Smashing Darling -- Your House for Indie Fashion

Do you Stumble? I do! Probably too much. I was just Stumbling, when I found this cool site. Check out Smashing Darling for yourself. Here are a few of the things you can find on Smashing Darling.

Wordless Wednesday -- Featuring Karingrow

Tots on Tuesdays No. 8 -- Featuring OsoBaby (Ambrosia Delights)

Good morning and happy Tuesday! Congratulations to Susan, who won the $20 gift certificate from Bella Symphony! Thank you all for entering.

Today, I'm doing something a little different. I didn't get someone lined up to do today's feature, so I will be featuring my own shop, Ambrosia Delights. While I have jewelry, children's clothing, and baby items in the shop, I will be focusing on the latter two items.

I have been sewing since I was 6 years old, so just over 10 years now...just kidding! I have a passion for creating cute things for little ones, but I have no little ones...only a teenage son. I have tubs and tubs of fabrics, and just love taking them out and looking at them occasionally. I started sewing to sell in August of 2005, and I started OsoBaby, as a division of Ambrosia Delights, back last fall.

Here are some of my things:

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As our weekly Tots on Tuesdays giveaway, I am giving away

TWO $10 gift certificates to our Ambrosia Delights shop.

To Enter: Please go to our Ambrosia Delights Shop, take a look around, come back here and tell us what your favorite thing is in the shop (it doesn't have to be a baby or children's item). One comment per person please. Please make sure you have given us an easy way to get ahold of you (like a valid email address). This giveaway is open worldwide.

Deadline to enter is Monday, April 14th at Midnight PST.

Ways to Advertise on The Downtown Boutique

It's been awhile since I've let you know about advertising here on The Downtown Boutique. I've come up with a few ways to get a lot of people a lot of exposure.

One of the ways I'm exposing the world to some fabulous handmade creations, is through the EtsyMinis on the right hand side of the blog. I have three of them, where I change the content on a daily basis, except on weekends. On weekends, they tend to stay up a little longer, because that's family time for us. I try to stay off of the computer on weekends.

I am going to start offering EtsyMini ad space this week. We have MORE than enough room for them, so I figure we can put in five EtsyMinis with 6 products each. Those spots will go for $20 each. They will stay up for a whole month. They will change as long as you sell and re-list items. If you're interested in purchasing one of these ad spots, please email me.

The other ways you can advertise can be found on our Rio Oso Designs blog.

***Please remember: All advertising is subject to our approval. We reserve the right to refuse service to any shop or website that contains vulgar, obscene, or or otherwise offensive items in it. The Downtown Boutique is a family-friendly environment, and we would like to keep it that way.

Friday Features No. 8 -- Featuring Karen's Monsters

Congratulations to Tatjana, who won the $20 gift certificate from Karen Marie Designs. Thank you all for entering, and thank you Karen for participating in Friday Features.

In today's segment, we are featuring another Karen, but with a completely different type of product. Today we are featuring MONSTERS from Karen's Monsters on Etsy.com!!! But don't worry, they are very kid-friendly monsters.



Here's a little more about Karen and her monsters.
TDB: How old were you when you started sewing, and who taught you to sew?
Karen: My mom attempted to teach me to sew when I was 6 or 7 and I hated it. It wasn't until high school and especially college that I really learned to love sewing and then it was all by hand. It was only in the last few years that I started sewing on the sewing machine again and in fact had to relearn everything my mother had taught me about the sewing machine.

TDB: Why monsters?
Karen: One of my roommates became obsessed with Sock Monsters. He started making them like crazy. I was telling my sister about them and she not so casually asked about Bunny Monsters. So I had some fleece and felt lying around and made my sister the first Bunny Monster. Afterwards I made them for friends who encouraged me to sell them.I decided to make more monsters specifically because I think they represent the other. I think we're all attracted to things outside of our own world, and perhaps a little afraid of it too. My monsters are a safe other that helps us broaden our world view. I think it's especially important for children to be exposed to things that they're unfamiliar with, which is why I make all of my monsters kid-safe and friendly. But I find so many people of all ages are attracted to my monsters that it's gratifying to know that I'm not the only adult that loves playing with fascinating toys.

TDB: From where does your inspiration for the monsters come?
Karen: Since I was very very little, I've loved going to the fabric store. All the colors and textures. It was the only place where I was allowed to run my little hands over everything. My inspiration often starts in the store looking at new fabrics and imagining how they'll feel all stuffed with poly-fill. If I'm making monster types that I've made before, I just start pulling out fabric and laying pieces across each other until I find the combinations I like best. I keep a stash of eyes, mustaches, hearts, etc in a drawer that I pull out as I'm cutting fabric.My husband is my best inspiration for new designs. He says at the most unexpected times, what if you made a ... and then I find myself sketching that idea until I have a design that I have to make. I also love hearing suggestions from customers and friends. And custom orders are always fun and often lead to a new design. Inspiration may come at the most random times, but it's always transformed by my sketches and all of my designs are created and recreated in my sketchbook.

TDB: You've been on Etsy for 6 months now. What have you learned?
Karen: Sometimes I feel like I'm learning something new every day. I started selling at local markets about a week before I opened my etsy shop. I love the strength of crafting community both at markets and on etsy and have found such great resources there. I've recently joined the NewNew Street Team, which is amazing. For the nuts and bolts, I think I finally have my shipping prices adjusted correctly and a system worked out so that I don't stress when I need to ship anything. The pictures are so important, but sometimes it takes up an incredible amount of time. I wish that someone had told me in the beginning to get a tripod as it would have saved me so much time in figuring things out. Right now I'm trying to figure out advertising. How much money and time to spend on it and the most effective approach. So far I like Project Wonderful Ads , my blog , and plug boards.

TDB: What's your favorite monster to make?
Karen: Whichever one I'm working on at the moment. Though seriously, I think my frog monsters and shark monsters tie for that honor.

TDB: What do you do when you're not creating monsters?
Karen: I work part-time as an accountant. But the more interesting things: I play capoeira I draw, I read comics and lots and lots of books, and I play with my adorable cat. My husband and I love to eat sushi and we spend a lot of time outdoors when it's warm out. We also travel a lot, mostly to visit family and friends, but last year we went to Chicago, North Carolina, California and Hawaii, so it takes us all over the place exploring. This year we hope to visit England and Portland, OR too.

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Now for the fun. If you want to win "Orion" the Shark Monster (shown here), take a look in Karen's shop, and let us know which monster is your favorite. Please leave only one comment per person, with a valid email address. If we can't get ahold of you, we will draw a new winner.

This giveaway is open worldwide. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 10th at midnight PST.

Don't forget to scroll down and read the other posts. You can enter to win a $20 gift certificate from Bella Symphony. And you can check out our new promo style on our other blog!

Have a great day!

Angie

I Love EtsyMini!

Now that I know how to incorporate the EtsyMini into my blog posts, I've been having a little fun. Check out my other blog:

www.rioosodesigns.blogspot.com

I just started a new feature called "Thursday Thumbnails", so for the sake of alliteration, I will be featuring Three Thursday Thumbnails.

Have fun!

Angie

Wordless Wednesdays -- Featuring Moppets Closets

Tots on Tuesdays No. 7 -- Featuring Bella Symphony

Congratulations to Danette of Hawaii, who won the zippered coin purse from Jacqui over at Ramsden Designs! Thanks to all of you who entered.

Today's featured seller/artist/crafter is Becky from Bella Symphony. Here's what Becky says about herself and her business:
I am a wife to the man of my dreams, and a SAHmama to two little girls. During the day I have several ideas pop into my head about different ideas and fabric combinations, and wait 'til everyone is asleep to start working out my ideas. The combination of different fabrics and their texture are my downfall. I am always wanting to buy more to create something new! I hope you enjoy what you see and hope you would give my creations a new owner and home!


The giveaway: Becky is generously offering a $20 gift certificate to her shop.

To enter: Please visit Bella Symphony or Bella Symphony's Etsy shop and come back here to comment about your favorite item from her shop. If you don't follow directions, I can't put your name in the hat to be drawn as the winner. One comment per person please, including a valid email or a really good way to get ahold of you if you win. This giveaway is open worldwide, and the deadline is Monday, April 7th at midnight PST.

Don't forget to scroll down and enter to win a $20 gift certificate from Karen Marie Designs!!!

Oh, and if you are enjoying reading The Downtown Boutique blog, please tell someone else about us!

Have a great day!

Angie

I've been tagged!

I guess it was inevitable. Sometimes I see blogs where people are "tagged", and think "Why doesn't anyone tag me?" Then I think, "Well, maybe it's for the best, right?". So now it's official...I've been tagged.

7 Random and not so Random, and maybe even possibly odd things about me:

1. I met my husband (and now best friend) on eHarmony.com.

(Thanks Dr. Dobson for featuring eHarmony on your program!)

2. I am the mother of a teenage boy who has 1/2 a heart and had 5 strokes before age 3.

3. I am a sugar-holic, but working on a change!

4. I sing on the worship team at our church.

5. I got bitten by a baby rattlesnake when my son was a baby.

6. My husband and I are licensed foster parents, hoping to get an adoption placement soon.

7. I sang the National Anthem at a New Mexico Scorpions hockey game.

I guess now is the time when I'm supposed to tag 7 other people, but I would rather tag my readers...YOU! But you can't do the same thing I've done. I want you to tell me your 7 favorite shops on Etsy. And you can either post on your blog, or post in the comments. If you don't know about Etsy, I encourage you to visit! You will find some truly amazing handmade products there! I would have to say that 99.9% of the artists and crafters I feature come from Etsy.

Have a great day!

Angie

Friday Features No. 7 -- Featuring Karen Marie Designs

I know, I know, I'm a little late in getting this out, but at least it will be out before Friday is over. I've been a little busy this week.

Congratulations to Belinda, who won the notecards and magnets from Dirty Pretty Things (RavenXX)! Congratulations to TerBearCo. and Bella Symphony who won the two free advertising spots in celebration of our reaching 5000 visits. Can you believe we're already at 6000! We've had over 1000 hits in ONE WEEK! Thank you all!

Today's Friday Feature is all about Karen Marie Designs. Karen is a happily married Auntie and momma to a tuxedo kitty. She and her husband and kitty live in Virginia. Here's a little more about Karen:

TDB: When did you first start crafting?
Karen: I first started crafting when I was a kid. On the top of each Christmas list was always an arts and craft gift, from candle making to woodburning! I did even try, unsuccessfully, the "easy bake" oven. This could account for why I don't cook today! In any case, I recently began scrapbooking, and started to use beads in my work. One thing led to another, and over the past year, I started making jewelry, which I love.

TDB: I see you've been on Etsy for just over a year. How long did it take to get your first sale?
Karen: It was probably about a month before I made my first sale. Every sale there after has been just as exciting. It was especially fun when I sold a pair of earrings to someone is Australia! To think my jewelry has traveled farther than I have!

TDB: You have good, clear photographs, with some great "up close" shots. What's your secret?

Karen: After much struggling, I have begun to take what I feel are better shots. Of course, there is always room for improvement. The key for me was when I bought a "light box." What a difference this made! In addition, I use the macro setting, with no flash, on my camera. To finish it all off, I have been able to use what I have learned in a Corel Paint Shop Pro class to "finalize" the pictures.

TDB: There are SO many jewelry makers on Etsy. What do you think makes your jewelry stand out from the crowd?

Karen: I give my absolute all to making my jewelry. I love to work with Swarovski crystals, and unique beads. Hopefully others agree that my jewelry stands out due to the quality of my workmanship. I pay close attention to detail. For example, on my bracelets I will take the extra time to use wire guards to prevent the wire from wearing out against the toggle. I'll also use crimp bead covers for that finished look. I want my jewelry to be durable and to last!

TDB: When you're not crafting, what do you enjoy doing for fun?

Karen: If I'm not actually creating my jewelry, I am looking through bead books or on-line for various beads and bead findings. I also love to read books about jewelry making. I always want to improve my trade. My husband and I are big fans of College Basketball, so we attend games with a group of friends. We also love to spend time with our cat, Pargo, whom we spoil...just a little! In fact, you will see Pargo on my website modeling some of my jewelry! He is just mesmarized by the beads, and mostly, the string!

TDB: What's your favorite thing about Etsy?

Karen: I can't say enough about Etsy. I have just learned so much since joining. I love the fact that you can have contact with people all around the world! It has literally opened up a whole new world!! I am hooked!

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Karen's giveaway is a $20 Gift Certificate from her shop.

To enter: Please visit Karen's shop and find what you would buy if you won the $20 gift certificate. Then come back here and comment on it. ONE comment per person please. Please leave a valid email or make sure we have a good, quick way to get ahold of you. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 3rd at Midnight PST.