Thursday, April 28, 2011

Smitten By a PROMISE winner :)

Few things...

*MORE face book giveaways going on right now! So if you did not win... There is still a chance! check out my FB page for details!

*This week only You will receive a gift with each purchase! The gift is a skinny elastic headband! Your choice of color and size! AND when I say each purchase I mean EACH and EVERY item you buy will come with a FREE gift! It is like winning every time :) Go to my shop HERE! and HERE is the free gift (In your choice of color!)

NOW for the winner.........

The winner is!!!!..............


VintageQueenGF said...

I voted!

Rachel
vintagequeengf(at)gmail(dot)com

Congrats Rachel! I am emailing you now! PLEASE email back within 24 hours or I will pick another winner! XOXO enjoy!
XOXO,
Kels

Ridivog Winner!

Ridivog is such a special shop to me! I will be a FOREVER customer! Remember

SMITTENBYAPROMISE is the coupon code for 20% off your order! Take advantage! You will NOT

be disappointed! Go to their shop HERE!


Now to the winner!

Random.org picked number 24! Laura! You are the lucky winner! Congratulations! You have 24 hours to email back to claim your prize!

Laura said...

I added the shop to my favorites on etsy.

Thank you to all who entered! 
XOXO to all of you!
Kels

LBArtworks Giveaway!

About LBArtworks :

I live deep in the hills of Tennessee and love the mountains. I am greatly inspired by what I see in the mountains and I hope that comes through in my work. 



I have been sewing since I was 6 when my aunt helped me make a simple skirt. I was bitten by the bug and have been sewing ever since. For me, the sewing machine is a different way to create...not only can it be used to design a type of artwork, but the designs can be worn to create a statement about yourself and the world around you.

The sewing machine also allows many types of materials to be used...which is a wonderful way to express and create in 3D.

I look forward to sharing my adventure of experimenting and creating through cloth with you.

Seriously, This shop is INCREDIBLE. Every time I look at the unique things she makes I want to BUY ALL of it! They are SO unique. PLUS the buttons are made of wood? I LOVE me some pretty wood! All of her items are inspired by nature! God's creation is so Beautiful and she captures it in her work!

 This white and red is to DIE for! Lynda has AMAZING talent! 
 No, that is NOT part of the fabric. that is ALL appliqued on there :) Isn't she AMAZING?
 The inside is FABULOUS. LOTS of pockets for organization. AND we all need a bit of organization in our lives :)
 The quilting on this makes me smile :) I TOTALLY appreciate her work :)
This reminds me of my Grandma Kay :) She <3 <3 ADORED <3 <3 humming birds :) 

Don't you just want to buy them ALL up? 

Lynda from LBArtworks is giving one winner their choice of and small wallet/ cardholder in her shop!
 or this...

Umm yeah...GORGEOUS right? I LOVE birds :)




How to enter: 

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public

 follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade! 


Mandatory entry: 

* Go check out the Fabulous items in LBArtworks and come back

and tell me what you would LOVE wear!

* AND what your favorite holiday is!

Optional entries!



Heart LBArtworks shop on etsy!

Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

Vote for me HERE :)

SUPER bonus entries!



Purchase something from her fabulous shop on etsy 3 entries!

(Comment 3 times!)



Ends May 11th at 11:59 pm and the winner will be picked by random.org the following day!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Quilting GALORE :)

Helly Lovelies!
Here are two quilts I quilted recently! The first, there was a request for dragonflies and wind :) The second was for a baby that was born April 19th! She is still in the NICU and could use some prayers :( Thank for taking the time to check out a BIG part of my business!

Just to clarify...I am given the quilts to quilt the 3 layers together. SO...I pin the three layers together, then sew the three layers together and put the binding on. The sewing on top is mine :) The rest of the masterpiece is the owners work!!!





 She wanted the word "LOVE" on there periodically :)








I am a free hand quilter. This is ALL done on a Bernina Vertuosa 153 and a fold out sewing table. AND because I am SO stinkin tall...I sit on my couch :) LOL we live in an 800 sq foot house with NO storage so we don't have an adjustable chair! BUT I LOVE it! I feel so fortunate that God gave me the gift of being able to do what I LOVE!
Thank you for stopping by! If you are new... I would LOVE to meet you! I LOVE meeting new bloggy friends!

XOXO,
Kels

I linked up at Eisy Morgan :) AND at Bouffe e Bambini

Ellie Adorn - Advice on creating a successful business!

Okie Dokie... Cristi, from the Fabulous, Ellie Adorn,

(you can see what she sells HERE

has a fabulous blog post, including tips for creating tips for creating a successful

business. Or Making your business MORE successful.

I totally needed this. I wanted to share...

Here it is...Posted directly from her website HERE

P.S. This beautiful lady is Cristi!


"I’m calling today Marketing Monday! … because even with Mother’s Day so close at hand, I have NOT been able to make the time to focus on my necklace business. And I sell “Mama Necklaces” for goodness sake!

A creative outlet is a great way to help maintain composure balancing life as mom and CEO of the house. Of course for me, making jewelry became a sanity saver, led me to start my at-home Etsy business, which was followed by the blog. You can read a bit more of the story on the welcome page if you haven’t already.
When I find the time (or make time for it) collecting the stones, thinking of designs and color combinations, and sitting peacefully as I create them, really calms me and balances my anxiety. It’s a lot of fun and can be excellent “me time.”

But lately with my busy life with the blog and the kids and changing my meds, I haven’t made time, and I can feel it. I really need, want and am looking for a regular babysitter to watch R & E a few hours a week so I can make my creative outlet/small business a priority. In other words make “me time” a priority.
Are you in a similar position? I know a lot of moms who’ve started their own side businesses with their favorite creative outlet or idea. But keeping up is difficult when you’ve got mom’s shuttle service, work, the house, the chores, bath time, meal time, nap time and bed time to manage.

Believe it or not, I worked professionally in public relations and marketing in Los Angeles for over 12 years for very creative and big name companies  before having kids. So if I had the time (even just 5-10 hours per week) to really focus on my Etsy shop and business, I know exactly what I’d do. And I’m 100% sure I’d increase sales and help my mental health in the process.

My Top 10 Tips to Successful Selling Online:

1. Create a large & varied inventory of “Ready to Ship” items. In today’s fast paced world, customers want things they want, yesterday.

2. Offer custom options, but not too many. People want to personalize items to their tastes, but only to a point. Give them too many open-ended choices, and it’s just confusing. They don’t want lots of back & forth to order a simple necklace. If there are options, provide photo examples to choose from. Make it easy to choose.

3. Speaking of photos. Of course online shopping is HUGE! But people still like to touch, feel and try on. So give them photos that help them visualize virtually. Make hats or clothing for babies? Show babies wearing your hats and clothing. Make necklaces, like I do?Show close ups, size reference shots (such as the pendant laying next to a quarter), and most importantly show how it looks hanging on a neck, whether real or mannequin. You can always improve your photos!

4. Product descriptions MUST be fully complete. They should answer ever last question your customers might ask you. And if you do get product questions, be sure to update your descriptions.

5. Everyone loves a deal. Sales always pick up when you offer a discount. But make sure you’re not under-cutting yourself and your profit. You need to make money too. Your hard work and creative talent is very deserving of it.

6. Go “brick & mortar” too. If you can get your wares into one or two shops in your larger selling markets, it will really improve business. Like I said in #3, customers like to touch & feel even though they also love the convenience of online shopping. If you can offer a spot to check out your quality in person, customers will either buy right there or be more likely to come back to you in the future for an online purchase.

7. Use social media as best as you can to market to your target audience. Be engaging and responsive. Talk to your customers and followers. Answer their questions. Keep the conversation going. Today’s customers want products & people they can believe in, and you are who they’ll believe in if you let them.

8. Its a wonderful idea to cross promote with other small businesses. We’re not Fortune 500 companies competing over stock price. Cooperation and support go a long way to getting your name out. Partner for events, sales, giveaways, promotions. It will expand your audience and you’ll make great friend’s and business relationships. A added bonus. (More adult interaction mamas!)

9. Your customers are your greatest asset. Treat them as such and they’ll keep coming back AND tell their friends. Communicate. Right away. Any time. They call. Or email. Be proactive in letting them know you received their order, got it together, and shipped it.

10. Don’t stress over reviews and scores. Focus on your business and what’s important to your customers and the good reviews will come to you. Use negative feedback as an opportunity to improve and grow."



NOW, do you feel like you have a TON to work on? Me too! Check out Cristi's

 blog! She is always got helpful tips and she rocks her blog all crazy!

Hope this helps!

XOXO,

Kels

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Orabelle Baby Winner!

Orabelle Baby is one of my ALL time Favorite shops! They make my day when I look at the creativity involved in the work! Here are a few on my new Favorites :)

 YEAH, How can you resist? I WANT these for my boys :)

And the BUG hat? We call London BUG ALL the time :) He NEEDS one!

Well, check out this lovely shop one more time :) HERE...It is seriously FABULOUS!

And............The................Winner...........Is..............

number 45!





Congratulations Darcy! I have emailed you! You have 24 hours to respond!
Darcy said...




I follow your blog!

XOXO, 
Kels

P.S. I LOVE my readers...Ya'll are seriously the BEST ;)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Kaori Glass Giveaway!

About Kaori:
This GORGEOUS lady is Kaori :)



I am a self-taught artisan. I was born and raised in Japan, lived in the States, moved to Japan, Germany and recently moved back to San Antonio, Texas (My husband works for the Department Of Defense). Having always been interested in painting, I started painting wood items (I did my own designs and cutting). As time passed and my skills increased, I started painting gourds. My husband jokes that if you stop long enough in my house, I will paint you.

So, Kaori shared with me the reason she started this mustache business :)

I wanted to share with you all.

Kaori Started this business just after her Father, who was also her best

friend, passed away 3 years ago.

When she paints she thinks about him. Every moustache she paints is a

reminder of their love and friendship.

These pieces of art, are not only, RAD they have a deep feeling and

meaning behind them. She puts LOVE into each and every one of

these pieces!


This is her GORGEOUS daughter Modeling some of her pieces :)

LOVE it!



I totally ADORE Kaori Glass! Check out these Gorgeous Items! 

 Totally RAD right? LOVE it! There are hand painted spoons as well! 
 This is Fabulous! They totally stack up! PERFECT for a small house like mine! I LOVE all the different mustaches! <3 <3 LOVE <3 <3
 There are my FAV! I will be purchasing in the near future!
 Wouldn't these be so cute and unique for a wedding? Adore these :)
 She also has a second etsy shop (Check it out HERE) where she sells hand painted Gourds like this one! How sweet is this? and PERFECT for Easter!


 And guess what?? One of you Fabulous readers will win this him/ her mug set
I personally think this is the most ADORABLE thing EVER! 
I want to make my husband sit down and drink HOT tea with me EVERY day just to use these mugs! Love Love Love! 


How to enter: 

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public

 follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade! But...it is not mandatory :)

Mandatory entry: 

Go check out the Fabulous items in Kaori's shop and come back

and tell me what you would LOVE to have in your home!
AND what your favorite thing about SPRING is!


Optional entries!


Check out the Kaoriglass website and come back and tell me

what you learned :)


Heart Kaori's shop on etsy!

Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

Vote for me HERE :)


SUPER bonus entries!



Purchase something from her fabulous shop on etsy 3 entries!

(Comment 3 times!)



Giveaway will end...May 4th 11:59pm and will be announced the following day!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

French binding :)

With a rotary cuter, ruler, and cutting board Cut 2 1/2 inch strips of fabric. 


 Cut off the ends
 Right sides facing together, sew corner to corner.

 Measure 1/4 in from the seam. Cut off excess.

Set iron to cotton - usually setting 3
Remember to Iron the seams before ironing down
 Fold fabric in half. Iron flat. Try to get as close to perfect as possible.



 With raw edges facing your right side line up the edges. Start about 8 inches down the binding. You need the end to attach to the other end :)

 When you get to the corner, leave 1/4 inch...Back stitch. DO NOT go all the way to the end.
 turn your quilt flip the binding up then back down. To make a corner with the fabric.

 Start at the end, remember to back stitch, and sew till the next corner. Repeat.

 When you get to the end, place both sides of binding flat. the binding you were JUST sewing (the North one) fold back on itself and measure 2 1/2 inches from the fold. CUT
 You should now have something that looks like the ABOVE picture.
 Right sides together and sew outside corners. JUST like you did when you were attaching the strips together in the beginning. Sew.

 CUT.
 Flip over your quilt and start sewing the binding on the other side.
 When you get to the corner... fold over the bottom then the top fabric so that the corner looks like a pleat starting in the very corner.  Sometimes a pin can hold the corner while sewing so you don't catch a nail. That would be painful ;)


 There is your pleat. 
Continue ALL the way around. 
THIS is my finished product. A quilted blanket for my new little nephew that should be here VERY soon!






Thanks for bearing with me! That is A LOT of pictures :) Hope this is helpful! If you have ANY questions AT ALL I would LOVE to help!  Shoot me any questions you may have!
XOXO,
Kels