Thursday, January 5, 2012

New Year, New Giveaway!

With a new baby in November (number three!), the holidays, and a busy season in my Etsy shop, my blog has been neglected these past months.  I hope to change that in accordance with my New Year’s resolution; do more of the things I love!  To kick off the New Year and my new happy mindset, I am sponsoring a giveaway on another great blog, Created By Laurie.  You can win a framed “Keep Calm and Carry On” cross stitch that I created! Check it out at www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-hoops-and-hooks.html 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

My First Craft Show

This past Saturday, September 17th, I set up a table at my very first craft show. It took place at the VFW Pavilion in Alliance, Ohio. Although the visitor count was low, I was very excited to get my first show jitters out of the way and practice setting up my table. I had a great time meeting other vendors, and setting up for a good cause. I also got some gift shopping done while I was there!  Below are some photos of my table.

I will also be setting up at the OktoberArtFest at the B&O Station in downtown Youngstown, Ohio on October 1st & 2nd.  If you'r local, come by for a visit!  You can also see my items at http://www.rustbeltgallery.etsy.com/.





Saturday, August 20, 2011

New Silly Item!

I listed a new item in my Etsy shop that makes me chuckle.  It can be customized with different faces!

You can find this item here--->  http://www.etsy.com/listing/80007939/friend-embroidery-hoop-art-i-got-your.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Etsy Seller Feature and GIVEAWAY: KB Photography

Note: KB Photography has reached 100 facebook fans and the giveaway has ended. Still read on and find out more about this great artist!
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While surfing the pages of Etsy, I came across KB Photography, a shop whose photography was both intriguing and mysterious. Among other things, she takes close ups of everyday items with vibrant bursts of color, making the ordinary extraordinary. I had the chance to get to talk to shop owner, Kelly, about her photography. I wanted to share this gem with all of you!

Read on to find out more about KB Photography, and how you could win any piece of photography from her shop!


How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I joined Etsy back in September of last year and I have been selling for just over three weeks now!

What role does Etsy play in your life?

At this point, Etsy plays a big role in my life in that it gives me the ability to promote my photography. As a stay-at-home-mom to my three kiddos, it feels good knowing that I am able to be home with them while also contributing to our family’s financial needs.


 
How did you get involved with photography?
I have always had a love for photography - I can remember dressing my younger brother and sister up and making them pose for me. I think that my true passion for it was discovered when I started having children. I have a hard time putting my camera down as I truly enjoy capturing all the special moments in the lives of my little ones. You know how they say that you take less pictures the more children you have? That saying does not ring true for me at all – in fact, I am the exact opposite!

Where does your inspiration come from?
From everywhere! I am inspired by so many things! My children are my biggest inspiration, but I also find beauty in the everyday. I started a 365 project at the beginning of this year in order to stretch myself personally as well as in my photography. It has really helped to give me a new perspective! I enjoy going for walks to see what I can find. I make an effort to pay attention to the tiniest of details, to look at things I’ve seen many times over in a new light. It’s amazing what you can discover if you just stop and observe. If you take a moment to look not just at the big picture, but also at all the little things that help to make up the big picture.

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
If it is what you love to do, if it is your passion – keep going! Think outside the box and take tons and tons of pictures! If you want to better your abilities, improve your craft – you’ve got to practice and take risks. In practicing, you will discover your style and what most inspires you. Good luck and happy shooting!

Anything else you'd like to add?
Really just a big, heartfelt thank you to everyone that has been so supportive and encouraging to me thus far! You all helped me in gaining the courage I needed to start this journey and I am excited to see where it takes me!


Now you have the amazing chance to win a beautiful photography print from this artist. Win any photo from her shop, in any listed size! This is open to everyone!
How to enter…

Mandatory Entry

ONE ENTRY: Like KB Photography’s facebook fan page. Then, return here and let me know you did and under what facebook username.  Also leave your email so we can contact you if you win. If you already are a fan on facebook, just remind us below to enter.

We will draw the winner once she reaches 100 fans so there are a limited number of entries for this giveaway. KB Photography’s facebook: www.facebook.com/KellyBosPhotography

Bonus Entries

ONE ENTRY: Also on KB Photography’s facebook, “like” the photo you think you would select if you were to win this giveaway. In another comment below, let us know which one you selected.

ONE ENTRY: Follow this blog, and then let me know below. If you’re already a follower, just remind me below for a bonus entry.

Good Luck everyone! I will continue to update you as we get closer to drawing the winner!


Kelly and her family. A beautiful photograph, of course!


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Nikki's Giveaway Selection

As mentioned a few days ago, follower Nikki was the winner of the Grand Opening Giveaway. She selected my Newlywed ornament with a few adjustments to it.  I liked this so much I decided to make it a new listing in my shop! You can customize the name, year, and faces on your own ornament at http://www.etsy.com/listing/79131225/personalized-married-couple-2011.



Thanks Nikki for allowing me to share this with everyone!  I hope you enjoy your new ornament!