Handmade Mania week 24

WOW! What a huge week last week! I hit 600 fans on facebook and hosted a giveaway on my blog and the shop was included in Violet's Buds 3 year Anniversary giveaway!! I was hopping and loved every minute of it! There is still time to enter her #giveaway: HERE -Good luck! So many exciting things happened, so much happiness!

Now onto this weeks handmadelove link up. You all did a wonderful job of sharing the link up with a friend. Thank you. Let's see if we do that again this week. I'd love to meet new artisans and shops.

Most Viewed was a tie of two adorable Hoop Art: 

But First Coffee by HomeSpun Happiness

Tea Time by Violet's Buds

Staff Picks - were me thinking of my daughter: 

Pink and Grey Peasant Dress by Dazzling and Dapper

Happy Emma Ruffle Hair Clip by Pelhuaz

Are you as ready for spring as I am? The weather was so pretty yesterday and today. I hope it continues! I am ready to play at the park with my toddlers. So this weeks link up keep 'Spring' in mind. I'm excited to see what you link up and I am even more excited to share it! Remember if you make it with your own hands you can link it up no matter the platform! 

~RULES~

You can link up to two individual products from your shop below for some networking/sharing fun! Select two products from the collection to share via social media using #handmadelove so I can find and share what you have shared. And please share in a comment what two products you share and where. I will do my best to respond timely. Thank you! ☺

(Do not share to Pinterest without the express permission from the shop owner.) 

By doing this, you'll be able to share EPIC handmade goodness and build shop your network! Also, Please share this link up with someone else. The more people we have join in, the more our items will be shared! I am super excited to share some EPIC Handmade Goodness!! ☺

How to link up:
Click "add your link"
Box 1: add the URL to your individual product
Box 2: add the product description
Box 3: put in your email address
Submit then select a thumbnail photo! ☺

You never know, your item might be the feature of next week’s link up!! ☺

An InLinkz Link-up

♥Kelly

600 Star Fan Giveaway

Happy Hump Day!! I am so thankful for all you awesome Facebook fans! You all make my page so much fun!

I created this one of a kind star bunny for one Star Fan!! Starlet Bunny is a spring bunny ready for Easter. Starlet features red star button eyes and a red sparkly alligator clip removable bow. She is
stuffed with a blend of diced fabric and yarn scraps and new polyester fiberfill. There is no waste from this creation going into landfills, making her totally ecofriendly! She is about 7 inches tall, not counting her ears as they flop. Starlet Bunny is ready to head to her new home and loves to hand out hugs.

Thank you everyone once again for making Kiser Krafts so awesome!! Have fun and good luck!

♥Kelly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine Print:  Participants are providing information to Kiser Krafts. Your information will not be sold. Kiser Krafts is not responsible for any computer or website malfunctions during the giveaway. Incomplete entries will not be accepted.  Incomplete entries will not be accepted. Entrants found cheating, entering under duplicate profiles, or not following the instructions may be banned. By entering the contest you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.  International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping if they wish to redeem their prize. If you are not willing to pay shipping, do not enter. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This giveaway is not hosted by Facebook, nor is Facebook reliable. Question or concerns contact Kiser Krafts at kiserkrafts@yahoo.com. 

Talk to Me Tuesday: Unique Creations by Tracy

Happy Tuesday! I almost didn't realize it was Tuesday. I think I need more coffee or a nap. Today, I am honored to introduce another one of my sponsors:Unique Creations by Tracy! Tracy is an inventive crocheter, who has magic in the form of yarn and hook. She makes stuffed toys, home decor, and more! 

Welcome Tracy! 

Tell us about you! 

Hi, I am Tracy a former teacher but now a stay at home mom of a 5 and 6 year old. Crafting has been in my blood since I was a child. Both of my grandmothers, and mother were very crafty and their love of crafts rubbed off on me. I love to do a wide variety of crafts that I can use to decorate my house, and my kids love helping too. Reading is another passion of mine. You can always find a book in my hands before I fall asleep. Love history, young adult, mystery, romance, and more. Lastly, I love to travel around the U.S. Every time I visit a new place I fall in love with that area and wish I could live there. My favorite place to visit is the upper East Coast in Maine, New Hampshire and the Boston area.

Tell us about your shop!

My shop is Unique Creations by Tracy. In 2012 I decided I wanted to learn how to crochet, so using you tube I self taught myself how to crochet. At first it was just to crochet for myself and kids. As soon as I started sharing pictures of what I was making on Facebook I started getting asked to make things for others. One of my friends suggested I should open up a shop so after hearing some other handmade artists in a craft group I was in talk about Storenvy I decided to open up a shop there. In my shop you can find a variety of crocheted items. I crochet owls, hats, loveys, and stuffed animals. Most of my items are custom made because I want each piece to be individualized to what the person receiving it likes. This year I am focusing on organizing at home so I have started a line of baskets to help others and myself stay organized at home. 

  
What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorite item to make is my owls! I love owls, so I enjoy making them! They also come in multiple sizes which makes each one more fun because there are so many color options or combination of colors I can make them in

  
What is the hardest part of owning your own online shop?



The hardest part of owning an online shop is managing my time. I could spend all day working on my shop if I wanted to, but I have to remember I have other priorities like my kids, house, and volunteer jobs.

  Do you have any advice to share?



First make sure you love what you are doing otherwise you are going to burn out and not want to work. Second, don't give up. It takes time and a lot of work to get your store going. Don't expect to have tons of sales immediately.

 That is really good advice to remember. Thank you so much for Talking with us today, Tracy. You can find and follow Tracy at her SHOP | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM . Make sure to stop and tell her 'Hello' and how you found her!!


 

♥Kelly

Handmade Mania week 23

Happy Monday! What a wonderful week of sharing guys! I was super impressed to see #handmadelove so much! YOU all ROCK! Welcome to week 23 of Handmade Mania!

Most Viewed: 

Vixen Fox plush by Kiser Krafts

Custom Sitting Dragon by Unique Creations by Tracy

Staff Picks:

Crochet Toddler Hat by Anna Bela Artistry

Emma Large - Lime Green Pendant by Dena Liston Designs

It was a wonderful surprise that you all viewed my fox! Thank you so much! And the Dragon is just way too cute! Thank you everyone for all your sharing! Let's keep that spirit up this week too!
Remember if you make it with your own hands you can link it up no matter the platform! 

~RULES~

You can link up to two individual products from your shop below for some networking/sharing fun! Select two products from the collection to share via social media using #handmadelove so I can find and share what you have shared. And please share in a comment what two products you share and where. I will do my best to respond timely. Thank you! ☺

(Do not share to Pinterest without the express permission from the shop owner.) 

By doing this, you'll be able to share EPIC handmade goodness and build shop your network! Also, Please share this link up with someone else. The more people we have join in, the more our items will be shared! I am super excited to share some EPIC Handmade Goodness!! ☺

How to link up:
Click "add your link"
Box 1: add the URL to your individual product
Box 2: add the product description
Box 3: put in your email address
Submit then select a thumbnail photo! ☺

You never know, your item might be the feature of next week’s link up!! ☺

An InLinkz Link-up

♥Kelly

Violet's Buds 3 Year Anniversary Celebration Giveaway (Win an Owl and 26 other prizes!!)

I love to see my fellow artisan celebrate milestones. My dear friend, Melanie, of Violet's Buds is celebrating her 3 year Anniversary with an EPIC #giveaway today through the 31st. And I am so honored to co-host it with her on my blog. Congratulations Violet's Buds.

Now, on to the list of amazing prizes up for grabs! There are so many wonderful indie handmade things!!

Talk to me Tuesday: Kiser Krafts style

Happy Tuesday! I thought today I would talk to all of you about me and my shop, Kiser Krafts. Yes, I filled out my own form to make sure it was a fun form. If you would like to be featured on Talk to me Tuesday, email me at kiserkrafts@yahoo.com and I can send you the form to fill out.

 

Tell us about you!

 

Hi, my name is Kelly and I am addicted to socks, coffee, and crafting. I am a wife and mother of two toddlers( a girl & a boy). They make my life full and happy. I have sewn my whole life and have loved every moment of it. 

Tell us about your shop!  

Kiser Krafts - making useful socks playful since 2012

My cute little shop is full of sock creations with other crafts, crochet & sewing, thrown in. I love making toys, hats, scarves, and room decorations. My shop began with a birthday gift and a friend encouraging me to sell my creations. I have loved every moment of it. Kiser Krafts helps me stay home with my two young children and feed my sock/crafting addiction. 

 

What is your favorite thing to make?

That is a hard question...I love making everything I make! Lions are so much fun as they are texture and personality but I also love the bunnies as they come together with a huggablity and 'hoppiness'. And then I love to crochet cute hats and infinity scarves as they add warmth to life. In the end, I love to craft. 

What is the hardest part of owning your own online shop?    

I think the hardest part is that it is all on me. I do not have help with stock production nor do I have the internet networking help. I do it all. So time is always running short. Coffee helps that part. 

Do you have any advice to share?

Advice: read, learn, find a community, and ask questions not to copy but to grow yourself. Know that it is hard work, time consuming, and well worth it. One thing I hold to is something someone told me early on in Kiser Krafts history: "Never compare your beginning to another's middle or end." - unknown Remember every journey takes it's own time and path. 

I hope my advice can encourage and help you. You can find and follow me in several places. Follow my blog via GFC, Bloglovin, or by email. And you can follow my SHOP | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TUMBLR


So now you know a little bit more about me and my shop, Kiser Krafts! Thank you for visiting and reading! 

♥Kelly

Handmade Mania week 22

Happy Monday! I enjoyed a child-free weekend so I am refreshed and excited for this new week. I do hope your weekend was amazing!I wish you all a 'Green' and 'Lucky' St. Patrick's Day!

Now onto the new week of Handmade Mania. Last week was amazing! Full of wonderful #handmadelove items! Thank you everyone for sharing and making this link up so much fun!

Most Viewed:

Pink and Purple Slime Heart hair clip with Bow by Black Sunshine

Embroidered Birthday Shirt by Dazzling & Dapper

Staff Pick ('Green' being key element):

Tiny the Turtle by Unique Creations by Tracy

Meow Unsponges by Nature Junkie

I am so impressed with all of your sharing - Thank you so much! You had me clicking the share button a bunch of times. I hope I get to share more this coming week! Please make sure to share the link up with your friends! I would love to meet more artisans.

Remember if you make it with your own hands you can link it up no matter the platform! 

~RULES~

You can link up to two individual products from your shop below for some networking/sharing fun! Select two products from the collection to share via social media using #handmadelove so I can find and share what you have shared. And please share in a comment what two products you share and where. I will do my best to respond timely. Thank you! ☺

(Do not share to Pinterest without the express permission from the shop owner.) 

By doing this, you'll be able to share EPIC handmade goodness and build shop your network! Also, Please share this link up with someone else. The more people we have join in, the more our items will be shared! I am super excited to share some EPIC Handmade Goodness!! ☺

How to link up:
Click "add your link"
Box 1: add the URL to your individual product
Box 2: add the product description
Box 3: put in your email address
Submit then select a thumbnail photo! ☺

You never know, your item might be the feature of next week’s link up!! ☺

An InLinkz Link-up

♥Kelly

Talk to Me Tuesday: Simple Xpressions Personalized!

Happy Tuesday! Today, I am honored to introduce another one of my sponsors: Simple Xpressions Personalized! for Talk to Me Tuesday.
Melissa, owner, does an amazing job customizing vinyl creations. From sports bottles to Easter baskets, she has your custom vinyl needs covered. 

Welcome Melissa!

Tell us about you!

Hi! My name is Melissa. I have 2 boys (age 8 and 4 1/2) who keep me busy! I've been creative my whole life! I love working with paper and have made and sold cards for the last 12 years. I started working with vinyl about 2 years ago and haven't looked back.  

 Tell us about your shop!  

SimpleXpressions-Personalized! came around in the spring of 2012 when I stumbled across a facebook group that worked with vinyl and instantly became addicted. I remember the awesome feeling of having something with my name on it when I was little and wanted my kids to be able to have that too, but knew that they never would have anything that could be bought in the store because their names aren't common. I made water bottles for my son's birthday that year, listed them on Etsy and it quickly took off from there. I specialize in birthday party favors and can make or match pretty much any theme.  

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorite thing to make is definitely water bottles for birthday parties. I love being able to make someone's birthday special and unique.  

What is the hardest part of owning your own online shop?

Right now I think the hardest part is advertising my shop. I recently moved to Storenvy from Etsy and now have to do my own advertising to get business.   

Do you have any advice to share?

It can be stressful at times! Make sure you make time for life and your family (which I still struggle with sometimes) and don't let yourself get burnt out or it won't be fun anymore.   

Boy is that so true! I know for me, my family is one of the main reasons why Kiser Krafts came to be. And balancing it all out can take some time. Thank you for your words of advice Melissa. Make sure to stop by tell Melissa "hi" and where you found, and follow/like her at her SHOP | FACEBOOK |  PINTEREST | TUMBLR . Thank you so much for visiting and talking with us today, Melissa. 

♥Kelly

Handmade Mania week 21

Happy Monday! Spring has sprung forward with a time change. And boy o' boy, has it messed my toddlers up. They are behind schedule and cranky but there is hope of playing outside today as weather is warming up.

Everyone did an AAa-mazing job sharing last week - 212 views, 40 links, 607 clicks!!! How exciting and awesome is that!! It is super exciting! Thank you everyone!! I am on the edge of my seat to see what #handmadelove links you add! 

Most Viewed: 

Turtle Corner Bookmark by Ingenius Edge

Phoenix Wings in Superwash Merino by Fairytale Knits

 Staff Pick (hubby helped me out): 

Zombie Amigurumi by VGItemShop

Potter Love hoop Art by Gipson Wands

I love all of these featured handmade items! You guys are all super talented! Thank you for joining in and linking up. Now onto this weeks link up!! Remember if you make it with your own hands you can link it up no matter the platform! 

~RULES~

You can link up to two individual products from your shop below for some networking/sharing fun! Select two products from the collection to share via social media using #handmadelove so I can find and share what you have shared. And please share in a comment what two products you share and where. Thank you! ☺

(Do not share to Pinterest without the express permission from the shop owner.) 

By doing this, you'll be able to share EPIC handmade goodness and build shop your network! Also, Please share this link up with someone else. The more people we have join in, the more our items will be shared! I am super excited to share some EPIC Handmade Goodness!! ☺

How to link up:
Click "add your link"
Box 1: add the URL to your individual product
Box 2: add the product description
Box 3: put in your email address
Submit then select a thumbnail photo! ☺

You never know, your item might be the feature of next week’s link up!! ☺

An InLinkz Link-up

♥Kelly

Challenge Round Up

Hi! Here is the first week of March 2014 challenge round ups.

You can read more on Lu & Ed's blog  HERE

You can read more about it on Squshies blog HERE.







Day 1: Relaxing & Lemur

 

 Day 2: Wish & Wombat

Day 3: Mint & Dragon

Day 4: Kindness & Tawny Frog Mouth

Day 5: Big & Rhino

So here is what I have so far...sorry for them being sideways. They did that when I transferred them over.  And I have yet to figure out why and how to fix it. I do apologize.

Remember, you can join in these challenges any time. They are open and for fun!

♥Kelly