Creative Contest

Oh my have I been remiss on blogging!! Shame on me! I wish I could say it was because I've been SO busy filling orders, but alas that is not the case :( As a matter of fact, this is the slowest season I've had since my first year selling online. I'm not sure whether it's the economy or if I need to revamp my Sassy store.

I think after the New Year, I may try a little revamping and see what happens. Maybe more aprons for little girls (other than my art aprons). Maybe I'll even try my hand at making baby booties. I think I also might need to make more items for older children since other than my art aprons and monster dolls, most of my items are for babies and toddlers.

That being said, I have decided to have a little contest. Let's see how creative you can be! Here's how it'll work. You give me an idea of what new item(s) I can make and carry in my Sassy store and if I like the idea(s) enough, I'll make the item and give you the first one! Who knows--if I like several of the ideas, there could either be several winners or you can win more than one item! Sound like fun? Just post each idea separately (so I don't get confused or miss any ideas in the shuffle). I'll choose a winner(s) on Dec. 17th. That gives you a little over a week to come up with some ideas. So--get your thinking caps on moms and let 'er rip!

What's In a Name?

Have you ever wondered where some sellers come up with their names? I know I do. I'm sure there's a story behind practically every name. For instance, I named my shop Lil' Bit Sassy because so many people have called me Lilbit because I'm small. The "sassy" part came because, well, I tend to be a bit sassy too. Hence, Lil' Bit Sassy.  Most people I know say that it suits me well.  I believe that if you have a unique, maybe even humorous, shop name then buyers may be more likely to purchase from you.

The reason I'm blogging about names is because I have been thinking of opening another etsy shop just for my purses, accessories, and non-baby/children items.  All I have to do is think of a name.  Since I'd like to focus mainly on purses and bag, I'd like the name to be appropriate for those items. I'd also like something on the humorous side since I like to laugh. A lot. I have received a few good suggestions such as: Hag Bags, which I really liked, but alas, there is a website called that. Although I may be able to change it a bit. Maybe, say, Old Hag's Bags. Another name suggestion was Sassy Hag Bags. Or Sassy Bags--incorporating my Sassy name. 

So, do you have any suggestions? Would LOVE to hear them!

Crafting Ideas

I was straightening up my computer room upstairs when I came across some old craft ideas I had cut out of some old Workbasket magazines. There were some neat ideas that could still be used today, so I thought I would type them up and just save them onto my computer. So that's what I did and I thought I would share w/the rest of the world, so here they are. I hope you enjoy them!

Thimble Pin Cushion
Materials:
Thimble
Polyfill
Velvet
Stuff thimble w/polyfill.
Cut a piece of velvet ½” larger than diameter of thimble.
Tuck securely around polyfill.

Sewing Boxes
Materials:
Cigar box
Batting
Fabric
Glue two thicknesses of batting on outside top of lid.
Glue fabric to entire box.

Potpourri Heart
Materials:
Lace
Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
Ribbon
Glue lace around cookie cutter
Fill with potpourri
Glue ribbon around edges
Make a loop w/ribbon and glue to top for hanging

Note Holder
Materials:
Rat Trap
Paint
Sharpie
Remove bait holder, trigger, and staple from trap
Spray paint
Paint or glue picture of mouse
Write “Notes” across top &
“Not for mice
Not for cheese
Leave a note
If you please” on bottom
Glue magnet or hanging bracket on back

Water Bracelets
Materials:
Aquarium tubing
Lighter
Pencil
Food Coloring
Sequins
Measure tubing around wrist. Add 1”
Heat and seal one end of tube using lighter
Heat other end and insert pencil ½”
Fill tube w/colored water
Add sparkles
Insert sealed end into open end.
Heat and seal.

Doll House Sofa Set
Materials:
Sponge
Glue
Fabric scraps
Cut four pieces of sponge for sofa back, seat, and arms
Glue fabric onto pieces
Assemble and glue couch together
Cover small piece of sponge for ottoman

Greeting Card Bookmarks
Materials:
Card
Glue
Hole punch
Crochet thread
Cut picture from card
Punch hole ¼” from bottom
Using 15- 8” lengths of crochet thread, make a tassel
Attach tassel to punched hole.

Greeting Cards
Materials:
Heavy Interfacing
Iron on transfer
Paints or chalk
Cut interfacing to fit envelopes
Apply transfer to interfacing
Color background w/paints or chalks
Christmas Tags
Materials:
Cards
Colored paper
White paper
Glue
Cut pictures from cards w/decorative scissors
Cut piece of colored paper slightly larger than picture
Cut a slightly larger piece from white
Glue together.

Storage Cubes
Materials:
Cardboard Boxes
Glue
Fabric, Wallpaper, or contact paper
Select boxes for size and durability
Remove top flaps and trim edges straight
Cover outside with choice of covering
Arrange as needed