Giveaway winner of Designs by Tracy Brigham

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope your weekend was fantastic.

It's time to annouce the winner of Designs by Tracy Brigham.

Congratulations, Melody! I believe you've been contacted and you have 48 hours to get back to Tracy.

Thank you Tracy for your generosity, and thanks everyone who entered.

The Pen Place's giveaway is on now. Come and enter!

In the meantime, I'd like to share one of my cards. Sassy and chic for a girly girl!

Yesterdays Craft Fair

I was out all day yesterday attending the Winter Artisan Fair at Leigh Square Port Coquitlam. Having a full-time day job and a toddler at home, I certainly don't have a lot of free time. Thank goodness that I have boxes of cards and other paper goodies so I did not have stay up late in the past couple of weeks to have enough items to sell.


The display could have been better but it could have been worse as well. I could not find the tablecloth that I used last year and fortunate enough I found this blue sheet last minute which worked quite well.

And I wished I could display my popular tags a bit better rather than placed them in plastics.

I now have a couple of things added on my to-do list, including finding a hanger or something for next year which of course it's not an urgent matter and be on the bottom of the list, LOL, and making more cutie magnets. I'll tell you more about how the cutie magnets idea came up later :-)



ON SALE
Selected sections: Holidays and Teabag Holders are now on sale, perfect timing for Christmas Shopping.


You may also notice that we don't have a Saturday Artisan post this week, and no new giveaway this week. There is a last-minute changed by the scheduled artist and it's best to postpone the post. However, there giveaway from the Pen Place is currently on.

Giveaway Winner of Skribblykids

The past days have been cold here in Vancouver, BC. Brrr. We even had snow, and it's not even winter yet. But, let's just say that it's wonderful being inside our home and cuddled up with loved ones. :-)

It's time to annouce the winner of Skribblykids' giveaway.

Congratulations, alvind95! I believe you've been contacted and you have 48 hours to get back to Joanna.

Thank you Joanna for your generosity, and thanks everyone who entered.

There are 2 giveaways going on right now, Designs by Tracy Brigham and the Pen Place.

Giveaway $15 Gift Certificate from The Pen Place

Win $15 Gift Certificate from the Pen Place.

Get to know Crystal and Bill, the artist behind the Pen Place. You'll learn a few things from the interview on yesterday's post.

There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry.

How to enter to win:

Mandatory entry:

• Go to the Pen Place. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from their store.
  

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know them more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on their shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated.
  
  Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart the Pen Place (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like the Pen Place FB Fanpage (1 entry).
• Like adorebynat Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat " in your tweet. ( 1entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
  
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from the Pen Place and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Dec 4, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Dec 5 by a random number generator, by the artists themselves. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: The Pen Place

Meet Crystal and Bill, our Saturday Artisans.

They have an Etsy shop called The Pen Place. I love their shop and I''m sure you will too. Who knows that pens can be handmade! It never come across my mind in the first place but I fall in love with their shop right away.

The craftmanship is astonishing! And it's wonderful to know that you don't have to be in the same generations to work well together.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
The Pen Place started out primarily as a hobby for my grandpa. Our products are hand turned on a lathe. We mostly use Corian or similar products (yes, the same kind used for countertops) along with native and exotic woods. We mainly make pens, but also make pencils, letter openers, bracelet assistants, perfume pens and desk accessories. I have always been artistically inclined, so I come up with new design ideas and take care of the business end of things while my grandpa does most of the turning work. I also do scrimshaw (etching on ivory or substitute), and I plan to debut some scrimshaw pens in the near future.


Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
For me that would have to be the designing. I have loads of ideas and not near enough time to do them! I would say my grandpa's favorite part is seeing the finished product and people's reactions to his work.


Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?
This is a constant process. Fortunately a lot of our finished items are small, so I keep them in rubbermaid-type plastic drawers. I have one drawer for items that need photos, one for items that have photos but need listed, one drawer for thank you/business cards and a 3 drawers for listed items. We do the same with our small supplies, and have shelving units for larger supplies.

Holiday season is fast approaching. Give us a scoop on your prep. What are you exciting to offer for 2010 holiday season?
Behind as usual! I am working on getting the scrimshaw pens ready, along with the bracelet assistants and perfume pens. I would also like to make and list a few desk clocks, but that is at the bottom of the priority list right now!


What is your favourite tool that you cannot live without?
I LOVE the closeup lens for my camera. It was really difficult getting nice pics of such small items, but the closeup lenses, pop-up photo tent, and learning to use the macro function have made a world of difference.

Saving money is important; tell us one thing that you do to save money?
I always save packing materials from things I buy and reuse them.


Any advice for others running their on-line shop?
I’ve heard people say ‘don’t worry about what other people think’. Well, if your craft is strictly a hobby, that’s true. If you want to sell your product it’s a good idea to take into consideration what your potential buyers think, what type of item they want, what level of quality they expect. Some people are lucky enough to find a following for their quirky, out-there products, so it’s not necessarily impossible, but it can be a lot harder.

You have to invest time into your online presence if you want to get anywhere. If you just slap up a quick listing, it shows. And it makes a negative impression, like you didn't care about your product or your audience. Read the how-to's, get tips from other sellers on the forums. You may want to just jump in there, but getting some advice is really a good investment of your time. Otherwise you may end up wondering why your item isn't selling, while any number of sellers could give you the answer like that.


Stay tuned for tomorrow's giveaway, but in the meantime, enter the 2 giveaways that we have currently: Skribblykids and Designs by Designs by Tracy Brigham.

My Creative Space: Live Life

After weeks focusing on holiday cards and tags, I thought it's a great idea to take a break and get back to my regular cards. I kinda missed my flowers :-)

I'm pleased with how this Live Life card turns out, such a sweet card to remind one on how we should face our daily life. I'll be listing this card soon at my shop.


For more creative space, visit kootoyoo site.

Giveaway Winner of KhaliNouveau

Happy Monday!!

Who says no. 13 is an unlucky number? I never believe such myths and you shouldn't too. :-)

Congratulations, five stones #13! You won KhaliNouveau's giveaway.

Thank you Aisyha for your generosity, and thanks everyone who entered.

There are 2 giveaways going on right now, Skribblykids and Designs by Designs by Tracy Brigham.

Good luck!

Giveaway: Smoky Quartz Earrings

This week we have a new giveaway: Win beautiful smoky quartz earrings sponsored by Tracy of Designs by Tracy Brigham. Take a peek at yesterdays post as we featured her as our Saturday Artisan.


There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry.

How to enter to win:

Mandatory entry:

• Go to Designs by Tracy Brigham. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from her store. (1 entry daily please)

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated.
  
  Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart Designs by Tracy Brigham (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like Adorebynat Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat " in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
  
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from Designs by Tracy Brigham and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Nov 27, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Nov 28 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: Designs by Tracy Brigham

Meet this week Saturday Artisan, Tracy, the artist behind Designs by Tracy Brigham, a shop full of jewelries for any occasion, Wine Glass charms, Napkin Rings, and Hummingbird Feeders.

With the holiday shopping fast approching, you may want to visit her shop and get those wonderful gifts for your loved ones. So many to choose!


Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I have had a career in the banking industry for 23 years, until last year when I decided I was tired of dealing with the politics of Corporate America. I have spent the last year trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I have one child who is now 22 years old and mostly on her own. (I'm not sure if they are ever completely on their own.) My daughter has been telling me for years that I should sell the items that I make, so I decided to finally do that and opened a shop on Etsy. I have been working with beads and wire as a hobby for about 8 or 9 years. I make Jewelry, wine glass charms, napkin rings, and hummingbird feeders. My favorite things to work with are gemstone beads and sterling silver.



Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
I enjoy sitting down with the materials I want to use for a project and coming up with a new design.



Could you share on how you organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?
I have containers and containers of beads that are stored by color and whether they are gemstones, glass, or crystal. I have learned that for me everything has to have its place or I end up spending more time looking for things than actually creating. I try to keep like items together. Ex: Sterling silver components, silver plated components, jewelry tools, packaging items, etc.


What is your favorite item in your shop?
That is a hard question it changes from day to day. Right now I would say I have two favorites:

My Clear Crystal and Smoky Quartz Asymmetrical Necklace

My Swarovski Bronze Pearl Stretch Bracelet


What is your goal for 2010? And are you on the right track?
My goal for 2010 was to decide on a new career. I am really enjoying having the time to be creative and hopefully making that into a successful business. I am also applying to nursing school, which I am very excited about. I am definitely on track.

Holiday season is fast approaching. Give us a scoop on your prep. What are you excited to offer for 2010 holiday season?
I am participating in two craft shows in October and December. They will be the first shows that I have participated in, so I am working on displays, packaging, and items. I am excited about offering my Napkin Rings for the 2010 holiday season. People have been very interested in my Napkin Rings for holiday dinners and also as gifts.


What is your favorite tool that you cannot live without?
My jewelry pliers, I would never be able to work with sterling silver and other metals without them.


Stay-tuned for tomorrows new giveaway.
In the meantime, enter the giveaways that we have currently on: Skribblykids and KhaliNouveau's giveaways.

My Creative Space: Holiday Card Sets

I'm getting there! I made some holiday cards and am now selling them in sets. My plan is to offer them in different prices categories and in different quantities.


I have them in a set of 4 and in a set of 8. Some involved more work and materials; however, it's my plan to make them more affordable.


A set of 4 detailed handmade cards for $12 or 8 for $19 sounds a good deal? You're simply cannot compare them to those mass-produced cards, can you?

For more creative space, visit kootoyoo site.

Giveaway winner of Natalie Hopeful's Giveaway

Congratulations, Libbi #36! You won Natalie Hopeful's giveaway.

Thank you Natalie for your generosity, and thanks everyone who entered.


There are 2 giveaways going on right now, Skribblykids and KhaliNouveau's giveaway.

Just a quick note that Etsy Greetings giveaway is still on as well. You can either sign up to their mailing list or simply make a purchase in one of the participating shops, including mine. Any items purchased in my shop make you eligible to enter to win over 20 handmade cards. One listed item purchased = one entry.

Now get busy entering these giveaways :-) Good luck!

Giveaway from Skribblykids

This week we have a new giveaway: Win one card sponsored by Joanna of SkribblyKids.

There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry.

How to enter to win:

Mandatory entry:

• Go to SkribblyKids . Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from her store.
  

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated.
  
  Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart SkribblyKids (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow SkribblyKids blog (1 entry).
  
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like Skribblykids Facebook Page (1 entry).
• Like Adorebynat Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat " in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
  
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from SkribblyKids and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Nov 20, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Nov 21 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

To win Two Rainbow Bird Ornaments enter here please.

Saturday Artisan: SkribblyKids

Meet this week Saturday Artisan: Joanna of SkribblyKids.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I am a Motion Designer by day, character creator by night. These two tend to work hand in hand sometimes, which always makes things fun! My demo reel is available to look at on my personal site here.

A fun little video I just finished up for a company I'm freelancing for can be seen here.

I had a ton of fun making this retro modern piece! The works I do in the daytime tend to be similar to what I do at night, and vice versa. Right now i'm working on a retro set of greeting cards.


Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
I love doodling. I doodle all the time, all day long. It's kind of a way of keeping my brain active!

What is your best seller?
My best sellers are my Let's all go to the Lobby characters. I think people really enjoy a little blast from their past.


How do you balance your personal and work life?
Thats a bit of a tough one, but I really do believe in working hard and playing hard :) Sometimes you just have to put the work down and go have some fun!

What inspires you?
I love looking at 50s-60s style drawings. Something is so basic, yet so fresh about this era.

Holiday season is fast approaching. Give us a scoop on your prep. What are you exciting to offer for 2010 holiday season?
Here's a sneak peak at new designs:


Important Links (facebook + website + blog + personal site)


Any tutorial that you’d like to share?

Here's a smooth drawing tutorial I made a while back.

4 Etsy-Versary SALE

I could not believe that it has been 4 years being on Etsy. It has been Wonderful!
I made sales, yes! 811 sales so far. Received 731 feedbacks! Thank you so much to all my customers who made this happened. Thank you for your continuing support. Just the other day, I chatted with my 1st buyer on twitter. She even wrote a review on my shop, one of the first reviews I honorly received.

But what I love the most as being part of Etsy community is the friendship that I found over the years. I've meet many friends through Etsy. An extraordinary gal, owner of LeasLetters convoed me out of the blue, welcoming me to the world of Etsy and since then we we've been friends. First friend on Etsy that I'll never forget :-)

As is in a real life, not everything is all-okay. Though there were a couple of occassions where I had bitter experiences ( I hate hurtful accusations!), I will not let that stain my appreciation and love to this Etsy community.

So, enough rambling here.

SALE. Big Sale!
From November 4 to 7, everything in my adorebynat shop is on sale.

And....to top that up. Every purchase that you make, you are eligible to be entered in BIG GIVEAWAY that Etsy Greetings team currently has. For the month of NOVEMBER, purchase from my shop or from my teammates in EtsyGreetings and have a chance to win 20+ handmade greeting cards. One entry is for one item, the more you buy, the better chance you have. ASK ME for details or visit the EtsyGreetings blog. Unfortunately only those individuals in the United States can enter the giveaway. Sorry guys, you know how I love international giveaways and this time, I wasn't the one that made the rule. But you still can purchase anything in my shop in discounted price for the next 3 days :-)

My Creative Space: Holiday Teabag Holder

It's all about the holiday preps. Let's get into the spirit!

So this time, I'm bringing back my popular teabag holders.

 I figure, there will be a lot of Christmas parties going on. 

Would these set of teabag holders be perfect for your festive Christmas dinner?

If you're a host, I'm sure you'll get a lot of compliments on how creative you are for thinking outside the box :-) If you're not hosting a party, well...why not bring these as a little but thoughtful gift? 

 For more creative space, visit kootoyoo site.

Giveaway Winner of CharmedDesign1012

How's your weekend?

Mine was splendid :-) A time off from work is always nice and as always....too short.

Just like every Monday, we makes someone's day an extra special. This time, it's Jen (#3). Congratulations! You won CharmedDesign1012's giveaway.

Thank you Lori for your generousity, and thanks everyone who entered.


There are 2 giveaways going on right now, Natalie Hopeful's giveaway and KhaliNouveau's giveaway.