i have to say...

and the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who commented on Terri's giveaway post!

The winner is Elsa of A Fine Line!  Elsa, I will contact you and then give your information to Terri so you can let her know where to send your winnings!

Have a lovely day!

sponsor feature + giveaway!: patchwork trails

Terri is a wonderful, creative gal with a lovely blog and an Etsy shop called Patchwork Trails.  A couple of her favorite designers are Anna Maria Horner and Jennifer Paganelli, and this is easy to see from taking a peek in her shop.

I asked Terri a few questions about herself and here is what she had to say:

What inspired you to open your shop?  "I was inspired to open my own etsy shop because I really love to make things, and I wasn't seeing similar items out there. So I thought I had something unique to say with my patchwork goodies."

How do you juggle an online business with your other responsibilities?  "I keep very busy with all the things I have going on in life! I quit my corporate job last summer to return to school to get a degree in design and illustration. I have three classes this semester, and I haven't had as much time to sew as I would like, so it's a constant struggle to manage my time. But I am learning a lot that I think I can apply to my shop.
I make a lot of lists to keep myself on track. I also have several sketchbooks to sketch out ideas.
Since I used to work as a paralegal, I like to think I am a very organized person. I have files set up for my sales and expenses. I keep one binder full of reference material related to my shop, and I keep another binder where I store my patterns and ideas I want to try."

What is your favorite part of having a craft business online?  "My favorite part of having a craft business is getting custom orders. Just knowing someone likes my designs and trusts me enough to make a one-of-a-kind design for them is flattering, challenging and fun. I also love making connections with people from all over the world."

Today Terri is giving away one of her adorable make-up bags! All you need to do to enter the giveaway is to pop over to Terri's shop and take look at her wares.  Then leave a comment here and tell me which of her products you like best.  I will close comments on Tuesday and announce a winner on Wednesday.

You can also find Terri on Twitter and Flickr, and you can sign up for her newsletter here.

Thank you, Terri!

we have a winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered Livy Lou Designs' giveaway!  The winner of the you-pick-your-favorite-magnet-board is Our Busy Little Bunch!  I will send Chris your info and she will contact you about your prize!

Thanks so much, Chris!

sponsor feature + giveaway!: livy lou designs

Chris is the shopkeeper at Livy Lou Designs and you only have to take one peek into her shop to see that she loves color!  Chris' shop is all about handmade accesories for you and your home.

Chris likes to hoard fabric, eat chocolate and work late into the night. She currently lives in Michigan with her incredibly supportive husband and two children, Olivia (Livy Lou) and Allen. When she is not in her basement burried in fabric and sheet metal, you will find her at the hockey rink. 

Chris is here on Facebook.

Today Chris is giving away one of her adorable magnet boards: winner's choice!  All you need to do is to hop on over to her shop and take a peek.  Then you can leave a comment in this post telling which item in her shop is your favorite.  Pretty simple way to win something completely cute!

Chris is also offering a discount: 15% off all purchases through February 27th using discount code IHAVETOSAY.

I am not entering (of course) but my favorite item is the magnet board in this post.  It's so bright and fun!

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Have a wonderful day!

 

shop feature: crazy bag lady

Jodi at Crazy Bag Lady makes the cutest aprons, bags, blankets and more!  I love her use of bright, fun fabrics.

Jodi has this to say about her shop and Etsy:

"I think it's wonderful how you can dream it then create it. I adore bold colors, solid designs and usefullness. Etsy has really changed my perspective on the way I purchase items for my home and family. I'm so inspired by this movement toward unique, handcrafted items. So much of what you see in the big box stores is bland and cookie cutter. It's refreshing to see creativity coming back!"

She also says this about her mom:

"I credit every single item to my amazing mother for her love of ALL things creative (and infecting me with it). Without her none of this would be possible."

I love it!

Click here to check out Jodi's wonderful little shop!

shop feature: black cat mima

Black Cat Mima is a colorful, fun Etsy shop full of wonderful goodies!  I am simply loving the barrettes, and I want to serve ice-cream in those adorable bowls!  I think it would taste sweeter.  :)

Cuteness, eh?

The colors are just so refreshing.

I happened to come across these yellow bowls after I made my mosaics.  I love them!

You can check out the entire shop here.

Happy shopping!

shop feature: blue pandemonium

Looking for something fun?  Try Blue Pandemonium!  Marie's shop is full of goodies that will make you smile.  These cut butterflies remind me of a string-garland that needs to hang in a room in my house.  I just love cuteness!

Marie also sews, and this little Whimsy zipper-pouch is just the thing for a quick outing.

Check out Marie's section of robot paper dolls. My boys would have loved these when they were small!

Have a great Sunday!

shop feature: madison reece designs

Madison Reece Designs is a wonderful jewelry shop specializing in silver clay pieces.

Melissa, the shop's owner, has this to say, "I have grown up around crafting, my Mother was always making or sewing something. I have always had an interest in paper, fabric, various crafts and photography. I enjoy making this jewelry so much, everyday is different, and my creative process is unlimited. What could be better than that?"

I just love these earrings:

You can see all of Melissa's goods here in her shop, Madison Reece Designs.

making some progress

I am working on my binding---finally!

At this point I am completely comfortable with saying that quilts take me 2 months to complete. It's just the fact of my life. 

The binding is all on and I have finished quite a bit of the hand-sewing.  I can't wait to stick the quilt in the washing machine and dry it so that it gets all soft and crinkly.  Then it will be perfect for snuggling under, which is just in time since the temps are really dropping here in Colorado. 

You might want to stop by Katie Jean's little shop today because she is raising money for the leukemia and lymphoma society.  Her hubby has been fighting cancer for two years now, and what a sweet, strong girl she is as she stands by his side!

katie jean's shop

Have a lovely day!

***This post is linked to Amy's Sew and Tell post.

shop feature: sew posh designs

Debbie at Sew Posh Designs has an eye for making a super-cute bag!  Whether you are looking for a messenger bag or a wristlet, she has it all!

 

Debbie says: "All Sew Posh Designs bags and accessories are all handmade by me with great attention to detail and craftmanship. From Diva Purses for a night out on the town to Mother and Daughter Purses for play days, you will find one just for you from our posh selection of purses!"

 

You can check out her shop here.