Thursday, September 30, 2010

Problem Solved

I thoroughly enjoyed decorating the nursery for our new son. Everything came together rather smoothly but there was just one problem, I had a huge blank wall to deal with. All the other walls had great shelving or artwork but one was just too big and awkward. So, it stayed blank until something great happened.

My friend Beth emailed me and offered to whip together one of her new products for me to test. The best part was that her new product was something that could solve my blank wall problem. I quickly accepted her offer and eagerly awaited my package.

Beth runs the etsy shop Love, September. Her newest creative venture is fabric wall letters. These letters are similar to the popular wooden letters that you can use to decorate a nursery or childrens room. The main difference between the wooden letters and Beth's fabric letters is price. The fabric letters are so much more affordable. Another great difference is that you won't have to put nails into your walls with the fabric letters. This makes them a great option for renters or students in dormitories.

 You see, these fabric letters have a special backion on them that is used to affix them directly onto the wall (or other smooth surface) with your iron! It is so simple!
 Beth has 8 great fonts to choose from and can do virtually any fabric that you like.
Not only would these letters make a great addition to any nursery, children's room or play room but they could be used in any room in the house.
For our nursery, I thought it would look cool to hang an empty frame around the letters. This was just another attempt to fill our large wall. I also think that these letters would be cool ironed onto a blank canvas or old barnwood.

So, do you have a blank space that needs filling? If so, check out Love, September for this cool option for personalized and unique art.


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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Letter to an old friend

Dear friend,

I owe you an apology. I know you have been neglected lately and I am truly sorry. This new baby is taking so much time that what little I have to spare is needed to sleep. or shower.

I see you everyday and think longingly about all the fun we could be having if only I did not have another diaper to change. I have so many fun ideas for things we could be doing together when only I have the time to spare. I truly hope we get to do some of those things together soon.

Sweet friend, I promise I will be back. I promise that we will have good times and maybe a few all-nighters again someday. I have not abandoned you or replaced you. Nothing could replace you! I just wanted to write you this note so that you know I think of you often and I miss you.

Until we meet again...



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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fun Etsy Finds: Wall Art

I'm a huge fan of adding fun art to the walls that will give your home a unique and personalized look. And there is plenty of it to be found on Etsy. I'm always amazed at all of the talented graphic designers and artists.

Here are a few of my current favorites:Bedtime Bus Roll Poster from My Sweet Prints. So perfect for a kids room. And the English spelling of pajamas? Love it.
Custom Silhouette Print from Nella DesignsUse YOUR photo to create a custom silhouette! This would make a fantastic wedding gift.I Love Texas print from q.a. Design. There are no words. I.need.this.Retro Art Print from Modern Pop. Boys get left out in the handmade scene so often, it's nice to see prints made just for them.Every parent needs a set of these "By Order of the Management" posters from John W Golden.Love the messages on the Persimmon and Pink prints. I have a few of these. They are very high quality.Vintage New York Map from Emily Lynch. Vintage maps are all the rage right now. A great way to display places you've visited or lived.Hands down, this dinosaur print from Olives on a String has to be my favorite one on Etsy. It is hanging as a poster sized print over my son's bed. The best part? You print it yourself (any size) so it's only $6!!

There are so many to choose from that it was hard to narrow it down to my favorites. What are you favorite wall art picks from Etsy?





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Monday, September 27, 2010

Featured Shop: Rae Danae Designs


This weeks featured shop is Rae Danae Designs. This shop is full of custom clothing and embroidered goodies that your princess (and prince) will adore. The creations that Victoria, the owner, creates are perfect for birthdays and photographs.

Here is what Victoria says about herself: "I am a seamstress and sewing teacher who loves to create custom outfits for your sweeties! Visit my website, Etsy shop, blog and Facebook to find all the latest creations! Monogramming available too!"


Victoria has her goodies listed in her etsy shop and also a new shop at RaeDanaeDesigns.com.

One of the neatest things about Victoria is that not only does she sell her creations, but she also teaches sewing classes. I just love that.


My daughter would LOVE this tinkerbelle outfit:)

Victoria has generously offered a giveaway for Noodles & Milk readers. She is giving away 1 custom holiday twirl skirt (sizes infant to size 8) to a lucky reader. The skirt will be similar to the ones shown below but be done in adorable holiday fabrics with a little tulle added in for fun. The skirt is valued at $40! This giveaway will remain open until October 1st at midnight.


Here is how to enter the giveaway (in separate comments please):
  • Visit the Rae Danae blog and leave Victoria a comment. Come back here and tell us that you did.= 1 entry
  • Fan Rae Danae on facebook and leave a comment here.= 1 entry
  • Tell about this giveaway on your personal blog or FB page. Come back here and leave a comment with your link. =1 entry
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Friday, September 24, 2010

Sponsor Spotlights

I have some truly wonderful (and super creative) sponsors. Check out some of the goodies that can be found in their shops!
 
LBG Studio- This dress is beyond cute!

Love September- These wall letters are made of fabric!
Olives on a String- I love the color combination and the precious flower of this pilots cap
 
Kinder Kouture- So sweet!
Ragadoodle- Perfect for Halloween
Stitcheroos- How cute is this for a birthday outfit?
LBG Studio- Love the camera strap cover
Olives on a String- This headband is so cute and would look precious on my daughter!
Sew Sweet Stitches- Isn't this ring amazing?
Rae Danae- Check out these sweet toille ruffle pants. They come with a matching shirt too
Monkey Style Boutique- This dress would be perfect for Christmas pictures
Love September- Check out this Max costume!
Sew Cute by Katie- Another one perfect for Halloween
Sew Sweet Stitches- Wouldn't this be perfect to jazz up a plain white shirt?!?
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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Tips for Etsy Success: Etsy wants to help!

Etsy is full of great stuff to get your business moving. If you thought that setting up your shop and keeping up with convo’s was all that you needed etsy for, then you are wrong. I highly encourage you to spend some time browsing through all the helpful goodies that etsy has to offer.

First, if you have not signed up for the etsy newsletter, then do so immediately. They send something a couple times a week and it is generally super helpful information and articles. I almost always find something useful in their emails. It is definitely worth your time.

Here is a quick list of helpful things that you can find when browsing around etsy. This first group of things can be found under "your etsy" after you have logged in.

  • Etsy Mini- this is where you can create an “ad” of your shop for free to post on your blog or as an ad on someone else’s blog. (See the images from my shop on the top right side of this page? That is an etsy mini!)
  • Seller Handbook- if you have not read this, you need to. Asap. It is stuffed with helpful information.
  • Badges & Buttons- here you can grab some free buttons to place on blogs and in emails.

  • Banners & Avatars- free banners and avatars that are available to all. These are helpful to new shop owners who might not have had their custom designs finished yet.
  • Seller Deals- Special offers from outside retailers that can help your business. Think shipping, book keeping, etc.
  • Featured Apps- This link is full of all sorts of featured applications that will help your business run smoother. If you have not checked this section out, this is a must. Plan to spend several hours browsing through this section and taking notes but it will be worth it!
For the next group of helpful things, look at the top of the main etsy page under the “community” listing.

  • Updates- lists the latest in helpful and fun articles.
  • Forums- you can find your answer to almost anything here. Just search your question and someone else has likely already asked it and received a helpful answer. If no one has your question, you can also start your own discussion here. This forum is primarily for etsy sellers although administration chimes in occasionally with answers to tougher questions.
  • Virtual Labs- These are virtual classrooms set up with posted meeting times and dates. The topics completely vary but often include tips for newbies, critiquing a shop design, etc. There are also private meetings that can be set up by etsy teams or groups.
  • The Storque Blog- This is the etsy blog. It has all kinds of fun articles and tutorials that you can find. It features shop spotlights, how- to’s, business tips, local happenings in your area, etc.
See what you have been missing! Now, get out there and use all that etsy has to offer to grow your business even more!

Don't forget to look back at the past etsy success posts.
Tip No 1- Branding
Tip No 2- Photography
Tip No 3- Getting your first sale
Tip No 4- Pricing
Tip No 5- Tagging
Tip No 6- Customer Service
Tip No 7- Advertising


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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fun Etsy Finds: Christmas Goodies

Is it too early to be talking about Christmas? As a shopper, I always think it is too early to see Christmas stuff when Halloween has not even passed yet. However, as a shop owner, I know that Christmas talk and preparation starts in the summer. So, I figured I would split the difference...it is no longer summer AND Halloween has not hit yet.

Anyways, like everything else, etsy has tons of cute Christmas things to be found. Here is a little peak:

Rag Hearth: I LOVE this wreath. It NEEDS to be on my front door!

Arks and Animals (also Wild Apples): This nativity is beautiful. This shop also has lots of fun wooden toys

Lover Dovers: Do your holiday baking in style with this adorable retro apron

Wooltastic: I love the hand stitching of this ornament. These would make great teacher gifts.

My Little Legacies: These rudolph shirts are absolutely precious.

Prarie Path: This entire shop is eco-friendly and uses up-cycled wool. Love that!

Hermosa 84: These handmade holiday gift tags would ad a sweet touch to any gift

New Hampshire Woods Creations: This wreath is a gorgeous alternative for those with rustic taste

Circleline Studio: No room for a tree? Just use a pretty wall decal from this shop!

Sunshine Ceramics: Don't forget ornaments for your 4 legged family members

The Little Gift Box: Look at these cute wisemen!

Rocky Top Studio: How about a gorgeous winter print to display in your home?

Jane Says: This banner would make any mantel look festive

Pearliebird: More adorable gift tags. I love the buttons on these tags.

South House Boutique: I love the whimsical look of these stockings

I Sew Lucky: Cute owl ornament...This shop is stuffed with precious owls, which I LOVE!

Doodle A Designs: Stick your favorite family photo in this festive frame

Wolf Art Glass: This blown glass ornament is stunning. If the photo is this good, imagine what it looks like in person!

I hope you have enjoyed this quick tour of fun Christmas goodies that etsy has to offer. Happy shopping!


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