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Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Our Picks -- Small Business Saturday
cupcakeMAG loves supporting small biz and as you all know it is one of our passions. After all, HANDmade with love is the best right? Well, today is just another day to have a reason to scroll Etsy, shop local and HANDmade to support all of those small business owners out there. Don't have the time? Lucky for you we have done the shopping for you! Check out our past Featured Etsy designers here too!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The One & Only Kim of The TomKat Studio plus a giveaway!
Oh Kim. How we love you? Let us count the ways. Yes, we absolutely adore Kim of The TomKat Studio. Let's be serious here....how could you not?
Kim Stoegbauer doesn't need an introduction. But, for those who aren't familiar with the name - Kim is the amazing & talented Designer and Editor of The TomKat Studio. Kim is also one of the sweetest ladies we have worked with and we are truly thrilled to share our chat with you + thanks to Kim - giveaway a $50 shop credit! If you have never browsed The TomKat Studio - it is sure to be a favorite now. We guarantee it!
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| {Read all about Kim here.} |
{1} Tell us about how you started The TomKat Studio and where the name came from.
In December of 2008, I made the decision to leave my real estate career to stay home with my two little ones. Staying home allowed me more time to focus on creative projects and crafts. We decided to turn an empty room in our home into a craft studio for me to play in. Shortly thereafter, I decided to start a blog to share decorating, crafts, baking and party projects I was creating. I called the blog "The TomKat Studio", named after my kids Tommy & Kate. It quickly gained a loyal following and before I knew it, my readers were asking me to sell the party items that I was making for my own kids' parties! I opened up the Etsy shop in March 2009 and it has continued to grow and grow. I couldn't be happier working from home, doing what I love and also being there for my family.
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| {Kate's Fairy Garden Party} {Vicki Lynn Photography} |
{2} Your blog is filled with amazing ideas, parties, designs. It is just so pretty to look at - great eye candy! Do you have a favorite party you have worked on so far? Favorite collection?
Oh...it's so hard to choose! I have been so lucky to work on over-the-top parties for my own children, as well as styled photos shoots for designers, magazines and HGTV. I would have to say my favorite party would be my daughter's 3rd birthday, which was a Fairy Garden theme. The colors were so vibrant and fun. It was first fully styled dessert table and the response from our readers was incredible!
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| {A beautiful theme inspired by Barbie} {Vicki Lynn Photography} |
{3} Could you share with us a few must-know party tips?
1. Choosing a Theme :: When planning your child's birthday party, always take a cue from what he/she loves. Choose a color scheme or theme based on your child's favorites. If your child is old enough to have an opinion on what type of party he/she wants, decide on the theme together. You can create a beautiful elements for any theme, even if your child prefers a certain character. For example, my daughter wanted a Barbie party this year. She chose between a fashion theme {inspired by Fashion Fairytale} and a mermaid theme {inspired by A Mermaid Tale}. She picked the fashion theme and so we went with a pink, black & white French theme. The only actual Barbie elements were the cake and the music!
2. Make Lists :: While you don't need to write down every little detail {the party should be fun for you, too!}, keeping lists of tasks that need to be completed, shopping that needs to be done is very helpful during the planning process. Don't wait until the day before to prepare everything for the party. Do as much as you can in advance!
3. Create a Timeline :: Have a general plan of the order of events, to keep things moving along during the party. Be sure to come up with a couple fun activities to keep the kids busy in addition to serving cake and opening gifts.
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| {LOVE these Free Printables Kim designed for Kate Lander's post over at Layla Grayce} |
{See the post + download them now}
{4} As a mom, how do you balance work & family?
I believe that balance is an ongoing process. I do my best to give my attention to my family when they need it, and to my business when it needs it. Both seem to be constant! I have come to realize that I can't do all by myself. I have help with my business {three amazing assistants} and plan on adding help with my household duties soon. On a sidenote, one thing that can go the wayside is adding "me time" to that balance. Allocating time for myself to relax and enjoy is one of my priorities right now. As working mommies, we need to take some time out to rejuvenate and refresh.
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| {DIY Party Project: Mini Cake Bunting Tutorial & Free Printable Alphabet Pages} {Image by Laura Winslow Photography} |
{5} What party trends do you see for 2011?
1. The Full Package :: Most of customers are inspired by the parties they see on our website. They want to recreate the party they have seen showcased and therefore want the entire party package along with resources for everything from the desserts to clothing. The TomKat Studio aims to provide all of the vendors so that our readers can easily access the amazing vendors we use.
2. Cake Pops :: Everyone loves cake pops, so I think they will continue to gain popularity and become a staple at birthday parties! Thanks to Bakerella for creating such a yummy, festive treat! Isn't it amazing that they are even sold at Starbucks now?
3. Birthday Cakes with Mini Cake Bunting :: This trend is popping up everywhere these days. We created a free printable files with lettered flags in a variety of colors last year and it has been an incredibly popular download!
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| {The SO Sweet Lollipop Collection} {Image by Laura Winslow Photography} |
{6} Currently, in your Etsy shop, what are you favorite items?
My favorite collection will always probably be our Lollipop Collection. I originally designed the invitation, party circles & favor tags for Kate's 2nd Birthday. It was one of the first collections that I offered in the shop and it was published on many fabulous party inspiration websites including Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas Events. It continues to be our best selling theme.
I also LOVE the our Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. The photos of the collection are from an incredible photo shoot by Laura Winslow, that I styled and featured the party collection in. It was our first of many collaborations and will always be a favorite!
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| {Pretty cakes from The TomKat Studio's Pretty on Pinterest series} |
{7} When you have the time what magazines do you love to read & blogs do you love to browse?
I love to snuggle up with great magazines. I always browse my Martha Stewart Living from cover to cover the moment it arrives. Martha is such an inspiration to me, as both a creative genius as well as a savvy business woman. I adore Celebrate magazine by Phyllis Hoffman. Not only because I was just featured in it {yippee!} but because it is filled with amazing entertaining ideas and gorgeous photography. I recently received a copy of Summer with Matthew Mead and nearly fell over in my chair with the turn of each page. The styling and photography in every feature is absolutely beautiful.
As far as blogs, I following tons of entertaining blogs, including great inspiration sites like Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas. I also love home decorating blogs like Decor8, HGTV and HomeGoods Open House. To get my crafty fix, I love House of Smiths and Tatertots & Jello.
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| {Kim was recently showed off in Celebrate Magazine. Check it out here} |
{8} What is up next for your FAB empire :)
Let's see....what's next? More styling, more party designs and more fun! I have little dreams and I have big dreams. I will just continue doing what I love and I know things will fall into place!
1. I love sweets.
2. But, I've been eating way too many.
3. I love margaritas.
4. But, I've learned not to tweet after cocktails.
5. I love taking pictures.
6. But, I don't know how to use Photoshop.
7. I love to inspire.
8. But, I hate being copied.
9. I love my work.
Friday, May 13, 2011
cupcakeMAG HOME Featured Etsy Designer -- It's Written on the Wall plus a giveaway!
When we first meet LaNae of It's Written on the Wall we were thrilled to find her Etsy shop full of our favorite Audrey Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe vinyl wall quotes. And we mean, thrilled! It's Written on the Wall is your go-to place when wanting to re-vamp a wall in your home or even put them on a canvas so you always have them with you! We just adore LaNae and her Etsy shop & think you will too which is why we are giving you a chance to win a $75 shop credit to get your shop on!
Read on to get to know more about LaNae & her FABulous biz!
{What made you start It's Written on the Wall?}
Starting this business was something that I would never have imagined doing. Not that I'm not creative, I've been creating things most of my life but this was a surprise. My daughters were interested in selling vinyl lettering/wall quotes and needed someone to design and make them and I thought, "I can do that" and so I bought my first Gerber and taught myself all about the world of vinyl and design and have been doing it for the past five years. I had been selling on eBay for 8 years prior to that so I already knew everything about the business end. Designing wall quotes is such a wonderful creative outlet for me and I love doing it.
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| {One of our FAVEorite Audrey Hepburn quotes, $14.99} |
{How did you come up with your shop name?}
It was easy to come up with the busines name "It's Written on the wall" mainly because that's what it looks like....to quote my brother "It looks like you've been writing on your walls" He's right except it actually looks like someone hand painted the walls. You can change the mood of a room with a wall quote, whether it is an inspirational quote or something funny or profound.
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| {Coco Chanel Wall Quote, $19.99} |
{Tell us about some of the quotes you have in your shop.}
We have over 400 designs in our Etsy shop with categories ranging from quotes for girls, boys and home and family to celebrity quotes. If you like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel then we have something you'd like. We also have Vince Lombardi, Nick Saban and Lou Holtz to name a few. There's
something for everyone in our shop.
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| {Because everyone needs a little Carrie Bradshaw on their wall! $18.99} |
{What are you are not designing the items in your shop what can we find you doing?}
If I'm not designing then you'll find me in the kitchen. I love to bake. I've just recently put together a family cookbook that was a lot of fun. I have three granddaughters ages 9, 5 and 2 that love to bake too so they are in the kitchen with me whenever they come over and, of course, sweet treats are our favorite recipes.
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| {We are in LOVE with this Scalloped Circle Monogram, $23.88} |
{What is up next for the shop?}
There's always a new design in my head waiting to be put into play. I never worry about running out of ideas for my designs. A simple ride in the car, a magazine or photograph can inspire a new design. So I guess what I'm saying is that I am here to stay, I love doing it too much to stop.
{All Things It's Written on the Wall}
{blog}
{shop}
{facebook}
Read on to enter the $75 shop credit to It's Written on the Wall!
Stay tuned for when we launch our new re-vamp'd site --
we have a few more of our It's Written on the Wall projects to show-off on cupcakeMAG Home!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Little Luck
By: Kim Solimini
A little luck is always nice, right? SO why not wear some luck on your wrist? Check out this Etsy Shop, The Lucky Elephant. These super cute little elephants, with beautiful colored beads, in the ever-growing popular leather wrap bracelet style! Everyone should have one of these in their jewelry rotation. These go great for casual days, or even could be really cute for a bridesmaids gift, as they do have custom Wedding Collection!!
Here are my top three from their current shop!
Turquoise Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet
Coral Jade Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet
Burnt Sierra Jasper in Gold Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet
Definitely go check out this shop and grab yourself a Lucky Elephant!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Featured Etsy Designer -- Mandy of MandolinGoose PLUS a giveaway!
Mandolin Goose is one of our favorite shops for our home on Etsy. Filled with upcycled goods we just love - from mirrors to frames - the designer loves to re-vamp her vintage finds and we love her for doing it.
Meet Mandy of Mandolin Goose & fall in love with her Etsy shop!
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{Mandolin Goose on Etsy} |
{1} What made you begin your shop?
Initially, my Etsy shop was a way to whittle down some of the many, many vintage items I've collected over the last 20 years. Then I found myself collecting more (it's an addiction!), and would often spot an item that could use some sprucing up, with some paint, or another alteration, and ta-da! It was new all over again, but still with some of the original character. I certainly can't keep every item I work with, so I sell them, and it helps support my collecting habit.
{2} What is your favorite item to upcycle?
The frames are probably my favorite, because there are so many different styles and shapes, and once they've been dressed up, or painted and distressed, they're so versatile. They look great in a grouping with similar items, or mismatched for a more eclectic feel. I like to place them on the mantle with an assortment of candles for a look that can easily be changed... seasonally or for a particular theme.
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| {English Tin, $10} |
{3} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?
Wow, there are so many! I really like waterpath, vintagespecial
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| {Vintage Faux Wicker Mirror in a super-FAB pink, $14} |
{4} What inspires your work?
My inspiration depends on what I'm working on, really. It may be the shape of the item, if it's to be upcycled, and pairing that with a modern color will really make it pop. I'm often inspired by textures, color, character, or the "personality" of the piece. When I work with paper, I tend to choose vintage illustrations, and unusual text, often in a foreign language. I love mathematical text, too, as I'm a bit of a math geek. I've been a casual artist all my life, and always have at least a few projects going on at once, and there's still so many crafts I want to try, and media I'd like to work with. I've also got The Sillymobile, my car, that's an ongoing project that I hope is never finished. In addition to my many hobbies/crafts, I'm fortunate to have a profession (chef) where I'm able to express my creativity.
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| {Mandy's car, otherwise known as Sillymobile} |
{5} What is up next for you?
I've started making jewelry, and have an Etsy shop for that at SplendidLulu.Etsy.com. It's a small collection so far, but I'm having fun! I'm also getting into doing more work with vintage ephemera, another passion of mine... Etsy shop for that soon to follow. I have too many hobbies!
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| {We also added in a set of Mandolin Goose vintage scones for a slash of color} |
Lovin' Madolin Goose? Check out their shop on Etsy and make them a favorite. In the meantime, check out the FABulous giveaway below. We are giving one cupcakeMAG reader a chance to win our current favorite in the shop!
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| {WIN THESE BELOW!} currently our fave in the shop! {THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. CONGRATS TO KAITLYN M. FOR WINNING. YOU HAVE BEEN EMAILED!} |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Featured Etsy Designer -- Ashley, The Vntage Queen -- Plus a giveaway!
Coming across this Etsy shop changed our life. Okay, maybe it didn't really change our life but it certainly made it just a little bit more amazing! Ashley, the super-sweet Queen of Vintage is one of the nicest people we have ever worked with and we just can't stress that enough. She adores her customers and wants everyone to be happy when they shop at the Vntage Queen. We are so excited to share this shop with you and the beyond FABulous lady behind it! Read on to get all the details on the shop we have fallen in love with -- plus, win $50 to get your shop on!
{1} Tell us a little about yourself, the true Vntage Queen.
My name is Ashley! I am a mother, full time college student, girlfriend and Etsian. I am a US Navy Veteran! I served 4 years and was aboard two Destroyers, USS Stout and USS Gonzalez. And yes did the whole 6-month out to sea bit! I am back in school for a second time! It is quite a bit different being older (and yes wiser) and being a mother! I originally planned to become an Earth Science teacher. With all of the nation wide cuts lately, I have decided to follow my dream and become an Interior Designer. Thanks to my Etsy shop, I now have the confidence to know I can do it and be great!
I have always loved Interior Design. I used to play Sims just so I could create and decorate the house!
I am a mother to Brianna (who I call Boopy), a cute and sassy little 4 year old! She is amazing and a genius, literally. My favorite part of the day is taking her with me on errands and she asks the most random person if they want to talk about dinosaurs. She then will go on about every detail she knows (which is quite a bit). She amazes me!
I am a girlfriend to my soul mate, Jeffrey. He is so amazing! He too is a veteran, Marine Corp. Which I think helps us click better. We just get one another! He is also a full-time college student and is Civil Service for the Air Force.
Jeffrey is super supportive and expects nothing from me. He puts no pressure overhead just gives me room to grow. I couldn’t ask for a better partner!
{2} Where do you find the items in your shop? Flea markets, yard sales? We are dying to know where you score such awesome vintage treasures?
I travel all over the state to find my goodies (as I call them). I have three favorite places that I frequent each week. Two are thrift stores and another is an antique shop. The key to finding great vintage is staying away from big name and over browsed thrift stores. It’s the hole in the wall, maybe in a not so great part of town places that have the treasures!
I also love flea markets. The flea markets in the country are the best! You usually have the sweetest little lady that call you sugah, or honey!
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| {Ashley's own wall of art collection} |
{3} What made you decide to start a vintage shop on Etsy?
I stumbled upon Etsy one day when I was researching an item I purchased. Checked out a few stores and said, wow I can do this! I have a collection of vintage items at home that all of friends have asked, “where in the world did you find this?” So I knew I could find great vintage pieces for a shop. It was perfect timing too with being in school. I didn’t want to work, but wanted a little extra spending money and voila, there you have Vntage Queen.
{4} Do you have any personal faves in the shop currently? We do! All of them!
Oh goodness, where do I begin? Hold on, let me browse….
I absolutely love my goddess cocktail glasses. I just think they are so different and amazing! And my Moschino Cheap and Chic velvet skirt! The pictures just do not do that piece justice. It is amazing!
My two all time favorite pieces have sold though, the Lucite Pyramids and the Mid Century Horse lamp. Those are the two that I second-guess myself about selling.
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| {cupcakeMAG fave: Fabulously Ornate Brass Candle Sticks, $38} |
{5} What are your favorite Etsy shops?
I just recently ordered a bracelet from monpetitchouboutique. It is super cute, nicely made and was packaged in the cutest box. I also have a dinosaur necklace (thanks to my daughter and boyfriend) from ANORIGINALJEWELRY. It is super cute!
My favorite vintage shops would be AMradio, fabulousmess, experimentalvintage, shavingkitsuppplies, and littlebyrdvintage. And many more! There are some really great Vintage shops on Etsy.
{6} How would you describe your own personal decorating style at home?
I like a neutral background with pops of uniqueness. I want to be able to change with the seasons, with my mood or if I find a piece that is so amazing I need to redecorate to build around it. And I love pops of color! I lean more towards Hollywood Regency and Oriental pieces for myself.
{All Things Vntage Queen}
Now, it is your lucky day! cupcakeMAG readers have a chance to win $50 to the Vntage Queen. Read on to enter and start marking your favorites now!
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