Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Gift of Fall

Fall is, by far, my favorite season.  I love the crisp autumn air, the beautiful leaves, pumpkins, apple cider and everything else that comes with this season!  Fall gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling.  It also brings two of my favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Decorating for these holidays makes me happy.  I love to fill my home with fall decor.

As we prepare to celebrate this time of year, many of us will not only be decorating our own homes, but will probably be attending one or two fall themed parties and dinners.  Consider giving the gift of handmade.  Handmade crafts make wonderful gifts!  When you give a hostess or friend a handmade craft, you are not only taking the time to select a special gift for that special someone, but you are also supporting the community of crafters and artisans.  Handmade gifts are created with love and passion for the craft.  A significant amount of time is put into creating each item and the crafter puts a little of themselves in each piece.  Not to mention, handmade crafts are almost always a better quality than something you run to the store and pick up! 

Below you will find some of my favorite suggestions for fall gifts.  Of course, I have to throw in some of my wreaths.  Wreaths make a wonderful gift.  However, you will also find some other crafts that I love, all available on etsy.com.  Consider the gift of handmade!

Fall Wreath Autumn Wreath Leaves and Berries with Plaid Bow 14 inch
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82102031/fall-wreath-autumn-wreath-leaves-and

Brown Cream Orange and Yellow Fall Wreath with Pumpkins and Plaid Bow 20"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77825566/brown-cream-orange-and-yellow-fall

Fall Wreath Sunflowers and Pumpkins 20 inch
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81466306/fall-wreath-sunflowers-and-pumpkins-20

Batty Mum
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81412680/batty-mum

Hand-made amigurumi key chain / owl key chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74651890/hand-made-amigurumi-key-chain-owl-key

Crazy Lace and Montana Agate Necklace of Brass and Fine Silver:  Autumn Fiesta
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81821730/crazy-lace-and-montana-agate-necklace-of

Bookmark Fall Buttons on Checkered Ribbon Book Thong
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81775083/bookmark-fall-buttons-on-checkered

Autumn Cupcake Soap Bar  Handmade Cold Process Vegan Soap
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81730792/autumn-cupcake-soap-bar-handmade-cold

Orange and black tags - set of 8 (248)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81571503/orange-and-black-tags-set-of-8-248

Scarf and Rose Chiffon Set
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81317790/scarf-and-rose-chiffon-set

Sugar Scrub Soap - Caramel Apple Crunch
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81330616/sugar-scrub-soap-caramel-apple-crunch

Geometric Flat-bottom Cosmetic/Makeup Bag/Zippered Pouch Pink Green Brown
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81096742/geometric-flat-bottom-cosmeticmakeup


24KT Gold REAL Maple Leaf Pendant Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80761124/24kt-gold-real-maple-leaf-pendant

These are just a few examples of great gift ideas.  You can find more by searching promofrenzy on Etsy.com.  The possibilities are almost endless!

Stay tuned for my suggestions on giving a handmade Christmas!  Coming Soon!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

My First Sale

Woo Hoo!  I made my first sale on etsy.com.  The best part is that it was followed by another the next day!  I have to say that my motivation and entrepreneurial spirit were starting to fade a little.  However, now I feel re-energized and ready to go.

In honor of my first sales and, of course, my wonderful mother, I am running a coupon code for my etsy shop.  Just enter MOMSROCK for 15% off your order!  The code will be good through Mother's Day! 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Inspiration From the Younger Generation


I love to hear about other crafters and artists and feel that it is our responsibility to help each other as much as possible.  We are all out there trying to make our business work and get our product a little publicity.  That's why when I started this Blog, I promised myself that I would not only talk about my own projects and products, but also feature other crafters and artists.  I immediately thought of my niece, Krista.



Krista was ALWAYS a crafty kid.  I remember one time when she was in elementary school she was visiting my parents and had been making little figures out of clay.  She was selling them to her classmates at school and making a profit.  If that's not the entrepreneurial spirit, I don't know what is!





Now she's all grown up and still crafting away.  Razzle Dazzle Bows is her business and she makes adorable bows by hand.  What is most inspiring about her and her business?  She does it all while working a full time job and remodeling an antique  house she bought with her sweet BF, Michael.  Talk about motivation!  Whoever said that today's generation isn't motivated hasn't met this girl!

She does have a Facebook page for Razzle Dazzle, but it's not the business page.  However, you can send a friend request and see her creations.  I believe most of her business is custom orders right now due to time constraints.  I really hope to see her build on all of her creativity in the future and when she has more time (maybe when the house is finished)! 

Monday, March 21, 2011

A Digital World

Over 11 years ago, my husband and I made the decision that I would quit my job and become a SAHM.  I was working as a Corporate Account Representative for a large rental car company and was excited to become a mommy and raise my children. 

Not long after I started my adventure into parenthood, I found that I loved crafting.  One Fall I was searching for a great wreath for my front door.  I couldn't find anything I loved and decided that I would put my creativity to the test and headed to my local craft store.  I soon discovered a love for making wreaths and quickly made one for several friends and family members.  I enjoyed it so much and  didn't want to stop, but I only had so many doors and walls and concluded that I needed to start my own business. 

Ideas In Bloom was born and I jumped in with both feet and registered my business in Fairfax County, VA.  We had just bought our first computer and I started my own website through Yahoo using our dial up connection. 

After a couple of years I was having a great time making wreaths and my daughter was now almost three.  My husband and I knew that we wanted to have another child and were blessed to get pregnant again.  I made the decision to put my business on hold and spend the next few months enjoying my daughter and spending special time with her before her brother arrived.  I always told myself that I would pick up the business again after he was born, but sometimes life gets in the way! 

Three moves, three states, and seven years later here I am!  I've never stopped making wreaths and am happy to find myself in a place in my life that I am ready to start my business again.  What a shock it was to find out how much things have changed! 

Now, I haven't been living under a rock.  I have my own laptop, a Blackberry, and spend a lot of time on the Internet.  However, when it comes to the business aspect of selling and marketing on the net, lets just say I'm not using a dial up connection anymore.  Now I'm learning to use sites like etsy.com to sell my product and finally gave into the idea of Blogging.  A big "THANKS" to my friend, Val, for helping to guide me through this new (to me) digital world! 

I really never thought I would be a blogger.  It just didn't appeal to me and I was sure I didn't have anything to say that anyone would want to read!  Now I realize what an important tool it is for the business owner. 

I hope to share my own projects and inspirations and also feature some other crafters that I feel have some great ideas and inspire me. 

Please feel free to visit my shop at ideasbloom.etsy.com

I welcome feedback and "creative" criticism