Featured Etsy Designer -- Nicole of Sweet Things!

Oh, sweet things. We love sweet things. Ok, you get the point but we just can't stop droolin' over this Etsy Shop! Can you guess the name? Sweet Things! We just can't get enough of the oh-so-sweet goodies that fill this sweet HANDmade shop. And well, the designer of Sweet Things, Nicole is just a doll! Read on to get to know her and all about this charming little shop we love.

{What's in the name? Sweet Things. What inspired it?} 


I lost my job when I was out on disability during my pregnancy with my now 2 year old little girl. I already had an 8 month old at home and with another on the way I decided to try my hand at crafting. I started with pillowcase dresses and it has taken off from there.

{We can't get enough of this Pretty in Pink Tank, $17 - so whimsical & sweet}

{Tell us a little bit about you & what inspired the biz.}

Hi my name is Nicole and I am the owner and creator of SWEET Things 
(also known as SWEET Things kids). 

I am a wife. Even with a full-time job and being a full-time student, my amazing hubby Jeff always supports my dreams. I am so thankful he is a part of my life. 

I am a mom. My two little girls are my inspiration. Little R, age 3, is my sweet tomboy. She teaches me how to make an alien or dinosaur cute and girly. Little N, age 2, loves everything pink and sparkly. I am happy to report that she walks better in heals at age 2 then I ever will.

I am a lover. I LOVE all thins Harry potter, Cold Stone, Miami Dolphins football and an EXTRA large cup of coffee once, and sometimes twice, a day.

I am a designer. It took me a long time to call myself that. I love thinking of a new creation and then bringing it to life. I take a lot of pride in making quality handcrafted designs that won’t break the bank. My favorite part of my job is getting customer comments like...

“Amazing!!! It's even prettier in person! Everything fits perfect. And it's sooo soft! My 3 year old won’t take it off! Thank you so much!”

It makes me feel great to know that I can make a child’s SWEET dreams come true.

{so sweet Cinderella costume}

{What is your favorite item from your shop you just LOVE creating?}


I love our NEW Cinderella costume. I made it for my little girl, who is a true princess and it turned out perfect.

{Adorable skirt by Sweet Things paired w/ Pretty in Pink Tank}

{When did you begin to sew? What is the earliest memory of sewing?}


I started sewing pretty late in my life. My mom gave me one lesson at the age of 26 and I was off and running. I spent lots of time creating new things and figuring it out on my own.

{What is up next for the company?}


We have a lot of great new items coming out. Some sweet new tutus and super cute pajama pants for the entire family. My husband graduated from college in February so I will have more time to create some fun new items.

Getting ready for Halloween? Sweet Things is in full costume mode right now! Make sure you check out their shop not just for the perfect littles wardrobe but they have some of the cutest HANDmade costumes! We are just dying over this Jessie inspired combo!

{Jessie Inspired Costume, $44.50}

{All Things Sweet Things} 

Blog

Facebook

Shop 

{Thank you so much to Sweet Things who sent us the most adorable outfit for review purposes.}

Featured Etsy Designer -- Mouse House Creations!

We want you to meet a little someone special.

Meet Hayley....the absolutely wonderful designer of Mouse House Creations.

We are so thrilled and behind excited to share this wonderful gal (and shop too!) with you.

{1} Tell us a little about yourself & your Etsy shop.

My name is Hayley and I am 31 years old with 2 adorable children, Ethan (4) and Ainsley (almost 2). I am married to an amazing guy that I met in the 8th grade and we love to laugh and enjoy life. Before children, I was a teacher and a part-time drug rehab counselor, but LOVE that I now get to be a stay at home/work at home mother. I am very lucky to have the best of both worlds.

{2} When did you realize you wanted to open a shop on Etsy?

I have always had a love of sewing and various crafts, but I didn't have an outlet for it. When my son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2, I knew that I needed desperately to have a place for my creative abilities. I felt so immersed and involved in his therapies and hospital visits and I was losing myself. I started researching and creating and posting on my blog and friends and strangers kept telling me to start an etsy store. So I did.

{cupcakeMAG fave: round neck dress or shirt, $28}
...the detail is perfection....

{3} When did you begin to sew?

Sewing is in my blood. My Great-Grandmother taught my Mum how to sew when she was a young child and in turn, my Mum taught me when I was a young girl. Some of my fondest memories as a child are going to the fabric store and dreaming of all the projects that my Mum and I could create together in our sewing room. We would make pillows, dresses for my dolls, little blankets, and clothing for me, all on our vintage Singer sewing machine. I would watch my Mum create bedding and curtains and I just knew I would want to do that one day.

{4} When you aren't sewing what can we find you doing?

When I am not sewing or doing my other crafts (which I am doing all the time lately!), I am playing with my kids, remodeling/redecorating my house (check out my blog!), refinishing furniture, and trying to relax with my husband, while we listen to some music (Jack Johnson or Led Zeppelin are bands of choice!)

{we LOVE: Custom Apron Knot Dress, $38}

{5} What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Oh, I have so many! If I HAD to choose just a handful, it would be (in no particular order):

• http://www.etsy.com/shop/CuttingEdgeStencils
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlelizardking
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/hypernoodle2
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/FantasticToys

{a little something pretty for your home too!}

{6} What is up next for your shop?

I have another etsy shop where I sell vintage patterns and vintage items, plus fabric and paper remnants. I hope that I have more time to devote to that in the near future because it is so fun to run my fingers through all my old patterns. I have so many more to list!

I have recently had some medical issues and I will be limiting the number of custom orders I take per month, but hopefully that will change soon (as long as my health issues clear up, fingers crossed!)

  

My long term goal is to continue branding my shop and one day, it can be my full-time job (after both kids are in school, of course!) I love what I do and I couldn't be happier about the success I have encountered. I am very, very lucky and so extremely proud.

 

{Editors' Note} We are keeping Hayley in our prayers during this time and hope all health issues resolve quickly. In the mean time, make sure you shop now as she will be closing her shop for a period time during the month of August while she takes care of herself. Hayley, we wish you all of the best!  

{shop now!}
{Facebook too!}

{We truly thank Hayley so much for sending the beautiful dress for review.

It truly is one of our favorites in our Littles wardrobe. Big thanks to Hayley!

We are so happy to have you as an Etsy Feature Designer}

illia designs: new FALL dresses are in!

Enjoy an additional 20% off now!

Visit Tiger Lily Princess by illia designs now. 

Enter code "yahoo20" at checkout

Happy Hump Day!

{illia designs}

on etsy

on facebook

Featured Etsy Designer -- Alyson of Eisley Rae

Eisley Rae is a {sweet} little Etsy shop we came across for our oh-so-chic Littles. Looking to dress them in something not so average? Eisley Rae is your go to place & we are jumping for joy {literally!} to share them with you.

Alyson is the designer behind the name and Eisley Rae is her everything {besides her 2 precious kids & darling hubs of course} and that passion shines through not just her personality but her work as well. Alyson pays close attention to detail and mixes fabrics you won't always see together -- just a few things we LOVE about Eisley Rae. From her very famous so to speak, Lily Pants, perfect skirts, and just about any custom item you want - Alyson does it all & is so amazing at it!

{the cutest ruffle pants around, Lily Pants, $16}

Read on to see what inspired the MOMpreneur and what is up next for Eisley Rae in our exclusive chat with Alyson.

{1.}Tell us about yourself & your shop, Eisley Rae?



Hi! My name is Alyson and I live in Southern California with my husband and two kids. I have a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old little boy. Eisley Rae is where you can find all kinds of cute clothing for your little ladies & lads!

{2.}When did you begin sewing?


I've sewn here and there since I was young, but I didn't really start sewing on a regular basis until I was pregnant with my son.


{3.}What made you decide to open your Etsy shop?


After spending way too much money on shopping for customs for my daughter, I decided it was something that I could do. I started out making her a couple of summer dresses and people began asking where I got them and if I would make one for their child...the rest is history.

{It's a Hoot Skirt}

{4.} Where do you pull your inspiration from?


Most of my inspiration comes from my daughter, Etsy, Pinterest, fabric and the season! I love that my 7 year old will suggest something, I'll search for fabric, buy it and make our ideas come to life! Even just searching for fabric online is a great inspiration to me, to see a beautiful print and think that it'd look great as a dress, skirt, ruffles, etc!

{5.} What is your favorite part about having your own biz?


I absolutely love that I can work at my own pace. Not having a boss or a "strict" schedule. I try to always allow extra time in case "life happens", to keep my customers happy. But, most of all, I love the relationships that I've gained from "working" in the handmade community! I've made some lifelong friends and learned some wonderful lessons from women who really inspire me. Being home with my kids is the icing on the cake though!

{6.} Do you have any other favorite Etsy shops?


I have SO many favorite Etsy shops! Lately I'm in LOVE with everything over at Bubblewrapp'd! But, I also love Mama Matryoshka for adorable paper goods & party supplies. Very soon, I plan to order a wristlet from Hiya Luv. There are so many more that I could go on and on about!

{the jacket that has our heart, Sweetheart Jacket, $16}

{7.} What is up next for Eisley Rae?


This summer I'm working on lots of new things for Eisley Rae. I'm excited to start on the home decor line which will include pillow, framed hair clip/head band/bow holders, framed jewelry racks and lots more! There will surely be lots of ruffles and adorable stuff for little girls and their mamas!
 
 

 
Make sure you LIKE Eisley Rae on Facebook to stay up to date on all things and to make sure you don't miss any Facebook sales! We are BIG fans of their sales. Follow Alyson on Twitter and check out her blog for a great read!
 
Check out Eisley Rae on Etsy and support HANDmade now.

Spotted: One of the CUTEST Bikini's in town!

If you LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter you may have been keeping up on our Editors' newest addition. Almost 2 weeks ago, Casi, welcomed Sadie - 6 weeks early. However, she is already the most stylish Little in the NICU. Yes, hard to believe - at a week in a half she already has everyone talking!

{Bikini Onesie by Annabear Studio on Etsy, $15}

We have Annabear Studio to thank for her very first bikini! You may have spotted the picture of Sadie above - soaking up some rays via her NICU crib on our Facebook page! But, we have the details! Head over to Annabear Studio where you can customize the bikini onesie for your little one!

Catching Up with Lindsay Banner of Banner Boutique, PLUS an amazing $150 giveaway!

Lindsay Banner isn't just the designer behind the most beautiful headbands on Etsy - she is one of the nicest people we have ever worked with and just truly, amazing. Down-to-earth, so sweet, and a busy momma of 3 - Lindsay somehow finds time to run her biz, Banner Boutique. Banner Boutique is our go-to place for those oh-so-chic headbands for our Littles. We absolutely LOVE and are kind of obsessed (okay, we are obsessed!) with Banner Boutique.

{1} Since we last chatted with you, what is new with Banner Boutique? 

Since we last chatted, I think we have more than doubled our staff...and I have somehow been able to balance my life a bit better because of it! We now have an operations manager who over sees everything! Amy handles customer service and the processing of all orders, coordinating all of our employees who makes each piece and most importantly has allowed me to go back to being a mom first and business owner second! She is detail oriented and loves to make each of our customers beyond thrilled with their experience at Banner Boutique!

{2} Do you currently have a favorite item in the shop? Best-seller? 

Hmmmm....you know that's like asking me to pick a favorite child!! ;) One of our new best sellers (because it's such a screamin deal) is the shabby chic rose headbands. I am LOVing the America and the Gigi as well!! ;) We made the Gigi along with several other headbands for Kim's (TomKat Studio) daughter's 4th birthday party! These have been fun!

{Banner Boutique featured on The TomKat Studio}

{3} What is the best part of having your own business?

The best part...if I'm being totally honest...the tax write off and Jeni!! Jeni is my go to girl! She is my second set of hands, and every week, she comes to my house between 3-5 times a week and helps me from 8:30 am to 11:30 am with whatever I need help with...whether I need help getting the dishes loaded into the dishwasher, help getting the house just picked up and back on track, help with organizing the garage, help with a big project for Banner Boutique...you name it, she can do it!! Having Jeni help to make up the difference for the things I sometimes fall behind on due to having a business is what allows me to still be the mom that I want to be. She is what allows me to not have to have child care for my kids because she helps to keep me caught up in life. I generally will work alongside her...we tag team the house and get it done 4 times as fast because you all know how much easier it is to tackle projects when you have someone to work alongside you!! ;)

{we LOVE this super cute bright headband for Spring!}

{4} What tips do you have for other Etsy sellers to really take-off and make their biz grow?

Make sure you have a product that stands apart from the others, make sure you have GREAT pictures, make sure you are charging enough to actually cover your costs, your time away from family etc. to truly make it worth it.

{cupcakeMAG fave: The Audrey Vintage Raw Silk Headband}

{5} As a mom, what advice do you have for others in your position - running not just a business but a family?

Something I quickly learned the hard way...do not try and work while your kids are awake or around. I truly don't even try to work unless my kids are either at school, napping, or sleeping. It is far easier for me to be 10 times as productive if I set a certain schedule for myself around my kids' schedules instead of trying to work while they are around. The last thing you want is for your kids to grow up thinking your business is the priority and not them. It would break my heart to think my kids would ever think they are not first priority in my life.

{6} What are some of your favorite blogs to read or sites?

To be truly honest, I really don't get to read too many blogs/sites etc. I have to be so focused when I sit down to work that it doesn't allow for too much "surfing"...however, if it's the weekend and I do get a few golden moments to surf I love Pioneer Woman, TomKat of course, cupcakeMAG ever since we were fist featured and "found each other", Save the Date for Cupcakes and anything Martha Stewart!

{from The Vienna Collection -- LOVE!}

{7} When you aren't working hours making beautiful hair accessories, what can we find you doing? 

I can typically be found at Target, in my car running LOTS of errands, or at home...that's pretty much me!! ;)

{8} What is up next for Banner Boutique? 

We are working on some BIG changes around here!! I pray they don't take too long...but we have all kinds of fun things in store...a new website will debut them all...in the not too distant future!! Stay tuned for sure!!! ;)

Get your shop on at Banner Boutique and make sure you enter the giveaway below! Make sure you "LIKE" Banner Boutique on Facebook too -- they offer great sales on their Facebook page and check out the Banner Boutique blog!

Read on to enter an AMAZING giveaway from Banner Boutique!

{THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. WINNER WAS EMAILED & ANNOUNCED VIA TWITTER.}

Sponsor Week -- Sugarsticks Parites & a FAB giveaway!

Sponsor Week at cupcakeMAG continues with Sugarsticks Parties! We can't thank them enough for supporting cupcakeMAG! We just adore our sponsors so much! Have you noticed Sugarsticks Parties on our sidebar? If not, you will know them now! 

Sugarsticks Parties is your go-to shoppe for making your Littles party just perfect! 

All Things Sugarsticks Parties

{Site}

{Etsy Shoppe}

{Blog}

{Facebook}

{Twitter}

Read on to enter our FABulous giveaway from Sugarsticks Parties! ($100 value!)

Want to be a cupcakeMAG sponsor? 

It isn't just ad space. Sponsor dedicated post, weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions too! 

We have 3 spots left at our super-FABulous discounted price! 

Email us for all the details: cupcakemag@gmail.com

{GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.}

Announced on Twitter. 

Sponsor Week -- Posh Lil Piggies plus a GIVEAWAY!

Meet one of our FABulous Sponsors - Posh Lil Piggies! 

Your Little fashionista will look SO FABulous in a pair if star-studded Posh Lil Piggies!

They are simply, the cutest. 

We are so thrilled to introduce them to our readers. 

Make sure you check out their Etsy Shop and enter the giveaway below! 

{WIN THESE BELOW!}

Want to be a cupcakeMAG sponsor? 

It isn't just ad space. 

Sponsor dedicated post, weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions too! 

We have 3 spots left at our super-FABulous discounted price! 

Email us for all the details: cupcakemag@gmail.com

READ ON TO ENTER THE FABULOUS GIVEAWAY! 

{GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.}

Announced on Twitter.

Sneak Peek: Kinder Kouture

We are just so excited to share with you this amazing Etsy designer we came across! The sweet, and so kind Jeannine of Kinder Kouture gives us super sweet twirly skirts, ruffle pants and dresses galore. We can't wait to share our chat with you next month - another great mom owned biz we LOVE! 

Kinder Kouture is currently closed on Etsy but will be back up in full swing soon!

Until they return make sure you LIKE them on Facebook! 

cupcakeMAG LOVES Kinder Kouture! 

Featured Etsy Designer -- Lisa of Embellish Kids! Plus a giveaway!

Lisa Blackmon isn't just an amazing Etsy designer - she has her own boutique too! Embellish Kids Boutique is one of our favorite Etsy shops filled with sweet dresses that twirl and oh-so-cute fabrics. The HANDmade with love quality is just perfection. There isn't one thing in her shop we don't love - everything is just FABulous! We were so thrilled to chat with the designer AND you should thank her because......she is giving you a chance to win $30 to her shop. Read on to see why Embellish Kids Boutique is our favorite and get to know Lisa! 


{1} What made you begin your shop? 


A couple of years ago, my neighbor approached me about making some dresses for her girls. I was blessed with boys, so at the time I knew nothing about girl’s fashion. It turned out that the dresses she wanted were pillowcase dresses. I made them and received so many compliments, I decided to make more. I took them to a local trade days market and sold them all! My entrepreneurial spirit took over and Embellish Kids Boutique was born.

{2}What inspired the name? 


The name came so easy to me. Embellish means to beautify by ornamentation and that is exactly what I am trying to do with my clothes. I grew up in Louisiana so I have a strong Southern influence on my designs which include lots of ruffles and lace. I want little girls to feel beautiful when they wear my designs.

{3} When you aren’t sewing what can we find you doing? 


I am a total family person. All of my spare time is spent with my husband, Clark and 3-year old son Eric. Even if it’s just hanging around the house, we are all happier when we are together.

The Twirl Top & Ruffle Pant Sets are a cupcakeMAG favorite! 

{4} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops? 


I love shopping for new patterns. I am always looking for new designs to create. My favorite shop is Whimsy Couture (whimsycouture.etsy.com). She sells patterns in pdf format that includes all sizes in one pattern which makes it easy to create multiple sizes for my boutique.

{4} What is up next for you? 


More growth, I hope. This last year has been amazing, including my first Embellish Kids Boutique Fall Fashion show. But I am working diligently to grow both my retail location (Salado, TX) as well as my online store. Nothing makes me happier than to see little children wearing my clothes, so I want more people to learn about my designs and hopefully love them.

READ ON to enter the GIVEAWAY! 

Just A Little Bit Retro Peasant Dress ($30) is perfect over jeans or leggings too! 

Spotted: 

Our favorite pair of Monkey-Toes Shoes & Banner Boutique Headband! 

It totally completes the look!

Shop Embellish Kids

{Website}

{Etsy}

Featured Etsy Designer -- Beth from The Bird & Elephant -- plus a giveaway!

Back in December we met Beth - a multi-tasking momma with a FABulous little shop. The Bird & Elephant specializes in 100% organic cotton bodysuits, organic cotton appliques, and hand-carved & stamped designs. We just adore this eco-chic shop full of super soft baby & toddler wear. Read on to learn more about the designer and to enter  a giveaway -- thanks to Beth! 

{1} What made you begin your shop?

It was all really good timing during a really bad time period. The economy was great, my husband's job was great, my newborn son was great, and then came the recession. I had just said goodbye to benefits, retirement plans, and an okay salary, when I quit my full-time job as the Supervisor overseeing equipment and lab space in the Photography Department of a local arts & design college where I had graduated with a BFA. I was a full-time stay at home mom who needed to find a way to add to the household income. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be in this line of work. I was the one gal in my family that preferred the wood shop, big loud tools and working with metals. I loved getting my hands dirty with charcoals and my clothing always had splatters of paint. But none of those things are safe for baby and baby was always with me.

Strapped for money, I was tired of the clothing available for my son, so I began knitting cute, urban style hats and started appliqueing his infant tee's and bodysuits. I used fabric remnants from old art projects, leftover balls of yarn, and recycled his onesies and other clothing to use in my applique designs.  The knitting was pretty easy, but I had absolutely no idea what I was doing with the sewing. I come from a family of great sewers, quilters, seamstresses and doll makers, but I never paid close attention, and never learned the rules. Through trial & error, and a lot of research, I taught myself embroidery and then I began having some success with my appliques. I enjoyed what I was making, because I was transforming my sketches and doodles into wearable art. From there, I became addicted. My fabric stash grew, my threads grew, and my skill was developing to the point that I felt someone may actually purchase one of my creations. And that's where things took off. Since I loved what I was making and had a lot of fun doing it, I decided to give Etsy a try. From there, I've received several requests from brick and mortar shops to carry my products and I have chosen a couple to carry my goods. The making has been the easiest part; learning the ins and outs of online selling and marketing is hardcore.

cupcakeMAG for Littles pick: the Baby Sea Turtle Bodysuit in Pink 

{2} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops? 

Oh my, that's a tough one! 

I love the artwork of corid: http://www.etsy.com/shop/corid

Amazing lampshades by umbu; quite unique & beautiful: http://www.etsy.com/shop/umbu

Rabbitsmoon has clean, crisp photography to show off the cute plushies and change pouches in her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rabbitsmoon

I love the authentic clothing of LittleHouses: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleHouses 

Miniatures: http://www.etsy.com/shop/saysthetree

Jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RootsJewelry

Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elmstreetmarket

Photography: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maddenphotography

Knits: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TickledPinkKnits

That's a pretty big sampling of my favorites. I could go on forever.

One of Beth's favorite designs: Hand Embroidered Heart Onesie

Another of the designer faves: red heart + tree limb onesie

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

It's a toss up between these two:

Organic bodysuit with a red heart + tree limb and the sweet little Valentine's heart on a pink bodysuit. I had a lot of fun with the embroidery on this one. 

{4} What is up next for you?

Mommy to 2 is up next for me, with my baby girl Lila arriving mid-March. My son inspired me to create this business, it will definitely be interesting to see what a baby girl will inspire. I plan to eventually add gift sets to my shop that would include hand-carved, hand-stamped stationary to match some of the designs; knitted/crocheted booties & shoes in coordinating colors; and maybe diaper covers. I'd love to expand the wardrobe options to include pants and dresses. Right now, I'm developing an organic line of clothing. I have a background in printmaking, and would love to begin transforming some of my designs to silkscreens and hand-carved wood stamps for printing directly onto fabrics, bodysuits and tees. My hand-embroidered goods can take a few hours to create just one, so finding a way to simplify my work without affecting the work is a future goal. As for down the road, I plan to open a bricks & mortar shop of my own. 

Perfect for the little man in your life - the Red Elephant Onesie

READ ON TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!