Sunday, December 21, 2014

Giveaway from Bownanza Utah: Crochet Hat with Flower


Win this beautiful Crochet Hat from Bownanza Utah

One crochet hat - Stretchy, infant or toddler to adult size, usually fits age 2 to small adult. Easily fits any bow and a cute as a photo prop or winter accessory! Coordinating flower included.


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

Number of winner: 1 (One)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. The contest starts now and ends on January 5, 2014. The contest opens to US and Canada (Free Shipping to the US). 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. The contest winner will be drawn on January 6th. The 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. The 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 giveaways here. Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway? Here is how to apply.


Saturday, December 20, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Bownanza Utah

Meet Jeanette, our Saturday Artisan!
Jeanette is the artist and shop owner of Bownanza Utah.

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

I am a SAHM of 4 kids 8 and under. I started making hair clips for my daughter when she was 2 and love it! I like making creative clips called ribbon sculpture the best! I also have flowers, and headbands, and just started making bottlecap necklaces! I love to craft, and I love that I can help earn vacation money for my family while I am home taking care of the kids.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

I liked the spin on Bownanza, and when I googled it, it came up with a bow hunting website, so to set my shop name apart, I added the Utah, since I was living there at the time. Meanwhile I moved back to Arizona where I grew up, and now i am not sure what to do with the Utah part, but at least it can help me be found!

Who is your target market?

Most of my items are for baby to about age 10. But I do have some things targeted at women (amazing feather clips) and a few boy items (neckties and shoes)




Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I like making new things.  there is something exciting about making it for the first time, and getting it right. I also like taking pictures of them, I think my kids make pretty cute models!

What is your best seller?

Everyone loves flower hair clips, and everyone loves Minnie mouse and princesses!

How does your day go in general?

I actually have a huge inventory and don't craft too often, usually only when I get an order, or have a show. I always make two of whatever i am making, so that I have extra! I spend most of my day taking care of my kiddos! (cleaning, shopping, playing, feeding, taxi etc)

What sets you aparts from your competitors?

Unique products! And great prices


What does handmade mean to you?

I make the majority of my items, particularly the ribbon sculpture items. Alot of care goes into making these, and I consider it art - it takes time, skill, sometimes burned fingers or redoes, and hopefully the customer will appreciate the care that goes into each product!


Don't forget to check out Bownanza Utah's Facebook Page!


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


Sunday, November 2, 2014

Giveaway from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories! : $10 Store Credit



Win $10 Store Credit from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories!


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


Number of winner: 1 (One)



a Rafflecopter giveaway


NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. The contest starts now and ends on January 5, 2014. The contest opens to US and Canada (Free Shipping to the US). 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. The contest winner will be drawn on January 6th. The 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. The 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 giveaways here. Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway? Here is how to apply.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Saturday Artisan: W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories!

Meet Jodi, our Saturday Artisan. Browsing her shop, W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories!, is like coming in to a candy shop. :-)

I love her creations, so bright and cheerful. She is so good in putting colors together. Each creation is eye candy. 


  

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

Hello!  I'm Jodi, the designer behind W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories!  I'm a north Florida native, have been married to my husband for 6 years and am mom to a five-year-old girl and two-year-old boy.  I've been making jewelry for almost a year and a half.  I'm a DIY junkie and on more than one occasion have thought to myself "I can do that".  My creative spark is ignited when the projects that I've challenged myself to make come to fruition.


W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories specializes in fun and colorful chunky jewelry for children and adults. Chunky beaded necklaces and bracelets are great statement pieces. They can be designed to complement any outfit or theme. So versatile, they can be worn on holidays, for photo shoots, for playing dress up, or as an every day accessory.




What is the story behind your shop name?  

In 2012, I was invited to join a hair bow swap group, and got hooked on making hand-sewn yo yo flower hair clips and fabric-covered button ponytail holders.  When an opportunity came up to participate in a holiday craft fair, my new “business” needed a name.  W(e)il'd Hair originated as a play on my last name, Weil.


I really enjoyed making hair clips, except for the necessity of the hot glue gun.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist and found the glue gun frustrating. I constantly anticipated burned fingertips and big globs of glue everywhere.  However, I still had the desire to create and knew I needed to find something else to fuel my passion.  Enter chunky necklaces!  In 2013, with the shift in focus from hair to jewelry, W(e)il'd Hair became W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories. 



Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I'm truly passionate about the design process - arranging and rearranging beads until they are each in the perfect place - I step back and say to myself "Yes, that's IT!"  


How do you balance your personal and work life?

No two days are alike.  I have two young children, a kindergartener and a preschooler, who attend two different schools and have two different drop off and pick up times!  Driving to school and picking up, lunchtime, naptime, household tasks - work time gets fit in among all these things!  It's definitely hard to balance and I'm still trying to figure out the most efficient way to get it all done.



Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Be sure to take beautiful pictures and describe your items as though YOU are the one who is looking to buy them.  When you're posting tags, use 2-3 word phrases and think about how you would search for your product as though you were the consumer.  Don't be discouraged if you get your shop loaded up with your awesome items and don't get views right away.  It takes a lot of time and effort to market your products, but it's well worth it when you start seeing sales!



What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means I'm sourcing all my supplies, coming up with unique and original designs, assembling my products, photographing, editing, marketing and listing them all on my own.  Handmade is often one of a kind. 



If you could invent a machine, what would it be?   

Robot housecleaner and chef



Find Jodi at many different social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeildHair
Instagram: http://instagram.com/weildhairandaccessories
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/WeildHair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeildHair
Website: http://weildhair.weebly.com/



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

Friday, October 31, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 6

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?


Julie and Blu's host Countdown to Christmas Link up on a weekly basis. Week 6 post can be found 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. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.

This week there were 62 items to promote. 

This week I'm going back to the traditional Red and Green Holiday colors. Check them out! Please click on the pictures for more details.


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. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog this weekend for Week 7.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Blessings


Happy Sunday!



I thought today I share this wonderful song by Laura Story called "Blessings". I stumbled upon it when I was trying to find some Christian songs and Youtube has Laura Story as one recommended artists to check out. I am so glad I did. She is an amazing singer and her songs are uplifting. 

We are often consumed by fears that we would not be able to overcome trials of life and sometimes we wonder why He let those to happen.

This song Blessings has beautiful meaningful lyrics, very encouraging. 


"Blessings"


by Laura Story


We pray for blessings, we pray for peaceComfort for family, protection while we sleepWe pray for healing, for prosperityWe pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

And all the while, You hear each spoken needYet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain dropsWhat if Your healing comes through tearsWhat if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hearWe cry in anger when we cannot feel You nearWe doubt your goodness, we doubt your loveAs if every promise from Your word is not enough

And all the while, You hear each desperate pleaAnd long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain dropsWhat if Your healing comes through tearsWhat if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray usWhen darkness seems to winWe know that pain reminds this heartThat this is not,This is not our homeIt's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain dropsWhat if Your healing comes through tearsWhat if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this lifeIs the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this lifeThe rain, the storms, the hardest nightsAre your mercies in disguise



Have a blessed Sunday!

Thursday, October 23, 2014

2000 FB Likers Milestone

Whoot Whoot! We've reached another milestone. Adore By Nat has over 2000 likers now. 

THANK YOU so much for all your support throughout these years. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. 

So, to celebrate this milestone, I am offering 30% off on any order placed now until the end of the month. Have you gotten your Christmas tags? Planning for a baby shower, a birthday, or a wedding? Plan early and save! 

30% off sale includes custom orders. Use coupon code 2KFBFAN on either of my shops: 
Adorebynat on Artfire or Adorebynat on Storenvy.



Thank you again for supporting small business! 

Xoxo, 
Nat :-)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 5

The counting down continues as the clock is ticking. There are only 62 days until Christmas. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?


Julie and Blu's host Countdown to Christmas Link up on a weekly basis. Week 5 post can be found 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. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.

This week there were 77 items to promote. The number continues to increase and that's a good thing :-)  

This week I'm choosing handmade products with a touch of pink. Check them out! Please click on the pictures for more details.


36 Cute Fairy Stickers Labels from 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. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog this weekend for Week 6.


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Giveaway from Curlitude: "Journey" Multicolor Pendant Necklace

Win a "Journey" Multicolor Pendant Necklace from Curlitude.

This beautiful necklace worths $25.00.

Learn more about Najeema, the artist behind this great shop, here on last Saturday Artisan post.


Number of winner: 1 (One)


a Rafflecopter giveaway



NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on November 3, 2014. Contest opens Worldwide. 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 November 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?

Here is how to apply.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Curlitude

Meet Najeema Iman of Curlitude, our Saturday Artisan.

Curlitude is a handcrafted jewelry and accessories company that strives to create one of kind wearable art to accent natural beauty and style and made in the USA.

I love the tribal and ethnic look of her creations. The fun colors and shapes draw me to keep clicking each link to see them more in details.

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 stay-at-home mother of two who has always loved all things art. The majority of my work is uniquely created from multiple layers of paper.  My inspiration comes from all around, but I absolutely love all types of tribal prints.  


What is the story behind your shop name?  

Curlitude is an expression of loving your authentic self, it was created to encourage people to embrace their natural beauty and style.


Who is your target market?

My customers range from as young as 10 to as old as 70, everybody can rock a little curlitude.



Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

Coming up with new designs, patterns, the feel of the materials in my hands.



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

I am native Detroiter, though I was born in Queens, New York I lived in Detroit all of my life. I am city girl by nature, currently living in Lansing, the capital of Michigan.  I may live in Lansing but my heart will always be in Metro Detroit, where I do the majority of my shows.

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

I like to keep it simple. Pop Classics are my earrings that are inspired by vintage pop culture icons, Necklaces, Rings, Bangles, Bracelets, and Hair Accessories coming soon.


What is your best seller?

Pop Classic Icon Earrings



How does your day go in general?

Drop the kids off at school, clean up around the house, and create.




How do you balance your personal and work life?

I don't balance well, but I am working on it.


What inspires you?

Everything.


What sets you aparts from your competitors?

I have a little something for everyone. I love color no matter what time of year it is.


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

To become more organized, create new products using recycled and vintage materials. I would also like to continue to connect with my previous customers.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Promote, Promote, Promote. Have great pictures and a wide range of products.



What does handmade mean to you?

Not mass produced unique one of a kind wearable arts and crafts.

If you could invent a machine, what would it be?

A machine that could connect to my brain and create all my designs in an instant.

You can find Najeema here:


www.instagram.com/curlitude
www.twitter.com/curlitude
www.facebook.com/curlitude
www.curlitude.tumblr.com 


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

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 4

The fun continues! I participate Julie and Blu's Countdown to Christmas Link up on a weekly basis. Week 4 post can be found 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. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.

This week there were 71 items to promote, yay!  

This week I'm choosing handmade products with some blues and greens. Check them out! P

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. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog this weekend for Week 5.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Instagram Giveway






I'm teaming up with 6 other shops for a fun Instagram GIVEAWAY


Enter to win $5 store credit from each shop above. 
All you need to do is to follow us :-)

To enter, go to http://begangstress.blogspot.com/

This giveaway ends on October 20th at 9pm EST.

Good luck, everyone!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 3

I'm joining Julie and Blu in their fun Countdown to Christmas Link up. Week 3 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. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.


This week there were 69 items to promote, yay!  


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. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog this weekend for Week 4.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 2

Christmas day is getting closer. It's now 84 days left until Christmas. 

I'm joining Julie and Blu in their fun Countdown to Christmas Link up. Week 2 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. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.


This week there were 77 items to promote, yay! The promotion task may seem daunting but I think everyone who participates agree that this task is rewarding. 

This week I'm highlighting those handmade items that has white and silver. I just love the varieties of products I found: jewelries such as necklace and pendant, bracelet, earrings, handmade greeting cards, handknitted dishcloth, crocheted lace, lampwork beads and Christmas platter. Please click on the pictures for more details.



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. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog for Week 3.

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.