Design it Chic: November 2010

Show Yo' Flow @ Design It Chic - giveaway five

Hi all! Today we continue our fabulous Show Yo' Flow @ Design It Chic Campaign! If you're new here, you can learn all about this amazing campaign by browsing our Show Yo' Flow files. If you're a long time reader, then keep up with our full powered bandwagon, because there's lots of prizes flowing around here these days and lots of fun interviews with amazing ordinary people just like you and I!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend and you're ready for today's chat with our next star, Elizabeth from Sew Chatty! She's a very talented lady that manages a blog and a small online business, while juggling family life.

Design It Chic: Hi Elizabeth, can you introduce yourself in just a few words?

Elizabeth: Hi there! I am Elizabeth, the creator of Sew Chatty! I'm a crafty stay at home mommy with an Etsy shop and a blog! So blessed to be doing what I love!

Design It Chic: You are such a lovely lady! Can you also share with us a bit about your business?

Elizabeth: Awww, thanks so much! The idea of the business came about this time last year when I was making Christmas gifts for friends and family. Times are tough around here and we didn't have enough money to buy gifts so I went the handmade route (grocery totes, cookies with handmade ornaments, etc...) and everyone LOVED it. So much in fact that they all said I should start my own business so...here I am!

Design It Chic: We see you have such adorable ruffled items. Now, who doesn't love ruffles, right?

Elizabeth: Hi my name is Elizabeth, and I'm a ruffleholic!

Design It Chic: We should open a ruffle lovers club:) ha ha But how do you choose your materials? Do you have any suppliers or designers you prefer?

Elizabeth: I am just now getting into using more designer fabric. Before I was too cheap to spring for the good stuff, but it really does makes such a difference in the finished look of an item. Those designers know what they're doing! I get most of my fabric from an amazingly huge discount fabric store I am blessed to live close to. It's called M&L in Anaheim, CA. I also get a lot of fabric online from Hawthorne Threads. Can't wait to get my hands on some of the new Innocent Crush line from the amazing Anna Maria Horner!

Design It Chic: So fancy:) And do you have any golden rules when it comes to matching colors?

Elizabeth: No not really. I like to think I have a fairly good eye for matching colors and patterns. However because I am using more and more designer fabric, I try to stick within the line. The fabric designers really take a lot of the guesswork out of matching up fabrics!

Design It Chic: Awesome. You know, people always wonder if business owners offer gifts from their store to the loved ones on Christmas. Do you do that? Do you create something special for everyone in your family or Target is a much easier way to go?:)

Elizabeth: Well, I do love me some Target(my happy place!), but I will be making gifts for friends and family again this year. In the culture we live in, we really don't need anything, so a nice small handmade gift is perfect.

Design It Chic: We hear you also have a blog right? Tell us a bit what's going on in there!

Elizabeth: Yes I do have a blog and there are lots of fun things going on over there! On Mondays I do a link party called "Made with Love Monday" where crafty ladies can come and link up their handmade goodness. Wednesdays I feature one of my favorite handmade businesses. Supporting handmade is very important to me. Throughout the week I'll do some "Behind the Scenes" posts to give my readers a sneak peak at some of the chaos! I also try and do a "What I've been working on" post with a shop update so everyone can see all the fun new things I'm creating. And lastly, I try to do at least one personal post a week about the happenings of home and my little family. I want my readers to really get a sense of who I am.

Design It Chic: Sounds exciting! But can you tell us a blooper from behind your blog or your store? We love laughing!

Elizabeth: Well this is amusing now, but it wasn't a few weeks ago! Let me preface by saying I am pretty much self taught so I learn as I go. I was making some ruffley checkbook covers for an upcoming boutique. I was assembly line sewing because I needed to crank out like 10 of them. Got to the very LAST step and realized I had sewn the ruffle in the wrong place. On all of them!!! Let me also say that my seam ripper and I are not friends so instead of ripping them apart, I decided to get creative and turned the checkbook covers into wristlets! I called it "My Happy Little Accident" and blogged about it! They nearly sold out at the boutique too!

Design It Chic: Perhaps, we should open a laughing club too:) ha ha:) And to wrap it up, can you please tell us what is your surprise for our readers today?

Elizabeth: A big thanks to Design it Chic and all of their wonderful readers for having me over today! Since you all know how much I love ruffles, I am going to give one lucky reader a Ruffled Headband AND a Ruffled Zipper Pouch! The Ruffled Headband is a brand new item for me and the pouch is a Sew Chatty staple! Good luck everyone! Have a blessed day!

Design It Chic: AWESOME!! Thanks Elizabeth for sticking around with us!

So you heard the lady! One of you awesome readers can snag those sweet ruffled zipper pouch and headband :) They would make the perfect Christmas gift for someone dear! All you have to do is become a follower of Design It Chic right here and then pay a visit to Sew Chatty Etsy store and tell us in a comment what item did you like most. That's 1 entry.
If you want to gain extra entries, add Design It Chic's button on your blog somewhere where we can find it and come back and tell us that you did(2 entries),blog about this giveaway with a link back to this interview and then comment that you did that(2 entries), follow Elizabeth on her blog and come back and comment that you did(1 entry), follow Sew Chatty on Facebook or Twitter and tell us that you did that with a link back to your profile so we can check(1 entry). There's 7 possibilities for you to snag those cute ruffled zipper pouch and headband, so what are you waiting for?
The giveaway is now officially open and will be closing 12/5 midnight Central Time Zone. Enjoy everyone!!!
**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Last week's winners are:
* "Jessica's cupcake wrappers" 2 winners: #8 Jenny Kate @ Jenny Kate's Spot; #14 Staci @ Lizard and Ladybug
* "One item of your choice from Inspirations by D Shop": #16 Mimi(Big Guy's Momma) @ Woven By Words

Plus don't forget to check the other stars from our Show Yo' Flow Campaign, and make sure you don't miss any of the upcoming interviews along with our amazing gifts for everybody! Happy Monday all!

Show Yo' Flow @ Design It Chic - giveaway four

Today we'll be chatting with our next star, Dalia from Inspirations by D! She's a very talented lady that manages a blog and a small online business, while staying fabulous.

Design It Chic: Hi Dalia! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Dalia: Nice to meet you all. I'm from New York City. I have always been a crafty child thanks to my creative and talented mom. Seems like many of us get it from our mothers, hee, hee. I used to design clothes years ago, my family thought for sure I was going to make a career out of it, but to their surprise, I pursued the fashion business world instead. I was fascinated by it and did that for several years. I am currently a wife and mom, wanna be photographer, Etsy gal, crafter and blogger.

Design It Chic: Nice to meet you too friend! The rumors on the street has it that you're a very crafty lady, can you tell us more about your business?

Dalia: Yes of course. I have always been crafty and enjoy making a lot of different things, but something drew me toward making glass magnets, necklaces and push pins and before I knew it, I started selling by word of mouth and then opened a shop at Etsy. I think it was the fact that I couldn't find the designs that I wanted. I already knew that there were many "magnet" designs out there and I didn't want to compete with them, and noticed there was a market left out. At the time, no one was designing magnets, pins or necklaces for the Christian community, that was my "aha" moment. Now there are many, so my designs vary.

Design It Chic: LOVE IT! Your necklaces and pins are so unique, but what do you do to showcase them to the world?

Dalia: I first started advertising in a couple of blogs, but that was a bit expensive, so I showcased them through the social media, shortly after I decided to have my own blog to showcase them..

Design It Chic: We can't help but wonder, why glass? Why not plastic or wood or perhaps marshmallows?:) ha ha

Dalia: Ha, ha, that would be interesting. I personally chose glass because it is easy to work with and easy for me to have in stock than other items. The best part is, if I make a mistake, it is a lot easier to fix than lets say wood. I also think it has a beautiful quality to it when you view the art work.

Design It Chic: Very interesting! Do you plan on any new designs for the Holiday season?

Dalia: I have a few in mind, but I am still working on designs so stay tuned.

Design It Chic: We see that you also have a blog. Can you tell us what's going on in there?

Dalia: The blog is mainly to showcase the pieces I make, but I also post random everyday things such as family moments and crafts and try to support other blogers who have great stories to tell, that way I don't bore readers with just my shop. I also like to support my Etsy community by displaying things that I find interesting. I don't get paid to promote anyone or anything, it's all my own opinion.

Design It Chic: Awwwww hearing blogers' stories always makes us jump up and down, because we're all about encouraging and empowering fellow blogers in here. And speaking of fellow blogers, what would be the #1 advice that you'd give to a newbie blogger and business owner?

Dalia: Stay focused! Know what you want to blog about, do it and stick with it. A creative design for your blog doesn't hurt either. As a business owner, if you are going to showcase your work, have great clear pictures. The better the quality of the picture the better response you will have.

Design It Chic: Very inspiring! Now for the funny part, can you also share with us a blooper from behind your store or blog? Love a good laugh:)

Dalia: This is a tough one. I would have to say that I once got up late at night because I forgot to post something and my husband asked where I was going, so I told him I was going to take my vitamins, which was true, but then I sat down and started working. Shortly after, I heard from a distance, " Are you making your own vitamins? What's taking you so long?" I had to shut down quick before he could catch me working again, it was a close call, ha, ha.

Design It Chic: That's funny! But the moment everyone was waiting for is here, so please break the silence and tell all our readers what is your surprise for them today!

Dalia: The items in the shop vary in design, so one lucky reader will be able to choose an item of their choice.

Design It Chic: FABULOUS! Thanks Dalia for joining us today:)

So you heard the lady! One of you awesome readers can snag a gift of your choice from Dalia's beautiful shop :) Just in time for the Holiday season! All you have to do is become a follower of Design It Chic right here and then pay a visit to Inspirations by D and tell us in a comment what item did you like most. That's 1 entry.
If you want to gain extra entries, add Design It Chic's button on your blog somewhere where we can find it and come back and tell us that you did(2 entries),blog about this giveaway with a link back to this interview and then comment that you did that(2 entries), follow Dalia on her blog and come back and comment that you did(1 entry), follow Inspirations by D on Facebook or Twitter(1 entry) and tell us that you did that with a link back to your profile so we can check. There's 7 possibilities for you to snag one gift of your choice from Inspirations by D, so what are you waiting for?
The giveaway is now officially open and will be closing 11/28 midnight Central Time Zone. Enjoy everyone!!!
**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

And last week's winner of 20$ gift certificate to November Girl's shop is Shannon @ The House Creative and Jodi from What Makes Mama Smile is the winner of the 20$ gift certificate to Steufel shop.

Plus don't forget to check the other stars from our Show Yo' Flow Campaign, and make sure you don't miss any of the upcoming interviews along with our amazing gifts for everybody! Happy Monday all!

Boost My Blog Friday - 11/19

Today is Friday, that means it's time again to catch up with Boost My Blog Friday here on Design It Chic:

Just a quick reminder before we go on, hurry up to snag one of Steffanie's or Jessica's amazing surprises for you guys!

BoostMyBlogFriday

It's simple.. the only rule is: no rules!! That's right!! This blog-hop is supposed to be a boost in our blogs' asses... friends-wise:)!!
SO just make sure you link with us, follow me as the hostess (and leave me a comment so i know you follow me and return the love back:) and then feel free to follow whoever you want to, leave nice comments, send them love notes and chocolate boxes *WOW scratch that last part:P* and don't forget to do the happy dance!

If you join with us on Boost My Blog Friday, please take your time and leave a comment, so we know you're participating with us and maybe pay you a visit:) Thanks!

And as always, today I have another question for you guys:
Do you put your Thanksgiving stuffing inside the turkey or besides it?

We generally put the stuffing inside the turkey/chicken(yeah we do chicken too because we like it more:P). We have potato salads, corn and pies to go on the side. Ah just talking about it makes me hungry:) Now it's your turn to share the yummy secret: in or out?

And don't forget to check Blogger tutorials for more blog-handy tips and easy HTML tutorials, plus you can check SEO or Unclutter tips for more improving your web traffic secrets!:) Happy Friday!

Show Yo' Flow @ Design It Chic - giveaway three

Today we'll be chatting with our next star, Jessica from Home and Holiday Keepsakes! She's a very talented gal that manages one blog and a small online business, while juggling family life meanwhile:)

Design It Chic: Hi Jessica, to get the mood setting, tell us a joke!

Jessica: I live in Idaho (that’s not the joke) and we’ve already had snow. I even saw a few snowmen in town! So here’s a joke to go along with that: Two snowmen are standing in a field. One says to the other, “Funny, I smell carrots,too.”

Design It Chic: Ha ha.. that was so funny:) Now that the air is a little lighter, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Jessica: I have always loved using my hands to create things. Ever since I can remember, I've been drawing, crafting, creating. But I'd have to say that my longest creative love is drawing. It will always have a special place in my heart:) I have lived in Idaho my whole life, except for 3 months after I got married to my best friend, Daniel. We lived in his home state of Oregon for a summer, and although it was beautiful and green, I was glad to be back home! We finished college together, both Elementary Education majors. Now I am a stay at home mom to one little boy, and I love it! My husband loves his job teaching. I decided to start this little cupcake wrapper business to help out in my own way. A habit of mine is always getting into something new. Within the last few years, I've gained another new crafting love--paper! And I've found a lot of ways to use it... Lately, I enjoy paper crafting, photography, and playing in Photoshop!

Design It Chic: And we see you have a beautiful little online store too. Can you tell us a bit about it and how it started?

Jessica: Sure! I make and sell cupcake wrappers! I was watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network, and I thought, “Wow! Cupcakes are really popular these days!” We had just made a trip to Oregon and I remembered seeing a bunch of cupcake shops on the way…and the cupcake shop here in my hometown…and then it just dawned on me…”I should make cupcake wrappers!” So I got started right away.

Design It Chic: Love hearing the history of a business. But how do you keep it always fresh and come up with something new every time?

Jessica: Well, with all the cute paper available I can always find something new! I just love going to the craft store and filling my cart up with papers that spark my imagination. I try to think of themes and patterns that people could use for special occasions and holidays. I sell a large variety of cupcake wrappers, with themes ranging from baby showers, to birthdays, weddings, holidays, children, and more! I also have several DIY Printable Cupcake Wrappers--this is my Black and White Damask set.

Design It Chic: And do you have any specials for this Holiday season?

Jessica: I am making Christmas cupcake wrappers all the time. I post new ones every few days or so, and I also have some Thanksgiving themed ones. I am having a special on my Christmas Solids—Red and Green (shown below)—If you need more than 12 of these, you just have to buy one set at $4.50, and then each set after that is only $3.99!

Design It Chic: Wow! Those are cute! And speaking of cute, we see you have a little blog too. How do you combine your life as a blogger with working on your little business? Is it hard to manage both?

Jessica: The purpose of my blog is to promote and feature handmade items. I also post new cupcake wrappers I am working on. I occasionally post crafts or projects that I’ve made, but it’s mostly to show people all the great handmade items you can find online. The way it’s going right now, I feel that it’s manageable, but I do spend more time with my shop:)

Design It Chic: And as every good business has a funny behind-the-scenes story, tell us a funny blooper from your store or blog. We always love to laugh here:)

Jessica: Okay, here goes. I go to the craft store EVERY day. We only have one craft store here, so I can’t even alternate between two. I always wonder just before I walk in, “Are they going to notice I’m here again?” I try not to make eye contact. I even have these silly ideas that maybe the employees make bets in the break room as to whether or not I will come in today. Well, my fears came true the other day when I was at checkout----the cashier looked at me and said….”I see you here, like, EVERY day.” I felt myself blush and I just smiled and said, “Yah, I buy a lot of paper.” :) Now that it’s out in the open that I’m there all the time, I can just go in and not worry about it!

Design It Chic: Now for the grand finale, what is your surprise for our readers?

Jessica: I would like to offer all Design it Chic readers 10% off! Just leave me a message when you check out that you found me through Design it Chic. I am also going to give one set of each of these cupcake wrappers: Gray and White Damask with Black Distress Marks and Frosty Blue Floral! These are two separate prizes for two lucky winners, so two prizes means more chances to win!

Design It Chic: TWO PRIZES!?! Wow!! You're so awesome Jessica! Thanks for stopping by to chat with us!

So you heard the lady! Two of you awesome readers can snag one of these amazing prizes from Jessica's store! Now that's something we're all digging right? And just in time to decorate your cutie cupcakes for the Holidays! All you have to do is become a follower of Design It Chic right here and then pay a visit to Jessica's wonderful shop and tell us in a comment what item did you like most. That's 1 entry.
If you want to gain extra entries, add Design It Chic's button on your blog somewhere where we can find it and come back and tell us that you did(2 entries), blog about this giveaway with a link back to this interview and then comment that you did that(1 entry), follow Jessica on her blog and come back and comment that you did(1 entry), add Jessica's button and come back and tell us that you did(1 entry), favorite Jessica's shop on Etsy and tell us that you did that with a link back to your profile so we can check(1 entry). There's 7 possibilities for you to snag one of those two sweet cupcake wrappers sets, so what are you waiting for?
Enjoy everyone!!! And if you're looking for some amazing wrappers for your cupcake plates this Christmas, go to Jessica's shop because you will find everything you need in there:)

The giveaway is now officially open and will be closing 11/24 midnight Central Time Zone.

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Plus don't forget to check the other stars from our Show Yo' Flow Campaign, and make sure you don't miss any of the upcoming interviews along with our amazing gifts for everyone! Happy Wednesday everybody!