12/28/08 January will be custom month!!!

January will be custom month!!! Let me know if you need anything in your own fabric, graphics, pictures or even words.Perfect time to get shop promos. I have always done custom work, but didn't want to advertise it in my busy holiday season. Now that things have slowed down, I can focus on custom work!!!!!

Q. So, what would I have made if I wanted to do something custom???
A. 1. If you make purses , maybe you would like some of your popular fabrics made into pocket mirrors to match your purses. Always a nice extra for your customer to purchase or as a gift. I have several purse designers that send me fabric in the mail and then I make mirrors for them for a very low price!!!
2. You are an artist and would like to have some smaller, less expensive items to sell or give out with your images on them. You could have magnets made in 2.25 inch or 1 inch sizes, pocket mirrors, bottle openers, pin back buttons or even jewelry. Just take a look around my shop at all the possibilities. Your artwork makes great promos and gifts for relatives. Some people really don't know what to do with a full size painting or print. Originals can be cost prohibitive, but magnets are definitely affordable. All you would have to do is email me your artwork, or let me choose from your website. I have put together some great starving artist beginner packs for as low as $20 including shipping. Just so you know, I have a B.F.A. and an M.S. in textile design and I am very profficient with Photoshop.
3. You own a shop and maybe you need some promos. I can put your logo on anything I make, and if you buy in quantity, like 12 or more, I can give you a wholesale rate.
4. You are getting married, maybe you need a save the date magnet for people to put on their refrigerators. What an excellent reminder. You might like photos of the bride and groom and the date on any of my items??? Many brides have a theme and favorite fabric that they want me to make pocket mirrors as wedding favors. I have even made some beautiful pendants to match, for the flower girls.
5. You have a boutique, maybe you need some small inexpensive items for impulse purchases at the counter? You could send me fabric you have chosen, or request some styles that would do best in your shop.

I am here to work with you on your needs, wishes, wants and dreams. Whether it be for resale, gifts, or just for you to hoard for yourself. I have several repeat custom customers that are happy as pie with my service and products. The pictures included in this post are from my customers.

12/13/08 Ian turns 1

I need a tshirt that says I survived Ian and Chloe's birthday party!!!! It was a major undergoing for us, the parents. The kids and the guests had tons of fun and lots of food. I am including pics of Ian as the big boy 1 year old!!!!

12/07/08 YESSSS More Holiday Shopping!!!

This time of year is absolutely insane for me. With 2 children born in December and Christmas on it's way, the shopping is out of control. So, I am adding to my list of wonderful items that I have purchased from Etsy. These are in no particular order.

1. I had http://www.monkeythreads.etsy.com/ design some cute little snowmen for me, take a look she has them in her shop now. She makes wall/window vinyl decals. I also bought her snowflakes. They all look awesome on my windows. Monkey is a great person and part of my very fun BNR group: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5912408&page=1
2. http://www.pamperedponytails.etsy.com/ beyond being part of my BNR group she is also a really nice person!!! One of my favorites, like good ol monkey. I bought some of her christmas matchbook, notepads. they are too cute.
3. Then also from my BNR I got a set of mini S and P shakers that are painted glass from http://www.sandyssundries.etsy.com/
4. Kristy joined us for a bit from http://www.kristyredbarnbakery.etsy.com/ and I drooled for days over her cowboy cookies, then I did it, I bought them. These were suppose to be birthday treats, but we scarfed them down in no time. SSSSOOOOOO DDEELLIICIIOUUSSSSS
5. Ordered some more soap, yes shoot me now, or enjoy how fresh and clean my whole family smells!! from http://www.concordsoap.etsy.com/ (yes from my BNR)
6. More gift bags from http://www.emjdesign.etsy.com/ (yes, from my BNR) I liked the first batch so much that I bought more.
7. http://www.sheltie19.etsy.com/ (oh god, another BNR buddy) I bought her lip balms because I was told they were the best. I am the queen of chapped lips, so I will be the judge of that!!! lol
8. Bought another bicycle shirt for my dear old dad. http://www.screamprinting.etsy.com/ He's a bicycle fanatic
9. http://www.youreinspired.etsy.com/ My son has been walking around with an ear of corn made of felt and he just loves it. He even stores it in the cabinet with the canned foods. So, when I saw this set of breakfast felt foods, I decided to go for it. He will get them for his big boy 1 yr. old birthday this weekend.
10. http://www.victorianlowbrow.etsy.com/ had a great absinthe print, I got for my husband. He's known for drinking absinthe. He will love this print.
11. http://www.sandyssundries.etsy.com/ yes again!!! I bought a pair of light brown fingerless gloves for you guessed it, ME ME ME and yes she is part of my BNR
12. http://www.leastlikelytobreed.etsy.com/ Noooo I didn't get this as a present but out of necessity, I bought their Bad Ass Booty Balm, diaper cream for my lil guy's sore bottom.
13. http://www.woodtoyshop.etsy.com/ okay, I succombed, they have catapults!!!! I bought 2, and some fun wooden race cars. I have nephews that will die for this stuff.
14. http://www.panicmama.etsy.com/ what do you get a 16 year old boy???? I got him a sterling silver guitar pick with his name engraved in it. He will love it.
15. Then I went to http://www.southtone.etsy.com/ and got a guitar pick made from a vinyl record , cool huh?


I just hope it all gets here in time, and that it is as perfect as I think it will be!!!
Please leave comments and questions, I love to hear from all you all.

ART SALE IN ATLANTA FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY

ART SALE IN ATLANTA FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY!!!!!

Thi s is a great show to attend. It will be perfect for all that last minute holiday shopping. Please come by if you are in the area.

Also, any sales in my shop www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com that day, Sunday December 14th will have 20% of the proceeds go to the Humane Society.

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING stores I have bought gifts from

In the spirit of Black Friday I thought I would give a run down of stores that I have purchased gifts from. These may have been birthday or Christmas. I have a lot of December and November birthdays in my family. I may or may not say exactly what I purchased because SOMEONE MIGHT READ IT!!!!! I'm just saying. Also, I have tried my best to purchase handmade items by artisans and craftsmen. These are not in any particular order they just are what they are.

1. I will start with http://www.stelabird.etsy.com/

She makes some of the cutest little owls and yetis. My daughter is a huge fan of yetis.

2. My latest purchases are from http://www.jamjamtees.etsy.com/ I was able to find 3 different items for 3 different people and all so incredibly reasonably priced. Check out Aaron's tees they are pretty funny.

3. http://www.vermontmaple.etsy.com/ I am a sucker for maple. Maybe it's from all my time spent in Vermont, I don't know. But the maple candies are to die for.

4. http://www.catzinthehouse.etsy.com/ very cute handmade wood trucks and cars. ohhh and a helicopter too. I have my little boy and my nephew to shop for and I hate buying stuff made in China. I have issues with the poisonings and them taking away all our manufacturing.

5. http://www.clickityclack.etsy.com/ some more handmade wood cars and trucks for the little guys. I'm still working on acquiring a garage. I'm thinking I might find a bread box at the Goodwill that will work nicely. I'll just paint it up to look like a garage.

6. http://www.creativehook.etsy.com/ she is one of my favorite friends on etsy. I bought some very cool multicolor fingerless gloves from her. She makes all her own crochet items.

7. http://www.debralinker.etsy.com/ she has some very nice paintings and prints, please take a look.

8. http://www.soapscentsations.etsy.com/ I have bought wayyyy too much soap this year and especially from my buddy soap!!! She has some pretty soaps, and some funny soaps that I couldn't resist.

9. http://www.emjdesign.etsy.com/ excellent gift bags to put all this stuff in. The ribbon handles are fantastic.

10. http://www.sunbasilgarden.etsy.com/ possibly some of the prettiest color combo's. She has aneye for design and makes outstanding looking soaps.

11. http://www.trafalgarssquare.etsy.com/ I had her paint some original work for my boy's room. She has great pricing, adorable paintings and is so nice to work with. You may see some of my pocket mirrors in her shop with her designs, we did some trading.

12. http://www.thesoapbuffet.etsy.com/ bought more soap, just shoot me
13. http://www.sandyssundries.etsy.com/ bought a nice pair of fingerless gloves as a birthday present for a friend that works on the computer all day. and I really impressed her because she had always wanted a pair and never told me! I

14. http://www.sewsillydesigns.etsy.com/ had her make a 1 year old birthday shirt for a certain little boy turning 1!!!!!!! It's adorable and he will look too cute.

15. http://www.spidercamp.etsy.com/ this chick is awesome. I love her stuff. please be aware that there are swear words on her site. I had her make some custom items for my family, private joke type stuff. She made them perfect.

16. http://www.teaman.etsy.com/ What can I say, perfect tea every time. all us etsians drink it.

17. http://www.elizabear.etsy.com/ such a sweet person. I bought some stars and moon soaps for the little guy, he's a big fan of yellow stars.

18. http://www.adorkable1.etsy.com/ we traded custom items and were both so happy for our trade. She made a custom scarf for me to give to my daughter.

19. http://www.underroos.etsy.com/ Okay, so maybe you don't need anything that she makes, but damn if it is not hilarious. She is a wonderful etsian, perfect to the T, and makes such silly stuff. Please read her descriptions of her items. They are so well written and very funny.

I am not done shopping, but this is a decent start. Please take a look at these shops. I know you will find something you can't live without.
Good luck in your gift quest.
Please leave me some comments.
Thanks -Sharon

big time holiday sale!!!!

gobble gobble gobble happy thanksgiving, hope you have a great day and stuff yourself to the brim. If you happen to be shopping today 11/27/08 I will throw in a free pocket mirror with every order. just have to have the sale date be 11/27/08

~~~FROM NOW, NOVEMBER 26TH THRU DECEMBER 1ST, FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $20 TO ANY DESTINATION (PAYPAL WILL BE REFUNDED)~~~

~~~ALL SINGLE POCKET MIRRORS WILL BE $3.50 EACHor 6 for $15 or 12 for $25 or 50 for $90 SALE ENDS AT MIDNIGHT E.S.T. DECEMBER 1ST ~~~


And please don't forget to make personal requests. If you see something you like and wish it came as something else, let me know!!! If you like the fabric as a pocket mirror but really need a bottle opener, I can do it!!!

Also, I need a December sale, any requests???? I haven't decided what to have for my sale.

NOVEMBER'S SPOTTEDBOX IS HERE!!!!!

I participated in http://www.thespottedbox.etsy.com/ this month and I am also participating next month. (please see post about it) I received my box today!!!! So, I am going to start listing what is in my box (they all have different sets of samples) and what I think of it etc...

1. a great pair of breast pads (for nursing mothers) made of some excellent soft comfy absorbent fabric. They are from http://www.weeones.biz/ That is not all they sell. They attached a 10% off coupon. Now I need a mommy that could use these, because I have 2 pair and they are great.
2. A Christmas catnip ornament/toy for the kitty cats. This was from http://www.coloradocatniptoys.etsy.com/ I'm going to save it for Christmas and give it to the cats to fight over.
3. A nice card with envelope from http://www.1stcomeslove.net/
4. 2 sweet little ravioli felt play food. I am liking all this play food. I'll have to organize a play kitchen for my son when he gets a little older.
5. a homemade creature shaped recycled crayon from http://www.wildchildyarn.com/ It also included a a coupon for free shipping. (I love coupons)
6. a nice big glass magnet from http://www.runalicerun.etsy.com/ I also liked the packaging on this, looked very professional. and another coupon code, woohooo.
7. The cutest ear of corn felt play food from http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/ with a coupon for free shipping. This is going in my felt play food collection.
8. A red bow and a coupon code from http://www.imprettyboutique.com/ I will give this to my neighbors daughter for Christmas.
9. Some detergent from http://www.simplycleanok.com/ I'm saving all these samples of detergent for the days that I run out of detergent and need to do the laundry!!!
10. http://www.socialbutterflies.etsy.com/ sent the nicest little green and brown striped hairclip. It looks good in my hair, think I'll wear it today. And of course there are coupons too!!!
11. http://www.faceofthewave.com/ sent a sample jar of their snow angel lotion. It looks nice and creamy.
12. http://www.freewebs.com/moosemountaindesigns.com sent a thank you card and a coupon code
13. http://www.hyenacart.com/lililutu sent a cute lady bug cell phone charm. I will put this in someone's stocking at Christmas.
14. http://www.hyenacart.com/zupkozencreations sent a sample of their lavendar castile soap. This goes in my lavendar soap collection for my stepmother.
15. http://www.fishnoodles.com/ sent an iron on patch with a great Christmassy reindeer scene. I really like this fabric. Maybe I like all their fabric!!!
16. http://www.hyenacart.com/barenaked sent a sample of their miraclean for cleaning surfaces. It is an all natural product with no harsh ingredients or toxins. I think it will be good for around the birds in our house.
17. a $5 gift certificate to http://www.hyenacart.com/2by2boutique I will have to go check out their website
18. A stitch marker from http://www.memarcierenee.etsy.com/ This will go to my stepmother, my only knitter in the family.
19. www.hyenacart.com/canoecreeksoapco sent a great smelling soap sample it is their green apple and pomegranate goats milk soap. and I got it last month too, so happy about receiving it twice. Love this soap.
20. I got a wipe solution bud from http://www.lilbirdiebottoms.etsy.com/, guess I better go to the website, because I have no idea what this is. Okay, says to pour hot water over them til they dissolve and use with cloth wipes.
21. Travel size lotion from www.hyenacart.com/countrysoapsbymarlene also says to check out her deals on black Friday!
22. A bookmark from http://www.babyofmine.net/
23. a sample of mint chocolate milk bath from http://hyenacart.com/scentsorycreations
24. A very sweet little lace angel ornament from http://www.flutterbydesignsgonewild.com/
25. A very cute little christmas tree fabric covered button hairband. She even put little stars at the top. That was from http://www.butteredparsnips.etsy.com/
26. http://www.bumblebearwear.com/ sent an iron on transfer, this one has apples on it.
27. http://www.benanddutchess.etsy.com/ sent a biscotti dog treat that I almost ate myself. I'll give it to the neighbor's dog next time he's out.
28. http://www.silverhuggers.com/ sent a beaded pendant? Maybe a stitch marker or zipper pull? Could probably use as all 3.
Well, I got a ton of goodies in my box!!! and I am happy that I have lots of items to put in stockings and add to presents.
I will be busy looking at everyone's websites!!!
Of course you all are welcome to go take a peek at the sites too!

please leave your comments, I appreciate them all

11/16/08 Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular Review

The Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular 2008 will be a day of celebrating the best handmade indie goods around.If you have any holiday shopping to do - Mark Your Calendar!Saturday, November 15, 11-6 p.m.at Ambient + Photo Studio Located at 585 Wells St. SW Unit A * Atlanta, GA 30312
Review:
CONS
The only negative, was lighting!!! I know we would have sold atleast 25% more if we had lighting. It was very dark in the center aisles. The part that irritated me about that problem was that the girls had said that there was light and that we didn't need to bring any. Because we all would have brought our lights and electrical cords, if we knew lighting was a problem.

PROS
The place was very cool!! A great big high ceilinged, hardwood floored old warehouse.
They promoted properly and so there was a ton of shoppers. All sorts of fun and interesting people came to shop. It was definitely the place to be yesterday!!!
The crafters were fabulous, interesting, fun, and creative This was not your ordinary craft festival. I was able to find exciting, fun and unique items for my children's birthdays coming up (shhh, I bought a sideshow creature from www.zomberella.com). I bought fresh made the night before, lavendar soap. I also shopped from http://www.lintyfresh.com/ This guy has very cool tshirts and he is a great sales person. He knows his product inside and out, and is incredibly helpful when it comes to fit. I bought myself a beautiful, incredibly wellmade hairband from the girl next to me, http://www.easyedges.etsy.com/ . Her prices were fantastic. Did I mention that everyone had wonderful pricing??? You could afford it all. The girl across from me was selling very funky handmade metal belt buckles that were also bottle openers, http://www.myspace.com/buncombebuckles. I bought from Wren, of http://www.loveyu.etsy.com/ some very cute squirrels that face each other so they can kiss. My kids love their kissing squirrels. Oh and there was a woman with tons of fabric. http://www.shop.someartfabric.com/main.sc I found a fabric that I desperately needed and some others that I wanted very bad!!! My partner in crime, Diane from http://www.dkdesigns.biz/ bought a purse pattern from the fabric lady.

and what did I sell???? absolutely everything. My brand new, made on Wednesday bracelets were a huge hit. I have orders coming out my ears for them. My pocket mirrors sold well and were grabbed up by a brick and mortar store for resale. I sold lots of magnets and earrings and rings and bottle openers. It was a great show. I'm glad I had sales help.
http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

I got to meet http://www.fluffyflowers.etsy.com/ and also http://www.soshesews.etsy.com/ these are some great girls with wonderful stuff!!!

11/12/08 THESPOTTEDBOX THIS SATURDAY!!!

Hey there, Just a reminder that the November Spotted Box goes on sale this Saturday November 15th at noon. You will be able to purchase it then. Please check out my earlier blog about what I received in mine last month. www.thespottedbox.etsy.com

11/10/08 TWITTER

I have become a twitter junky. It is for bloggers with heavy duty A.D.D. You are only allowed 140 characters at a time. How wonderful is that for us who have no attention span for more than a sentence????? So, here I am on twitter: www.twitter.com/flirtbuttons and I totally welcome everyone to follow me on Twitter. It is very fun. For all you Etsians out there looking for views, Twitter is the place to be. If I post a listing from my site, I am guaranteed 8 or more views in less than 8 minutes, every time. It works!!! I like it a lot more than the forums on Etsy. It is faster paced and more intriguing. Go Tweet people, I'll meet you there!!!!

and don't forget to take a look at my shop. I list new items every week of my life. I have squirrels and elephants now too!!!!

11/4/08 a new update about my crackhead mirror supplier

If you don't know about my crackhead mirror supplier please read my 10/13 blog. It will inform you of the insanity I have to go through as a button maker dealing with suppliers.

then I wrote on 10/14:

we left off yesterday with a box of 250 mirror parts and 500 shims. I only needed 250 shims. Why did he overnight 250 sets of mirror parts along with my shims????
I don't know, but TODAY a box came and it contained........250 shims.
Should we take bets on whether or not something will come tomorrow?
Meanwhile, can you guess what I have been making?????


today's info:

Did we ever discuss what happened to the 1000 one inch buttons that were originally shipped to me?
Well, I asked my crackhead friend what he would like me to do with them. He sent me an email with a return form for FEDEX. Which is all well and good but it's yet another thing to organize and then drop off at another location. So, I of course procrastinated. Meanwhile I got a decent size order for one inch buttons, and lo and behold I was out of them!!!! So, I emailed the guy and said that I would like to keep the 1000 one inch buttons, and could he please invoice me with Paypal. I thought this was a win win situation. He gets paid, and I don't have to find a FEDEX location. That was 2 weeks ago. I haven't heard from him, nor have I received a bill from Paypal. Can you guess what all my promos will be next month????

10/30/08 blog My Next Show

The Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular 2008 will be a day of celebrating the best handmade indie goods around.
If you have any holiday shopping to do - Mark Your Calendar!
Saturday, November 15, 11-6 p.m.
at Ambient + Photo Studio Located at 585 Wells St. SW Unit A * Atlanta, GA 30312

Avondale Estates Autumnfest Review

Hey there!!!
I am back from my weekend festival at the Avondale Estates in Georgia. It started off incredibly chilly and windy and wet! The sun managed to come out and make everything nice and festive. The food was good, excellent kids activities, music and plenty of handmade vendors.
However, We all struggled with sales. I personally felt that I should have made twice as much money. The vendors around me felt the same way. Some were struggling just to make booth fees. I blame it on the lack of advertising/marketing. If twice the amount of fair goers were there, then we all would have made twice the money. It was a difficult location to find because it was back in a neighborhood that was thick with houses and trees. You could not tell a festival was being held there, from the main street. Also parking was at a minimal. You had to park at the church and get bused in. I never saw a sign up at the church for the festival. I'm not saying they didn't have one, but I never noticed it from the street.
The good part was that I got my product out in front of the people. I had a wonderful reception. People ooohed and ahhhed over all my stuff. They bought one inch magnets, pocket mirrors, rings, bobby pins, earrings, Christmas ornaments, my new bracelets (that are not even on my site, pin back buttons, pendants and bottle openers. My bracelets seemed to appeal to women over 40. Probably because they are 8 inch bracelets, which is for a wider wrist. My pendants were bought by and for, girls age 10 to 15. All age groups bought the magnets and rings from age 5 to 65. Pocket mirrors were bought mainly as gifts for girls and women ages 13 to 45. Bottle openers were bought for men and women in the 21-55 age range. It was fantastic to see who was buying and what they were buying.
Then I got home and low and behold I had a ton of orders on Etsy! So I have been a very busy girl this week. Thanks to all my supporters!!!!
My next show is on November 15th. I will get the website and info. for you in the next week.

10/20/08 as kawaii as it gets

okay, so I woke up and did all the morning routine, then I was sitting here thinking about what my next cute item should be. You know, what is cute and in style right now, as kawaii as it gets. So, I decided I need hamsters. They are very fun and all over japanese kids items. My daughter has a Gameboy game called Hamtaro. It's as silly and cute as can be. Then I got a convo on my etsy from a girl that wanted to trade for some mirrors. So I went to her 2 sites and looked around. Low and behold, what did I find???? The perfect Hamham. He's sooo cute and sits right on top of a pink cupcake! Of course it was an original painting. I thought long and hard and then got bold and asked for a trade. So, now she lets me print her hamster on my mirrors!!!!!

and she gets promos and Christmas gifts.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16428962
my latest collaborationand don't forget my mirror sale!

10/19/08 arts fair coming up 25th and 26th in Atlanta area

10/19/08 where I will be this coming weekend:Historic Atlanta Neighborhood Avondale Estates Presents 2008 AutumnFestCreating a truly original flavor in the middle of historic Avondale Estates, AutumnFest attracts art lovers of all ages with a marketplace featuring over 50 artists and vendors, live music, an AutumnFest caf´, plus art and recreational activities for children.www.avondaleautumnfest.org

10/17/08 I got my SpottedBox!!!! (additional writing in red)

I participated in http://www.thespottedbox.etsy.com/ this month and I am also participating next month. (please see post about it) I received my box today!!!! It went on sale Wednesday at noon and I had mine by 1:30 p.m. Friday. That is some seriously quick shipping!!!!
So, I am going to start listing what is my box (they all have different sets of samples) and what I think of it etc...
1. a great pair of breast pads (for nursing mothers) made of some excellent soft comfy absorbent fabric. They are from http://www.weeones.biz/ That is not all they sell. They attached a 10% off coupon. (CAN'T USE)
2. A sample of relaxing lavender bath salts, enough for a good one time soak. It was triple bagged so that it didn't interfere with anything else. that was from http://www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com/ (I CAN USE THIS)
3. capsule of knitters balm sample. This should be plenty for both hands after a good knitting session. That was from: http://hyenacart.com/clearhillshoney (I CAN USE THIS)
4. From Lil' Outlaws came a sample of their watermelon pail pardner. Which I assume is a watermelon smelling baking soda mixture to keep the diaper pail from stinking to high heaven. http://www.liloutlaws.net/ (CAN'T USE) Okay so maybe I can use this, I have been told to put it in the bottom of my trashcan to keep it smelling good!
5. Creative Mama Congo sent a double layer wool booster. It is meant to be used with your cloth diapers for extra absorbency. http://hyenacart.com/creativemamas It looks really well made. (CAN'T USE)
6. a homemade heart shaped crayon from http://www.sygnetcreations.etsy.com/ It also included a little scrap pad and a coupon for 20% off. (I love coupons) (I CAN USE THIS)
7. a super soft wipe/washcloth from http://www.snozzberriesndreams.com/ and a 15% off coupon. (I CAN USE THIS)
8. 1 fl oz. of european bath salts from http://www.thesweetunfolding.com/ comes in a nice little bottle with a cute label (I CAN USE THIS) There was a coupon at the bottom of the box!
9. a jack o lantern felt play food sugar cookie from http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/ with a coupon for free shipping (I CAN USE THIS)
10. A really great bib in blue and it is super soft from http://www.smallwonderswipes.com/ and a coupon for 5% off (I CAN USE THIS)
11. http://www.flutterbyedreams.etsy.com/ sent a felt heart shaped sugar cookie, could also be used as an ornament. very nice! (I CAN USE THIS)
12. 3d~deebleDdo sent an oatmeal and goatsmilk soap sample (I CAN USE THIS) need their website!
13. http://www.frostfishcovesoaps.com/ sent a sample jar of their vegan vanilla lavender supernatural lotion. It looks nice and creamy and smells good (I CAN USE THIS)
I looked at their website and they have gorgeous soaps. Plus, they have one to fight against yeast!!!! that sounds great.
14. http://www.catharticslant.etsy.com/ sent a recycled card with envelope and a tag. This will be great for the next birthday gift I have to send. (I CAN USE THIS)
15. http://www.earthbabyboutique.etsy.com/ sent some of their laundry soap. Looks like a couple of loads. You only use a tablespoon at a time. (I CAN USE THIS)
16. http://www.kardkreations.etsy.com/ sent a very pretty handmade birthday card with fancy edging and organza ribbon, it came with an envelope (I CAN USE THIS)
17. http://www.fishnoodles.com/ sent 2 iron on patches with owls. I really dig this fabric and will have to find some for my own products! (I CAN USE THIS)
18. http://www.crunchyclean.etsy.com/ sent a sample of their cherry almond scent cloth diaper detergent (I CAN USE THIS) I will probably just throw this in with the whites since I don't do cloth diapers.
19. a $5 gift certificate to http://www.thebasicbaby.com/ I will have to go check out their website
20. very cute ducks and rain drops bath confetti from www.sassyscrubsandsuch.etsy.com, I don't see a website, hmmmmm something I will have to look up with my yahoo group. (I CAN USE THIS) as you can see I looked up the website and they had a ton of great stuff! I like the stars and moon bath confetti for my son. I have been collecting stars and moon items for his bath time. They also had princess crown bath fizzies that looked fun!
21. www.hyenacart.com/canoecreeksoapco sent a great smelling soap sample it is their green apple and pomegranate goats milk soap. (I CAN USE THIS) I'm not the only one loving on this scent!
22. a very pretty flower photo from http://www.smallmoments.etsy.com/ (I CAN USE THIS)
23. A bookmark from www.markmywords.etsy.com (I CAN USE THIS)
24. a cute print from http://www.joannagoldman.com/ and a coupon for free shipping (I CAN USE THIS) she is also on etsy and has a blog
25. a breast pad with pretty fabric from www.hyenacart.com/ellagene (CAN"T USE)
some one said maybe it is a face cloth, for removing makeup??? not sure. If anyone knows, please tell.

there were a few other coupons at the bottom of the box and I just put everything back in so I will have to dig them out again later!!!!

okay, not bad! Out of 25 samples I can use 20 of them and 1 of them is a gift certificate, so I will have to go check the store out. and just because I can't use something doesn't mean it isn't great. If you want to trade me feel free to comment or convo on my website.

I will be continuing this blog post next time. when I have enough time to try stuff and to look at websites. Of course you all are welcome to go take a peek at the sites!!!!

10/16/08 Gearing Up for Christmas

Well, I did it! I finally made and then photographed and listed my first Christmas ornament.

If you have been following my blog you will know that my pocket mirror parts supplier is a crackhead and therefore has shipped me an abundance of mirror parts for no reason. Sooo, I had to get crackin' at hustling them out my door. I put them all on a super sale and now I have created a new product with them. I have added an organza ribbon loop to hang the pocket mirror with. TAH-DAH an ornament!!!! It has wonderful light reflection on one side (the mirror) and a nice Christmas or winter themed picture on the other side. And of course you can still just use it as a mirror!

If you see anything in my shop that you would like made into an ornament please let me know. I will gladly make it for you!

10/14/08 my crackhead supplier continued

we left off yesterday with a box of 250 mirror parts and 500 shims. I only needed 250 shims. Why did he overnight 250 sets of mirror parts along with my shims????

I don't know, but TODAY a box came and it contained........250 shims.

Should we take bets on whether or not something will come tomorrow?

Meanwhile, can you guess what I have been making?????

10/14/08 pocket mirror sale

so here is my recent sale:
all pocket mirrors are $3.50 each, 6 for $15 or 12 for $25. Convo me if you need something custom or have questions.
www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com
flirtemail@yahoo.com

thanks for reading about my crackhead supplier!!!!

10/13/08 My supplier is on crack! or, why I am having a pocket mirror sale

A few weeks ago I ran out of mirror parts because I had a few big orders. So, I decided to order from vendor #2 because they ship faster than vendor #1. So I waited all week with orders for mirrors piling up, and finally on Friday the box arrived!
I took it to my office to start making mirrors. When I opened the box it wasn't what I ordered. They sent 1000 one inch button parts instead of 250 2.25 inch mirror parts. I was livid! I got on the phone and called and called and left messages. I emailed them too. I never got a response. So, Sunday night I ordered 100 mirror parts from vendor #1 and paid for fast shipping.

Monday morning rolls around and UPS drops off my 250 mirror parts that were overnighted by vendor #2. It would have been nice of them to tell me they were overnighting the shipment! So, when I opened the box to make mirrors, I find out the shims are missing. What a nightmare! Luckily my other mirror parts from vendor #1 had arrived and I could use those shims.
I email vendor #2 and tell him that the shims are missing and to please send them, but no rush. He emails back and tells me to look again because the guy that packed the box says he put them in there!! (probably the same guy that shipped 1000 button parts instead of 250 mirror parts) I tell him that they are not in there, that I don't mean to be a pain in the ass, but please send the shims.
That was Friday. This morning, Monday, UPS delivers an overnighted box of 250 mirror parts and 500 shims.
I may just go insane

10/09/08 update

Come visit all my stuff at my shop:
www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

10/9/08 Gifts for Men

Today is my Mom's Birthday and I better remember to call her later!

But on with my blog.

I am trying to make sure that I have gender neutral items in my shop. My shop is very girly but that does not mean that these girls do not have men in their lives!!!! So, I have started to list more bottle openers that could be for anyone. I am going to put up some pics of gender neutral bottle openers and bottle openers that women have bought for men, and that men have bought for themselves. So, if you think it may be a little girly, don't look at me, I didn't make them buy it!!!!

I hope that you all take a look at your shops, if you have one, and make sure that you have some gender neutral or masculine items in your shop. Even if it's just a small separate section for women to buy for their man.

here's some of my bottle openers that I promised you!

10/6/08 the spotted box

Hey there,
I will be participating in The Spotted Box in October and November. Here is a very nice press release that was written about it.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE SPOTTED BOX CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
(October 1, 2008) The Spotted Box (http://www.thespottedbox.com/) celebrated its one-year anniversary
in September with its largest box ever. Featuring over 80 independent artisans, the September Spotted
Box also included many large items in random boxes as well as giveaways and special samples.
ABOUT THE SPOTTED BOX
The Spotted Box is a box of family-oriented, eco-friendly samples from independent crafters, packaged
together and sent directly to buyers. Designed with the young family in mind, these fun handmade
samples are focused on children and their mothers. The Boxes are sold on the 15th of each month on Etsy
http://www.TheSpottedBox.etsy.com/ and Hyena Cart http://www.hyenacart.com/TheSpottedBoxfor $22
including shipping. Between 80 and 150 boxes are currently available each month.
Each Spotted Box includes 25-30 handmade natural-parenting samples from our favorite artisans. The
handmade samples can include toys, stationary items, tarts, crocheted, knit and wool goods, candy and
food, diapering accessories, bath and beauty items, clothing, bags, personal accessories and jewelry, art,
personal care items, crayons, patterns, natural cleaners and detergents, pet items, gift certificates, home
school curriculum and more.
HISTORY
In 2007, Tory, an artisan soapmaker and mother of three young children, created the Spotted Box in an
effort to bring more recognition to the eco-friendly artisan products she and other work-at-home
businesses were creating. Tory knew that if consumers could only see these products, they would fall in
love! The Spotted Box debuted on Hyena Cart in September 2007 then expanded to Etsy in July 2008. It
is a high-demand item that sells out in minutes on both e-commerce sites. The businesses providing
samples for the Spotted Box are independent artisans most of whom are mothers themselves. It was
created as a marketing tool for small crafting businesses and continues to support companies creating
handmade items for the young family. The Spotted Box provides unique advertising and builds a
community of artisans who discuss and vote on the Box’s guidelines and future direction.
###
CONTACT
Tory Wright
tory@thespottedbox.com

10/5/08

10/05/08 Join my mailing list for specials, coupons etc... Just convo me on etsy and ask to be on my mailing list. You can have messages sent to your email or convo'd to you, let me know what you would like! orrrrrr leave me a message here as to how you would like me to contact you with sales, news etc.... and always coupons!!!!

here is a coupon code:

08blogfreeship

free shipping good for the rest of 2008 for all USA, Canada and UK shipments

just put the code in your message to seller or convo me.

http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

have you seen my new rings?????????

9/27/08

I am spoiled rotten!!!! Here is another blog!!!!!!!! Thank you. -Sharon

Really love your cute shop! I'll bookmark for christmas goodies! View your spotlight here:http://www.beesarefun.blogspot.com

9/26/08 yeahhhhh another blog!

check it out, a very nice blog about my shop!


http://bonghinatura.blogspot.com/

make sure you check out her store too!!!

9/23/08 yet another day that I do not have to blog!!

Hi Sharon,I just posted a blog post about you: http://scribblenation.typepad.com/Thanks for the shipping refund. Love your shop!

9/21 a goody bag winner!!!

I don't even have to blog today. Someone else did it for me!!!!!

9/16/08 free gift for bloggers

9/16/08 free gift for anyone that blogs (in a positive manner) about my product and uses a picture and link to my shop! Just convo me the link to your blog and your home address, I will read it and then send you something in the snail mail to say thank you!!! Maybe you already purchased something from me and you have a great story to tell about it. Maybe you just need a good excuse to write on your blog today!

9/13 shopping spree!!!!

Well, I got a few hours off from my kids yesterday and went shopping with my friend Diane. She has www.gottags.etsy.com and some other shops. She had found a wonderful scrapbooking shop over by the Town Center Mall in Marietta, Georgia or maybe they consider that Kennesaw, I don't know. Anyway, the store has great prices and then take 50% off of that!!!! Soooo, I bought some absolutely fabulous papers. You will be overwhelmed by all the new products I will have over the next couple of weeks. After shopping til we dropped in the scrapbooking store, we headed to Joanne's. I bought a little bit of fabric and then some wonderful scrapbook papers, And a rubber stamp of the eiffel tower. Ohhh and the all powerful circle cutter. I needed a circle cutter to cut my 1 inch button papers. I have done it by hand so far, aarrggghhhhh. I don't mind cutting the fabric by hand, but the paper makes me crazy. And did I mention the all powerful giant Hello Kitty sticker book? I will be the queen of Hello Kitty soon.

google and $250 extra a week

Okay folks I'm working it!!! I will not be teaching online next quarter and therefore need to come up with $250 more a week from my Etsy shop. www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com
sooooo, I got chummy with Google last night. They may be putting ads on my blog. If you don't like it, just ignore them. Otherwise be click happy so I can make some money. Also, I bought some adwords. I will update you all as to how that works out.

my etsy shop

www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

be there or be square. how's that for maturity?

9/11/08 and not even going to mention new york

Nope, you can't make me talk about it.
But here is a positive thing:
9/10/08 Well I got my 200th heart. The lucky hearter will receive a goody bag in the mail!!!Next goody bag winner will be my 250th heart and my 100th sale!!!
how fun is that!

pandamonium on Etsy

9/6/08 Mei Lan the panda's 2nd birthday and I made it into a treasury!!!! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=6085

Trading

Trading has been fun for me. I like to look at someone's shop knowing that I could have anything I wanted, for a trade of items I make. It's like having a gift card. Looove it!!!!
My latest trade was with www.relishdress.com she convo'd me because she wanted to trade for something of mine to give to a friend. She had seen my name on a list for Christmas trading. Soooo I looked around her shop and she has some very nice handmade jewelry. I opted for one of the following:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14954638
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_3&listing_id=14849259
or
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_10&listing_id=14188938

I told her to surprise me!!!!

Spotlight on Starlitnest my favorite fabric shop on Etsy

Hi there,

Thought I would spotlight a fellow Etsian. I just love the customer service that I have received from Alison at www.Starlitnest.etsy.com. We always convo back and forth and she is very friendly and quick with her responses. I almost always have custom orders that she puts together for me. Some how I am unable to just pick something she has already spent the time to put together. I'm just a pain in the neck that way!!!! If I have any questions or need an extra scrap of something she always sends it in my order. Speaking of orders, they come pressed and neat and wrapped in ribbon like a gift. She must be a true fabric lover because her packages are treated with such care.

I went crazy on one inch buttons

New Promo for September, 12 (one dozen) custom one inch buttons for 5 bucks.

Okay so I went a little crazy and ordered wayyyyy too many one inch buttons. But dang it are they cute! I will be listing fabric covered and designer paper covered buttons etc...but back to this listing.You will get 12 one inch buttons and pay $5 plus $2 for shipping in the USA.You can send me artwork or photos or ask for words of your choice.Just remember these are only an inch. Don't go getting crazy on me!Need more than 12? convo me or look for my larger listings

Goody Bags on sale now

Goody Bag Special on 2.25 inch products!!!! surprises are fun!My Goody Bags to friends, family, large order customers and winners of my contests, have been such a hit that I decided to offer them to everyone!This goody bag will contain 2.25 inch products with a total retail value of over $15. Now you cannot choose what goes in it, that will be based on my stock at the time of purchase. There could be pocket mirrors, bottle openers, magnets, buttons etc... You just never know what you will find! I enjoy putting these together and I know you will enjoy receiving them.This is an excellent way to get some of my goodies when you don't really know what to choose. Maybe you like everything!!!and don't forget the shipping is free in the U.S.A.!!!!!!

Not to mention, everything comes in a gift bag so you are all ready to give it as a gift. Maybe you keep some of it and give away the rest!!!!

8/18/08

I'm having a sale!!! Buy 2 pocket mirrors or bottle openers and get 1 free. How handy!! Perfect start to the holiday shopping, or if you just need something for you!!!!

I have been so busy this week making new products out of all my new fabrics. You will love them.

Hi there. I am back from vacation!!!!I now have lots of baby shower fabric and dare I say it, Christmas fabric!!!! Plus some great summer stuff for all those people that live in the moment. I will be listing new items by midweek. if you need anything sooner, let me know.

and I bought some rubber stamps. I'm out of control!!!!1

7/17 THURSDAY

******GREAT NEWS 7/17 I JUST REDUCED MY SHIPPING COST TO THE U.K. SO ALL YOU GUYS AND GIRLS ACROSS THE POND, PLEASE COME SHOP WITH ME******


*****SUPER NEWS, my 1 inch buttonmaker has arrived and I will be putting new product online mid August.*****

I will be at Atlantic Station Market Friday 7/18 from 5pm til 10pm all you people in Atlanta need to come visit!!!!! My tent will be Bad Girlz Beads

7/17 THURSDAY

******GREAT NEWS 7/17 I JUST REDUCED MY SHIPPING COST TO THE U.K. SO ALL YOU GUYS AND GIRLS ACROSS THE POND, PLEASE COME SHOP WITH ME******


*****SUPER NEWS, my 1 inch buttonmaker has arrived and I will be putting new product online mid August.*****

I will be at Atlantic Station Market Friday 7/18 from 5pm til 10pm all you people in Atlanta need to come visit!!!!! My tent will be Bad Girlz Beads

Tuesdat already 7/15

Hey there,
I have been a busy little button maker. I got a big order on Monday for 4 dozen bottle openers and 3 dozen pocket mirrors, ohhhh and she needed them overnighted!!!!! I am not complaining. It was a great order and I worked my buns off. I also started teaching my online class Monday night. So I have been swamped this week.

More Saturday

*****SUPER NEWS, I ORDERED A 1 INCH BUTTON MAKER*****IT SHOULD BE HERE NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!! LET THE FUN BEGIN

Saturday morning

Hi everyone!!!

I just listed a reserve listing of my PinUp girl pocket mirrors. Thought I would post them here for all to see.

7/10 waiting for my supplies

I am just sitting here waiting for my supplies to come. I can't stand waiting. I have 2 orders I need to fill, dang it. I got a custom order for 35 mirrors for a baby shower. I attached the picture so you can see the fabric I'm using for it.

Okay well I wish I could go back to Sunday. This week is not working out quite yet. It started with a waterfall from my upstairs bathroom into my family room!!!! I woke up to it at 2:30 a.m. Monday morning. Then Monday evening we had a bad storm and the power went out for more than 5 hours. My neighbors tree split in half in her front yard. Oh joy. Now I'm waiting to see what today brings.
Meanwhile I am working hard on lots of new products!!!! please take a look at my site:
www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

I can't believe it's Sunday!!!!

This weekend is over, how'd that happen. Maybe because I was so busy working most of the weekend I didn't realize it was coming to an end.

Well I have some new fun products available by the dozen. Blank mirrors, magnets, bottle openers and buttons. You can decorate them yourself. Should be fun for a girl's party or an activity at school.

New Zealand?

I just got a wonderful order from an Etsy member in New Zealand!!!! How great is that? I really appreciate my customers and I am so glad for everyone all over the world to be able to come visit my shop. I know you will definitely enjoy my products, because I enjoy making them. I love picking out papers and fabrics, and printing new things on my snazzy printer. I just love my super fantastic buttonmaker. It's all good. This must be the perfect job for me.

July 2

A super busy day for me in what will be a super busy month!!!! I will start teaching a product development class online for the Art Institute mid July. But they want everything set up before then. so I'm trying to get to it, but meanwhile back at the ok corral....

I bought some Winnie the Pooh fabric today to make stuff out of. I just love piglet. I also bought a great bundle of paper called Rock Star. It had some fantastic stuff, and some stuff that I had fun printing on. Those poor people don't know what

they started!!!!!!

Thought I would leave you all with a picture of "Sunshine" the cockatoo, full feather. This is how I feel this month!!!!!! Sunshine is a gorgeous 5 year old moluccan cockatoo that is part of our eclectic family.

July 1

Went to the post office today. Took my lil buddy (6month old son) and the post lady went crazy for him. She wondered where the heck I had been. I shipped out some beads sold on my other site: http://www.badgirlzbeads.com/

just realized it is the first of July. I had better go check my horoscope for the month. Who knows what I will find.

Monday

It's Monday already!!! I have never been a fan of Monday morning. I did get a lot accomplished so far. Trying to get all my paperwork done. All my doctor appointments etc. We will be going to the beach at the end of the month so I need to have every thing in order.

Here is a cute pocket mirror with a bee on it.

6/29

I have been listing some nice mirrors etc. But I am very excited about my new printer. It is up and running!!!! It's the Epson 1400 with the fancy archival inks. It works beautifully and was a cinch to hook up. I had a huge fight 2 weeks ago with a kodak printer and finally told my husband to remove it from my sight or it would find it's way out the window. He took it, I wish him luck.
Soooo now I am able to print all my own stuff. I just happen to have 20 years of graphics experience, so now I am cookin'. Whatever you may need on a button, magnet, mirror or bottle opener just let me know.

It's late

I went to the fabric store today. Bought some pretty stuff!!!! I even got one with cute dogs on it. So, now for the bad news: Little Buddy (my gorgeous 6 month old boy) lost his pacifier. It was awful This is a very specific paccy that I can't find anywhere. It was in his mouth and then bam it wasn't. I looked all over the store. soooooo sad.
I should make a button that says: " I lost my pacifier, what's your excuse?"

you missed the coupon, oh noooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
mention the fact that you missed it in a convo to me and I will grant you free shipping!!!!

6/25

Hey, I went to the bank and then to the post office. Found out that 1 pocket mirror going all the way to Paris only cost $1.20 to send first class. How great is that??? So, I refunded my buyer some of her shipping money. I love to be able to do that. Then I went to the glass studio, where I make lampwork beads, my other store: http://www.badgirlzbeads.com/. I weighed everything for my wholesale order to the U.K.

Here is one of the items I listed on http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

6/24/08

Hey there,

Thought I'd get in and bloggity blog while I'm waiting on hold on the phone for the doctor's office. I have listed a handful of new items in my Etsy shop. I will be listing even more as the week progresses. www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

My first blog

Bloggity blog blog

Gotta love it!!!!
Here's my shop: www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com please come take a peek. If you are new to Etsy check out the whole site. I also have another shop with my lampwork glass beads: www.badgirlzbeads.com

If you don't want to become an Etsy member and sign in etc.... to purchase items from me, then pleeeease just email me and we can work it out!! flirtemail@yahoo.com