Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Luxe Bath and Body

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Meet Angela Contin from Luxe Bath and Body

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
I was born and raised in the Bronx. Currently reside in Forney ,TX. I have a wonderful supportive husband and family which I am very thankful for. I have 4 wonderful children, the oldest 25 and the youngest 7. I am a Mimi to a little boy named Bronx who I adore and whose smile just melts my heart.

♥ How long have you been in business?
Officially been in business for almost a year. However I have been making products for a few years now. I started out making candles a few years back and then for Christmas 2011 I wanted to make soap to give out as Christmas gifts and that was it. I knew I had to keep making it. Everyone loved it and now with my 2 youngest in school I had the time so I made a lot of soap and during the spring of 2012, I started touring the craft shows as Angie Scented Shop. In January, we evolved into Luxe Bath and Body. It has been such a great ride so far and I am loving every minute of it.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make bath and body products that you can pamper yourself with without breaking the bank. I know in today’s economy, it’s a little harder to spoil ourselves. For me bath and body products have always been a luxury. I feel I am helping by offering luxury handmade products at a reasonable price. This way everyone can indulge!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
I have always loved everything that smells good. I am such a smell person. Our sense of smell helps us enjoy life. It can brings back memories and influence a person’s mood.
For me when I am making soap or a candle the scent dictates what I want the soap to look like. I love when a person picks up my soap and inhales and with a big smile says “not only is this a beautiful soap but it smells amazing”.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Make as many friends online and in person as you can. Always have sample on hand and pass them out to everyone you talk to. Get involved in as many local events as you can. Utilize social media and pack your stuff up and get out there on the weekends. You may have the most perfect product, but if it's not being seen, it's not being bought.  

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Being creative and exploring new creative avenues. I grab my coffee go into my studio put the music on and get to work. There is nothing better than loving what you do and having fun while you’re doing it.  The icing on the cake is when e when a product turns out just the way I saw it in my head.  

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I love the personal nature of Craft Cafe. I think it's wonderful that they shout out new shops and take the time to get to know their artists through interviews and spotlights like this.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Love what you do. Especially when you're first starting out, you might be putting more into it then you are getting out. But dream big and keep with it. Put yourself out there on as many outlets as you can.    Remember Dreams can’t come true if you don’t have any.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
My goal is to get off the craft circuit and open my own little boutique.  I want it so bad and I won’t quit until I open the doors.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes, please enter code: Valentine2013 for 10% off your entire order in my Craft Cafe Shop. Expires 2.14.13.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Angela for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Luxe Bath and Body soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Bent and Burnt

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Meet Brandy Potter from Bent and Burnt

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
I live in Hackett, AR.  Woohoo-go Hornets!! I have an awesome hardworking husband who is my biggest fan.  1 crafty daughter, 3 crazy boys, 1 Great Dane named Frank, and a turkey named T.D. (short for Thanksgiving dinner. Yeah, boy was he lucky we all decided we liked him too much!)  I have a workshop outside where the majority of my things are, but of course I have drug projects all over the place and they seem to be in every nook and cranny imagineable!  My husband has a construction company, so he gives me all his leftovers.  When I die I am positive my tombstone will read, "Don't toss that, I can make something with it!"

♥ How long have you been in business?
I have been making things for years here and there selling them, but to actually have been doing craft shows and such, I would say probably about 2 years now.

♥ Please describe your business:
Bent and Burnt, I like to think is what country looks like.  I make country decor.  Barbed wire and reclaimed wood just screams southern down-home to me.  Its pretty much me making things that I would love to have in my own house but don't have room for!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
My inspiration comes from everywhere. Nature, photos, people.  I can go to a friends house and see a bare spot on their wall and think, hmmm.......a *blank* would look good there.  Then off I am with an idea of something to make.  I could mow the yard, paint the house, do a million loads of laundry, bbq, and entertain the kids, but when I make something new it actually feels like I accomplished something for the day.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
WORD OF MOUTH!  Okay, I'm gonna do a plug here.....my older, yeah Karen I said it, OLDer sister has an amazing horse tack business with some of the most beautifully made tack called Pampered Pony Tack (check it out on facebook).  Now me being quite possibly the most un-technologically savvy person on the planet, I ask her what her secret is for marketing.  Its no secret people....word of mouth.  Facebook can be your best friend.  Put your stuff out there, direct people to your shop.  Your friends will share, then their friends and before you know it, everyone has seen your stuff!

♥ What do you love most about your business?
People for sure.  If you can't tell by now, I'm a talker!  I can bend wire, burn signs, boxes or whatever all day long, but until you can get it into someones hands and you can tell its exactly what they wanted or that they just found that perfect gift for someone then you've done it for nothing.  Peoples reactions to the things that you have put your time and effort into making are what keeps you wanting to make more

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Actually Jennifer Taff, owner of Craft Cafes' - My Kiddos and Me, was my reason for trying the Cafe.  Jennifer and I have been good friends since Junior High.  Shes a very talented, quirky, up-beat person.  Our styles are so totally different from each others but together we have been known to come up with some great ideas.  Now anyone that knows Jen, knows that she is a bloodhound for checking out every detail on something before she commits.   She called me one day and tells me that she's just signed up on this great new craft site for handmade artisans and crafters called Craft Cafe.  I knew it was something that I should check into.  Craft Cafe, unlike all the other craft venues I've seen or used, has more of a family feel.  You don't feel lost in the shuffle.  The admins are spectacular!  If there is a problem they are on it like my kids on a honeybun!  Its nice to be surrounded by other crafters and artisans that encourage each other and that aren't afraid that you'll steal their spotlight.  They are quick to share their techniques and give advice.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Love your stuff.  Not everyone is going to like what you make or what you do, in fact, some people may down right hate it.  But if you can show people how much you love it and that you stand behind your work, then whether they do or not they will at least respect the effort you put into it.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
 I would love to have an actual business.  A "for real" brick and mortar, my name is on the building, walk through the door and there is my stuff, business!  When people ask me "Where are you located?" I don't want to say Hackett, Arkansas.  I want to say, "The *blank* building on main street in Hackett, Arkansas.  Yep,  that would be pretty stinkin sweet!!

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
HECK YEAH! Who doesn't love a sale?  Since this month marks my 14th wedding anniversary, let's use coupon code: January99 for 15% off your entire order in my Craft Cafe Shop. (expires 2.14.13)

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Brandy for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Bent and Burnt soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

10 Tips For Fabulous Customer Service and The Whole Shebang

Hi there!  My name is Krissy and I am so happy to be a guest blogger here at the Craft Cafe blog!
I am the owner of PiixlWix Candle Company, the home of fine fragrance and candles that ROCK.  I am also a full time hair stylist/make up artist in Leavenworth, Wa.  So, because I run 2 small businesses, customer service, above all else, IS my biz. 

(That's me and my candles that ROCK!)

Craft Cafe invited me to write about customer service and how important it is to your online business.
These tips can also be applied to other aspects of your business, but I am going to focus mostly how to give your customers in your Craft Cafe shop not only an awesome product, but to have an awesome online buying experience as well.  Let's call it "The Whole Shebang".  Don't you want that too when you use your hard earned money to buy something?  I know I do.  I always want that whole darn shebang!

I hope these tips will help you deliver that Whole Shebang experience to your customers and keep them coming back for more.
Lets get started!

1. Believe in yourself and what it is that you make.
Try and know everything you can about your craft. Care enough about what you do to be as much of an expert as you can in your field.
It will make answering customer questions second nature and instill trust in your customers or potential customers.  An excellent experience begins with trust.  Trust your knowledge and your customers will trust you.

2.  Let the customer know who you are.
 Online purchasing can be a little impersonal.  Personalize it by completing your profile page and let them know that there is a person behind your shop front.  Also add your thoughts on how you care for them as a customer.  Treat your store front message as if you had a brick and mortar shop and they are a customer walking through your door.  You are brilliant!  You have added to the tapestry of the universe with your amazing craft and tell the people all about it!!

3. Make it easy for customers to shop with you.
Take amazing pictures.  Provide complete details and product information in your listings.  Use every descriptive word you can(get that thesaurus out!) to make your product something to fall in love with.  The better you describe your lovely item, the more that potential customer is going to trust YOU.  Be sure that the delivered product either is or closely reflects(if you produce more than one of a kind items) what they fell in love with in your listing.  Always include a business card with EVERY order.  Be sure to include your Craft Cafe url on your business card.  Make it as easy as possible for them to return to your shop for more of your awesomeness.  
*side note: we will soon have a complete blog entry on how to take the most wonderful, shop worthy, customer grabbing pics ever*

4. Be prompt in answering questions.
This again is a customer trust thing.  Quick responses help customers trust your business and your professionalism.  Thinking of your shop as a real live store that you can walk right into will help you with this.  Can you imagine if you were in a shop and needed to know if there was a certain ingredient in that hand cream you just loved the smell of, and the shop owner could not answer your question until they had taken a shower and walked the dog and had a second cup of coffee?   You would shop for that hand cream elsewhere.  And that is what potential customers do if their questions are not answered in a timely manner.  They are clicking away on other shops and products.  Be quick like a fox!!!

5.  Ship orders quickly.
Customers know they are shopping online.  They know they have to wait for shipping.  You know they don't really want to wait.  So don't make them. Get those orders out!  If you make custom items, communicate to the customer when they can expect shipment and stick to it.  It is a deadline that you have set for yourself, so meet it. In any shopping experience, customers want as close to instant gratification as they can get.

6. Go the  extra mile.
A customer needs an item they are going to give as a gift shipped today?  Try your darndest to get that baby out to them.  Someone wants something gift wrapped?  Use a simple stamp to dress up a piece of kraft shipping paper to wrap it in.  Include a hand written note that is separate from your business card and the invoice(that should always be included with their item).  Those hand written thank you notes are a little, unexpected treat that personalizes a purchase.  They are not going to get that when buying from a large retailer.  That is what makes handmade different.  Try and meet your customers needs as best as you can at all times.  Do it out of love for your craft and gratitude for your customer.  Plain and simple.

7. Always give the customer the benefit of the doubt.
GASP!!!!  There is an issue with your perfect product?  The size wasn't right?  The color was not what they thought it would be?  The fragrance made them sneeze?  From time to time you may encounter some trouble.  That is normal in business and that is part of customer service.  Showing concern with what concerns them is the first step to smoothing out that little bump in the handmade road.  Then put yourself in their shoes.  Think to the last time you had trouble with a purchase you made and got excellent customer service that helped you resolve your issue.  Even though you may have been annoyed that those jeans maybe didn't wash as well as expected, the smile and courteous words of the person helping you made driving back to the store in the rain and traffic a little bit better and, hey, you got an iced mocha latte frappa-whatever on the way.  And you got a different pair of jeans that you won't wash on extra hot this time.  That is what YOU do.  Deliver resolution to a problem with a smile, courteous words, humble attitude, and a frappa-frappa(if you can swing it).  Customers are just looking to have their needs met, like you.  So do it.

8.  Be social on Social Media.
WOOOSH!  And there went the post that you spent 15 minutes of your life on.  Social media happens fast.  As fast as you can scroll on a smart phone.  It is truly the best place to interact with your customers and fans.  And you do have them.  Engage them.  Not only post about your latest and greatest, ask them what they think.  Do THEY like the color?  What do THEY think about the new name you came up with for the most awesome fragrance ever?  What did THEY cook for their families for dinner?  Make it light and fun.  Please try your hardest to refrain from talking about what has bothered you on that day.  Reserve that for your personal page and try and keep your business page and your personal page separate. Your customers want to know you but, they want to know you and your lovely business that they are going to go browse to unwind from THEIR hectic, crazy, jeans returning, day.  Distract them with your handy dandy crochet wash cloths that will get their dishes cleaner or your giveaway that they might win by answering a silly question.  They will love you for it.

9. Thank you goes a long way.
Gratitude.  Humbleness.  Thank you, attached to everything that happens in a transaction will  make that customer remember you.  And even if they forget how gracious you were, you will always know.
Your mama taught you to say please and thank you because she loved you.  Return that love to your customers with a humble Thank You Very Much.

10. Remember that you are a retailer.
Meet your customers expectations by treating your business as such.   Your customers have found something that they love in your product.  They have found something that they need.  They may not have known that they needed it, but now they do.  They think you are an expert in it.  Don't let them down with slow service, ungrateful attitudes, and general unprofessional-ism.  You are so capable of that Whole Shebang service.  So smile first, and ask questions later :).  You are a Craft Cafe shop owner and that rocks!

Wow!  I had so much fun writing that out for you guys!!  Thank you for taking the time to read all they way down to this point.  I hope that it will help you out with giving a most excellent customer service experience.
Feel free to contact me at: http://craftcafe.co/shop/piixlwixcandlecompany/ if you have any questions or comments or just to tell me you think I am off my rocker...
Thank you again to Craft Cafe for letting me get on with my bloggy self.  

Peace~
Krissy

USPS Shipping Rate Increase 1/27/13

USPS RATE ARE INCREASING AS OF 1/27/13

As you may already be aware, the US Postal Service shipping rates are increasing effective January 27, 2013. 

All shipping areas are effected but international shipping has seen the largest increase.

So here at Craft Cafe, we would like to help in updating your shipping costs.

If you are currently using "item priced" shipping, you will need to manually adjust the shipping costs on each listing as you see needed.

**Please note: we are working on a bulk edit system that will make this easier for you to adjust in the future.

If you are currently using "zone shipping" then you will need to clear your current rate table on your shipping page and click the button to add the new rates.  

First, you will want take note of any adjustments you made and may want to keep. 

Second, "Clear All Shipping Values" then right away click "Add Priority USPS Values".

This will update your rate tables for current USPS pricing. 

Remember, this also effects your international shipping, so if you ship internationally using the "zone shipping" be sure to also clear those rates and click "Apply USPS Zone 1 to 8 Rates".

This only effects sellers in the USA.

If you have any questions, please contact us at service@craftcafe.co

You can also find additional information about the shipping rate increase at the USPS website ..

https://www.usps.com/new-prices.htm

See you in the Cafe!

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Key West by Palms Soaps

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Meet Kathy Rojas from Key West by Palms Soaps

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I was raised in tropical Key West.  We now live a little farther north of the island but remain in South Florida.  We enjoy the outdoors with our son, dog and African grey parrot.  I work full-time managing a boat surveying company and part-time I enjoy creating beautiful handmade glycerin soaps.  I love fishing, gardening and spending time at my son’s ranch with the many animals of his petting farm.

♥ How long have you been in business?
Key West by Palms Soaps has officially been in business for two years.  Prior to officially opening for business I spent a year making soap for myself, friends and family; who prompted me to start selling soap.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make handmade glycerin soap products for men, women and children and specialize in tropical fragrances and bright cheerful colors for my individual customers, wholesale accounts and wedding, birthday and shower gatherings.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Seeing and hearing they enjoy the feel, fragrance and appearance of the products I create.  I love the challenges of creating something new all the time.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
The best marketing technique for me have been social media and word of mouth from others who enjoy using my soaps.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
There are so many things I love about my business but a few include the enjoyment of creating beautifully appearing and smelling soaps, the feedback from my customers, participating in vendor events and meeting new customers (several of which have gone on to be friends), etc.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Café is awesome!  They do not overwhelm you with fees, are always there for me with any questions no matter how trivial, are helpful with promoting everyone’s individual store and they make you feel like you are family with their attention for your wants and needs.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Never give up.  It takes time to establish a client base and it does not happen overnight.  Always provide excellent customer service and no customer is too small.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I hope to be able to quit my day job and be able to just make soap and/or even open a brick and mortar store.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
I would like to offer 20% off all orders (excluding shipping); use the coupon code CAFE20 in my Craft Cafe Shop

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Kathy for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Key West by Palms Soaps soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

"Blue" Feature Favorite Post & Vote Winner - BKD Signature

"Blue" Post & Vote Winner!
BKD SIGNATURE

The Friendship Bag in Blue - BKD Signature Original Design

The Friendship Bag: How grownups wear the friendship necklace.

Original design by BKD Signature

Inspired by my popular Love in Bloom pendant, the tote comes in red, yellow, green, and blue. Sold in pairs, the back of the bag features half of the tree - the other half is featured on your friend's bag. Much like a friendship necklace, when the bags are "linked", they form a full tree.

"There is nothing on this earth to be prized more than true friendship."

Have a big group of friends that you want to share the bag with? No problem! You can buy as many as you want to "link"! These make great gifts. Going on a special vacay with your girlfriends? Remember your special time by getting them each their own tote so you can stuff it with souvenirs from your amazing trip.

Handmade from durable canvas. Trees are appliqued on using heavy duty iron-on adhesive. Tote can be easily modified to include pockets and snap for additional costs.

Dimensions are 13"x19.5"
Handles: 23"
This listing is made to order - please allow 7-14 business days until your order ships.

Spot clean or gently hand wash in warm or cool water. If you choose to machine wash, wash on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry and press with an iron if needed.

Meticulously and lovingly handmade in a smoke free, cat friendly home.

Be sure to visit BKD Signature Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook 

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Aqua Blossom

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Meet Ashley Wallis from Aqua Blossom

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I'm a mom to two boys, ages 2 and 3. I love natural products and started making baby bath products when my kids were babies. The more I read and learned about different ingredients and techniques, the more adventurous I got with my products. After I learned to make lip balms and body scrubs, I was encouraged by friends and family to open up a shop. Ever since then it has been wonderful! It's not just my job, but also my creative outlet  When I'm not working or developing new products, I love reading, baking, playing at the park with the kids, and watching movies with my hubby.

♥ How long have you been in business?
Almost 2 years.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make spa-quality products, including lip balm, body scrubs, body butter, and facial products. All of my products are 100% handmade by me - from selecting the best ingredients, to creating a perfect formula, melting, mixing, designing labels, packaging - everything is handmade from start to finish. All of my products are vegan and gluten-free, and I use natural ingredients that are safe for your skin and the environment.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
 I get a lot of inspiration from nature and the seasons. I love making seasonal products - minty or cinnamon flavors in the winter, fresh and floral for the spring, etc. A good amount of my scents are tropical or fruity... being a Florida girl, we have summer most of the year

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I have tried tons of different techniques, but I think what has worked best for me is to constantly keep in contact with customers through social media. Instead of just posting or tweeting when I have a sale going on, I post photos of what I'm working on today or of a completed custom order. Also, asking questions or seeking opinions is a good way to encourage participation through social

♥ What do you love most about your business?
I love that it is something I created, by myself, from the ground up. It is my baby! I also love that being my own boss has enabled me to work on my own schedule. I've been able to stay home with my kids while they're little, which has been amazing. And I can get orders out at 2 am if I need to - I am a night owl

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Cafe is a really unique handmade community! First of all, it is very fair to all sellers, and everyone has a chance to be on the front page! From a seller standpoint, they have super easy tools to set up shop, like shipping tools and photo uploading tools. The pricing structure also cannot be beat - paying per month or per year is always a better deal than paying per transaction. Keeping my fees lower, means keeping my prices lower for customers

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Do NOT give up! Getting those first few sales can be rough - I didn't make my first sale for two months. Just keep on creating and listing your items, and don't forget to promote. Also, don't sell yourself short - it is tempting to price things low to attract new customers, but if you're not making any money, how will you afford to keep creating?

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
 I am constantly making short and long term goals for myself! In 5 years I really would like to have my products in some local shops and boutiques, and to keep increasing and meeting my online sales goals.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Absolutely! You can use coupon code CAFELOVE for 20% off your purchase through March 31, 2013 in my Craft Cafe Shop.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Ashley for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Aqua Blossom soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Goatie Girls

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Meet Ginger Besser Ballard from Goatie Girls

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I'm married with one grown daughter. I live on a small farm in Arkansas with my Nubian goats, dogs, cats. chickens and one guinea.

♥ How long have you been in business?
I have been in business since 2009.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make goat milk soap and lotion as well as lip balms, sugar scrubs and lotion bars.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
There wouldn't be a business without my goatie girls. My business started because I loved goat milk. I made cheese, yogurt, ice cream, kefir and of course goat milk soap and lotion.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I think one thing that helped my business was selling at the farmer's market. The feedback was so helpful and of course people bought my product and gave it as gifts. They also wanted an online venue so that their out of state family and friend could purchase my products.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Definitely making my customers happy!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I chose Craft Cafe because there was a set fee. This meant I could list and sell without extra fees. Also the support of Traci and Allan (not to mention all of the other sellers). There is a real team spirit at Craft Cafe and if you have a question or need to sort out a problem everyone is very sweet about helping each other at Craft Cafe.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Join groups. Ask for help from people who are already successfully established and promote yourself on social groups.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I'd like to see enough business that my daughter would become more involved. I'd also like to see my workshop expanded with more equipment.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes. I'd like to offer 10% savings on your entire purchase through 2-14-13 with coupon code: Valentine10 in my Craft Cafe Shop.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Ginger for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Goatie Girls soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

"You Love" Post & Vote Winner - InkyDoodleCrafts

"You Love" Post & Vote Winner!

Handmade Greeting Card - Congratulations on the birth of your Baby Girl

Celebrate the arrival of that special little person with a handmade card.

This card is approx 6 inches square and has a lovely scalloped edge detail.

The background paper is digitally designed by me in a patchwork pattern. The image is a cute little horse which is hand colored. It has been layered on a beautiful decorative frame and finished off with pearls in each corner.

The card has a dual layer hand stitched insert which has been left blank for your own message.

All of InkyDoodleCrafts cards come with matching envelopes and will arrive packaged in a clear card bag.

Be sure to visit InkyDoodleCrafts Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook 

"You Love" Post & Vote Winner - Flaming 'Eck

"You Love" Post & Vote Winner!

Sparkle Heart - Handmade Lampwork Bead Set

This is a nice chunky heart shaped focal bead, with a set of six beads to go with it. The focal heart has a core of palladium leaf overlaid by dichroic glass which gives an incredibly sparkly effect, very pretty. Flaming 'Eck used a lovely frit blend on all of the beads, of pinks, orange and amber. And two of the wonderful Lori and Kim's murrini, one on either side of the focal, so you can choose which side you want to wear on the day.
The set comprises of two dichroic hearts with frit, and four ribbed rounds. The measurements are as follows (all measurements are approximate as these are handmade items):
Focal heart: 30 mm wide and 25 cm long
2 small hearts: 18 mm x 16 mm x 6 mm
4 ribbed rounds: 16 mm x 15 mm
All beads are kiln annealed for maximum strength, then cleaned and checked for flaws before they are offered for sale.


Be sure to visit Flaming 'Eck Today!

Craft Cafe

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - PiixlWix Candle Company

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - PiixlWix Candle Company

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Meet Krissy Guenther from PiixlWix Candle Company

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
My name is Krissy, and I am the owner at PiixlWix Candle Company.  I make the most rockin' soy candles, melts, perfumes and lip balms out there.
I live in Leavenworth, WA, a little Bavarian style village at the base of the Cascade Mountains.  It is really, truly the most gorgeous place I have ever been.  I live with my hunky husband and 2 groovy dogs and a cat that was born on another planet.  My studio takes up most of our downstairs and I wouldn't have it any other way.

♥ How long have you been in business?
PiixlWix Candle Company was started in January 2011.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make 100% soy wax candles and melts, with a Rock 'n Roll vibe.  I also make perfume oils and solids along with a fabulous new line of luxury lip balm.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Music for sure! And fragrance makes me crazy(in a good way)...It triggers memories, conjures emotions, and brings simple pleasure to everyday life.
Being able to combine the music I love with something that smells good really floats my crafty boat.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Word of mouth is always the best marketing.  Words from your mouth and the words from the mouths of your customers.  Also handing out your business cards and letting people know that you have a handmade business. You have to let people know what you do and that you do it with love!  I also adore my Facebook fan page,  it lets me keep in contact with my customers and is the most personal of all the social networking that you can do online.  The most important marketing is TALKING to people.  That is really what is all about.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Everyday is like my birthday.  I wake up and if I have a new idea, I know I have a venue to implement it.  Having a new idea is like unwrapping a present.  And then I get to share it with everyone.  It's pretty cool to know that you have a craft and that you can share it with others.  And maybe even change their day for the better.  I love it!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Cafe is full of wonderful people.  Wonderful, talented people.  It is easy to use and set up your shop and get started.  There are lots of ways to promote your shop and the admins at Craft Cafe are always working for you.  They listen to the shop owners ideas and if you have trouble there is a great network of folks on the sellers Facebook page to help out too.  Craft Cafe is a has a wonderful community feel.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Eat the elephant in small bites.  Take good pictures.  Love what you do with so much passion that you could explode.  Tell everyone in your inner posse(and anyone who will listen) that you are starting a business out of the things you have been giving them for Christmas all those years.  Listen and never stop learning.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see it continuing to rock on.  I would love to bring in a full line of artisan soap, and bath products, and to be able to attend more farmers markets and shows.  I see my self being a full time small business owner at PiixlWix Candle Company.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes!!  I love sales, so please use coupon code WINTER20 for 20% off your entire order in my Craft Cafe Shop.

♥♥ PiixlWix is hosting a $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway which ends on 1.17.13 at Midnight, so be sure to ENTER NOW!

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Krissy for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit PiixlWix Candle Company soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Pinterest

Gift Certificate Giveaway - PiixlWix Candle Company

PiixlWix Candle Company
$25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Facebook / Craft Cafe Shop
*Be sure to read the giveaway rules before entering..Thank You!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pink Post & Vote Winner - InkyDoodleCrafts

"Pink" Post & Vote Winner!

Handmade Card - All Grown Up Hand Stitched Square Birthday Greeting Card

A pretty in pink birthday card, perfect for a cute little girl. 
Measuring approx (6 inches) square, the white card base has a scalloped edge. 
All of the sequins and beads have been hand stitched in place. An excellent quality background paper/card, the pretty co-ordinated flower has been hand colored and crafted. Designed with the sentiment which reads "All grown up", "Happy Birthday" . 
Each corner has a stitched decorative card detail. 

Be sure to visit InkyDoodleCrafts Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook 

Gift Certificate Giveaway - Briar's Wicked Wishes

Briar's Wicked Wishes
$25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Facebook / Craft Cafe Shop
*Be sure to read the giveaway rules before entering..Thank You!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - KSMonkeys

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - KSMonkeys

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Meet Amber Melzer and Family from KSMonkeys

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a 28 year old mom of 4 beautiful little girls. They are the reason KSMonkeys was born. I am from Arizona, finally being able to move back after my husband recently seperated from the Air Force after serving 12 years. I have been sewing since I was about 7 years old. I would sew with my elderly neighbor who would sew for infants and children in the hospital or other needy children. I am all things crafty. If I don't have at least 5 different craft projects going on then my husband will start to think I am getting sick. When I am not sewing or crafting I love to spend time with my girls and husband. The one big thing that we love to do is go geocaching together.

♥ How long have you been in business?
KSMonkeys was born in 2005 when I had my first daughter, although at the time I was working full time. I officially launched into the boutique world in early 2011 and have been on Craft Cafe since they opened their doors.

♥ Please describe your business:
KSMonkeys is an affordable Children's Boutique. We love to create different and unique looks to the customers looks. I am constantly challenging myself to look outside the box. I started with just children's boutique clothing and have slowly started to offer custom applique and embroidery shirts.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
The number one thing that inspires me are my girls. They are a huge part of the creative process. My 5 year old loves to put fabric together for me to create new ideas.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I believe that social media is a big one, also word of mouth.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Seeing the smile on childrens faces in their new outfits. The best thing I hear and makes me keep doing what I am doing is my 3 year old trying on something I made for her and her running up to me, giving me the biggest hug, and saying "Mommy, it's bee-t-ful!" Melts my heart every time and I think of all of my customers and their children having that same moment.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Simple, it is affordable and they have the best customer service around. I have been with multiple other sites and by far Craft Cafe has the best customer service and the best crew. There is support almost 24/7. If I have a question it is usually answered within minutes not hours like many of the other sites.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
 patient. Orders aren't going to come in over night. I had to learn this. Don't get discouraged. Keep going and the orders will come in.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
 I would love to have a steady income from my boutique and also possibly have my own "brick and mortar" store.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes, please use code: ccblog20 and Get 20% Off your entire purchase at my Craft Cafe Shop!

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Amber for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit KSMonkeys soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

Yellow Post & Vote Winner - Michelle's This & That!

"Yellow" Post & Vote Winner!

LEMON CREAM FUDGE

One pound of yummy creamy handmade from scratch lemon cream fudge!

Be sure to visit Michelle's This & That Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook / Twitter