COUNT DOWN TO 2000

Here I am on December 4th at sale number 1901 on my Etsy site! My goal is to reach 2000 before the end of the year. Actually 2010 would be fantastic!!!!
How did I get here? A lot of marketing!!!!! I found out the hard way that "I" as in me and just me have to do all the marketing myself!!!! I paid for advertising on quite a few sites and I did giveaways on blogs. There is only one blog that has been a steady source of clicks to my site. I of course will keep up with that blog and continue to do giveaways etc. as long as she will have me! All of my paid advertisements were flops, including the $250 Design Sponge ad. Facebook does not work for me either.
What does work for me?
Twitter and Etsy forums. and they are both FREE!!!!!! However, you have to invest time and effort. Once the people come to your site you need to have atleast good pictures, decent descriptions, great prices and excellent customer service. I want people to be happy. I make my products because they are fun.
Come see what I am talking about: www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com
and if you make a purchase, write blog20 in the message to seller and get a 20% refund after purchase. and don't forget I also have buy one get one free pocket mirrors on sale thru December. Check out my announcement at the top of my shop for details.

Thank You for all your support, love my peeps!!! -Sharon

Pocket Mirrors

hey there,

My December sale is Buy One Get One Free Pocket Mirrors!!!

buy half and list the other half in message to seller, thanks! only applies to single mirror listings, not bulk buy listings

HOLIDAY CUT OFF DATES: for international shipping please order by December 3rd. and for USA shipping please order by December 17th. these are Thursdays, so I can get your order in the mail by that Saturday.

and take a look at the blog my chocolate and light pink damask mirrors are on:

http://www.inspireonlinemagazine.com/

Happy Turkey Day and by the way, I am having a sale

Hope everyone had a great turkey day, if they celebrated. Right now I have my Black Friday thru Cyber Monday sale going on. FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING come take a peek http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

NEW PRODUCT!!!! scarf clips!!!!

These are so much fun. You just slide it up both ends of your scarf and squeeze the clip together. Such a fun little addition to your wardrobe. Pick from any of my pocket mirror or bottle opener designs and I will make you a scarf clip. Only $9.

2.25 inches fabric or paper covered with mylar on top.

feedback from wholesale order: "Way cool! I've been playing around with them. What fun! Love it with jeans & a turtleneck. It's pretty cool as a sash belt over a boyfriend blazer as well. Can't wait to see everyone's reaction to this accessory! Thank you!"

BRACELETS

Hey There,

I am on a serious bracelet kick lately!!! I found some new supplies that make my bracelets easier to make, so I am going to town. My list so far:

poodles

gnomes

Alice in Wonderland

pandas

hamsters

sock monkeys

pin up girls

hedgehogs

elephants

geishas

peacock feather

turtles

squirrels

snowmen

owls

lil birds on yellow

birds on blue

ballet

mushrooms

shoes

Write "free mirror" in message to seller and receive a free matching pocket mirror with your bracelet purchase!

wordless wednesday

GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN WALNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

If you know my household, you know that we love to cook and bake and eat. We are definitely "foodies". Recently we found out that my Mother in Law is no longer able to eat gluten. It has been a difficult period of adjustment for her. It is especially hard because she is Italian and lives in the Northeast. How is she suppose to go without her breads, pastries and pasta? I have made it part of my mission to find tasty alternatives. You don't have to eat cardboard just because they stole your gluten! Soooo, I decided to take one of my all time favorite recipes, that I made up years ago, and make it gluten free. I figured the pumpkin in these muffins would cover up any of the funky flavors that the gluten free flour has. Pumpkin is earthy, yet super yummy. A healthy dose of chocolate chips doesn't hurt either.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

3 1/3 cups Bob’s Red Mill gluten free, dairy free all purpose baking flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 15oz can Pumpkin
4 eggs
7 oz oil
5 oz water
1 ½ tsp vanilla
1 small bag semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup walnuts

Put all the ingredients into one huge bowl and with a large spoon mix until no more flour lumps.
Oven temperature should be 350F, preheat if you have time.
Grease 2 muffin pans and pour in batter until each muffin well is almost full. Bake for 20 minutes and then check to see if they are done. Make sure the sides are not burning and that a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
When they are done take them carefully out of the pans and let them cool on racks. Do not get over zealous and burn your mouth on molten chocolate chips.

NEW NEW NEW

I am in one of my super creative modes and have started designing a million things. No, I don't sleep, if you are asking when I find the time. Sooo, I was going to open a new store on Etsy with all my new stuff. I was concerned about mixing and mingling in Flirtbuttons. But, when I went to get my domain name that I wanted it was already taken. So, I bought 4 domain names of flirtbuttons. I am stuck with it now!!! That's fine, I have built enough of a clientele that people know me by Flirtbuttons and I am hoping they like all my new stuff! You can now get to me by http://www.flirtbuttons.com/, .net, .info and .I don't remember lol. They all just take you to my Etsy shop. For now, not sure if/when I will open up shop on just my url.

I have started to design my own fabrics. Some of the fabrics are just to replace some that are out of print/vintage and have become popular in my shop. Other fabric designs are based on drawings that I have done and wanted to put on mirrors and bottle openers etc.... I will be designing coordinating fabrics for people to purchase in fat quarters and possibly by the yard if they ask nicely!!! The fabrics are printed here in the USA. I am actually originally a textile designer. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and also a Masters of Science in Textile Design (wovens) I used to work in the corporate world of area rug and carpet design. I also freelanced for years. Now I am putting all of that to my own use. Take a look at the fabrics I have had printed so far. I just love them. More to come!!!!!

Buckles and more buckles!!!

Hey there,

Sorry I was away for so long!!! I have been super busy with the whole summer vacation and then school started back up and so on and so forth. Just got carried away from my blog.

I had promised one of my customers to make her a whole bunch of assorted belt buckles when I returned from my vacation. Well, I finally put them in the mail to her today. They turned out super fun and fantastic! I also scored a Treasury today on Etsy, so I made it into a belt buckle treasury, how fun is that? Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=64557

I have been listing lots of new pocket mirrors also, some come take a peek around the shop!

www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

custom fabric covered pocket mirrors

Q. So, why would I have pocket mirrors made with my own fabric???

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 my wholesale price.

2. 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.

3. 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, 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. I am very easy to work with and I am available at all different times of day and night.

Q. What kind of fabric will work?

The thinner the better is my motto for fabric. My machine is very picky and prefers quilt weight cotton fabric. However, some thicker fabrics will work. They need to be smooth and tightly woven.

Q. Can you make something other than pocket mirrors?

Yes I can! You can request to have any of the items in my shop to be made with your fabric. I will let you know if your design will fit or not.

Q. I don't have my own fabric to send you but I know what I want. What do I do?

If you have a theme, color combination or a particular fabric that you want me to use. Just let me know. I usually don't mind purchasing fabric for custom projects, as long as you pay for your items before I buy the fabric. You won't be charged extra for the fabric. In fact some of the designs in my shop are originally from custom orders.

Check out my shop, http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/ and let me know if you need anything, you can convo me thru Etsy or email me at flirtemail@yahoo.com

don't mind me, just coding my blog

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FRONTPAGE BABY!!!!!

My green whale on pink jumbo paperclip/bookmark made it to the frontpage today!!! It was such a pretty frontpage too!!!! Check out my widget to the side. Was glad to see Sunbasilgarden and Beautifulbridget on there with me.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY sale and a giveaway

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!!!! MAJOR DEALS AND STEALS FROM JULY 1ST THRU THE 14TH. ALL POCKET MIRRORS AND BOTTLE OPENERS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, REFUND AFTER PAYPAL PAYMENT

I am really excited about my Christmas in July sale. I have been waiting for it for a few months. I made a new banner and avatar just for the occasion. and of course, I think it is time for a giveaway!!!!!

What you could win: 6 assorted Christmas fabric covered pocket mirrors.

These will be great add ons to gifts or stocking stuffers or something for the girls at the office.

How do you win them????? Here are 4 different ways to enter the raffle.

1. make sure you are a follower of my blog, comment to tell me so (worth one ticket)

2. check out my etsy shop and comment here to tell me which design you would like to see as a bracelet (worth one ticket)

3. Follow me on twitter and comment here to tell me (worth one ticket)

4. Buy something from my shop during my sale and comment here to tell me (worth 2 tickets)

Plenty of options! Can't wait to read all your comments!

GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 14TH

My Inspiration

This is why I have a shop on Etsy and teach college online.

weekend deal

June 26-28 all jewelry including earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings 30% off. Type weekend deals in message to seller and receive 30% refund after purchase with Paypal. June 26-28

Jury Duty

First the good stuff: FREE SHIPPING if you mention jury duty in message to seller, I will refund paypal after purchase. www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com .
This week is my week of civic duty. I was summoned to court to spend the week on call for jury duty. Jury duty is different all over the place and for different types of juries.
Mine started Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. with 95 other people in the county courthouse. I looked around, and let me tell you I was astounded that the only people there were caucasian, no blacks, no asians, no minority whatsoever. I would also say it looked like 2/3rds men. And, all I can say is, bring a book, a laptop and a sense of humor. You may also need a pillow for your sore butt. I am serious about that. Courthouses have metal detectors etc. so make sure to empty all the crap out of your purse, and items you really don't need people knowing about. Wear sensible clothes and no metal, or you get the wand treatment. They will lecture you about the history of jury duty and how you are doing the world a major favor. Then they will let you sit and rot until they figure out which cases need a jury. You will be sorted into groups of 12 and given a number. We were split into 8 groups. Group 8 only had 6 people because the other 6 failed to show up for their civic duty. Do you know what happens to you when you don't show up???? A warrant is put out for your arrest and you can spend 10 days in jail. This is a fact. I won't get into details, but I do know someone that has served the time. So, make sure you show up. On the first day groups 1,2 and 3 went up for interrogation for the first court case. The rest of us sat there until 4:15 p.m. doing absolutely nothing. I had lunch with my friend that works in the courthouse. I had brought 2 books. I read about 30 pages of the first one and decided it wasn't worth reading. I started the second one and realized that I had already read it. Luckily I brought a sudoku book, and worked out a few of the puzzles. I would have brought my 2 month old laptop but my hard drive had died the previous Thursday and I was waiting for a replacement. That is a whole other blog post. Some guy sat up front with his feet up on a table. He fell asleep and was snoring so loud that one of the clerks came in and woke him up. We are talking ultimate boredom. It is nice and airconditioned though. So for all you thin girls not experiencing menopause, bring a sweater. At the end of the day they come in to dismiss you and tell you to call the jury hotline after 6 p.m. It gives instructions for the next day. My group was told to show up at 9 a.m. at the courthouse. By 9:30 a.m. we were lined up and brought up to a courtroom. In the court were courtworkers, state prosecuters, the judge, 2 defense attorneys and the accused. I looked at him and decided he had either stolen money from a business or corporation or that he was a child molester. He was too clean cut for anything else. Sadly, it turned out that he was accused of child molestation, and we all groaned. No one wants to sit in on that case. We were split into 2 groups of 18 and then the first group sat in the jury box and was interrogated for 2.5 hours. Meanwhile we sat on the hardest most unforgiving wooden benches ever known to man. I am not a thin woman, and I had to sit on my hands because my butt was so sore. When I say interrogated, I really mean it. You will have to answer all sorts of personal questions about you, your family, and your friends. Meanwhile about 45 people are listening, including the accused. When it was my turn up in the interrogation box, I mean jury box, I made sure to let the defense attorney and his client know that I did not like them or the case. Because I truly did not like the defense attorney. He did not look us in the eye when he spoke to us and he asked questions that had absolutely nothing to do with the case. I felt he was trying to play head games, and I just don't go down that road. When they picked the jury for the case they did not pick nurses, lawyers, people with a colorful past, or me. In fact, the accused laughed when they called on me to tell me whether I was accepted or excused. It was a great relief to all of us that were excused. We left and went home to our families happy as can be to not have to listen to that case. So, Tuesday night I called the jury hotline and they told me I did not have to come in on Wednesday. I called Wednesday night and they told me I did not have to come in on Thursday, today. I will have to call tonight, about tomorrow. I doubt they will need me on Friday. So, if you don't want to sit on the jury for a case, make sure to have an attitude. A nurse with an attitude would be even better. If half the people in your family have been to court and or jail, you won't be sitting on the jury either.

Getting to 1000

my first sale

Goals and more goals. I started http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/ on June 13th, 2008. My first goal was to make enough money to buy a 2nd button making machine. I had deliberated and pained over the first machine purchase. Each machine makes a different size button. I wanted the one inch machine and the 2.25 inch machine. I settled on the 2.25 inch machine because I wanted to make pocket mirrors. So, I set the goal that when I made enough money using the first machine that I could buy the 2nd one. To my surprise it only took me 3 weeks to make the money!!! I got some big orders and voila, enough money to buy the one inch machine. Meanwhile my friends and family thought I was crazy. A button making business? They obviously had no idea the amount of thought and research I had put into it. Not to mention my online selling experience. I was totally stoked having both machines. I started making all kinds of stuff, and taking over the whole house with all my fabric and paper and supplies!!!

My next goal was to hit 500 sales by the 6 month mark. Which just happened to also be my son's first birthday. He was the reason I started the button business in the first place. The age old dream of staying home with your children and making money. For me it is not a dream, it is a reality. I also teach college online. Both of my jobs are done completely at home. Back to the goal, I made it. In fact I did more than 500 sales by the 6 month mark.

The next goal was the big 1000 by my one year anniversary, also known as an etsyversary on Etsy. I knew that I could do it, but it has definitely taken a lot of marketing. It is not easy to make money after Christmas. You have to really work hard at marketing your products. One of my advantages is that I don't get a lot of sleep due to all the different things in my life that take up my time. Therefore I can be online at all different hours of the day and night. This makes me accessible to the West coast, the East coast and overseas. My sales are from all over the world. If someone asks me a question at midnight, it is quite likely that I will answer them right away. Same story goes for 8 a.m and 2 p.m., sometimes even 4 a.m. Also, because I am online for my other job, I usually leave my Etsy site open so I can check on it while I am working. Needless to say, I have worked hard and I have made my goals for my first year on Etsy.

Now I guess I better set some new goals!!!

June 13th My Etsyversary

~~~~~~HAPPY ETSYVERSARY TO ME, HAPPY ETSYVERSARY TO ME~~~~~~~ ALL POCKET MIRRORS AND BOTTLE OPENERS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. PURCHASE ONE AND WRITE WHICH ONE YOU WANT FOR FREE IN MESSAGE TO SELLER. GOOD FROM NOW UNTIL JUNE 14TH.

More matchy matchy zipper bags and pocket mirrors etc.

I found some more matching items in my shop: http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/ and my friend's: http://www.madamecupcake.etsy.com/ Come see all our wonderful goodies.

Hey there Everyone!!!!

I have been a twittering fool lately and have become friends with MadameCupcake! She has a great little Etsy shop with lots of wonderful handsewn items and especially zipper pouches. These guys are perfect for makeup etc...

When searching her shop I came across some of the very same fabrics that I make my pocket mirrors out of. Here are a few for you to check out. I love matchy matchy stuff!!! In fact I love it so much that I have ordered some of the fabrics that she uses so that we can have more matching items!!! How great is that??? So take a peak at her shop: http://www.madamecupcake.etsy.com/ and at mine http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

BIG BIRTHDAY SALE FRIDAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!!!!!MY BDAY IS THE 31ST ~~~ALL SINGLE ITEMS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE~~~ (EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE FOR THE FREE ONE) I WILL REFUND PAYPAL AFTER PURCHASE

Hey there everyone,

I am in the midst of my Father's Day bottle opener sale!!!! Buy a bottle opener in my shop and then write which one you want for free in the message to seller. I have several masculine bottle openers for dear old dad, but I have some very cute feminine openers for the ladies. Maybe your freebie can be for you??? My sale runs from now until June 7th. Take a peek in my bottle opener section to see all my openers.

BELT BUCKLES brand spanking new product!!!! and yes, of course, a giveaway!!!

I had this idea that I needed to do belt buckles. I mean, how cool would that be? My buttons are the perfect size, 2.25 inches round. Soooo, I found all the parts and put it all together. It took a few weeks to get exactly what I needed. Now, I have it all going on. My daughter wanted the British Flag so I started with that one.

This buckle is on a 1.5 inch black leather belt from Tandy leather. I am not going to be selling the belts, just the buckles. Go ahead and get yourself exactly what you want belt wise. These belts are made with 2 screws that come undone so you can put the buckle on it. This way you can buy as many buckles as you want, but you only need one belt. There are a few people selling these types of belts on Etsy. You need it to be about 1.5 inches in width.

You can order just about any of my designs to go on a belt buckle. I will make a custom listing so you all can just tell me what you want. I'm thinking pink sugar skull? or maybe Hello Kitty playing guitar? I don't know, you tell me.

Okay, the giveaway part. I am going to give away one belt buckle to a random lucky winner on Monday May 11th. What to do to be a part of the drawing:

1. Check out my etsy shop http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/ and heart my shop (add as a favorite)

2. Pick your top 3 designs that you would want as a belt buckle, from any pocket mirror or bottle opener design, and list them here on the blog as a comment.

3. Follow my blog

okay so that's it, just 3 things. easy peasy schmeasy.

Can't wait to hear from you. -Sharon

Happy Easter and there is a winner!!!!

Hey there, Hope you have a great Easter. Our weather is gorgeous here in Georgia today! I wanted to announce my baby shower favor giveaway winner, tah dah it is Mama Koala!!!!

FREE SHIPPING IN APRIL, TO ANYWHERE

I am running a free shipping to anywhere special. I figured since there is always a lot of complaining about shipping internationally, that I ought to help everyone out. If you would like free shipping, please take a peek at my shop!

It's April, time for a baby shower favors Giveaway

Well, we have made it to April yet again! Today in the Atlanta, Georgia area it is raining and raining and raining. We aren't suppose to complain due to the drought, but come on people I'm starting to grow webbing between my toes. So, it made me think about showers and that made me think baby showers and then how about a giveaway of some of my baby shower pocket mirrors???? So, here goes. To enter the drawing for 6 assorted baby shower favors you must do the following:

1. follow my blog (worth one entry)

2. check out my etsy shop and come back here and comment on atleast one item (worth one entry) http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

3. follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com/flirtbuttons (worth 2 entries)

4. check out my friends on the Booty BNR, run by creativehook, in the etsy promotions forum, and come back here to comment on atleast one shop on the BNR list (worth 3 entries)

winner will be announced on Saturday April 11th, 2009 good luck!!!!

Hope you have a great Spring.

some sales!

~~~~~~~~~~MARCH MIRROR MADNESS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE,

JUST TELL ME WHICH ONE YOU WANT FOR FREE, IN MESSAGE TO SELLER

$$$$ a little economic stimulus, look around my shop for some super deals and steals, I am going to lower prices on different items at different times and different days take a look$$$$

Baby shower time!!!!!

It is really beginning to look like spring out there! Thank goodness. Here in Atlanta we have seen a few days close to 80 degrees. It feels sooooo good after such a cold winter. It looks like it is that time again when all those beautiful little spring babies will be arriving. Are you planning a baby shower for anyone? Do you have to go to a baby shower soon? I have some wonderful shower favors that are just perfect for spring. These pocket mirrors can also be added to a diaper bag as a gift.
My absolute favorite is a cute little pink umbrella fabric covered pocket mirror. Many women buy it just because they like it and not because someone is having a baby. When I asked questions last month about favors people chose my Bambi mirror as a perfect favor for a baby shower. I never even thought about it!!!
Take a peek around my shop and see what you would like. I offer them by the each, half dozen or dozens. Convo me with any special requests I am always happy to help.

WEDDING SEASON AND A GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hey there,
Sharon here. I am working very very hard on wedding favors. I have several gorgeous fabrics that I have been using on my pocket mirrors and selling them for wholesale prices to brides to be. Some brides buy them by the 100's to hand out as favors at the reception. Other brides buy them for their bridesmaids as thank you gifts. Sometimes they put them in with other little goodies in a gift bag. My other pocket mirror wedding sales have been to Bridal shops, to give out at all the bridal trade shows and expos. So, whether you need 1, 12 or 500 I can do the job! Just convo me in Etsy or email (flirtemail(at)yahoo.com).

Now for the give away part!!!! If you do the following steps, you will be put in a drawing to win 6 of your favorite pocket mirrors from my shop!!!! The random winner will be notified on Thursday March 5th!!!! One week from now!

Here's what to do:
1. comment on this blog
2. follow this blog
3. go to my etsy shop and convo me the answers to the following:
(you will have to register if you aren't already an etsy buyer or seller)
1. what your favorite pocket mirror is?
2. which is the best pocket mirror for a wedding favor?
3. which is the best pocket mirror for a baby shower?
4. How did you find my blog?
5. what are your favorite flowers for a wedding?

so that's pretty easy!!!! and you don't have to live in the United States to win!

Giveaway on 1girlinparadise blog!!!!!

Go to Amy's blog and see the bracelet you could win.

http://1girlparadise.blogspot.com

Valentine's Day Sale

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
free shipping on all purchases over $20 to any destination in the world. just for today!

WEDDING SEASON IS ON IT'S WAY!!!!!

I have been working on some wholesale orders for weddings. I have so many items that are just perfect little wedding favors or bridal shower favors. I even have some great stuff for a bachelorette party. I love to do wholesale orders and you don't have to be a retailer to get in on my wholesale pricing. All you need to do is order 12 or more of the same type of item. I have listed several photos of my popular wedding items. Let me know if you need anything.

flirtemail (at) yahoo.com

CUPCAKES CUPCAKES CUPCAKES

One of my favorite subjects is cupcakes. I just love them. I make them all the time for friends and family. The women yell at me about the calories and the men just eat them by the handfuls. So, I have made several items with cupcake fabric. They are horribly nonfattening and not delicious to eat at all. But they are so darn cute!!!!! My favorite fabric is this great pink with cupcakes. Here are some other items I found on Etsy made with the same fabric.

1. Very cute patchwork scarf by http://www.madamecupcake.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16096243

2. An adorable little reversible pinafore by http://www.sugarflower.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13998968

3. A great little girl's headband by http://www.sweatp07.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17212181

4. The fanciest tutu dress ever, by http://www.sdemke.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19599366

5. and last but not least this awesome purse by http://www.purseona.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11552188

Hope you love them!!!!

Pink and Green Whales make a comeback!

Careful this blog post might give you 80's flashbacks!!!! I found this great pink fabric with little green whales and just had to have it. Now it is making it's way onto everything in my shop. I took a look around Etsy to find items to go with it, and here is what I found:

1. Embroidered Preppy Whale Hair Bow by http://www.thesouthernbaby.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19884724

2. Green and Pink Whale Ribbon Dog Collar by http://www.hadsandjacks.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18135339

3. http://www.charlieandsarah.etsy.com/ have this great tshirt with an appliqued whale:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17166027

4. a little needlepoint whale keyfob by http://www.prettypetunia.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14580677

5. The cutest little polka dot appliqued little girl's shirt by http://www.thetrendytot.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19577092

6. The trendytot also has this great little dress:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20365905

Amy Butler Trailing Cherry Fabric

Amy Butler's Trailing Cherry Fabric is one of my most popular fabrics on pocket mirrors. The oriental appeal with the nice pinks and chocolate brown background make it a perfect all round fabric. And of course it is also part of a whole line of great fabrics that match. Here are some wonderful handmade items on Etsy made of the same fabric:

1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16133127 a cute purse made by http://www.gardenhouseboutique.etsy.com/

2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19088238 really nice headband made by http://www.purplelicious.etsy.com/ for $9

3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17702616 another great purse, this one is by: http://www.atouchofstardust.etsy.com/

4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17907387 a key fob to go with all the purses by: http://www.sewmuchdetail.etsy.com/ for $6.50

5. a bag, for books or for a purse http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15911404

by http://www.dottedblissbags.etsy.com/

Hope you get out there and check out everything on Etsy!!!!!

Mardi Gras wooohooooo it's coming February 24th

Okay, well seeing as I use to be a preschool teacher, I have a big thing for holidays. I love to create a million different little projects all based on the same theme!!! In keeping with this I thought I would start doing some of my blogs theme related. Some of my latest items are fabric covered Mardi Gras bottle openers. I went on Etsy and found several other items handmade from the same fabric. Here are all the goodies I found.

1. http://www.jinxyheadbands.etsy.com/ has this great headband for $7:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12619235

2. http://www.crazyrebecca.etsy.com/ has a crazy quilt kit for $27.50

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20044987

3. http://www.hugsandholidays.etsy.com/ has a nice tote bag for $5

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18018853

4. my most unusual find is this shopping cart cover by http://www.michaelmooodesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15084070

then of course there are my bottle openers at $3.50 each :

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20182609

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19787489

January's SPOTTEDBOX

Hey there. I participated in January's spottedbox and received a box in the mail on Monday. Some seriously fast shipping I might add. So, here is the context of my box:

1. a hair tie from http://iheartbowheads.blogspot.com I will keep this for my neice, she loves hair doodads.
2. www.fishnoodles.com the cutest little 3-6 month size painted tshirt. it's too small for my son but it will make a great baby gift for the next bundle of joy.
3. www.sewingalley.com sent some handmade play dough. I haven't shown it to my daughter yet. She will love it. I like the texture a lot. It feels smooth and soft.
4. www.creativitykes.com a diaper insert/doubler with 3 layers. It is very well made and looks nice and soft. I will keep this in my next bundle of joy gift pile.
5 and 6. www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com I received 2 items this month and they were both felt and embroidery hairclips, one is a flower and the other is a cupid. I am putting these in the pile for my neice, she will love them.
7. bath salts and a coupon from www.willowlakescents.etsy.com Looks like a good amount for my next tub soak, or maybe my daughter's. She likes bath stuff.
8. A nice animal print face wipy from www.hyenacart.com/2by2boutique I give these things as gifts to one of my friends because she just loves to be pampered. had a coupon too.
9. I just looked at an empty plastic bag from www.polkadottedpickle.com and thought huh???? Then I realized that when I looked through the box I snagged the hair scrunchy and put it in my hair immediately. Needless to say the bag is empty because I'm wearing the item as I type. It fits my hair perfectly, I have a hard time finding the right size hair doo dads for my thick hair.
10. www.fluffnflowers.etsy.com sent me some lavender rose of sharon seeds. I will wait til it is warmer and plant them out back.
11. www.glorybeherbals.etsy.com sent some patchouli orange bath salts. I'm thinking I might need to get a basket for all my bath goodies. This smells very nice and was well labeled.
12. Just found something else from www.fishnoodles.com very cute diaper cover!!! size small, so it will be going in my new bundle of joy bin. I have the same fabric in my shop, must have been a good one! Did I mention how well made it is?????
13. www.hyenacart.com/babygo a very nice wipe/washie for my lil guy. Even has a firetruck pattern on it. He loves these wonderful washies we keep receiving in our spottedboxes. In fact I made myself leave it in the box so I wouldn't forget to put it in the blog.
14. from Earth School www.kandfshops.com I received a sampler card of activities based on Winter Wonderland.
15. Yet another great hairclip from www.socialbutterflies.etsy.com got one before and loved it!!!
16. pinback button from www.butteredparsnips.etsy.com
17. a reversible potholder/hotpad knitting pattern from http://hyenacart.com/jekuthielsgifts
my friend has been knitting scarves like a madman, maybe she can switch to these?
18. 5.00 gift certificate to www.themeltingpotcandleco.com I will have to go take a look around!!!!
19. Another $5 gift certificate to http://hyenacart.com/closetonqueencreek I have no idea what they sell, so I will have to go take a peek at that shop also.
20. 2 really fun cards with envelopes from www.dfmidesigns.com great sense of humor, I will need to send these out to my friends.
21. very cute owl face wipy from http://hyenacart.com/princessjuliannescloset my lil man will love this. I might use it for his new daycare induced runny nose.
22. Breathe Easy Massage Oil from http://hyenacart.com/scentsorycreations poerfect for this time of year when everyone is all stuffed up
23. Greenapple soap sample from www.hyenacart.com/breezybugboutique perfect for the guest bathroom.
24. Apple Jack and Peel laundry detergent from Jenny's Simply Clean. I don't see a web address. If someone has it, please add it in comments. thanks
25. Pretty little swarovski crystal earrings from www.sherry19682008.etsy.com These will go to my friend for Valentine's Day.
26. www.bittyfluff.com sent a sample of Jenn's Simple Clean diaper pail freshener. I will be putting this in my kitchen trash can. It really helps.
27. concentrated all purpose cleaner from www.picnicbasketcrafts.etsy.com
28. www.hyenacart.com/tiffanystrinkets sent a toddler bracelet. Will keep this for the neighbor's baby. Maybe my son can give it to her for Valentine's Day, hehehehehe
29. www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com hey, that's me! got a valentine's 2.25 inch magnet!!!!
14.
10.

1/15/09 THE BOOTY BNR

Hey there, I want to write about my favorite group of people on Etsy. I don't know if you know what a BNR is, but BNR stands for Buy and Replace. Someone starts a BNR by listing it under promotions in the Etsy forum. Then they get a group of shops to sign up. There are several ways to go about this, and there are usually different rules. So, a list of shops gets started and they continue to promote themselves on the BNR thread in forums, under promotions. Buyers will come along and buy from someone on the list. The buyers shop then replaces the shop they purchased from, on the list. To get back on the list, you have to purchase from a shop on the list. Usually the person that started the BNR is considered to be the host and stays on the list no matter who buys from them or how much is bought. I hope this explains BNR.

The BNR that I participate in is called The Booty BNR. Booty actually stands for booted, because if you don't sign in within a 24 hour period of time, you will get booted off the list.

Here is the most recent list and rules etc. for our BNR

PLEASE NOTE: It's called the Booty bnr, because you'll be booted if you don't check in from 7pm to 7pm) Twenty four hour check in rule will be strictly enforced.PLEASE DO NOT BUY ON TO THIS BNR IF YOU DO NOT CHECK IN WITHIN THE 24 HOUR TIME SPAN....
The Simple Basics: If you’re on the list and someone buys from you, you’re off! (until you buy back on again)
1. To buy in: $4.50 MINIMUM PURCHASE (before shipping)
2. Thread Monitor’s name stays on list.
3. You MUST state which shop you intend to buy from before you make your purchase. (please make sure the shop you’re calling is on the CURRENT LIST!)
4. Post your transaction here after purchase. (You're on the list! Remember to update sales total)
5. You may ONLY be listed on this list ONCE, regardless of number of purchases!6. Promoting this thread is required! Get a "x1" by your name for each shop you bring to our BNR.7. YOU are responsible for giving yourself a (*) each day when you check in for the first time. If you don't have a (*) by your shop name you may be booted.
--------------------------------------------------THE PERKS: You may get a "x1" by your name if you bring in a new shop to buy from our list! Two shops? then you get a "x2" and so on... Recruitment is KEY for the success of our BnR!YOU GOT BOOTED??? One of the forgiving things about the booty bnr is that if you bring a new member to join the list (by making a purchase) , you get back on the list yourself (without making another purchase) Applies only to those who have gotten the boot.----------------------------------------------------------======>>>>>> Shops neglecting to check in (or convo Hook) for a 24 hour period WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST! (This will be strictly enforced). No excuses.BOOTY time is 7pm every afternoon!
Here’s the list!1. CreativeHook.etsy.com *
2. cardsandnotes.etsy.com or jsjewelry.etsy.com*
3. philosofickle.etsy.com *
4. kuteklipboardsbyamy.etsy.com *
5. KimsBeads.etsy.com *
6. flirtbuttons.etsy.com or hare.etsy.com *
7. ConcordSoap.etsy.com *
8. GoAskMalice.etsy.com or TheCrochetGrocer.etsy.com *
9. DesignsbyDanna.etsy.com *
10. sandyssundries.etsy.com *
11. bagsnstuff.etsy.com *12.
MonkeyThreads.etsy.com *
13. debsbeaddesigns.etsy.com
********************* 227 sales *****************
MonkeyThreads made a fantastic BNR treasuryhttp://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33334