You Can Call Me the "Pumpkinator!"

Those who know me understand that Fall is my favorite time of year because of the yummy pumpkin fragrances. Well...I have more than a few and all are super scrumptious! Here are some of my faves:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin (special blend) -This wonderful fragrance takes soothing vanilla and hazelnut and spikes it with scrumptious pumpkin and spices to make a blend that says "you're home."


Gingerbread Pumpkin (special blend) - A scrumptious blend of sweet and spicy gingerbread infused with creamy pumpkin!


Pumpkin Spice - A warm spicy pumpkin-clove type with a cinnamon top note, a fruity vegetal pumpkin middle note and a sweet sugary vanilla base note.


Pumpkin Souffle - A true-to-life fragrance bursting with fresh pumpkin. Mouthwatering notes of butter, sugar, and spices complete this irresistible bakery fragrance.


Pumpkin Pie - Fresh baked pumpkin pie baked with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. This is one of my staples in my living room year-round. It has a touch of caramel that just makes it delectable. It does have a touch of “sweet” so if you don’t like a sweet pumpkin, try Pumpkin Thyme or Pumpkin Souffle which are both fantastic!


Pumpkin Spice Latte (special blend) - A rich blend of coffee and pumpkin spices make this a rich delcious aroma great for fall.


-Suzanne

Bliss Soy Candles SALE Extended Through June 12th!

Now until June 12th, save up to 20% on our regular website - http://www.blisscandles.com/

• Save 20% on orders over $125 ~ use Code: SAVE20 at checkout

• Save 15% on orders over $75 ~ use Code: SAVE15 at checkout
  
  


• Save 10% on orders over $50 ~ use Code: SAVE10 at checkout

Have fun shopping!

~Suzanne~

SAVE up to 20% on Bliss Soy Candles ~ Memorial Weekend!

Now until June 5th, save up to 20% on our regular website - http://www.blisscandles.com/

• Save 20% on orders over $125 ~ use Code: SAVE20 at checkout

• Save 15% on orders over $75 ~ use Code: SAVE15 at checkout
  
  


• Save 10% on orders over $50 ~ use Code: SAVE10 at checkout

Have fun shopping and have a safe and happy Memorial Weekend!

~Suzanne~

Etsy Artist Feature: IllusionsbyDonna

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

http://www.1000markets.com/users/13070

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IllusionsbyDonna

http://www.artfire.com/users/Illusions

I create one of a kind knits and jewelry.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

In early 2007 I spent 3 mos in Maine painting a house for a friend. The house was mostly empty, so to give me something to do I decided I would try some knitting. I quickly became pretty much obsessed with it. Upon my return home to Indiana my best friend twisted my arm into making some jewelry. By the Fall of that year I was selling knits and jewelry to friends. I became involved with Ravelry and met a local woman on there who encouraged me to open an Etsy store and become involved with our local Farmers Market. After a few months I opened stores on 1000 Markets and Artfire also.

3. What makes your items unique?
I have a background in art and as a decorative painter so color is my life. I get a lot of compliments on my color choices. Trying to do most things one of a kind keeps me looking for fresh ideas. I love making things that no one else has.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?
I made the Horsey Hat as a special order for a girl I was working with one evening. I love the way it turned out. She was ecstatic! In jewelry, the Organic Leaf earrings are one of my favorites. They are very simple and pretty. I’ve been very surprise that they haven’t sold. I made a pair of earrings for my daughter on those ear posts and she gets a lot of compliments on them.

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?
On Etsy I belong to the INCrowd team. Items can be found by putting the tag incrowdteam in the search box.

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?
Finding things that are one of a kind and knowing that someone put a piece of themselves into each piece.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

Omigosh! There are so many. I get the Etsy Finds emails and I’m constantly finding things that make me go WOW!! The creativity that I see is just amazing. Some things I see I just would never have thought of myself.

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

One of my hats was featured in a handmade blog called Meylah for green things having to do with St Patricks Day. That is the first time I’ve ever been asked to do anything like this so it is pretty exciting for me.

http://meylah.com/blog/212/Going-Green-8-Products-to-Celebrate-St-Patricks-Day

Handmade Directory: Bath and Body

The bath and body products on Etsy are just heavenly! You simply can't do better with expensive store brand items. Check out these great bath and body artists!























Want to be included? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Baby Items

So many cute baby items on Etsy and Artfire....check out these great shops!







Want to be included? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Home Decor

Etsy is the absolute best place to find Home Decor! Check out these great shops!











Want to be included? Email me.

Fabulous Finds: Pomegranate Fig Laundry Soap

When I get super busy with orders, I tend to buy little things to "sooth" and "pamper" myself. I decided to try some handcrafted laundry soap from Maylee's Garden on Etsy about a month ago and have been addicted every since! Everything she says about her soap is true.

Because of allergies, I have had to buy fragrance free soap and dryer sheets for the last couple of years. So...needless to say, buying laundry soap with fragrance was a gamble! I have no issues whatsoever with the Pomegranate Fig, Lilac, or Lavender Vanilla. All have the perfect amount of fragrance which lingers days after the linens are washed.

I highly recommend this soap....not only does it do a wonderful job of cleaning your clothes and linens but it is a wonderful little "pamper" if you need it!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Jewelry

People love jewelry! Here are some great handmade items to help you get your fix. Find more on Etsy and Artfire!

















































Want to be included in the directory? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Handbags/Purses

Ahhh...handbags and purses...one major addiction for many people! Here are some great handmade items to help you get your fix. Find more on Etsy and Artfire!







Want your shop featured in the directory? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Toys

Here are some fun shops with toys for children and adults! For more handmade toy treasures, go to Etsy and Artfire!










Want your shop added to the directory? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Knitted Items/Yarn/Wool

Check out these handmade knitted items, yarns, and wools. You can find more fantastic handmade items like this on Etsy and Artfire!









Want your mini added? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Wedding & Special Occasion

Try these great handmade items for your wedding or special occasion! More wedding items available on Etsy and Artfire.



Want your mini added? Email me!

-Suzanne

Shipping "Stuff"

I have a few notes regarding shipping I wanted to share!

1. FLAT RATE SHIPPING ~ I have added a Flat Rate Shipping & Handling option to your list of options when checking out from my Etsy and Artfire shops. People living in the west really get socked with shipping charges so I added this option just for them!

2. FEDEX SHIPPING COMING SOON! ~ I am working on setting up an account with FedEx. I hope to have this ready to go by December 1st. While I am not a huge fan of their service during delivery, I have noted that they are open many days that UPS is not (like today and tomorrow) and have comparable or faster delivery times. The rates also appear to be competitive.

3. UPS CLOSED TODAY AND TOMORROW ~ UPS has chosen to be closed (or at least not pickup or deliver Ground packages) on this very busy shopping and shipping weekend :( Therefore, your packages which normally would have shipped today or tomorrow will not leave my home until Monday. Both USPS and FedEx are operating today and tomorrow.

I'll be working feverishly this weekend to get caught up on the orders from the last week!

-Suzanne

Join the Bliss Candle Club and Save TODAY!

At Bliss Soybean Candles, it's always Black Friday or Cyber Monday if you are a Bliss Candle Club member!

Join now and SAVE 10% on online purchases and get notifications of new fragrances and news from Bliss. The only things required are your name, address, and a valid email address.

Complete the form below and join today!

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Fabulous Finds: "Around the Daisy" Necklace by JustJaynes

JustJaynes has some of the nicest, best quality jewelry around. She is an active member of the Etsy West Michigan team and sells on Etsy, Artfire, 1000 Markets and possibly more!

You can find this delightful necklace HERE in JustJaynes shop on Etsy.com.

Have fun shopping!
-Suzanne

Etsy & Artfire Shipping Rates - October 2009

Here are my new shipping rates on Etsy and Artfire effective today. The changes were primarily reductions in rates!

$0-15

States: Michigan, Illinois , Ohio
UPS $7.35 , USPS $6.00

States: Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky
UPS $8.05 , USPS $6.75

States: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
UPS $8.75 , USPS $7.00

States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont
UPS $9.02 , USPS $9.55

States: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
UPS $9.25 , USPS $10.40

States: Arizona, Nevada, Washington
UPS $9.00 , USPS $11.10

States: California, Oregon
UPS $9.90 , USPS $12.45

States: Alaska, Hawaii
UPS $30.54 , USPS $12.45


$15.01 - 26

States: Michigan, Illinois , Ohio
UPS $7.54 , USPS $6.60

States: Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky
UPS $8.75 , USPS $11.75

States: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
UPS $9.00 , USPS $8.00

States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont
UPS $9.25 , USPS $9.50

States: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
UPS $9.75 , USPS $12.45

States: Arizona, Nevada, Washington
UPS $10.00 , USPS $13.45

States: California, Oregon
UPS $10.75 , USPS $15.20

States: Alaska, Hawaii
UPS $33.15 , USPS $15.20


$26.01 – 50

States: Michigan, Illinois , Ohio
UPS $8.00 , USPS $8.00

States: Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky
UPS $11.00 , USPS $12.00

States: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
UPS $10.16 , USPS $11.25

States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont
UPS $10.70 , USPS $18.45

States: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
UPS $11.75 , USPS $19.30

States: Arizona, Nevada, Washington
UPS $11.00 , USPS $22.20

States: California, Oregon
UPS $11.52 , USPS $25.25

States: Alaska, Hawaii
UPS $45.27 , USPS $25.25


$50.01 – 90

States: Michigan, Illinois , Ohio
UPS $10.25 , USPS $11.50

States: Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky
UPS $12.00 , USPS $16.35

States: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
UPS $11.25 , USPS $20.35

States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont
UPS $ 12.54, USPS $27.75

States: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
UPS $14.75 , USPS $31.65

States: Arizona, Nevada, Washington
UPS $11.50 , USPS $34.35

States: California, Oregon
UPS $16.75 , USPS $39.10

States: Alaska, Hawaii
UPS $64.73 , USPS $39.10


$90.01 and Up

States: Michigan, Illinois , Ohio
UPS $11.50, USPS $13.50

States: Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky
UPS $13.66 , USPS $19.25

States: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
UPS $14.17 , USPS $23.20

States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont
UPS $16.39 , USPS $32.00

States: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
UPS $18.50 , USPS $36.65

States: Arizona, Nevada, Washington
UPS $18.00 , USPS $39.85

States: California, Oregon
UPS $20.00 , USPS $46.00

States: Alaska, Hawaii
UPS $ 84.20, USPS $46.00

Recommendations of the "Chef" - Need Help With What Fragrances to Choose?

I often get questions on what fragrances to choose. With the busy season officially here (and my working more than full-time!), I wanted to put up a post to refer customers to -- to help answer those common questions, "which is better" or "what is most popular?" To make it easy as possible, I am breaking the suggestions down into categories.


TOP SELLERS OVERALL (Not in Order)

• Cozy Home
• Victorian Christmas
• Harvest
• Hot Apple Cider
• Hot Apple Strudel
• Pumpkin Spice
• Gingerbread Pumpkin
• Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin
• Lilac
• Lily of the Valley
• Cinnamon and Spiced Apple
• Twigs of Spruce
• Eucalyptus Lavender
• Lavender and Chamomile
• Pumpkin Thyme
• Coconut Lime Verbena
• Love Spell
• Vanilla Cinnamon
• Vanilla Pumpkin Spice
• Mandarin Cranberry
• Cranberry Chutney

FALL

• Cozy Home #1
• Pumpkin Spice
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Harvest
• Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin
• Gingerbread Pumpkin
• Hot Apple Cider
• Hot Apple Strudel
• Pumpkin Souffle

COFFEE

• Cappuccino Hazelnut
• Vanilla Hazelnut Mocha
• Vanilla Coffee

CINNAMON

• Cinnamon Stick
• Cinnamon & Spiced Apple
• Harvest
• Vanilla Cinnamon
• Cinnamon Spice

HOLIDAY/CHRISTMAS

• Victorian Christmas #1
• Balsam and Spice
• Christmas Berry
• Hollyberry
• Peppermint
• Sugar Plum
• Jack Frost

CLEAN/FRESH

• Sunwashed Linen
• Shore Breeze
• Spring Rain
• Eucalyptus Lavender

FRUIT

• Coconut Lime Verbena
• Mandarin Cranberry
• Cranberry Chutney
• Monkey Farts
• Island Mango
• Orange Vanilla Pomegranate
• Pomegranate
• Key Lime Pie
• Lemon Zest
• Lemon Cheesecake
• Orange Vanilla
  

FLORAL

• Lilac
• Lily of the Valley
• Tulips
• Lavender and Chamomile
• Lavender
• Hydrangea

BLISS's FAVORITE FRAGRANCES!

• Cozy Home
• Pumpkin Spice
• Cinnamon & Spiced Apple
• Spiced Apple Pecan
• Lilac
• Tulips
• Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin
• Gingerbread Pumpkin
• Lavender & Chamomile
• Spring Rain
• Shore Breeze
• Gingerbread
• Peppermint
• Balsam & Spice

BLISS's FAVORITE ITEMS!

• Elite Layered Jars

• Premium 16 oz Jars

• Premium 26 oz Jars

• Premium 10 oz Jars

• Votive 6 Packs - Themed

• Boxed Premium 10 oz Jars - the box is gorgeous!

Using Gift Tags as a Promotion Tool

I am a fanatic about promotion - from the Thank You notes I include with every order to discount cards and printed show schedules. I'm always promoting my products!

One of my newest brainstorms this year is to have gift tags printed because many of my customers give my items as gifts. This gives my customers an attractive, high quality gift tag for their gift and allows me to make sure the gift recipient knows where they can buy from me again.

I am having my gift tags printed by Vista Print. You don't need any experience. Just go to the area where the gift tags are located, find one that you like, edit, and order!

Below is my first round of tags for the year. I can't wait to select another design when these run out!

-Suzanne

It's a Pumpkin Addiction!

One of my worst addictions is Pumpkin fragrances! I have so many I even don't know which ones to choose in the Fall.

Pumpkin Spice - A warm spicy pumpkin-clove type with a cinnamon top note, a fruity vegetal pumpkin middle note and a sweet sugary vanilla base note.


Pumpkin Pie - Fresh baked pumpkin pie baked with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. This is one of my staples in my living room year-round. It has a touch of caramel that just makes it delectable. It does have a touch of “sweet” so if you don’t like a sweet pumpkin, try Pumpkin Thyme or Pumpkin Souffle which are both fantastic!

Gingerbread Pumpkin - A scrumptious blend of sweet and spicy gingerbread infused with creamy pumpkin!

And....

Butternut Pumpkin - A blend of butternut squash, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, clove and vanilla.

Caramel Pumpkin Bliss - Creamy pumpkin pie infused with creamy caramel to create a sweet fragrance that makes home a place you never want to leave.

Pumpkin Cake - My obsession with Pumpkin continues! Warm pumpkin cake frosted with thick, creamy white buttercream frosting. Definitely one of a kind!

Pumpkin Maple Pecan (NEW!) - Love this addition! This new blend of sweet pumpkin and nutty vanilla is a scrumptious sweet blend that fills the room with mmmmm! It's like being in a candy shop with warm pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (NEW!) - A rich blend of coffee and pumpkin spices make this a rich delcious aroma great for fall.

Pumpkin Thyme - A Pumpkin custard with notes of Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Clove and Ginger.

Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin - This wonderful fragrance takes soothing vanilla and hazelnut and spikes it with scrumptious pumpkin and spices to make a blend that says "you're home."

Vanilla Pumpkin Spice - Vanilla bouquet with buttery nut nuances with spicy pumpkin.