Website Update!

Whew.  I am happy to say that the switch has been made to my new host/website software.  It was a little challenging at times but it all worked out.  A HUGE thank you to Callie of Easy Boutique Builder and Robin of Boutique Mama for all of their help and responses to my cry for help when I needed it!  Amy of Simply Creative has also been a godsend in helping in the transferring process.   So if anyone is looking to open your own website, these ladies get TWO thumbs up from me!

Even with that done, there is still a lot of work to be done.  I am in the process of moving products from my old site to my new one.  Looking at them, you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference.  Callie really did a great job of re-creating my original site Amy designed and incorporating it into my new site.  And since you can't really tell the difference......here are the deets:

Old Site Address:  http://www.priddycreations.com/boutique

You will find most of my product still there.

New Site Address:  http://www.priddycreations.com

I am slowly moving product to this site.  Both sites will stay open until I get it all switched over.  Clear as mud?  :)  I promise I am hurrying!  I want to make things as easy as possible.  But it will take me some time to get it all done so please hang in there!  

New items will not be re-stocked on my old site once they sell.  All new listings will go on my new site.

Any questions?  Email me.

Now.....how was everyone's Halloween weekend?  We had a good one.  Celebrated my oldest's birthday and stocked up on LOTS of candy.  Promise to share lots of those pics very soon!

Under Construction

 Hi everyone!  Just a quick note to let you know that my website is down.  I am in the process of switching hosting and changing to a new shopping cart.  So that means you will not be able to place any orders until that is all up and going.  So when you visit www.priddycreations.com, this is what you will see for now:

I am working on getting it all up and going but things will be "out of order" for now.  My blog will look a little wonky too as things get moved over.  I will eventually be switching to a Word Press blog (comes with my new website) so your patience is greatly appreciated!  If you have any questions, you can email me directly at amy.priddy@att.net or leave me a comment here.

New Blog Sponsor - Meet Venezie Designs

Happy Friday everyone!! I am happy to introduce a new Priddy Creations blog sponsor. Please say hello to Karen of Venezie Designs!

 

Not only does she have beautifully handcrafted items including bags and aprons, but she also has her own line of patterns. Such a talented lady! Her site also features other popular patterns, fabric and finished items.

She just debuted her new website.....Venezie Designs and has it loaded with lots of great items.

 

A few of her patterns...I love her bag patterns!

And how about this super girly, flirty apron...

Venezie Designs also carries a variety of patterns made by Brassy Apple, Izzy & Ivy and Lila Tueller as well as a gorgeous designer fabrics.

Lots of GREAT handmade items to choose from.....

Karen was kind enough to tell us a little bit more about her and her business.  She has a great sense of humor and I enjoyed reading more about her.

1. Please tell us about your business (i.e., how long you have been doing it, how did you get started, etc...)?

I started my business about 4 years ago completely by accident. One day I decided to make a handbag. It only took me eight 2 hours to make. I was so impressed with myself I did what any modest person would. I totally gushed about it to all my girlfriends. They liked it and asked me to make one for them {naturally }ha ha. It kind of snowballed from there. For the next year I spent my evenings and weekends sewing. At the time I also had a 9-5 job. After 13 years, I got laid off. Not sure what to do, I started really focusing on my business and took it to where it is today.

2. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am a Capricorn who enjoys candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach...

No seriously, let's see... I share a home with my boyfriend. We live in Massachusetts with my 2 children. My son is 7 and my daughter is 4. I spend my days like most work at home mothers, juggling work, kids, a dog and housework. Notice how I listed housework last :)

3. Where do you draw your inspiration.

I am inspired from current fashions and craft trends. I am always thumbing through crafty magazine and books. I have recently discovered that I have a growing fondness for items with a vintage feel. Oddly enough I get my best ideas while I am in the shower {too much info? sorry}. I think it's because it's the only place I can be alone so I can actually complete a thought. However, it's not a great place to jot down ideas. I try to write in the steamy mirror but that eventually fades, forget trying to write on toilet paper, that's not happening. So by the time I get to sit down and get the ideas on paper I have forgotten bits and pieces and my once brilliant idea becomes not so brilliant any more. I guess the lesson here is to leave a pad and pen in the bathroom??

4. What goals have you set for your business for the upcoming year?

My goals are all over the place. Smaller goals like keeping my work space tidy to larger goals such as publishing more sewing patterns. I'd also like to learn some felting techniques. Did you see housework just get farther and farther down on the list??

5. Any advice for other designers and crafters out there who are looking to start their own business?

A big lesson that I learned late last year is that social networking is invaluable. Familiarize yourself with Twitter, Facebook, and blogging and use these tools. Not only are they great tools for marketing your product but you will get to know your clients as well as other business owners in your industry.

Thanks so much Karen for sharing!!  Best of luck with your gorgeous website!

And if all that above did not make her fabulous enough, Karen is also hosting a giveaway on her blog in celebration of her new website!  She is giving away ALL kinds of goodness.....a few of her patterns and fabric!  I already entered.  So head on over to her blog and enter!!  Tell her I sent you!  But before ya go, leave me a comment and tell me what from her website you are putting on your wish list.