Check out this Exciting Idaho BNR!

For today only there is an Idaho Etsy BNR going on! What is a BNR, it is a Buy-N-Trade Treasury. If you purchase an item on the treasury and item from your shop will be featured next! The rules are posted on the first page! Items are constantly changing and as the day goes other etsy shops will be added from all over, how fun is that?!!

Make sure to read the comments section because most shops are having special coupon codes for the BNR! Remember Mother's Day is just around the corner! 

How To Make A Spring Wreath for $8.00!

I've had the same "winter" wreath up since December.  It's now April and I feel the need to bring on the spring.

You like?  How about if I told you this whole project only cost $8.00?  What?!  That's right, this wreath is courtesy the dollar store.  Here's how I did it:

The only wreaths they had were these two, and they are both a little thin for me, so I wrapped them together with floral wire (which, admittedly I had on hand, if you didn't I suppose it would cost a little more...)

 And then spray painted it black

As you can see here it isn't COMPLETELY covered, but the goal was just to cover up the light color so it wasn't shining through the moss.  Also, my door is black so it kind of blends pretty well with any part that you do see.

I bought two kinds of moss, 1 bag of craft moss and 3 bags of reindeer moss.  I applied the "craft moss" first because I thought it was kind of ugly and dry and I was kind of just using it for filler.

It was soo messy!  Then I layered on the pretty green "reindeer moss" making sure to cover the edges as well.  By the way, I went through about 10 hot glue sticks, so be prepared to go glue crazy!

Then I wrapped the whole thing in brown ribbon that was left over from our wedding.  I think it may have been part of the programs?  Or invitations?  Is it bad that I can't remember?

I also bought these little guys:

 Pepper liked the birds

I have honestly never seen a bird with a green beak.  These needed to be painted.  I went with a pale yellow because we have some flower pots in shades of yellow out front right now.

Then I just glued them all down and called it good!

 

It was kind of... shedding, so I sprayed the whole thing with hairspray... will this do anything?  I don't know, but I did it anyway.

Happy Crafting!

Weekly Treasury

Get some wanderlust with this week's lovely treasury from 3pearls!

Come back next Wednesday for another member treasury!

How To Make A Simple Throw Pillow Cover

Do you want to change the look of your throw pillows without forking over $20-$40 on new ones?  Seriously, throw pillows are ridiculously over-priced.  I was getting sick of my old pillows so I bought some gorgeous Riley Blake Fabric from Fabric Designs, a fellow Idaho Etsy Team member, and decided to make my own.

1. Measure your pillow with the case off.  Mine was 16" square.  It's easiest if you measure right along the edge so that the stuffing isn't distorting the width.

2.  You have to take into account the amount of stuffing in your pillow for this measurement.  Mine was relatively flat so I knew that the pillowcase would need to be pretty snug in order to look fitted and not baggy, so I cut my fabric to 16.5" and used a 1/4" seam allowance.

2a. Now is the time to add any embellishment to the front: applique, beads, buttons, embroidery, etc.

3.  Cut two pieces out for the back side.  It is good for these pieces to overlap a good amount.  I did a little piecing work on the back of mine because ultimately I was using the back as the front, but I would recommend cutting two pieces the width of the pillow (16" in my case) and tall enough to overlap by 3-4".  Mine are essentially two 16" x 12" pieces.  Then take one long side of each piece and double fold to hide the raw edge.

4. Sew a straight stitch up this edge to keep your folds in place.  Then lay out your pillow case: Full Front piece facing up, then one smaller piece face down on top of that.  Make sure the raw edge lines up with one of the raw edges of the top piece, then the other smaller piece over-lapping that.  Make sure the raw edge of this piece is directly across from the other back piece's raw edge.... like this:

5.  Then sew all the way around that puppy!  Clip the corners to reduce bulk and then flip it right side out.  I had some gorgeous natural wood buttons from Green Witch Designs, another Idaho Etsy Team member and I was just dying to use them.  I sewed three to the back of the pillow case just for looks (thereby making it the front... it would work either way, I just love these buttons) they aren't holding the pillowcase closed.  Purely decorative.

I had some fabric left over (and another pillow to cover) as well as one more wooden button, so I decided to go crazy with another one!  Alright so it's not that crazy.

1. This time I cut my fabric to 17" square and then cut it diagonally into four pieces.

2.  Then sewed it all back together... It seems a little redundant but I wanted to very delicately distort the pattern in an organized way... you'll see.  If you wanted this to make more of a statement you could use two different kinds of fabric, or use a striped fabric... that would look cool.  Anyway, where was I?  Right!  Make sure you press all the seams flat.  Then repeat steps 4 and 5 above and you end up with this:

Cute, huh?  I sewed the extra wooden button I had right in the center of this one, just because I love it.  And this whole project took me about an hour and a half... for TWO!  And I was taking pictures the whole time.  I bet you could throw one of these together in about 20 minutes if you were determined.

Happy Crafting!

This is a re-post from my blog.  See the original here.

Weekly Treasury

This week we have a lovely and vibrant spring treasury from jesalynn

Come back next Wednesday for another Member Treasury!

Stitch To Stitch Spring PROMO

As a way to usher in the warm weather and beautiful days, Stitch To Stitch is offering a fabulous spring promotion!



This promotional price includes shipping which means no extra shipping charges for the shirt. You can choose any of the colors I have available (white, black, chocolate brown, gray, beige, cornflower blue or pink) or request a custom color. If I can find a matching color locally I'll gladly make it!

This is a savings of almost 50% on these adorable shirred peasant shirts so take advantage of it before this promo expires!

Happy Shopping.

Lazy Mondays Handmade Bags

  One of girl's best friend is always at her side, keeps all her cherished items safe, and is best when used as an adorable accessory! You got it, I am referring to our beloved handbags! Are you in the market for something new, something cute and even better-something that is one of a kind, unique and handmade. Look no further! Check out Lazy Mondays on Etsy!



 Here is a bit about Lazy Mondays owner, Rita;

The Brenna Bag

When I'm not busy filling orders, creating new patterns, making handbags, and doing other random businessy stuff... I am still a craft fiend! I like to crochet, and paint, and draw, and I have tried just about every crafty medium you can throw at me. I also LOVE music. I got my first musical instrument in 4th grade (a flute), and have since then added two guitars, a piano and a clarinet. No, I don't play them all well... actually the flute is the only one I can proudly say that I play well, but I enjoy the others none the less. I like ghost stories and watching the History Channel (yes, for fun!), and I really wish I liked to garden because I so enjoy being in gardens. I have been told I over-use the comma... probably true, I'll let you be the judge. I cherish lazy days... so much so that I named my business after my favorite pass-time ;)



Blue Nautial Backpack (It's on SALE!)



I love to sew! I have been sewing since elementary school, it all started with a pillow...


After discovering that just about anything I could buy at a store I could also create myself, I began to attempt to make anything I could think of. Throughout the years I have ventured into making all things for the home, clothes, quilts, scarves and accessories. 

As a self-proclaimed "handbag fiend" it was only natural that I would start making my own some day. And now I can share them with you!


 I LOVE custom orders, give me your ideas and together we will come up with something amazing!
 

Denim and White Tie Front Tote

I love the variety that she has in her shop. You can find everyday handbags, backpacks, and even diaper bag sets (they come with the diaper bag, matching changing pad and pacifier bag). My personal favorite has to the be Tie Front Bags, they are just too cute!

Bright Floral Purple Diaper Bag Set

Take the time to check out Lazy Mondays Etsy Shop, I am sure you won't be disappointed. Remember, she loves custom orders so just ask if you don't see exactly what you want. Mother's Day is just around the corner, so place that order so you get it in time! You can also find Lazy Mondays on Facebook or check out her blog!

Easter Find on Etsy!

Easter is such a fun Holiday! The start of Spring which means hopefully warmer weather, blooming flowers, backyard BBQ's and so much more! I love celebrating this holiday and there are so many fun finds on Etsy such as:

As much fun as the kids are in the spring, we have to remember to treat ourselves too:

I hope you are all enjoying the glimpses of spring (funny thing is I am sitting here watching it snow out my window at this very moment-LOL!). All of these adorable items are from our Idaho Etsy Team! I love finding such cute things that are made locally in our great state!

Weekly Treasury

"Inspired by the blue skies of Idaho" this week's beautiful treasury comes from ElkAndIron!
 

Check back next Wednesday for another member treasury!

Pretty Packages

When you break it down it seems quite straightforward:

1. Get an order.
2. Make the item (if not already made).
3. Ship item off to buyer.

However, with almost 300,000 active sellers currently on Etsy (and a substantial number on the internet in general), it's not that straightforward. It's increasingly important to take a few moments and examine the third and final step. A few minutes is all it takes with each order to ensure the packaging is up to par or exceeding buyer standards.

In this consumer driven online marketplace, ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS PARAMOUNT. The way you package your Etsy orders for shipping can be the single deciding factor in a customer coming back to you for not only another order, but several orders. With scores of competitors making similar items you can use your packaging to set you apart from the others.

One of the most important things to do is develop a signature packaging style and stick to it for continuity. Use colors that are relevant to your Etsy shop -- I use black and white--as coordinating colors will stick in the buyer's mind. For fairly cheap you can also customize business cards, note/thank you cards, return address labels and stickers to match your theme.

After you establish your packaging style, follow these important tips to ensure premium packaging.

• Make sure your items are in tip top condition. With clothing items make sure all loose threads are clipped, the fabric is neatly pressed and there is no lint or hair (pet or human) stuck to the fabric.
• Wrap items in materials that will not transfer color/ink to your items. Newspaper might seem like a fun way to "upcycle" but the ink will rub off on fabrics if the weather is humid or the package gets wet.
• Tie your packages with ribbon.
• Protect items from the weather. Use waterproof polymailers or put wrapped package inside a seal-able plastic bag.
• Use pristine packing materials whether new or previously used.
• Keep in mind your buyers if using upcycled/recycled packaging components. Some buyers prefer new packaging materials when purchasing new items; buyers buying upcycled materials might prefer upcycled packaging.
• Tuck a hand-written note, a business card and possibly a discount code in with the items.
• Include freebies if you desire, making sure they match the theme of your shop. Pens and magnets make great add-ons and work as fantastic marketing tools. Don't include soap/heavily perfumed items if you sell edibles, fabric, clothing or anything else that could absorb the scent.
• Write out labels as neatly as possible or use your computer to print them.
• Put a copy of the address inside the package for international packages. Domestic packages would benefit from this as well, but I will admit that I don't always include a packing slip. This is on my list of things to improve upon.
• When taping packages closed or labels on the package make sure there is no hair stuck on the tape.
• Add a shop sticker to the outside of the package to catch the attention of anyone who handles it.

This is what my packages look like before going in a polymailer.

Happy shipping!

Keep Calm and Etsy On

When I first thought about what kind of a post I would contribute to the team; of course; being a mom was uppermost in my mind. Because...well, being a mom is what I do!

Being a mom with an etsy shop, though; poses some additional challenges, from time, to schedule, to the ever-present struggle to find balance. I am a stay at home mom of five little boys, who never imagined being a (tiny) businesswoman; like many, I sort of fell into selling on etsy, after my practical money-saving solution turned into a hobby, which threatened to overwhelm the confines of my small Boise house.
In December, when I opened my shop, I had visions of blissfully posting a few things, handing a few sales, if I was lucky; all without breaking a sweat or going past perhaps an hour a day. Soon, I realize what I undertaking I had...undertaken!

I learned quickly that if I dashed in the door after dropping my older boys off at school, kept the baby in the car seat on the floor at my feet, and turned on a cartoon for my little ones, I could buy myself enough time to list an item quickly or answer convos. We're talking maybe 15 minutes tops, but if the photos were done, I made it work. Taking photos was another thing that continues to be difficult for me. Although my photos have improved significantly, I find myself always looking for a place to take better photos. My first few months, I took the photos on my kitchen table, often strategically covering up the drawings my boys made on the wood in marker. The turned out OK; what you don't see is that immediately after the picture frame ends, Play-Doh playing or lunch eating is occurring on the same table!

Another hazard is the little boy stealing of my camera, which often leads to some very interesting pictures being taken!

Some of the photos "accidentally" taken by my five-year-old are priceless! Often, when I can't find my camera, it mysteriously appears after I ask him where it is...he doesn't realize he leaves photographic evidence of his crime! My boys are so used to working around racks of drying soap they don't even give it a second thought; and then there are the times they decide to see what happens when they poke holes into the still-soft soap with some kind of implement! I'm still working on a schedule, and balance; I certainly don't want my etsy-ing to interfere with my family life, although I have at times found myself keeping quite late hours in an attempt to get it all done. I'm starting to realize that I need to have set hours set aside, much like I would have if I had a "real" job, in order to keep from becoming completely absorbed in my shop to the exclusion of all else. Moms are great at multitasking, but I've found the quality of the things I'm doing suffers when I try to do too much at once, so I'm working on achieving that balance.




As far as my photos go; I've found a new spot to take them; it's my very own white-background light box....it just happens to be my <clean> stove top! And no boys can get up here to get in the frame! Here is an example of a picture taken on my "new" backdrop:

Not bad for a mama, huh?  Like all new etsians, I'm sure I will continue to improve not only in my quality of work, but in finding the balance we all seek!

I also have a personal blog, where I share more stories about being a mama; etsy or otherwise!
Enthusiastic Homemaking

Ends Tonight!

This is your last chance to get 25% off your orders from 4 different etsy shops!

Remember Easter is just around the corner....

 Check them out before time runs out!

My Sweet Potato 3



Buzz Planet



Cute Baby Boutique

Bottle Wonders

Remember this NO JOKE sale won't last long! Check them out now and enter coupon code NOJOKE at checkout for 25% off your entire order!

Sale ends Tonight!