Spring clutch giveaway

It's time for another giveaway.

I am launching a new spring clutch collection and am giving one of them away here.

Link to Giveaway: http://www.giveawaytab.com/mob.php?pageid=312981592045787_4862

This is the clutch that I am giving away. 

 

I am also having a sneak preview sale on my facebook page for the other new clutches I have created.
The sale is for the weekend only 3/15/13 - 3/17/13. All of my clutches are going to be one of a kind. So if you see something you like, you might want to grab it up before it sells out. You can find my facebook page here at www.facebook.com/valkinthreads

 

 

Ilikeetsy and other helpful etsy marketing tips.

I have been working lately on building up my facebook marketing and I just wanted to share a few helpful tips with everyone.

There are many articles on the web that give instructions and how to's when it comes to building your fan base on facebook and I have tried many ( with not much outcome). Recently I ran across a post on an etsy team thread about a new website called Ilikeetsy.

Ilikeetsy is a place where for a small $5.00 fee you can purchase ad space.  Once you pay this fee your ad space will forever be posted on their web page. This web page is built specifically for gaining facebook likes. It's fairly new with only a few hundred signed up but in the last three days since I joined I have already gained over 60 new fans.

The goal is to fave as many other ads as you like. The more you like the higher up you move on the ad space time line. It is very simple. I myself like the other facebook ads that relate to my industry and other things that I am interested in. I am not obligated to like anyone if I do not want to.

I would love to hear your feedback about Ilikeetsy website so please leave me your comments.

here is the link to Ilikeetsy
http://www.ilikeetsy.com/

Here is a link to a great etsy team who deal with facebook marketing. There are a lot of helpful tips on this team.
https://www.etsy.com/teams/8298/facebookmarketing

and here is my facebook page where I give out special coupon codes for fans and host awesome giveaways.
www.facebook.com/valkinthreads

Mickey Mouse crochet hat give away.

I am hosting an awesome like it, share it, win it give away on my facebook page. Just click on the highlighted facebook link any where on this page and it will take you to my fan page.

The rules are simple you must be a follower of my facebook fan page then just find the picture of the mickey hat and like it, share it leave me a comment that tells me you did and that enters you in a chance to win it. The drawing is random and is open to U.S. and international residents.

the give away will run for one week. It starts on Monday 2/25/2013 and ends on Sunday 3/3/2013 at midnight pacific time. The winner will be announced on my facebook fan page on Monday 3/4/2013 and has 48hrs to contact me with their email address so I can confirm where to ship the hat.

Here are a few pics of the prize. It is a mickey inspired hat and comes in newborn size only will fit a newborn up to 3 months.

 

 

 

Whats going on for the weekend.

The weekend is here again. I feel like the days are just flying by and with the upcoming winter I am going to have to make myself daily list to get everything accomplished.

This weekend I already have a list of things to do. Right now I am working on getting the material cut pinned and sewn on to three crochet baby blankets. I also have some new crochet baby hats and booties that I would like to see finished. I am really hoping to get pictures taken and edited for listing as well.

Thankfully I have no where but home to be this weekend so I should be able to work swiftly through my list.

I find it very taxing when you own your own craft business. Managing your time evenly between your craft and the computer tends to become a struggle. That's when my list comes in handy. Once that puppy is made I know that I have set a goal  for the projects that need to be ready for listing in my etsy shop during the week. ( I also have list to remind me not to forget everything else in life. lol)

I'm trying to get my self organized for the upcoming holiday rush in my shop. I have been stocking up on some items that were a popular seller last year. I am setting up a packaging station in my house so I can just leave my supplies all in one place. I am also going to pre-print all of the little coupon goodies and tags that I include in every package. It's important to get these things done before I'm in the middle of the mayhem.

I would love to here about what others are doing to get ready for the holiday season or drop in and let me know what your cooking up at home this weekend.

I will try to come back and get some pics posted of what my finished weekend projects look like. Hope you all have a great weekend and remember to take some time to play to.

Okay so here are a few of the things I got finished this weekend.

I finished a few more but didn't have time for pics. So untill next weekend then. hope everyone has a great week. :0)

Final Fantasy crochet Sephiroth doll.

I don't know if this is the same for most of you out there, but there seems to always be that one person that likes to put my crafting abilities to the test. For me it's my husband and then everyone else in my family.

This new craft project was a request from my husband for one of his best friends 3 year old daughter. She loves to here her dad tell her stories about Final Fantasy but in the end Cloud and Sephiroth are always friends. See Sephiroth is her favorite and she doesn't like to hear about the two fighting each other.

So I spent hours on the Internet trying to find a crochet pattern but to my dismay there isn't one. That means I had to improvise. This adorable little Sack Boy (little big planet) Sephiroth (Final Fantasy Seven) creation comes from a mix of patterns and visuals that I found on line.

I found this great tutorial on how to make a sack boy here at jellybean. She also has these tutorials on you tube where you can get a visual on how to construct these fabulous dolls. This is great but I still needed to find an idea on how to make and add the details of Sephiroth's costume.

I kept searching the Internet until I came across this website with an awesome example of a crochet Sephiroth doll. Here is the link. There is no pattern listed on this website. I used it because it helped to have something to reference so I could make sure that I was getting the look of him right.

 

(Disclaimer) *****And just to make this clear  I do *not* claim to have the rights to the character represented by my  doll.******

What to wear to a wedding.

What do you do when the clothing stores just don't have what your looking for?

I had to go to a wedding this month for a friend of mine and I wanted to find a nice dress. I thought I would hit up my local mall and be done with the shopping but to my dismay I couldn't find anything elegant enough. Every store that I went in to was a flash back to the 80's. Don't get me wrong I like some of it but when your trying to dress nice for a formal evening neon colors just wont do neither will Jersey knit.

So to solve my dilemma I went home and emptied out my pattern drawer. Yes success! I found a great pattern with a very trendy style. Now off to the craft store to find fabric (and other fun goodies).

After spending some much enjoyed time at the craft store I found the right fabric in a gorgeous plum color and a stunning black lace to really add some glamor to the dress. I also picked up some black sequined stretch elastic and made a headband to go with the dress.

When in doubt my fellow crafty ladies make it yourself.

So here is what it looked like after three days of altering the pattern and sewing it all together.

I received a lot of complements while at the wedding and it was a perfect opportunity for me to hand out some of the new business cards that I had made. I think one of the best ways to promote your small handmade business is to find ways to use your stuff when you go out. I am always making small things for my self to wear when I'm running around town. Most of the time someone will want to know where you got something so unique and when you tell them that you made it yourself they are floored.

CIJ PCFteam scavenger hunt.

For the month of July the PCFteam has put together this fantastic scavenger hunt stuffed to the gills full of prizes. There are 34 fabulous etsy shops that have each donated 2 prizes to the hunt. The rules are simple and easy to follow.

You can find all the details here http://pcfteam.blogspot.ca/2012/07/scavenger-hunt-big-prizes.html

I myself am one of the shops included in this hunt and have donated a few goodies from my shop at valkinthreads.etsy.com . So if you love wining free stuff and love to shop around on etsy come play and join in the hunt.

Halloween paper machete candy bowls.

I decided to try a fun new project for my sons to give to their teachers and principle this year for Halloween. It was simple and the paper machete bowls I made came out adorable.

The products I used to make them are as follows.

A bowl in the size desired

Plastic wrap

Pam nonstick cooking spray

Strips of newspaper and strips of printer copy paper for the outside layer.

Paint brush (any will do)

Modepodge glue or any glue desired

Paints and a clear sealing varnish

Strips of material for the outside layer of the mummy.

The first thing I did was pick out the bowl spray the outside of it with pam, and cover it in plastic wrap. I then sprayed the outside of the plastic wrap with pam. Next, I used my paintbrush to cover strips of newspaper with glue. I placed each strip in layers over the plastic wrap until every inch of the outside of the bowl was covered. Repeat this step until you have about five layers of newspaper on the bowl. For the last layer I used the printer copy paper to give it a stronger hold. When that was finished, I put it outside in the sun to dry for about 2 to 3 days.

Once the paper machete was dry I pealed it away from its base bowl. (It slid off easily because of the pam that was sprayed on it ahead of time.) I took of the plastic wrap and discarded it. Next, I used the paints to decorate, as I desired. This is the finished bowl.

                                                                  Jack Skelington

                                                                     Mummy

Vampire

I took these to the school and gave them to the teachers and they loved them. They were a hit. So on a day when you have nothing to do give it a try and see how they come out.

Whimsical Etsy Shop.

I found this adorable mystical shop while in the fourm on etsy and I just love it.JordanRou.etsy.com is a very unique shop her whimsical dolls are fantastic. They are perfect to go along with the fairy tales you read to your kids of to collect as a set. They would make great Christmas gifts for any age.

I asked JordanRou.etsy.com for a short bio and this is what she said "I make hand-sewn, ooak fantasy art dolls, and do some collage/mixed media work.

I live in NC, and am currently a college student. I have had a love for art and making things since I was very young, and was able to foster this love and really grow as an artist throughout highschool (I was home schooled - yay for free time and independent learning!). I feel like i have really grown as an artist within the past few years. I am a little new to etsy."

 

So if your looking for something unique and fresh while shoping around this holiday season please stop on over and visit this colorful fun shop. JordanRou.etsy.com 

Creative Etsy Shop !

I ran in to this shop in the etsy forums and it is just fantastic. DinosDiedOfBoredom.etsy.com has beautiful water color paintings with a unique variety of art for all taste. One of these beauties will look stunning in any home decor.

I had a chance to get a short bio from DinosDiedOfBoredom.etsy.com and this is what she said

"My etsy shop is called Dinosaurs Died of Boredom. There is a theory, called Paleoweltschmerz, which expresses a possible explanation for the extinction of dinosaurs. It claims that dinosaurs became so disillusioned with their ancient world that they died of boredom.

Creating the art in my shop are some of the things which keep that from happening to me!

I do watercolour / ink drawings of the famous and fictional.

With each painting I sell, I donate to the Kingston Animal Rescue: a volunteer-run, “no-kill” animal rescue group. "

So on top of this being a wonderful shop with awesome art to look at and buy she also donates to charity to make a difference in the world around us. So if you have a chance stop on by DinosDiedOfBoredom.etsy.com and take a look around

Special Etsy Shop Feature!

Hi I just wanted to take a moment to spot light this fantastic etsy shop CourageForKristi.etsy.com  who are doing their best to make a difference in the lives of a family that has battle with great loss.

I asked CourageForKristi.etsy.com  for a short bio about what they do in their shop and what they stand for and here is what she said. "Support Breast Cancer Awareness (October 2010)

Kristi Lowery Lim lost her battle with breast cancer last summer mere months after being diagnosed. Kristi was a dear college friend of my husband and a fellow physical therapist. To honor Kristi, and support her family, my husband has set up college saving funds for her three young daughters. Nothing will replace the loss of their mother, but we hope to help them carry on with positive memories and a successful future.

100% of all sales go to 529 State College Investment funds for Kristi's three young daughters. Items listed in this shop are donated by other generous Etsy sellers.

This is our second year honoring Kristi. Last year we blew our $300 goal out of the water by raising $1,400. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful support and love!

If you are an Etsy Artisan and interested in donating, please send me a convo!"

So please I know we all have our own daily hardships in life but if you could all take a moment and take a look into this shop CourageForKristi.etsy.com  I know there will be three children that will be very greatful for even taking the time out of your day for them. :0)

the smallest splash can cause a tidle wave.

Sweet little etsy shop!

This cute little shop I found on my twitter etsy thread the other day. She has a cute shop. I think here sachets are simply perfect for wedding gifts, baby shower gifts spa day packs for friends the gift giving option for these little beauties are endless. So take a moment and check out cleorosesachets.etsy.com for that unique little something you’ve been looking for.

I have asked cleorosesachets.etsy.com to send me a small bio about her and this is what she had to say. ”Years ago I wanted to open a little Bed and bath Boutique with beautiful things...My mother was lending a big helping hand in that direction, when she became ill and passed just 2 months later..I felt at the time I had to find a name for my shop and do this. Not being able to sleep, one early morning it hit me. Cleo Rose. My mother’s name was Rose and It was Cleo. She never liked the name "Cleo" so she did not use it. I was grown with children of my own before I knew this was her name. My aunt slipped, my mother got upset and I laughed and teased her for a long time. In addition, I think it was my mother who one early morning had helped me with this name. I could imagine her saying, “if it is good enough to tease me, then it is good enough to be your shop name". LOl The rest of the Cleo Rose Name for the shop I won't reveal. I was making designer pillows, but it cost a lot. All talent came from my mother and I give her total credit. The sachets came about from a sachet I gave to my mother many yrs ago. I sketched some ideas out. Some are still living just on the sketches for the moment. I tried hard to copy her silk flowers she made but I just did not quite have her talent. I finally, débuted them on Valentine’s Day 2003 and they were an absolute hit. I was busy for the 3 days prior to Valentine’s Day, It was crazy but exciting!!

**********************************************

I am still working on getting my shop filled and working on new designs as well!!”

Wonderful Etsy Shop

Todays great etsian featured shop is rativs.etsy.com.

She has the most adorable little crochet hats. If your looking for something to keep your little ones head warm this fall than check out her pumpkin hats. They are just the cutest. But that's not all you can get from her shop. She also sells beautiful scarves and crochet blankets as well. So when the temperature drops outside and your looking for ways to stay warm swing on by rativs.etsy.com and stock up for the winter.

I have asked rativs.etsy.com to send me a small bio about her and this is what she had to say. "I am a stay at home mom of two young boys. Have been crocheting most of my life. Love to make hats, scarves and blankets. Currently making lots of pumpkin hats for Halloween."

An Adorable Etsy Shop!

This great etsy artist has such an adorable shop. I love her cute hair accessories and to know that she was inspired by having a daughter makes it even sweeter. Her hair pins match with everything and add a flair to whatever you ware. Thank you so much Pootendatum.etsy.com for sharing your experience with us.

I have asked Pootendatum.etsy.com to send me a small bio about her and this is what she had to say. "I'm a 27 year old stay at home mom to my 7 month old daughter. I started making accessories for her when I couldn't seem to find exactly what I was looking for in stores. And I started my etsy store to share my designs with others who may be in the same boat.

My etsy store consists of accessories for any age. My hair clip designs can be worn by both toddlers and adults alike! I love to combine vibrant colors with some sparkle for that extra *pop*."

Please make sure to visit her shop for more great items being sold in her shop. :0)

An Amazing Etsy Artist

This fellow etsian does something that I have always dreamed of doing but I personally have never been able to achieve this kind of talent. In the last few days I have had the opportunity to chat with her some on the daily thread that I manage I she is a very sweet person. I wish her lots of luck in her adventure on the internet high-speed highway. I know her shop abstractive.etsy.com will do well.

I have asked abstractive.etsy.com to send me a small bio about her and this is what she had to say. “My name is Adi and painting plays an important part in my life. It has been that way for many years. I paint abstract acrylic paintings on canvas, and I also sell their prints.”

You can also find abstractive.etsy.com on face book just follow this link. http://www.facebook.com/Abstractive

I hope that you have enjoyed this etsy shop as much as I have.

Please feel free to leave comments and feedback to let abstractive.etsy.com know how well she is doing.

A must see Etsy Shop thecrochetloft

I found this cute etsy shop while running my forum thread on etsy.

 She sales one of my favorite items in her shop. (Wristlets) I just love arm warmers and her fantastic shop is stocked full of them.

If your like me and hate being cold stop on over at thecrochetloft and stock up for the winter.

I have asked thecrochetloft to send me a small bio about her and this is what she had to say. "I came up with the name thecrochetloft when my hubby and I were talking of the title he said how about crochet corner. That did not fit, but with much thought I came up with The Crochet Loft would be broader.

I have been crocheting since I was about 8 years old and loved it ever since. Nowadays there are so many types of yarn I like to experiment.

If you have any more questions contact me http://www.thecrochetloft.etsy.com/"

I have posted some photos of these awesome items please take a look

I hope everyone has enjoyed this feature. As a fellow crochet’er I am happy to have had the chance to get to meet thecrochetloft and find out a little about what goes on behind the scenes in her shop.