Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Spotted Tuesday: Fall Season Inspired Handmade Products

Fall is here and I just love it! I love the cooler weather, the changes of leaves colors and the Pumpkin Spice Latte of course.

This week Spotted Tuesday is inspired by all the wonderful handmade products perfect for Fall season: home decoration such as picture and painting as well as wreath, scrapbook page, pendant, bag, and handmade soap. 

Check these items out! Click on the pictures to bring you to these shops for more amazing items. 


Fall Grapevine Wreath from Rustic Romance Crafts




I hope you like the above handmade products. Leaving a comment will make our day. Share them with your family and friends will be enormously appreciated. 

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Giveaway from Pepper Skye: Bandana Bib


Win a Zoo Babies Bandana Bib from Pepper Skye.


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

I highly encourage you to like our Facebook pages (Pepper Skye and Adorebynatand get updates on what we are up to. You will also be able to find out the good news should you're the lucky winner. Don't miss the announcement and be sorry.

Number of winner: 1 (One)





NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on October 13, 2014. Contest opens US and Canada (Free Shipping to US only). Open to Legal Residents (18 years 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 October 14th. 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, September 27, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Pepper Skye

Meet Angela, the artist and owner of Pepper Skye. She is our Saturday Artisan.

If you have a little one or are looking for baby gifts, look no further. She carries many cute baby items from blankets, bandana bibs, burb clothes, and diaper wallets.

I love the story of her house, it's something that you don't hear everyday. Let's get to know her more, shall we?


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

I am a SAHM. I have 3 kids - 2 boys and a girl, ages 8.5, almost 7 and 2.5. We live in central NH. I make Bandana baby bibs and other baby items.




What is the story behind your shop name?  

The business was created when my daughter Pepper was about 8 months old and drooling up a storm. Our bibs are backed in fleece which is a moisture barrier. The cut of these bibs is slimmer and cover the area that always gets soaked. Because they are cut slimmer you child can crawl and play w/o the bibs interfering. They are stylish yet functional.


Who is your target market?

Parents and grandmas that have children from 3 months to 18 months in age. Or anyone who has a child who is teething.





Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

Picking out the material I'm going to use or sitting down and sewing up something I thought up(most times there's no pattern used).


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

Our town would be considered rural. I think this may have been a big farming community in the past with all the big old houses on large parcels of land. The land is being divided up and new homes are being built all the time. My children are the 6th generation to live in our house - lots of history in this town.  It draws tourist with the lake, the climbing rocks, and hiking trails. Here's a photo of our house before it was moved - it used to be a store -






Here's a current photo of it 




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

We got this awesome shelf from our neighbor who used to have a yarn store. It works perfect for our bibs. This was when we first started, we have more bibs than what's shown.






What is your best seller?

I think the neutral prints have sold the best, but it's hard to find ones I think people would like. A lot of people don't find out what the baby is(we didn't with 2 of our 3) so it's nice to be able to offer something that works for either.


How does your day go in general?

Now that school has started it's trying to get the boys ready for school and out the door on time. Then I come back home and have my coffee, check on Pepper Skye stuff and try to plan my day. Most days it doesn't go as planned due to Pepper having her own agenda. If I'm lucky I get some things sewn up or maybe get the house tidied(w/3 kids I always seem to be behind on it).




How do you balance your personal and work life?

It's tough especially with a toddler. Lately I haven't had much time to sew, but I've had a slew of ideas I want to work on. the boys have only been in school a week so I'm hoping to figure out a schedule where I can sew while they're gone.


What inspires you?

My kids. My oldest is very creative, probably more so than me. If I can create & sell bibs then it helps me be able to stay home with Pepper and the boys when they have days off of school.


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

Our goal was to get our name out to more people and have more sales. I think we've done that but not as much as we'd hoped. Advertising costs a lot of money. Also, re-doing the website was a goal and that has pretty much been completed.




What is the key to success?

Believing in yourself and your product.


Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Make sure your pictures are done well. Neutral backgrounds that don't take away from the product and proper lighting is absolutely essential. Make sure you have an email, phone number, etc so people can contact you. Keep the site updated.


What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade is something made/sewn by a person, not mass produced. It requires time, talent and love.

You can also find Angela on Facebook.

EDITED:
Angela is offering 10% off the entire order for any order placed before Oct 1st at Pepper Skye. Use code: PEPPER10.



Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?Here is how to apply.


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 1

Ready or not, it's just 95 days left until Christmas. 

Julie and Blu has invited us again  this year to join Countdown to Christmas Link up. Week 1 is here. The rule is very easy. In fact, there is only  ONE RULE - You must promote all the items posted as soon as the posting closes. If you have a blog, please hop this blog and promote each item to one social network, preferably Pinterest or Wanelo where we can see the item. Twitter and Facebook are fine, they just do not show the item.

Seems daunting? I have participated last year, and believe me that this task is so rewarding. 

Here are the highlights based on the colors I chose for this week: golden, beige, blue, and black.



Peacock Druzy Nuggets Handmade Necklace Red Garnet Gemstone Rainbow by ShadowDogDesigns


Israel 10 New Sheqalim Bi-Metallic Coin Pendant 14kt Chain Necklace by 



Bracelet Bangle Beaded Net Black Swarovski Crystal Gold Metallic Seed by jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy



Dark Navy Denim Blue Sodalite Earrings Long and Dangling Lever Backs by Thesingingbeader



Copper Dangle Aqua Czech Glass Carnelian Handmade Earring OOAK Jewelry by PrettyGonzo



Navy Blue Coasters and Matching Napkin Rings, Peach and Blue Beads by TheTwistedRedhead



Kyanite Handmade Necklace Swarovski Crystal Banded Agate OOAK by SolanaKaiDesigns



Turquoise, Gold Timepiece Watch Charm Adjustable Bracelet by jnldesigns



Vintage Inspired So Thankful Thank You Tags by Adorebynat





Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Crafters' Top Picks, Fall Must-Haves List and Halloween Must-Haves

Hello friends!
I've been teaming up with other shops to come up with Crafters' Top Picks, Fall Must-Haves List and Halloween Must-Haves. Thanks to Bethany from Down With Plumes who led and wrote these wonderful articles. Bethany was our Saturday Artisan in May.

Below are the highlights and I encourage you to click on each link to go to the original post and you will see a lot of wonderful handmade products. 













Want to join this awesome group called Down with Plumes' Blog Group? You can find us here


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Giveaway from Ribbit Gifts: Peace Sign Cord Bracelet

Win this beautiful peace sign cord bracelet.
Learn more about Cristina, the artist behind this great shop, here on Saturday Artisan post.  

Number of winner: 1 (One)







NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on October 3, 2014. Contest opens US and Canada (Free Shipping to US only). Open to Legal Residents (18 years 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 October 4th. 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?

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Ribbit Gifts

Meet Cristina, our Saturday Artisan. She is the owner and artist behind Ribbit Gifts. Cristina specializes in everyday jewelry. She also support and giving back to her local community. 

Let's get to know her more, shall we?

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

I make cute stud earrings and everyday jewelry. A necklace, bracelet and earrings the can be worn any day and for any occasion.



What is the story behind your shop name?  

I've been a lover of frogs since birth. So, Ribbit Gifts just seemed fitting :)

Who is your target market?

My jewelry is not geared toward any one specific person. I have jewelry for kids, teens, 20 somethings, moms and grandmothers :)

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I enjoy shopping for the charms I use.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 
I live in Arlington, TX. Home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Six Flags. There's so much to do here.

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

I have bins and bins full of organized charms. I keep all shipping supplies together in a box with easy access to each part that I need.

What is your best seller?

My best sellers are my Starbucks Necklace and all of my animal themed bracelets.



How does your day go in general?

I check for orders in the morning. Get all of the supplies necessary. Get each piece done in the order I received them. Package them and mail them out. I have scheduled times where I do marketing through social media throughout the day.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

I schedule all of my marketing through social media which allows me to not be tied down to the computer. After my orders are prepared and sent out in the morning I spend quality time with my toddler. We go to the park, the library, swim in the backyard and just play.



What inspires you?

My daughter inspires me. I strive to show her how important creativity is and to do what you love.

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

My goal is to continue to profit and donate 15% of my sales each month to charities and organizations near and dear to my heart. So far, I'm on track and hope it continues.

What is the key to success?

dedication and being unique

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Be patient. Success does not happen overnight for most. I barely made sales online my first year. Now, I have almost 300 sales in year 2. It just takes time and dedication.

What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means unique, one of a kind items made with love.




You can find Ribbit Gifts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway? Here is how to apply.