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Thursday, October 9, 2008

New Biddy Birdies have flown into town!!





New Birdies have flown in!!!
This cutie little birdie LOVES to go on adventures!!
~She like the grocery store.
~She likes the library.
~She likes the mall.
~She likes picnics in the park.
~She LOVES the pool.
~She LOVES the beach.
~She likes to sew.
~She LOVES babies.
~She likes to garden.
~She LOVES the farmer's market.
~She loves to go antiquing.
~She even likes to just go on walks and window shop!
Check out the new Biddy Birdie Totes at My Etsy Store - Simple Sweetcakes!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Zippy Zipper Pouch - NEW DESIGN

I LOVE this new design!! As my husband says - "It's a little edgy." It really is - the shape just adds more dimension to the bag. It's perfect for holding items in your larger bag AND carrying out all by itself as a fabulous clutch! Check them out - www.simplesweetcakes.etsy.com!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Oh Holy Moly!!!

Have been gone for a while!!! Summer has been roasting me.......well, I am up and back and posting strong!!! See you all soon :>

Friday, May 9, 2008

Independent Designer Friday - Design Options


The Independent Designer of the Week is Designoptions- a jewelery shop on Etsy featuring kiln-fired enamels, "high contrast" pieces.


Here is my favorite item from Designoptions- fleur de lis choker. I love French "things" and I am REALLY into red right now! Thiswould match my new red patent leather pumps perfectly!!


I asked Lynda a few questions about the craft business!


How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?


I would describe my etsy shop as always ready for summer: fun, exciting and hot!


How did you get started?


I started making jewelry about ten years ago. I took an intro class at my community college and was hooked. After a year there, and many workshops later, I ended up at the maryland institute's art jewelry program in baltimore for four years.


How long have you been crafting?


I have been making and selling things since I was about 6 and I carried a box of stones I had painted door to door to sell to my neighbors. For some reason, they bought them.


What is your inspiration?


My inspiration for working with my hands came from my father who was a professional photographer back in the day, and could also draw and draft. My mom was really into fashion and read vogue and mccall's and loved twiggy so I did too. She made a lot of clothes to help make ends meet. I loved the mother/daughter matching dresses with coordinating coats! My mom's mom sold her incredibly chic knitted dresses and suits to high end department stores on the west coast. She taught me to knit and crochet, while my dad's mom taught me to hand sew and make lace (tatting). I learned how to embroider from my great grandmother who made amazing crazy quilts.


What is your favorite piece in your shop today?


My favorite piece is any one of my "lucky" pendants. They are reversible and fun and perfect for taking away for the weekend.


How do you market/advertise your wares?


The first and most major thing I have done is join Etsy and open my shop. Etsy's design is clean and modern; its super simple to manage and navigate. You can't beat having a convenient shopping cart! I have tried to read all of the marketing advise Etsy has available and implemented some of their suggestions. I load and reload my work several times a day. I try to make a treasury whenever I can stay up that late. I have been fortunate to be featured in treasuries somewhat regularly and that seems to have kept my exposure on the sight up. I have joined several social networking sites such as indiepublic, we love etsy, and facebook to meet and mingle with as many like-minded artist and regular people as possible. I love to shop and do all of my shopping on line, so social shopping sites like stylehive and stylefeeder are perfect for me to bookmark my favorite finds and showcase my own work for no cost. I met the wonderful ladies from diycitymag.com recently on stylehive and they will be featuring my fleur de lis pieces in an article on New Orleans. So, its already working!


Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?


Yes - as a general rule in life, do what you believe in, and try to have fun doing it.


Lynda, thanks so much for your thoughtful and open answers and advice! Good luck and I hope you go FAR!!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

I am featured on Handbag Designer 101!!



How exciting it is to be recognized!! I was featured on the Handbag Designer 101!!!! This website is fabulous for not only handbag designers but also handbag enthusiasts - of which I am both!!! It has wonderful references on handbag trends, celebrity handbag sightings, handbag events and highlights of handbag designers!!!

Check out my interview - how proud I am of myself - I am absolutely swelling :> Well, enough gushing!

Have a wonderful evening.......

Monday, April 28, 2008

Independent Designer Friday on Monday!! - Made by Melissa


The Independent Designer of the Week is Made by Melissa- an eclectic shop on Etsy featuring jewelry, crochet work and craft supplies.


Here is my favorite item from Made by Melissa - Live Laugh Love Shop Bottle Cap Magnet. Wht a delightful way to be reminded about the important things in life!


I asked Melissa a few questions about the craft business!


How would you describe your crafts/Etsy shop?


My jewelry is simple but I try to make it unique at the same time, mostly traditional, although I do follow some trends. My baby blankets and washcloths are traditional for the most part while still being one of a kind.


How did you get started?


Friends told me I should try to sell my jewelry and my good friend and Etsy seller AliV found Etsy and here I am!


How long have you been crafting?


Forever! Even at 5 years old I was taking apart costume jewelry and restringing the beads every morning to match my outfit. I had the best accessories of all my kindergarten class! My sister and I used to spend our summers crafting. Right after school ended my mother would take us to the craft store and get us whatever supplies we wanted for our summer crafts. I started off making braided friendship bracelets from embroidery floss for everyone I knew (even my dad wound up wearing a few) and somewhere along the line I discovered beads.


What is your inspiration?


I just like to make things that look good - whether they are traditional, trendy, one of a kind or easily replicated. I am inspired by looking at my beads sitting in there storage caddy and picturing them in a necklace, or braclet or earrings.


What is your favorite piece in your shop today?


This bracelet made with purple glass hearts and amethyst crystals is my favorite jewelry piece:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7339102 And this classic rainbow zigzag blanket is my favorite crocheted piece. I made a blanket in the same pattern for my son and I use it all the time in his car seat. He was fascinated with all the colors on this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8796014


How do you market/advertise your wares?


I do a lot of little things, I am street teams, I hang out in the Etsy forums, I've been in some buy and replace treasuries, I spam my friends and family and I have a blog that I update as regularly as life allows. (http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/)


Any advice to fledgling crafters / entrepreneurs?


Don't give up!! It takes a while to get started and make a name for yourself. Keep listing things and relisting expired items, promote yourself and make things that you like. Don't sell anything that you aren't completely proud of. Its easy to promote things if you truly love them, and if you love them, then there is certainly someone else out there who will love them as much as you do.


Thanks Melissa for your interview! We all wish you continued crafting success :>

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

It's a Convertible Baby!!!!

It's a CONVERTIBLE baby! Change this from a wristlet to a snug shoulder handbag to a pouch to hang on your stroller or beltloop!! I LOVE this style for going out with girlfriends - I LOVE the options I have!!

This perky pouch is made from a black floral fabric accented with a complimentary lime green fabric, orange grosgrain ribbon and detailed stitching. Perfect for holding - lip gloss, make-up, coins, cell phone, moola, ID, credit cards, camera - the ESSENTIALS!
Use this bag to help you zip out the door!
-Features include durable cotton lining and zipper closure with coordinating ribbon zipper pull.
-Wristlet strap with swivel hook - use as a wristlet OR a mini purse!
-Bag lined with interfacing and fleece for structure, softness and durability.
-ALL bag seam points are heavily reinforced for usability, durability and toughness!!
-This bag measures approximately 8" (W) x 4.5" (H).
-You'll find your Zippy Zipper Pouch treated with Scotchguard - so party it up - you're protected!!
Have a GREAT hump day!!!!