Thursday, October 31, 2013

Etsy Spotlight Shop #13: We Are Home Crafting

Are you looking for a cute gift to give this Christmas?
Well, here are some must haves in every home!
Kitchen and bath scrubbies. They're adorable, affordable, and eco-friendly!
I am probably one of few people, that does not use a dishwasher. So for me having a great scrubbie is very important! They are heavy duty and are an all around scrubber.
From tough scrubbies that clean the dishes, kitchen and bathrooms, to soft scrubbies that are made so gentle for yourself.
From pretty flowers to double-sided cleaners, you can't go without one!
 
I spoke with Vicki, the wonderful crafter behind these delightful little scrubbies, and asked her a few questions so that we can get to know a little bit about her and her scrubbies!
 
What do you love about making Kitchen and Bath Scrubbie's?
Vicki:
 I would have to say what I love the most is the response I always receive from my happy customers through feedback. Definitely puts a smile on my face.
 
How many scrubbie's do you make a day?
 
Vicki:
 Honestly, I've never counted. Each style is different, some less, some more in crocheting and knitting time. Right now my store is ready for the holiday season


fast approaching.


 What makes your shop different for others that sell kitchen or bath scrubbies?
Vicki:
 There's a lot of competition so having a different variety from other sellers helps. I also offer gift sets. Combining washcloths and/or dishcloths as gift sets with the different variety of scrubbies is something I enjoying doing.


How did you get your start on etsy.com? 
Vicki:
 Two years ago my husband and I were at a local bizaar and someone told us about etsy. So I came home and checked it out. I started with a shop for my husband's metal artwork, and our photos...MDyke ~ MV Creations. And once I was done with that, I was hooked. My son and I opened up WeAreHomeCrafting, we worked as a team for about a year. I have since carried on with both etsy shops, becoming more involved with my husbands shop as well.


Now start stocking up on scrubbies! There great for your home as well as others. Get mom, grandma, sister, anyone you can think of a scrubbie for Christmas! Perfect stocking stuffers, and an item that will definitely be useful!
Stop by We Are Home Crafting and check out all of Vicki's scrubbie designs, as well as all of her other great products from plants to jewelry. You will love her shop!

 


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Sweet, Sassy & Crafty T-SHIRTS!

It's high time you guys are allowed to get Crafty with us and now you can!
We officially have T-SHIRTS! How fun is that!
 
Tell the world you're a blog follower/viewer with one of our t-shirts!
 
They are Sweet, Sassy & Crafty and the best part....PRICED RIGHT!
 
To get our order placed we just need to sell 50 shirts! And with all you great viewers I know we'll get there. As soon as we sell 50 shirts they will start SHIPPING! Just in time for the holidays!
 
Here's the link!
 
 
FRONT:
 


 
 
BACK:

 

Monday, October 28, 2013

Etsy Spotlight Shop #12: The Cherry Cheetahs

Need a super cute and personalized gift just for baby? This shop aims to please! Each adorable blanket can be customized and will make a great gift for anyone expecting a new baby! The best part....the price is right!
 
Grab one of these for a gift to take to the hospital or as a baby shower gift. Stuff one in a stocking this Christmas or add to a basket of goodies for baby!

 
 
 
I talked with Katie from The Cherry Cheetahs and here's what she had to say:

What do you love about making baby blankets?

KATIE: I love being able to create new designs and seeing all different color combinations. I honestly don't have a favorite because there are so many that I love.

How many blankets/taggies do you make in a day?

KATIE: My goal every day is 10 blankets. I push myself to get as many out as possible because I know people are waiting to give them as gifts or to their children.





How does your shop differ from other customized baby shops on etsy?

KATIE: I try to be different by offering unique designs and colors. I also make my designs as big as I possibly can. My philosophy is the bigger the better :)

How did your start on etsy.com?

KATIE: I credit a lot of my start up to Pinterest. I spent a lot of time browsing and pinning projects I loved. I started making and selling carseat blankets and later expanded to embroidered baby blankets. Etsy was always my first choice to sell on because it already has a larger customer base. I had to adjust my listings, keywords, titles and pictures a lot before I started seeing a lot of traffic to my shop.



 
Creating something handmade takes alot of patience and love and you can definitely tell that Katie LOVES making these adorable blankets! Stop by her shop and customize your own blanket. She offers a variety of fonts, blanket sizes, colors, animals, symbols, prints etc.
 
Ok stop reading...and go buy one!



Thanksgiving Printable

It's almost time to switch decor and move on to Thanksgiving! Here is an adorable printable perfect for a centerpiece or mantle decoration! Just grab a frame, $1 at the Dollar Tree!
 
Add these into a gift basket for a
handmade touch!
 
Print your own here:

Friday, October 25, 2013

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

What I love most about fall is the flavors! The cinnamon, the nutmeg and the PUMPKIN! Here is a delicious recipe for cheesecake that would be great for Halloween or Thanksgiving dessert! YUM!

 
Here's what you need:

 
2 (8 ounce) packagescream cheese, softened

 
 

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside.
  3. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving.
 
Have you made pumpkin cheesecake? Tell us about it!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Etsy Spotlight Shop #11: Hampshire Rose

Little unique scrapbooks for every occasion make this shop special. I adore the attention to detail and the diversity of styles offered in this Etsy Spotlight Shop, HampshireRose!
 
These would be great for new mom, graduate, birthday gift or a stocking stuffer.
 
These little scrapbooks will easily slip into a purse or travel bag so you can "show off" your photos at anytime.
 
Come by this cute shop and pick one out today.




 
 

We took a minute and spoke with Sharon the owner of HampshireRose.

Here's what she had to say:

What do you love about making scrapbooks?

SHARON:
Well as an avid scrapbooker I have tons of paper, some people say I'm a collector, I always have alot of scraps laying around. One day I found some paper coasters in a store and thought I must be able to make something with these and that's how my Mini Albums got their start.
They are so fun and quick to put together the possibilities are endless. They make great little brag books, and gifts, they even fit in your purse.

How many scrapbooks do you make in a day?


SHARON:
I try to list 1 or 2 new albums everyday. Sometimes an idea will hit me in the middle of the night and that's usually where you can find me in my studio all hours of the night! LOL!


 

What makes your scrapbooks different than others offered on etsy?

SHARON:

My mini Albums are fully embellished,loaded with all kinds of goodies, I like to think even without your photo's they tell such a cute little story, add your own photo's and you have a beautiful keepsake or a treasured gift for Family and Friends.

How did you get your start on etsy.com?



SHARON:
My sister was the one who suggested I open my etsy shop, at the time I was a full time caregiver for my Dear Mother who had Alzheimers. My shop is named for her, she was born in Hampshire England, and her middle name was Rose. I needed to supplement my income while taking care of her and to have something I could call my own and escape to when things got difficult. That was 5 years ago, sadly we lost Mom 3 months ago and i like to think of my shop as a tribute to her, she was and always will be my HampshireRose.
 
Stop by Hampshire Rose and grab one of these adorable scrapbooks! I have a feeling that Grandparents would love these! And... She has HOLIDAY scrapbooks too!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Simple Fall Home Decor

Around this time of year everyone is so busy but you definitely still want to take the time to decorate your home in those beautiful fall colors! This simple craft lets you use nature inside your home. All you need are some picture frames! You can use some you already have or run by the Dollar Store to grab a few! Display these on the mantle, as a table decoration, in a basket of goodies for a gift or hang in a window as a suncatcher.

What you need:
Picture Frames
Colorful Fall Leaves

Just press the leaves in a paper towel under a book for a few days to flatten and dry. Then mount your leaves inside a frame! Use a background color if you'd like to highlight the leaves or simply use a double glass frame for a see through effect.

Simple, elegant and earth friendly!






Show us what you can do with nature! Comment below!

Etsy Spotlight Shop #10: LSMCreation

So just about everybody has some sort of pet these days.
Pets become a part of the family! Almost like your child.
You love them, care for them, and if your like me you get the erg to spoil them!
 
I have two dogs. Not little lap dogs that I can carry around in my purse, or dress up in little sweaters; but 2 crazy dogs. A big Rottweiler full of energy, and a crazy Wheaton Terrier. They have a fortress of their own, a gigantic dog house that matches our home (also big enough for my husband to fit in; hehe)
A big yard all to themselves; and their favorite part of the day, chasing the mailman along the side of the fence. They go crazy!
Since my doggies are too big and crazy to be inside dogs, we are always making sure they are a part of the family. Treats, toys, beds and more!
So enough about my dogs, and let me get to the point! You must check out


LSM Creations. It is a wonderful etsy shop full of unique pet items. If your like me, and want to give your pets the best; well, LSM Creations is the place to shop!
Not only are the treats made with all natural ingredients, but if your pet is on a specific diet, Christina from LSM Creations would be more than happy to accommodate you.
Now that is awesome!
 Healthy, natural, tasty, and specially made




 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LSMCreation?

I spoke with Christina, the pet treat chef, designer of each toy and snack, and got to know more about her love for creating the perfect pet items!

What do you love about making pet treats and pet toys?

Christina:
 It gives me the ability to create new and unique items that I can share with pets all over the world.
How many pet treats and pet toys do you make a day?
Christina:
 At the moment I only make a couple treats/toys a week because I am still new to the Etsy scene. I really enjoy it when I do though and it gives me the ability to put my heart and soul in every item.
 

 What makes your shop different for others that sell pet treats and toys?
Christina:
 I like to use inspiration from my everyday life and incorporate it in the pet world. While I love to make things unique for my shop I love to make all my items healthy and safe for pets to enjoy.
 
 
 
 
How did you get your start on etsy.com?
Christina:
 I've always wanted a shop of some sort. Preferably a toy or candy type shop. When I suffered three pregnancy losses I felt even more compelled to open a shop and dedicate it to them. Hence the name LSM Creation (Libby, Samuel and Mariah). I have 3 cats and my parents had a dog. I loved making them treats and other goodies. It was then a dream was unfolded and I opened my shop on Etsy.

 
Now what are you waiting for? Get your pet some delicious natural treats!
Christina even has little pet paw stockings!
My pups get a stocking every year; hung right next to my children's on Christmas morning :)
Treat your pets, they deserve it!

 
 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fun Edible Crafts for Little Ones, and Little Ones at Heart!

My boys are still young for most projects that I'd like to do with them.
So, I always get so excited when I find one that they can be involved with.
Since my little one still puts almost everything in his mouth, and enjoys trying every color crayon in the box, I started looking up edible art material's, such as crayons and play dough's!
I haven't tried the crayons yet, but we did make some play dough together.
It's so simple and easy!
 
INGREDIENTS:
 
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix equal parts of peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk.
If it comes out a little sticky, just add a tad bit of flour!
If you don't mind little stained fingers, you can add some food coloring as well...
 
My oldest had a blast imprinting all of his race cars in it; and of course my little guy enjoyed how tasty is was! So they had some fun, and got their protein for the day!
 
 
 
Now here's another project that I haven't done yet, but can't wait to try!
Edible crayons; how neat is that!

 Ingredients:
Pretzel Rods
Candy Melts
(or white chocolate bark/chocolate chips with a little of your favorite food coloring added)
Paper Labels
 
Instructions:
-Break or cut pretzel
rods in half.
-Melt candy melts or chocoalte chips in microwave on medium heat for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking at 15 second intervals until melted. Stir well. Add a few drops food coloring if desired.
-Dip ends of pretzels in melted candy.
-Place on wax paper or aluminum foil to dry.
 
-When dry, wrap with crayon label and secure with tape.
 
Now you can't really color with these, but your kids will get a kick out of them.
 
They make great back to school and teacher gifts as well!
 
 
 
 

 
Just place them in a pencil box, and there you go!
A simple, fun and crafty treat!!
We'd love to see your edible play dough, or crayons. If you make some, be sure to share! Or if you have your own edible craft idea, we'd love to see that to!



Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Fall Stationary Printable

Here is a really cute printable to use to write a note to someone! I love these printables because handwriting something these days is SO personal. Grab a stamp and mail out some letters using snail mail. I know I LOVE getting mail that isn't bills!

Get writing!

Go here for your own printable:

http://printstationary.net/school/images/borderp1.jpg

Monday, October 14, 2013

Etsy Spotlight Shop #9: JeweloftheLion

Jewel of the Lion, 
a shop filled with  gourmet goodies that will make your mouth water just by looking at the variety of sweet treats pictured!
There is a vast assortment of fudge, chocolates and more.
A chocolate lovers haven!
Just viewing a small portion the fudge list, will have you hankering to try some!
Hot Buttered Rum, Pecan Pie, Crème Brulee;
and the list goes on and on...
 
 
 
 
I spoke with Julie, the passionate baker behind the Jewel of the Lion, and got to know a little more about her unique fudges!
 
What do you love about making fudge?
 
The thing I love most about making fudge is that I know I'm making someone happy. Nearly everyone loves fudge, and fudge always sparks a memory of good times and good people. I make smiles all day long...chocolaty, creamy, dreamy smiles.
 
How much fudge do you make a day?
 
How much fudge I make each day varies wildly. During the holidays, I may make 30-50 pounds of fudge each day. During the summer months, maybe 5-15 pounds.
 
 
What makes your shop different for others that sell fudge?
 
My fudge is different from any other fudge in the world. I have flavors that have never before been attempted, as well as methods (crusts, real fruit preserves, etc), the likes of which the fudge world had never before seen until I started my business. With currently over 90 flavors (and growing), there is something for everyone, and always something unique to try!

 How did you get your start on etsy.com?
 
I got started on Etsy originally as a beaded jewelry seller, then quickly moved into baked goods. I started off with my "Aunt Helen's Pumpkin Bread" during the first holiday season, then came back the following year with added cookies, and a few classic fudge flavors. The response to my fudge was instant and undeniable, and so Julie's Fudge was born... ;-)
 
 

 
Stop by the Jewel of the Lion today, and grab some of Julie's fantastic fudge!
Put a smile on someone's face, and give them the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays! A Thanksgiving dessert dish, an incredible gift to put under the Christmas tree, or just a snack for yourself!
Yum, yum; you know its calling out your name...
Stop by now! ;)


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Salt Scrub Ghosts

These adorable little ghost's are perfect for Teacher gifts, neighborhood gift swaps and really just anyone who loves some yummy smelling hand scrub! SO easy to make. Check this out!

Here's what you need:
Mason Jars/Jars with Lids (I got these jars at Dollar Tree for $1 each)
Epsom Salt ($2.98 at Walmart for 1 Bag)
Dawn Dish Soap (This white one is Tropical Shea Butter)
Paint Marker
Plastic Spoons
Rubbing Alcohol
Twine
Fun Tags (www.etsy.com/shop/southrnwildflower)


To make the Salt scrub you just slowly add the Dawn to the Epsom salt until you get a consistancy that you like. Add a little and your scrub is dry, add a lot and your scrub is more soupy like the Dawn is when used for dishes. It's up to you!

Add the scrub into the jars and screw on the lids. SEE! Isn't this easy?

Once you have the jars full of scrub...Now comes the fun part!

Wipe the sides of the jars down with rubbing alcohol (to get the oils off) and let air dry.

Then you can add your fun Ghost faces to the jars. These are for my kids' teachers who are all females..thus the eyelashes!

Add a tag tied up with a bit of twine and a plastic spoon for easily getting the scrub onto your hands.

I LOVE this CRAFT!
Make some and show us what yours look like!



Etsy Spotlight Shop #8: ImaginaryBee

If you're going to be hosting a party, don't forget to check out ImaginaryBee, and stock up on some party favor soaps!
With 20 different scents to choose from and a great variety of little shapes, they are perfect for every occasion!
 
 
"Not only is our soap detergent free, it's loaded with the triple action of SHEA BUTTER, COCOA BUTTER, AND MANGO BUTTER"
ImaginaryBee also has bath teas, posh bath salts, and more!
 
 
I spoke with Elizabeth the creator of ImaginaryBee and these super cute little soaps, and got some of the inside scoop about her shop!
 
 What do you love about making party favor soaps?

Elizabeth:
I love the creativity and customization. Knowing that I am helping to put a smile on someones face, really means a lot to me.
 How many soap favors do you make a day?

Elizabeth:
The number varies depending on orders, but between local sales and Etsy I make on average 50+ a day. (Today I just finished 72)

What makes your shop different for others that sell soap party favors?

Elizabeth:

 I try to be competitive in my pricing. I keep costs low by doing all the work myself, as well as I give discounts on larger orders. I may not be as large as some of the other shops, but I try my best to make each customer feel comfortable and confident when ordering with me. It's a very personable experience. I also try to add new soap types often, and have a good 10 or so that will be added soon! :)

How did you get your start on etsy.com?

Elizabeth:
It was actually my sister who got me hooked on Etsy. She opened a shop here, and I was making soaps locally/selling locally and she recommended that I open shop here, so I did, and have never looked back. Sometimes I feel like I am going crazy (when all the orders seem to come in at once) but I've got to say, I love every minute of it. It has been truly enjoyable and rewarding.

 
Be sure to stop by Elizabeth's shop ImaginaryBee and check out the different soap shapes that she offers!
From pickles and ice cream soaps for your baby shower guests, to little brains for some Halloween party!

Stop by ImaginaryBee today, and grab some party favors to give out at your next party! Birthday's, baby shower's, bridal shower's; you name it! 
These will be the hit of your party!
 







Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Dryer Vent Pumpkins

Such a fun idea to do with friends or family, these dryer vent pumpkins are sure to please. I made these at our neighborhood craft night and they are so fun! You can make them in any color and they look great displayed in the yard, on the mantle or in a basket.




Here's what you need:

Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Spray paint in any color
Cinnamon Sticks/Raffia
Dryer venting from your local hardware store
 
**If you are going to display these outside add some pebbles inside your pumpkin so that it will weight it down**
 
Step 1: (add pebbles inside dryer venting) Cut venting to desired pumpkin size and then hot glue the ends together to form  your pumpkin shape.
 
Step 2: Outside in a well-ventilated area spray paint your pumpkin whatever color you like. I have orange and gold pumpkins decorating the hearth of my fireplace.
 
Step 3: Once your pumpkin is dry, hot glue 3 cinnamon sticks together and add into the center of the pumpkin, hot glue that in place.
 
Step 4: Add raffia or ribbon to the cinnamon sticks to dress up your pumpkin. VOILA! Awesome decorations that can last from Halloween straight through until Thanksgiving!




 
 
 



Monday, October 7, 2013

Hot Chocolate Goodness

There is nothing better when the temps start to fall than a delectable cup of hot chocolate. This recipe is easy and will make a decadent cup of cocoa goodness. Give it a try!
 

 

 

Recipe makes 4 servings



 


Directions

1.Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this  mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. 
 
2. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! 
 
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. 
 
4. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Yummy Caramel Apples

One of the easiest fall treats to make is something that everyone loves...Caramel Apples! This recipe only calls for 3 ingredients and some wooden skewers!
Easy on the wallet and the grocery list.



Here is what you need:


6 apples (chilled, cold apples work best)
2 tablespoons milk
1 (14 oz) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
Wooden Skewers

Directions:

  1. Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
  2. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly.
  3. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. The trick to fully coat the apples in caramel is to turn them and roll them in the caramel. 
  4.  At this point if you would like to add decorations do so while the caramel is warm. Sprinkle your carameled apple with chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, m&m's, sprinkles, jimmies, red hots or whatever your heart desires!
  5. Place on cookie sheet to cool! To speed up the process, put them in the refrigerator for several hours!
  6. ENJOY!

Make these yummy fall treats for easy gift-giving! Have you made some? Comment and show us your photos!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Etsy Spotlight Shop #7: Teaman

This spotlight shop is deliciously different than any shop I've found on Etsy. I've personally had these coffees and teas and I have to say...YUM! Even the toughest critics, my kids, love Teaman's Peppermint Tea! The products from Teaman's shop are so great for gift-giving: party favors, get well gift, birthday gift, gifts for the coffee or tea lover, stocking stuffers...the possibilies are endless.
 
 
You know as Southern Girls...we HAD to do a Spotlight on TEA! I mean, come on! I took a second and got the lowdown from the owner and Teaman himself, Tim. Check this out!
 
 
 
 
What do you love about making coffees and teas?
 
Tim:
First of all, the economy in Michigan is dismal to say the least so I had to go back to the well of what I know best. After several years as a machinist and a couple factory jobs I really wanted a change of pace. Something to do that I actually enjoyed. I know how much my family and friends loved my teas and coffees so i decided to give it a go.
 
After a brief stint selling on Ebay and a chat with a neighbor who introduced me to Etsy I found a home. I enjoy blending teas and roasting and flavoring coffees because it is an art form, something that brings out my creative side. It also allows me to work from home for the most part and stay active in raising my two girls.

 
How much coffee or tea do you make in a day?
 
Tim:
Currently I offer 54 teas in teabags, 25 loose leaf teas and 36 different coffees. Hopefully something to fit everyone's taste.
 
I only roast enough coffee daily to fill current orders so there is not really a set amount. As far as teas go I only produce enough blended tea to fill my orders daily. This maintains that I can offer a fresh batch of tea to my customers every day. I have my tea and ingredients blending down to a science so I know how much I need to make the smallest batches or large bulk quantities at a moments notice.
 


 
 
 
What makes your shop different than other shops on Etsy selling coffee/tea?
 
Tim:
There are a lot of tea and coffee sellers on Etsy so competition is always there. I always try to offer a combination of the best prices with the freshest ingredients. Furthermore I am one of a few sellers that incorporate teabags into my arsenal. Lots of loose tea sellers and only a few of us that offer teabags. Because I offer so much variety and I maintain my low prices while offering superior customer service I have gained and maintained many repeat customers. I take the time to inform customers and answer any questions they may have so they can always make an educated decision based on what they really want.
 


Drop by Tim's shop on etsy and grab
25 tea bags or 4 oz of coffee for just $3.50!
 
Great flavor, great shop owner and great products
for gift-giving!
Alright already, go shop!
 



Bling a Birthday Candle

Every little girl love sparkle so this is an easy and inexpensive way to bring a little bling onto her Birthday Candle! I've seen this on pinterest where people are using glue to adhere gems to wax birthday candles...I have an easier solution!
 
 
Here's what you need:
 
1 Birthday Candle (this one was .99)
Scrapbooking Gem Stickers (these were purchased at Target for $1)



Then...Bling it out! Just push the stickers onto the wax candle (yes, they actually stick) and in less than 5 minutes you have a girly, sparkly, blinged out birthday candle!


 
Isn't it cute? Need more bling? Dress it up even more using glitter glue in the exposed cracks! Leave us a comment and show us your Blinged out Birthday Candle!