Today’s sponsored giveaway is from Lucy Jane, a handmade tote + purse shop designed around color, style + function. Lucy knows color is a great accessory and she does a fabulous job incorporating it into her wares, like rich reds, greens + golds. The inspiration behind Lucy Jane was the need for a large tote bag, something that would do a fabulous job with daily essentials for twins. And since Lucy couldn’t find what she needed she turned her “problem” into a profit. Smart gal, I say.

GIVEAWAY // TWO lucky readers will win a $75 gift card to Lucy Jane

TO ENTER // leave a comment sharing your favorite item from the Lucy Jane shop! for additional entries (optional) connect with Lucy online by following along via twitter or facebook // connect with Gussy via facebook or RSS feed. make sure you leave extra comments if you do any of these!

this giveaway is open to the US only, a winner will be picked + announced in a few days.

♥ HAVE FUN + gooooood luck!

Related posts:

1. {giveaway day // Lucy Jane Studio}
2. {giveaway day :: Laura Jane Designs}
3. {friday giveaway from Yellow Heart Art}

squeeee! I’m here to share with you a NEW!, super exciting resource we are launching for handmade shop owners, and it starts right here on Gussy Sews! We hear on a near-daily basis that this blog is “a fabulous site to browse for handmade gift ideas” and we couldn’t agree more. {Oh, how happy that makes me!} Blogging and social media are excellent vessels for sharing “news” and –yeow! there’s nothing quite like supporting + encouraging another shop owner…

…which is why I’m super excited to announce our NEW! Seasonal Gift Guides. The last two years I’ve hosted a Holiday Gift Guide. In hindsight these guides were preparing me for this new resource we’re launching — and I’m pumped!

There will be four gift guides this year: Spring, Summer, Fall + Holiday. We are currently booking for Spring + Summer {click the links to see the application form}.

Both the Spring + Summer guides will have a 90-day duration. The Fall + Holiday guides will be 65 days, with more details on these two coming later in the year.

I’m so excited!!! If you’re a shop owner this is such an awesome opportunity to share your wares with over 330,000+ viewers over the course of 90 days. There will be a link to each season’s gift guide {in my blog navigation bar, located underneath my header} and also a linked button in my right sidebar. I’ll also be occasionally sharing the guide + specific shop URLs with my Facebook {10.4k+ “likes”} and Twitter {7.6k+ “followers”}.

2012 GIFT GUIDE DATES:
Spring, guide runs March 15 – June 14, application deadline is March 7th
Summer, guide runs June 15 – Sept. 14, application deadline is June 7th
Fall, guide runs Sept. 15 – Oct. 31, application deadline is September 7th
Holiday, guide runs Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, application deadline is October 15th

AD DETAILS + PRICING:
The Spring price is $180 for 90 days {guide will run March 15 – June 14} and includes your shop name, shop description {written by Gussy}, a list of your three favorite items from your shop, a price range, a 200×200 pixel ad/logo and your shop URL ~ shown below.

SAMPLE GIFT GUIDE AD:

Gussy Sews — a boutique filled with colorful, sassy, ruffled accessories including glam totes, zipped pouches, headbands, eReader cases + more. Handmade in Minneapolis.

Gussy’s favorite things: Grassy Dot nook/kindle case, Jet Black glam tote, Khaki + Red zipped pouch

♥ Gifts range from $15.50 – $74.00 USD

To shop, visit www.shopgussy.com

SPONSOR TESTIMONIALS:
Any business I do with Gussy Sews generates big buzz for me and my shop. The holiday gift guide was a constant source of traffic for me and I didn’t have to worry about renewing any advertisements since I was on there for a few months. It was great to not only be a part of this, but I discovered new shops to love as well. Gussy Sews is and has been one of my top referrers! Maggie goes above and beyond in being a host for your sponsorship. She truly cares about you succeeding and for that I will always stick around!
– xoxo Heather Smith, {Just.Lovely.Things}

As a new indie business owner, finding your niche in the online world can be a scary and daunting challenge. The customer service I have received with Gussy Sews advertising has been amazing and they made me feel warm and welcome right away. The traffic to my site is growing daily thanks to Gussy and I couldn’t ask for more. If you are a new business owner, even Gussy’s blogs are inspirational and can motivate you to the next level.
– Sue, SC Jewelry Designs

*We are accepting a limited number of shops into each gift guide, which will allow for a fabulous highlight. All shops will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis and are subject to approval.

So c’mon — will you squeeee! with me? ;D

Related posts:

1. {this season, SHOP the Holiday Gift Guide [now live!]}
2. {this season, shop the Gussy Sews Holiday Gift Guide}
3. {Holiday Gift Guide Sponsors ~ meet & greet}

Hi, I’m Heather Dawn from Just Lovely Things and I love sharing fun and easy tutorials with the readers of my blog.  I can’t keep all the fun to myself over there though, so when I came up with this bright and cheerful project I knew that it would be perfect over here at Gussy Sews!

This tutorial is easy and only requires a couple of supplies, for the paper I used wrapping paper which is super thin and comes in an endless amount of prints.  Book pages also work wonderful for this and the bendy straws are easy to use since they are adjustable and you can snip the ends for varying lengths.

First up you need to cut your pattern into your paper for the flowers (or clouds like mine turned out!). To do this cut your paper into strips then down into squares about 3×5.  If you want to trace a template by all means do, but they aren’t meant to be perfect petals so free handing is just fine.

Next cut an ‘X’ into your shape by lightly bending in half one way – snip it then fold the other way and – snip again.  This is where you will be placing the straw through your paper.

Place your shape (print side up) onto your bendy straw where you would sip from to just the point where the bend starts, you dont want to go to far onto it or past it because you want to be able to adjust those flowers.  Next take a couple pieces of tape and secure the paper to the straw.

Now take as many pieces as you want of the paper and stack them print side up.  I used 4-6 per flower, but you can use more if you want something fuller plus you can cut different sized shapes if you want them to be larger or smaller!

Carefully holding the bottom of the flower (where you previously taped) gather the top piece of paper as if you were pinching/gathering around the reminder of the straw that is sticking out.  Tape around the base of that section.  It will look like the middle photo.  Now you just take all your layers starting from the top and working down and just sorta of scrunch them together, be careful not to pull… you just want them gathered!

When you are done you will see a small piece of straw sticking out… snip that off & if you get nervous like me, then just put another piece of tape in there to secure it!  Voila! Super cute, easy and adjustable flowers that will stay pretty all year round!  I think this would even be cute if you used tissue paper for your flowers, made them smaller and left the tip of the straw on to use as party sippy straws! <--- ohhh the ideas are a flowin'!!!

* * *

Aren’t they lovely??! Make sure you send some love to Heather below by leaving a comment! Be sure to see what else she’s up to online here + here.

Related posts:

1. {guest post // 5 Tips for Developing a Creative Idea}
2. {3 tips for selling your wares at a craft show // guest post}
3. {Paper Source ~ a Minneapolis shop}

confession:
sometimes it can be really hard to enjoy my weekend when endless lists + ideas fill my head. {or when the “i must do something fun, i must do something fun!!!” monster comes knocking. you know the feeling, right?!} working from home and then being home on the weekends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before friday even hits. i just want to get out of the house {!!!} and do something different. but this weekend was different… it’s been one of my main priorities this year to finish work early during the week and not have any to do on the weekends. unless i’m planning a re-launch ;] so this past weekend, with only a few house chores to do, i was able to relax. i reminded myself whatever plans this weekend brings, work/fun/otherwise, they’d be perfect plans.

and ya know what else? when sunday night came i felt very happy. perfection! :]

* * *

starting out on friday, molly and i went on a little field trip to target downtown. we rode the bus and i taught her the wonders of wearing oversized sunglasses. we were a bundled duo, molly + maggie! it was the cutest adventure downtown if i’m allowed to be honest. later that night zack + i tried to make a quick run to CVS but found ourselves downtown rescuing co-workers who were left their keys on their desk after stepping out for a work event across the street. OOPS! we came to their rescue though and all was well in the end ♥.

then on saturday, the mister and i ran a few errands together. we felt like we were on a little goose chase though, trying to find a post office that could sell us stamps {we had 3 strikes before finding success}! then we stopped at the hardware store… that gives me a few wifey points, right?! and then we stopped for a coke. such a perfect way to end our afternoon of goose chasing. i mean errand-running! –wink!

we watched a movie, visited the downtown library, came up with a super exciting handmade idea, molly + i baked valentine’s day cupcakes — YUM! and then ended the evening with an episode of downton abbey… i just love that show!!!

and then yesterday… zack, bauer + i went on a long afternoon walk. the sun was out and the sky was blue ~ it was so gorgeous. this city is pretty much picturesque. on almost every block there’s a park and nearly every park has a playground, wading pool + baseball diamond that’s converted to a skating rink in the winter months. so sweet!

* * *

if you could choose your breakfast in the morning, what would you have to eat?

yesterday i had a cupcake with my mustache mug, hah {don’t judge}! and i don’t regret it at all. in fact, it was the perfect start to another perfect weekend morning ;D

XOXO

Related posts:

1. {weekend recap}
2. {weekend recap + sewing + you’ll have to read this to know the rest!}
3. {weekend recap}

NOTEWORTHY LINKS FROM THE PAST WEEK:

* network like a rockstar

* chevron dreams dress

* white queso dip {recipe}

* i absolutely adore lisa’s style

* you can’t wait around to find what you love

happy weekending! XO

Related posts:

1. {noteworthy links — promoting products on Pinterest, FB business banner + more}
2. {noteworthy links — crafts, indie biz, holiday DIY ebook}
3. {noteworthy links — indie biz, Pinterest, celebration cake}

last week we introduced our newest Gussy item, the Glam Tote, and today i thought it would be fun to share a few more detail photos on this new bag. my idea behind this item was to create a slim-style tote that holds a lot more than you think it can at first glance. we also designed it using three super fun, never-before-used tweed fabrics. and they’re LOVELY, i tell you!

here are a few changes we made to our tote:
+ a slimming, vertical bag orientation was designed
+ 1 bottom-rounded pocket on the inside, measuring 7″ x 7″
+ a 2.5″ gusset {aka: bag thickness, to help it “sit” flat} for all your essentials
+ ruching/cinching of the shoulder straps {darling!}
+ angled ruffle design, to match the full Gussy collection

YEOW! we are soooo happy with how our Glam Totes turned out! they are so lovely, slim, solid {extra reinforcement stitching is hidden on the inside} — truly beautiful.

along with all of the items inside the Gussy shop, this new item is limited in quantity. we love the idea of giving our customers exclusive products, for a more “one-of-a-kind” feel. if you see something you love, snag it while it’s still available…

PS. are you on our newsletter list? we send a special little gift to everyone that signs up {free shipping on your 1st order!} and then discount codes are included with nearly every newsletter sent, which is about 2x/month.

xoxoxo.

Related posts:

1. {introducing the NEW! Glam Tote by Gussy Sews}
2. {back in the shop: Yellow Woodgrain totes/market totes, *limited quantity*}
3. {3 new products // totes, *new* market totes, laptop bags}

* * *

This month’s prompt has me all crazy excited because there are so many easy, fun, colorful ways to stay organized. Without a lot of hassle, might I add! I’m going to steer my focus on the craft room because, well, that is what catches my attention the quickest. COLOR is one of my favorite “accessories” and everything I’ve found for this post is just bursting with it… it’s so fun!

Some might say to save the best for last, I say SHOW ME THE BEST FIRST! Whenever I have the chance to peek into a craft room I take it! So let’s start with this gorgeous space… Isn’t it lovely?! Tell me you agree! {If you disagree, lie to me and say you agree, hah!} The three separate work spaces, the hidden drawers, the cubbies up above, the rolling chairs {with pockets on the backside?!}, the giant built-in bookshelf to the left, and of course the large floorspace for larger projects. Such a dream room! I’m drawn to the white base and the pops of color. I think this room is set up to be a homeschool room, but I love it even more for a craft room ;]

Cutest pink baskets on the wall, perfect for larger fabric scraps, holding patterns… or just being cute!

Glass jars are truly one of my favorite ways to stay organized. We use a few in the studio + packaging room, for empty spools of thread and storing ribbon. I LOVE them, and how easy it is to see inside. And that I can seriously toss something in but because it’s organized by material type it doesn’t look organized. But it is. Don’t let it fool you… It’s unorganizedly organized.

Alternatively titled: The perfect packaging station assistant ;]

Old wooden crates, such a fantastic fabric bolt storage solution. And don’t worry, if your fabric stash runs out you can always go buy more! tee hehe…

Hold me. Do you know how many things I could store in here? Oh, let me make a quick list for you. Needles, for hand + machine sewing. Thread. Bobbins. Scissors. Machine feet. Binding. Gussy tags. Extra pins. More thread. More needles. Buttons. A measuring tape. And then the rest of the drawers would be for my chocolate collection ;] My gooooodness! this makes me want to search out an antique store just to find one yesterday! So lovely!!! If you have one of these babies I’m totally jealous.

And lastly, inspiration boards are seriously one of my favorite things. I love them for inside the studio and near my desk. But, don’t let me fool you… I forget to update it as the seasons change and I’m so good at saying I will today but then an entire monthly passes me by… and it still sits unchanged. Maybe that’s a bad thing? I like to see it as a good thing :]

Want even MORE organizational tips? Follow my Craft Room Organization board on Pinterest!

SHARE WITH US: What organizational tip do you secretly keep? What do you rely on often to keep your workspace or home clean? Or, does the word “organized” make you laugh?! –wink!

* * *

This week’s Inspiration Workshop! prompt is ORGANIZATION!
♥ Share your blog post with us by linking up below. I’ll be clicking through the links so I hope you join the party and share your inspiration!!!! You have until the evening of February 12th to link-up your post!

Want even more inspiration? Read all previous Inspiration Workshop! posts by clicking here.

<a href="http://www.gussysews.com/inspiration-workshop/" target="_blank"><img alt="Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!" height="125" width="125" title="Gussy Sews" border="0" src="http://www.gussysews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IW_button1251.png" alt="Gussy" /></a>

Sign up for our monthly Inspiration Workshop! newsletter to read about additional resources + ideas, plus other fun stuff you may not want to miss. The next email will send on Friday, March 2nd.

Related posts:

1. {re-working an old organization idea // finding inspiration from A Beautiful Mess.}
2. {join us each Thursday for the Inspiration Workshop!}
3. {Inspiration Workshop! — family room}

Yellow Heart Art giveaway //

CONGRATS to Aimee from Someone’s Gotta Pay {comment #46}, you’ve won over $100 in fabulous, colorful YHA product. check your email, we’ve sent you info on how to redeem your prize, yay!

* * *

Gussy Sews giveaway //

we have 10 unique winners for this giveaway… yeow! please check your email accounts because we’ve emailed you all :]

headbands, 4 winners:
tangerine mixer — Ellen, I love the coral and grey print headband!!
teal — Heather B., Your headbands are so super cute! I would love to win one!
sorbet — Sarah, I’d love to win that sorbet headband! (And I like you on FB – Sarah Bee)
mustard — Cathy, I’d love one of the headbands! I’ve been anxious to purchase one!

wristlets, 2 winners:
Shara, The midnight blue or color bomb wristlets are my favorite =)!
Roxanne, I would love to have either the khaki/red or midnight blue wristlet, and the sorbet headband :)

eReader cases {nook/kindle}, 2 winners:
Cheryl, Grassy Dot is spunky! I love spunky! The E-reader case never looked so good!
Lindsey, The color bomb e-reader case is just too cute!

iPad cases, 2 winners:
Emily, I’d like to win the midnight blue ipad case.
Mary, I love the Tangerine Twirl iPad case.

YAY — a giant THANK YOU to everyone to entered ♥

Related posts:

1. {celebrating 10,000+ Facebook “likes” with 10 giveaways!}
2. {friday giveaway from Yellow Heart Art}
3. {the winner of FOUR *new* Gussy Sews headbands…}

today is a special day!!!!! yesterday we hit 10,000+ Facebook “likes” {THANK YOU!} and so it’s time to celebrate! moments like these make me super happy because it’s one of the best feelings to be able to give product away. it’s a bit hard to imagine more than 10,000 people “liking” my product + sharing announcements or commenting via Facebook ~ but it’s definitely a wonderful feeling so i’ll find a way to accept that it’s really true ;]

FOR THE GIVEAWAY // here’s what will happen:
+ there will be 10 Gussy giveaway items and 10 winners, each receiving 1 item
+ prizes include 4 headbands, 2 wristlets, 2 nook/kindles cases and 2 iPad cases
+ leave a comment below sharing which category from above you’d like to win ;]
+ you may leave up to FOUR unique comments, one for each product category
+ this giveaway is open to the U.S. only
+ you must “like” our Facebook page to be eligible for the giveaway
+ the winners will be selected in a few days and announced here on my blog

remember — leave a comment below sharing which item from above you’d like to receive; you may leave up to FOUR unique comments, one per product category.

in the meantime, THANK YOU for your constant support ♥ ♥ ♥

Related posts:

1. {Giveaway Week ~ celebrating 1 year since quitting my day job [day 3]}
2. {Giveaway Week ~ celebrating 1 year since quitting my day job [day 1]}
3. {Giveaway Week ~ celebrating 1 year since quitting my day job [day 2]}

sometimes the easiest way to follow through with a new idea is to simply follow through! just the act of starting it can make nearly everything else fall into place.

there are some tasks that i know would be super great for my business if i could just follow through with them, but there are many times where “following through” is where i constantly mess up… it’s terrible! if i could just accomplish it, make it happen, check that baby OFF my list (!) i’d be 99% done with that task. but getting there, that’s the hard part {unfortunately}. do you feel the same way?! ever?

for months i’ve talked about getting a filing cabinet for Gussy Sews. we have one for our family stuff, and now that Gussy Sews, LLC has been in biz for almost 2 years now ~ it’s time. actually, it was time months ago {hangs head in shame}.

2012 is going to THE YEAR for taking action. i feel like i’m finally accomplishing those “difficult” tasks and even though it’s only february it’s got me on fire. say it with me, yeow!

to be honest, i was feeling really pathetic mentioning so often, if only i had a filing cabinet, then ____ would be better! looks like i took care of that “issue”; there’s nothing holding me back now ;D

having a filing cabinet is changing the course of my business. following up on a for-sale ad on a used filing cabinet has made so many trouble areas disappear. taking action is like the “mr. clean” for your business. i love it!

having a home business is tricky. if you have one i applaud you!!! my husband and i are constantly having “Gussy Meetings” to formulate new plans and talk about new ideas. but there’s a lot more paperwork and supplies needed, way more that i ever thought. now that my office has moved to the living room it’s even more important to stay organized so the business can stay on the path that’s right for me.

sounds simple, but the impact following through has is huge.

i’ve decided to keep the file folders i use DAILY on a simple file rack on top of my desk, along with my new idea + organizational book and the printer. other things you’ll find: a cute pen cup, a stack of sticky notes and in-use sticky notes.

everything else goes in the filing cabinet: my dSLR, envelopes, more sticky notes, paper clips + other basic office supplies, along with nearly two dozen file folders organizing sales, projects, tax information and the like. i can quickly find what i need and even more hide it again, all while staying organized. it’s changing my life!

call me a dork, but i’m super excited :]

what one thing that you’re waiting to start is holding up progress in other areas?

Related posts:

1. {what does your office desk look like?}

how has your weekend been? how have YOU been this weekend? i hope you’ve got some really fabulous replies to these questions… that you’ve been thinking about the posts from last week + that the ideas are stirring. my goal for 2012 is to make it seriously my best year yet. of course every year seems better than the year before, but i really want to see some incredible changes, and that’s my goal for you, too!

so today — on this first sunday in february, i have seven lovely things to share with you {above}. may they be all kinds of inspiring to you as you finish up your weekend…

see ya tomorrow!

PS. make sure you enter the friday giveaway, over $100 in product from Yellow Heart Art. XOXO

Related posts:

1. {7 pretty things on Sunday}
2. {7 pretty things on Sunday}
3. {7 pretty things on Sunday}

NOTEWORTHY LINKS FROM THE PAST WEEK:
* scrap fabric wreath {DIY}

* amazing-ness

* birds get fast food {DIY}

* stitching hearts {DIY}

* 109 ways to make your business irresistible to the media

* four things to say to a friend after a bad breakup {so interesting!}

Enjoy your weekend…
xo

Related posts:

1. {noteworthy links — crafts, holiday gift tags, my fav book}
2. {noteworthy links — promoting products on Pinterest, FB business banner + more}
3. {noteworthy links — indie biz, Pinterest, celebration cake}

Today’s sponsored giveaway is from Lenora of Yellow Heart Art! I’ve gone a little bit ga-ga over the fun colors, phrases, and quirkiness her shop holds… it’s just too fun! :] Lenora’s items are fabulously priced and her prints would make for a fun gift for valentine’s day {hint, hint} — since they are a prefect blend of sentiment + love, tee hehe. This quirky number’s my fav. Take a peek, what’s your favorite item?

GIVEAWAY // one lucky reader will the below prize bundle from Yellow Heart Art, that’s over $100 worth of product!

TO ENTER // leave a comment sharing your favorite item(s) from the Yellow Heart Art shop! for a second entry (optional) connect with Lenora online by following along via twitter or facebook. make sure you leave a second comment if you do!

giveaway is open to the US only, a winner will be picked + announced in a few days.

♥ HAVE FUN + gooooood luck!

Related posts:

1. {giveaway day ~ Heart Smiles}
2. {H A P P Y FRIDAY, a shop update + a giveaway!}
3. {back in the shop: Yellow Woodgrain totes/market totes, *limited quantity*}

But I’ve still got something to share with you ;] I’m pretty sure I’ve found the best “look” for my office desk. Wanna know what that means?!

My office desk needs to be clean + organized with most of my quirky, inspirational decorations hanging from my Inspiration Board, not on my desk. I need to have only the essentials out with plenty of room for my coffee cup ;]

I used to think that my desk should be messy. For me, this meant papers everywhere, multiple projects, receipts, checkbook registers, to-do lists and invoices {yikes!} all intermixed. But honestly, the longer it went on like that the more overwhelmed, or frustrated, I felt. And ultimately, the quicker I felt like I didn’t know how to “do handmade” for a living because HELLO! MY LIFE IS A MESS! Or at least that’s how it seemed.

Eventually I came to think that maybe all of those messy “things” should be put away.

Shortly before thinking that I heard someone say that the state of your office desk is a near-direct reflection of the growth + financial success of the business your office desk is representing. Or something like that ;]

For Gussy Sews, I’ve decided that’s absolutely true.

Now wait just a minute… What I’m NOT saying here is that my studio or dining room table is clean + organized. Those places are for creative working where messes and unkempt-ness helps drive growth {and financial success}. And those two things are so important, for every business.

Continuing this thought ~ understanding what goes out each month so we know what we need to bring in each month is critical for growth. I have a pretty good memory, but too often I was feeling so overwhelmed that I couldn’t even think.

::crickets::

Yep. Awkward.

So to fix this I cleaned up my office desk, bought a filing cabinet {and stopped using our family filing cabinet}, and commit to leaving work each evening with a clean + organized desk.

What are your thoughts? Do you disagree? Do you wholeheartedly agree? Do you think it doesn’t matter? Or is your desk so messy that you can’t even remember what I just asked you…

Related posts:

1. {yeow! my desk}
2. {Gussy Sews :: my office}

Yesterday I talked about how putting your best self forward means presenting your mind + spirit to the world in the healthiest form possible. I also talked about being on the BEST path {for yourself}, and how it’s easy to get on the wrong path, because it seems right, because that’s what others are doing, and they seem to be doing it right. So why isn’t it working for me, you ask.

When something appears to be cruising down the right road it’s easy to want to jump on board and follow along, right? Wrong! What works for them may not work for you. There are only two possible endings when you act like that: you either crash right away or you crash later.

The point is, you’re gonna crash! And it can either give you a little bruise or it can do some serious damage.

Yesterday I also talked about how I didn’t want to be on “that path” anymore. And I will elaborate on that soon, but not just yet ;] Right now I want to share a few ways you can be your best self so you don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing.

5 tips on how to put your best self forward:
+ get outside and bask the the sunshine + fresh air
+ get off the internet! …pinterest, twitter, facebook ~ I’m talking about you!
+ start a creative journal and make time throughout the day to add content
+ get inspired in real life: visit local boutiques, bookstores, spas/beauty counters
+ plan time with those you love doing things you truly love {ice-cream, anyone?}

The point is you want to engage your mind in something different that satisfies your creativity and self-esteem. Pinterest is an amazing tool but there’s something to be said about touching that cool product in the boutique.

Some times it’s best to put a little more focus on life’s simplest pleasures. What things are like glitter kisses to your soul? Take a few minutes right now and make a quick list.

In case you’re starting to wonder… Yep, it’s challenging to break your routine. Yep, it’s crazy at times to schedule laughs with busy friends. Yep, it’s going to be the most rewarding decision and you’ll be able to celebrate often because you’re headed in the right direction.

Now, who’s with me?!

Related posts:

1. {via Etsy :: 10 ways to make the most out of every sale}
2. {be encouraged: 5 quick ways to live your best life}

Goodness. I’m excited for this post :] I’m excited for this YEAR! Just a few minutes ago I was working on a few things on my computer when I realized there’s something I really need to, want to, share with you.

And what I want to share is on straying from the norm to make sure you’re doing what’s best for you // your family // your business // your blank.

You see, when you focus on what’s best for you you really are doing the world a giant favor. It’s the least selfish thing you can do {give me a few more minutes to elaborate} because you’re putting your best self forward. You’re being the most considerate of others, you’re presenting your mind + spirit to the world in the healthiest form possible.

Sometimes we have to stray from the norm to make sure we’re doing exactly what we’re called to do. Oh goodness, it’s scary. It can make me sweat. It exhausts me {for just a moment}. But, it’s what keeps my spirit burning brightly :] It’s what makes me feel alive.

So often, with blogging and/or owning an indie biz shop, it’s so easy to follow along the path of, “whatever she’s doing *I* need to do, too.” But actually, that’s the worst path EVER to find yourself on.

Just minutes before writing this post I was thinking about what I needed to accomplish today:
* make sure my email gets read + replied to
* think about the posts I want to write this week
* update my my Inspiration Board {aka: take down the pumpkin photo}
* walk Bauer throughout our neighborhood
* talk to friends/family on the phone
* and a few other “light” tasks

You’re probably thinking, THAT’S ALL you need to do today??? What about Twitter, or Facebook or designing new product or sewing products or taking photos for X linky party or ______?

But guess what? All of those tasks, and seriously a long-list of even MORE tasks, are “scheduled” for another day OR are already getting done by my team. It’s not that I can’t do them or won’t do them, or whatever strong word you may be thinking… It’s that TODAY I have certain tasks that must get done for the future of my business in mind. Because of this mindset I know exactly where my business lies ~ we have an overall calendar + budget for all of these tasks to help me stay on the right path.

A few thoughts I have, often:
* Every task we accomplish has to have at least two purposes
* Every task I accomplish has to serve my business, and only MY business, well

The beauty of this mindset is that, if applied, your life, your business, your family, will soar.

I shared recently how I gave myself permission to launch our new bags 1 week later so that I could have a successful launch. This is exactly what I’m talking about :]

What’s the point in feeling rushed, stressed, overwhelmed — and most importantly — like I didn’t do something “the right way” just so others think I accomplished all of my daily tasks the way others would/should/could have had we all been on the same path? Yuck, there’s that phrase again ~ “the same path”.

I don’t want to be on that path anymore.

Yes, anymore.

I stepped on that path many times last year and truthfully, that was the worst decision I could have made for my business.

YEOW! I’m feeling alive :] I’m going to share more about this in just a bit, but for now I want to ask you…

What path are YOU on and is it the BEST path for you be on?

Ahhh! Friends, I am in happiness HEAVEN here! Back in November, when I started planning the shop re-launch, I knew it would take my team and I a couple of weeks to get over 330 items sewn and in-stock/ready-to-ship, and as the big date neared {January 23!} I knew we were cutting it close to finishing on-time because we were yet to launch our new line of bags.

I decided to give myself permission to keep the new bags a secret for 1 more week, buying us a few more work days to perfect them. It was also important that we didn’t have too big of a product push that an item went unnoticed ;]

But the time is here… and I’m *so excited* to introduce to you our NEW! Glam Tote! This bag is a bit more polished and slim than anything we’ve ever carried, but still holds a 13″ MacBook with plenty of room {don’t worry –wink!}. Carry it as an every day bag with your essentials inside or use it as a work/laptop bag. Either is perfect ♥

The design for this bag came to me during a daydream… I think it’s perfect, I just love the size and the sassy side ruffle, plus the tapering, slim straps and of course the fun inside lining!

Here are the measurements: 11″ at the top + widens to 13.25″ at the bottom x 15″ long {top to bottom}, bag is 2.75″ thick; 2 shoulder straps measuring 1.5″ x 23″.

See all three Glam Tote colors here!

So happy you’re here to celebrate this new Gussy item with me!!! I’m feeling so inspired by our new fabrics, prices, ready-to-ship collection ~ and now our new GLAM TOTES! xoxo

Related posts:

1. {a Gussy Sews giveaway ~ Turquoise Grid market tote}
2. {Gussy tote bags [+ new tags!]}
3. {introducing Gussy Girl ~ a new line}

i recently stumbled across this “real couple home tour” on emerson + ryan, of emersonmade, and seriously — i’m amazed at how fresh and organized using glass jars for storage makes your home look! absolutely loving it :] it makes me {almost} wish we had smaller materials inside the studio, instead of bolts of fabric. it’d be so fun to add a few dozen glass jars filled with all of our necessities and have that be it for our decorations!

ALMOST ;D

be sure and click over to read the full tour + story! their home is so pretty…

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SHARE WITH US: how do you stay organized? what’s your best tip for the home, studio, shed out back? ;]

Related posts:

1. {7 pretty things on Sunday}
2. {7 pretty things on Sunday}
3. {7 pretty things on Sunday}

NOTEWORTHY LINKS FROM THE PAST WEEK:
* the TWO winners of the Nesting Place giveaway day are Kelly, kel_ _ _@gmail.com {comment #624} + Rachel, g_ _ _ _rachel@gmail.com {comment #537}. C O N G R A T S ~ both of you have won $50 to the Gussy shop. please watch your inbox for an email from us :]

* farmhouse wares

* i need this bicycle

* 100 golden “no’s”

* doily shower curtain DIY

wishing you a hip happy hooray weekend!
XO

Related posts:

1. {noteworthy links — crafts, indie biz, holiday DIY ebook}
2. {noteworthy links — indie biz, Pinterest, celebration cake}
3. {noteworthy links — promoting products on Pinterest, FB business banner + more}

the last few weekends this month have been spent working ~ getting ready for the Gussy shop re-launch that happened on monday. so, i’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend :] monday of this week was such an amazing day. i actually took it off work and pretty much watched the feedback roll in all day long. is that nerdy or what??? i rarely take days off, which is silly, especially when i work evenings + weekends on big projects. something to work on this year?!

monday morning i made zack breakfast before he headed off to work and then bauer and i snuggled lots on the couch.

thank you again for all the support you’ve given to my shop this week ♥ i’m so so soooooooo grateful. it’s such an incredible feeling!!!

monday night zack and i celebrated by going on a little date to california pizza kitchen, YUM! and do you like our matching shirts? ;]

ooops, how could i forget? bauer helped me edit photos over the weekend, haha! he’s a good little pup.

we also went on some great walks this week. his favorite is to run through the snow at the parks near our house. and i admit, they are pretty amazing! even though minneapolis is a big city they have definitely put some serious money into the parks/lakes that are at nearly every city block corner. they’re super clean and amazing, with fun little paths here + there, and playgrounds and/or little kiddie pools {for the summa time}. i LOVE how much park-land this city has!

oh, you sassy lil thing…

did you catch on monday that all items are now ready-to-ship? ohhhhh yes, and i think this is going to be life changing for Gussy Sews. from what i’m seeing online via twitter + facebook, nearly all items that sold on MONDAY have already been delivered. so fantastic, i can hardly stand it!

linking up with life rearranged today for some instagram inspiration!

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we have a few products in the Gussy shop that are almost sold out {crazy}!

not only is everything is ready-to-ship, our items are also LIMITED in quantity, which means once the print sells out we won’t be adding it back in. don’t miss out — save 15% today only with coupon code FRIDAY15 {code expires tonight at 11:59pm CST}.

1. {my week in Instagram pics}
2. {my week[s] in Instagram pics + a Gussy shop update!}
3. {a ruffly photoshoot, plus a shop update + discount code}

hi friends!

we went on a walk the other morning and good golly, playing + running in the snow is hard work. tires me right out! well, better get back to my nap…

woof!
-bauer

PS. my little red shirt has a deer on it and is from here.

Related posts:

1. {Bauer’s Daybook — 11th edition}
2. {Bauer’s Daybook — 10th edition}
3. {Bauer’s Daybook — 8th edition}

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last weekend i took a peek inside the studio and realized we have A LOT of fabric in storage that we don’t plan on using. everything is new/un-washed — *but* some of the items above have been cut into and have uneven edges.

all fabrics are from Hawthorne Threads, JoAnns or Etsy sellers. many of the prints above are current/designer.

what you see above is FOR SALE! i’m selling them by bundles, everything is numbered above along with the price of the bundle. everything also ships for $10 s/h via USPS priority mail {2-3 days max}.

i’m turning the comments off on this post. please email me if you’d like to buy a bundle via PayPal :)

UPDATE: all 12 bundles have sold!!!

Related posts:

1. {share the love :: Anderson Family Crew}
2. {tutorial: fabric-covered embroidery hoops}
3. {Giveaway Day :: The Fabric Bar}

Yesterday was our super exciting shop re-launch, and today we have a super exciting, FABULOUS Gussy Sews giveaway via Nesting Place — yeow!

Today you have the chance to win one of 2 – $50 gift certificates to the Gussy Sews shop! {open to the US only}

ABOUT GUSSY SEWS + HOW MY RUFFLES CAME TO BE:
I started Gussy Sews a couple years ago after Zack and I were suddenly unemployed. We were living in Detroit at the time and were newlyweds, recent college grads… and unemployed. It was such a bummer time in our lives but we kept the faith and pushed through, spending all of our free time expanding on our talents and dreams.

Just before losing my job I had been given my first sewing machine. I sat at our kitchen table with 30 library books {no joke} and with the help of YouTube slowly taught myself how to sew. It seemed natural to make zipped pouches and tote bags, since HELLO! we are best friends. Then I thought, These babies need a signature look, so I made my very first ruffle and sewed it on. My style has changed a bit but the ruffle has been with me the whole time. After a few months of sewing and job-seeking Zack and I found work in Minneapolis, so we packed up our house and headed west. And that feisty fire — the dream to pursue Gussy Sews full time, grew a little taller. Finally, in May of 2010 I quit my day job for Gussy Sews — and ohhhh, the HAPPINESS!

Encouraging others to chase after their dreams + constantly learning about sewing/fabric/social networking are my passions. I’m so glad you’re here — and good luck to you on winning a Gussy! ;]

Click here to read the more detailed version of my story.

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THE GIVEAWAY:
enter to win one of 2 – $50 gift certificates to the Gussy Sews shop! {open to the US only}

TO ENTER:
♥ visit my shop and tell me which item you HAVE to HAVE! {required}

for additional entries:
♥ “like” us on Facebook + say hello!
♥ follow me on Twitter
♥ browse my shop + click “like” or “tweet” on any item from my shop, shown here…

Don’t forget ~ visit Nesting Place for EVEN MORE fabulous giveaways!

xoxo

Related posts:

1. {a fabulous giveaway with Hope Ink}
2. {a *surprise* Gussy Sews giveaway}
3. {modeling Gussy Sews bags + a giveaway}

THE GUSSY SHOP IS NOW RE-OPEN!

for the past 5.5 weeks we’ve been closed, finishing up Christmas orders and preparing for TODAY! but we’re now OPEN and we have some seriously amazing updates for you! i could cry happy tears right now! getting ready for today has been monumental, in the best possible way ever :] i am so proud of my team for helping me get to this point! we’ve totally revamped the site + all products. cambria, lisa + marjorie — you three are my power team! thank you for everything ♥.

NOW FOR THE FUN DETAILS!

here’s what you’ll find when you click over to the new site –
+ NEW, *lower* prices
+ NEW fabrics, so fresh + fun
+ a NEW ruffle style, oh my word i’m in loooove!
+ ready-to-ship on all items {minus tote bags + macbook cases}. the studio is bursting with ruffles!
+ EASIER sidebar navigation — shop by collection, price or color
+ all items have LIMITED quantities. since they’re ready-to-ship, ya know ;)

our items have a fresh new look and everything is adorable + sassy! and that ruffle, i just can’t get over how fun it is!!! it’s a totally new look and it’s exclusive to our shop! and about the prices, we took some time to really review them and because of this we’re able to offer spectacular pricing. seriously, it’s amazing! {go look!}

shop “grab” buttons have also been updated, grab one for your sidebar and share Gussy with your online community!

we’ve yet to re-launch our tote bags + diaper/wipe wristlets, but know they’re coming soon. along with a few other BRAND NEW items. yeow! ;]

oh yes — we have macbook cases! three sizes: 11″ air/13″ pro — 13″ air/15″ pro — 17″ pro. they have extra padding, a zip closure and a sassy inside lining!

♥ visit the Gussy shop to see the rest!

Related posts:

1. {Wild Ruffle Pop-Up Shop, featuring Gussy Sews + 20 other vendors ~ a local [Twin Cities] event}
2. {shop Cyber Monday with Gussy Sews + new products!}
3. {we’ve been busy Sewing Bees! [a shop update]}

YAY — today’s “7 pretty things on Sunday” post is super special! It’s a collaborative post with three other fabulous bloggers and together the seven of us are sharing one photo each to total our “7 pretty things”: Molly, Illy, Jamie, Janae, Julianna, Jade and myself. I’ve been doing this Sunday series for a little while now ~ it was inspired by Elsie’s “10 things I love” weekly series. And y’all know how much I heart Elsie, right?! Anyway, the four of us are here to share with our online communities a little glimpse of the things that inspire us individually. And we encourage you to participate with us! See the end of this post for instructions on how you can add YOUR “7 pretty things on Sunday” post to the linky party {so much fun!} and meet other inspiring bloggers. ♥

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My photo is photo #3! I’m inspired by nearly everything you see: the girls beautiful brown hair {remember how I’m growing mine out?}, the darling poof skirt, the tights, the old beautiful door behind her, and of course her handbag. This girl is so cute and I just adore her style.

PS. Love light mustard + aqua pairing!

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Join Gussy Sews, Matchstick Molly, Much Love, Illy + The Letter 4 for today’s “7 pretty things on Sunday” linky party! Simply add your blog below by linking to your post’s permalink. Your link will be automatically added to the other 3 blogs {hooray!}. Then, browse the other linkers to find even more inspiration. Happy Sunday, xoxo

Related posts:

1. {Join us for a “7 pretty things on Sunday” linky party?}
2. {7 pretty things on Sunday}
3. {7 pretty things on Sunday}