New Banner & Button!

I said the other day that I made the plunge and bought my first sponsor slot (okay, I bartered)!  Anywho, Jessi made me the cutest new header for my shop, and button for her page.  Adorable!

If you have been eying something from my shop, go ahead and visit her site and enter for a chance to win any item from my shop!!

Hope you all have a fantastic week.  And thank you so much to Jessi for her sweet words and super cute banner and button!  Oh yeah, and I am thinking about a new crochet along.  Help me choose:  Woodsy or Sweet??  Let me know what you think!

Editing in Picnik

I am taking the plunge and learning how to edit my photos.  After a few comments about how a few minor edits could make my photos that much better, I decided to just go for it!  I am using picnik, the free photo editing software through google.  So here is an example of a fun edit.  I added a cute font and brightened up and sharpened my coaster photo.  All of my etsy photos will soon be edited.  Whew.  I have to take it one item at a time -- because thinking of them all is overwhemling!

Also, I finally took the plunge and paid for a sponsorship spot.  Kind of a big deal.  That and being asked to be in a Craft Fair in my city made for an exciting month for me (August).  Here's to hoping I can get everything done -- and still be a great wife for my hubs!

Sidenote:  I just noticed the photo is off center.  Crap.  Guess it is back to the editing room for me!

Giveaway

Okay.  So I do not know what the deal is.  Yesterday I thought that I had offered up a sweet giveaway.  But maybe my intro paragraph threw everyone off (about a winner for the crochet along).  I dunno.  Regardless, I'm  hosting a giveaway right now.  Anyone can win. It is for a coffee cozy from my shop.  I think that is a sweet deal, right?  So, go check it out.  And maybe I will stop feeling like everyone hates me and no one has picked me for kickball! haha

<3 Megan

Ps. I am posting this so it will show up in all of your readers.  hehehehe 

GIVEAWAY!! Two Winner Tuesday!

This giveaway is now closed.   Thanks for entering!!

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8/30/2011:  It seems like comments may not be working, so you can totally email me your entries!  Just click on to my email through "view my complete profile."  Good luck!

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8/24/2011:  I have no idea why, but not a one of you has commented on this giveaway... and you can totally win.  So I am reposting in hopes that you find it.  And that I stop feeling like you all do not like me. I'm nice, I swear.  And there is no gimmick.  I just wanted to brighten up your day with a giveaway.  So go ahead... leave a comment for a chance to win a cozy!!  Anyone can win.  See that?  This is not just for the crochet along participants.  Invite your friends to play too.  There are 6 whole days left!!

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8/23/2011:  Hello again!  I hope you all enjoyed your 40% off coupon yesterday-- you actually have a couple more hours left to use it.  Anywho, a couple months ago I said I would give something away to someone who entered my Patriotic Crochet Along.  I was trying to decide what to give.  I was thinking about making a patriotic cozy, and then just got busy.  So, I will give the winner of that giveaway their choice of a patriotic cozy (which I still have to make) or another cozy in my shop.  You (crochet alongers) do not have to do anything to enter, you are entered just by participating.  However, you can enter the second giveaway, for a second chance to win!

Just one of the coffee cozies that you could win-- it's winner's choice!

So, you did not enter the crochet along and you still want to enter.  What shall you do?  Merely leave me a comment with an idea of what I should make next for my shop.  Autumn colored cozies? A certain pattern or fabric for coasters?  You can also let me know what kind of patterns you would like to see on here.  I have created my own patterns for a French Press Cozy, Ladybug Hat, and a Bella Beanie.  There are a few extra ways too... let's get technical.  The prize is one coffee cozy from my shop.

Here's the skinny:

1. One entry for a comment detailing what you want to see in my shop or a new pattern that you would like to try.
2. Another entry if you are a follower -- just leave a comment letting me know that you are!
3. Extra entry for tweeting about the giveaway (leave a comment).
4. Lastly, you get five entries if you or someone you referred buys something from my shop.  Once you hear about it or buy an item, just leave five comments!

Good luck to all!  Contest closes on Tuesday, August 30 at noon, PST.  

Sale!

I was just thinking about how much I love craft stores 40% off coupons -- I just jump at them when I receive them!  So, today only, you can use the code MONDAY40 to get 40% off of your order at MegN Creations.  Amazing, right?  It only lasts 24 hours -- so you better get over there quickly!

Teacher's Pet Coffee Cozy $8

Pink Flowered Crocheted Cozy $8

The Perfect Pear Coasters $12

And there are a couple of Chrsitmas coasters left in the sale section.  The coupons work on those too!

 Chocolate Christmas Coasters $9 -- Big Sale (these would cost $5.40 with your coupon!!)

Featured!

I am so excited today because I am being featured over on Lora's blog.  She is a sweet gal who has been such an encouragement to me and my business. 

Head on over there and check out my interview.  Also, you will find a discount code for my shop!

And while we are at it, you should check out Lora's shop.  Here are some of my favorite items!

Ask, Seek, Knock Necklace

Leaves of Healing Necklace

Loved Necklace

She makes these amazing necklaces, but also finds cute vintage items as well.  Please go check out her interview with me and her shop!  And thanks again, Lora, for having me over!

Featured!

I was featured in a Treasury!  Wow!  I am sooo excited!  You guys should check it out too, it is all about coffee.

Happy Thursday!

Etsy Treasuries

I have a new love -- creating etsy treasuries!  Granted, I made this one back in June and I have not made one since.  haha I still love them!  Check out "I love California" if you want a peek at some sweet things from the state I love!

How fun is this??

More Christmas in July Coasters

I was so excited about Christmas in July yesterday that I stayed up late getting pictures of my coasters!  Sadly, late night pictures are not always the best.  Poor lighting = poor pictures.  I took a few more pictures during my lunchbreak today to make up for it though!

Not too bad for 11 pm, right??

 Christmas Mittens Coasters -- only $9 for the next 2 weeks!

Taken at 12:15 pm -- much better lighting!

What is guarunteed to bring about that holiday spirit??  Pine trees, of course!  These could actually be winter or fall coasters.  If you have a cabin, these are perfect for the ambiance!

Into the Woods - $9 for a set of 4, that is 25% off!

Remember, this sale lasts for two weeks, so get to shopping!  You only have one week and six days left!

Christmas in July Coaster Sale!

I am super excited to share that my etsy shop is having a Christmas in July Sale!  Woo hoo!  The Christmas coasters are 25% off!

Chocolate Christmas Coasters $12 on sale for $9

If you look around and really want something else, just shoot me an email (contact me on the view my complete profile page), and I may just send you a coupon.  :)

Holly Jolly Christmas Coasters $12 on sale for $9!

Keep checking in on the shop, as I will be listing some new Christmas coasters later this week!  Woo hoo!  This sale will last a week, maybe a bit longer if I feel so inclined!

Leftovers in the Shop

I'm super excited because I have some new items listed in my shop.  The success of the Craft Fair definitely gave me some renewed enthusiasm and answered some prayers about the future of my business.  And -- praise the Lord -- I had a sale this weekend!  I asked a friend for some advice about how to sell successfully on etsy, and she gave me some great tips -- but the most important was to pray.  She told me she would be praying for my shop as well -- how kind and loving is that? Thank you for that, Lora.

And now, recently listed items in the shop:

Herbivore Pot Holders $10

Bright Summer Newborn Cloche $10

Brown Sparkles Coffee Cozy $8

The Perfect Pear Coasters $12

Pale Speckles Newborn Cloche $10

I am so excited.  I also made the cutest little pink beanie.  I just need to get pictures taken and I will list it.  I used a new flower pattern, creating my own from a Lion Brand pattern.  I will definitely share it with you!  I also won a couple items at giveaway day, so I am very excited to share those with you!

Giveaway!

I love Sew Mama Sew's giveaway days.  In fact, that is how I came across many of the blogs that I follow -- primarily sewing ones, but a few crocheted ones as well.  When I found out that this year's Spring Giveaway Day was May 23, I knew that I had to participate.  As my readers know, I just had my first Craft Fair.  It was a success and I am really excited to continue growing my business.  I sold a bunch of coffee cozies, coasters, potholders, and beanies.

Today I will be giving away one item from my shop.  Your choice.  Whatever you want is yours!  I am going to be adding a few more items in the next few days, as I have some leftovers from my sale.

I will also be giving away some sort of supply.  Tell me whether you would like some yarn or fabric.  I will see what I can come up with.  It shall be a surprise!!

All you have to do is leave me a comment with your favorite crafty thing at the moment.  Are you into sewing aprons?  Crocheting hats?  Hot glueing some flowers?  I dabble in it all, but am excited to sew myself a few skirts, now that my Craft Fair is over.

Oh yeah, and I will give you an extra entry for telling me what you like in my shop and how to improve it!

Rules & Stuff:  This giveaway contest is open until May 25th at midnight, PST.  My goal is to pick a winner in the few days after that, and mail you the chosen prize within a week.  If you do not get back to me within a week, I reserve the right to give the prize to a new winner.  Oh yeah, and your email must either be displayed through blogger or left in the comments.  I don't want to spend days trying to track you down!  You have three ways to win:

1. Leave a comment telling me what creative outlet you are loving right now.
2. Leave a comment telling me what you like / needs improvement in my shop.
3. Leave a comment if you are a follower (on blogger or through a feeedreader, etc)

Remember, each comment is an entry.  One comment with multiple answers is only one entry.  Good luck, and I hope you stick around awhile!

Craft Fair

So I have been a very busy bee in my craft room.  This weekend is my first ever craft fair.  I think I mentioned it before, but a few of my friends will be setting up shop at my house and trying to sell our goods!  I am soooo excited!  Needless to say... my sewing machine, glue gun, and crochet hooks have not stopped moving in the last month.  Since I post about every other day at Newly Wife, I have not had time to come over here very often.  But I do have a lot to come soon, including a few patterns!

Here is a box full of stuff that I will be selling:

And these are some headbands in progress!  They are now completely sewn, with a few waiting for flowers!

Whatever does not sell on Saturday will be listed on my etsy.  So stay tuned!

Iron Craft 11 & Crocheted Cozies

After sewing a bunch of coffee cozies, I realized I could crochet some too.  I searched for patterns on Ravelry, but decided to just create my own!  I was also going to create some shamrock coasters for St. Patricks day (and the green challenge at Iron Craft), but I ran out of time.  So I made a green coffee cozy!  So far I only have three crocheted cozies made, but I LOVE how they look!

Marketing :)

 

And for the green cozies (for Iron Craft):

 

Coffee Cozies: Complete!  I am definitely going to be making more of these.  I just love them!  And sorry, the green just didn't show up very well.  Oh well!  Would you be more likely to purchase a sewn or crocheted coffee cozy?

Listed!

I finally listed the first couple of the beanies from last weekend to etsy...  Get em while they're hot!

Also, I'm excited to say I finally figured out how to have that little shop link on the side.  Now I really feel like a professional!  See it there ------>

Pink Flower Cloche

Greenish Striped Cloche

And, relisted:
Baby Boy Stripes (discounted price! [well, a new price for beanies, that is lower than this one was before])

The rest to follow soon :)

Advertising

As you all know by now, I am working on some advertising for my shop, remember my banner?  Well I ordered some business cards (etsy had them for free for their sellers) and printed some return address labels, so I just need your orders to start flowing in!

As you can see, my mad paint.net skills are growing! haha

Free business cards!

I am so excited to have this stuff.  I'm even more excited for my planning / logo designing meeting with my hubs tonight!

It's rough, but it works

 I decided to try and make a banner for my shop.  It's not amazing.  It's not even fantastic.  But it is mine.  And it will hold my little space in the etsy-universe until my wonderfully amazing photoshop loving husband can create something amazing for me.  Also, I ordered my free business cards from moo.  Thank you moo + etsy for the deal. 

Here is the banner

And a few things I am actually excited about... more coasters and hot pads / pot holders!!

Feelin LOVEly coasters

 

Sugar Cookie Love Coasters

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Pot Holders

Also, this month I will be donating 10% of my sales to Lauren Wallace and Young Life in San Ramon.   This girl is amazing and I'm so happy to support what she does to help youth in her area.

Lots of Love Coasters

Valentines's Day is near and my shop is getting busy.  I whipped up these coasters (and a few others which are not listed yet) this weekend.  I have a crazy story to go along with the coasters, too!  So I was sewing up a storm and all of a sudden my machine was going without me.  I thought maybe I was going crazy, so I picked up the presser foot to check... and it just kept sewing.  I was thuroughly freaked out.  And a bit miffed that I could not finish my projects!  I told my husband there was a ghost in my craftroom and could he please come and help me.  He was laughing at me, as, sure enough, the machine sewed on it's own again (mind you, it was usually after I sewed and took my foot off the pedal... it would keep going.  but sometimes it would stop and then slowly start again).  I googled it "janome sewing machine won't stop sewing on it's own" (as I laughed at the ridiculousness) and found that the issue was in the presser foot / pedal.  Apparently if it gets lint or thread in in, it can mess up the sensor.  Hubby unscrewed it and blew the dust out for me. Now, the machine is running well again.  But I will not soon be forgetting the day my machine was possessed.  [And the comments in the forum were hilarious.  People were talking about how they took their machines in and the service department looked at them like they were crazy!!]

This is the perfect gift for someone you love -- or for yourself!  Bring them out every February to brighten up your home!

There are only a few sets, so get a set of Lots of Love coasters now if you are interested!

Oh yeah, and the verse on these is Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Giveaway - Closed

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered!

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I am so excited to have over 100 of you following my blog.  I wanted to share some love with you all, so I am having a little giveaway!  I have been working very hard in my craft room.  But I am trying to decide.... do I try and organize it or work like a busy little beaver to get Valentine's Day things listed in my shop?  You can see the mess below...

I decided to do both.  I cleaned up a bunch of stuff (forgot to get a cleaner picture) and got myself three baskets for my etsy stuff... "to cut," "to sew," and "to package / list."  Even though I still have more stuff to clean, I feel accomplished and better organized.  The cats helped -- by amusing me.  Squeaks (the black one) was eating the fake flowers yesterday.  Ugh!

Okay, so what you are all really interested in... the giveaway!!!  Remember the coffee cozy from last week?  That cute brown coffee cup one is going to be a part of the fun package.  I am sorry to say, you will not be receiving my used coffee cup though (I need it for future photo shoots)!

You will also win a few things of yarn, a fake flower, and a super cute pincushion made by my mother in law.  She gave me a few, letting me know that I could give away one or two.  So, lucky you, you get a chance at one.  These are great pincushions (mine is on my work desk) and they look super cute too!  How to win?

Ready for the rules?? 

• Leave a comment just to say hello, if you knit or crochet or sew, or what initially brought you over to Crochet Every Day.
• Check out my etsy shop and tell me what you like or think could be improved upon.
• For an extra 10 entries, order something from my etsy shop!

This giveaway will be open until Monday, February 7th, 2011 at noon (PST), or whenever I close the comments after that!  After I announce the winner, they will have 3 days to get back to me, or I can choose another winner!  Good luck!