Homespun Mama

Have You Heard of Tip Junkie?

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:27:00 +0000

It's a great little blog full tips for everything from birthday party ideas to money management. Check out Tip Junkie here.

For the Holidays she is holding a Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon.

She says, "This holiday season, the challenge is to buy your gifts from women & fellow bloggers. To help bring you some amazing products and gift-giving inspiration, Tip Junkie is hosting a Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon. I am so excited about our “created by women” holiday season. Your friends and family are going to be blown away by your thoughtful gifts this year!"

Stop by and check out all the great shops. I'm sure you'll find something for everyone on your shopping lists this year!

Are You Green? Retired Records Is!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:32:00 +0000

This is the coolest Etsy shop I've seen in a very long time!

When I think of buying recycled, handmade products...I'll be honest...it isn't a very good first impression. BUT, Retired Records has broken that stereotype for me and I'll be giving 'green' Etsy shops more of a chance now.

Retired Records is owned by Karen, a mom and wife, of Cincinnati ,OH. Karen is inspired by her friends, family, other artists and nature. As you can guess by the theme of this post, her items are largely made from recycled materials, in particular, old record albums. Her favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip and her favorite item she makes right now are her wine racks.

You will truly find something for everyone in Karen's shop. Just take a look at a few of her items and you'll see why I think her shop is so amazing!

Anything for your home, from wine racks to bowls to art pieces:

And wearables that you would never imagine came from something recycled, let alone an old record!

As you can see, Karen does her part in keeping our planet clean and makes fantastic creations while doing so. Stop by Retired Records and give Karen a shout out. And, as a bonus, Karen usually gives away a small free gift with a purchase!

BOGO SALE AT DIANAS DARNINGS!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:10:00 +0000

I'm approaching my one year Etsy anniversary! I've learned so much about business and crafting in general.

I made a goal to have 200 sales before my one year anniversary. So, to help me reach that goal and to let you in on so great deal, I'm having a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Half Off Sale. Once I reach my goal the sale will be no more. So, don't wait, stop on by and see the cute things you can find!

Unique Items for Unique People: Bei Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:14:00 +0000

Let me start this post by saying I'm NOT a jewelry person! But, I really to love many pieces in Bei Creations shop. In this shop you'll find pieces that are modern, elegant, simple and fancy. I know, something for everyone, right?!

Meet Dee, the owner of Bei Creations. She is a Southern California gal and a momma of two little boys, who inspire her. She loves moose tracks denali fudge ice cream and working with new techniques and materials.

Take a look at a few pieces from Dee's shop that I love:

And a few pieces that Dee wanted to showcase:

But wait, there's more. Not only does Bei Creations make fabulous jewelry, you'll also find fabric and vintage items. Let's show this hard working mama some love, stop by her shop to see what you can find to pamper yourself with.

Spring Sales on Etsy, Check 'Em Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:02:00 +0000

We just found out our second child is a GIRL! We are very excited! Both my family and my husbands are over run with boys. So, to celebrate, I'm having a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Half Off Sale at Diana's Darnings. Buy one item of any price and get the second for half off. Have a baby shower coming up, or even in the near future, it's a great time to stock up!

I also found a couple other Etsy shops that are having sales this weekend. Stop on by, I'm sure you'll find something you need!

2 Dollar Scrapbooking is having a Grand Opening sale! She says everything in her shop must go. It really must because you won't find deals like this for scrapbooking and card making anywhere else.

The Charm School Drop Out has a shop full of prints and if you shop today and tomorrow, they are all only $10.00!! You'll find prints for every occasion and style.

Elegant by Design is moving and having it's first annual inventory reduction sale. In this shop you'll find jewelry in every price range and for every personality.

Catirina Bonet Designs is a shop full of patterns and right now is offering 5 for $10.00. You'll find crochet, knitting and sewing patterns to make all kinds of great things for babies on up to Grandma. Check out her blog and shop for more details. http://catirinabonetdesigns.blogspot.com/

Styren Designs is a husband and wife run shop where you'll find wooden, acrylic or polymer clay pens. They also have wooden bottle stoppers that would go great with a bottle of wine for a gift. Mothers Day is just around the corner, enjoy 10% off any items in this shop.

As you can see, there are tons of talented people selling tons of great items at great prices on Etsy. Take advantage of these sales and get quality handmade items while you're at it.

Where The Art of Letter Writing Is Not Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Pinky Creations is my latest Etsy artist feature. Upon entering her shop you'll see "where the art of letter writing is not dead," a statement that says a lot about this shop. You'll find everything you'll need to send great cards and letters. From greeting cards and mini note cards to stickers and gift tags. When looking at the stationary here, you'll see the artist puts a lot of creative thought and attention to detail into every item.

It's owned by Lisa from Toronto, ON. Lisa is a stay at home mom of a three year old with one more on the way. She loves reading a good book and having Rocky Road ice cream. When asked what inspires her, she said nature and her family. With kids around there's never a lack of inspiring material.

I couldn't pick just a few of her items to feature, because I truly love her whole shop. Pinky Creations has something for every style and taste. There's whimsical and girly to chic and sophisticated. But, for the sake of the readers I tried to pick four of my favorites.

If you're like me, you long to send those cute, handmade greeting cards, but just don't find the time to make them. Lift the spirits of someone you love by sending them a card from Pinky Creations.

Brand New Shop, Come Take a Look!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:13:00 +0000

I'm sure you'll find this Etsy shop just as lovely as I did. Sand Petals Jewelry Design just opened in January and is owned by Debbie of Lakewood, Colorado. This momtrepreneur is married and a momma of three children. When she's not creating jewelry, she loves to spend time outdoors and enjoys photography.

Sand Petals Jewelry Design features a variety of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Debbie's favorite is her Define Yourself Earrings. Here are a few of my favorites.

Sand Petals Jewelry is usually inspired by a beautiful bead or 'color of the day.' Stop on by and check out this new Etsy shop, see if Debbie has created something that fits your 'color of the day.' There is something for everyone in this shop, and at great prices!

Beadhead...Unique Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:32:00 +0000

Kellie, of BeadHead Designs, is our featured momtrepreneur. She's from Spring Texas, has been married for 21 years and has 2 children. Her son is 13 and her daughter is 19 and is serving in the US Army. When asked about her favorite ice cream she said, "Well I have two. Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip and I have to eat them together." Her favorite hobby used to be playing tennis, but now it's going to bead shows.

In her shop you'll find, you guessed it, beaded items. Jewelry, bookmarks and accessories such as key fobs.

Above are just a few of my favorite items from BeadHead Designs. But, don't take my word that her shop is fab, stop on by! BeadHead has a huge half off sale going on, I'm sure you could find something to take home. She's also moving her key fobs to a new Etsy shop, KeyFobKellie. If you hurry over today you'll get a great deal. She is having a grand opening buy one, get one half off sale.

Sale at Diana's Darnings

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Diana's Darnings is having a sale until the end of the month! Help her reach her goal of 100 sales by the end of March. She is only seven sales away. To give you a little incentive, she is having a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Half Off sale.

Here are a few baby items you'll find in her shop:

As well as a few non-baby sale items:

Back on the Wagon

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:47:00 +0000

After about a month with no posting, I think it's time to get back on the wagon. I'll have more fab Etsy shops to feature in the near future, but today wanted to quickly share a few of my favorite crafting sites.
I know several of you scrapbook. Here is a wonderful blog to get layout ideas. And, if you're a digi scrapper, Happy Scrap Girl posts a list of freebies at least once a week. Worth checking out, for sure!
How about Create For Less, anyone heard of it? It's a crafting supply site that has almost anything you could ever want to craft with. They have great prices and AWESOME clearance!

I know we might not need another place to hang out on the web, but at Craftster you'll find all kinds of things to eat up your time. Every kind of forum a crafter would want to chat in is on Craftster. If I find myself at a creative dead end, chatting on these forums really helps. Plus, there are swaps, recipes, patterns...anyway. Between, Create For Less and Craftster, I find myself fully stocked for every kind of crafting.
So, check out a few of my favorite sites and then check back here in a couple days to see who my next featured Etsy seller is. Happy crafting :)

Who knew you could do that with paper?

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:26:00 +0000

Make what with paper...wreaths?! I know...who knew! I guess Beth from Albuquerque, New Mexico knew. Beth is a wife and SAHM to three boys and the owner of Haru. Haru is Beth's shop name which means spring in Japanese. At Haru you will find decoupaged & collaged treasure keeper boxes and vintage inspired paper wreaths. Paper wreaths? Yes, paper wreaths!

Beth says, "My current shop favorite is my paper wreath design. I enjoy everything from finding old, overly loved, yellowed paged & worn out hard covered books to selecting different paper color & pattern combinations to the actual design & construction of the paper wreaths." Her color combinations are inspired by fashion, antique items (furniture, textiles, jewelry etc), vintage papers, design & craft blogs, people, places, memories and nature.

If you're like me, you're always looking for that unique something for your home that no one else has. I bet no one else in your neighborhood has a paper wreath by Beth. Stop by her Etsy Shop today. And, if you mention Homespunmama.blogspot.com in the message line of an haru.etsy.com order, you'll receive 10% off any item! Offer is good until the end of February 2008, so hurry over and see what Haru has for you.

Art on Etsy...Find it At Eminent Art Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:18:00 +0000

What do you think of when you hear handmade or homemade?

I don't think a lot of people think fine art. Well, Etsy is full of artisans showing off their paintings, drawings, prints and more. At Eminent Art Studio you'll find watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, prints and drawings.

The owner of this shop, Emina, is a lover of Tiramisu gelatto and is originally from Europe. She now lives in Michigan and is applying to graduate school. She likes to experiment with different media and someday (when she gets time off of studying) would love to try her hand at sculpture and jewelry.

This is Eminent Art's Azure Acrylic Painting. What a breath of fresh air! Doesn't it make you wish you were on a beach somewhere? She was inspired after reading "Death in Venice" by Thomas Mann. Emina says, "Usually I'm inspired by memories and everyday life. Fashion and different cultures are also very inspiring to me."

So, next time you're on Etsy, remember that 'handmade' includes much more than just home decor crafts and such. Check out the fine art and you may find someone like Emina, who has a talent for expressing on canvas what we all feel.

I should also mention that she's recently introduced some prints of her paintings at very affordable prices. You'll find something for every budget at the Eminent Art Studio.

WOW, A Whole Week Without Love

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:38:00 +0000

Sorry, blog...it's been a week since I've 'loved' you. I'll do better this week :)

If you haven't stopped by Diana's Darnings lately, do so. She just found out shes expecting her second child and is having a BOGO Half Off Sale to celebrate!! In addition, she's just marked down those adorable hats and mittens you've seen in a previous post to make way for some great spring inventory. Check out the sale section of her shop.

And... if you make a purchase and mention 'homespunmama' in your message to seller at check out, you'll receive an extra 10% off. Don't miss out on the great deals this week and stop back by later to see the next Etsy Momtrepreneur to be featured.

LoveLeeSoaps on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:39:00 +0000

This isn't just any old soap shop. These are LoveLeeSoaps created by Leeana in Daytona Beach, FL. Crafting runs in Leeana's family, so stay tuned to her shop to see what she has come up with next. Notice the mint chocolate chip soapsicle below. She loves mint chocolate chip ice cream so much she made a soap...great diet idea, bathe in it instead of eat it!

Her shop is full of bright colorful soaps of all different designs. She carries bath salts, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and dont forget about soapsicles (mmm...soapsicles)!

You'll find a great selection at LoveLeeSoaps, something for anyone and everyone. Did I mention her prices? They can't be beat! AND, ALL soap orders include a small free gift, what could beat that.

Looking to be Pampered?

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:15:00 +0000

Well, you'll find things to pamper both young and old at Pampering Beki's.

Beki is a wife, mother of three and a momtrepreneur. She likes Disney, creating jewelry and blogging and is inspired by childrens eyes, smiles and laughter. But, Beki does NOT like ice cream...alone that is. She loves it with a warm brownie or cobbler, phew!

Back to pampering yourself! Here are a few of my favorites from her shop to pamper all ages.

So, if you're looking to be pampered, head on over to Beki's shop. If you enter DD15 in your message to seller at check out, you'll get 15% off your purchase! I'd say it's time to head on over to Pampering Beki's and pamper yourself!

This Week At Diana's Darnings...

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:01:00 +0000

...Take 20% off all hats, mittens and hat and mitten sets!

Let's make room for some great summer products. Stop by and keep your little ones warm by picking up a hat or mittens or both!

Beyond the Rockz

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:26:00 +0000

I have found a wonderful shop that rocks, literally.

Please direct your attention to the artists behind Beyond The Rockz, Caroline and Al, who create a variety of wildly original jewelry. Ranging from rings to broches, the pieces are both new and recrafted.

Caroline and Al draw inspiration from art glass from the turn of the century, which they find by roaming the countryside. Another inspiration for their work comes from the loss of their bernese mountain dog, Bosco.

These artists are far from amateur. The pieces are well crafted, fun and colorful. Check out Caroline's newest resin jewelry!

And now the icing on the cake...mention homespunmama and get free shipping at Beyond The Rocks until the end of the month. Visit beyondtherocks.etsy.com, and don't be shy about taking advantage of the free shipping.

For All Your Scrappy Needs: Scrap-A-Dot!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Want cute scrapbooks to save your memories in, but don't really have the time? Well, Scrap-A-Dot is the place for you!

Scrap-A-Dot is from Arkansas and is a SAHM of two little boys. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES mint chocolate chip ice cream and feels the same way about her husband :)

In her shop you'll find mini scrapbooks, pre-made pages, little custom frames, cards and more. Her mini albums are my favorite, and the best part is she'll customize them for you! Just let her know what you want and she'll work her magic.

Scrap-A-Dot is inspired by her family and friends. Can you guess what her favorite hobby is? She is also a member of EtsyMoms, AREtsy, and Etsypaper and supports the Susan G. Komen's Passionately Pink for the Cure campaign.

BaDaBling: Custom Swarovski Crystal Apparel

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Ba-Da-Bling! Fun to say--and even more fun to wear! For all of you that like sparkle, this is the shop for you. This shop owner is from Saint Cloud, MN and is a Social Worker, dance/soccer/Girl Scout mom by day, Swarovski crystal artisan by night, and Tastefully Simple consultant in her spare time.

Ba-Da-Bling is product of a girls night out. This momtrepreneur surprised her friends with shirts to wear, got great feedback, and it all snowballed from there. She has years of experience under her belt by creating concert tees, pink ribbon designs, bar-wear, high school team shirts, vehicle, and business logos. The sky’s the limit!

These pics are from Ba-Da-Blings most recent artistic challenge. She did a shirt for a friend who converted her motorcycle into a trike. "She wanted me to write “Triker Babe” and have wheels coming out from under the words. When I got going on the project I knew I could do so much better than that, and so, with her permission, I did. When I finished, she really felt like it was her trike! She keeps it on display in her home."

Ba-Da-Blings favorite item in her shop is this lovely shirt “Ride on a Wing and a Prayer” made with Fire Opal Swarovski crystals. It's gutsy but feminine and does look positively on fire!What inspires me: I am most inspired by people who triumph over adversity through perseverance and creativity.

Find some Ba-Da-Bling at http://www.badabling.etsy.com/ and her Tastefully Simple products at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/eevans

Don't forget to check out Ba-Da-Bling's Beautiful Bargains. Modestly priced beautiful items to fit any budget!

This week at Diana's Darnings

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Buy a blanket, and get a pair of matching burp cloths for FREE!! There are several to choose from, stop by Diana's Darnings and check out the selection.

All blanket and burp cloth sets are made of flannel, and have been pre washed to protect precious baby skin.

Callista's Design Shop: Banners, Photo Editing, Animated Ads and More!

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Does your Etsy shop or personal webpage need a face lift? Stop by Callista's Design Shop for some help. Callista is a graphic designer from Boca Raton, FL. She has a 14 mo. old son and a wonderful fiancé . In Callista's shop, you will find photographic prints, paintings and hand painted onesies. Callista also creates custom web page banners, she said "they are unique and I spend a lot of time making them right for the buyer for their shop."

Callista is inspired by other Etsians. She said, "It's so great to see people who LOVE crafting and sharing something creative with everyone." Her favorite hobby is, you guessed it, graphic design, and her favorite ice cream flavor is black raspberry.

Support Calista by stopping by her shop at: http://www.callista311.etsy.com/

Are you paid what you're worth?

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:44:00 +0000

I was hanging around the Etsy forums the other day when I came across a thread about pricing your items to get paid what you and your items are worth. A fellow Etsian, Chris Parry, has a great blog post about this subject, even offering a spreadsheet to help us figure this whole thing out. After evaluating my goals and spending some time with the spreadsheet...I need to make some changes in my shop. Do you? Thanks Chris, for the helpful info!

Featuring Etsy Seller Diana's Darnings and Her Baby Item's

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:52:00 +0000

This weeks featured seller is Diana's Darnings. She is a mommy to an adventurous 10 mo old little boy who inspires her. She started making baby items after she had him. She says, "Quality baby items that will stand up to baby wear are sometimes hard to find." Her darnings will be those unique items, that will stand up to baby wear, you are looking for. In her shop you'll find blankies, bibs, burp cloths, hats, mittens, slippers and more.

Be the first to make a purchase at Diana's Etsy shop, mentioning 'Homespun Mama Blog' in your message to seller and you'll receive a free burp cloth set!

Find Diana's Darnings at:

http://www.dianasdarnings.com/ and http://www.dianasdarnings.etsy.com/

You can also find her items on http://www.giftaboo.com/

Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Homespun Mama) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:31:00 +0000

Welcome to the debut of Homespun Mama. I'm starting this blog to give handmade 'momtrepreneurs' a place to showcase their products. Many of you know about Etsy, this is where most of the momtrepreneurs I'll feature sell their items. Please check out my links, I'll be adding Etsy shops and blogs that also showcase handmade items from Homespun Mamas. Check back weekly to see which Homespun Mama is being featured and to get your weekly crafting tips. Hopefully you'll find some quality handmade items for yourself, your loved ones and to give as gifts.

P.S. Special thanks to Shabby Princess for the backgound papers!