It's Giveaway Time!!

It's that time again. I'm hoping to get a little more participation this time. I'm still relatively new to the blogging world and just need a little more exposure. I got a few good ideas from the Lemon Drop Studio giveaway (which ended today, which I didn't win - boo!), so Shauna, I hope you don't mind if I use your genius idea...

THE GOODS

Folded note cards that are hand-stamped with lovely peonies in a cranberry colored ink on 80 lb Royal Linen cardstock. Can be personalized with your name or greeting. You could win:

+ 10 3.5 x 5 folded peony note cards
+ 10 3.5 x 5 brown kraft envelopes
+ They will be packaged in brown kraft box and tied with ribbon

These would even make a nice gift for Mom -- Mother's Day is in a couple weeks, you know.

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment to THIS post no later than Tuesday, May 5th, 12 NOON. I will announce the winner that afternoon on my blog.

IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES

1. Become a fan of my blog and you'll get another chance to win. Just leave another comment on THIS blog to let me know that you've become a fan.

2. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter for another chance to win. Leave a comment on this post when you've done that.

3. Finally, let your readers know about the giveaway on your blog for another chance to win. Leave me a comment on this post to let me know where you've blogged.

Thank you for participating!

When life hands you lemons...

I came across a new blog/Etsy shop/Twitter-er that I will definitely be adding to my faves. Lemon Drop Studio offers all kinds of "fresh-squeezed" goodies. And, right now Shauna is offering a sweet little giveaway. Check it!

I'll be doing my April giveaway in a few days. Stay tuned...

Go Team!

The other day I was crusin around on Etsy when I had some spare time on my hands, checking out more ways to become involved and what not. I was browsing the Community section of the site and decided to learn more about the Teams of Etsy. I'm sorry to say I didn't know about the teams until now. The teams form with shared interest in craft, a shared location, or other interests. It is organized by Etsy members for Etsy members to network, support and promote their crafty talents. What a great way to support the Handmade way to buy...in a team. To quote a song from one of my boys' favorite Nick Jr. shows...

"What's gonna work? Team work. What's gonna work? Team work!"

So I decided to check this out and try to become involve in one of these teams. There were tons to choose from. I came across EtsyPaper: The Street Team for Paper Lovers. Team member shops include everything from handmade paper, stationery, scrapbooking and even calligraphy. As of now, I am an "aspiring" member. Full on membership is based on participation and contribution to the team over a three month period.

This team is set up much like many of the other social networking sites. It's kinda like Facebook for paper lovers. You can upload pictures of your work, participate in forums, write a blog.

Do any of you belong to an Etsy Team? If so, how would you rate your experience?

Sale!

This is redeemable at my Etsy shop or The Stationery Boutique. Instructions for using the code on Etsy are located in the ANNOUNCEMENTS section.

Spring is in the air.

On Monday, my big boy Nathan turned 4! I still cannot believe it. But, sometimes when I talk to this boy, I feel like I'm talking to a 10 year old. We had the most hilarious conversation on Easter Morning. The four of us were sitting around the table eating breakfast, when he notices that I am staring at him...

Nathan: "Why are you staring at me?"

Me: "Because I can't believe my baby is turning 4."

Nathan (to Mike): "Why are you staring at me?"

Mike: "Because I can't believe my baby is turning 4."

A few seconds pass...

Mike (to Nathan): "Why are you staring at me?"

Nathan: "Because I can't believe Lola's (grandma) baby is turning 33!"

What? How in the? I don't know, sometimes I think that kid is a genius. I may be biased, but come on! How does a 4 year old remember how old his parents are? AND know what age comes after that? Pure genius! ;) Mike and I were laughing about it all day.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!

If it wasn't for all of this almost-a-hurricane wind (seriously, it got up to 65 mph), we'd be able to go outside and enjoy the spring weather. Instead, we stayed in and I worked on this...

It's got potential.

I've come across an overstock of some brown kraft paper in my inventory (actually, I ordered paper when I meant to order cardstock) so I've been trying to think of some ways to use it. I also have some darling double sided cardstock just waiting to be used for something. AND I got a new rotary perforator. So I'm thinking, thinking... How 'bout some cute little matchbook style note pads? That sounds like fun. And it was, and they are adorable! See?

I think for now I may use them as thank you's for customers and possibly a giveaway, maybe this months giveaway. Eventually I think I'll post some up on Etsy.

A Valuable Lesson

Customer service counts the most! You all remember The Wedding Invites, right? This was my very first wedding order so I was very excited. I lovingly hand stamped each and every invitation, RSVP post card, and envelope. I carefully packaged them up for their trip across the country and shipped them off via USPS just like I do all my packages. I use Priority Mail for all of my shipments so I was expecting the package to arrive at my customers door in 2 - 3 business days.

Three days had gone by and she still had not received the package. I wasn't too worried. Maybe it'll just take an extra day since we are on opposite coasts. Fourth day, nothing. Fifth day, nothing. Now I'm starting to panic, she's starting to panic and we have no idea where the invites are. I didn't purchase tracking because I had never had a problem with a lost package before. But, of course, my most important sale to date was the one to get lost. What am I going to do? In this situation, there is no question. I knew I had to make it right for the customer no matter the cost. I was ready to start the stamping process again, as this wonderful customer was willing to wait.

On Friday, almost a week after the package was supposed to arrive, my customer called me to tell me that her post office had it waiting for her to pick up. Apparently it was too big to leave at her door, yet they couldn't leave her a note to let her know!?!? We were both extremely relieved. Now, had I purchased tracking for the package I may have saved us both some worry.

Note to self: Next time purchase tracking, or go through UPS (tracking is included)!

Giveaway #2 Winner...

It's you Heather! Yay! Thank you to all the wonerful ladies who left comments. Heather, just contact me to let me know where I can send your prize. Next giveaway at the end of the month.