Primrose & Pirates Etsy Shop Review

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Kathie

This guest review is brought to you by Faith Filled Footsteps.

Handcrafted Clothing For Kids

Primrose & Pirates is a wonderful little Etsy store that I recently ran across while trying to find my son a fall coat. I love to purchase my kids handmade and made in the USA items. I have discovered that I would rather spend a few more bucks and get an item that is wonderfully handcrafted with love and as always I love to support my country. MADE IN THE USA IS THE WAY TO GO!

Let me introduce you to Kristen the shop owner:
“I am a wife and mother to three active kids, and I’m blessed to be able to stay at home with them during the day. I have always loved creating things. So when I was given a handmade dress for my 2-year-old daughter a little over a year ago I was immediately taken with how cute and unique it was–and with the idea that I could make an outfit for her myself. I hadn’t sewn anything in several years, so I pulled out my sewing machine, found a pattern I thought I could muddle my way through, and bought some fabric. Turns out that the whole process of making a dress was so satisfying that I immediately made another one! I made her wear those two dresses all summer because I loved seeing her wear them and I liked them so much. What started as a project quickly became a passion. With encouragement from friends, I decided to make the plunge into selling the clothes I make. Choosing fabric, imagining what might be as I hold prints in my hand, and then seeing that vision become reality. . . I love it all! I sew in the afternoons while my kids are napping and in the evenings. My sewing machine lives in the family room, and the kids like to play with buttons and fabric scraps. They are the inspiration for most of the things I make. And they are mostly cooperative in testing outfits and trying things on for me. My daughter, now almost 4, often asks, “Is that a dress for me or are you going to sell it away to another girl?” She wishes they were all hers!” ~Kristen

Primrose & Pirates makes some really wonderful items let me show you! I know summer is over but I love these pillow case dresses even in the winter with a long sleeve shirt and some cute stocking! Somethings are just a year round goodness!

Now we all need a good fall jackets or vest. These are so cute!

Now onto a super cute little skirt. We love a cute dress or skirt year round with a leg warmer or stockings

There is just so much cuteness that I almost forgot to show you the super adorable jacket we got to try. I love the flannel and corduroy. This jacket has wonderful little buttons no zipper! I LOVE THIS JACKET and we have gotten so many compliments on it. Everyone wants to know where to get one! This one is a KEEPER!

Primrose & Pirates and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky readers a $35.00 gift certificate to purchase your favorite item! If you cannot wait to see if you are the winner you can head on over to Primrose & Pirates and find the perfect item for your little one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will run from November 25, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 9, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

More Etsy Shop Giveaways on Cotton Ridge Create!

Wall Artsy Etsy Shop Review

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Kathie

This guest review is brought to you by Wall Artsy and Faith Filled Footsteps.

I love to decorate my kids rooms and each time I hang something on the wall my poor husband cringes thinking about how he will have to repair all those holes. So when I found vinyl art for the wall I was in love no holes no sticky residue just perfection!

Wall Artsy is this wonderful Etsy company that makes so many of these vinyl decals that my head just about spun trying to find the perfect one! I was lucky enough to get to pick from all of them and we went with the Construction Theme Boys Room Vinyl!

I love this decal and it looks wonderful on the blue walls in my son’s room. Now I have to say for those of you who are a little worried about applying one of these to your walls, this company provides idiot proof directions that even I had no trouble following! It helps if you have an extra set of hands to help apply your decal if it is as large as this one, but my daughter and I had this up and done within a half an hour. It looks awesome! When I am ready to change the theme of his room I just peel it off and I can redecorate with not extra work! I LOVE THIS IDEA!

Let me show you a few of the other decal they make! Here are just a few for the girls!

They have so many options I know my readers will find the perfect decal for that special person in your life! Wall Artsy and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky reader a $45.00 Gift Certificate to purchase your favorite decal! Now I know some of you just cannot wait to get one of these and you can head on over to Wall Artsy and find the perfect decal now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will run from November 21, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 5, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. U.S. Only.

More Etsy Shop Giveaways on Cotton Ridge Create!

Erin Pelicano Jewelry Review & $45 GC Giveaway (U.S. ~ 11/25)
Chalkboard Paint & Wall Decals
Giveaway! American Girl Saige Doll, Book & DVD (US/CAN – 11/22)
Mission Unboxable Save Santa Secret Agent Kit Review, Free Gift With Purchase, & Giveaway! (U.S. – 11/20)

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Craftsy Class

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Kathie

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Craftsy. I am an affiliate of Craftsy and will receive a small commission if the links on this page are used to make a purchase. However, my opinions are entirely my own and based on personal experience.

What is Craftsy?

Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes. With over two million members and counting, Craftsy has something for just about everyone, in categories ranging from quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Craftsy Class

Before filming even begins, hours and hours are spent determining what content will be covered in each class, and how to best teach specific techniques to the camera. Instructors work with an instructional designer to create an in-depth outline of each lesson, and decide how to best prepare props or “step-outs” that show what your project should like at different steps. Instead of a scripted class, instructors follow their outlines on camera to create an authentic and engaging teaching experience.

Most Craftsy classes are filmed in one of five Craftsy studios in Denver, CO, assuring that every part of the production process goes off without a hitch. They fly in instructors from all over the world to spend several days filming, then spend several weeks turning hours of footage into a two to three hour class experience that has been watched, rewatched, and reviewed by industry experts. The final result is an HD-quality video that takes you in-depth into specific topics in any given craft category- from cooking and fine art to sewing and knitting.

What IS the Craftsy experience?

Craftsy classes are designed to have all the benefits of an in-person class, with none of the drawbacks. Available online and on-demand, you always have world-class instructors at the tip of your fingers. You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right.

Watching a Craftsy class is like having a first-row seat with some of the best instructors in the world. Even better, classes have a 100% money-back guarantee.

Try online learning today with a free mini-class from Craftsy! Choose from 23 Free Craftsy Classes ranging from drawing and painting to sewing and quilting, from knitting to cake decorating and more.

Learn It…Make It…With Craftsy’s Online Courses

Words To Live By Custom Signs Etsy Shop Review

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Kathie

This guest review is brought to you by Faith Filled Footsteps.

“I started this business almost 3 years ago when I was laid off from my full time job. I decided to just “GO FOR IT” and do something that I LOVE and have always wanted to do! My parents are both very creative people and have made handmade items for years. When it came to a shop name, well my husband started selling on ebay years ago and under the username Kspeddler (we are originally from Kansas ~ Kansas peddler : ) When I opened the shop I had no idea how it would go and so I just used that name not knowing that you can’t change it! I didn’t want to lose all of our sales and feedback so I just kept it. I guess it was meant to be. The professional name I use is “Words To Live By signs” I wanted to create artwork with family values in mind. The first sign I made was “The Fruit of the Spirit” and everyone loved it and wanted one! I started designing other “family rules” and nursery art. The shop took off and we have sold over 5,000 signs on Etsy and wholesale to several different shops across the nation. I love designing custom signs for our clients! Send me your ideas and we will help you create it! I am so blessed to have this business with my husband. I thank God everyday for the blessings he has given us! We hope you love our signs and find the perfect one for your home.” ~Michelle

Words to Live by Custom Signs is my new favorite sign company and a definite go to for the holidays. This sign company is a wonderful breath of fresh air. They have some of the same old signs you see time and time again BUT when you really get to looking through the signs they offer you find a treasure trove of all these super neat signs with sayings I have never seen. I am a huge fan of subway art in general! It offers cuteness with a touch of primitive that really makes a house feel like a home. I have to say Words to Live by Custom Signs does this so well.

Here is the super cute sign we got to hang in little man’s room. The colors look so nice with the crazy blue walls in his room. Let me show you this super cute sign!

Here are just a few more of the goodies they have to offer!

I know that all of my readers will love these signs as much as we do! Words to Live by Custom Signs and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky readers a $75.00 Gift Certificate to purchase the perfect sign for your home! Now patience is not my virtue and I know some of you will not be able to wait to get the sign you love so you can check them out here and find the perfect sign!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will run from November 18, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 2, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

Meet Mixed Media Artist Carolee Carpenter Jandreau

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Kathie

About the Artist and Her Work

Carolee Carpenter Jandreau is a mother and grandmother making her living as a narrative mixed media artist. the process involves dye paint on fabric using silk paint resists and permanent dyes. The originals are then quilted and beaded. Carolee paints wall hangings, soft sculpture toys for children, and traditional board games like checkers, backgammon, parcheesi, and more.

Now, with computers, original designs are scanned in and printed onto fabric to make her Totem Animals, Gnomes, Games and toys. Being a “Narrative” Mixed Media Artist, Carolee writes a legend or story for each piece.

Carolee runs three Etsy shops. NatureTableTreasures.etsy.com is all about Nature/Seasonal Table/Spaces and consists of soft-sculpture Gnomes, Totem Animals, Flower Friends and such. BacktoBasicsPlay.etsy.com features traditional board games with her original designs printed on cloth and quilted, as well as cloth dolls and finger puppets. JoysoftheSpirit.etsy.com is Carolee’s largest shop and contains her original wall art prints and books.

Carolee started making nature based toys for her children when they were young, and then her grandchildren. She did art shows, and sold her work at shops and galleries. Many years ago she became disabled and decided to open Etsy shops so that she might stay at home and work instead of doing the art shows and traveling so much.

Carolee is influence by Native American philosophies and Waldorf Schooling techniques. She desires that her children and grandchildren have a strong bond with nature, so they did a lot of nature crafting, story telling, and kept several pets as well.

I like being able to stay home in my woods and paint, print and sew my items. I love being able to sell all over the world. I have pieces in England, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, and all over the United States.

Carolee advises new Etsy sellers to be patient, to be true to yourself and to what you make. Customers will come in the right time.

Giveaway

Carolee has offered one winner a Gnome or Soft Plush Animal of choice from her Nature Table Treasures Etsy shop! The giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada and will run through midnight on December 3, 2013.

The winner will be contacted via email and will have two days to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winner’s entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, and am not responsible for prize delivery. Carolee Carpenter Jandreau will ship prize directly to winner.

An Auction To Support Ekubo Ministries In Uganda ~ Handmade Art & Handcrafts

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Kathie

Start your holiday shopping, and support Ekubo Ministries in Uganda! Many Etsy sellers have contributed items to the auction, so you have many unique, handmade things to choose from. Cotton Ridge Pottery has contributed a $25.00 gift certificate to the auction.

Visit the Auction Here

Ekubo Ministries exists to love, care, and support those in need, and to empower and assist the underprivileged to achieve sustainable development, education, and autonomy.

To find out more about this ministry, please visit their beautiful blog and their web site.

An Interview With Blogger Tara Carlson From Dividing By Zero

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Kathie

Tara and her husband are raising four children, two of which are autistic. Visit her blog for “daily life” articles, reviews, and giveaways.

What led you to start your blog?

I actually have kind of a 3-in-1 thing going on as far as my blog/business. First there’s my blog, Dividing by Zero. I started it up a couple of years ago to chronicle my experiences raising children with autism. At the time, I was a single mom of three boys, and my two youngest are autistic. As it turns out, though, I was so busy raising three boys that I rarely had the time (or energy!) to write about it.

I got remarried last year to a wonderful man – he went from being a 36-year-old, never-married, childless bachelor to being a husband, a stepfather of three (including two with autism), and as of March of this year, a father. So now we’re a big blended family of six. We made the choice for me to stay home with the kids after the baby was born, and I started looking into ways to earn some money for our family from home. My blog is the hub of that (or is in the process of becoming the hub, at least).

How has your business branched out beyond your blog?

I also do freelance writing and editing, including writing fiction. I’ve published a few short stories, and plan on writing/submitting/publishing more as time allows. The Great American Novel will have to wait until after the baby starts school, though. My fiction, I write under my maiden name (Tara Sayers). But for now, it’s mostly things like ad copy and proofreading for other writers.

I also recently started selling Avon as another source of income (plus I love getting the discounts on the products by virtue of being a rep).

How is blogging related to creativity, in your opinion?

Blogging brings out a lot of creativity in both writing and designing – before I got serious about it, I didn’t really realize how much work it requires! I figured I’d just write stuff and people would read it, but that’s not even close to how it works. I wanted a blog that looked nice and was well laid-out and designed, but I don’t have any sort of web design background, so I’ve been learning as I go. Even with the help of friends who do know what they’re doing, it’s still a huge time commitment.

What do you like most/least about your blog and/or business?

There are still elements I’d like to add or change, but I haven’t yet learned how to do it. So there’s a love/hate relationship going on with blogging – I like being able to take a little piece of the web and make it my own, but it’s frustrating when I have a picture in my head that I don’t know how to translate into html. It’s the same with writing – it sounds great in my head, but sometimes it just won’t go down onto paper the way I want it to.

Connect With Tara

Follow: Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

You may also visit Tara on her Amazon Author Page and Goodreads Author Page (horror genre).

Stop by her Avon store for the current catalog, too!

The Busy Blogger’s Guide to Social Media Success
22 Bloggers Who’ve Shaped My Thinking and Mentored Me From Afar
5 Reasons Your Handmade Business Needs a Blog

Erin Pelicano Etsy Jewelry Review

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Kathie

Cotton Ridge Create! is pleased to bring you this guest review from Faith Filled Footsteps.

Erin Pelicano Jewelry

Today is my birthday so I thought I would share with my readers my new favorite necklace! I am not usually a huge fan of jewelery. The jewelry that I bother to wear normally has a meaning or is just a simple piece that is easily added on the go! That is why I love Erin Pelicano and the simple yet stunning pieces that she makes! Let me share a little about the owner.

Erin Pelicano is a designer and crafter at heart. Years of creating, inspired by a silver-smith course, and soul meant for design, Erin finds her inspiration in the small nuances of everyday life. Her experiences have always held the thread of creative aspirations (she did create the first ever line of trash bag clothes at the age of 7). After years in the construction engineering field, Erin followed her dream of creating. Simple. Beautiful. Meaningful.These are words that describe my designs and my creative spirit. I design and create each piece by hand from my Maryland studio. As a mother of 3, it has been my dream to follow a creative path while raising my children. Every piece is handcrafted to bring the wearer simple joy with style and meaning.

Recently we got to try one of these lovely pieces and I love this necklace. It is beautiful and simple. This necklace is just the perfect touch to any outfit. We choose the generations necklace it contains three loops and a beautiful saying in the packaging. Let me show you!

I love how each necklace comes with an inspirational saying and most of her necklace have a meaning! This just adds something special a heart felt to each gift!

Here are just a few more samples of the beautiful work she offers!

Giveaway

These handcrafted made in America pieces will make a great Holiday gift for that someone special! Erin Pelicano and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky reader a $45.00 gift certificate to purchase your favorite item. In case you cannot wait to see if you are the winner you can purchase any of these wonderful items here in her shop!

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only, must be 18 years or older. It will run from November 11, 2013 and close late on the evening of November 25, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as on the Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Cotton Ridge Create! and Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary.

Meet Jewelry Artist Francine Ruth, and Enter a Giveaway for Two Etsy Gift Cards! (WW ~ 11/14)
Holiday Cards and Gifts From Treat ~ Plus a Giveaway! (U.S. – 11/20)
Giveaway! American Girl Saige Doll, Book & DVD (US/CAN – 11/22)
A Crafty Christmas Giveaway ~ Three Winners! (U.S. ~ 11/20)

A Crafty Christmas ~ An Etsy Treasury

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Kathie

‘A Crafty Christmas’ by cottonridge

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

Looking for creative ready-made christmas craft kits for you and your kids? Sometimes when schedules get hectic it’s nice to pull out a project that’s ready to go with little or no prep time. Presented here is an Etsy Treasury of Christmas craft kits for you. Visit Cotton Ridge Homeschool for a Treasury of Christmas craft kits for your kids!

If you’d like inspiration for crafts from scratch, please visit the Tutorials and Creative Kids areas here on Cotton Ridge Create!

Don’t forget to enter the Crafty Christmas Giveaway – three winners will each receive a prize pack of Christmas crafts supplies!

Thank you for visiting Cotton Ridge Create!

A Crafty Christmas Giveaway ~ Three Winners! (U.S. ~ 11/20)
Everything Etsy Holiday Gift Guide – No. 1
Mission Unboxable Save Santa Secret Agent Kit Review, Free Gift With Purchase, & Giveaway! (U.S. – 11/20)
Welcome Fall ~ An Etsy Treasury of Pottery and Ceramics
Looking Forward to a Clayful Christmas
Holiday Cards and Gifts From Treat ~ Plus a Giveaway! (U.S. – 11/20)

Primrose & Pirates Etsy Shop Review

Handcrafted Clothing For Kids

More Etsy Shop Giveaways on Cotton Ridge Create!

Related articles

Wall Artsy Etsy Shop Review

More Etsy Shop Giveaways on Cotton Ridge Create!

Related articles

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Craftsy Class

What is Craftsy?

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Craftsy Class

What IS the Craftsy experience?

Related article

Words To Live By Custom Signs Etsy Shop Review

Related Articles

Meet Mixed Media Artist Carolee Carpenter Jandreau

About the Artist and Her Work

Giveaway

Related Articles

An Auction To Support Ekubo Ministries In Uganda ~ Handmade Art & Handcrafts

Visit the Auction Here

Related articles

An Interview With Blogger Tara Carlson From Dividing By Zero

What led you to start your blog?

How has your business branched out beyond your blog?

How is blogging related to creativity, in your opinion?

What do you like most/least about your blog and/or business?

Connect With Tara

Related articles

Erin Pelicano Etsy Jewelry Review

Erin Pelicano Jewelry

Giveaway

Related articles

A Crafty Christmas ~ An Etsy Treasury

‘A Crafty Christmas’ by cottonridge

Related Articles

Search

Blog Archives

Latest Portfolio Posts

Sponsors