~Fabulously Free Giveaway: Tasteful Tatters~

Meet Emilee . . . the genius creator behind the

 Etsy shop Tasteful Tatters . . .

Where do you gather inspiration from?

"I get my inspiration from a lot of things – fashion, magazines, paintings, etc. Lately I’ve loved looking at color combos of interior design and creating a piece based off of that."

 

 Give us 2 words to describe your personal style:

 simple.

 feminine.

What are your top 3 favorite shops/online stores?

anthropolgie (of course!)

modcloth

ruche

What was the BEST handmade gift that anyone has ever given you?

"For Christmas my sister made a photo frame to put a wedding photo in and she decoupage’d book pages from the Notebook – from one of the most romantic parts of the book. It meant so much and looked so cute!"

What influenced you opening your Etsy shop?

"I had moved to a new town, didn’t know a lot of people and quite my job. I needed to keep myself busy while using a creative outlet – out came Tasteful Tatters =)"

Tell us a little bit about your creative process

"I honestly get inspiration at the most in-opportune times! Haha, I started carrying around a notebook where I could jot down ideas or make a quick sketch. From there I play around with colors and my amazing assistant and I think about what colors sell best in my shop and what I just like. From there I just make individual parts of the overall piece and then experiment the best placement and/or structure. Then, I usually make a test piece and either I wear it or give it to a friend to almost do a “test run” haha only then does it go in the shop."

What do you want others to get out of your items/shop?

 "I want girls to be able to find something that is so “them.” I love finding something that I feel like was made just for me and my taste. Women find confidence in how they appear. If you look good, you feel good. And sometimes all it takes is a white t-shirt and jeans, with just a pop of fun – like a tatter =).

I want women to feel confident in their beauty.'

What is your favorite item in your shop, or your top-seller?

"well, I LOVE my new bridal headbands “Rosebud” I seriously would wear that every day if I could. The top seller on Etsy for sure is the Countess Olenska necklace – which is another fav for me."

Besides your wonderful items in your shop, what are some of your other creative outlets/hobbies?

"I also started a branch of Tasteful Called Tasteful Treasures where I rent out vintage furniture/accessories for weddings, photoshoots, etc and I have SO much fun doing that as well – I love being a part of people’s special day."

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about you or your fabulous creations?

 "I put a lot of time and love into these little creations and I hope you love them as much as I do!"

The Giveaway:

Win this amazing piece

(soooo adorable right?!)

Must:

{follow my blog}

*Tell me the name of your fave Tasteful Tatter's item*

Extra Entries:

(seperate comments per each!)

*Fan Tasteful Tatter's FB

*Follow Tasteful Tatters on Twitter

*Follow Emilee's blog

*Fave Tasteful Tatters on Etsy

(and come back and leave your Etsy username)

Giveaway ends Friday April 22nd . . .

Open worldwide!

Good luck ladies!

(don't you just love girly Etsy shops?!)

~Weekend Relaxation . . . and a Winner!~

Happy weekend to you all!

I hope you will find some time this weekend to

 relax . . .

(I can't wait to take a bubble bath inour new tub!)

(via)

(so need one of these!)

Tub Caddy made of Reclaimed Oak from a Broken Down Hardware Store

on Etsy by Peg and Awl

KEEP CALM AND SOAK ON 8x10 Print (Oceanic Water Featured) Purchase 3 and get 1 FREE

on Etsy by Keep Calm Shop

So before I go relax some more . . .

I want to announce my Shop Odyssa winner;

via Random.org . . .

#14 . . . Ocean Dreams!!!

Congrats!

You win:

Her famous Francesca lingerie bag!

Enjoy your weekend lovies!

And if you missed Shop Odyssa check her fun bags out here

~Why today was a goooood day!~

I pretty much had a fabulous day!

Reason #1:
No work!

#2:
Slept in

#3:
Got in a hard core workout at the gym.

#4:
Awww thanks to one of my fave recent customers, The Kosek Casa has featured her purchases from my shop on her blog today here.

She bought some hooks for her lockers in my shop

Thanks hun!

I love when people are happy with their purchases:-)

#5:

Made an amazing beef stew

#6:

It was finally above 60 today, and sunny!

#7:

Finished my book (House Rules by Jodi Picoult)

#8:

Set up another meeting with a potential bride for Saturday!

Yup today was a good day!

Psssst . . . don't forget to sign up for the Sweet Spring Swap

co hosted by my girl MJ over at Teaching in Heels.

Sign up HERE!

Doooo it!

Happy Wednesday to you all!!!

~Fabulously Free Giveaway: Nikkisic~

Meet my new friend Nicole . . .

from

Happens to be crazy talented. 

Once I saw her girly scarves I was hooked!
Each scarf is unique, she uses fun vintage fabric and turns it into a beautiful new item . . .

Let's hear from this super cute chic:

Where do you gather inspiration from?

"I gather a lot of my inspiration from the 1790's, I love all the lace, ruffles and bows as well as the colors."

Give us 2 words to describe your personal style:

Classic and Girlie

What are your top 3 favorite shops/online stores?

My top favorite shops are:

Justlovelythings

She makes the most beautiful flower headbands.

Sademaycreations

Best smelling soap ever as well as candles and perfume.

Ladylike

Beautiful knitted headbands, I'm in love with her swirl flower headbands.

 

What was the BEST handmade gift that anyone has ever given you?

"The best handmade gifts are those made by my two little boys."

 

What influenced you opening your Etsy shop?

"I was actually influenced by my really good friend who also has a etsy shop. She makes the most wonderful wedding favors (Megasmiles). It seemed like such a great way to get my line out there. I figured I needed to use my fashion education and this was a great place to start."

 

Tell us a little bit about your creative process

"My creative process consists of a lot of brainstorming, most of which happens when I am laying in bed at night (bedside notebook is a plus!) I experiment with a lot of different fabrics, mixing and matching, I love it!"

 

What do you want others to get out of your items/shop?

"I want everyone that wears my scarves to get that sense of

luxury and girlie-ness.

To feel pretty and done up with such little effort. If you don't feel like wearing a necklace, throw on one of my scarves. I have fabric choices for every season. Don't like the bows, I also do flowers."

 

What is your favorite item in your shop, or your top-seller?

"My favorite items are my lacy scarves, I love the delicate vintage vibe they give off. I incorporate vintage fabrics into most of my scarves which make them one of a kind. I also love my fleece scarves! They are my top seller!"

 

Besides your wonderful items in your shop, what are some of your other creative outlets/hobbies?

"Most of my day is dedicated to my little boys ages 4 and 3. They are a fun outlet!! On my time, which is during nap time and after 9pm, I love to sew. I'm always designing some sort of garment to wear, lately I've been working on gloves. I want to carry elegant gloves for special occasions.

When I'm not sewing I love to paint."

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about you or your fabulous creations?

"I'm just thankful that I'm able to use the talents God gave me and its been such a blessing! I'm always creating something new,

This year I'm working hard to get my gloves, birdcage veils and bracelets out! Stay tuned!"

 

Ohhhh snap can't wait!

 

Ok how cute?!

 

On to the details . . .

 

THE GIVEAWAY:

Win a scarf of your choice

OR

 help work with Nicole to create your very own scarf!!!

Sweet I'm jealous already!

 

How:

Check out her Etsy shop here, and come back and tell me your fave item

Also, must be a follower here via google

 

Extra chances, seperate comments!

Fave Nikkisic on Etsy

Fan Nikkisic on FB here

Fan MBD on FB here

Blog this= TWO entries!

 

Good luck chicas!!!

 

Ends Saturday March 19th at 8 pm Pacific
Open worldwide, enjoy!!!

~Recent Scores!~

Happy Saturday!

Just a quick post while the hubby and I are watching England vs. France in Rugby on the tellie! Lol they are rough, crazy men.

I just wanted to share a few goodies I found (and bought!):

I am all about support.

Especially towards sweet, talented fellow bloggers!

1

From the sweet Anna

Check out her inspiring blog here

I scored:

Simply Stated in Soft Pink Statement Necklace $18

Love! Can't wait to wear it tonight!

2:

The lovely Cassandra from the adorable blog Moon Face

Also has this uber chic and cute shop HERE

I scored:

Wine Bottle Cozy in Pink Berry $15

Can I tell you how excited I am?!

(You can probably tell by all my exclamation points!)

I know several of you talented ladies also run your own businesses, and have lovely shops!

OR know of a fellow blogger who has a shop as well. 

Share them with us!

Promote the blog handmade love.

 

~Web Site Design Help or Advice~

Ooooooh

emmmmmm

Geeeeeee

This is hard!

So.

I have my Etsy shop, but I want my own!

So I got one!

Here

woooo hooo

Next step:

web design or find a cool template.

Sheeesh it's hard!

I'm creative . . . but I am no web designer.

So . . . if anyone has a not to expensive person, do share!

Or a great site for templates.

I've been searching and found a few, but not the perfect fit!

Some templates I am loving:

#1:

from here

#2:

from here

#3:

from here

#4:

This one here from boutique mama

and #5:

from here

hmmmm what to do.

See the problem is I just spent a bunch of moolah on the site, hosting and shop etc.

So I don't have thousands to spend on a web designer.

I know some of you creative girls out there may do this kind of thing, if so let me know!

Or if you know anyone that does, hook a girl up!

Excited to get this going, when it's in full force I will let you guys know.

Wish me luck!

And I'm open to any advice, tips, contact info, etc.

Possible shop button just made:

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend my dears!

On a good note, we just had an amazing dinner . . . more to come but I had some yucca fries and a jalapeno margarita, mmmmm!

~Fabulously Free Giveaway . . . Hosted by City of Dionne~

Here's a fun giveaway for all of you!
and some eye candy!

The lovely Dionne from City of Dionne is hosting this great Giveaway!

Most of you probably already know her from her adorable blog

and she also has a cute shop on etsy as well.

A Cupcake A Day (Photography Print)

So although some of you already know about this artist/blogger extraordinare,
here's a few fun facts:

Me: "Where do you gather inspiration from?"

Dionne: "Food. Yup food. I am a major foodie, so restaurants, cooking classes, food reality shows, they all inspire me - even when it comes to crafts and graphic design. Food is so naturally beautiful, and just by arranging it in a certain way you can really elevate things - I like to try and do that with my art too."

Simple Joys In Life (Note Card Set)

Me: "Give us 2 words to describe your personal style"

Dionne: "In my art: whimsical, playful

In my fashion sense: eclectic, accessorized"

Hydrangea Day (Photography Print)

Me: "What are your top 3 favorite shops/online stores?"

Dionne: "Anthropologie, Ruche and Williams Sonoma."

My Pretty Girl (Note Card Set)

Me: "What was the BEST handmade gift that anyone has ever given you?"

Dionne: "A lovely scrapbook that my friend made for me when I moved from Cali to Texas. It was so personal and took so much time and effort. I love it."

Cupcake A Day (Post Card Set)

Me: "What influenced you opening your Etsy shop?"

Dionne: "I love the handmade community. I found Etsy when looking for unique Bridesmaids gifts for my wedding, and then when I moved to Houston, decided to take a stab and selling my own stuff on there.
I figured that since my buying experience on there was so much fun, selling would have to be too!"

I Want to Wake up Elegant (Stitch Print)

Me: "Tell us a little bit about your creative process"

Dionne: "I love color and texture and layers. For my photography I like layering colors and light and with my illustrations I really like mixing vintage looking items with modern whimsy. Usually when I draw I think of something I want to convey - a feeling - and then let my creativity take it from there."

Drinking Sunlight (Photography Print)

Me: "What do you want others to get out of your items/shop?"

Dionne: "Custom Illustrations. People see my stuff featured on a blog or look through my sold items and want something created for them. I love custom orders!"

Giddy Weddingness (Note Card Set)

Me: "What is your favorite item in your shop, or your top-seller?"

Dionne: "I really like my card sets."

Snapshots of Life (Note Card Set)

Me: "Besides your wonderful items in your shop, what are some of your other creative outlets/hobbies?"

Dionne: "I LOVE to cook and bake. I have only been doing it for 2 years, but LOVE the creative juices that flow from it."

Tea Party Remnants (Photography Print)

Me: "Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about you or your fabulous creations?"

Dionne: "I hope that my work can bring you as much joy as creating it brings me!"

Fall In Love (Note Card Set)

 

~The Giveaway~

Win either a photography print or a super cute card set!

To enter:
Be a follower of my blog
~Tell us which lovely item in her shop you would choose~

Random winner will be chosen,
Giveaway ends December 9th at midnight PST.

Open to all worldwide!
Good luck and . . .

~Fabulously Free Giveaway by A Little Lollipop Tree~

Ohhhh do I have a fun suprise for you!

Yup . . . another fabulously free giveaway! . . .

This one is from the amazingly sweet Julie from

Her shop is full of fun party items, super cute!!!

My fave items are the cupcake wrappers, seriously adorable. No joke.

Let's find out more about this talented lady!!!

The Interview:

Me: "Where do you gather inspiration from?"

Julie: "I LOVE to create anything cute, and now that I'm a mom, it comes much easier to me to create cute things, because I try to imagine what I would love as a mom and create something perfect for others to enjoy at their party."

(pink and green party package)

Me: "Give us 2 words to describe your personal style"

Julie: "Classic and stylish"

(Cupcake Toppers - Pink Pirate)

Me: "What influenced you opening your Etsy shop?"

Julie: "I was looking for adorable decorations for my twin boy and girl's 1st birthday party. I came across items on several sites, including etsy, and thought, "I could make that and then it would be exactly the way I wanted it!" So I created items for my kids' birthday party, posted them on etsy on a whim, and was amazed when people were interested in them!"

(Ribbon Topiary, pink and green)

Me: "Tell us a little bit about your creative process"

Julie: "I've always been extremely creative. Even as a child, I was drawing, painting, playing music, and "creating" on many different levels. Now that I'm a mom, I get such a stress relief from creating cute items. I absolutely LOVE planning parties, so this shop gives me the opportunity to meld two favorites together, creating and party planning. When I create something, I try to imagine what I would want as a mom if I were hosting a party such as the customer's. Then I go for it, choosing graphics, papers, fonts, colors that all coordinate and create something perfect to meet the customer's needs."

(cupcake wrappers: bright pink)

Me: "What do you want others to get out of your items/shop?"

Julie: "I want people who order from my shop to be thrilled when they get their order. When I create something that ends up being perfect for an event I'm having, whether it be a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding shower, I am tickled pink when it turns out well. I want the customer to have the same exhilaration when they open their package and see what I've made for them."

(Owl Confetti, pink, green, brown)

Me: "What is your favorite item in your shop, or your top-seller?"

Julie: "My favorite item in my shop has to be my cupcake toppers, as they are just the cutest addition to any cupcake. However, I sell a huge number of cupcake wrappers and ribbon topiaries. I created the first ribbon topiary for my little girl's birthday party and never thought they'd sell so well, but they are just precious and people seem to love them."

(Cupcake Wrappers, silver/grey and aqua)

Me: "Besides your wonderful items in your shop, what are some of your other creative outlets/hobbies?"

Julie: "Ha! I don't have much time to do much else, between working full time, being a mom to 3 kids (a 3 year-old and 18-month old twins) and having my etsy shop. But...I love to read, garden, play the piano, and cook. So I try to have other hobbies when I have a few minutes, although there's not much time for that lately! :o) No complaints, though, as I love my life!"

(Shabby Chic Cupcake Wrappers )

 

Me: "Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about you or your fabulous creations?"

Julie: "Just that I am so thankful for this opportunity to be creative and have others get pleasure out of my creative efforts. I appreciate so much having this business and hope to build it to be better as I learn and grow."

What a positive sweet lady right?!

(Cupcake Toppers, girl, red, pink, green)

So now for . . .


The Giveaway:

Win:

$20 toward any purchase in her Etsy shop!!!

Enter:

Mandatory entry:

 *Tell us what you'd like to see in her shop*

Earn extra entries:

(separate comment per entry)

*Favorite A Little Lollipop Tree on Flickr*

*Become a fan of A Little Lollipop Tree on Facebook*

*Heart A Little Lollipop Tree's Etsy shop*

*Be a follower of my blog (new and old!)*

*Fan Memory Bean Designs on Facebook*

(This Giveaway is open to U.S. citizens only)

~Winner will be chosen next Wednesday 9 p.m. Pacific~

Ready, set, WIN!!!

(Mmmmmm I'm craving a big cupcake with a mound of frosting right now! Hee hee