#happyhandmade 88 shares

Hiya! Last week's #happyhandmade link up, hosted by Daft Crafts, was full of amazing products! It was super hard to decide but the weatherman helped me out. The forecast is to be cold, like snow, cold this coming week. And that made me think of my favorite holiday, Christmas. So enjoy my Christmas #happyhandmade favorites.

Christmas Tree Clippie by Bownanza Utah
Snowman ceramic Figurine by Amazing Caitlin
Winterberry Daisy Flower Hair Clip by Violet's Buds
Nativity Peg People Play Set by Landon's Toy Box

♥Kelly

Talk to Me Tuesday: Violet's Buds

Happy Tuesday! I am introducing a new weekly post: Talk to Me Tuesday. Within this post, I will introduce you to some of my favorite shops. This very first week, I am honored to introduce you to one of my sponsors: Violet's Buds. Violet's Buds is run by Melanie and full of handmade pretties for the young and old.

Welcome Melanie!

Tell us a bit about your self!


Hi, I'm Melanie and I'm a craft-a-holic. I'm a 30-something wife and SAHM with an almost 4 year old daughter. (How did that happen? Where did the time go?! I can't believe my little one is growing this fast!) I have a degree in Photography with specialization in portraiture, but currently only do portrait sessions a couple times per year for friends and family. My passion has become making art with fabric in the form of hair accessories and hoop art decor pieces. My hobbies are reading, photography, cooking, and gardening. I blog about recipes and crafts, and I love to share other small businesses and crafters. I am passionate about animal rescue, and before my daughter was born my husband and I volunteered as a dog foster family with a local pit bull rescue group. I hope someday to be able to volunteer again. 

Tell us a bit about your Shop...

When my daughter was an infant I wanted her to have lots of cute hair accessories and after buying several, I decided to try to make my own. I quickly fell in love with creating and made gifts for my nieces and other friends. With the encouragement of friends and family, I started Violet's Buds around my daughter's 1st birthday. During the first year, I started making more accessories out of reclaimed, repurposed, and upcycled materials. I found buttons and jewelry at garage sales and thrift stores, and was given or traded for remnant fabrics. I am able to make unique pieces, however it does limit most of them to one or two of a kind. Violet's Buds will be 3 in March, and over the course of this time I've added hair accessories for all ages (because all women deserve to look good), fabric jewelry, lapel pins, wedding accessories, and hair bow holders. Most recently I have added hoop art decor to my line of accessories.   

What is your favorite thing to make?

Right now, I'm in love with making hoop art. It allows me to use different materials, colors, and styles that wouldn't necessarily work in a hair clip. I also really enjoy making custom orders for people. I love turning their idea into something tangible.

  
What is the hardest part of owning an online shop for you?



The hardest part for me is staying organized. I've finally found a system of storing my inventory that keeps it protected while making it easy for me to access. I am bad at keeping my supplies organized since I like to drag out lots of stuff to see what choices I have. My goal this year is to work on organizing my supplies, cleaning as I go, and make a schedule for myself. Its easy to get sucked into the computer and get distracted when I should be listing products or marketing.  

Do you have any advice on owning your own online business?

First, know that you aren't alone. We all struggle to get started, and keep going. I would highly recommend finding a community of like-minded crafters, either online or in person, to become a part of. It is so important to have a good support system with people that will build you up, allow you to bounce ideas around, and have fun. Also, plan to spend as much time, if not more, on the marketing, advertising and promotion of your shop as you do the creating. Social media is a key tool in meeting and interacting with potential customers. Owning your own online business can be challenging but if you join a community (Storenvy Community Group on Facebook is a great one!) it definitely makes the challenge easier. With others, you can learn the basics and other tips and tricks to succeed!

 

Thank you so much Melanie! It was so fun learning more things about you and your shop. You can find Violet's Buds on Storenvy | Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Pinterest Go ahead and stop by and tell her 'Hello' and share some handmade love. 

 ♥Kelly

Violet's Buds - seeks to help SPD Foundation

October is National Sensory Awareness Month!

Violet's Buds is celebrating National Sensory Awareness month by helping to raise money for the SPD Foundation. The SPD Foundation is the world leader in research, education, and awareness for Sensory Processing Disorder, a neurological condition that disrupts the daily lives of more than 4 million Americans. The SPD Foundation provides hope and help to individuals and families living with SPD.

Violet's Buds Sensational Bug Celebration clip was created to honor The Knotty Boutique Co's son Bug, who has Sensory Processing Disorder. 50% of the sale of this clip will be donated to SPD Foundation on Nov 1 in Bug's name.  Now 100% of the sale of the clip will be donated to SPD Foundation on Dec 1! You can read more about Bug's story, or make direct donations here.

Sensational Bug Celebration is a dahlia style flower with a blue puzzle piece center, using lime fabric with blue ladybug print. Each clip is made to order, and no puzzle piece centers will be exactly the same. Creation of the clip will take 2 business days prior to shipping.

This hair accessory is secured to an alligator clip for easy wear in the hair, or clipped to a purse or lapel. Headbands can be added upon request. You can purchase the Sensational Bug Celebration clip in Violet's Buds Storenvy shop.

The Knotty Boutique Co. had a wonderful Bug's Sensation Celebration Auction Oct 19-20. All of the proceeds from the auction have been donated to SPD Foundation. Read more about Bug & the fundraiser here: https://www.coloradogives.org/bugssensationcelebration http://indiealist.blogspot.com/2013/09/small-business-saturday-spd-fundraiser.html http://www.spdfoundation.net/

There is still time to help out Violet's Buds with her cause to help out Bug's Sensation Celebration -  head over and purchase a hair clip to help find a cure for this disease. Thanks!

♥Kelly

 

#happyhandmade shares for week 33

This week I decided I would share in a theme: Princess. My daughter is all excited about being Rapunzel for Halloween...and I am working on her 'hat' wig. This week in the #happyhandmade link up there seemed to be many princess themed items. So here are my favorites.

First, I am excited to share with you Baby Moon Boutique soft #sensory fabric blocks. They are so darling! And one of the block pictured has a castle and a cute little princess.

can buy HERE

Second, I love this new shop Bandtail Boutique!! They have some amazingly darling things. This Rapunzel hair clip is so pretty!

can buy HERE

Third, what little princess does want a beautiful gown. Penelope's Eclectic Closet has amazing dresses for every little Princess. This Christmas frock is darling and fit for and holiday ball!! 

can buy HERE

Once again Daft Crafts hosted an amazing link up. #happyhandmade is filled with amazing things! If you have a shop, you too can link up in this next weeks link up. Join in the #happyhandmade week 34 HERE - it is live. You may get featured the following week! LOVE free promotions! 

♥Kelly