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.

Giveaway and Review: Hobbies from the Heart

Two of my all time favorite Giveaways were from Hobbies from the Heart.

Here's a link to the first, and the second.

It's how I met my very first Etsy friend, Mari!

Of course, she wants to do another giveaway!

And this time it's a choose-your-own-adventure Gift Certificate for $20.

 

You can buy like 1 million things from Hobbies from the Heart for $20, I'm not kidding. Okay maybe a little less than 1 million. But seriously.

So, I love Q&A because people are awesome, especially Mari!

Q: What have you been up to since your last feature?

A: Hi Melanie. It is so nice to be back. Well, since the last feature back in June of 2012, many things changed. That summer I finished my Master’s degree in [Experimental Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience] and moved across the nation to beautiful-but-freezing Wisconsin. Now I’m spending quality time with my sweet daughter and loving husband, working as a Spanish Medical Interpreter, while concurrently selling my handmade goodies via Etsy, local stores, and local craft fairs. 

Q: Any new products headed our way?

A: Since we last “spoke”, I’ve been making simple everyday wear jewelry, which I sell via consignment at some local stores here in Wisconsin and in craft fairs. I am also planning to make some of the cards I sell into stationary sets. (I currently sell these cards at local stores and craft fairs).

Q: Any advice for new Etsians?

A: My advice to people starting out in Etsy is: Love what you do, and never give up. Etsy is getting so big, and you cannot really compete with some stores, but if you stay true to yourself, your love and passion will show, people will notice you and will come back to you.

Q: Have you bought or lusted after any fabulous Etsy finds lately?

A: Oh Yes! I have bought more than I should, and I will just mention a few of my favorites. I bought a total of 3 beautiful knitted headbands from Pointelle Design, which are great to protect my ears from this freezing weather, while still showing my pixie cut. My daughter owns 4 beautifully made scarfs from The Wild Purple. I just love these, and sometimes I “borrow” them from my sweet girl. I just got a beautiful burp cloth and bandana bib set from DeeksandMe. These are for my first nephew, who still needs a few more months of “baking.” And of course, I cannot get enough hand-carved stamps from my dear and talented Etsy friend Cassandra from Cassa Stamps. These stamps stamp so sharp and are so well made that you won't be able to resist buying more than one. 

Thanks Mari, you are amazing and I've already favorited several new items!

#enabler #justkiddingnotkidding

To keep up with Mari & Hobbies from the Heart follow her on Facebook.

Find here on Instagram @hobbiesfromtheheart

Here's a link to her Etsy Shop.

Sign up for emails with updates & promotions here.

AND

If you'd like to enter to win the $20 gift certificate to Hobbies from the Heart, simply visit Hobbies from the Heart on Etsy and tell us which item is your favorite in the comment below!
Please leave your email address or a way to contact you.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews, and visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Friday, March 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.

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 18 Doble Ele

I've got to get through this one quickly, so it will be mostly pictures.

I just don't know how else to make sure you realize how many amazing things

you can order from just ONE shop: Doble Ele.

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

Buy it here

And that's not even the half of it.

If you haven't, go check out Doble Ele.

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