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.

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: LaNae from Crumbles Cookie Factory

Another Giveaway?

Yes, Indeed!

Lucky for you, Mari from Hobbies from The Heart

mentioned Crumbles Cookie Factory in her giveaway post.

When I let LaNae know about the feature, 

she said she'd love to host a giveaway, too!

For this giveaway one lucky winner 

will receive a package of Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

from Crumbles Cookie Factory!

Buy it here

Here are just a few of the items

I had the pleasure of sampling:

Caramel Candy Brownies

Buy it here

These are not your average, everyday cake like brownies.

These rich, delectible treats are dense and full of true cocoa flavor.

The caramels are like a fun little surprise.

Warm these suckers up for just a few, and they'll melt in your mouth!

TwinkleCream Pumpkin Sandwiches

Buy it here

This was the first thing that caught my eye,

I'm a sucker for pumpkin and nuts.

While the nuts are optional, I highly recommend ordering with

as they are the perfect match for the buttery filling.

The cake is just perfect, need I say more?

Let's get to know the genius behind these creations

while I tempt you with a few more pics:

Crumbles Terrific Toffee

Buy it here

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I grew up with my mother the artist ( painter ) she also baked and cooked from scratch! She taught me baking at an early age, fast forward to cake decorating classes, and decorating cakes for weddings. My obsession then became decorating cookies, thus Crumbles Cookies on Etsy.

Q: 790 sales in less than 2 years? In edibles on Etsy that's incredible! Did you ever see yourself taking it this far, online?

A: I did have plans to take it this far, however, I am still surprised that it happened so quickly on Etsy.

Guinness Beer and Pretzel Marshmallows

Buy it here

Q: In a category like this, it is really hard to stand out from the crowd. What do you think sets you apart from other sweet shops?

A: I feel you need to stay true to yourself and your own artistic abilities, use the freshest, highest quality ingredients and don't compromise. Good photos also help, because online it is all about the visual.

Q: Which is your favorite creation? Are the recipes your own?

A: My fav is the 3D Peach cookie- they were inspired by a recipe I got from a Victorian Magazine years ago and I have been baking ever since. Most of the recipes are my own, some are inspired by mentors such as Martha Stewart and the like.

Q: I imagine in baking, consistency is key. I imagine you must run a very tight ship. Do you do this all from your home kitchen? Do you have any help?

A: I do certainly feel that consistency is most important and we have to stick to a tight schedule. My husband and son help tremendously with the shipping and business end. We are looking into a commercial kitchen at the moment, and maybe our own bakery someday.

3D Summertime Peach Cookies

Buy it here

Q: What is your busiest time of year? 

A: Christmas is the busiest. 

Q: Do you sell locally? Have you sold any huge orders? Special events?

A: Many friends and family keep us busy locally. I'm doing 250 mini red velvet whoopie pies for a wedding in just a couple weeks. We have supplied many a wedding, including a 'Georgia Peach' wedding thru Etsy with my afore mentioned 3D Peach Cookies!

Q: Do you take custom orders?

A: Yes, I welcome custom orders and have done many.

Q: I hear you make dog treats, too. Be honest, do they taste as good as people treats (in other words are they shareable?!)

A: My doggie treats are 100% shareable...I have one friend who has to eat one every time he smells them baking :) They are just not sweet like the human cookies.

Stirrup Steak Dog Cookies

Buy it here

(See more from Dog City Bakery)

Q: Just for fun, name a few of your favorite Etsy shops.

A: A few of my fav Etsy shops are my Mom's shop Dragonfly Studios 74, my friend Michelle's vintage clothing shop KnowItAllGrrrl, my cookie friend on Esty Aymee, the cutest decorated kids cookies Wacky Cookies, and I almost forgot a great silhouette artist I love Tina Tarnoff.

Q: Would you like to offer my readers an exclusive coupon code?

A: Use coupon code MELSBLOG15 to receive 15 % of of your order!

Follow Crumbles Cookie Factory on 

Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy to stay up to date on the latest.

Hungry yet? Thought so!

Go buy yourself something already.

Before you know it, something delicious will be

waiting on your doorstep.

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)

and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Add Crumbles Cookie Factory to your 
favorite shops on Etsy 
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

3. Leave a comment about your favorite item 
from Crumbles Cookie Factory.

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 22th 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! 

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 25 Just Crumbs

My want cookie :)

Okay, this is like the deal of the century!

I don't always share those, especially if it's a OOAK item..okay, yes I do.

But these can be made in endless quantities!

I'm talking about these beautiful cookies from Just Crumbs:

Buy it here

You might as well get these for me, while you're at it!

Buy it here

I totally want these for the kids:

Buy it here

Great...it's the middle of the night and now I'm hungry...

Come faster, Christmas!

Me want Just Crumbs.

Giveaway Sponsor #6: rec1008

I think you're going to love what I saved for last.....dessert! One lucky winner will receive a dozen cookies with the design of their choice made by Rebecca from rec1008 AKA Canvas Cookie Co.

Which will you choose, the suspense is killing me! Will it be the bay onesies featured in our New Beginnings Giveaway photo?

Buy it here

The best seller, Rebecca's favorite - the artist palette's?

Buy it here

Okay, seriously...these elephants are killing me:

Buy it here

Rebecca and I share a love for french macarons. Read on:

Q: When did you begin your craft?

A: I began decorating (sugar cookies specifically) fairly recently. I saw some online almost two years ago, and because I am an avid baker and amateur artist, I decided to try them. I have been obsessed ever since! :) I love the artistic aspect of decorating and I am continuing to learn and improve my skill set all the time. 

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My favorite shop on Etsy is sparkleskitchen, she specializes in making french macarons. Her macarons are absolutely beautiful (and delicious) and I've been inspired to take on the task of learning how to make these gorgeous little treats from browsing her shop often! 

Q: What is the best business decision you ever made? Worst?

A: I think the best business decision I've made so far is to get my own website, which has yet to launch, but will very soon! The worst business decision I've made has probably been underestimating the cost of shipping; I unfortunately had to raise my shipping costs very shortly after opening my shop.

Q: What advice do you have for new sellers?

A: My advice for new sellers on Etsy would be to take great pictures for their listings. I've heard so many people say that but I guess there's a reason for it; it's true! I know when I browse Etsy, I am instantly drawn to the listings with better photos every time.

Q: What are your future plans for your Etsy shop?

A: Future plans for my shop include more sweet items to choose from, the addition of several varieties of gourmet cookies, and possibly other bite-size treats and confections.

Click here to follow Rebecca's on Facebook. I'll be sure to post Canvas Cookie Co.'s website when it goes live!

I can't believe the giveaway is almost over! Don't forget about the 10% off coupon code going on through tomorrow, MODERN10.

Thanks Rebecca. Love the cookies, love the kindness, love you!

-Melanie