focus my grocery shopping, and stay organized.

Monday--Crockpot Beef roast w/ carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.
Tuesday--Leftovers
Wednesday--Lemon Broccoli Pasta (I'll add chicken, whole garlic, mushrooms and use whole -wheat pasta) http://everythingmoms.blogspot.com/2009/04/giant-eagle-bargain-recipe-of-week.html
Thursday--Leftover night
Friday--BW's chicken wings (coupon for 6 free ones!)

Etsy Team Columbus Punk Rock Challenge--Voting Time!

My local Etsy team, Etsy Team Columbus (ETC), has started doing monthly team challenges, and the April theme is punk rock! Although I didn't get a chance to enter this month, the entries are really cool, and my fellow team members spent lots of time on their designs and products. All are posted on the site for viewing and voting now:

http://etsyteamcolumbus.blogspot.com/2009/04/punk-rock-challenge-team-submissions.html

Go vote and support my fellow Columbus team members! All items are also for sale in their individual Etsy shops, so if you see a punk rock item that catches your eye, by all means, go to that shop and grab it.

Thanks!

Newspaper Interview!!!!!

I was contacted through Etsy last evening by a local general assignment reporter from The Newark Advocate. She wants to do an article on locals who sell on Etsy, whether it's stay-at-home moms looking to earn some extra cash or folks who are delving into their creative side as a second career and asked if I'd like to be interviewed. Um, yes please! I'm so excited, as this is my first bit of "press" involving my business.

Wish me luck! We're working out dates/ times for the interview, and I'll be sure to post updates as I get them.

Special Deal for Team Members and Blog Readers!!

I know I've mentioned this before, but I have way too much paper around here. To use up my stash, I'm offering a special deal for all my blog readers and my team members!

Here are the details:
--40 3x3 mini notecards for only $4!!!!!
--envelopes are not included in this price but can be added for an add'l charge
--inside of the card is blank for your note/ message
--paper has to come from my stash for this deal (no custom orders). I have tons of Amy Butler, recycled papers, etc. to pick from!
--I can stamp "thank you," "happy birthday," etc. on the outside for you, just let me know.

This deal will run from Wed. April 8th through midnight Easter Sunday. Thanks!

Home Sweet Home

We're back from vacation and had a wonderful cruise in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Isla Roatan, and Belize. However, we came back home to a freeze warning and a rainy/ snowy mix. Yuck!

I'm finishing up these orders and shipping soon:
--pink/ cream custom bridal shower banner and favor tags
--photo coasters
--custom coasters
--eco-friendly birthday kit (just finishing up the party hats!)
--set of 40 mini thank you cards

I'll update my blog w/ pictures and more info. soon. Thanks for being patient while we were out of the country! Also, many thanks to all of you who entered the banner giveaway over at MonkeyTreeCreations blog, visited my shop, hearted my shop, etc.! It was so nice to come home to nice comments. :)