Sugar Spice and Nutmeg - an Etsy shop

Overhaul...about time, wouldn't you say?

2013-08-16T15:00:00.001-07:00

Whhhhaaaaa'? January 2011 was our last post?

I knew it had been a while, and that thought alone has caused anxiety about even attempting to do anything on here. But, wow.

Welp, here we are.

And things are changing! We are changing our direction with product, however our 1950's dress inspired aprons will still be available (as a custom option only) once our current stock has sold. New products? Well, we are going baby/toddler...

I had so much fun working on little pieces for my son's nursery...most of which were semi-Pinterest inspired.

I have a mesh bumper but I made these plush owls for the backside (really more for decoration than anything else), and I made a mobile similar to one I found on Pinterest (which I believe was actually from an Etsy shop).

Anyway, I have been playing with the idea of designing my own fabric for the aprons for sometime now, and ended up deciding that though I do like the aprons, and they are fun and unique. As a stay-at-home mom, if this is intended to be a business (which I want), then I need to produce a product and cater to a market that sells...and has higher profitability... So, baby it is!!!

We are designing our own fabrics, using Spoonflower, so that is the part of the process that is going to take the longest as we re-vamp the shop. I am so glad I got the branding portion out of the way in the Spring, so that I am not doing that as well. We will have nursery items as well as some toddler items: crib basics, some decor, art... We may possibly integrate some clothing as well (but we will see).

We are so excited to see where this leads. As we follow other inspirational shops on Instagram (such as:
Little Hip Squeaks

Baby Jives

House of Mia

...and so many others - LOVE them and so inspired by their motherhood and companies coexisting), I have been sharing with my husband how much I want this to work, and how much I want it to thrive...I want that! So, here goes...with an almost-8-month-old in tow...let's see where this takes us. We are kinda starting over, in a way.

We are hoping our new products hit the Etsy shop late fall (maybe November/December) if not the first of the year. For now as we are working on the fabric designs to go with about 10 different themes, we are uploading some of these patterns onto Society6. There are throw pillows, tote bags, art prints (framed and not), and canvases, as well as some apparel - all of these can be ordered NOW, or later when we get the complete sets up on Etsy.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram (sugarspicenutmeg), like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and also on Etsy, to keep on top of new product, sales, and promos via Instagram and Facebook!

First Treasury Feature of the New Year!

2011-01-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

Well, nothing like starting the year off right! Momsvintagetreasures has featured us in another treasury: Forest Colors. Beautiful deep tones, and we are so honored to have our Plum Dandy Chair included. Thank you!

Here's a taste of a few items from other Etsy sellers that are featured in the treasury...you really should go take a look and leave a comment about it (it could get us on the front page of Etsy!)

FABRIC

2011-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Fresh new fabrics to start 2011 off right!

Not only do I love fabric by Amy Butler, and it is some of the only fabric that I've found that matches my vision for my apron fabrics, and the cotton is actually a very nice quality (and nice feeling) fabric...but, I have also had multiple inquiries regarding those designs specifically. So, we are going to finish going through the fabrics that I had purchased (of course) but we are going to be using a majority of Amy Butler and similar fabrics from this point on. YAY!

I had been using JoAnn's as my supplier of choice. A "seemingly" wider variety, especially since my location is a very large store...but then I found a fabric store that was closer, smaller, a little more "mom and pop"-ish, and seems to specialize in quilters cottons. Not only that, but their cottons aren't just the "calico" prints that are small and busy designs...they are EXACTLY what I've been looking for since I started this little venture. Plus, they (Beverly's) carries Amy Butler and similar brands and JoAnn's does not. So, starting the new year off in some new directions...

Here's a peek at a few of the prints that I picked up to start with...and we'll see where we'll go from there!!!

2011!!!

2011-01-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Whew! The holidays are over, and the dust has finally settled, which means it is time for me to catch up on my sadly neglected blog for Sugar Spice and Nutmeg. We had a very successful first holiday season on Etsy (I think), and a huge increase in traffic which is fantastic as well!

Treasuries we were featured in during the holidays:
* Beautiful finds for Autumn ~ by EldoradoSoap on November 4th

* A soft season ~ by Momsvintagetreasures on November 23rd

* Tag: etsyholidaysale ~ by Jaclyn1423 on November 26th

* Shab-Fab Chic on Black Friday ~ by ArtbyAmarose on November 26th

* Black Friday This That and The Other Thing ~ by lemonShine on November 26th

* December's Girl ~ by MermaidontheMoon on December 7th

* Cream and Blue ~ by herong on December 19th

* December is when I miss you most ~ by Raceytay on December 21st

Items we sold during the 2010 holiday season:
* deemos on November 17th

* friscosgirls on November 22nd

* eechie on November 29th

* edgertor on November 29th

* Xleste on December 2nd

--->

* twinley on December 27th

We are so excited for 2011, since in 2010 we were learning how to function and flying blind. Our little company has so much to learn and grow toward still, but we have a clearer picture of what to do to get us there.

To begin with:
* Our facebook fan page is at just over 70 fans, so we are REALLY close to 100. When we reach 100 fans we will be sending 20% coupons out on Facebook.
* Because of the high demand for Amy Butler patterned fabric, we went and bought a few and are going to begin with aprons in those prints and see how they do...so, keep a look out for that.

As you can see from our holiday sales, we fully embrace custom orders...so, if you have a furniture piece or apron that you would like customized please message us on Etsy or email us at sugarspiceandnutmeg@hotmail.com And, if you haven't already checked it out, go take a peek at the items we have in our BYO Apron category in our shop, you can choose what skirt, top, straps, waist band, and extras you want and create a custom piece that is truely unique to you!

Etsy Holiday Sale!!! #EtsyHolidaySale

2010-11-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello holiday shoppers!!! That's right Thanksgiving is this week, which means the largest shopping weekend of the year is RIGHT around the corner!!!

For the holiday season Sugar Spice and Nutmeg is excited to run our first Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales event. We will be offering a range of discounts from 10% off to 20% off. The discounts should be reflected in the purchase price, however if you have any issues viewing this (such as the app we use is glitching) just message us and we will ensure we work out all the kinks for you!

Our Sale will be running from 3am Black Friday through 11:59pm Cyber Monday! Discounts to shop for include:

Jam/Applesauce: 10% off
Vintage Toys: 10% off (if these items get listings by that time)
Furniture: 10% off
Build-Your-Own-Aprons: 15% off
Women's Aprons: 20% off

All shipping costs will remain the same. We will have a category of just packaging options, so if you are shipping directly to a loved one you can add an option from that category (the cost of these will likely only be the cost of the listing) and we can ship directly to your recipient. If you have an other custom requests convo us on these days and if we work out a sale with you between 11/26-11/29 you will receive the sale price as well.

Shipping time frames will vary: due to the potential for a large number of orders/packaging requests, all items purchased over the sale weekend will be shipping mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) and should be received within 3-8 business days following shipment. If you have questions regarding alternate shipping options, send us a message on Etsy. Also, custom made/made-to-order/BYO Aprons will require a week to create your piece plus 3-8 business days for shipping (this may vary due to item and schedule, we will communicate any changes to you).

Go check out our page and happy holiday shopping!!!

Be on the look out for New products and Holiday options!!!

2010-10-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

New things coming...

We currently have:

(1) square coffee table
(2) shorty unique side tables
(2) side chairs
...and multiple new aprons

currently in the works!!!

So, new items coming to the shop, as well as new options! For the upcoming holiday season...we will be offering a gift wrap option on our non-furniture items (and combination packs of jams and applesauce) so that you can ship unique and handmade gifts directly to your loved ones if they will not be home for Christmas...

ALSO! We are giving a 20% discount to our first 100 Facebook fans...we are currently at 69! So, "like" our fan page and spread the word and get extra savings for your holiday shopping.

We also will be giving out the details of our Black Friday sale on our fan page and twitter as well! So, check back regarding that!

Treasuries that have featured our Items...

2010-10-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today about how many things I need to update on here and realized I always update Facebook and Twitter regarding any of our items that get included in someone's Etsy Treasury...however, I never post anything here...SO! Here is a lengthy list of the items we have that have been listed in other Etsy user treasuries...and THANK YOU to all you Etsy users that have included us!

September 10th ~ LilyandLemon ~ "I Saw Her Standing There"

September 11th ~ warmnfuzzies ~ "First Apartment"

September 12th ~ myheartmonster ~ "Shades of Grey"

September 14th ~ LilHipsters ~ "Green Glass"

September 15th ~ hippiekingdom ~ "Ocean Breeze"

October 7th ~ bluerootpress ~ "Plum Favorites"

September 27th ~ TheOmegaWorkshop ~ "No Bums or Boobs Here, LOL"

October 9th ~ OneInTheHand ~ "What's Cooler Than Being Cool? ICE COLD!"

October 19th ~ lilacsandlace ~ "For The Home"

October 17th ~ ArtByAmarose ~ "Raspberry Love"

October 24th ~ OldNNew4U ~ "In A Jam"

Thank you again, all my fellow Etsy sellers who have included our items in your treasuries!

More Canned Goods!

2010-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Just, finally finished going through all the pears we purchased and finished up the last of our raspberry pear jam. And then, yesterday made a ton of applesauce as well. So, these delectable treats are now listed, and ready for purchase...they would make great holiday gifts!

Raspberry Pear Jam (with Orange Peel)

$6 - 8oz jar (4 on hand)

Raspberry Pear Jam

$6 - 8oz jar (15 on hand)

"Grandma's Recipe" Applesauce

$10 - pint jar (22 on hand)

New Page: "BYO Apron"

2010-10-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

We've added a page to our blog... Build Your Own Apron! This has all options we have done thus far, (our options are not necessarily limited to those listed, but they are there to help you make decisions).

We have multiple photos showing options you can choose from to customize your aprons top, skirt, straps, waist band, pockets, and any other extra things you might like to make your item unique to you!

Go take a peek (beware, some of those photos have a mind of their own, we are attempting to fix a few and where there is a caption and no photo, a photo will appear soon!)

Another Jackie O Apron listed, in a new fabric

2010-10-07T00:20:00.000-07:00

This is a one of a kind item. This Jackie O dress inspired apron is in a heavy khaki colored linen with navy blue daisies embroidered in. The fabric is repurposed remnants that I purchased a few years back, and I can not get any more of it. The navy waist band is in a stetch cotton, and on this apron...the bow is optional...we are leaving that up to the buyer. The navy is so dark, we weren't sure if it even needed it. So, do without, or in the notes when purchasing, you can request us attach a fabric bow in remnants of either the navy or daisy fabric....

(I finished this this evening, so I'll take better photos tomorrow, when I have my light back)

Apricot Jam!

2010-09-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

This years apricot jam was definitely a trial for Etsy...really, I made it for me and family, but thought that it'd be a good item to list if I did happen to set up shop. Well, we did, and I listed it. We've sold four jars already, and that leaves eight available to sell on Etsy! (If we end up selling out this year I may list the six jars I'm holding onto, and we will definitely be making a few more batches next year!)

thank you Etsy user caguilar78 for your jam purchases!!!

Apricots are so tempermental, and have an EXTREMELY short season (some types only have a week or two "in-season"). So, it's a treat when you find good apricot jam. This years jam...whether it be the type I used or just the year the apricot trees had...is amazing. Wonderful, bright, tangy flavor...the jam ended up with a vibrant orange glowing color! And when you taste it, you can FEEL your glands salivating...mmm...it's wonderful!

So, hurry to our shop and buy some! The more jars you buy the less shipping costs per jar! :) (If you would like more than one jar, send me a message on Etsy, and I can make you a custom listing for multiple jars and adjusted shipping costs.)

Custom "Evelyn" Listing Sold

2010-09-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Finished and sold another custom apron order today!

The fabric chosen for this one is really cute! It's a birthday gift for my customer's "boho" styled friend......The buyer chose the fabric and the "Evelyn" style, plus wanted a few extra custom details: extra long waist tie, pockets, trim and ruffles on the pockets, and ruffle on the bottom of the skirt.

(front) (back)

...thank you Etsy user rachelrosene for your business...

(fabric detail) (new pockets with detail)

Turned out cute, huh?

Well, I am soon going to be adding a page on here that will be "BYO Apron". I will have a few various options on the different aspects of the aprons (skirt style, top style, strap style, pockets, etc...) and have photos listed to assist you all in designing a truely custom apron that you will love! Keep checking back to see what options we will offer, (remember if you have idea we do not have listed, it never hurts to ask...send our shop a message on Etsy and you can attach a photo of your idea to see if we can accomodate you!)

First mention from an outside source...!!!

2010-09-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well, thank you to all of those who have featured our items in your Etsy treasuries, we appreciate it and are so happy people are responding well to the first few items we've had listed.

Last week, though we were mentioned in a blog! Bombshell Lolita wrote a blog post (Etsy Shout-Outs) about Etsy and the shops she has found there, and we were listed! So, lets return the favor, shall we? Go check out her blog!!!

She has all sorts of ideas and reviews (she loves decoden, and explains what it is to those of you who don't know), for beauty, feminine, and health products.

Thank you Bombshell Lolita, love your site too!!!

Etsy Success- Holiday Boot Camp!

2010-09-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my...well, with attempting to be a wife while getting my business up and moving is proving to be a challenge and a stretch of my time management skills (or lack there-of). We have had lots of sales in the first two months of business, and we thank you those of you who have contributed to that!!! And, quite a few custom orders as well!

Well, I am determined to do better, and use the timing of starting this venture as the perfect key to launching sales...we are approaching Christmas afterall! (Yes, I do use the word Christmas instead of "Holidays"!!!) That's right, school just started and already the stores are getting in their stock for fall and the Christmas season! Plus, Etsy Success launched their Holiday Boot Camp last Thursday...I was a bit hesitant at first, but after reading the pledge (and a few other posts, they have so much helpful information readily available to sellers it's wonderful!) I took it! I pledged on the event page, on my facebook page, and now here (which will also post to Twitter).

**photo is a candidate for the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp mascot, and happens to be one of my votes, and is a listed item in "poordogfarm"s shop**

I, Nutmeg of Sugar Spice and Nutmeg, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

So, here's to a hopefully incredible and successful holiday season, hopes for lots of traffic in my shop and lots of new customers shopping for special unique gift items!!!

2010-09-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Check this out!!! This armoire is a piece that my mom aquired at an auction when I was very young. When we got it home and openned it up it had a lovely little love letter in it, and the door pull has "British Made" engraved in the back.

I love it!

Well, my parents are re-doing their guest room, and this really has no place in their house anymore...so, it is now in mine! In my guest room/office...it is currently serving the purpose of containing the masses of fabric, paperwork, shipping materials, ETC that I have had scattered all over the house since the end of July! And, thanks to the unique metal loops on each side, I have a place to hang my on-hand aprons as well!

I love antiques, and this piece is gorgeous!!!......and yes, I am awaiting peoples comments about how much "household" stuff I already have!.......

New Apron...and more to come this weekend!

2010-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

New listing: Evelyn apron with new fabric! Soft muted tones, antique vintage buckle slide, and a feminine style.

Additional aprons coming throughout the weekend and next week, as we sew our way through the fabrics we have on hand.

New Item...Homemade/Handmade Apricot Jam

2010-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Listing a new item today...homemade, handmade, sweet and tangy apricot jam. The apricots were GREAT this year! Very juicy and wonderful flavor, and it really came out in the jam. The type of flavor that you can feel your glands salivating over!!! Very aromatic as well.

Ingredients: lots of fresh hand diced California Blenheim apricots, cane sugar, pectin, and a tiny bit of lemon juice and butter.

ONLY 12 JARS on hand!!! (Well, 16...but some of those are for me and my family!) And once they're gone, that is it until next June!

And be creative...we have found that this jam is fantastic used as something other than just spread for toast. On warm fluffy rolls during the holidays, this jam makes apricot oatmeal bars have a fresh tangy flavor, and even used for fish dishes!

New Items...and More Sales....

2010-09-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

We posted a couple more half aprons today...so, we are nearing the end of our current scrap pile. We have enough new fabric for about 12 new aprons, and then we will be using those scraps for more half aprons!

Here are the two we posted yesterday:

The second one unfortunately...I don't know if it was the lighting or just that the fabric doesn't photograph well...but I could not get a good shot of it, and it is cuter in person...

In the last two days, we also sold two items, one of which had just been posted!

Thank you Etsy users NakedBathSalts and bedelk00 for your orders!!!

New Listing

2010-09-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here is another half apron (I am recycling scraps from some of the aprons I've already made and using them as half aprons and pot holders). Check back, will continue posting a few more half aprons and some pot holders throughout the week!

First Listing of a HALF APRON!

2010-09-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have added women's half aprons to our repertoire! Here is the first one...I am currently using the scraps from my custom aprons to create these (Waste Not!)...

Go check out what we have available right now...Also, check back...this week we will be adding fresh fabrics for our aprons, more half aprons, and pot holders!

New Items Coming to Etsy Shop!!!

2010-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

We have been working on some fun and unique items that we found while "JUNKING"! (New favorite activity!)
We will be adding a new category to our Etsy shop: Furniture...and Home Items...

Here are some of the items, as they looked when we salvaged them!!!

The first chair is done...painted and upcycled seat. The dark side chair is in process of being painted and the seat has been redone. The coffee table we got at an estate sale- we have sanded, and reglued and stablized all the joints. Just trying to decide what direction to go with that... We will then be on to tackling the fully upholstered chair!!! (As nervous as I am, I'm excited!) And! Today I acquired another side chair, a mid-century sort of cafe bistro chair- (the manufacturers tag is still on the bottom! and all the quality control dates are from the late 1920s!)...I like the lines on it, and I have a fabric and paint for it already...

So, we should be posting quite a few of these items within the next week!!!

Sold: Saffron and Black Charlotte Apron

2010-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

We sold the Charlotte apron that was a saffron and cream geometric print with black accents. Purchased as a going away gift.

This makes our SIXTH sale!!! WOOHOO!!!

...now, to crank out some more with the masses of fabric we have...

Custom Orders Filled...

2010-08-31T23:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! Well, I've certainly been neglecting this! I had moved all the equipment elsewhere and since I'd been working away from the computer, have not been updating as much as I should.
I have recently been working on some custom orders. Both are aprons...gifts for new brides.

Custom Order for a Bridal Shower- Favorite colors: orange and pink.

Custom Order, Wedding Reception Gift- Wedding Colors: teal/blue and white. Adding rust applique to circled areas in first photo, will post final product when done.

Both of these are styles I had not tried before, and there were a few custom items to each. Such as the applique on the blue one and the buckle on the pink one (which was originally an aged silver toned metal, that we turned into a faux brassy gold to match the fabric).

More Items Listed!

2010-08-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Today we added a few more items, and will continue working through the fabric we bought last week until we have NO MORE! So, keep checking back, there will be new styles, old styles with new fabrics, and at least one item is being replenished!

There is a new "Charlotte" that was posted this morning. Colors are saffron and black, with black vintage/antique buttons and a vintage/antique metal buckle.

Also, the Jackie O style that was posted with the first batch seemed to be the most popular (according to our site tracker). So, since it sold...we replenished the stock. We have three on hand (in the same blue and green leaf fabric). Plus, we have two on hand in the same patterned fabric, except the colors are lavendar and a rosy hue.

Go check out what's available, or look through our inspiration photos and place a custom order!

www.etsy.com/shop/SugarSpiceandNutmeg

First Sells On ETSY!

2010-08-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

WooHoo!

I was perusing my Etsy, and working on "ideas"...I have been trying to get my thoughts together for how to proceed with the fabric I have, and the new stuff I bought yesterday, so I can get more product listed this week. My page still said I had 5 items listed for sale..."That's ok", I thought, "I listed them all at once, instead of spacing them like I had intended...and it's only been a-day-and-a-half."

Well, I decided to work on here for a while, get some of the things that happened this week in here before I lose them from my brain entirely. Within about 15 minutes I refreshed my Etsy, and...OH! It says I have 3 items listed....Did I actually sell two??? Yes! Horray!

First two items sold: a "Frances" apron, and a "Jackie O" apron...

So excited! Very motivated to get as many made and posted as soon as possible!