Little Pods Clothing

The Holidays are Fast Approaching

2008-12-17T15:38:00.003-05:00

The holidays are fast approaching! Anyone else feel like October and November crawl by and December doesn't even take a breath as it races past?

I always feel like if I start shopping or anticipating in October, that I will be bored and burnt out by the time the holidays actually get here. I spend weeks waiting for the 'perfect time' to start getting ready, buying presents, decorating, and then December is already here, and gone.

Funny how that happens.

But http://www.littlepods.etsy.com/ is still shipping! US domestic shipping is still guarenteed until the 20th and there is still time to order cute presents for the kids you love!

Hand Painted Red Dino sweatshirt

Hand Painted Miss. Kitty gray sweatshirt

Two dinos hatching white sweatshirt (this one I just finished and have not yet listed- look for it coming to Little Pods soon!)

Endangered and Handmade

2008-12-12T16:53:00.004-05:00

A great new blog has just surfaced trying to help save all of the childrens items that are now endangered due to new laws (see previous post).

You can find it right here:

http://www.endangeredwhimsy.com/

The owner of the site Endangered Whimsy is Blynken & nod, who can be found at her etsy store here...

http://www.blynkenandnod.etsy.com/

She has wonderful items in her shop, my favorite of which is:

In her description she says:

"...This pumpkin is excellent for helping little ones learn how to open and close buttons, tie shoes, and work zippers, bringing them one step closer to being able to dress themselves in their favorite Halloween socks, soccer shorts, Christmas dress, mom's sneakers, and down parka (all at the same time, of course). :)"

So here is to the wonderful artists trying to save all the endangered handmade goods! I am certainly thankful!

Featured in a Blog

2008-12-11T17:25:00.003-05:00

There has been a ton of information floating around on http://www.etsy.com/ about the new laws being put into place on Feb. 10th 2009... the aim of the law was to protect children from cheap imports that contained phalates and lead. Toys were the main target but by extension, everything that is intended for children under 12 has been put at risk.
This includes Little Pods Clothing Company.

All fabric, paints, wares, materials must be test for each and every product sold. I am not just a seller, I am also a mother, and I worry how this will affect the affordability (did I just make that word up?) of toys that my son loves, or the availability of these toys at all.

If you are interested in reading about this new law and what you can do to help it get amended so it will not put small business owners like the thousands of wonderful artists on etsy, you can look at any of these links. They all offer great information and resources to help us keep fighting the good fight.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5951425
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5935443
or
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

In lighter, happier news, one of my products has been feature in a blog by another etsy seller!
Crafts By Candice- who can be found here at her etsy shop... http://www.drumchick99.etsy.com/
Her blog, with my feature item can be found right here:
http://craftsbycandice.blogspot.com/
Please check it out and tell her what a wonderful job she did with ALL the featured artists. I am very proud and very flattered.

In other, non-related (but kind of in a non-related way) news, a friend of mine stopped by today to drop off some pictures I had ordered (it doesn't hurt to add that they were pictures from my wedding, three years and some off months ago- and he was my photographer, and I was JUST getting around to ordering them... but I digress).. He mentioned that if I sent him my photos he would help me make them look just a bit more professional (something I struggle terribly with) so I am psyched and hope you will all be on the look out for New and Improve Little Pods photos!

And with that- good evening!

Finished Blanket!

2008-12-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

So I did it! I listed my first blanket on my etsy site late last night. I'm very excited about it!

Here you can see a close up of the stitching.

Here is a shot with one of my sons little stuffed animals (this one is named 'Scotty') for size comparison.

And here is the blanket all folded up. I turned up the corner so you could see the difference between the all knited side and the knitted and purled side.

I have to learn how to photograph knitting now. I've gotten used to using Sam as my model for my Little Pods Clothing line, and knitting is a whole different creature! Any tips from you knitters/crocheters out there?

I'm also currently looking to feature an artist for the upcoming week, if you are interested- please let me know. I'm not looking for a particular craft, just something that strikes my fancy. All I ask is that when I put up your feature you link to my post in your blog.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

She's Baaaaaaaaaack!

2008-12-09T15:25:00.008-05:00

I'm back, and ready to get back into the swing of blogging.

I am currently re-stocking my etsy shop, it feels good to be creative again.

I'm happy to report that during my hiatus we managed to succeed at the infertility clinic and are currently expecting our second child, a little girl, in April. Sam is very excited to be a big brother.

On top of being a big brother, he's been a wonderful model as of late (which can be evidenced on my etsy site. . I'm also working on a new line for my etsy store, baby blankets. Eventually I'd like to make baby booties and scarves, but right now blankets are where it's at.

This is one I am working on currently:

I love all the colors and the texture is really fuzzy and soft. I imagine a little girl curled up with this while playing with her dolls or sleeping sweetly in her bed. Funny how creating something from raw materials can make you think of a particular scene in which the end product might be used.

Other things recently added to etsy are some of my Christmas line... here Santa is just waiting to come home to your little one!

I'm also looking to feature new artists on my blog, if you're interested- please leave a note with a link to your etsy shop. Thanks!

Rooster Shirt

2008-04-28T18:11:00.003-04:00

Just a fun shirt I was working on the other day.

Now taking suggestions for up and coming artists/crafters to blog review.

2008-04-21T22:57:00.004-04:00

This was a very eventful weekend!

We had Passover seder's both nights and my sons best friends birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese as well.

This is one of my favorite pictures from Sunday.

In business news: The brick and mortar store I'm in (http://www.contemporaryconcepts.com) has asked me for a line of clothes! We had tried a few different styles and one hit off well, so the owner has asked me to bring in a few sizes of it to see how it does. We're still doing the consignment thing, which is good for both of us.

Along with Danny's birthday present I painted him this:

Okay, the hills are on, and I'm a trash tv addict.

Somewhat Sad

2008-04-15T15:56:00.003-04:00

I haven't felt much like blogging lately.

Joe (the wonderful husband) and I have been trying to conceive our second baby for 17 months now and we're starting the road to IVF in a few weeks. It has been much harder emotionally than I first though. Especially because we didn't wait at all to conceive Sam, our first child.

I have been creating a lot to keep my mind off of it, but haven't taken pictures. Soon folks! I have a lot of orders to fill and that is a plus during this somewhat sad days. Hope everyone is doing well, I'll be back to my smiling self in no time.

So exciting!!!

2008-04-11T00:28:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone!! Today I brought my clothes to the store I had mentioned in the previous entry! They accepted my clothes on consignment. I am very excited to be in my first store. :)

I wanted to share the website that the store has with you, and direct you to my clothing.

Contemporary Concepts Website

You can either just search little pods, or you can go to the left hand side and click on "baby and kids" then click on "clothes and fashion accessories" and then Little Pods will be in the column with all the other clothing labels!!

Ahhh!

Rainy April Day

2008-04-09T16:37:00.003-04:00

I've relisted a few items at Little Pods Etsy Store but that's about it. I've been busy getting some items ready for tomorrow.

Oh I didn't tell you? Tomorrow I am going to my first store to meet with the buyer/owner and see if he is interested in hosting some of my items. I don't know what to expect. He told me he is pretty bogged down with children's items right now, and the winter items didn't clear out as early as he expected. He said he is nervous that my items might get lost in the racks, but I figure, I will give it a shot! He's a really nice guy- always nice to Sam, and what's the worst he can say, right?

I am also getting ready to show my items to a gift shop at one of the hospitals here. I'm going to offer to boutique first dibs on any items, and exclusive rights to them. I wont sell them to anyone else, or anywhere else, but to him. If he accepts.

Can you tell I'm nervous?

I made some cute pants the other day for my MIL to give as a baby gift.

Now the baby is up (he is not such a baby anymore, he's going to be TWO at the end of May!! )
So I better go get him.

Some Shirts sold

2008-04-07T19:50:00.006-04:00

These two shirts I made and sold to a friend from my Mom's Group. She asked for two shirts, one using the word "Bug" and one using the word "Pickle" which are her girls nicknames. Here is what I sold her. Her girls look terrific in them, and I was so grateful she sent me the pictures.

What have you created lately?

I also have picked a winner for my blog giveaway of the beautiful hand-dyed burpcloth. Sailor Jenny :) Sailor Jenny she is a sweetheart and you should go visit her blog. :)

A few finished products

2008-04-04T00:38:00.005-04:00

Today felt like a long day. You ever have one of those days that just feel like they are never going to end? It wasn't a bad day, at all- just really long!

I cleaned the house today, spent a lot of time running up and down the stairs bringing laundry back and forth.

This morning Sam and I went on our normal morning date to Starbucks. He had an apple juice and a treat and I sipped on my favorite drink, a tall, nonfat, (but with whip) white mocha. It is the perfect way to start a day. Especially when my favorite little bff decides to wake a little bit earlier than usual.

I have been having a hard time sleeping- too many ideas buzzing around in my brain. Like for right now, both my husband and my little Sam are fast asleep, but I am here, blogging at nearly 1am, thinking about what I'll make tomorrow.

I finished a few things today...

This long sleeved retro train shirt was hand painted by yours truly. It was a custom order from a girlfriend of mine who I 'met' many years ago online. Her son (like most little boys) is totally into trains, and with his third birthday coming up, she asked for something special.

Another girlfriend also ordered a retro train shirt, different colors.. seen below.

I also took a few pictures of Sam, he is wearing one of the t-shirts I am selling on http://www.littlepods.etsy.com - it's a bit small on him as he is sporting an 18 month size and he just turned 22 months a few days ago.

The next one is a shirt I made for Sam's friend Danny. (there seems to be a small spot on it- I don't know if it is on the film or if they had already been snacking and it had gotten dirty) anyway, Danny loves to point out the dog and kitty on his shirt.

Speaking of the two of them- they were playing the other day, chasing each other (super cute) on the sidewalk and they smacked heads. They both went down on the ground and cried for a while, but they don't have any lasting damage. Yesterday, all Sam wanted to talk about was 'Nee Nee' what he calls Danny and what Danny calls himself. Oh to be 2 again.

Featuring Cathy from MonAmiGreetings!

2008-04-02T15:55:00.005-04:00

I'm very happy to introduce you all to my newest featured artist! Cathy runs MonAmiGreetings (you can click the title of this post to reach her shop). MonAmiGreetings has many beautifully crafted paper goods to purchase. From Thank you sets and New Baby cards to Birthday Cards or Inspiration taken from both Asian and French influences.. this shop has got it all. When I asked Cathy how she came up with her name she replied with "I love all things French and all things paper, so the name was a perfect fit!

Let's take a look at some of the items from her wonderful shop!

These gorgeous cards for that special woman you know who is expecting are just the type of personalized touch a new-mom will love! "Each card measures 4.25" X 5.5", and comes with beautiful coordinating envelopes as shown. Protected in a cellophane sleeve"

This next one is my personal favorite:

It is blank inside which makes it wonderful for many occassions, Cathy suggests a few that would be appropriate such as birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, thank yous or hostess cards.

I asked Cathy to tell me how she came to own and run MonAmiGreetings and she told me I've been paper crafting all my life, but specifically I've been a cardmaker and scrapbooker for 6 years now.

Cathy has even offered anyone from my blog 25% off of their purchases to her shop! Just say "LittlePods" in the note to seller when you check out and receive an updated invoice.

MonAmiGreetings (http://www.monamigreetings.etsy.com) also sells tags.. beautiful tags to add a sophisticated and stylish flair to a product you're selling, or to a gift you're giving. Here are a few samples!

Remember to stop by her shop at http://www.monamigreetings.etsy.com to say hello!

Packing things up

2008-04-01T16:21:00.003-04:00

About a week ago I had some purchases on my etsy shop (http://www.littlepods.etsy.com) and while I was packaging them up I snapped a few pictures to share with you.

:) Hope you enjoyed. Remember to leave a comment to be automatically entered into my free giveaway (baby gift two entries below).

Custom Orders and the like

2008-03-31T19:26:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite parts of Little Pods is the ability I have to fulfill custom orders. When someone stumbles across my site and has a particular design in mind, but doesn't know who can make it a reality.

I've had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for people. Sometimes they had a very detailed idea (such as with the ladybug with sparkle antennae and flowers on the back) sometimes it is very vague (something girly and pink.. such as the dress with the ballet slippers on the back) both of these can be viewed a few entries back.

Today I finished a great custom order for my friend Misty. Her son Dain is totally into trains, Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine in particular. So she asked for a green train with primary colored cars behind him. This is the finished project.

Please note: the model this 4T shirt is on is a 12m to 2T model, hence the draping of the shirt. I'm working on getting models to depict all the sizes I carry.

I've been working on reoganizing my craft room today. I went to buy clear plastic bins for all of my inventory and then slimmer bins for finished projects. It is always exciting to back through everything and see what I have that I had forgotten about.

What tips for organizing do you all have?

I am currently looking for artists to feature in my blog, if you are interested please leave me a comment or email me at LittlePods@gmail.com

Featuring....!!

2008-03-28T23:18:00.011-04:00

Michele of www.bonghivestiti.etsy.com She makes beautiful children's clothes for both boys and girls and has a special section for babies to make shopping easier. While you're shopping at her store for the kids.. you might even nab something cute for yourself as she sells totes, bookmarkers, wristlets and clutches and seems to have a very small but blossoming womens line.

This little girls skirt is absolutely adorable.

In the listing Michele tells us a little bit about her fabulous creation (which I might add is so reasonably priced!) "DAY SKIRT! For your little baby girl. She will be ready for the hot days of summer in style and the cool crisp cotton will keep her comfy.Bright paisley skirt is accented with a unique print that just makes these colors pop.The sash ties at at the side.It would look great over a bright pair of her favorite leggings."

Then there is this adorable outfit that Michele has called The Wild Side. It's listed in her boys section as a One Of A Kind and, seriously, what little boy wouldn't love to sport an outfit full of animals? Michele talks a little bit about this Wild Outfit in her listing. "Things are a little on "The Wild Side" with this unique little boy's outfit. Appliqued moose chase each other around this sweet little polar fleece vest. Trimmed with olive herringbone pattern fabric that match the pull on,elastic waist pants.Classy yet a little funky and fun."

When I asked Michele (http://bonghivestiti.etsy.com/) to tell me a little bit about how she came to make her creations she had this to say:

"BONGHI VESTITI is a dream that came true a few years ago. After years of being a florist, it was time to go full steam into my passion...designing. I saw there was a void in children's clothing and I felt I could fill it. So in my own small way I set out to create fun for you and the child in your life.
I try to create clothes that are both practical and fun. I love to see little ones in bright and happy clothes to match their personalities.
I love to make custom orders to fit my customers needs...
I offer wholesale to shops and boutiques as well...I love working with retailers as well."

I think that Michele's creations are both expertly made as well as totally hip and fun. I wish her all the success in the world and hope you will make her successful by visiting her shop! To visit Michele's shop please vist her at http://www.bonghivestiti.etsy.com/

For a chance to enter the burpcloth pictured in the entry below, simply leave a comment to be entered into the free giveaway this week. If you would like to enter your own item to be given away, simply email me at LittlePods@gmail.com anyone who donates an item to be given away will be featured during the week their item is up for giveaway.

Little Pods giveaway

2008-03-28T16:52:00.004-04:00

Little Pod's Giveaway!
I am very excited to announce the first Little Pods giveaway!
This week I will be giving away a beautiful hand-dyed burp cloth. It will come tied with a pretty blue ribbon dotted with silver spots.

Just leave a comment here to enter into the contest!
If you would like to offer an item to our giveaway please send an email to LittlePods@gmail.com, anyone who gives away an item will be featured during the week their item is up for giveaway.

How to Network

2008-03-27T15:48:00.005-04:00

There are tons of blogs out there, a million websites, a billion-jillion people... and how do you get them into your shop?

This is something as a new online seller, I have struggled with. I find that if something isn't fun, I can find a whole slew of reasons to put it off.

So I try to make things interesting, spicy even.

One thing I love to do is card swap. Once in a while on Www.etsy.com I will throw a post up onto a forum and ask for people to swap 10 business cards with me. When I receive their cards in the mail, I include them with any future purchases I send out. It gets their cards into the hands of potential buyers who might never have known their store existed. In return, my cards make it into the hands of people I wouldn't have reached otherwise. I've swapped cards with people internationally as well as in my own state. It's a fun way of networking, besides, who doesn't love getting mail?

Another way I network is this blog. I count on my readership to comment or even pass the blog along to other people they think might enjoy it. The same way I count on my etsy to get passed a long. I read blogs, and therefore, I hope paying it forward and karma work :).

I also have a myspace. http://www.myspace.com/littlepods (add me as your friend!) Myspace is a great way to network as well. I can often be found searcing through my friends lists, and being lead to another list, then another and another and then all of the sudden, I'll be clicking "put into my cart" and paying for a great item.

There are tons of networking sites out there, you just have to look around!

Just the other day, I received a letter from Pittsburgh Parent Magazine asking me to advertise in their magazine. How did they find me? Who knows. Maybe from a friend of a friend of a friend on Myspace, maybe they stumbled me on www.stumbleupon.com or maybe they found me right here, in my own little corner of blogspot or etsy.

There is a picture of my son Sam sporting a cute Grateful Dead Orange Bear t-shirt I painted for him for our recent trip to Florida. He got a huge haircut- I cut all his curls off. I miss them a lot. :(

These two pictures next are of a custom order I had for a little girl who was just born. On the front of the oneie is a Ladybug (the girls nickname is Bug) and on the back is a beautiful bunch of flowers.

Well my son is up from his nap, so I had better go get that beautiful little boy.

Updating Photos

2008-03-14T00:10:00.007-04:00

I spent the day taking photos of newly create clothing items. :) I've been working on getting my clothes to photograph better. (Or rather, my clothes have been asking me to photograph them better. Ha) You can see all my newly updated photos at my etsy store.

That right there is my inspiration. That's my son, Sam. He was the reason I started painting clothes. While I was pregnant with him, I decided I was not thrilled with the options for boys at the regular clothing stores. I figured, if I was going to complain about it, the least I could do was be proactive while I whined. I set about learning a formula which would create wearable, washable clothes ready for the rough and tumble play that all little kids love. And thus with my inspiration being my son, whom my husband and I have nicknamed 'Pod' short for Peapod, Little Pods Clothing was born.

This is one of my new creations. I love this little shirt, I made one nearly like it for Sam, in a sweatshirt, which you can see in my previous entry.

And because I never make something for the boys without thinking of the girls...

If you like what you've seen here, Please check out my etsy store at;
http://www.littlepods.etsy.com

Craft Fair pictures and Where to buy tags

2008-03-08T17:19:00.010-05:00

I wanted to add a few pictures from my craft fair last month.

My mom and my son who came to visit. (Sam is wearing one of my items that I made for him).

Me in front of my table

My table

More of my wares (this picture came out so dark, even though it was bright and warm for Pittsburgh!)

Overall we had a good time and made lots of contacts and did decent in sales.
Springtime has had a lot of exciting things begin. I've ordered baby and toddler mannequins for upcoming craft fairs and pictures. I've added more items to my etsy store. . I've also begun the search for sew in labels and tags for my clothing.

I've recently made a large purchase with the wonderful and kind IheartHandmade who can be found at her etsy shop, http://www.ihearthandmade.etsy.com I purchased tags from her, which can be viewed below.

She has a great shop, is easy to access and gets back to you quickly. On top of that, she will work with you on orders, ships equally as fast and is just a pleasure to buy from. I highly suggest her for all of your tag orders. She currently is working on listing more tag items, but she also has necklaces, bracelets, wooden pendants and charms in her shop.

Okay ladies and gents, I better get back to my little one

Back on track

2008-01-31T15:47:00.001-05:00

Goodness!
How the time has flown! I went to NY to visit my mom and attend a family function. While there, my mom and I shopped for onesies and sweatshirts and scored some great finds. I painted a lot while there, and managed to make up for some of the days prior when I was packing and too busy to paint.

She did great too, really helped me. I have all sorts of new fun techniques. However, now I want to go and buy new paint brushes and such, I feel like all mine are less than now. :)

All in all we painted over twenty five onesies/sweatshirts/t-shirts and managed to even dabble in a few pairs of socks.

I'm really revving it up for the craft fair.

Craft Fairs

2008-01-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

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Yesterday I was supply shopping. I bought a table cloth for the upcoming craft fair and practiced setting up my table a couple of times. I'll admit, more thought has to go into the layout of a craft fair table than what I thought!

I've been trying to do some research and have been finding out lots of useful information.If you've been thinking about trying your hand at a craft fair and are interested in some good websites, check these out.

http://www.abcbizhelp.net/articles/crafts_fairs.html#resources
http://www.candlemaking.org.uk/craftshows.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_107920_sell-craft-circuit.html
http://www.candlemaking.org.uk/fairs.html

If you're about to start going to craft fairs or have already been to your first (or second or third!) please email me at littlepods@gmail.com or leave me a message here, I'd like to use your story in my blog, or feature your website and product.

Currently I am working on a few onesies, last night I didn't do any work, and I leave for NY in a few days so I have a lot of making up to do!

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Exciting News

2008-01-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

I am doing my first ever craft fair on Feb. 9th. It's at 801 N. Negley Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15206 at The Union Project from 12-5pm. I'm really excited!

Today I went to Target to buy a few things (bins and a garment rack) I also purchased a receipt collector and a 7 pocket accordian folder as a catchall so I can keep records of what I am spending vs. what I am making and ultimately, what my profit is. Sam (my 19 month old son) was a good boy and we shared a pretzel while browsing. My business cards came from Vista Print (yay!) as did my stamp. My MIL received my things back (EIN number, and whatever else I needed for taxes and such). So things are moving along.

Right now I am working on some button socks, with little handprints. I enjoy decorating socks, because then I can pair them up with cute little matching outfits.

I'm still looking for a decent wholesaler but am having little to no luck.

Other things that I'm working on is a skull and bones onesie as well as a few flower onesies. I will post pictures when I've finished and re-washed them.

I'm still waiting for my first sale on etsy.com, but I will continue to be patient (okay, sort of patient). Better get back to crafting!

Exciting News

2008-01-16T19:01:00.000-05:00

Getting the hang of it

2008-01-14T18:35:00.001-05:00

So, my second post!

I've added a few new things to my etsy account. What you ask? Well I'll show you! This is my "Life in a Fishbowl" onesie. It retails for 18.00 USD on my etsy account (http://littlepods.etsy.com/) You want to see more you say? Okay! Just visit my etsy shop to see all the new, cool things that are coming in daily. Don't see what you want at the shop? Just e-mail me at littlepods@gmail.com and place a custom order.

Some other new items include: Socks with sewn in flowers
Applique Onesies and Onesies with Rhinestones, be sure to check out the cute little dinosaur with the soccer ball!
Coming soon: Re-vamped pictures, more baby wipe cases and onesies.

Other etsy sellers-live in Pittsburgh? Looking for fixtures? Used Fixtures on Blvd of the Allies has new and used Mannequins. 412-281-9966.

Want to be linked or featured on this blog? Please email me at gmail or convo me at etsy.

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Last night I took my son Sam out to Starbucks for some tea and blueberry coffee cake (oh come on, all kids need a blueberry sticky, gooey mess before bedtime some nights!) I had taken a few samples of my onesies to show some friends and while I was there, a fellow Etsyian's Husband approached me and asked if I made the onesies myself, and did I sell them? (!!!) I replied yes to both questions and he put me in touch with his wife, Carrie. Carried and I e-mailed back and forth today and if all goes well and she accepts me, I will be selling at my first ever craft fair on Feb. 9th in the Pittsburgh area. It's the I Made It craft fair and will be at 801 North Negley Avenue in Pittsburgh. You can check out the I Made It myspace site at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=179175690 . Needless to say, I am very excited.

That froggie fabric patch onesie up at the top there is one of my new items at the etsy shop. So is the gumball onesie up at the top. Well, my son is calling to me, so I better run.