Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Etsy Featured Designer: Heather of Olive & Ollie plus a giveaway!

"inspired goods made by hand for your little one" 

We still recall the day we came across olive & ollie on Etsy - it was a dream come true! Handmade, quality clothing & uber-cute finds for our littles. We immediately fell in love even more when Heather, the owner, sent us some fabulous goodies. The attention to detail and quality is beyond perfection. olive & ollie is definitely a shop you will began a love affair with -- beautiful clothes for stylish littles. Lucky for us we sat down with Heather to chat and get to know everything about her sweet little shop. 






Tell us about Olive & Ollie. What inspired the name?

Olive and Ollie began very simply, and I never dreamt that it would turn into a real business. I started making bibs and appliquéd shirts for my son who was born in 2006, because I couldn’t find a lot of things on the market for him that I liked. Friends liked my work, and soon people started asking me to make things for them as well.

Olive and Ollie is named after two women in my family, my great-grandmother Olive, and my great-great-aunt Ollie. Both were strong, independent women who made all sorts of things by hand, and shared my belief that handmade is best. In fact, I still have the baby quilt my aunt Ollie made for me over 30 years ago, when she was in her 70s.


How long have you been sewing? What made you decide to start your adorable shop on Etsy?


I’ve been sewing on and off since junior high, which was way too long ago to admit! Honestly, I guess about 20 years or so, which makes me sound really old, doesn’t it?!


I signed up on etsy.com to open a shop in May 2007, but it wasn’t until April of the following year that I listed anything. By that time I now had a toddler and a newborn, and I knew I didn’t want to go back to my day job, so I went full steam ahead with my little endeavor. I would design and sew while my babies napped, but the vast majority of my work was done at night after they were in bed. And I’ve been working that way since then. It’s sometimes tough to work so many late nights, but it allows me to be home with my babies, and that is priceless and totally worth the lack of sleep.

Has this become a full time job or do you still consider it a hobby as so many do when they sew?

This has definitely become a full time job for me, and I’m really excited about the possible directions I could take this business in. I’m so lucky that I get to do what I love and make a living from it.



What's up next for O&O? We are ready for a sweet handmade boutique we can visit! We just can't get enough :)


Thank you so much! A handmade boutique would be great, and may happen some day when my kids are older. For now, I’m working on new designs and also trying my hand at some pattern making as well. I’m also introducing modern quilts for babies and toddlers in my shop, so keep an eye out for those as well!


All things Olive & Ollie

Heather, as kind as she is has given YOU a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to her shop! Read on to see just how you can get started collecting for your Olive & Ollie collection! 
We adore this super cute unique tee for Halloween! 



Leave us a comment telling us just what you would LOVE to get. Make sure you are a follower of cupcakeMAG and Sprinkles.

For extra entries do the following and leave us a separate comment telling us each you have done.

1. Follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Olive & Ollie on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page.

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @oliveandollie-- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

The winner will be selected by random.org on Wed., October 6th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well! 

122 comments:

  1. I would love to get my son a shirt and my daughter a skirt! Lovely things.

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  2. following ollie and ollie on twitter now.

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  3. Heather has the best things! If I could pick anything I'd pick two of the Jack o Lantern shirts because then my kids wouldn't fight over it and it's super cute! Love the rocket outfit too.

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  4. I tweeted. : ) Thanks for the chance. Heather is one talented lady!!

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  5. I follow the Olive & Ollie blog every day and I love the dresses!

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  6. following Heather , Olive and Ollie, on twitter

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  7. liked the new Sprinkle facebook page

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  8. I signed up for you to sprinkle my inbox with goodies...lol!!

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  9. voted for the top mommy blogs!

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  10. tweeted, my name is tracypell75

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  11. I would love anything from Heather. Everything she makes is awesome!!It washes up great,looks great, and gets plenty of wonderful comments.

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  12. tweeted with @oliveandollie , tracypell75

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  13. sorry do not have a blog and I forgot to leave my email in one of my comments
    tracypell75@yahoo.com

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  14. i would love one of her peasant dresses and will for sure be ordering a birthday outfit when my daughter turns one.

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  15. i liked the new Sprinkles facebook page

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  16. i just signed up to receive email updates

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  17. i also just voted for you on "top mommy blogs"

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  18. I'd really like the Custom Initial Shirts! Thanks!

    newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

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  19. I follow O&O on Twitter @royaldixie

    newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

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  20. I like you on FB as Maggie Smith

    newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

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  21. I voted for your on Top Mommy Blogs

    newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

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  22. Found Olive and Ollie at the Creative Connection and LOVE these items. So much fun. There are many yummies I'd like for my daughter.

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  23. I excited to be subcribing to your blog now.

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  24. And following you on facebook! Yea

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  25. Have tried for 30 minutes to figure out how to vote for you...but can't figure it out....

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  26. i'd love the robot boys birthday tee and the jack o jack olantern tee
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to get the Orange Blossoms Oversized Blanket. I follow this blog.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter (kiddo47).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I follow Olive and Ollie on Twitter (kiddo47).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I like you on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I tweeted @CupcakeMAG.

    http://twitter.com/kiddo47/status/26224470277

    ReplyDelete
  32. I tweeted @oliveandollie.

    http://twitter.com/kiddo47/status/26224470277

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

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  33. gosh so many cute things. I like the lounge sets, the skirts, the owl shirt, shall I go on...

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  34. I am a "liker" on fb...cute stuff!!

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  35. I follow with GFC and I would LOVE to get the Custom Birthday Lounge Set with Ruffle Pants or Capris and Appliqued Tee in Garden Party by Olive and Ollie. My little girl has a birthday on Halloween and would love to wear such a set on her special day.

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter (megancrose)

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow Olive and Ollie on Twitter (megancrose)

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I liked your new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/megan.crose)

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I subscribe to your updates

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I voted for you on Top Mommy Blogs

    megancrose at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am a follower and I would get Modern Peasant Dress and Coordinating Ruffle Pants in Aqua and Red Bliss by Olive and Ollie
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  42. I follow Cupcake Mag on twitter- mframe00
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I follow Heather Jones on twitter
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  44. I like you on facebook
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  45. I voted on Top Mommy Blogs

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  46. I LOVE the Custom Appliqued Rocket Lounge Set. I follow via GFC, thanks!

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  47. I would get my daughter the Modern Peasant Dress in Paradise Garden. That is such a beautiful print!
    google friend follower (Snowflake07)
    hotpepper71 at bell south dot Net

    ReplyDelete
  48. tweeted for cupcakemag (as SnowflakeDay): http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/statuses/26313780553

    ReplyDelete
  49. tweeted for oliveandollie (as SnowflakeDay): http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/statuses/26313974497

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  50. email subscriber
    hotpepper71 at bell south dot Net

    ReplyDelete
  51. following Olive & Ollie on twitter as SnowflakeDay

    ReplyDelete
  52. following CupcakeMag on twitter as SnowflakeDay

    ReplyDelete
  53. We really like the Custom Initial Shirts! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Blog follower
    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Following CupcakeMAG on Twitter

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Following Olive & Ollie on Twitter

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. "LIKE" you on Facebook

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. subscriber

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. voted

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. http://twitter.com/HappyMomC/status/26327004007

    happymomc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. http://twitter.com/HappyMomC/status/26327004007

    happymomc at gmail dot com

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  61. I'd love to get a custom outfit like the birthday outfit with the adorable skirt!

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  62. follow olive and ollie on twitter!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I liked CupcakeMag on FB!
    FB: Taci M.
    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm following CUpcakeMag on Twitter.
    Twitter: iAMmotherhood
    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'm following Olive and Ollie on twitter!
    Twitter: iAMmotherhood
    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have subscribed to CupcakeMAGsprinkles updates!
    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I voted on topmommyblogs site!

    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I tweeted this giveaway!
    http://twitter.com/iAMmotherhood/status/26373496297

    iammotherhood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love the Modern Owl in Pink and Brown Custom
    Applique Shirt! Too cute for my neice!

    ReplyDelete
  70. I follow CupcakeMAG on twitter as @Andras_Arena

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow Olive & Ollie on twitter as @Andras_Arena

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like you on facebook as Andras Arena

    ReplyDelete
  73. I subscribe to your updates with Andra1129@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I voted for you on top mommy blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I tweeted about this giveaway.
    The URL is:
    http://twitter.com/Andras_Arena/status/26410206363
    twitter name is @Andras_Arena

    ReplyDelete
  76. I tweeted and icluded @oliveandollie
    The URL is:
    http://twitter.com/Andras_Arena/status/26410358938
    twitter name is @Andras_Arena

    ReplyDelete
  77. I subscribe to your blog via email with the address

    Andra1129@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love their things. thanks!

    Melissa R.
    melissahrains@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I voted for you on Top Mommy Blog. Thanks!

    Melissa R.
    melissahrains@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm a facebook fan. Thanks!

    Melissa R.
    melissahrains@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I subscribe. Thanks!

    Melissa R.
    Melissahrains@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. i would get my princess a Custom Birthday Lounge Set with Ruffle Pants or Capris and Appliqued Tee. Love it!

    manzer001 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I'm following you and I love the Custom Girls Birthday Shirt with Number and Crown.

    smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I voted for you at Top Baby Blogs.

    smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. My favorite is the Custom Birthday Outfit with Twirl Skirt and Appliqued Tee in Amy Butler Love Aqua Bliss by Olive and Ollie! Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter as mrsmchappell
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Follow Olive & Ollie on Twitter as mrsmchappell
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I voted.
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love the Modern Peasant Dress in Paradise Garden!
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter @maybaby522
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Follow Olive & Ollie on Twitter @maybaby522
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Like your Facebook page- Nicole Krebs Balogh
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. voted for you at Top Mommy Blogs
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. tweeted
    http://api.twitter.com/maybaby522/status/26515612401
    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. My must haves: the tie tee and rocket lounger!!
    THANK YOU :)
    cobberin@rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love the Custom Birthday Lounge Set with Ruffle Pants or Capris and Appliqued Tee in Garden Party
    sahmofdq@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Follow Olive & Ollie on twitter (@SAHMofDQ)
    sahmofdq@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Email subscribe (ktraverse82@gmail.com)
    sahmofdq@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Tweeted about the giveaway @you
    http://twitter.com/#!/SAHMofDQ/status/26587922039
    sahmofdq@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Tweeted about the giveaway @Olive & Ollie
    http://twitter.com/#!/SAHMofDQ/status/26588006830
    sahmofdq@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I'm a GFC follower. I'd love to get the beautiful Aqua Owls Oversized Chenille Blanket for baby #2 due in Feb! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I'm an email subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Voted for you @ Top Mommy Blogs. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Love the Modern Peasant Dress in Blush Daisies, so pretty! =)


    I follow your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I voted for you on topmommyblogs!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Following Cupcake Mag with FriendConnect

    ReplyDelete
  107. Following Olive & Ollie on Twitter
    @HeirloomStyle

    ReplyDelete
  108. Congrats to tracypell75@yahoo.com -- YOU WON!
    Thanks for everyone who entered!

    ReplyDelete

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