Lil Lollipops Designs

Shabby Chic Studio Makeover

2012-01-29T21:16:00.001-05:00

So...we moved to Eastern MA in June and my craft room/studio became my "crap room" for awhile. I am sure some of you can relate. It was filled with thread, fabric, boxes and trash. It was quite embarrassing when my Mother In Law came out to visit and she commented on the room and said "Let's go clean it up." God love her! She was so sweet to walk into the abyss of my room and start cleaning it. That led to me wanting to make my new studio as cute and functional, if not cuter, than my one in Savannah. It is a work in progress. I will share with you some of the things I have added to it thus far. I would love for your suggestions or pictures on your studio that you may want to share in regards to style, or organization or any other tips you have that you have used on your craft room/studio. You can email me at lillollipops@gmail.com and send me photos of your spaces and I will share them here on the blog. Let's help each other out! Also, if your studio is a crap room...send your picture and I can maybe give you some advice as well as our readers here on the blog! Here are some of my room additions that I love and it adds to my shabby chic vibe. I will update you more later as the room comes along.

This is a shabby chic mirror I found at Hobby Lobby and a key with a Paris sign I also found there. I put a picture of me and my husband...for inspiration :) and a dress that inspires me. It is important to have inspiration you can see in your studio.

This is a great shabby chic clock I found on Etsy. This seller makes great clocks out of vintage plates. VERY shabby chic! http://www.etsy.com/shop/makingtimetc

This is a great vintage stained glass window that I have on the wall, but am going to move it to hang in my window.

These are two cute lil doors I found in a vintage shop. They were painted black on one side and white on the other. On the black side I painted them light pink and sanded them down to look shabby. I had my husband attach two hinges to them. I hammered some nails into them and hung these cute lil knobs and hooks to hang things from. I found the knobs at Hobby Lobby and the cute hooks from this great shabby chic Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbieChicHome. This is a great element in the room and I can take it to any shows I do and they display my work great.

This is also a find from Etsy. The lady I bought them from made them custom for me. She shabbied the edges, but you can't see it much in the photo. Check out her shop...she does cute things! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemoryBeanDesigns If her shop is vacation, which I think it is at this moment, click on the shop and then on sales to see other things she has made and sold.

This is the cutest worn down table I found at a flea market. I sanded it, painted it pink, sanded it again to shabby it up and then the front flower is a furniture applique I found from a shop on Ebay for a few bucks. I just hot glued it on. I know, it is a small computer table, but it is really cute. Maybe if I find a bigger shabby desk, this will be used for something else in my space.

SOPA & PIPA...should you be concerned?

2012-01-18T17:04:00.001-05:00

I am joining sites like Etsy, Google, wikapedia and more to protest PIPA and SOPA that is trying to pass through congress. contacting my local Representative and Senator and anyone else I can to protest SOPA and PIPA. I just contacted my senators, representatives etc. to tell them how I felt on this. If we don't speak out...others will make decisions, we may not like, for us. Go to http://www.house.gov/ to find your local rep. and go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm to find your local Senators.

Here is a list of great, unique items from etsy you can get to help support the cause and get the word out:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzc4NTcyNHwxODU1MTE1OTUz/sopa-and-pipa-take-a-stand

You can read about Etsy's stance on this here: http://www.etsy.com/protect-innovation

You can read firefox's stance on it here: https://donate.mozilla.org/page/s/SOPA?source=snippet

You can read google's stance on it here: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

Wikapedia's stance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act More of an explanation of SOPA.

According to google:

More about SOPA and PIPA

Members of Congress are trying to do the right thing by going after pirates and counterfeiters but SOPA and PIPA are the wrong way to do it.

1. SOPA and PIPA would censor the Web

The U.S. government could order the blocking of sites using methods similar to those employed by China. Among other things, search engines could be forced to delete entire websites from their search results. That’s why 41 human rights organizations and 110 prominent law professors have expressed grave concerns about the bills.

2. SOPA and PIPA would be job-killers because they would create a new era of uncertainty for American business

Law-abiding U.S. internet companies would have to monitor everything users link to or upload or face the risk of time-consuming litigation. That’s why AOL, EBay, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Mozilla, Twitter, Yahoo and Zynga wrote a letter to Congress saying these bills “pose a serious risk to our industry’s continued track record of innovation and job-creation.” It’s also why 55 of America’s most successful venture capitalists expressed concern that PIPA “would stifle investment in Internet services, throttle innovation, and hurt American competitiveness”. More than 204 entrepreneurs told Congress that PIPA and SOPA would “hurt economic growth and chill innovation”.

3. SOPA and PIPA wouldn’t stop piracy

To make matters worse, SOPA and PIPA won’t even work. The censorship regulations written into these bills won’t shut down pirate sites. These sites will just change their addresses and continue their criminal activities, while law-abiding companies will suffer high penalties for breaches they can’t possibly control.
There are effective ways to combat foreign “rogue” websites dedicated to copyright infringement and trademark counterfeiting, while preserving the innovation and dynamism that have made the Internet such an important driver of American economic growth and job creation. Congress should consider alternatives like the OPEN Act, which takes targeted and focused steps to cut off the money supply from foreign pirate sites without making US companies censor the Web.

A Gallery for your Children's Art

2012-01-12T14:19:00.000-05:00

I just came across this awesome site thanks to Etsy Kids who shared it on their Facebook page. Wanted to share this with you. I just uploaded my daugther's recent painting of Paris done with acrylic paint. Not bad for 6! :) Anyways...post your child's art on this amazing site and see other children's art from around the world. It makes your realize how similar we all are....especially when it comes to the arts. It brings us together.
http://www.childrensgallery.org/

First Dress from my new Retro line debuts on TV

2012-01-11T17:57:00.003-05:00

So excited! The first dress from my new Retro Line debuted on a TV show called Mass Appeal. It is the second outfit on the runway.

Girll scout fashion: wwlp.com

Subterranean Hipster Dress

Just listed it in my shop! Cape is also available in my shop.

New items in the boutique!

2012-01-07T14:21:00.003-05:00

Wow! I have so many things I am working on right now! Here are a few things I just listed in the shop and some I will be listing soon. I wanted to give my blog followers a sneak peak! :) Also, this week I will be posting a new tutorial of a simple skirt you can make at home for your lil ones! You could even sew it by hand if you are not sure of the machine, or don't have one. You can also use fusible sewing tape!

THE JULIANA

Here are two flower dresses I made for my girls to be in a wedding. They are made with the best materials...satin taffeta on top and the skirt is layered with taffeta, two layers of tulle and mirrored organza on the top. The buttons in the back are vintage reproductions and very high end. The front of the dresses have been accented with three flowers...one satin purple, one white, and one white feather with netting. All three have a rhinestone brooch like center.
This dress can be done in any color on top and bottom.

The Ice Princess
Another version of the Juliana, but the back is corseted and the skirt a shimmery organza with the bodice made out of a sparkley corduroy.

Bumblebee Fairy
I only made one of these, OOAK. It should fit 18m - 2T. I am thinking about adding wings and a hair fascinator, but for now, it is being sold as it is shown here. Probably should have listed it for Halloween, but what lil girl doesn't like to dress up ALL the time???

Here is something I am just about finished making, so here is a sneak peak into a soon to be listed item....it may just be the only one I make. Is will be listed in my new Retro Line.

Winner of the SHABBY SCRAP GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

If you have not seen Marleen's amazing shop you must... http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbyScrap
Here is the interview we did with her with pictures of items from her shop, if you want to check it out: http://lillollipopsdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-no-shabbby-scrap-giveaway.html

I apologize for this delay....travel, the holidays, and illness prevented me from doing this sooner. Each person who entered the Shabby Scrap giveaway was assigned a number. There were 9 entries. Random.org listed the numbers in sequence randomly.
These are the people who entered and their numbers assigned to them based on when they posted their comment:

Morphine
Bohemiansin
Armywife 101
Lloralye
SerenaP95
Szappanbubi
Jennifer M Maxwell
Bee W. Bedard
Sabrina

Here is the way Random.org chose the winner:

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

Timestamp: 2012-01-07 18:49:31 UTC

THE WINNER IS

BOHEMIANSIN!!!!!!

Claim your prize by convoing Marleen at her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbyScrap

Thank you so much to Marleen and her generous giveaway and patience with me being so delayed. Thank you to all of you who entered.

Winner of the Free Giveaway for BABY!!!!

2011-12-13T18:07:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much to Barbara for your generous gift! I know a lot of love and time go into each of your items!

Thanks to all of you who entered, but we can only have one winner!

Here is how Random.org choose the date(nevermind the year):

Random Calendar Date Generator

Here is your calendar date:

December 24, 2011

It was picked randomly out of 223 possible dates between May 16, 2011 and December 24, 2011.

Timestamp: 2011-12-13 23:03:03 UTC

Winner of a Pocket Full Of Posies Giveaway

2011-12-13T17:50:00.004-05:00

A BIG thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and an even BIGGER thank you to Cait for her GENEROUS giveaway of not one item, but two!!!

So who won these great lil earrings???

JENNY!!!!!!!

You WON!!!!!!!

in order to get your earrings, please contact Cait at her Etsy shop via a convo http://www.etsy.com/shop/PosiesbyCait

Here is how Random.org choose the winner:

There were 45 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Jenny 1
kat kat 2
france irish 2
xielithium27
Trisha 1
kat kat 1
Francesca 1
Trisha 3
Kairi
Paige 2
shala_darkstone 2
Jenny 3
Berendina Dykema 4
Francesca 2
more than colors
Jenny 4
France Irish 3
sj2009 2
jolee
agnieszkazg3
Paige 1
Trisha 2
Katarzyna2
aik 2
aik 1
Szappanbubi
Claire Dugas 1
Claire Dugas 2
aik 3
sj2009 1
jinx2
Berendina Dykema 1
Jinx1
rabkina 2
Berendina Dykema 2
france Irish 1
shala_darkstone 1
rabkina 1
Jenny 2
Birgit
jinx3
agnieszkazg1
agnieszkazg2
Katarzyna1
Berendina Dykema 3

Timestamp: 2011-12-13 22:44:04 UTC

Winner of the One of a Kind Necklace giveaway!!

2011-12-13T14:39:00.003-05:00

Oh...I am so sorry this is so late! AHHHH! I have been like a chicken with my head cut off. :) We are on the other side of the US right now for a wedding that my daughters are in. I had to make both of their dresses and of course, I never shut down either of my shops. :)

First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to all who participated. As a designer...it makes me feel good that so many people like the things in my shop. Etsy is so overrun with jewelry shops, it is very hard to get a following in that area. This shop has been a new venture for me, since I usually focus on my lil ones boutique (Lil Lollipops Designs).

Here is the winner of the One of a Kind Necklace I made from my Upcycle My Closet Boutique on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/upcyclemycloset

LULU!!!!!!!
Here is how to claim your prize...I will contact you and get your address to send it out to you. Because I am not home, however, it will not go out in the mail until I get back which is Monday Dec. 20., 2011.

Here is how Random.org chose a winner:

List Randomizer

There were 144 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

lulu4
Katarzyna3
Lyudmila 6
Birgit2
Tayler D'Rion6
Aik3
April6
Lyudmila 4
Amber 2
Grace 1
Trisha5
dafne2
Lyudmila 1
Bee W Bedard 3
Gintare 2
Despina 3
Boneca97 3
agnieszkazg 5
Katarzyna2
Birgit1
Lulu 1
Tayler D'Rion2
Danielle 3
May Shum 3
Boneca97 2
May Shum 2
Danielle 6
dafne4
jhitomi1
Laura Lane 1
Tayler D'Rion4
Amber 1
Lyudmila 3
rabkina 3
Gwen 1
Danielle 1
Bee W Bedard 1
Amber 5
Tayler D'Rion3
hofken4
Aik4
Tayler D'Rion5
berry n cheese4
hofken6
april5
berry n cheese 1
Katarzyna6
Gwen 2
Gwen 6
Danielle 2
Trisha2
agnieszkazg 4
jhitomi3
dafne5
hofken 1
hofken 5
Tayler D'Rion 1
Katarzyna 1
Aik5
karina 2
dafne 6
rabkina 1
lulu3
tanya 2
Bee W Bedard 4
berry n cheese6
Lyudmila 2
Laura Lane 3
Maegan Morin1
Danielle 5
Katarzyna4
Aik 1
Szappanbubi 2
berry n cheese3
Trisha1
lulu6
france irish 2
hofken3
Bee W Bedard 6
Trisha3
Jenny1
hofken2
dafne3
tanya 3
rabkina 2
jenny2
agnieszkazg 3
Amber 3
france irish 3
karina 3
Amber 6
jenny4
Laura Lane 2
Despina 4
april3
Danielle 4
april2
Gintare 3
Amber 4
agnieszkazg 2
Szappanbubi 1
france irish 5
Aik2
france irish 6
Gwen 3
Despina 6
Bee W Bedard 2
april4
Maegan Morin2
Szappanbubi 3
dafne1
lulu2
agnieszkazg 1
jhitomi2
Trisha6
Aik6
jenny3
Birgit3
Katarzyna5
Despina 1
Bee W Bedard 5
Maegan Morin3
Gwen 4
berry n cheese 2
Boneca97 1
Grace 3
jenny5
Despina 2
berry n cheese5
Lyudmila 5
france irish 1
Gwen 5
Trisha4
May Shum 1
Despina 5
agnieszkazg 6
lulu5
france irish 4
Gintare 1
karina 1
april1
jenny6
tanya 1
Grace 2

Timestamp: 2011-12-13 19:32:54 UTC

New Formal Winter Girls Line - SNEAK PEEK

2011-12-07T09:12:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to give you a sneak peak at what is coming into my shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/lillollipopsdesigns VERY VERY soon!!! These are items form my new Formal Winter Line that will be available in my shop anytime now. The items pictured below are almost finished...in the last stages. Check them out!

A formal Winter snowflake dress. The top is corduroy with a satin lining and corseted in the back with a beautiful shimmery ribbon (corset not shown because I am still finishing that part. The bottom is three layers of tulle, netting and shimmery organza for lots of girlie poof. Soon to also come is a similar dress in purple satin on the bodice and white organza in the skirt. Great dresses for flower girls in weddings or church dresses!

This is a formal faux fur cape. The black fur is so soft and velvety. I am finishing this up as well (notice the pins).

A new item to add to my fantasy line in a 2 T. One of a kind. I am probably going to add some extra accessories to it before it is listed.

ONE PROUD MAMA!

2011-12-06T10:59:00.001-05:00

This is what my young 6 year old painted when I gave her a canvas and some of my acrylic paints. I guess the artsy thing runs in the family!! I am ONE PROUD MAMA!!!
Try to give your child a canvas and acrylic paints and see what they come up with. Makes for GREAT Christmas gifts. Frame them or leave them as is.
Just make sure they are in clothes you don't care about, a smock, and you may have to watch them. You don't want acrylic paint on your furniture! :)

This is no SHABBBY SCRAP giveaway!

2011-12-05T17:42:00.001-05:00

This is a new interview and Giveaway with Marleen from The Shabby Scrap Shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbyScrap . Marleen's works of art are as pretty as she is! She makes handmade wedding guestbooks, album, and journals. I hope you enjoy the recent interview I did with her.

Tell us a little about yourself:
-Wife of a great man with a beautiful singing voice
-Mom of 3 hilarious, creative, smart people
-Totally messy
(OH I LOVE that you admitted that!!! ME TOO! lol- Nicolette)
-Creative
-Tired

When did you start making these items and why? I started making journals and paintings as gifts for my friends. People kept saying I needed to list them on Etsy. One week, around 10 people told me I needed to look into Etsy. I was skeptical and really didn't think anyone would want to purchase my work, but I figured I should listen to my friends. 48 hours after I listed my first few items I made a sale. The week I listed my wedding guestbook I made 18 sales. Now 4 months and 250 sales later I actually have a full-time job!

What inspires your art? I am inspired by the past, the present, and the future. I absolutely love taking old, chipped, dirty items and finding away to make them beautiful, usable, and relevant to today's styles and trends. I also love creating beautiful things for people to store their thoughts and memories in. I think thoughts, memories, dreams, fears, prayers, and the funny things kids say are treasures that can easily be forgotten. I want to remember them always.

How did you go about picking your shop's name: Shabby Scrap Shop? My husband gets the credit for that. I had some names picked out, but he thought it needed to reflect my work more. We brainstormed around shabby chic and scrapbooking. Once we found a name we liked, that wasn't already taken on Etsy, Shabbyscrap was born. (You know that is funny...many of the shop owners I interview say their husbands helped in picking their shop names. - Nicolette)

What is your favorite item in your shop at the moment that you have created? I really like the "New Mom Journal" I have right now. As a mom of 3 kids, I know how easily the funny things they say and the sweet things they do can be forgotten. I think having an easy place to jot down things and add pictures, drawings, etc is a necessity. I mean how in the world would I remember when I my son asked me if the Incredible Hulk was green "everywhere", or the time he told me "Mom, I wanna marry you??? Too bad THAT GUY (pointing at his dad) got you first!"

What are some of your favorite materials to work with? I love cardboard. You can make it look like old wood, so it's really fun to play with. I also love vintage buttons, hat pins, seam binging, and paper.

How hard is it to juggle being mom and your shop? At first I was totally surprised by suddenly finding myself with a full time job. I home school 4 kids. I wasn't sleeping in order to get everything done. Thankfully my friend moved in and became a full-time nanny. I now have a lot more balance. I get up, do devotions, do morning lessons with the kids, and then she takes over while I work. It has actually made my time with my children so much richer because I have something that is mine. (TOTALLY AGREE!!! That is what I always push here on the blog for other moms....don't lose yourself in your kids! - Nicolette)

I asked Marleen if she could name four of her favorite Etsy shops. She listed the following:

Vintage Gatherings
www.etsy.com/people/VintageGatherings
Mary provides me with many of my vintage supplies, she is so helpful and reasonably priced.

Birdtoast
www.etsy.com/people/birdtoast Birdtoast is run by my friend Dawn, every item in her shop is impeccably made. She introduced me to Etsy.

Lonkoosh
I love this woman's jewelry
www.etsy.com/shop/lonkoosh

Bomo Bob
www.etsy.com/shop/bomobob amazing prints

Why do you like being on Etsy? Etsy is a wonderful outlet for creative people who used to feel like they had to "grow up" and give up their love of creating. ( I love that!- Nicolette) There are so many gifted people in the world and I love being able to find there work on etsy!

If a novel could describe your life...what novel would describe yours (or movie)? Twilight...just kidding ;) Although I can relate to being unconditionally loved, but it's by God not a vampire. (Amen sista! :) Nicolette)

Exciting and new things coming up for Marleen's Empire:
COMING SOON!!!!!! shabbyscrapshop.com

GIVEAWAY

30 piece HIPSTER HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS (as shown below)

I hope you love these giveaways as much as I do! I love seeing all the different and talented artists from Etsy.

Here is how this will work, as always, please follow my blog and then make sure in the comments you post that you always put your email so I can contact you. I would hate for you to win and then I can't contact you.
1. To enter the giveaway do 2 or more of the five things below and come back to this post and comment as to what you did:
-Heart (favorite) her Etsy Shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbyScrap
-Heart (favorite) your favorite item http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabbyScrap
-Follow her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabbyscrap-Journals-Albums-and-Art/137645899655427
-Follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/#!/ladylighthouse
Once you do that your number (number will be assigned to you based on what number comment you are for example: If you are the 5th person to comment, you will be number 5) Random.org will choose a random number and whoever is that number on the comments...will win!

GIVEAWAY ENDS Dec. 13

León+Coco giveaway WINNER!

2011-12-05T14:14:00.001-05:00

A BIG THANK YOU To Diana for sponsoring this great giveaway from all the way in the UK!!!
Thank you to those of you who entered. Here is how it went down on Random.org

Playing Card Shuffler

Here is your 1 card, drawn from a total of 52:

Timestamp: 2011-12-05 19:18:56 UTC

And now.....
                                    THE WINNER IS>>>>>>>>>>>>

                    FRANCE IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FYI: 9 entered. One of you just said the Queen so I picked Queen of Diamonds for you...another one of you did not mention a favorite card so I gave you King of Diamonds. I did this draw 4 times to get a card that someone choose since a deck has more than 9 cards. :)

Congrats to France Irish.
First- contact Diana at Leon + Coco at her Etsy shop via convo: http://www.etsy.com/shop/leonandcoco to receive your giveaway.

Second...Please come back to this post and comment. Tell us what you ended up choosing from her FB site or did you pick the calendar.

Winner Of Quaks Originals Wooden Shoes!

2011-12-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated and especially to Sharon from Quaks Originals!!!!
JENNY YOU WON!!!!!!!!!!

You won these adorable wooden shoe keychains...in all these colors from Quaks Originals in Holland!

In order to receive your prize you will need to contact her via her Etsy shop. Send her a convo!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuaksOriginals

This is how Random.org chose the winner:

List Randomizer

There were 43 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

jenny3
nadox 2
oksana 2
Berendina Dykema 4
Emily R.2
oksana 3
Marija 3
Marija 1
nadox 1
jenny1
All Wired Up TOO 2
stephanie4
Modern Buttercup
Marija 2
All Wired Up TOO 1
oksana 4
bcbeaveratheart
Berendina Dykema 3
All Wired Up TOO 4
nadox 4
All Wired Up TOO 3
Emily R.1
Lyudmila 2
Francesca1
stephanie1
oksana 1
Ichigo*2
Emily R.3
vanessa
Lyudmila 3
stephanie2
Berendina Dykema 1
Ichigo*4
Lyudmila 1
nadox 3
jenny2
sirentattoo
stephanie3
Ichigo*1
Berendina Dykema 2
Francesca 2
Ichigo*3
jenny4

Timestamp: 2011-12-05 19:02:25 UTC

My Christmas Card...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-04T22:18:00.001-05:00

Peace To All Religious Christmas Card

Create personalized Christmas card designs at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Lil Lollipops Designs: Resources For Your Etsy Shop

2011-12-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

Lil Lollipops Designs: Resources For Your Etsy Shop: Clothing or Fabric Labels http://www.etsy.com/shop/MommieMadeIt Hang Tags http://www.etsy.com/shop/YourShopNameHere http://www.ets...

Lil Lollipops Designs: Improving Your Etsy Shop

2011-12-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

A New Page on my blog...Tips for Improving your Etsy Shop. Posted an article about your brand!

Lil Lollipops Designs: Improving Your Etsy Shop: Since I have had a shop on Etsy since 2009...I think I have learned a lot about being a shop owner and making a great experience for my cust...

Looking For Unique, One Of A Kind Toys For Your Lil Ones? Look No Further! The Best From Etsy Kids

2011-12-02T17:39:00.001-05:00

Looking for some unique, OOAK items for your lil ones? Looking for Waldorf inspired toys? Wooden toys? Educational toys? Etsy Kids Team Members have it all! Check out these great finds for boys and girls!

Delicias do Mundo da Moda & Cia: Faça seu Natal original no Etsy!

2011-12-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

My lil shop and my Grimms Fairy Tales paintings were featured in Brazil!!! Check it out!

Delicias do Mundo da Moda & Cia: Faça seu Natal original no Etsy!: Eu sempre tenho problemas nesta época do ano, nunca sei onde comprar o que comprar, a unica coisa que eu adoro é que eu AMO dar presente! E ...

Madwestdesigns: UFO's- no not the out of space Kind!

2011-12-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

I was featured here on this blog. Check out my nasty, unfinished projects in all their glory! lol
Madwestdesigns: UFO's- no not the out of space Kind!: I thought it would be kind of fun to ask people about their UFO's and so i posted this on Etsykids Blog and waited for someone to contact m...

Have you had your hug today? FREE GIVEAWAY for baby!

2011-11-30T19:35:00.000-05:00

Have you had a hug today? You can always find one at Quilted Hugs Bibs http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuiltedHugsBibs ! Meet Barbara Dannenfelser creator and owner of Quilted Hugs Bibs. Her shop is a collection of quilted bibs and accessories for infants and toddlers. All of her items are individually quilted and finished with coordinating cotton backing/binding. Barbara began quilting when her granddaughter was born in 2009. She says, "I turned my love of quilts into making her (granddaughter) quilts, soft toys, and quilted bibs. I got a great response and after many, "You should sell those", I decided to do just that."

Being a Grandma, I asked her if she had any good advice for us moms with lil ones. She said, "Just be yourself. Use your best judgement in the decisions you make (where they can go, what they are capable of doing). Don't spend your life second guessing yourself...it can drive you nuts!!!" Barbara...I say you start a Grandma Gives Advice Blog. :)

Barbara has been a quilter for over 35 years! Now that is some experience! She says she loves traditional quilts and nature and/or landscapes. She loves the freedom of creativity in the medium of quilting. In regards to this artistic freedom, she says, "You start from the basics and you can go anywhere from there."

I asked Barbara how she chose her shop's name. "This was probably the hardest part of starting my business. I know from being in marketing for over 25 years, before starting my own landscape design business, that branding is very important. Choosing a name was very intimidating! My husband is also very creative, so I started talking to him about what we should name the shop. We spent several days thinking about quilts; the warm feeling you get from snuggling with a quilt and how they could be linked to my bibs. We finally came up with Quilted Hugs Bibs."

As for what is new in her shop , she says, "That old expression....so many quilts, so little time...is so true. I've designed a new line of bibs, coming in the Spring. I'm currently working on bibs that use the same patterns as the quilted ones that have the NO PVC waterproof liner and binding. These new bibs are not quilted, so I can offer more price points for shoppers."

Barbara says she likes being on Etsy because being in the "Etsy Community" one can reach more people than you could alone. She says she believe participating in an Etsy Team is key to getting your shop out there. She says having a shop on Etsy gives her "the freedom to make whatever I want without being forced into a mold." She says her Niece and some of her quilting friends go to Etsy when they are looking for handmade, OOAK (one of a kind) gifts for others. The Etsy world is so vast!

Speaking of teams...Barbara and I are both on the Etsy Kids Team. I asked her to name four of her favorite Etsy Kids Team member's shops.
Dragonfly Bowtique http://www.etsy.com/shop/dragonflybowtique

A La Apron http://www.etsy.com/shop/alaApron

Ali Bean Baby http://www.etsy.com/shop/AliBeanBaby

Also one of my favorites...good prices too.

Granny Zann http://www.etsy.com/shop/Grannyzann

I know for myself, I LOVE fabric stores! I love the patterns and the colors. I find myself being drawn to certain colors and patterns and have to make myself choose other things at times because I know I get in a rut at times. I asked Barbara if she was drawn to certain colors and patterns at the fabric store as well and she said, "Well I used to go for the blues, reds, and black and white. I say used to because now that my Granddaughter has come along I am all in girly pink. I love Batiks and hand dyed fabrics."

I have never made a quilt myself, so I was curious as to how long it takes to make one. Barbara said, "I hate to say this, but it depends. I have been making my 25th anniversary Baltimore Applique quilt for 25 years! I love hand applique and quilting, but I don't always have the time. I guess I'd say that if I machine piece and quilt, I can make a twin quilt in about three weeks (allowing time away from it to run my landscaping design business)."

I asked Barbara if she could be a kid again what age would she be and why? "Wow! I never really liked High School so I'd have to say 5. You're old enough to do things yourself, but not old enough to worry too much!" I agree! Great age...that is why I taught Pre K for 8 years...4 and 5 year olds are GREAT!

GIVEAWAY

ADORABLE!

Barbara has been kind enough to giveaway this cute lil quilted bib!

We will do this pretty simply. As always, please follow my blog before you enter and when you comment leave your email so I know where to reach you if you win.

To enter this giveaway all you need to do is:

-heart (favorite) her shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuiltedHugsBibs

-And favorite (heart) your favorite item in her shop

-Come back and comment on this post and let me know your birthday.

**This giveaway will be drawn, at random, by random.org by random date....if you have the same date as another person on the comment list and you both win, we will flip a coin on random.org.

The giveaway will end Dec. 8, 11 at 10pm Eastern Time

Are Your Pockets Full of Posies?? They Could Be...NEW GIVEAWAY

2011-11-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

I always like to do my interviews a bit different each time...this one is straight forward and easy to read. Let me know what you think...or do you prefer my other format of interviews better which reads more like an essay.

Name: Sarah “Caitlin” Schanaker
Shop name: Posies by Cait
Brief description of your shop: My shop is an array of handmade fabric and button accessories and home decor. My main and most abundant items are headbands, earrings, and rings.

Tell me a little about yourself: I grew up in a small desert town called Casa Grande, in Arizona. I love it there. I am a part of a wonderful Christian family with loving and hard-working parents. I am the only girl! My three brothers are wonderful and talented men. I went to California Baptist University in Riverside, CA for my undergrad and was an English major and Art minor. I met my husband in High School, and he transferred to CBU our sophomore year. We got married on New Year’s Day of this year (1-1-11). We are now in Lynchburg, Virginia while he attends law school at Liberty University. I just turned 23 and am working full-time at the library here at Liberty.

When did you start making these items and why? I started making “Posies”, as I began to call them, about two years ago. My sister-in-law, Erin, told me about a craft night that her and some girlfriends had, where they made these fabric yo-yos into headbands. That Christmas, she showed me how to make them – and I was in love! I began coming up with new and different ways to apply the concept to other accessories, and it was an instant outlet for me to express my creativity and love of arts and crafts.

What inspires your art? There are so many things that inspire me..colors, seasons, even books and movies! At one point, I had a “fairy tale” series, where I made headbands and jewelry inspired by fairy tale characters. I did Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina. I suppose if I really think about it, the thing that most inspires my art is language and literature (words and stories that I love). I get a word in my head, like “romance” or “enchantment”, and aim to make something that captures that.

How did you go about picking your shop name? I knew I wanted something short and sweet. I went through names like “Petals”, or anything floral. Finally, it was the rhyme “ring around the rosie, a pocket full of posies” that brought Posies to life for me. -Interesting side note you may or may not know...this nursery rhyme some believe was written about the Great Plague in England in the 1600s or the Black Death. A rosy rash was a symptom of the plague. Posies of herbs were carried as protection and to ward off the smell of the disease. Sneezing/coughing was a final fatal symptom. 'All fall down'...well I don't have to explain that. The line Ashes, Ashes is claimed to refer to cremation of the bodies. - Nicolette

How do you juggle life in general with your shop? My shop is my favorite outlet for relaxation and creation. I use it as a way to settle down next to my husband while he works on homework late into the night. I sew while catching up on my favorite shows or while drinking coffee and listening to music. I believe that this is a rare and wonderful time in my life -- I have just graduated college, and have free time in the evenings to cook, craft, and have time to myself. We don’t have kids yet and have just moved across the country to our first real home together as husband and wife. It’s been challenging, but a pretty exciting time for the two of us. It’s a wonderful adventure, and the time for my shop is one of my favorite parts. ----oh my gosh...is that not the CUTEST and SWEETEST thing???? - Nicolette

What is coming up that will be new in your shop? Any new avenues? I have just stretched my Posies into home décor, which I am thrilled about. I just started making thumb tacks, magnets, decorative mirrors, and frames. I also just got my very first sewing machine and finished a Posie apron; made from scratch! I am very proud of that. I hope to always be searching for new products to share with you.

Can you tell me 4 of your favorite Etsy Shops?

Chelsea Girl Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelseaGirlDesigns - gorgeous, high quality jewelry

ooohhhhh just added her shop to my faves - Nicolette

Supplies from Me to You http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuppliesFromMeToYou - 1 dollar button packs – she’s wonderful!

Scented Luxuries http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScentedLuxuries -her Pink Sugar Kisses is my favorite!

pink sugar kisses

Blue Bird Heaven http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluebirdheaven - I’m dying to buy one of her printer drawer jewelry displays

Why do you like being on Etsy? I love it because it allows you to instantly be a part of a community of talented and creative people. It’s an instant boost to set up your shop account and know that you’re heading in a direction with your passions. It takes a lot of work, but I have found an overall sense of encouragement and inspiration from the hard work and kindness of my fellow Etsians.

Do you feel that your Etsy Shop is a hobby, or possibly a long term venture? I hope that I will be able to continue on a long-term basis. At this point, I’m not sure what that could entail – but I hope to be able to have Posies by Cait be a serious side business for my family. My dream is to have a studio room in our future house dedicated to crafting and making lovely things on a daily basis.

Is your Etsy shop helping support you through college? Although I am finished with school, my husband is not – him being in law school means that I am the only one working. My shop helps us out with bills and everyday living...and occasionally a night out together!

Person you look up to most in your life and why? I would probably have to say my mom. She is dedicated, passionate, and has been working a most successful business for many years now. She is a horse trainer; she works harder than anyone I know. Our relationship has gotten better and better every year. She is a wonderful mother and friend. She is so creative, and has taught me so many things about God, life, love, relationships, truth, and creativity.

GIVEAWAY

Cait has been so sweet to offer us two pairs of earrings for this giveaway with her famous lil posies!!! They are both so cute!

Here are the ways you can enter this giveaway....as always...first follow my blog and always leave an email so I know where to reach you!

For each thing you do below you will get one entry. If you do all 4...you will get 4 entries!

*Favorite (heart) her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/PosiesbyCait AND heart (favorite) your favorite item in her shop

*Follow her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/posiesbycait

*Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/PosiesbyCait

*Comment about the format I used for this interview versus prior interviews. Do you prefer my prior interviews that are more conversational and article like or do you prefer this one....question/answer...straight to the point. Thanks...helps me a lot!

Giveaway ends Dec. 7 at 10pm Eastern time

Mermaid Dolls Giveaway Winner!!!

2011-11-29T09:09:00.001-05:00

Will the person with the lucky number

please stand up!!!!

I believe that is ANGIE ALFORD!!!!!!

WOOT WOOT!!!!

Angie you have won these two adorable mermaids from Toegee

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Toegee

Please contact her via convo on her Etsy shop.

I HIGHLY recommend these dolls!!! Great gifts....great stocking stuffers!!!! The detail in the dolls is amazing and they are such a good price!!!! Very affordable for hours of fun for your lil ones.

Here is how Random.org choose a random number 1 - 100.
Here are your random numbers:

32 98 74 95 53
13 51 9 70 23
32 35 61 58 33
94 25 85 8 77
29 75 72 7 72
26 85 89 67 28
58 78 77 45 61
61 79 31 48 5
33 17 81 2 55
16 70 1 9 37
96 93 59 53 90
44 93 39 97 21
11 88 57 50 75
55 34 13 67 95
77 67 28 41 80
24 9 16 32 62
41 90 29 83 69
93 66 60 10 100
100 60 15 96 64
8 20 16 27 8

Timestamp: 2011-11-29 14:07:29 UTC

One of a Kind Necklace Giveaway!!!

2011-11-27T12:23:00.001-05:00

As a celebration of my new shop that just opened called Upcycle My Closet http://www.etsy.com/shop/upcyclemycloset , I am offering a giveaway from my new shop. In my new shop i will carry one of a kind designs featuring: upcycled vintage jewelry, upcycled, eco friendly children's clothes, upcycled and updated vintage purses, and some new jewelry pieces.

A little about me....
My name is Nicolette. I am a very artistic stay at home mom with two lil girls (6 and 4) who inspire me daily. I am a retired Pre K teacher of 8 years. I am a singer/songwriter by trade, but singing jazz at clubs in the evenings or being in a musical is not very child friendly at the moment. My creativity which includes: singing, acting, and art has morphed into my design shop. I am now inspired to get my fashion design degree at the Academy of Art. Anything Artistic and creative is so me...uh, just don't ask me to dance! lol Oh and don't ask me about the time I was in a Hawaiian Show Choir in Hawaii called Kannikapila. My dance moves were to be desired. lol I recorded a CD while living in Hawaii a few years back. http://www.myspace.com/nicoletteblount http://youtu.be/cHwF2x_hVpU

My husband was in the Army Surgeon for many years and during that time we lived in San Antonio, Texas, Hawaii for 6 years (where both of my kids were born), Savannah, GA, and now have settled in New England....hopefully for good. We did not move as much as most military families, but it is hard. Sick of the moving. I am originally from Southern CA, but I actually enjoy the cooler weather here in New England, the four beautiful seasons, and all the arts out here. Many of my designs have been inspired by these areas in which I have lived. I am waiting for the colder climate inspiration...as you can see in my Lil Lollipops Design shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/lillollipopsdesigns...most of my things are spring and summer like things.

I really don't make a profit with this shop...maybe someday. My husband says I am my own sweat shop. lol Every year when we do taxes this shop is in the red, but I love doing it and bringing joy to others. It keeps me in touch with my creative side. Maybe someday I will up my prices, but for now...I do it for the love of creating. :)

My oldest daughter has a rare form of Spina Bifida and so that is near and dear to my heart. Spina Bifida is the number one birth defect in children. It causes children to be in wheel chairs or have leg braces, can cause water on the brain and damage, and affects a child's ability to urinate or void. Part of the proceeds from my sales will go to Spina Bifida Association and to the American Cancer Society. Why the Cancer Society too? Within 6 months cancer took my father in law and my father. They were both young and healthy. So donations will be made to these charities in their honor at the end of the year from a percentage of my sales.

So that is me.

Here is the...

GIVEAWAY

In this giveaway I will be offering this lariat style eclectic necklace. I designed this necklace and it is the only one of it's kind. It is not for sale in my shop. The necklace has a swarovski crystal lady bug on a silver filigree flower with a pink rhinestone in the center. Hanging from the necklace are two baubles and one strand of swarovski crystal beads. Sweet lil necklace for you or a friend for Christmas who loves ladybugs!

Here is how to enter:
As with all giveaways please make sure you follow this blog and always leave an email in your comments so if you win, I know where to reach you.

1 entry - Heart (favorite) my newest Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/upcyclemycloset
2 entries - Heart (favorite) one of your favorite listings in my shop and come back and let me know which one. This will be so helpful to me for the direction to take my shop. It helps to know what people like. :)
3 entries - Post this giveaway page on your twitter or FB. http://lillollipopsdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-of-kind-necklace-giveaway.html

Do all of them and that will give you a total of 6 entries!
Giveaway ends Dec. 5, 2011 at 10pm Eastern Time

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!

2011-11-27T12:17:00.001-05:00

Well with thanksgiving and all I am a bit late posting this. Hope you all had a GREAT holiday with family and friends.

The winner for the Mad West Designs crocheted flower hat is ....

MEAGAN MORIN!!!!!!
YAY!!!!! Convo Marie at Mad West Designs to claim your prize! :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/madwestdesigns

A BIG THANK YOU to Marie for her generous giveaway!!! Check out more of her designs and get them for Christmas presents!!! :)

Here is how Random.org pick the winner:

List Randomizer

There were 24 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Maegan Morin4
shannon1
VintageQueenGF 1
Bee W Bedard 2
mvegan1
Mlle Slimalicious
Elizabeth turner1
mvegan2
passions
Bee W Bedard 3
Maegan Morin1
Robin 3
shannon3
Bee W Bedard 1
mframe
Trisha1
Robin 2
shannon2
Maegan Morin3
VintageQueenGF 2
trisha2
trisha3
Elizabeth turner2
Robin 1

Timestamp: 2011-11-27 17:15:49 UTC