Giveway from Tina's Crafty Creations: Beanie

Tina's Crafty Creations is giving away a wacky-faced beanie in your choice of up to 2 colors. Tina gets to choose the face. :) Any size. A beanie does NOT have ear flaps or ties.

Learn more about Tina, the artist behind this great shop, here on yesterday's Saturday Artisan post.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on August 11, 2014. Contest opens US and Canada. Open to Legal Residents (18years of age or older). 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 August 12th. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by e-mail. Adorebynat is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prizes and in a timely manner. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Don't forget to check out other current giveaway here.

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

Saturday Artisan: Tina's Crafty Creations

Meet Tina, our Saturday Artisan. Her small business can be found on Facebook: Tina's Crafty Creations. She makes about everything from shawls to blankets to hats and toys and they can be hand made just for you. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

My name is Tina and I crochet. I am originally from Oregon, have spent many years in Nevada and Ohio, drove truck out of Utah and Idaho, and am now settling down in Indiana. I have 5 children and 1 grandchild with a second on the way! I make hats, scarves, hats, shawls, afghans, hat, baby clothes, kitchen items, hats, slippers, mittens, wrist warmers, and hats among other things. I am always looking for new things to try! :)
I also teach crocheting to many different people. Some are in person, some I help over the phone, and others I explain things through email. I learn a lot while I am teaching too. You never know where a new idea or inspiration might come from.


Info on the picture: Ken is my son and he is the one that actually got me going as far as the business aspect of things. Redd is my husband and he is the MOST supportive person in my life!  He also models just about everything I have ever made for me.  He is AWESOME!!!

What is the story behind your shop name?  

The name was fairly simple......my hubby said I was some-what crafty and one of my kids said that they LOVED my creations, so......Tina's Crafty Creations was born. My oldest son got me to put a facebook page together and the very first hat I made was an Angry Bird for him.

Who is your target market?

Everyone is my target market. The things I make can go for infants, children, teens, and adults. Many of my items become gifts for people I will never see.

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

My favorite part of crocheting is when I see someone that loves it as much as I do. Someone that I can pass info along to or that passes it along to me. I really enjoy it when I KNOW that someone like what I have done.

What is your best seller?

Owl hats and wacky faced hats are my best sellers. Oh, and diaper wrap sets. Those are very popular!!!

How does your day go in general?

I wake up in the morning, have a cup (or 2) of coffee, pick up my crochet hook and crochet while talking on the phone, looking around on the computer or visiting on facebook. If I have errands to run I have a bag ready to take with me (in case I have to wait on things). Hooks are ALWAYS in my purse, car, crochet bag.......I just NEVER leave home without them.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

Since I quit truck driving, I am a stay at home crocheter, so it just kind of falls in place. If I do not crochet for a day I feel totally lost!

What inspires you?

People, tv shows, articles, other crocheters.......everyone and everything has the potential to be my next inspiration.

What is your goal for 2014?  And are you on the right track?

My goal is to get a store front and be public all the time. I do a bunch of craft fairs, farmers markets, festivals, etc and I would like to have just one location where I can always be. I have not found the right place yet, but I think I am getting close!!!

What is the key to success?

Patience and persistence.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Don't get discouraged. Building a business (online or in a store front) take time, patience, and hard work. Many people think that things either work fast or not at all, but that is NOT true. Just keep hanging in there!!!!

What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means that everything is put together by hand and that it is not perfect. No two items will ever be the same.

What is your favorite quote, song, or movie?

I don't know.....there are soooo many!!!

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

Wild West Auction Junkies

Happy Thursday!

This is will be my first time participating the Auction Junkies. 

July's theme is Wild West. I'm excited but at the same time I am a bit nervous. 

For this auction, I'll be offering a Wild West Yee-Haw banner and 20 cupcake toppers with starting bid of 60% off below the retail value. 

What a sweet deal, isn't it?

This set is perfect for a Wild West themed party, whether it's a Birthday or  a Baby Shower. Need other matching accessories to come with these? Sure, we can make that happens.

But first, let me invite you to join the Auction. It starts tomorrow, Friday, July 25th. There are tons of wonderful Wild West inspired handmade products and I have my eyes on some of them. 

Wild West Auction will run from July 25th to July 28th, 2014. 

Will you join me and attend the auction? Know someone who may be interested to attend? Find out more here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Giveaway from Melli's Yarn Works: Custom Knitted Hat

Melli of Melli's Yarn Works generously offer an awesome custom handmade hat! Win a custom hat in any size and any type. This includes slouchy berets, newborn hats, tassel/ear flap hats. 

Learn more about Melli, the artist behind this great shop, here on yesterday's Saturday Artisan post.
 
Here are examples:   

Fruity Tooty Toddler Hat

 

Honey Maple Hat

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on July 28, 2014. Contest opens Worldwide (Free Shipping to US only). Open to Legal Residents (18years of age or older). 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 July 29th. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by e-mail. Adorebynat is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prizes and in a timely manner. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Don't forget to check out other current giveaway here.

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

Saturday Artisan: Melli's Yarn Works

Meet Melli of Melli's Yarn Works, our Saturday Artisan!

 
She is an avid knitter, makes bags, scarves, wrist warmers and many more and welcome custom orders. Take a peek at her shop and you will see colorful beautiful creations. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I'm Melli! We live in AZ, and I have an almost 4 year old who we lovingly call Hobbit Kitty. I love coffee, cute things, and video games. I enjoy reading, listening to music and also watching shows on Netflix.

I am an avid loom knitter, I loom knit a wide range of items, and have even made my own patterns and tutorials. I love bright colors and working with soft yarn, so most of my creations feature this. I am always adding new things to my shop and trying out different things. I used to also make jewelry, and had a jewelry store, however my love for yarn became greater! I have moved from having a bead addiction to a yarn addiction.  

What is the story behind your shop name? 

I wanted to have my name incorporated into my shop name, to bring more of a sense that it did belong to me. I love the Yarn Works part, because it allows me to explore a variety of items made from yarn and does not constrict me to just one type of item.  

Who is your target market?

Anyone who loves colors and yarn items! I try to target all age groups with my items, so I have things for little kids up to adults who want fun hats or wrist warmers.
 

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I love putting people's orders together! I aim to ship my items as if they are gifts, and I am sending them a present! I love my new packaging because I recently made the change to ecofriendly packaging! I also love picking out new yarns for a new piece.  

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 

I live in Buckeye, AZ which is a growing city outside of Phoenix. It is gorgeous here, and has a great vibe to it.
 

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

My yarn is organized on a large bookshelf. I have it sorted by what kinds of yarn they are (i.e. baby yarns are all together, bulky size are together, variegated yarns are on one shelf) and I have to admit, that bookshelf is getting pretty crowded. I have a few baskets full of yarn ends that I have rolled into balls waiting to be used. I go through the baskets every few months and try to use up those ends in hats or other small projects. My shipping materials are all organized on a rolling cart and on my craft table in my craft room.  

What is your best seller?

My best seller would be my wrist warmers and hats.
 

How does your day go in general?

My day can range from chaotic to fairly easy going. I try to do promoting and checking emails in the morning when I get up. I also check my store stats and see if anything needs my immediate attention before moving onto my personal email and other things. Once all these are done, I have the rest of the day to work on projects or do homework. I am a full time college student, so I am always doing homework, especially on weekends. This is my basic schedule, not counting all the times I do stop to play with my son, attend his needs, or do random chores or cooking.  

How do you balance your personal and work life?

My day can range from chaotic to fairly easy going. I try to do promoting and checking emails in the morning when I get up. I also check my store stats and see if anything needs my immediate attention before moving onto my personal email and other things. Once all these are done, I have the rest of the day to work on projects or do homework. I am a full time college student, so I am always doing homework, especially on weekends. This is my basic schedule, not counting all the times I do stop to play with my son, attend his needs, or do random chores or cooking.  

What inspires you?

Colors, yarns, or other people's projects have been inspirations to me. I love trying new ideas, so getting a new yarn special for a project is always really fun!
 

What is your goal for 2014?  And are you on the right track?

My goal is to get my name more out there. I would love to break 30 sales in my shop, as well as sell out some of the items I have had in my shop since I opened it. I am on the right track, I have 18 sales on Storenvy which is awesome!  

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Be happy in what you do. Allow yourself to take breaks. Remember we are our own worst critics, but also be happy with what you make and list for other people. People will know that you're not 100% behind your product.  

What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means that item is special and one of a kind. Even if people reproduce one of their items, it is still unique and not mass produced. 

Melli of Melli's Yarn Works can be found here:

Instagram
Blog

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

Spotted Tuesday: Featured Crafter at Down with Plumes

 It's such a pleasure to be this week Featured Crafter at Down With Plumes. There you will learn a little bit more about me and what I do. A similar post can also be found at Begangstress Blog.

Here is my Spotted Tuesday finds. They are found at Storenvy and Artfire. Click on the picture and it'll bring you to the product listing.
 

Daisy and polka dot sundress, party dress,free matching headband by Sweet Pea Designs by Dee

 

Aqua Quartz and Starfish Beachy Necklace Sterling Silver adjustable by Faded Leaves

Give it a little love! Those little social media icons below make sharing a breeze. Share with the world and leave me a comment! That means a lot to me and my fellow artists!

Giveaway from Cherished: Octopus Amigurumi

Win an Octopus Amigurumi from Cherished. The winner get to pick the color!

Learn more about Alecia, the artist behind this great shop, here on yesterday's Saturday Artisan post.  
 
Here is an example: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on July 22, 2014. Contest opens to to US and CANADA  (Free Shipping to US only). Open to Legal Residents (18years of age or older). 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 July 23rd. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by e-mail. Adorebynat is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prizes and in a timely manner. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Don't forget to check out other current giveaway here.

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

Saturday Artisan: Cherished

Meet Alecia of Cherished, our Saturday Artisan. She made cute Amigurumi and more. 

Isn't that Bitsy the littlest elephant adorable? Here is the description of Bitsy.

Bitsy has a big personality for someone so little!! I mean she's only 4" trunk to tail and only stands 2 1/2 " tall (if you count to the top of her ear...and trust me she does!!)
She's made friends with Ollie and Timothy but being the adventurer she is she can't wait to say goodbye and meet new friends!!!
But she does know since she is so little it's better to not play with kiddos under 5.



Let's get to know Bisty's creator, Alecia a little bit more, shall we?

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I'm a SAHM of 3 kiddos (5,almost 4 and 9 months) I make jewelry (it seems to be the craft I always go back to:)) I crochet, I love making duckies to look like other animals and just recently started making tiny amigurumi animals using embroidery thread, I make handpainted magnets and I do cards too(though I've taken a break from them I'll be starting them back up soon:))

What is the story behind your shop name?  

Honestly I picked it when I was in my teens..I had fun making jewelry and loved wearing what I made cherished just seemed to fit and I hoped people would cherish my creations as much as I did.

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

The finished product of course:D unless the end product ended in a disaster:) and of course that happens sometimes

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

Haha organize are we supposed to do that lol every few months I go through supplies and try to put like things together :) 

What is your best seller?

Not sure yet everyone seems to love my amigurumi and my solar system magnets but haven't sold enough to have a best seller.

What inspires you?

My kids, sometimes other crafters and sometimes things I watch on tv :)

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Network!! join groups make friends, other crafters will be able to help you out and give advice :)

What does handmade mean to you?

It means love :) someone took the time to make something usually from scratch and filled it with there love and time.

Find Cherished on Instagram.

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.