Polka Dot Mom Crafty Moms in Business

Make a Polka Dot Name Tray

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:32:00 +0000

I have seen these personalized travel trays at my favorite local children's consignment shop. They are adorable!

Tip Junkie sent out a great "Kid's Crafts" (for spring break) e-mail this morning and this cute tray tutorial by Making Lemonade was inside. Doing the happy dance!

I thought you would enjoy it - grab a blue tray for the boys and do red polka dots.

P.S. - This project lets you use your paint pens. :)

Would You Like to Make a Quilt for Layla?

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:26:00 +0000

(Squares Rag Quilt by La Dolce Boutique)

Sweet Layla Grace and her sisters and mom and dad need our prayers.

Some fabulous ladies have come up with a way to send warm fuzzy hugs that will bring comfort for years to come -

Read all about it at http://www.isaiah43project.com/

Oh My! Handmade Business Blog Launch

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:38:00 +0000

Sara of Sarah + Abraham has gathered together some amazing small business owners and created the new online community, Oh My! Handmade Goodness. The big launch is TODAY!

There are already some fabulous posts including one by Miss Heather - a sweet baby shower for Levi (Cora's little brother).

Be sure to read Part I and II of "Tips for Starting an Online Business - What We Know for Sure".

This is a great place to hang out - see you there!

Two New Posts at Isaiah43Project.com

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Please take a quiet moment today to stop by the Isaiah 43:1 Project blog.

There are three new families who desperately need our prayers.

There is reason for praise. There is reason for tears.

If you feel called, please come over to http://www.isaiah43project.com/.

Free Small Biz Accounting Downloads

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Holly at the Accounting SPOT has opened up her secret business spreadsheets vault.

For a limited time...every single small business accounting download is FREE!

Don't miss this - let Holly's easy-to-use business worksheets help YOU get your books in order.

Thanks, Holly!

Hug Emily's Family - List Today on Etsy or eBay

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:24:00 +0000

You may remember me telling you about our good friends in Michigan, Craig and Melissa Schmidt. Their daughter Emily began her fight with cancer in July 2009 at the age of 7 1/2. She was a joy to everyone she met and a little girl who was always wise beyond her years. She loved everyone and made you feel so welcome and so special. Emily always made us laugh! The last time we saw her, she was carrying around her fancy purse, a Hannah Montana camera/music player and a lucky marble...that she gave to my daughter (who thought it was the coolest thing ever).

In November, Emily was chosen by the Hope for God's Children eBay group of praying women to be the beneficiary of a February special launch, with all proceeds going to her family to help cover her rising medical costs and the approaching bone marrow transplant.

In late December, doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital told Emily, her parents and her brother Hunter the news - the full body radiation treatment had not stopped the cancer. In one month's time, the cancer had grown three times its size. Emily would not be healthy enough for the bone marrow transplant, and there were no further treatments. She was allowed to go home to Michigan with hospice care. A few days later, the Make-a-Wish Foundation flew the Schmidt Family to Florida because Emily wanted to go to Disney.

On January 2, 2010, Emily and her family swam with the dolphins at Disney. It was a wonderful, special, treasured time (the family even has a video). Late that night, Emily was having trouble breathing. Her dad stayed up late with her in the hotel until he knew they needed to rush to the hospital. The whole family drove over and Craig put the car in park, ran around the car to grab Emily from the back seat and ran inside with her in his arms. This is where she took her last breath.

One of the many blessings that have come from this deep sadness is that the Hope for God's Children ladies agreed unanimously and whole-heartedly to continue the February benefit launch for Emily's family. The women posted over and over again that the family still needs our help, and what better way to wrap our arms around them.

Today, that special fundraiser for Emily will begin.

Read how-to list on eBay or on Etsy on the Hope for God's Children site (I wrote the post).
Find links to the eBay auction template, the Etsy product image and Etsy avatar (optional).

Here is a sneak preview (designed by Traci at Leeziebee - amazing!):

I'll post late tonight with all the beautifully made "blue flowers & rainbows" I find on Etsy and eBay. Thank you! May God wrap His arms around YOU today as well.

Valentine's Day Giveaway {Just for You}

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:42:00 +0000

I had a Valentine's Day surprise for YOU waiting in my inbox this morning -

The chance to win this luxuriously soft mediterranean blue microplush blanket from the ladies at the new Christian blog site, Feathers From Our Nest.

The founder Kim just knew you would love this blanket to keep you warm on all these cold winter nights. I am always covered up with some blanket or another around my house. Especially when I am typing the night away in our cold basement (where my studio is).

It's easy to win - just enter your e-mail address in the Feathers From Our Nest "e-mail updates" box and the ladies will randomly select five winners (there are four other great prizes too!).

Connect the Dots with your Blog Readers

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:02:00 +0000

(Vintage Connect the Dots Coloring Book by Tiger Luxe)

Laurie of Tip Junkie has put together some fabulous resources for your business blog!

She attended the recent BlissDom blogging conference and is sharing her session notes with us.

Part I: Connecting With Your Community of Readers

Part II: Connecting With Your Blog Readers

Thank you so much, Laurie! These are invaluable tips and ideas that will keep me BUSY for the next few months (and years).

Got all Your Supplies? Now It's Time to ADVERTISE!

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:56:00 +0000

(Chalkboard Labels to organize your crafts by Nestlings)

Polka Dot Mom is now accepting inquiries and payments for our next round of advertising spots.

February, March, April and May spots now going for $40.00 each.

E-mail Sally at polkadotmom@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Need help making a 150 x 150 ad button? No problem.

Put your business link on every page of our site for tons of savvy moms to see!

Look forward to chatting with you about promoting your business!

{Crockpot Dinner} "The In-Laws are Coming" Tortilla Soup

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:36:00 +0000

Yes, my in-laws are coming to down tonight. Haven't been to the store, haven't changed their bed linens, haven't cleaned the bathroom, haven't done the dishes...you know how it goes when you are a work-from-home mom!

I just sent my husband an e-mail - "Honey, trying to figure out how to sew and clean the bedrooms at the same exact time. Help!"

I figured if the house wasn't clean, at least it can smell GRANDE (that's Spanish for big, but is more fun to say GRAND-ay!). Anyway, the house will small fabu with Erin's Haute Plates recipe for...

Crockpot Tortilla Chicken Soup

Yea! Thanks, Erin!

(You'll love all the recipes on her site - be sure to bookmark.)

Top 10 Organizing Tips

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Photo courtesy Apartment Therapy.

P.S. I want that green and white polka dot fabric for my office...and that bookshelf.... :)

Apartment Therapy's Benita Larsson has put together her Top 10 Organizing Tips for you!

Here are a few of our favorite tips from Benita:

Corral your Clutter - a basket by the stairs (to go down/up), a bowl by the door for keys and phones, paper files/slots for each family member to keep papers under control.
Let it Go - keep a row of bags or bins in the garage ready to go out. Sort by who they are going to - younger neighbors/cousins, second hand stores and/or recycling.

Read all of her tips here at Apartment Therapy (you'll love the photos of her apartment!).

Dress Up Your Home Office

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Sew 4 Home has some FABULOUS sewing tutorials for your home. Like these fabulous pom-pom pillows!

I wish I had a sofa in my office, but I do have a sewing chair that needs some "pretty".

Tip: Clean and decorate YOUR space first, then make something cute for your kids or your living room. Put yourself first. I will if you will. :)

Also check out these instuctions from Sew 4 Home:

"SIT" down, Mom! Cute Pillow

Valentine's Day stitched cards, vases, frames and sachets

Tell me if you make something from Sew 4 Home!

Free Accounting Worksheets for Your Small Business

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:53:00 +0000

Numbers, numbers, numbers! (Fabric available inside The Sproutz Store)

Are you a numbers person? Me either.

I've decided that we creative types need to stick with the scissors and thread and glue.

Someone I know is VERY good with numbers. She loves numbers. Many of you may already know Holly.

She owns Accounting SPOT and offers free and low-cost accounting, budgeting and tax planning spreadsheets made especially for small businesses.

Start your 2010 tax year off right - download one of Holly's free (and easy-to-use) spreadsheets:

Simple Profit & Loss Spreadsheet

Starter Business Budget Worksheet

Calculate your Production Costs Worksheet

You will love these. Be sure to follow Holly on Twitter so you never miss one of her freebies or giveaways too. Thank you for helping small business owners like us, Holly!

"Compassion" for Haiti this Valentine's Day

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Now you can support a child living in poverty in Haiti and your child can sport one of these cute Valentine's Day applique tees at the same time!

Now available inside http://polkadotmarket.etsy.com/ in limited sizes but at a GREAT sale price of $24.00 with FREE shipping.

PLUS 25% of your purchase goes directly to http://www.compassion.com/. Read their blog for recent updates on their staff in Haiti: http://blog.compassion.com/.

Our little "Port-au-Prince" or "King of Hearts" tee for boys:

Thank you in advance for helping me feed children in Haiti along with Compassion International.

God bless, Sally

Help for Haiti from Polka Dot Moms

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:51:00 +0000

Love this polka dot photo birthday invitation? Birdies Custom Cards is donating all proceeds through January 25th to the Red Cross for Haiti Relief.

I will be listing several items for Haiti in my Etsy shop tomorrow too.

If you are donating proceeds for Haiti, leave a comment below or on our Facebook page so we may shop with you!

Or send me a note to polkadotmom@gmail.com with a link to your Haiti listings.

Did you hear there was another 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Haiti this morning about 35 miles southwest of Port au Prince? I cannot believe it.

Let's gather all the Polka Dot Moms together and help all the moms and kids who need us in Haiti. My donations will be going to a Christian organization for kids - Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/).

More soon - Sally

Where I've Been This Week

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:59:00 +0000

I've been on BLOGGER!

I've been making the new site for Judith's Hope for God's Children project.

What do you think?

www.hopeforgodschildren.com

The image above is the standard 600 x 600 size for Etsy product photos.

If you'd like to join us in Emily's Launch, right click the photo above and save to your computer.

Etsy shops WILL BE PARTICIPATING in Emily's Launch. Yea!

Mine included (http://polkadotmarket.etsy.com).

Will you join me?

Send me an e-mail to polkadotmom@gmail.com and I will add your shop's link to the www.hopeforgodschildren website.

There is a new "Inspiration Board" post up there too for Emily's Rainbows & Blue Flowers Launch (2/18 - 3/4).

Let me know if you have any questions at all.

Big Hugs to all of you - Sally

Will You Join Me? Ebay Launch for Emily

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:26:00 +0000

Blue Flower Hair Clips by Two Little Tots

Sorry I have been away for over a week. Emily's passing has thrown me for a loop. Her service on Saturday in Michigan was beautiful. We made the trip from Alabama to Michigan on Thursday and returned Sunday. Whew! But well worth it. Wouldn't have missed it. I do have a favor to ask though...

Has it been a while since you've sold on eBay? Me too.

Has it been a while since you've been a part of a project with Christian women (who own web-based businesses too)? I highly recommend it.

Would you like to help me honor Emily's life and create some very special handmade items for an eBay group launch in her memory? I hope you say, "Yes!"

I have recently joined eBay groups The Vine and Hope for God's Children. I don't know how they found me, but I think God had something to do with it. These Christian women are fabulous. So positive, so supportive, so special!

Both wanted to do something for Emily. Because of The Vine, Hope for God's Children was created by Judith. She has now opened up her group to the public. You can access the group's Facebook page here and that will link you to the group's eBay page.

The launch theme for Emily will be "Rainbows & Blue Flowers". See the cute blue flower clips above? These would be perfect for Emily's launch (hint, hint).

Here is the reason for this theme (grab your tissues):

In December, Emily's mom Melissa was laying in her daughter's hospital bed.

Melissa said to Emily, "When you get to heaven, will you send me a sign?"

Emily replied, "I will send you a rainbow when I am sad. I will send you a blue flower when I miss you."

Huge lump. Can you believe these precious words? Emily was almost 8-years-old when she passed away on January 3rd.

If you would like to join me in creating ANYTHING handmade that ties in blue flowers OR rainbows, please join the Facebook group and the eBay group, Hope for God's Children.
You will receive all the information you need to participate in the launch which begins on February 18th.

Now my wheels are spinning (or maybe it's the 2nd cup of coffee kicking in) and I'm thinking we should parallel the eBay launch on Etsy. What do you think? All the sales are still PayPal and can still be forwarded to the same account. Mmmm....need to go chat with Judith. :)

All proceeds from your sold listings will go directly to Craig and Melissa for Emily's medical bills.

You may e-mail me directly at polkadotmom@gmail.com with any questions at all.

God bless you!

Join Emily's Launch Here

Heaven's Newest Angel

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:26:00 +0000

Many of you have been with me since I began the Isaiah 43:1 Project with our first precious child, Emily Schmidt.

I wanted to share with you that Emily went to Heaven early on Sunday morning.

Thank you to those crafty moms who sent personalized gifts to Emily especially. You are all so special to me.

You can read my entire post here.

Thank you for taking this journey with me - because of you and because of these kids, I WILL continue this project.

Please pray for Emily's parents, Craig and Melissa, and her brother Hunter today.

More 2010 Business Planning - Free Savvy Etsy Sellers Ebook

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:19:00 +0000

(Plan your business with a cute 2010 planner from Sarah Pinto)

Julie at On the Dot Creations has compiled a fantastic free e-book to help you kick-start your Etsy shop business for 2010.

Learn more and download your free copy by clicking here:

"Secrets of Savvy Etsy Sellers"

by On the Dot Creations

You can also read all of Julie's tip-filled posts for any small business on her blog.

This is an amazing resource to bookmark, print or devour and take notes!

Thanks, Julie!

Julie is the owner two blogs: On the Dot Creations and A Fine Tooth Comb.

New Button and The Big 300

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I have a new "I read Polka Dot Mom" button for you to kick-start your 2010 blogging!

To grab this button for your blog or website, follow these easy steps:

Highlight the html code below
Hold down your CTRL+C keys at same time
Open a new "html page element" in your blog's layout tab
Hold down CTRL+V in the body of your new element
Click "Save" and you're done!

Here is the html code for your button (will link back to http://www.polkadotmom.com/ automatically):

Happy New Year!

Do you have a new blog button?

Send me the details to polkadotmom@gmail.com.

Oh! Help me reach the BIG 300 Followers - I'm at 298 today! :)

Merry Christmas!

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

From our home to yours!

John, Sally, Mia & Lauren

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Titus 2:11-14

Set Your Sights on 2010 - Business Planning 101

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:49:00 +0000

As we all are wrapping up our holiday orders and shipping the last boxes to our customers, we will (hopefully) have a few weeks to breathe, sit back and evaluate our businesses in 2009 and begin looking forward to our business plans for 2010.

As a work-at-home-mom, I'll admit that business planning is often done on a whim, an idea in the carpool line, or inspiration in the shower - something that is done very quickly.

I would like to be more methodical, more PLANNED in 2010. As an entrepreneur, my head is always going in a thousand directions and I do think I can "do it all", but really - do I need to do it ALL? No.

I do need to be there for my kids and my husband. I do need to take time back for myself. I do need to continue building and branding my business.

So I've been doing my usual searches for some GREAT business tips and planning tools to help us have an even better 2010.

I stumbled upon this great website, Moms of Faith.

She is running a special Faith and Business 101 series for the holidays.

Bookmark this.

Then after all of your orders are on their way, grab some coffee and come back to this. She has set it up so you can easily read from post to post in this special series.

To your business being even better (and better-planned in my case) in 2010!

What are your plans? Please share them with us below - it is important to have a network of supporters to be successful!

I read on Melissa's blog that she will be focusing on having a "good, strong brand image" for Two Little Tots.

I'd love to hear your goals for 2010 too. :)

CharityWater.org - Give and It Shall Be Given Unto You

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:50:00 +0000

It is finally here!

The Project 320 Prize Vault is about to be unlocked.

Over 300 handmade gifts from moms all over the U.S. have been donated, shipped, opened and re-packaged into 15 unique prize bundles.

Will you help us build a well in Africa so moms just like us can give their kids clean and safe drinking water?

Step #1
Make a donation ($10 donation = 1 ticket) here:
http://mycharitywater.org/project320

Step #2
View all of the prize bundles on the Project 320 blog

Step #3
Choose your favorite(s) and leave 1 comment under that prize for each $10 donation you made (donate $30 and you may enter to win 3 times)

Julie explains the process much better here:
Project 320: "How Is This Going to Work?"

(Yes, I made those key chains as my donation to the project!)

Be Still Sunday - Psalm 103:8

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Send this print to a loved one - courtesy Lemon Drop Studio

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."

Psalm 103:8

Inspired by TSJ Photography's blog post, "Advent Books & Bible Verses"

Favorite Holiday Food Gifts all in one place!

polkadotmarket@gmail.com (Polka Dot Sally) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Leigh Anne at Your Home Based Mom just released her Top Holiday Food Gifts list - this is THE list to bookmark if you are still planning your gift list for neighbors, teachers, and party hostesses.

Her recipes include Oreo Cookie Bark, Reindeer Bark, Cinnamon Pretzels and more.

Leave her a comment and tell her you stopped by! :)