The End is Near!

No, I'm not predicting the end of the world.

Just reminding you about the Etsymom treasure hunt

and Christmas in July Sale!

I'll give you a hint for the treasure hunt

(which really couldn't be any easier)

You'll find a little something on this link.

Both the treasure hunt and the Christmas in July Sale

end Sunday, July 22nd.

In my shop you'll receive

15% by using the code ESTYMOMCIJ at checkout.

Thought I'd show you my latest items while I'm at it!

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Remember the Artist and Giveaway: Mari from Hobbies from the Heart

Remember my friend Mari from Hobbies from the Heart?

Mari gave away a $15 gift certificate 

in what has been one of the most popular giveaways on this blog!

I can feel the excitement building already.

Yes, Mari is doing it again!

You'd better sit down for this one.

She's giving one lucky winner

a $20 gift certificate!

Buy it here

For those of you familiar with Hobbies from the Heart

$20 is like $1,000,000 over there.

Mari has the best deals around on craft supplies such as

twine, tags, and paper cutouts.

Mari turned me on to a lot of my favorite products,

and gave me some great ideas for my shop.

Not only is she talented, she's very kind and obviously generous.

I can't wait to show you some things from her shop!

Buy it here

Q: Your giveaway was one of my most popular of all time! 

Why do you think your products appeal to such a wide variety of readers?


A:

I think this might be because of the variety of items I offer. 
I have things for “DYI’ers” but I also sell other things already made for a variety of occasions, 
such as seals/stickers, tags, twine, etc. Who doesn't love doesn't love stickers? 

Buy it here

Q: As we know, you are a busy lady! 

What have you been up to lately, other than running a fabulous Etsy shop?

A:

Yes. I’m about to finish my Masters degree this summer and I’ve been very busy finishing experiments and working on my thesis defense. It has been one of the busiest semesters ever with the juggling work/baby/house/etsy, and everything in between. The good thing is that hard work pays off (and having a supporting husband too!). We’ll be moving to Wisconsin later this year and I will be starting my Ph.D in Neuroscience next summer. Yay! 

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Q: What is your favorite item to make? 
A:

Seals/stickers are my most favorite things to make. I love working with the customer to come up with custom designs for their special occasion or business. (Ps. There are a lot of creative people out there!)

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Q: Any new products coming in the near future?

A: Well, since I will be moving in the Fall, I might want to do some “de-stash” sales to get rid of extra “stuff” I don't want to take with me to WI. I might also create new seal designs, and such, but I haven’t much time to plan right now given that all of my attention is on my thesis right now. 

Buy it here

Q: Just for fun, what are a few of your recent favorite Etsy stores? 

Bought anything amazing lately?


A: I actually love shopping on etsy for me, and my family either through this account or another one I have. One of the last few things I ordered was this cute mustache seal 

that I’ll probably be using to create some neat stuff soon.
I also ordered some time ago these super unique little earrings which I wear almost all the time.
And of course, everyone deserve a little treat, and these smores are just that… they are AMAZING (I’ve also tried her chocolate chip cookies and they are pretty good too!) 

Ready to win? Let's do this!  

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Add Hobbies from the Heart to your favorite shops on Etsy 
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

3. Leave a comment about your favorite design(s) 
from Hobbies from the Heart.

Best of Luck!

Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already, 

and READ THE FINE PRINT

Fine print:

Only 3 entries per household please

Giveaway ends June 15th at midnight PST

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Entries will be validated

Winner will be announced here

Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

Otherwise open to everyone! 

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Nil from Nakpunar

It has been WAY too long since I hosted a giveaway.

Better late than never, right?

Next up is a lovely item from Nil.

Nil runs 4, going on 5, Etsy shops:

Nakpunar

ILoveYoYo

ILoveYoYoWedding

ILoveYoYoDIYFlowers

NakpunarButtons

Nil has kindly agreed to give one lucky winner
a tutorial and a set of 100 pre-cut fabric circles, everything you need to make your very own appliques!

Buy it here

Buy them here

The very talented featured artist, Nil sent me a pincushion from Nakpunar for review:

Buy one here

I've never seen anything like it!

This is not your run of the mill tomato pincushion, these have got pinache!

Nil send the royal blue pincushion on the bottom left, the color really pops.

I can't wait to put it to use :)

You've just got to run over and check out Nil's stores.

First of all, I don't think I know a single other seller with so many shops. 

I can hardly keep up with 1 store, let alone 5.

Are you trying to make us look bad? Just kidding ;)

It actually made me think about opening a second shop....

If you're looking for a supplier, Nil most likely has what you are looking for.

Nakpunar is all about pincushions, threads and ribbons.

Buy it here

ILoveYoYo has pre-made appliques galore, from silky satins to crocheted flowers.

Buy these here

ILoveYoYoWedding sells a combination of everything with a focus on weddings.

If you are looking for pre-made accessories and gifts, this is the shop for you.

Buy it here

ILoveYoYoDIYFlowers is all about making your own appliques.

This is what originally drew me to Nil in the first place.
I'm dying to try the flower applique tutorial!

Nil has a great variety of pre-cut fabrics and various other supplies.

Buy it here

 Have I put you in the mood to craft?? Thought so!

If you haven't already, head on over and check out the stores:

Nakpunar
ILoveYoYo
ILoveYoYoWedding
ILoveYoYoDIYFlowers
NakpunarButtons
Let Nil know I sent you!

It's Giveaway time!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. "Heart" any or all of Nil's stores on Etsy (links above)

and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

3. "Heart" an item or 7 from one of Nil's shops (links above)

and leave a separate comment about it.

Nil would also like to offer my readers an exclusive coupon code.

Receive 5% off your entire purchase from any of Nil's shops

using coupon code BLOGFEATUREMARCH at checkout!

Best of Luck!

Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already, 

and READ THE FINE PRINT

Fine print:

Only 3 entries per household please

Giveaway ends March 20th at midnight PST

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Entries will be validated

Winner will be announced here

Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

Otherwise open to everyone!

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Winnie from Chickydoddle

I finally feel like I'm getting to know you.

One thing I know for sure, ya'll are crafty!

Which is why I know you are going to love this giveaway from Chickydoddle!

Winnie has graciously agreed to give one lucky winner:

Buy it here

the Matchbox Stamp Set of their choice

AND 

Buy it here

a Roll of the Washi Tape of their choice from Chickydoddle!

Yeah, so, I'm a little addicted to washi tape, and Winnie totally fed my addiction! She sent me 14 rolls of washi tape AND an envelope template. Of course, I immediately put them to work! 

First, I made a set of three washi tape "bunting" cards:

Buy it here

Some of you may remember awhile back I put up a mini envelope tutorial.

I made my own pattern, printed it on to cardstock and cut it out.

Well guess what, I've used those templates so much they've changed shape!

Winnie could not have sent the envelope template at a better time!

SOOOO much easier, check this out:

Buy it here

There is SO much more to see in Winnie's shop. Let's have a look whilst getting to know her :)

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

Buy it here

A:  My name is Winnie.  I'm a mother of 2 little kids ages 6 and 9.  I'm an expat from Hong Kong and my husband is an expat from Canada.  I was in the Information Technology field for over 10 years.  I became a stay at home mom after my first child was born. Now that the kids are a bit older, I decided to pursue a job that I can work from home and help supplement my family's income. I make jewelry as a hobby and I love unique stationery and craft supplies. 

Q: How did you get started on Etsy?

A:  I started on Etsy after I've accidentally came across the site while searching for supplies to make jewelry.  My first shop on Etsy is called "The MaKuCollection" where I sell my jewelry creations. 

I started my "Chickydoddle" shop earlier this year to bring craft supplies from Asia to the USA so we'll have a broader variety of products to choose from for our arts and crafts creations. 

Q: What do you think sets you apart from other suppliers on Etsy?

A:  I think what sets my business apart from other suppliers is that I donate a portion of my profit to public schools and non profit organizations. I've helped some local public schools to get books, overhead projectors, technology based learning equipment, etc.  I've also run fundraisers for my local YMCA.

Q: I've noticed you sell a few handmade magnets in your shop. Any other

hidden talents?

A:  I love to create!  Other than my Domino magnets and jewelry, I also create wooden photo cubes which I mount photos on hand stained 6x6 or 8x8 wooden cubes that can be used as wall hangings or self standing

decor. 

Buy it here

Q: What is your favorite item in your shop?

A:  I love everything I sell.  To pick one particular group, I think the Japanese Washi Tapes would be my favorite.  I'm addicted to them.  You can do so many things with this beautiful tape.

Q: Any new items in the works?

A: I have made some new Domino magnets that I'll list very soon and I'm going to sell full rolls and sets of the Japanese Washi tapes later on next month.

Buy it here

Q: What is the best compliment your shop has received?

A: My customers have been wonderful!  Their feedback always puts a smile on my face.  They love my products and the great customer service I provide.  Here is customer comment: "Now here's a dedicated

seller who goes the extra mile to give top notch customer service. And her inventory is simply smashing!"

Buy it here

Q: Just for fun, where do you like to shop on Etsy?

A: Some of my personal favorites are imeondesign, beadandribbon, and NzLbags.

Are you ready to win some fabulous crafting supplies? Alrighty then, get to work...okay not literally, it's SO easy:

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Heart Chickydoddle or an item from their shop

and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item(s).

It's that easy!

Oh yeah, and so are all my giveaways, so check them out!

Good luck :)

Fine Print:

Only 2 entries per household please
1 winner will be chosen October 10th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Mari from Hobbies from the Heart

Please welcome my new favorite Etsy shop owner, Mari from Hobbies from the Heart!

I see a lot of new favorites in Mari's future, once you all see what she's giving away!

Mari has kindly offered to give one lucky winner a 

$15 gift certificate to Hobbies from the Heart!

Trust me, $15 will go a long way there!

Buy it here

First things first, let's get to know your new best friend, Mari:



Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: Well, I am originally from Puerto Rico, born and raised.  I moved here to San Diego a little after high school and have been here ever since.  More importantly, I’m a mom to a wonderful, full-of-energy 16-month-old girl, and a wife to the most amazing husband a woman can have. (Really!) They are both my life! Besides that, I’m a full time graduate student and work part time in a psychopharmacology lab (at school) doing research. I opened my etsy shop as a way to express my creativity and take a break from books and journal articles :)  

Q: What inspired you to sell crafting supplies?

A: As a little girl we didn’t have  a lot of extra money, but one way I was able to show people how much I cared for them was by making cards for them on special holidays/occasions.  I loved it, but I kind of forgot about till around my daughter’s 1^st birthday.  As I was looking for ideas to plan her first birthday, I realized that I could make most of the décor myself. I started by buying 2 paper punches to create the cupcake toppers and the rest is history.

Mari's Craft Room

Q: It looks as though you make quite a bit of the stuff in your shop, so creative! How did you learn to make your products?

A: Most of the ideas for my handmade products came spontaneously. The few times I am in my craft room not putting an order together, I just start creating as I go. I really enjoy those times, but I do not get them too often.

Q: What is the most popular item in your shop?

A: As you probably already guessed, baker’s twine is my most popular item, followed closely by tags, my handmade stickers, and vintages cutouts. By the way... I am getting 3 new colors of bakers twine coming next week and I’m pretty excited about it.

Buy it here

Q: Your prices are ridiculously reasonable! How do you manage that?!?

Buy it here

A: I ask this same question everyday. To tell you the truth, I haven’t had a chance to sit down and review how much I should really charge for some of my products. I’m currently just going by what I see other people charge. I truly started this shop as a hobby, not expecting to make much money other than at least getting back what I’ve spent on materials. However, I’m hoping it will transition to more of a “real” business before the end of the year.

Buy it here

Q: You've only been open a short time, and yet you've been very successful. To what do you attribute your success?

A: I do not know. Perhaps it is the prices, or the fact that everyone loves baker’s twine and paper as much as I do.

Q: Do you have any advice for new sellers out there?

A: I guess, my advice would be to not get discourage if you don’t sell right away. It takes time to get noticed in this sea of amazing artist that is Etsy. I got soo happy when i got my first sale (it was ridiculous how much jumping up and down i did. lol).. and then I didn't sell anything until a month or so, but again. I started selling baby girl headbands and i only had about 5 things listed (silly uh?!) but you have to start somewhere.

Q: What are your future plans for your shop?

A: Well, I will be adding a few more supplies and hopefully try to keep a systemic posting on my blog/facebook/twitter.  I also want to add more handmade items that I personally do like the scrapbooks I make as well as other random ideas I have bouncing around in my head. (It is so much to keep up with and so little time). I have high hopes though.. ;)

Buy it here

This is one of those times when if I could, I'd put up a picture of everything in the shop! I seriously love it all. Mari sent me samples of her twine, washi tape, stickers, dollies, & tags. I can't even "tag" them all because she sent me so many!It was like Christmas in August when the package arrived. Mari individually wrapped every item she sent!

It didn't take me long to put them to use. Here's a first look at some mini notebooks I used the striped washi tape for (just listed in my shop):

Buy it here

Mari's handmade item and supplies are SO inspiring! I have so many new project ideas. You, too? Well get shopping already! Start with Mari's Etsy shop.

Bonus Alert! Mari is offering my readers an exclusive coupon code! Use the code MODERN10 at checkout to receive 10% off your entire purchase! That really is an incredibly good deal, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to resist it.

 Don't stop there! I highly recommend her Facebook and blog where you'll find more fun filled crafting ideas :)

And, of course, don't forget to enter the giveaway!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. "Like" Hobbies from the heart on Facebook
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


3. "Heart" Hobbies from the Heart on Etsy 

and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

4. Follow Mari's blog

and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

Don't Forget about the Other Great Giveaways!

Good luck!

Fine Print:

Only 4 entries per household please

1 winner will be chosen September 6th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

Buy it here