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Here it is!

Superstar Saturday: Kim Scherer

Superstar Saturday!

Let me introduce you to ... Kim Scherer.

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

My website is http://kimscherer.etsy.com and I make sleep sacks, burp cloths, bibs, bows, pacifier clips, and crib teething guards.

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

I started my website after my son was born and I wanted to make things that I used or needed! It started with the burp cloths and got bigger from there! I wanted to make a gender neutral looking site and offer cute patterns in both boy and girl items!

3. What makes your items unique?

I want to make all my items something I would buy and make the fabrics fun! I try to take things that moms use everyday and put a small twist to it, to make it something unique!

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

Right now my favorite item in my store is the pink and brown damask teething guard. I really like the fabric and think it came together great! http://www.etsy.com/listing/53895416/crib-teething-guard-for-convertible

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am part of the Etsy West Michigan Team and you can search items for that team by searching for "etsywmi team."

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I love handmade items because they are unique and they can be made for what you need or want!

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

There are so many great handmade items that I can't pick just one! I love handmade jewelry and of course baby items!

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

My sister-in-law and I started our websites at the same time and we help each other to grow and get better at what we we do! The link to her shop is http://marcellas3monkeys.etsy.com. We also attend craft shows together and have a great time meeting customers and other great vendors! Since I have started this shop I have been pleasantly surprised at all the support from my family and friends and the wonderful customers that I have worked with!

Wow 'Em Wednesday: Celebrate Today

Wow 'Em Wednesday!

Let me introduce you to ... Celebrate Today.

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

My jewelry store is called Celebrate Today and can be found at celebratetoday.etsy.com on the wonderful Etsy site. I specialize in hand-stamped, personalized jewelry in sterling silver and gold.

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

I enjoy making custom pieces that help you remember all you have to celebrate. High quality materials, attention to detail and excellent customer service lead to one of a kind pieces with initials, children's names, important phrases or dates that have meaning to you.

3. What makes your items unique?

My items are unique because they are designed by you! I am very flexible and I'll create whatever you're looking for! Want to add a birthstone or pearl?

Want a different shape or font? Need more charms? I love to work with your ideas and have found some wonderful new designs have been sparked by that collaboration.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

This is a very hard question. It is a serious perk to have all of these wonderful samples to wear myself! Right now, I am most enjoying playing with the fun crystal colors in the briolette designs. This particular necklace is my favorite color green and I wear it often:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53624432/august-birthstone-personalized-gold

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I currently belong to the Etsy West Michigan team. You can find beautiful items by this wonderful group of artists by searching EtsyWMI.

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I have always tried to purchase handmade items for gifts and special occasions. I love that each item is unique and so personal. I also enjoy supporting individual artists.

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

There are SO many! I am constantly adding new things to my "Favorites"

section and love browsing.

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

Thanks for featuring my Etsy shop! It is so wonderful to promote handmade items and support the great artists on Etsy. I hope you and your blog readers have much to celebrate today!

Teaser Tuesday: Chocolate Cream Profiteroles

TeAseR
TUesDaY.....

This Tuesday, I am craving chocolate and so I bring you today's wonderful tasty tease!

Chocolate Cream Profiteroles


This yummy item is made by Fusion Sweets. From the listing: "Usually seen only at weddings and parties, profiteroles also known as cream puffs, are a delicious cousin of the éclair."

Here is where you buy them!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/41276789/chocolate-cream-profiteroles

Enjoy! Suzanne

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:

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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

Sellit

Trying out this nifty little app from Sellit!

UPS Shipping - Something to Consider

On the handmade homefront, many artists choose to use the USPS (United States Postal Service). Some use them because of the free supplies such as boxes. Others use them because of the speed in which they can deliver packages from coast to coast. And some artists still ship Parcel Post to save on shipping cost.

Last year, FedEx put a hand in the game by offering Etsy artists a discount on shipping. I signed up for the program and I'll talk about my experience in a moment.

I have now been in business for almost 7 years and I have used them all. My favorite is UPS. Many shy away from UPS because there is a stigma that UPS is expensive. Some live in a location that simply doesn't allow it. And for some, it is just the fear of the unknown.

Don't get me wrong...I still use the USPS on occasion...Priority Mail only unless the item is very inexpensive. Parcel Post takes too long for my specifications and the longer candles are "out there," the better the chance of damage. For others, of course, this is not an issue because their items are not perishable.

After an extensive study on rates, I found that UPS was not only cheaper to nearly all locations, but it included insurance! USPS makes you pay extra for insurance. Again, for perishables, this is a negative.

When I signed up for my FedEx account, the rates were comparable to UPS and they too said that insurance is included. However, FedEx neglected to pick up my very first shipment with them...during December...just before Christmas. I ended up shipping the items next day via UPS which was VERY pricy. I never used them again.

So why do I highly suggest trying UPS?

• It is easy to set up an account and you can have the charges charged right to your PayPal debit card once per week.
• Rates are often lower than other carriers AND they include insurance.
• If something is damaged, you quickly file a claim online and you see a check within days.
• They have a new option called "Smart Pickup" where you pay $10 per week and they automatically schedule a pickup when you ship something. You actually set up a pickup time once and then you can create labels right up until that time...it is wonderful! For those who ship even two days a week, this is an incredible deal and very convenient. While USPS offers free pickup, the higher rates (at least for me) reflect that and the packaging.
• Labels...a very expensive item...are FREE!
• UPS presents a very professional image. The "stigma" of being expensive can be a positive in this respect.
  
• My personal experience with damage: UPS rarely damages items...possibly because they have the insurance program. USPS often damages my items. My items should never experience damage with all of the packaging I use so if packages are damaged, they have been mishandled.

One negative with UPS can be the transit time from coast to coast. Because of the benefits, lack of damage, and cost savings using UPS, I will typically ship with them anyway. However, if I have a shipment that needs to get to California fast, I may on occasion use Priority Mail because it will shorten the ship time by two days.

Remember, this is just my experience. Your experience may be different and if you don't have perishables or experience with USPS damage to your products, USPS may be just the ticket! If you have had a positive experience with FedEx, that is great. I had a very angry customer because of mine, unfortunately.

Before this busy season, set up an account with UPS and give it a try. It may just be worth your time!

Suzanne

Good Morning Glory!

The morning glories are finally blooming!

Fabulous Finds: Rustic Handmade Magnets and Ornaments by Merritt Hyde

Today when I was logging off of Etsy, one of my addictions caught my eye on the front page....dragonflies. After clicking on these little cuties, I realized that they were magnets, handmade from Recycled Barn (roofing) Rusted Tin, Paint, hard cut flooring nail (rusted) and ceramic magnet by Merritt Hyde.

There are lots of cute little treasures in this shop including some of the items below ranging from magnets to ornaments! Visit Merritt Hyde on Etsy to see more.


-Suzanne

NEW Products on our Website!

This morning, I updated the website with my new goodies! Check out these great newcomers for yourself and gift giving.

Pampered Pal Gift Set

While this is no newbie, it is one of my favorites! This great set includes a Premium 10 oz Jar, Tea Light 10-Pack, and filled Premium Votive Holder nestled in a thick kraft box with kraft shreds - all tied up with kraft wraphia! Buy it HERE.

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Maddie 8 oz Jars

Maddie is one of my favorite new additions for 2010! She is beautiful and is perfect for bathrooms and elegant areas of your home. I kept the label simple to compliment your decor. Maddie is fancy by design and comes packaged in a kraft box with our choice of ribbon. Maddie will be natural white/ivory in color. If you order two of the same fragrance, she can be dyed to the normal color - just ask! Buy it HERE.

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Boxed 16 oz Jars

Now you can get our awesome 16 oz jars boxed in kraft boxes ready for gift giving! Buy it HERE.

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Boxed 26 oz Jars

Now you can get our huge 26 oz jars boxed in kraft boxes ready for gift giving! This jar is becoming increasingly popular for Bliss addicts :) Buy it HERE.


Have fun shopping!

Suzi's BBQ Sauce Recipe

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Taco Bell, Subway, KFC...you name the fast food Queen! That is primarily because I never learned how to cook. I recently decided it was time to learn and have been faithfully watching different Food Network shows and buying grilling books. Today, I took a recipe in a book and doctored it up to make my own creation. Now mind you, as with anything, I don't use patterns or recipes so you'll have to play like I did :)

Suzi's BBQ Sauce

1 - 12oz Can Tomato Paste
4-5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
4-5 tsp Soy Sauce
1/4+ cup Brown Sugar
2 cloves pressed Garlic
1/2 Red Onion Chopped
4-5 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Tabasco sauce (to taste)
Honey (to taste)

I simply mixed everything together and added ingredients to taste. Then I heated the sauce to get the flavor of the garlic and onions throughout.

Have fun with it!
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~

Fabulous Finds: Moss Green Rose Clips

Moss Green Rose Clips

by mnhince

Want Them? Click HERE.

Fabulous Finds: Moonlight Garden Party Necklace

Moonlight Garden Party Necklace

by ajbcreations

Want it? Click HERE.

Fabulous Finds: Handstamped Sterling Silver Bracelet

Love this bracelet from accessoryalamode's Etsy Shop. Want it for yourself? Click HERE.

My Buddy

I typically do strictly business posts on my Bliss blog but I've decided to "fun" it up with some personal stuff as well! To start, I must introduce you to my favorite not-so-little-dude. His name is Blu and he is quite possibly the coolest dog around :)

Blu has had his challenges since day one. He was purchased from a "shady" pet store where he was deemed as a Blue Tick Hound. He turned out to be a mix of Blue Tick Hound and "who knows" as well as a puppy mill dog. Right from the beginning, we noticed that Blu had a shake in his legs which resulted in consultations and specialist visits with no verdict (other that he is pigeon toed too). More than likely, I was told, he was put in a cage too small when he was a puppy at the puppy mill.

In his adult life, Blu lost his spark and started to have once black skin turn pink. Last year, I found out the little sweetie has lupus which started out requiring medicine three times a day, now two times a day. He is better but gets sluggish when it gets warmer. We tease him about his little pink lip :)

Now I'm told that the shake is probably spondolosis which hopefully will not shorten his life. I walk him daily to try to keep him in as tip top shape as I can. Arthritis keeps him from going too far but he doesn't complain.

Blu is by far the sweetest "person" in my world. He is 95 pounds of pussycat! He is super smart when he wants to be. While he (a hunting dog) will run the opposite way of a rabbit to catch it, he can figure out how to open a door in no time. When I'm sick, he is right at my side. And somehow, he knows just what to do when I'm sad. One morning, I woke up after an upsetting evening to find all of his favorite toys carefully placed right next to me.

Ask anyone that knows Blu and they will tell you he is a honey. He is truly a blessing and quite the little trooper :)

-Suzanne

Fabulous Find: FART Scrabble Wood Tiles

I searched for Etsy West Michigan artists today and of course the first item that really caught my eye was this listing for scrabble wood tiles spelling "FART" by The Empty Nest (luv4sams). I'm ridiculous at heart...what can I say?

Have someone you must get them for? Click here to go to the listing.

-Suzanne

Fabulous Finds: Elf Hat by KarlysKloset

This has got to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen! And the pic...so sweet :) Made by one of the fabulous Etsy West Michigan team members - KarlysKloset. Click HERE if you must have it! To search for more great Etsy West Michigan made items, search etsywmi team on Etsy.com!

Etsy Artist Feature: Doe Studio

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

My shop name is doe Studio. I design and crochet scarves, baby blankets, full sized afghans and other accessories; I also sell my nature photography prints and have recently added pendants (both glass and scrabble tile). I love the instant gratification that I get from all of these forms of art ~ each is unique and allows me to get creative in so many different ways!
My website is http://www.doestudio.ca or you can find me on Etsy at http://www.auntiedawn.etsy.com.
I also have a blog (http://www.doestudio.blogspot.com/)and a facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/doeStudio)

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

I wanted to give my shop a clean, crisp, fresh feel, even though my items are generally soft and cozy. I am currently working with a graphic designer to create a logo and branding for my shop and website ~ very excited! I have always tried to keep my color scheme calming and enjoyable!

3. What makes your items unique?

Since my addictions vary from crochet to photography to handmade pendants, I'd say it's my array of items that are as unique as the items are themselves! I usually don't use a pattern for my crocheted pieces, so each one is a little different from the next. That keeps my items looking and feeling fresh and unique; not only from other shops, but within the shop as well!

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

Since spring is here in Canada (finally!!), I'm going to have to say this is my current favorite! It's also my best seller as far as my prints are concerned!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42331612
I actually have it enlarged to 16x20 and have it hanging above my bed. I love the color, I love the flower it's self and all of it's soft and textured details!

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am a proud member of the Ontario Etsy Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/ont.shtml) & EtsyMom Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/moms.shtml). Also, I am on a waiting list to join EtsyHookers ~ very exciting!

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I love that for each handmade item, someone has taken the time, care and love to create something from the heart. I think if you compare two similar items, you are going to find huge differences due to the fact that each artist has individual talents and an eye for their craft that sets them apart. There are so many talented artists out there, I could spend all day perusing Etsy sites and blogs!!

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

I have so many!!! I love pottery, jewelry and skin care items! Here are some of my favorite shops!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madhattersoap
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LesTroisGrenouilles
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CampanaCeramics
I have far too many favorite items to list but I will mention one! I recently purchased a gorgeous Pandora style charm bracelet from jpJewels. Her bracelets are beautiful and inexpensive! A nice treat for yourself or someone you love without clearing out your savings account!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jpjewels09

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

I have recently opened a sister shop on Etsy called "Om ~ Organized Mom". I specialize in creating lists, trackers and time management tools. My goal is to help other Mom's make the most of their time and regain control of their homes!! It's still in it's infancy stage and I am excited about working on and adding new items in the coming weeks.
www.omonline.etsy.com