My new obsession...

My new obsession is quilts! Never made one, never owned one! I have wanted one, wanted to make one, or two or three. In my family when anyone of us gets pregnant we all get together and make blankets- well I wanted to be different than the others and make quilts for Chucky and bigger blankets for when he got older, well everyone got mad because they didn't get quilts. Well they DID NOT ask, because I am sure if they did they would have gotten them. Anyway I had to settle for "look-alikes" they don't really look like quilts but they are still cute and Chucky loves them. So I am trying to win this beautiful quilt a lila tueller's blog it is absolutely beautiful!

Etsy Feature...

Love Swanky Place, when I was stalking checking out Elizabeth's Etsy shop, her aprons reminded me of my Grandma, they are a classic, chic and retro. Have you ever thought to yourself when you see something that someone has made that you love, "I bet that person can do it all!" Well that's what we have here, Elizabeth is so talented and when you hear what she has in store, your going to think "wow, where does she find the time?"

How long have you had your shop?


I have had my 'eriginals' business for two years this April and have primarily been focusing on craft shows...I opened my etsy shop around the same time but it has been on the back burning. This first quarter I am devoting all of my time and effort in the shop, social networking and getting the word out.

Full aprons

What inspires you?

I love fabric and when I see something I like, what to use it for just comes to me naturally. Most people decide to make something and look for the fabric. I look at fabric and know the perfect item to make out of it.



How did you learn your craft? Self taught etc.

My grandmother taught me how to hand sew when I was a child. Then Home Ec and I have been sewing ever since. Making my kids clothes etc...

Do you have any other talents?

I am, thankfully, well versed in most domestic arts (i.e. knitting, crochet, needlework, hand sewing and hand quilting)but at that time it was required skill.



What's new, what's to come, what should we watch out for?

My etsy listing represent about 1% of my total inventory right now and aprons are only the beginning. In addition to kitchen accessories I also have a Laundry Line which includes laundry aprons, clothspin holders, reversible ironing board covers and iron cozies, laundry bags that double as basket liners etc...and I have a Sewing Room Line with that also has aprons (of course) sewing kit organizers, needle cases and board covers and iron cozies.

Laundry Line

How do you classify your style?

Retro wear...Swanky Place is all about taking dull domestics and breathing new life into it. Like Dorothy going from black and white to color.



Why do you enjoy doing what you do?

I don't know why I enjoy what I do...I just do, but I will say that the support of my husband and family allow me to enjoy it to the fullest.

Half Aprons

Do you make your own patterns?

Yes. I make all of my own patterns which are copyright protected.



Are you going to sell your patterns?

I'm not sure. But I have not ruled it out.

Flirt Aprons

How do you choose your fabric?

Unfortunately I can't buy everything...dang it, and I have way more then I need but first there is a spark... like a shiny object being dangled in front of me. Then, I think what I could use it for and if it is in my price range. Designer fabrics are limited and usually only available for one season so I have to make my choices wisely. but it defiantly starts with that spark.

Girly Aprons

If you have a favorite fabric/designer, what, who and why?

Of course Amy Butler is my all time favorite then there is Anna Marie (Horner) Valarie Wells and Heather Bailey. They are so fresh and vibrant.



Have you ever created a piece that you didn't want to sell?

No not really, but sometimes I'll put something on 'Shelly' my manikin and just crack up it's so cute. I'll be by myself laughing my socks off. Thank goodness that happens more often then not. So it comes full circle. Perhaps that is what inspires me...


Is there anything else that you want us to know about you, your shop or your products?

Not much more then that. Nothing fancy here. I live in a fifth wheel in an RV Park with my husband and two dogs - we want to get out of the city for more rural living. So no big studio.



There are photos on my facebook page http://facebook.com/eriginals and http://flikr.com/eriginals.

Now you can see why I love Swanky Place! Please visit Elizabeth's shop and leave her some comment ♥!

Etsy Feature/Giveaway...

****CLOSED****

How funky?

Need a Mega Pak?

Little Pea Boutique is another Etsy shop that I ♥ Cathi creates clippies, bows, headbands, flip flops and other accesories. She has something for every woman and girl! This shop is jam-packed with hair goodness! Please show some love visit her shop look around and leave some comments!
Cathi also offers FREE shipping on all domestic orders!

Metallics?

Do you have a princess?

How long have you had your shop?

I actually started about 7 years ago, I was on bed rest with our youngest and bored out of my mind. I mean really, who can stay in bed for 2 months and not me, even with over 200 channels on the TV. I love Law and Order but think I wrapped up 15 years of seasons in the first 2 weeks. I got on the computer one day and made a list for my mom and she kindly went to the craft store and bought everything on my list, for me to make JEWELRY in bed. Yes, jewelry, that's how I started. After the baby I did a few craft shows and landed some regular local clients and was so excited. I made my own lampwork beads and bought beads from other artists as well, I was having a blast. My hubby and family were very supportive and I think that is so important. I was so grateful to have a good support system giving me encouragement. I had been wanting to add something for young girls and babies for sometime but didn't have time to create with my ribbon and such. Several years back, when the economy hit the floor I found the time. Jewelry has now been retired and I have the bows and accessories now, it's been that way for about 3-4 years. My etsy shop has been open for about 4 months or so and it's been great. I opened it to feature my work and make new friends. Etsy is such a wonderful place to find the unique items you just can;t find in the stores.

Beanies

A little animal?

What inspires you?
Inspiration comes from everywhere. Many times you can walk the mall and see a few colors together on a shirt that look great and think "wow something to add to the to-do list" I never leave home without a memo book and pen in my purse. A few times my youngest has dropped an organizer full of beads or ribbon and when they get all mix up you'll see colors mixed together and before you know it you have new ideas. I was at a friends house just a few weeks ago and she had re-decorated her bathroom and I came home and hit the studio because I was inspired by all her animal prints in the new bathroom.

A Punk?

Ready for spring?

How did you learn your craft?
I have purchased many many on-line instruction books and tools. I taught myself using these tools and then as I got better and more confident tried to come up with easier and more productive ways to create my goodies. My hubby actually came up with the adjustable headbands for my daughter, it was a complete accident and will deny it if asked by his friends but I thought it was so neat that he thought of it. He won't make anything to save his life but loves shopping for embellishments and new ideas with me.

Do you have a dancer?

Cute as a kitten?

Wild?

What would you compare your style to?

I really don't know what to compare my style to. I love the simple bitty bows, they are the best seller besides the stretchy headbands and are to me more a simple and traditional bow. But I do love to come up with new "make a statement" items.




What should we watch out for?
What's new, or coming soon?
I just added a ton of the stretchy headbands and hats, that's what's new for January and February. I am currently working on adjustable headbands for the tweens and adults but everytime I get enough made to list my friends and sister-in-laws swipe them, lol. And then there's always my 7th grade daughter in the studio at 6:30am needing one to match her outfit for the day. I am hoping to get them out by the end of February along with some new clippie sets. Also coming in February I will be adding the bow bookmarks and ribbon wrapped pen and pencil sets. They have been a huge hit with the tweens at my duaghters school so that's on the agenda for this month.

Sweet

Sweeter

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? What's that? The business keeps me pretty busy, it's difficult to seperate the business time and family time but we are figuring it out and getting close. My hubby and I have a date night every other Friday and with the kids being involved with baseball and softball that pretty much consumes us during the warmer months. The winter months are spent watching football (I need to buy football for dummies) and doing shows. We love to do shows, it's a great way to meet new people and also to get feedback on your work.




Do you have a favorite piece that you've created? If so what is it, and why?

I have so many favorites, that's a hard question. Right now it'd be a toss up between the stretchy headbands (you can clip just about anything to it and they are adorable on the little ones) the clippies because I wear them and it's always fun making things for yourself and the new felt flowers, I can't seem to make enough of these flowers. I am getting excited for warmer weather though so I can get some flip flops done. Those are my summer favorite, I have a pair to match all 3 kids team colors and when they all play on the same day I will wear a pair to the first game and have the other 2 pairs in my bag for the next 2 games. Our toddler and daughter think it's the neatest, our oldest (a HS freshman) not so much, actually he says "mom do you have to wear the bow shows to my game today", the other moms love them though and so do I. I even wear them at Halloween and Christmas, I have a pair of toe socks for every occasion and wear them with my flip flops!

Sweetheart

Fancy Feet

What do you look for when your creating your pieces?

When creating items I try to keep abreast of the popular colors in the stores for kids clothing. And when looking for materials and embellishments I like things that are different but still try to keep it somewhat simple. I like things to be interchangeable so you can get many different looks with just a few pieces.




How would you describe your shop?

I think my shop has a bit of everything for anyone really. The glitter clippies are very popular even with the adults and tweens, especially during the homecoming and prom seasons. The clippie sets are great for gals like me that have bangs that need to be clipped back, not quite long enough to go behind the ear and to long to hang in front. The items for infants and toddlers are endless in my store. There are times when I will schedule a day off but just can't stay away from the studio so before you know it 50 new items are posted. Right now I have over 500 items and wonder if that's too much for gals to look through yet there is no stopping me. If they had a 12 step program for ribbon I would most likely need it.


I try to keep my prices affordable in as inexpensive as possible. We are a family with 3 children and know what it's like to have the good times and hard times so it's important to me that I keep my prices in the affordable range.

Saint Patty's Day

Easter

She offers on-line bow parties! How fun!!

The on-line bow parties are a great and easy way to get free goodies too. I offer 30% of your party sales in free goodies plus a free gift to every customer. So for someone who can't decide between a few different items and has a certain price point to stick to this is a great way to get some of it for free. Not to mention they are super easy to host. I also offer freebies a few times a week on twitter (littlepeabows).




I love what I do and have so much fun doing it, without it I would be bored out of my mind. It's nice that my kids know if they are sick or need something during the day that I'm only a phone call away. I feel privileged that I have the opportunity to see all their events, games and experiences.

Could it get any better than that? She is such a sweet lady with some amazing talent! Her prices are a steal if you ask me, and they are great quality too!
Share some comment love and check out her Etsy shop!


I am giving away a $15 Gift Card to Little Pea Boutique!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Little Pea Boutique look around and come back leave a comment telling me your faves!
Must be a follower of Ma21cuteboy
{Mandatory Entry MUST be done for other entries to count}

Extra Entries:
Subscribe to Ma21cuteboy in reader
Grab my button {leave a link}
Blog about this giveaway
Follow me on Twitter
Share this giveaway{twitter, McLinky, Facebook etc.}
Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win- I would hate to pick another winner!
Good Luck!
I will choose a winner on March 9, 2010.

*Legal Schmegal*
I was not compensated for this review or giveaway, I love this Etsy shop and wanted share the love with my readers. The opinions are solely my own. Others' opinions may be different from mine.

                             

                                                            

$35 GC from AllChildrensFurniture.Com Giveaway...

***CLOSED***
I have never heard of AllChildrensFurniture.com until just recently, and was blown away by the wide variety of kids furniture that they had to offer. All Children's Furniture.com is a part of the many CSN Stores. If your in the market for furniture for the kids, you need to check out their site.They offer furniture for all ages, cribs, bassinets, sleigh beds, captains beds, four poster beds, storage & organization, book shelves, vanities, bean bag chairs, armoires. Along with furniture they offer lamps, rocking chairs, bedding, coat racks & hooks, tables & chairs, art work, book ends, lighting and even play items. You can also shop for bedroom sets. When I am on the market for new furniture for Chucky, you can bet this is where I am going!
Here are some of my favorite items from the site:

I am excited to tell you that All Children's Furniture is giving one lucky Ma21cuteboy reader a $35 credit towards anything on their sites.


Mandatory entries:
Go to the All Children's Furniture{kids furniture} site and come back here and tell me something{s} that you love.
You MUST be a public follower of Ma21cuteboy.

Want extra entries?
Subscribe to my blog via reader
Grab my button{leave a link}
Follow me on twitter {leave your twitter name}
Share this giveaway{twitter, facebook, McLinky, blog about this giveaway}Don't forget to leave a link!

Please Don't make me disqualify your entries- Do the MANDATORY entries!
Leave a seperate comment for each entry and make sure that you have an email address visible in your profile, or in your comment- If I can't find you, I will choose another winner! Good Luck!

Entries into this giveaway will be accepted until Midnight EMT on March 8, 2010. The winner will be chosen via random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Thank you Jason from CSNStores for the credit given for this giveaway to my readers.

*leagal schmegal: I was not compensated for this post, I was contacted by the company to do a review or giveaway and I chose to spread the love to my readers and offer a giveaway. The opinions in this post are soley mine. Others' opinions may differ.

Etsy Feature...

Woo wouldn't love this wallet?

The Fig Leaf is one of the coolest shops that works with leather and that's what I ♥ this shop. They are one-of-a-kind works of art! After you feast your eyes upon these, please show the Etsy artist Christa some love.

Functional and Fabulous!

How long have you had your shop?

Since March 2009


How did you learn your craft?

I learned out of a desire to make things for myself that I could use in everyday life. I then thought others might enjoy these items as much as I do.

Something for everybody

What inspires you?

 Everything! I get inspiration from the most unusual places and items - one thing leads to another and I'm off creating. I find a lot of my inspiration in the area where I live - surrounded my mountains, trees, and lots of leaves!

Leather Brooches

Why do you do what you do?

I have such a desire to make things for some reason. I can't explain why really, I just think about creating new things all the time - I have to keep a journal of my ideas until I get the time to create them.



Do you have any other talents?

I have a lot of other things I like to do... I love to bake from scratch new and healthy items for my family. I like to make my own makeup. I like to make my own jewelry on occasion. I also LOVE to take pictures as both of my parents are professional photographers I guess it's inherited. I'm far from perfect at any of them and with me, there is always room for improvement!

Whimsical IPhone/IPod Case

How would you describe your style, why?

 I'm not sure, maybe simple? Why - I like a simple, functional item that doesn't look too "busy".

Wristlet Straps

What types of products do you use, like to use?

Leather of all sorts, shapes, and textures.



Have you ever created a piece that was really hard to sell? What was it?

Yes, I once made a spider wallet, very unlike me, and it took awhile to sell.

Earthy Wallet

I know that you have a family, how do you find the time to make your products?

Nap time! Or after the children go to bed for the night - then I sometimes stay up late.



Please feel free to include anything that you would like us to know about you, your products, and your shop?
 
One thing others would never guess about me is that I come from an Amish background: my mother grew up Amish and much of my extended family still is Amish, living in Indiana
 
Don't forget to show some comment love for The Fig Leaf!
 

Elegant