Wedding Event Review + 2 Features!!!

Yesterday was my Wedding Event and it went pretty well. We had a steady flow of people for most of the day. We didn't do much advertising, so we knew not to expect huge swarms of people. I was very realistic in what I wanted from the day. I handed out several business cards and have a couple very interested in one of my Flip Flop Guest Books!

The best part of the day was meeting a local photographer who had a booth at the show as well. She fell in love with my Custom Name Albums and wanted to display some in her studio! She purchased some Premade Word Albums to sell as well! She really made my day :)

I was also featured on two websites yesterday!!! Amanda of Dawn Correspondence sent me a really fun interview to fill out...you can see it here.

I was also featured on the Iowa Etsy Street Team blog. This blog is still new and our team is starting to become more active. I'd love for you to stop and check them out :)

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

Pretty in Pink

I found out yesterday that I am featured in this lovely Pink treasury!!! What a wonderful surprise and what a wonderful way to start the weekend!

A special thank you to hipandvintage for curating this lovely treasury!!!

Click on the photo to check it out and leave a comment :)

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

Friday Features-Weddings

With my Wedding Event tomorrow, I wanted to show off some great Etsy items involving weddings :)

And don't forget, if you're in the SW Iowa area...stop by the Rose Garden from 1-6pm for the Wedding Event!!!

Diamond Wedding Set

by LaurieSarahDesigns

(And just a note: if I ever get married...I want a princess cut diamond!!!)

Letterpress Drink Coasters

by VintageScriptPress

20 DAMASK VELLUM VOTIVE WRAPS

by BesoDesigns

BUTTERFLY WEDDING CAKE TOPPER WEDDINGS DECORATION

by BUTTERFLYBAZAAR

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

Favorite Winter Activity-Blog Carnival Submission

AliciaMae is our host this week with these two topics for our options:

1) Snowflakes - your favorite way to make them or your favorite item on Etsy featuring them

2) Favorite winter time activity/how to keep kids occupied during snow days (indoors or outdoors)

Since I am leaving next Tuesday to go on a snowmobile trip...I guess I'll choose #2 :)

I had never ridden a snowmobile until I met Jesse. One year we were skiing in Colorado (which wasn't going well at all!!!) and we decided to go rent snowmobiles. Soon after that trip, we bought our own sleds and have been riding ever since :)

We used to go on 1-2 trips each year out west to find snow. We've been to Wyoming several times, Montana and Colorado. The last couple of years we haven't been able to go and we knew we needed to get out there again this year!

We leave Tuesday for Wyoming and I can't wait! I'm so excited to get away for a while and play in the fresh powder :)

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday-Get Well Soon!

Wishing my dad the best of luck with his total hip replacement today! And sending well wishes for a fast recovery!!!

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

New Guest Book Design

As promised...I finished one of my new guest book designs this week :) I am really pleased with how it turned out!

As you can tell from my shop, I like custom work! This guest book is no different :) You can customize the front any way you like with your photo(s), names, date, or any other info you would like! You can also choose what color to use for the inner covers and whether the book has photos and message areas or simple sign-in pages!

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my OWOH Giveaway!!!

One World One Heart Giveaway

I have watched in years past as others have so generously participated in the One World One Heart Giveaway and this year I have decided to join them :)

Here is a little blurb from the founders blog so you know what One World One Heart is all about:

I created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. 2007 had roughly 85-90 participants and many connections were made because of it......friendships that are still going strong.We had a strong showing the first year for sure, and then in 2008 we had just about tripled that number. In 2009 there were 911 participants, to say I was amazed is an understatement. 28 countries were represented in the 2009 event as well.This is more than wanting to win something.......that is only the means.......in the end it's about finding kindred spirits. Someone who may be fairly new to blogging, not sure how to navigate, find others and have others find them....Some are long time bloggers and in some cases well known in the blogging community. Whatever the case it brings all of them together. This is an INTERNATIONAL event that has and had participants from the US, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Malaysia, Brazil, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, England,Wales, Slovenia and more. It transcends geographical location, socio economics, political affiliation, religious beliefs......it's a coming together like the giant community we are on this planet. If only it took a simple giveaway to create PEACE everywhere, in the mean time here we give from our hearts. We are not solving the worlds problems nor are we curing anything nor are we changing the world. We are merely generating a closer community between humans through blogging. What more could I ask for, my little idea has surpassed my wildest dreams of what it could become.

So what do you win you ask? I'm giving away my first ever Gift Certificate :)

The contest will run from today January 25, 2010 and will end on February 15, 2010 when the winner will be announced!

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment letting me know what you think of my new gift certificates and whether I should add them to my Etsy shop or not.

Please leave a way to contact you along with your comment.

Good luck to all who enter :)

Wedding Season Underway!!!

I do believe that wedding season is officially underway...or wedding planning season anyway :) Next Saturday I have a Wedding Event I am attending to show off my cool invitations and new guest book designs.

I am currently finishing up two Flip Flop Guest Books to be shipped out this week. I am also working on a couple of new guest book designs. One should be done this week...and the other might take a little longer.

I am also making invitations for two up-coming weddings. One is for my cousin and one is for my best friend :) I find it a great honor when those close to me want my work to be a part of their big day :)

I should have photos ready for you this week! And if you're in the SW Iowa area next Saturday...stop and see my designs in person :)

Organizer Idea!!!

I won this super cute Coupon Organizer from Crunchy Cute on Etsy a while back and hadn't quite figured out what I wanted to use it for yet. I clip coupons, but not enough that they need organized. But I knew I could come up with a great idea in time. After all...just having that fun fabric around is motivating!

Yesterday the idea finally came to me! I'm going to use it to organize my Delivery Confirmation slips! I know some people just throw these away when they are done with them, but I like to keep them for security and to check on later. Sometimes I like to see how long it took an item to get to a customer the last time so I know how long I need to plan the next time.

I just love that it has enough pockets for the whole year! Then at the end of the year, I can rubber band them together and use it again for next year! I'm one step closer to getting my life organized :) Thanks Crunchy Cute!!!

Friday Features-Winter Trees

The weather may be dreary lately, but the winter beauty sure does make up for it :) The trees are especially beautiful right now! You saw the photos I took in my Monday Post...now see what Etsy has to offer in the category of beautiful winter trees!!!

Slender Fresh Snow Winter White Magical Tree of Life Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant

by ccvalenzo

Winter Trees - set of 6 trees with 10 FREE FLYING BIRDS

by PopWall

Dreamscape - 8x10

by AlternateLightSource

Winter - original gouache painting - ACEO

by molMolly

Winter may not be my favorite season...but while it's here...I just as well enjoy it :)

Celebrating 2 Years!!!

That's right...I'm celebrating 2 years on Etsy!!! Actually my anniversary was yesterday...but I had such a cute picture for Wordless Wednesday I couldn't pass it up :)

I can't believe it's really been 2 years since starting on Etsy! Where has the time gone! When I started selling online, I wasn't sure what to think! I wasn't sure how to start. I wasn't sure what to charge. I didn't have any policies in place. It has been quite the journey with several changes and learning processes along the way :)

Milestones always get me to looking at numbers and statistics. I like to see my progress over the last year and make new goals for the year ahead :)

In 2008 I had 30 sales. I was happy with this and it kept me going and wanting to learn more and do more. In 2009 I had 91 sales!!! What a change! I was so happy in looking at these numbers :) My goal for 2010 is 120 sales! And I've already got 5!!! I wanted to keep my goal attainable...but I really hope it's even higher than this :)

I have reached 267 hearts :) And I hope to make it to 350 by year end!!!

I am very happy to say that I have 100% feedback :) This makes me so excited! It says that people are not only buying my products, but they are really liking what they get :) I have also set up quite the repeat customer base! Even better...people who like what they get and come back for more! Thank you to every one of my wonderful customers!!!

So what is in store for my 3rd year on Etsy?

More of everything! I want to add more Notebooks. More Simply Stunning Albums in a variety of colors and themes. More Premade Word Albums in a variety of colors and words. More choices for Custom Name Albums. More Flip Flop Albums. And I really want to start using up all the supplies that are starting to take over my scrapbook room!!!

Thank you to every one who has been on this journey with me :) I hope you will continue to follow my blog and check out my shop in the coming years!

Wordless Wednesday-Looking Through Old Pics

Meet Erika-Featured EtsyBlogger

This month's Featured EtsyBlogger is Erika from NicoDeisigns. Erika sews wonderful creations...everything from purses and diaper bags to her newest addition of dolls :)

Erika says she sews for sanity :) After being a Behavior Specialist and Special Education Teacher, she is now a stay at home mom to her 1 and 2 year olds. Her shop name comes from her middle name...and is what her dad calls her :)

Here is just a sampling of the great items you can find in Erika's shop:

Fiesta Medium Tote

Savannah the Horse Lover

Isabella Crib Shoes

Also stop by and see her blog where she discusses her latest creations as well as her latest life happenings...and see her adorable kiddos :)

Frozen Beauty

I think I've taken more pictures of trees this winter than any other time in my life...LOL! I just can't get enough of their frozen beauty!

This last week we had freezing fog almost every morning and sometimes into the afternoons. The fog wasn't so great and the roads weren't always the best...but the moisture they left on the trees made it all worth it!

I wish these pictures did them more justice...they are really a site to see :) Each morning on our drive home I just admire their beauty and remind myself that without the bad weather...I wouldn't have this beauty in my life!

Free Gift-Magnificent Presentation!!!

In December, my friend and fellow EtsyBlogger team mate Patch from PatchFirstShop had her 1st Etsy anniversary and hosted a giveaway to celebrate :) I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of a gift certificate to her shop!!!

I chose a beautiful pair of earrings that I just love!!!

But what impressed me more than the jewelry itself was the presentation of the packaging and the care and time she put into the package! I wanted to show you each piece of this wonderful gift :)

I just couldn't get over how much detail she put on the envelope! I love to get the mail...but this was over the top! She drew on the envelope and decorated it to look so cute!

Then when I opened the package, I first saw this cute thank you envelope, and in it...a surprise gift! How thoughtful is that!!!

Patch also has a supply shop where she makes and sells these great bags that her jewelry comes in. She sews them and hand embroiders the details on them! I love this color!

The earrings themselves were even in their own little container with a cute ribbon tied on top :)

I just can't get over how wonderful this package was! From the envelope to the jewelry and everything in between...Patch really thinks of her customers and puts in that extra touch to make the buying experience special :)

Thanks so much Patch!!!

Thoughts on Shipping

I finally took the plunge and purchased a scale! I'm not sure what took me so long...I guess I just wasn't sure how to go about using it and shipping with it.

Well...I shipped my first packages today using it. It was super easy! For the most part I use only one size of box...so that makes it really easy! I took these to the post office to double check that I had done everything right and I was good to go :)

In deciding whether to buy a scale or not...here is the list of pros and cons I came up with and thought I would share them with you.

Pros:

• Cheaper rates
• Free delivery confirmation
• Pickup from my postal carrier
• More convenient

Cons:

• Doubt on my part...what if I don't weigh it correctly, what if the label rips off, what if, what if...
• Where am I going to put this thing?
• How do I know which one to buy?
• How do I go about measuring odd-sized packages?
• Which options do I choose online?

In the end I think this will be a good choice :) I will probably end up buying self-adhesive labels just because I am still leery that the paper labels could get ripped if another package slides across the top of them. And I think I will still go to the post office for odd-sized packages and envelopes just to be safe.

I'm interested in knowing how you ship your packages! Do you take each one to the post office? Do you have a scale? What carrier do you use? I would also love to hear any advice you have for shipping and using a scale :)

Friday Features-Snowmobiles

If you read my blog regularly, you saw on my Wordless Wednesday post this week that we had a short snowmobile ride the other day! Jesse and I were having a great ride...until his broke down! I just think he's too hard on it...LOL!

Oh well...we've got a trip planned for February to go riding in Wyoming with some friends :) And Jesse is looking at getting a newer sled. I have to admit that it probably is about time!

So in honor of our fun in the snow...I bring you great Etsy finds having to do with snowmobiles :)

Miniature SnowMobile sign 97

by JessieRock

Snowmobiler Lip Balm--Marshmallow Mint

by atomicrose

CRAWL WALK SNOWMOBILE COOL BLACK INFANT ONE PIECE BABY BODYSUIT LONG SLEEVES SIZE CHOICE

by koolkidz

Sterling Silver snow mobile pendant charm on a 16 1/2 inch sp chain

by Hoots4u

I'm off to dream about my vacation!!!

2009 Memories-EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival

For this week's EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival hosted by BeadedTail, one of the topics we were asked to write about was: Now that 2009 has come to a close, what will you remember most about last year?

2009 was a wonderful year filled with so many wonderful memories :) I truly believe that each year just gets better! I would have to say the most memorable thing about 2009 was being laid off. Now I know this doesn't sound so wonderful, but it may have just been the best 6 months of my life!!!

I must first start off by saying that I am very grateful to be back to work now! In today's economy, jobs are hard to come by and I am very fortunate to have mine back.

That being said...I really did enjoy my time off! I was able to have a normal schedule. I was able to workout every day. I was able to take Harley on walks. I was able to meet up with friends for lunch or dinner. I was able to deep-clean my house. I was able to scrapbook ALL DAY!!! My time off was amazing and I never want to forget how much I enjoyed having my days free :)

I created this layout to help me remember.

I encourage you to find the good in a bad situation and embrace it :)

Wordless Wednesday-A Short Ride

The Red Door

Okay...so I didn't just get this painted! I'm just now getting around to getting pictures and posting it though! When we redid the house, I realized just how bad the front door looked. We took down the awning and the door was still a pinkish/salmon color that it was when we moved in. Since I knew we wouldn't be getting new doors til spring or summer, I wanted to paint the inside door to make it look a little better.

And while my parents were here, I got them to help me hang the new curtains we'd bought for the living room. We need new trim around these windows and I knew this was another thing that wouldn't be getting done any time soon, so the curtains helped to cover it up! I think they really add to the room as well :) I will NEVER buy mini blinds again! I hate those things! The curtains look so much better :)

They may only be small steps, but they make our house a home every step of the way :)

Bare Chipboard Custom Albums

Both non-scrapbookers and scrapbookers alike seem to love my Custom Name or Word Albums :) Since scrapbookers like the freedom to embellish and customize their albums on their own many times, I decided to add another Custom Album listing to my Etsy Shop.

I've taken all the work out of the process and left you with all of the fun :)

You can choose to have the album bound, or punch your own holes after you decorate it.

Happy Scrapping!!!

First Custom Albums for the New Year

I am happy to say that orders have been coming in wonderfully to start off the new year :) As a seller, you just never know how sales will be after all the holiday hustle and bustle is over. I think my Custom Name or Word Albums sell well all year because of the endless possibilities they offer :) Take these first three albums I made for example:

Custom Pet Name Album

Custom Baby Name Album

Custom Family Name Album

All three albums offer three very different choices :) There's a Custom Album for everyone and for every need!!!

New Year...New Look

I'm so excited about my blog makeover!!! Isn't it so bright and cheery :) I love how it reflects my personality and my work!!!

One of my goals for 2010 was so redesign my blog and add a 3-column layout. Well...it may not have been easy and there may have been a headache when I was done...but I got it accomplished :)

I added a new background, added post dividers, added a new header, redid my profile, removed a few widgets, added a new one, and changed to a 3-column layout all last night :) I might also add matching widget titles, but that might come at a different day!

I know many of you have already noticed my new layout and have left me wonderful comments :) Thanks so much! I'd love to hear what everyone thinks!!! Is everything legible? Do the columns look okay? Any comments or suggestions you have are all greatly appreciated :)

Have a Wonderful Saturday!!!

Friday Features-Family

After spending two AMAZING weeks with my parents, I felt a family theme was more than appropriate today :) After all...there is nothing more important in life than family!

Families are Forever -- Glass Pendant Necklace

by mydaisydreams

Folk Art Style Family Definition Sign

by RumpelstreetBoutique

DISTRESSED ''FAMILY'' BLOCK WOOD LETTERS

by AllMyLove86

Personalized Silhouette Family Tree - 11 x 14

by lepapierstudio

NEW-Custom Name Guest Books

I am always looking for new ideas and designs for my Custom Name Albums. I was so excited when a customer recently requested a Guest Book instead of a Photo Book! What an awesome idea!!!

New in my Etsy Shop...Custom Name Guest Books

These books are just like my Custom Name Albums...super cute and unique. But instead of photo mats inside, there will be lined papers for guests to sign in or leave a little message :)

Just think of the possibilities:

• Weddings
• Baby Showers
• Birthday Parties
• House Guests
• Open Houses

The best part about these guest books...you'll want to leave it out long after the special occasion is over. Most guest books get tucked away never to be seen again. Don't choose a guest book that will be stored away in a box...Choose one that will make a statement and a lasting memory :)

Wordless Wednesday-Brody Loves His Uncle Jesse