Lanatema Giveaway and Review

I would like to introduce you to my new Italian Etsy friend Alessandra,
owner of the super cute shop Lanatema. When she contacted me
about sponsoring a giveaway and review I was delighted
to find her shop full of adorable felt plushies, magnets and bookmarks.

She sent me this fuzzy little treat last week, and my refrigerator couldn't be any happier!

I love this particular design because you can center it over a face on a picture or a date on a calendar.

 

I think these little treasures would make a perfect "Thinking of You" gift,
all wrapped & ready to go.

Alessandra would like to giveaway one of her scrumptious little cookie bookmarks

to one lucky blog reader!

First, let's find out a little more about Alessandra and her brand new small business.

Q: Congratulations on starting a new Etsy business! I see you are just 21 years old. I don't think I was as entrepreneurial at that age.  Tell us a little more about yourself.

A: First of all thank you for your congrats! I opened my shop on August 2014 with curiosity, to try a new experience and to see if other people would like my creations.

I study at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera most of the day and spend every minute of free time doing something for my shop  (for example during train travels to the academy); it takes a lot of effort but it is so much fun.

Q: How did your products come to be?

A: When I create a new item, I take inspiration from things I like such as animals or little colorful objects that attract me. Once I have an idea, I draw it on cardstock. Then I copy it on felt, cut, and sew all the parts together.

I am very lucky because in my town there is an amazing fabric shop where I can buy very good quality materials (I almost live there :-) ).

Q: What do you think sets you apart from other Etsy shops? What do you want people to know about you?

A: I try to create something useful, that also makes people happy. This is the reason why many of my creations have a lovely smile. I put all my best in every stitch, in fact my family makes fun of me because they say that i'm too particular. I've made many custom orders (in particular for friends) and I am very happy to do it because it helps me to create new objects. Creating something personalized is very exciting because I can bring to life any item you can imagine.

Q: I see you've joined the Etsy Italia team. I would never have known so many Etsy sellers were based in Italy! Have you focused your efforts on sales locally or do you hope to take on the international market?

A: Yes, it is a very big team of Italian sellers; we try to help each other with suggestions or tips. I hope to take on the international market because handmade is more appreciated and valued. In Italy e-commerce isn't as widespread as in the US . Here, we prefer stalls or little shops where one can touch and see the product.

Q: Do you have any big plans for the future?

A: Yes of course :-) I would like to increase my online sales! I'd also like to have my own stall and meet people so I can show them how I make my items. But my adventure has only just begun.

Now, on to the good stuff!

We are making it super easy to enter the giveaway.

Simply visit Lanatema & tell us what you think

in a comment below!

*Bonus entry for sharing this giveaway on Facebook and tagging www.facebook.com/lanatema

Don't forget to leave your email or a way to contact you!

Alessandra would like to offer everyone a coupon for 20% off, 

now until the end of the giveaway.

Use the code 20COUPON to receive a discount off your entire purchase at Lanatema!

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews.

Visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Monday, April 20, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

Countdown to Christmas: 25 Small Gift Ideas

This change in the weather was the last kick I needed to get moving on my holiday planning. I've listed the last of the Christmas items in my shop:
Set of 25 advent bags

With each set I'll be including this list of ideas for filling them. These are appropriate for children of all ages, 3 to 103 :) (Sorry baby George, no small parts for children under 3)

Since I'm a thrifty kind of gal, you'll find many items on this list can be handmade. I've included a link to tutorials for such. I've also taken into account the size and weight. These would also makes great stocking stuffers, too!

(In photo, top to bottom, left to right)

1. Tooth brushes 

Dollar Tree

2. Scissors

$1.39 at Target

3. Stickers 

Home made with Avery Label Mailing Seals.

4. Handmade mini notebooks

These were made from old book pages. Here's a link to a tutorial similar to my method. I finished the edges with washi tape.

5. Candy Cane Pens

49 cents at Michaels

6. Magic Washclothes

Dollar Tree

7. Modeling Clay

On sale at Michaels, $1.25 each

8. Handmade Jewelry and Accessories

I made these ladybug rings with scrapbooking brads, ring backs and E-6000.

9. Hand Tattoos

Dollar bins at Michaels

(Not Shown)

10. Mini Chalkboard & Chalk

Here's a tutorial for a mini chalkboard. You can use chalkboard vinyl if you don't want to paint.

11. Washi Tape

Michaels has a good assortment, always on sale.

12. Old coins or a$2 bill

Ask for these at the bank, they always have something in their register. I'm putting mine in handmade envelopes, follow the tutorial here.

13. Pinback buttons

14. Pipe cleaners

Here's a link to fun pipe cleaner crafts.

15. Finger puppets

16. Popper fireworks or sparklers

Usually Target sells these for New Years right before Christmas.

17. Popcorn Garland Kit

I'm using a bag of microwave popcorn and red & white baker's twine. For younger children use Froot Loops. This blog has some great examples, as well as other crafty Christmas ideas.

18. A Kazoo

19. Flashilght

Harbor Freight Gives these away.

20. Silly Putty

$1 at Michaels. They even have glow-in-the-dark now!

21. Crazy Straws

My kids never tire of finding new ways to drink the same thing.

22. A Sewing Kit & Fabric Scraps

I'm not going to lie, I wish I was getting these things. Need scraps? Buy these!

23. Magnet Strips

These will keep a crafty or curious kid occupied for hours.

24. Handmade Ornaments

I just bought some clear plastic ornaments, tiny pine trees and fake snow to make "snow globe" ornaments. I'm going to try the same thing with baby food jars. Photos to come!

25. Leather notebook necklace

Because I think the grand finally ought to be awesome. This is from fullmoonn, and the price is ridiculously cheap for what it is.

Hope you find this list helpful!
Don't forget to purchase your gift bags now
to get them in time for December 1st!