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

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.