Shop Feature & A Giveaway - Blossom: Hand Created Designs

COMMENTS CLOSED!  Winner to be announced in a separate post.

 I came across this wonderful shop through a Twitter friend.  Fabric bowls (I instantly fell in the love with the gorgeous fabric combos and the fact that these gorgeous creations were also functional.  Nothing makes me happier than unique and creative storage solutions.  She makes two different sizes to meet all your needs.

This one is my favorite.

But this one is a close second.....

Meet Kristi.....the lady behind these gorgeous creations!

My name is Kristi and I love to sew. After sewing little projects here and there, mostly baby quilts as my own children kept coming into the world, I finally took a job sewing for money. A friend needed help sewing appliqued tea towels for a very large order and I jumped in to help. I enjoyed seeing her life and how she juggled a small business. I watched and asked lots of questions all the while looking for something unique to offer to people. I landed upon fabric bowls and I discovered that I really loved to sew them. I could put together endless design combinations, sew them relatively quickly, and experiment with shapes and sizes, and that was the start.

While starting my business, I was also homeschooling my kindergartener and chasing around a four and a two-year-old. By the end of the day, I craved the solitude of my sewing machine. It seemed as if I was almost living a double life; mom by day and creator girl by night. I loved it. The business name came naturally: BLOSSOM. I felt like I was having a chance to do just that!

As for distributing the bowls (or some people prefer to call them baskets,) I rent space at local art and craft shows, they are in a local art gallery and several boutiques, AND I just opened my new online shop!!

My thought is that everyone has a need for a bright splash of color somewhere in their house for cell phones and keys, hair bows, candy, legos, change, thread, notions, fruit, coffee pods, sugar packets, pens and pencils, receipts, mail, or even just sitting empty as a piece of decor. I love to work with customers to design with fabrics that match a specific niche in their home.

My blog, though in its infancy, says, "I am a much better mom and wife when I have time for my creative outlets." I am thinking about adding on to that sentence, "and time to spend with other creative people!" I love to chat fabric, projects, sewing, techniques and ideas. Please come visit and chat, let's share!

Kristi has graciously offered up a $30 store credit to her shop for one lucky Priddy Creations reader!  All you have to do to enter is visit her shop, come back here and leave me a comment letting me which one is your favorite! 

For those that would like more chances to win, you can earn additional OPTIONAL entries by leaving a comment for EACH of the below items.  Also, please leave your email on at least one comment so I can contact you if you win.

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  Follow Kristi's blog via Google Friend Connect;
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  Follow Kristi on Twitter;
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  Blog about this giveaway (leave a link to the post);
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  Tweet about this giveaway (be sure and @priddycreations so that I can see the tweet); and
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  Post on Facebook about this giveaway (leave a link to the post).

This giveaway will run until Monday, June 21.  I will announce the winner sometime on Tuesday, June 22.

Blog Feature: Little Pink Posies

Meet Leigh of Little Pink Posies.

I am such a sucker for custom, whimsical creations.  This little shop is right up my alley.  Unique, bright colors, creative and very eye catching.  Her little customized doll pendants are what caught my eye initially.  But I soon found out that she makes way more cute stuff than that.  There are SEVERAL things I wouldn't mind having from Little Pink Posies.  Each one of her items are definitely sweet little treasures.

She has the cutest little wooden, hand-painted doll play sets.....

The details are fantastic! 

Beautiful floral headbands.....

I really love the color combos she uses.

And something on my personal wish list....this little wooden, hand-painted doll pendant is perfect for my Mollee.  My little blondie would love this!

And seriously, how cute is this little pendant?  What little girl wouldn't want this?

And the last little tease I am showing you is more gorgeous floral creations....her hair clips!  The perfect accessory for finishing off your little one's look.  Again, her color combinations are fantastic!!

That was only a peek.  You really need to check out her shop!

Leigh was gracious enough to share a little about her and her beautiful creations:

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

I’ve been designing accessories and jewelry for about two years now, but I’ve been creating things ever since I can remember.  I remember endlessly tearing through needlepoint kits as a child (the ones with the hard plastic canvas, the BIG plastic needle, yarn, and the plastic frame you popped the canvas into… remember those?)  I drew, colored, painted.. you name it. 

This business was literally a lifesaver for me.  After the births of both of my kids, I suffered through terrible post partum issues.  My doctor recommended that I start doing something for myself.  I started thinking about realizing my dream of starting my own creative business, and began to design a line of hair accessories.  One day I stumbled across these little wooden dolls and thought, “Hey, I could do something cute with those!”  And here I am, about a gazillion wooden dolls later.  

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

I am a crafter-turned-lawyer-turned-crafter living in New Jersey with my husband and two kids (after a long tour of the Midwest via Chicago and Cleveland).  My husband, Pat, is a hardworking guy whose job takes him on the road almost all week every week (another way this business is a saving grace – it fills all those evening hours when he’s gone!)  We have two fantastic children.  My son, Jack, recently turned six and is an aspiring author and illustrator (or, as he puts it, an “arfur and illustrator).  Seriously, the imagination on this kid is mind boggling!  We are currently penning his first book, “The Magic Coin.”  My daughter, McKenna, is three.  She is affectionately referred to as our “crazy baby,” and ironically, she refuses to wear just about any hair accessory.  She makes us laugh every day.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration.

Virtually everywhere.  My daughter’s clothes, illustrated storybooks, magazines… you name it.  The one thing I always try to do is put my unique spin on whatever it is that I’m working on so it’s something that you can’t find anywhere else.  

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

There are so many!  I have several product lines in mind that I really want to get launched – those are probably my highest priority.  I want to expand my retail presence.  Start my own website and blog.  *sigh*  So many goals, so little time!  

5. Do you sell on other venues other than Etsy?

Other than Etsy, I sell my products through various retailers all over the country.  I have plans to start hoofing it around my area to local children’s boutiques as well (yet another goal I haven’t had time for yet!) 

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

Tons!  But two come immediately to mind.  First, research, research, research!  I learned very quickly that creating your product is only half the battle.  You need to figure out how you’re going to present that product, how you’re going to package it, how you’re going to market it… and the list goes on.  All of these things need to be done before you start selling anything.  I really think that professional presentation is one of the most important factors in achieving success.  

Second, create something you love.  A creative business is a tremendous amount of work, and if you don’t love what you’re doing, it will show.  Have fun!!!  

Thanks so much Leigh for sharing your talent with us!

Leigh has graciously offered FREE SHIPPING to all Priddy Creations readers.  Just let her know you saw her feature on my blog in the comments when ordering and she will refund your shipping.  This includes international shipping as well!  The free shipping is good until Wednesday, February 24.  So please take advantage of her generosity!!  :)

Now head on over to her shop and clean her out!!

Etsy Shop Feature & Giveaway - Lemon Tree Studio

You all know that I love fabric.  The colors, the texture, the graphic designs.....quite fabulous.  Well I feel the same way about gorgeous papers and paper crafts.  The first "craft" I took up was scrapbooking after my first daughter was born.  I just loved all the paper, embellishments, stickers, etc...  The finished product just made me super happy!  Well, when I first came across Lemon Tree Studio, that is exactly how I felt.  Just pure joy.  Total eye candy and my eyes didn't know where to look first.

Shelly has put together an extremely delightful shop chock full of items that will just make you smile.  Perfect for gifts, for yourself and just inspiring to create your own little taste of sunshine.

Some of my favorites in her shop include:

Gorgeous home decor items....(I love owls)

Fabric Tags

Beautiful fabric greeting cards...

Hand died binding...

Colorful paper packs...

She even has her own fabric (sooooo in love with this!)....

I personally own a few of Shelly's magnets. They are in my sewing studio and make me smile every day.  Make sure you check out her shop to see ALL of her wonderful items.  I only gave you a sneak.  But before you do, get to know Shelly and the girl behind the shop.

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

I run 2 little etsy shops, Lemon Tree Studio and Lemon Blooms. Lemon Tree is my handmade shop where I sell mainly fabric and paper creations. And, Lemon Blooms is my vintage baby....I HEART vintage and it was overtaking our house! I decided I needed an outlet to help me slowly put a dent in my vintage inventory. Slowly but surely.

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

My name is Shelly and I am the luckiest mama is the world! I am honored to be a mom to my 2 year old daughter, Lilyana....and a wife to my handsome hubby of 12 years. We have a little man of the house, too...our Tibetan Terrier, Owen. We love to travel together, be outdoors and dote on Lily!

3. Where do you draw your inspiration.

I find inspiration daily, in everything. Sounds dramatic, right? Well, it's true! I can thumb through a magazine and see a design or color combo I love and BAM. I write it down in my Creative Journal for safe keeping. I find alot of inspiration in vintage textiles too...LOVE. Most of the time, I am not looking for something to inspire me, it just hits and then my brain goes into overdrive until I can envision the finished product.

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

I haven't really thought that far ahead, aren't I slacker?? Right now, my personal goals outweigh any business goals. I just want to continue having fun creating, once it becomes a "job" or a "chore" then I know it will be time to change things a bit. Right now, I feel like things are in place and moving along, steadily and happily...I don't want ot jinx it!

5. Do you sell on other venues other than Etsy?

No, I do not sell anywhere else but on etsy. If I can have another 13 hours in a day, I may consider it! I'd love to pursue other venues, but etsy has been really good to me and the community of people on etsy is AWESOME...I am so proud to be a part of such amazing talent and kindness.

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

It sounds so cliche, but first and foremost.....HAVE FUN!

Find your niche and constantly evolve.

Be unique,

Be original!

Shelly has graciously agreed to giveaway this fabulous Valentine banner to one lucky winner!

PERFECT for Valentine's Day!!  Wouldn't this brighten up your home or office?

To enter, all you need to do is check out Shelly's shop, come back here and leave a comment about what item you love best.  Please include your email in the comment.

For additonal entries, you can....

1.  Follow Shelly's blog;

2. Tweet and/or blog about the feature/giveaway;

3. Follow my blog; and

4. Follow me on Twitter.

Be sure and leave a comment for EACH additional entry.  Makes it easier to count.  :)  If you tweet or blog, be sure and leave me a link.

Thanks so much Shelly for taking the time to share with us and for the lovely giveaway!

Giveaway winner will be announched on Saturday, February 6.

Now go check out her shop!

Etsy Shop Feature - Feltmates

I am a lover of all things felt.  I love the felt food, the felt bags, the felt cards....you name it.  When I came across this particular Etsy shop, I automatically marked it as a favorite.  I collect pincushions so needless to say, I fell in love with her pincushions.

Then I saw her measuring tapes....

I seriously want one of each.  And if that wasn't enough, check out the details in her designs.  It is just amazing.

She even makes adorable felted bags...

You can check out ALL of her fabulous items by visitng her Etsy shop.

Now that I have sufficiently made you ooooh and ahhhh over these gorgeous items, let me share some info about Feltmates and the designer behind it:

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

I’m Yoko Nomura and I have my etsy shop Feltmates. I create humorous felted animals, I call feltmates, colorful felted fashions and fun, yet functional, crafting supplies. Most of my pieces are made of 100% wool. I choose bright and cheerful colors of wool to give my felt work a contemporary appeal. I work using both the wet felting and the needle felting methods.

In 2000, I met a wonderful felt artist on a trip to my hometown, Kyoto, Japan. I fell in love with her work and at the same time I fell in love with the felt material and the process. When I returned to the USA, I soon started making my own handmade felt.

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

I was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. I studied fine art in college and then designed hand bags for several Japanese fashion designers for about 10 years. I met my husband, who is from Detroit, in Kyoto in 1992. We got married 5 years later and decided to move to the United States. Now, my husband and I live in a small town of the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin with our dog Otto.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration?

I am inspired by traditional folk art and crafts, especially Japanese folk art. I get a lot of inspiration when I see their wonderful work and their palette of colors.

Also new inspiration comes during the process of making my work. The ideas seem to come about more when I am busy felting than when I am just staring at a blank sketchbook.

4. Is there a favorite product of yours that you would like to share?

Recently I’ve been making my lovebird pincushions for Valentine’s Day and I’ve been enjoying working with the red, pink and white wool.

5. Do you sell on other venues other than Etsy?

During the holiday season, I sell my work at some great craft shows we have near here.

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

I think that most important thing is that you have to enjoy yourself. If you start your own business, it is very exciting and fun but sometimes it is very hard. If you like and enjoy what you are doing, it is easier and happier to continue your business. On a practical level, you might want to consider getting a Post Office box and always package your artwork nicely as the customer will feel happy when they open your package like it was a present from a friend.

A big thank you to Yoko for sharing her beautiful work with us.  Now everyone go shop and tell her I sent ya!  Also, leave me a comment and let me know your favorite item!  I am still trying to decide if I want to buy a pincushion first or one of her tape measures.  Decisions, decisions......