tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82889339592333061222024-03-13T00:09:11.704-04:00Betty Bow BlueKristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-89797580212633988122013-02-18T10:16:00.000-05:002013-02-26T08:09:43.026-05:00100 Facebook "Likes" Giveaway! <span style="color: #cc0000;">This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Maria I.! Congrats!</span><br />
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This weekend, my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue?ref=hl" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue Facebook page</a> reached 100 "Likes"! As a special thank you to all who helped me reach this goal, I am hosting another giveaway. But the best part about this giveaway? You get to choose your own prize! (Excluding headband holders). <br />
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Prize options will include <b>ONE </b>of the following (click on each item to view):<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=fabric+pom+ring&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Fabric pom ring</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=satin+poppy+ring&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Poppy ring</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=satin+poppy+earrings&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Poppy earrings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=vintage+ring&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Re-purposed vintage ring</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=button+bracelet&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Button bracelet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo?section_id=12657689" target="_blank">Girl's headband</a></li>
</ul>
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Other options available, but not currently listed in my shops, include felt dahlia convertibles, (many color options available, can be attached to pins, hair clips, headbands, belts, etc.):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDrjWG0lVUY/USJCogYr7SI/AAAAAAAAAtU/D3p5J88NJjk/s1600/103_5351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDrjWG0lVUY/USJCogYr7SI/AAAAAAAAAtU/D3p5J88NJjk/s320/103_5351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This baby or infant headband:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk1IN4JYjQI/USODXwW-QSI/AAAAAAAAAtw/rd6JxpYjHcw/s1600/103_7917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk1IN4JYjQI/USODXwW-QSI/AAAAAAAAAtw/rd6JxpYjHcw/s320/103_7917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Your choice of <b>two</b> felt hair clips or hair ties, (other colors available):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmqNYVIFMo/UMojEN96ovI/AAAAAAAAArA/xl1HxS4lkE4/s1600/103_7945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmqNYVIFMo/UMojEN96ovI/AAAAAAAAArA/xl1HxS4lkE4/s320/103_7945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or a single pom necklace (many colors available):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rby8imjT_lk/USJDwyR0-wI/AAAAAAAAAtg/40fYzc9DD24/s1600/103_5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rby8imjT_lk/USJDwyR0-wI/AAAAAAAAAtg/40fYzc9DD24/s320/103_5792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This giveaway will begin at <b>12:00 AM, Tuesday, February 19th</b> and ends at <b>12:00 AM, Tuesday, February 26th. </b>To enter the giveaway, follow the simple steps in the Rafflecopter widget below. (ONE easy-peasy mandatory entry, the rest are optional). <span style="color: #cc0000;">Update: If you are having difficulties posting a comment at the bottom of this page, then leave your comment on my Betty Bow Blue <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> instead, and go ahead and count it as being done on the Rafflecopter widget! </span><br />
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(Links to my Etsy shops: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a>; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue, too</a>)<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0d9ed80/" id="rc-0d9ed80" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Good luck to all who enter, and don't forget to share this giveaway with your friends!
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-36977970400658752142013-01-22T15:36:00.000-05:002013-06-11T20:21:24.846-04:00Giveaway Choices<span style="color: #cc0000;">**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered. The winners were Kristen J. and Jennifer D.!**</span> <br />
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This is primarily a photo post. As promised, here are the photos of the necklaces that will be available for the winner of <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2013/01/pom-necklace-giveaway.html" target="_blank">my giveaway</a> to pick from: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVoBSSmXYhk/UP7x33CsC0I/AAAAAAAAAsw/6R0q4c8cuHs/s1600/103_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFm5GicM4vM/UP7x605MPqI/AAAAAAAAAs8/SaGArZ_bkn4/s1600/103_8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFm5GicM4vM/UP7x605MPqI/AAAAAAAAAs8/SaGArZ_bkn4/s400/103_8276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red, <strike>Yellow</strike>, Turquoise, Royal purple, Butter cream, <strike>Champagne</strike>, Chocolate, Coffee, Periwinkle, Sage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFLfwS5qJ04/UP7x7sESeWI/AAAAAAAAAtE/UGEySomekw4/s1600/103_8279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFLfwS5qJ04/UP7x7sESeWI/AAAAAAAAAtE/UGEySomekw4/s400/103_8279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow w/white; Pink w/pink; <strike>Lilac w/black</strike>; Hunter green w/red; White w/black; "Dorothy"; "Winter Wonderland"; <strike>"Lila"</strike>; "Autumn Leaves"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not shown, but also available: "Aurora" (orange); white on silver chain; sky blue; "Holly" print; pale yellow; "Georgie" print; and "Lexi" print. (Contact me if you would like to see photos of any of these).<br />
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And in case you were wondering how on earth you would wear/style one of these necklaces, here are a few ideas:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTimXGQQTms/UP7xwYXu4PI/AAAAAAAAAr0/qN3hJjf9zi8/s1600/103_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTimXGQQTms/UP7xwYXu4PI/AAAAAAAAAr0/qN3hJjf9zi8/s320/103_8250.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polka dots are "in" right now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJyBpoCmTQg/UP7x1VLBtRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/jECaz8Aw9os/s1600/103_8265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJyBpoCmTQg/UP7x1VLBtRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/jECaz8Aw9os/s320/103_8265.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera faces are, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_irYsucS5vc/UP7xwTd7VwI/AAAAAAAAArw/AYzvdoe7Wyg/s1600/103_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_irYsucS5vc/UP7xwTd7VwI/AAAAAAAAArw/AYzvdoe7Wyg/s320/103_8260.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wear under a cardigan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1l_EUZN9-w/UP7xwNegC4I/AAAAAAAAArs/LHYnDrvFAN0/s1600/103_8261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1l_EUZN9-w/UP7xwNegC4I/AAAAAAAAArs/LHYnDrvFAN0/s320/103_8261.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or on top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H5Fht4_nwM/UP7xz82uBrI/AAAAAAAAAsU/q6hvUJWweDU/s1600/103_8264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ydJKj3lziA/UP7xyqn_SYI/AAAAAAAAAsE/NVHwHb1_qd0/s1600/103_8262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ydJKj3lziA/UP7xyqn_SYI/AAAAAAAAAsE/NVHwHb1_qd0/s320/103_8262.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White works too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpjJA1Va8I/UP7xzYJZh4I/AAAAAAAAAsM/on8m7MowY7c/s1600/103_8263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpjJA1Va8I/UP7xzYJZh4I/AAAAAAAAAsM/on8m7MowY7c/s320/103_8263.JPG" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under a chunky sweater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H5Fht4_nwM/UP7xz82uBrI/AAAAAAAAAsU/q6hvUJWweDU/s1600/103_8264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H5Fht4_nwM/UP7xz82uBrI/AAAAAAAAAsU/q6hvUJWweDU/s320/103_8264.JPG" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An added pop of color!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7Ut38tBmA/UP7x2fryxMI/AAAAAAAAAso/g4SZsrhMqIM/s1600/103_8269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7Ut38tBmA/UP7x2fryxMI/AAAAAAAAAso/g4SZsrhMqIM/s320/103_8269.JPG" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With an ill-fitting cable-knit sweater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4xNNjVllFE/UP7x3IxPmWI/AAAAAAAAAsk/HRAs_0ksENA/s1600/103_8270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4xNNjVllFE/UP7x3IxPmWI/AAAAAAAAAsk/HRAs_0ksENA/s320/103_8270.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proudly wear your school colors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVoBSSmXYhk/UP7x33CsC0I/AAAAAAAAAsw/6R0q4c8cuHs/s1600/103_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVoBSSmXYhk/UP7x33CsC0I/AAAAAAAAAsw/6R0q4c8cuHs/s320/103_8274.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or an understated neutral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The possibilities are endless! Or nearly endless. Which color is your favorite, and how do you plan to wear it if you win?<br />
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<a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2013/01/pom-necklace-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for details on how to enter this giveaway. Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-56107388655037358782013-01-21T23:40:00.000-05:002013-01-27T20:19:26.663-05:00Pom Necklace Giveaway! <span style="color: #cc0000;">**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered. The winners were Kristen J. and Jen D.**</span><br />
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It's a giveaway! My first one. But don't get too excited. It's a small giveaway. It's not a $100 gift card, nor a new sports car, or a vacation in the Caribbean. Just a little accessory to brighten up these dreary winter days.<br />
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I am giving away a fabric pom necklace to two, yes TWO, lucky winners! And better yet? The winners get to choose the color they would like to receive. And let me tell you, there are plenty of colors to choose from! I've got red. I've got blue. I've got yellow, pink, and green. What I don't have, however, is a photo of all of the necklaces that you get to choose from. I am hoping to take one tomorrow, but for now, here is a selection of some of the necklaces available: <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Update</b>:</span></i> <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-choices.html" target="_blank">Follow this link</a> to view available necklaces. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUHWRjdD2Wg/ToR1eJlEbuI/AAAAAAAAAAU/89HvQcZBwMA/s1600/103_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUHWRjdD2Wg/ToR1eJlEbuI/AAAAAAAAAAU/89HvQcZBwMA/s200/103_3823.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Autumn Leaves"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmTlJtrv0Rs/ToR1oAyJvYI/AAAAAAAAAAg/834tzvC5ZMU/s1600/103_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmTlJtrv0Rs/ToR1oAyJvYI/AAAAAAAAAAg/834tzvC5ZMU/s200/103_3830.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dorothy"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--T4NRo6qpYY/ToR1r1cHLaI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ir6pf3L5Uoo/s1600/103_3833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--T4NRo6qpYY/ToR1r1cHLaI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ir6pf3L5Uoo/s200/103_3833.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lila"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBffRaSbnAQ/ToR4mZT9lNI/AAAAAAAAABU/Q8VKI8_Zyq8/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBffRaSbnAQ/ToR4mZT9lNI/AAAAAAAAABU/Q8VKI8_Zyq8/s200/110.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender w/black </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYWHyAF0NfM/TotCdgttlxI/AAAAAAAAAS4/N4ufJUgL15w/s1600/103_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYWHyAF0NfM/TotCdgttlxI/AAAAAAAAAS4/N4ufJUgL15w/s200/103_3967.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red w/ silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0WnofsJ3uo/Tq1K3bhwIMI/AAAAAAAAAdw/mHvva3l73Hc/s1600/103_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0WnofsJ3uo/Tq1K3bhwIMI/AAAAAAAAAdw/mHvva3l73Hc/s200/103_4155.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aurora" w/ bronze and removable black bow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8N-Vep2SHwM/Tq1Sb7KorAI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9iQN9IVNrAI/s1600/103_4210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8N-Vep2SHwM/Tq1Sb7KorAI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9iQN9IVNrAI/s200/103_4210.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne w/ bronze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_hBpjylI9E/Tq1SdbRXtnI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Ly4A277biOQ/s1600/103_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_hBpjylI9E/Tq1SdbRXtnI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Ly4A277biOQ/s200/103_4214.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate brown w/bronze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ms21u2nsEds/Tq1TSHVIIvI/AAAAAAAAAew/iyACyCuJtRk/s1600/103_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ms21u2nsEds/Tq1TSHVIIvI/AAAAAAAAAew/iyACyCuJtRk/s200/103_4216.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turquoise blue w/silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3khN6ELiZUA/TwdIskF5F-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/50mgiOL5-K8/s1600/103_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3khN6ELiZUA/TwdIskF5F-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/50mgiOL5-K8/s200/103_4897.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal purple w/ silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not the best photos, but you get the picture. (Ha ha ha). Other colors available are bright yellow, butter cream, coffee, sky blue, sage green, etc., and various other prints. To get an idea as to how these necklaces look:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAOeKYOiEm4/UP4SAZIMTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/z8P-Cooxvqk/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAOeKYOiEm4/UP4SAZIMTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/z8P-Cooxvqk/s320/082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnation pink w/ pink cord</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
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So here is what you need to do:<br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Mandatory</b>: You must "Like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a> on Facebook <u>to be eligible</u> for this giveaway (this does not enter you in the giveaway, it only makes you eligible). Follow the link above. <br />
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<b>2.</b> <b>Mandatory:</b> <strike>To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is to refer<b> 5</b> friends to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a> on Facebook. (These friends are NOT required to "Like" the page for <u>your</u> entry. All they need to do is leave a comment telling me that YOU sent them there).</strike> <span style="color: #cc0000;">It has been mentioned to me that perhaps my giveaway "rules" are too complicated. That I am relying too much on the kindness of others. So to make things easier, simply go to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue Facebook</a> page and leave a comment telling me which color you would like to win and you will be entered.</span><br />
<br />
And that's it! Easy peasy. <strike>Refer 5 friends to be entered in this giveaway.</strike><br />
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But wait! That's not all! Here is how you can earn additional, (<b>optional</b>) entries!<br />
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<b>3</b>. For every friend you refer to my page, you will earn an additional entry.<br />
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<b>4. </b>Blog about this giveaway on your personal blog to receive 1 more entry. (Don't forget to leave a comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a> Facebook page with the link so I can verify!)<br />
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<b>5.</b> Tweet about this giveaway for 1 more entry. Again, leave a comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a> Facebook page with the link to your tweet for verification.<br />
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That's a total of 4 possible entries. <br />
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And that's it! This giveaway will end at <b>8:00 am EST on <span style="color: #cc0000;">Sunday, January 27th</span>. </b>The winners will be announced on Sunday, and will have 48 hours to contact me to collect their prize. If they do not respond within 48 hours, then they will forfeit their prize and a new name will be chosen.<br />
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So get going! Start referring those friends, and don't forget to share, share, share! And while you are waiting for this giveaway to end, feel free to check out my Etsy shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue, too!</a> <br />
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Best of luck!<br />
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<br />Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-8080897750006417312012-12-13T14:26:00.001-05:002012-12-13T14:26:42.786-05:00A Stranger to My BlogIt has been a loooong time since I have posted anything here! I suppose it's because I have been busy trying to build my business, but also because blogging can be a little tedious at times, and time-consuming! Taking photos, editing photos, writing posts, editing posts, etc., it all takes time that I could be spending on something else. But I am making a vow to myself to start blogging more; at least once a week is my goal.<br />
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A little update on what has been going on. In addition to being home with my 3yo, and trying to build a business, I am babysitting from my house a few days a week too. I am also trying to keep busy making the rounds at local craft fairs. I have been to two in the past couple of months, and both were mild successes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HNAKDYr72k/UMofEzOlMqI/AAAAAAAAApo/Zyop2YImN0Y/s1600/103_7459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HNAKDYr72k/UMofEzOlMqI/AAAAAAAAApo/Zyop2YImN0Y/s320/103_7459.JPG" title="Craft fair setup-Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzZcMsxGkyI/UMofHYetosI/AAAAAAAAApw/sCIJ3sn56Vk/s1600/103_7460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzZcMsxGkyI/UMofHYetosI/AAAAAAAAApw/sCIJ3sn56Vk/s320/103_7460.JPG" title="Craft show setup-Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UP4wQTuIMak/UMofJ3zERaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/i5SxedG45hg/s1600/103_7461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UP4wQTuIMak/UMofJ3zERaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/i5SxedG45hg/s320/103_7461.JPG" title="Craft show setup-Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_739198471"></span><span id="goog_739198472"></span><br />
<span id="goog_739198471">I have also opened up a second Etsy shop. I wanted to keep the number of listings in my shop down, so I decided to separate my items for women from those for girls and teens. Women's items, including those shown below, can be found at <a href="http://www.bettybowblue.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue</a>. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfRa1DzAV2Y/UMof6OE7snI/AAAAAAAAAqA/jnoyYvv5Cuw/s1600/103_7631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfRa1DzAV2Y/UMof6OE7snI/AAAAAAAAAqA/jnoyYvv5Cuw/s320/103_7631.JPG" title="Button Bracelet from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue?section_id=12536053" target="_blank">Button Bracelets</a>-$18 (Available in various styles)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsXE1QAHTvI/UMof7qPhPuI/AAAAAAAAAqI/CzCGWAhCdLg/s1600/103_7413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsXE1QAHTvI/UMof7qPhPuI/AAAAAAAAAqI/CzCGWAhCdLg/s320/103_7413.JPG" title="Poppy Earrings from Betty Bow Blue" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue?section_id=10875874" target="_blank">Poppy Earrings</a>-$12 (Available in gold, white, purple, pink, green, and red).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd7Kbct70Dg/UMogO2m5EkI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/TLDqk5N6pV8/s1600/103_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd7Kbct70Dg/UMogO2m5EkI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/TLDqk5N6pV8/s320/103_6996.JPG" title="Poppy Rings from Betty Bow Blue" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=satin+poppy+rings&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Poppy Rings</a>-$9 (Available in green, red, white, purple, light blue, and gold)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BpcfBAjWew/UMogPo8BcTI/AAAAAAAAAqY/yu9AnxrJZoQ/s1600/200730_4521068868483_1814155520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BpcfBAjWew/UMogPo8BcTI/AAAAAAAAAqY/yu9AnxrJZoQ/s320/200730_4521068868483_1814155520_n.jpg" title="Fabric Pom Rings from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=pom+rings&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Fabric Pom Rings</a>-$12 (Available in various colors and prints)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I59XveZ6I_E/UMogZArhu_I/AAAAAAAAAqg/xM0DOT06AJo/s1600/103_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I59XveZ6I_E/UMogZArhu_I/AAAAAAAAAqg/xM0DOT06AJo/s320/103_7815.JPG" title="Cocktail Rings from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue/search?search_query=vintage+rings&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Vintage Rings</a> made from re-purposed clip-on earrings- $15-$22.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Items for girls and teens can be found in my new shop, <a href="http://www.bettybowbluetoo.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Betty Bow Blue, too!</a> Here you will find my popular padded headbands, and various hair accessories, including hair clips, headbands, and hair ties. Here is a selection of some items available (or available soon).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpJGNNs0Iy0/UMojnGfcdKI/AAAAAAAAArI/-B2w6YWPAgQ/s1600/103_7285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpJGNNs0Iy0/UMojnGfcdKI/AAAAAAAAArI/-B2w6YWPAgQ/s320/103_7285.JPG" title="Headband Holders from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo?section_id=12632252" target="_blank">Headband Holders</a>-$25</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OccBCqPx2gM/UMoi80_DEpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/PZuXNzA_9QE/s1600/103_7901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OccBCqPx2gM/UMoi80_DEpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/PZuXNzA_9QE/s320/103_7901.JPG" title="Headbands from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo/search?search_query=bubble&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Bubble Puff Headbands</a>-$9-$11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNWJw5MVzDI/UMojAlddi8I/AAAAAAAAAq4/2LzO-I2QSVg/s1600/103_7904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNWJw5MVzDI/UMojAlddi8I/AAAAAAAAAq4/2LzO-I2QSVg/s320/103_7904.JPG" title="Felt Flower Headbands from Betty Bow Blue" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBluetoo/search?search_query=felt&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Felt Flower Headbands</a>- $9 (Available in fuchsia, red, and purple)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmqNYVIFMo/UMojEN96ovI/AAAAAAAAArA/xl1HxS4lkE4/s1600/103_7945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmqNYVIFMo/UMojEN96ovI/AAAAAAAAArA/xl1HxS4lkE4/s320/103_7945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt Flower Hair Clips-$4.50 (Available soon)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What does the future hold for Betty Bow Blue? Hopefully some more business! I have also been thinking of getting into the "wedding scene", as my sister says. I have already sold a bunch of poppy rings as bridesmaids' gifts this past fall, and I have another bridal order set for next year.<br />
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I am finally starting to figure out what works and what doesn't, what sells and what doesn't. I will definitely be continuing with the headband holders, but some items may only be available at craft shows, as they seem to sell better there than online. Either way, 2013 will probably see a few changes with Betty Bow Blue. You will have to stick around to find out!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-75596399371882434612012-03-15T08:58:00.000-04:002012-03-15T08:58:21.806-04:00Headband HoldersSelection of headband holders that I made for a recent craft fair. <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Headbands fit snugly around the padded base. Two ribbons for attaching hair clips. Lids remove for extra storage inside. Custom orders are currently on hold unless a canister can be provided.</span><br />
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I still have the black & white damask, blue & yellow argyle, and ladybug ones in stock. Have enough fabric to make one more of the rest, among other designs and colors. $25 (+tax in NY). $20 if a container is provided. Read a little more about them <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-headband-holder.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnfcI_Shl8E/T2Hl_aRuutI/AAAAAAAAApA/vjkeM4cFJy0/s1600/103_5350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnfcI_Shl8E/T2Hl_aRuutI/AAAAAAAAApA/vjkeM4cFJy0/s320/103_5350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Black & white damask 2. Blue & yellow argyle 3. Polka dots 4. Retro Round 5. Happi Medallions 6. Ladybug Graden 7. (No longer available).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>(The purpose of this post was really to give Allison an opportunity to "pin" this to her Pinterest. :-) You can <a href="http://pinterest.com/allisonlm1/">follow her</a> on Pinterest. And while you're at it, <a href="http://pinterest.com/krissysue2/">follow me too</a>! <br />
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Happy pinning!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-89251741600689740362012-02-04T10:39:00.002-05:002012-02-04T10:54:34.154-05:00To Makeover or Not to Makeover?I've been thinking of giving Betty Bow Blue a mini-makeover. I was printing out my own business cards and packaging, but quite frankly cutting out each one got a little old. I ordered new business cards, with a new logo on them, and would like for everything (cards, packaging, Etsy shop, etc.) to be cohesive. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsmQc2admGU/Ty1Q6eIW54I/AAAAAAAAAo4/Pj42LYN1aig/s1600/livepreview.as8px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsmQc2admGU/Ty1Q6eIW54I/AAAAAAAAAo4/Pj42LYN1aig/s400/livepreview.as8px.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New business cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I chose my original image because one of my sisters thought that everything should have a 40s vibe to it because she felt that my products evoked that feeling. The newer image is more modern. Which do you like better? Should I stick with the old one or welcome the new? (See poll on the right sidebar).<br />
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Etsy banners:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuGKSn-d41A/Ty1P7piQQcI/AAAAAAAAAoo/TMOso0saRhI/s1600/etsybanner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="51" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuGKSn-d41A/Ty1P7piQQcI/AAAAAAAAAoo/TMOso0saRhI/s400/etsybanner1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDOX6rK_WFM/Ty1P73mOmUI/AAAAAAAAAow/BhBU1IHcQvo/s1600/etsybanner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="55" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDOX6rK_WFM/Ty1P73mOmUI/AAAAAAAAAow/BhBU1IHcQvo/s400/etsybanner3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Logo:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eL5h_TXZO5o/Ty1P7CDjruI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tdbShEk6gCU/s1600/bettylogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eL5h_TXZO5o/Ty1P7CDjruI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tdbShEk6gCU/s320/bettylogo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLk7oo7gUZY/Ty1P7CbuU_I/AAAAAAAAAog/-2_bds0M_ME/s1600/bettylogo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLk7oo7gUZY/Ty1P7CbuU_I/AAAAAAAAAog/-2_bds0M_ME/s320/bettylogo3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Opinions?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-522826422321995562012-01-29T21:10:00.000-05:002012-01-29T21:10:27.160-05:00New Headband Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I know that I haven't posted the survey results for the headband holders yet, but I wanted to share one that I made today. I wasn't really planning on starting these already, but I had received two requests through Facebook for one. Then I found out that there is an upcoming craft fair in town that I am trying to sign up for (waiting for the woman in charge to email me back). So I decided to make some of these earlier than planned in anticipation for the craft fair (on February 18th).<br />
<br />
I prepared all of my materials the last night:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsOKiaGNI5Q/TyX5c3BdgcI/AAAAAAAAAoI/DXogX9rsO0Y/s1600/103_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsOKiaGNI5Q/TyX5c3BdgcI/AAAAAAAAAoI/DXogX9rsO0Y/s400/103_5299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had high aspirations of finishing two of these today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And impatiently waited until naptime today to "whip" one up. <br />
<br />
Here is the first one that I have made up (excluding my "mock-up" that was shared in the survey):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W71I0IZRZoU/TyX33NY6rAI/AAAAAAAAAn4/pn7BH3UDJrI/s1600/103_5310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W71I0IZRZoU/TyX33NY6rAI/AAAAAAAAAn4/pn7BH3UDJrI/s400/103_5310.JPG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue fabric is for the next one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This darn thing took me about TWO hours to finish! And that's <i>not</i> including the time that it took me to measure and cut the fabric and the batting the night before.<br />
<br />
I'm not really sure if I like how this one turned out. The pom fringe doesn't really look how I had pictured it would, and I think it might be a little overkill once headbands and hair clips are added. There is a dark purple in the fabric, which coordinates with the ribbon and fringe, but it's a little difficult to see in this photo. There are two hair clip ribbons on this one (the consensus from the survey was to have two), and the padded lid removes for extra storage inside, for hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, etc.: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdeoHA9iK5o/TyX36HLOsjI/AAAAAAAAAoA/l13iMMphlJA/s1600/103_5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdeoHA9iK5o/TyX36HLOsjI/AAAAAAAAAoA/l13iMMphlJA/s400/103_5316.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabs inside prevent it from falling inside the container.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I am still debating whether or not I want to try to track down some bases for these, as shown in the mock-up, using one of my votive bases:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfrdyumVA_U/TyX7JpQAnTI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/p0a3-0telME/s1600/103_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfrdyumVA_U/TyX7JpQAnTI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/p0a3-0telME/s400/103_4863.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br />
What do you think, don't worry about a base, or definitely include one? Ditch the pom fringe, or keep it?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-31144075986550708422012-01-27T15:43:00.000-05:002012-01-27T15:43:32.891-05:00A Farewell to BethanyIt is with a heavy heart that I announce the loss of "Bethany", a beloved member of the Betty Bow Blue family.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPnWpzr-03k/TpSJEr96_DI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ddNqHJIS8RM/s1600/Sophia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPnWpzr-03k/TpSJEr96_DI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ddNqHJIS8RM/s320/Sophia.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will be missed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With one final snip of the scissors, Bethany was no more. She had a good run while it lasted, and was a favorite of many. Throughout her lifetime, Bethany was able to produce a pair of hair clips, two flower headbands, a flower pin, two pom pins, FOUR necklaces, and most recently, two pom rings. She was a bestseller.<br />
<br />
If you are one of the unfortunate few who do not own a piece of Bethany, now's the time to act! One pom pin, and one pom ring (see photo below), are still available for purchase. Move quickly before she is gone completely!<br />
<br />
For now, let's take a moment of silence to remember the best of Bethany: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCPSUzLMJI/TyMLrvTU9eI/AAAAAAAAAnw/bQvMdqAFJrk/s1600/bestofbethany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCPSUzLMJI/TyMLrvTU9eI/AAAAAAAAAnw/bQvMdqAFJrk/s400/bestofbethany.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And for the record, yes, I am fully aware that I am a dork. :-)Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-47507986388411170062012-01-19T15:29:00.000-05:002012-01-19T15:29:10.984-05:00Ring Survey Results33 people completed this survey:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBysF-QTZ1c/TxhvNHnDpII/AAAAAAAAAno/k_3f4wLrrIY/s1600/103_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBysF-QTZ1c/TxhvNHnDpII/AAAAAAAAAno/k_3f4wLrrIY/s320/103_4860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>1. Which size would you prefer?<br />
<br />
<ul><li>The 1 1/4" pom (tan)- 30.3% (10)</li>
<li><b>The 1" pom (gold)- 60.6% (20)</b></li>
<li>Neither- 9.1% (3)</li>
<li>Other: "I prefer the smaller one, but like them both... very cute."</li>
</ul>2. Which ring base would you prefer? (This question was added later, so there are only 19 responses)<br />
<ul><li> <b>An adjustable metal base- 63.2% (12)</b></li>
<li>Elastic- 15.8% (3)</li>
<li>Either- 21.2% (4)</li>
</ul>3. Which metal ring base would you prefer? (<i>Select all the apply)</i><br />
<ul><li>Antique silver- 24.2% (8)</li>
<li>Gold- 12.1% (4)</li>
<li>Antique bronze- 27.3% (9)</li>
<li>Silver- 30.3% (10)</li>
<li><b>Any, depending on the color of the pom- 42.4% (14)</b></li>
</ul>4. Solids or prints? Cool or warm colors? Etc.<br />
<ul><li>Answers for this question were pretty much all over the place, as was expected. There was a good mix of responses for just about all colors and prints/solids. A couple of people brought up some questions/suggestions in this section, which I will address later.</li>
</ul>5. Min/max price range that you would pay for this ring:<br />
<ul><li>The majority of the responders agreed with the $6-$8 price range that <i>similar</i> rings are being listed for on Etsy. (I say <i>similar </i>rings because I have yet to find <i>any</i> listings on Etsy for a fabric pom ring like this one. The closest that I can find are either cabochons or yarn poms). A few people suggested $5-$7, while others went as high as $10-$15! The lowest suggestion was $2! (Which I'm hoping was a typo, because that is less than it costs me to make these!). </li>
</ul><br />
Someone mentioned to me that they would have liked to have seen an "Additional Comments" on the surveys, which I agree would have been great, however, I was limited to a certain number of questions, and that included the photos. Fortunately, a few responders took advantage of the "other" answer options, or the places where you could type in your response, and used that to voice a few concerns and suggestions.<br />
<br />
A couple of responders mentioned "full" vs. "less full" poms. The poms that I intend to make for these rings <i>will</i> be fuller than the two shown. I just whipped up those two in a hurry so I could have photos for the surveys. Another responder wanted to know how I would keep the rings from fraying, which is a legitimate concern. The poms <i>will</i> be sealed around the edges to help prevent fraying, I just didn't waste the time to do that with my sample rings. A third person suggested that I make fabric button rings, using leftover buttons from the bracelets. While this is a great suggestion, if I do make some, then I will probably limit them to craft fairs, as the fabric button rings are <i>everywhere</i> on Etsy! <br />
<br />
My bases for the rings arrived last week, so I will probably get started making some soon. I am delighted to say that I have already received an order for a ring! Someone saw a similar ring on a television show recently, fell in love with it, and has asked me to make her one. I will be picking up the fabric on Saturday, (as she has requested a color that I didn't have on hand), and will let you all know how it turns out! (Thanks again, L!)<br />
<br />
Feel free to contact me (via email or Facebook) if you would also like to put in a request for a custom order, or if you have any other questions about them. I am headed to the fabric store on Saturday to restock a few supplies, so if anyone wants one in a color that I don't have, I will have to pick it up then. (I don't get to the store often, so I have to get everything at once).<br />
<br />
Thank you again to everyone who responded to the survey! All feedback was appreciated.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-804237377386873122012-01-19T14:23:00.000-05:002012-01-19T14:23:07.786-05:00First Custom OrderRecently one of my sisters asked me to make a REAL custom order, (as opposed to asking me to make a duplicate of an item that I've already made). She wanted hair clips to match a dress that she bought as a Christmas gift for two sisters. Here is what the dress looks like:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XP2ADfFK0x0/TxhpDQQ5VgI/AAAAAAAAAnI/K1qlVujGlxc/s1600/0900631b81d4a873M.tif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XP2ADfFK0x0/TxhpDQQ5VgI/AAAAAAAAAnI/K1qlVujGlxc/s400/0900631b81d4a873M.tif.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From JCPenney</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was actually pretty excited about doing this, and I love how the matching hair clips turned out. The sisters are 5 and 2, so I made two different sized poms for the clips, (a little difficult to tell in this photo).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t30GrQTpAx4/TxhpoXEp54I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/5EWqpgTll2I/s1600/petal_poms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t30GrQTpAx4/TxhpoXEp54I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/5EWqpgTll2I/s320/petal_poms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The greens matched better in real life, the blue ended up being a little off from the actual blue in the dress, but I blame that on the photo from JCPenney, since they appear to be the same on my screen. :-) My sister also asked me for two headbands for each girl, which proved to be a little more challenging than one might think, but only because the girls have <i>red</i> hair, so I had to make sure I made something that would look well with red. I already had a couple of headbands on hand, but also came up with two new headbands:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsXktXB0rDw/Txhq0u0to3I/AAAAAAAAAnY/6yKQP29epvg/s1600/103_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsXktXB0rDw/Txhq0u0to3I/AAAAAAAAAnY/6yKQP29epvg/s320/103_5174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRx6pM24pQ/Txhq20Kw5hI/AAAAAAAAAng/awTj-FnDvzU/s1600/103_5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRx6pM24pQ/Txhq20Kw5hI/AAAAAAAAAng/awTj-FnDvzU/s320/103_5175.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><br />
Rumor has it that the girls loved the headbands, and one of them HAD to wear hers the rest of the day. That's what I like to hear!<br />
<br />
I have created two tutorials while I was making these items, so I'll be sharing those some time later.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-58519696037010378722012-01-13T10:07:00.001-05:002012-01-14T10:40:11.034-05:00Shop UpdateMy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue">Etsy shop</a> is up and running again after some price revamping for <i>that</i> market, but don't balk at those prices just yet! Yes, they <i>are </i>higher, but remember that those prices are <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-anyone-has-happened-to-stop-by-my.html">going to be different</a> than my local/craft fair prices (which have also had a slight price adjustment to reflect time and materials). Anyone who placed a custom order with me prior to this price change will still be charged the old price. Also, contacting and buying from me directly, (not through Etsy) will result in a discounted price (from the Etsy prices), as explained in my earlier <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-anyone-has-happened-to-stop-by-my.html">pricing post</a>. No more losing money for me!<br />
<br />
Here's a look at things to come in the next month or two.<br />
<br />
<b>Rings</b>: I am awaiting a shipment of ring bases to begin working on those. (Survey results coming soon). You can expect to see some of those in my shop by the end of the month. <i><span style="color: red;">Update:</span></i><span style="color: red;"> Ring bases arrived yesterday!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Bracelets:</b> I am getting ready to place my order for bracelet bases and as soon as I receive all of the supplies for these, I should be able to start on those right away and have those in my shop by the end of January or beginning of February.<i><span style="color: red;">Update:</span></i><span style="color: red;"> Supplies for bracelets were purchased today!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Headband holders:</b> I will probably start making these in February (unless you contact me earlier for a custom order), as I have already had some interest in them. Canisters are being collected and the kinks are being worked out now. I don't know that I will be listing these in my Etsy shop, or just offering them through Facebook and personal sales. <br />
<br />
<b>Headbands</b>: I have had several questions about headbands for infants, so I am now going to start offering crochet head wraps along with the elastic and fabric-wrapped headbands. These will be available for fabric flowers, 3" poms, and the "coming-soon" felt flowers. The fabric-wrapped plastic headbands that I usually use are starting to get a little difficult to find in different colors. This may mean that they are on their way out and will need to be replaced by something else, (another reason why I now sell my fabric flowers by themselves).<br />
<br />
<b>Felt Flowers</b>: I <i>really</i> love the one <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/purple-dahlia.html">I made</a>, so I will be making these within the next month or so too. They will be available as pins, clips, and headbands. Flower designs will include dahlias and sunflowers, with the possibility of others.<br />
<br />
I think that may be it for updates right now. Starting next week, I will be working two days a week (baby-sitting on Tuesdays and subbing on Fridays), so that will help move things along, I hope.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-28596540740321833892012-01-12T15:17:00.001-05:002012-01-12T19:27:19.088-05:00Earring Survey Results30 people responded to the earring survey, (and one silly goose who inadvertently skipped it).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/3827259784_bd9a6e4f0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/3827259784_bd9a6e4f0f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo/Project Credit: <a href="http://www.happytogethercreates.com/2009/08/todays-tutorial-fabric-flower-earrings.html">Happy Together</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLXO6LmckjE/Tw842kYNj8I/AAAAAAAAAm4/b04oRh1HiXY/s1600/103_4868+%2528320x194%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLXO6LmckjE/Tw842kYNj8I/AAAAAAAAAm4/b04oRh1HiXY/s1600/103_4868+%2528320x194%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
1. Who do you think that earrings like these would be more appropriately targeted toward (<i>Select all that apply)</i><br />
<ul><li>Women- 30%- (9)</li>
<li><b>Teens- 50%- (15)</b></li>
<li><b>Young girls- 50% (15)</b></li>
<li>Other (6): "i would think high school, college, young adults would wear there, very cute!"; "tweens"; "Seniors, too."; "Young women-early 20's"; "Depending on the fabric color it could be for young girls too."; "While I think they would be most appropriate looking on younger girls, they also might not hold up on them."</li>
</ul><br />
2. If you were to wear these, or buy them for someone else, would you prefer solid, prints, pearls, beads, cool, warm, or neutrals? (FYI, I had to use this format for the question because I was only allowed to have 10 questions per survey and this one was part of the bracelet survey).<br />
<ul><li>Answers for this question were all over the place, but the general consensus was that anything would go. Winner of the best feedback response was: "both solid and prints would work for me. again, if it is something like this that is a little out of the box for earrings-i think the women that would wear these would like fun colors and prints rather than neutrals. Pearls are beautiful, but if you had a sparkly tiny button that would be gorgeous too! Love sparkles."</li>
</ul><br />
3. The average min/max price range that people said that they would pay for these is $7.50-$10.30. $5 was the lowest price suggested and $15 the highest. Three people claimed that they would not buy them at all.<br />
<br />
My <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-anyone-has-happened-to-stop-by-my.html">MPW</a> suggested the following: wholesale price- $6.54; "safe" price- $11.54; retail price: $13.08, which seems to have underestimated a bit? Originally, I was thinking of pricing these for a craft fair at $4.00 a pair! Seems as though I was underestimating what people would pay, too!<br />
<br />
I would like to reply to a couple of feedback comments/concerns that I received regarding these earrings. Actually, I think it's only <i>one</i> comment. One responder who said that they would not buy these, explained, "The fabric looks [like] it will fray, and they look a little gaudy." To which my response is, to each his own. I would personally never wear these either, as I prefer my earrings to dangle a bit, but I know that there are some women out there who would.<br />
<br />
The main reason that I was considering making these earrings when I came across them was because there were so many women at my last craft fair who were excited about my pom hair clips, thinking that they were actually <i>earrings</i>. They were disappointed to find out that they were in fact hair clips. I couldn't help thinking first, that the poms were much too large to be mistaken for earrings, (they are 1.5"-2" in diameter!) and secondly, how gaudy <i>that</i> would look, but again, to each his own. But then I started thinking, well what about a <i>smaller</i> version of the pom....<br />
<br />
As far as fraying goes, I think that the natural fraying of the earrings in the photo from Happy Together, actually added to the charm of them, except maybe that long bit hanging out on the left side of the photo:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3827259766_6a884f8c78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3827259766_6a884f8c78.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo/Project Credit: <a href="http://www.happytogethercreates.com/2009/08/todays-tutorial-fabric-flower-earrings.html">Happy Together</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> However, I believe in selling a product that is going to hold up and not fall apart on my customer, so I was planning to seal the edges of the fabric before constructing the earrings. Which I did, with the second pair that I made:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfceYxrMmoc/Tw85fn_TMuI/AAAAAAAAAnA/fQUj-jiW04o/s1600/103_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfceYxrMmoc/Tw85fn_TMuI/AAAAAAAAAnA/fQUj-jiW04o/s320/103_5125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I actually wasn't very crazy about how these turned out, nor was I satisfied with the whole process in general. Hand-sewing the tiny fabric pieces together was a pain in my tushy, and I am too much of a perfectionist to have them appear sporadically arranged and messy as they did in the original tutorial, (as seen in the blue earring on the far right):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3826490961_e535f98603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3826490961_e535f98603.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo/Project Credit: <a href="http://www.happytogethercreates.com/2009/08/todays-tutorial-fabric-flower-earrings.html">Happy Together</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, all things considered, I concluded that I will <i>not</i> be making these earrings. I didn't really enjoy doing it, nor did I like the end result enough to want to make more. If I'm going to spend valuable time on an item, then I want to be able to be proud of it, regardless of whether or not I would wear it myself. <br />
<br />
Thank you again to everyone for the wonderful feedback! Expect to see the ring and headband holder survey results within the next week, and if you haven't checked out the results for the bracelets yet, <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/bracelet-survey-results.html">check them out here</a>.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-2628496100218177412012-01-12T14:08:00.000-05:002012-01-12T14:08:55.657-05:00Bracelet Survey ResultsThank you again to everyone who participated in my marketing surveys. I <i>really</i> appreciate it! Overall, the feedback has been great, with maybe one or two questionable comments thrown in here and there.<br />
<br />
I really wish I knew who responded with which answers, because a few of you went above what I expected to receive as far as feedback goes. Unfortunately, the survey results only tell me the city the responders are located near, so unless you are from somewhere other than NY (Ohio, Virginia, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, etc...), then I have no way of knowing who you were. So please don't be offended if I don't offer up a personal thank you for replying! <br />
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But on to the results!<br />
<br />
For the bracelet survey, 31 people responded:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/on-wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/on-wood.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo/Project Credit: <a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/">The Mother Huddle</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
1. If you were to wear one of these bracelets, would you wear it in antique copper (shown), silver, or gold/brass? <i>(Select all that apply).</i><br />
<ul><li><b>Antique copper - 67.7%</b> (21)</li>
<li><b>Silver - 67.7%</b> (21)</li>
<li>Gold/Brass - 38.7% (12) </li>
</ul>2. Which colors, (in print fabrics) would you prefer? <i>(Select all the apply)</i><br />
<ul><li><b>Blues -67.7%</b> (21)</li>
<li>Purples- 58.1% (18)</li>
<li><b>Greens - 67.7%</b> (21)</li>
<li>Reds- 45.2 % (14)</li>
<li>Oranges- 51.6% (16)</li>
<li>Yellows - 48.4 % (15)</li>
<li>Browns - 58.1% (18)</li>
<li>Pinks- 41.9% (13)</li>
<li>Other: "all colors"; "black and white (together)"; "mixed up palette"; "All"; "prints are cute"; "any fun color combos you come up with!"</li>
</ul><i><span style="color: red;">(Note about this question:</span></i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #444444;">I have no idea why I didn't include blacks and grays, or neutral colors in with the responses. I meant to....)</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
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<ul></ul>3. What min/max price range would you pay for one of these?<br />
<ul><li>The average range of responses ended up being $14-$17.42, with $15-$20 actually being the price range given the most . The lowest suggestion was $9 (which no offense to the person who made that one, but it made me laugh because that wouldn't even earn me back my total cost to make the bracelets!), and the highest price given was $25.</li>
</ul><br />
Someone brought up the issue of our county (St. Lawrence) being the poorest in New York, indicating that prices should be on the lower end of the price range to be able to sell in this area. As I stated in my <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-anyone-has-happened-to-stop-by-my.html">previous post</a>, I do agree with this, as far as selling at craft fairs goes. You really should consider your average customer when selling locally. However, when it comes to selling on Etsy, I do believe that I could sell these for prices at the higher end of the range without any problems. <br />
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My "Magic Pricing Worksheet" (see previous post) is actually pretty spot on with what the feedback has been, (although I just realized that the price I entered did not include how much it would cost to <i>ship</i> the supplies to me). The suggested wholesale price is $20, "safe" price is $25, and the retail price is $40. (If you read my previous post about pricing, then you will understand what those mean. If you have <i>not</i> read my previous post, which based on the stats, most of you <i>haven't</i>, then shame on you. <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-anyone-has-happened-to-stop-by-my.html">Go read it now</a>). <br />
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Overall, the response to these bracelets was all positive. There were a few <i>very</i> enthusiastic responses to this item, ("LOVE THIS BRACELET!!!! SO FUN!"), which was very encouraging. I am <i>definitely</i> going to be making this in the very near future, so watch out for them! The only thing that I am waiting on is my seller.<br />
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I have not been able to find any of the bases that I will need for this bracelet locally, so I am ordering them online through Etsy. This specific design of bracelet base has been difficult to track down, and of the three (?) places that I have found it, the ones on Etsy have been the cheapest, and it's only available in the antique copper. Thankfully, I found them early, before anyone else did, because they are the <i>only</i> listing for these bases on Etsy. Unfortunately, the listing was only for <i>two</i> bracelets, and I definitely want more than that. <i>Fortunately</i>, this Etsy seller was kind enough to place the bracelets on reserve for me while he/she collected a few more on his/her restock days. I am assuming that he/she buys these locally at a supply store and then resells them, which is fine by me, because the price is still cheaper than anything I have been able to find elsewhere for them. These bracelets may be in limited supply because of this though, so when I do start making them, if you see one that you love, then you had better act fast! :-)<br />
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How's that for a promotion strategy?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-44588721433593560542012-01-11T15:37:00.001-05:002012-01-11T15:37:40.259-05:00The Power of PricingIf anyone has happened to stop by my Etsy shop in the last day or so, you will notice that I am "On Vacation". I'm not really on vacation, (although after hearing the weather forecast for the rest of the week and weekend, I wish I were), I am making some much needed adjustments, and hopefully improvements, to my shop. Other than taking new photos using my <a href="http://bettybowblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/attempting-to-be-professional.html">photo box</a>, I am also in the process of adjusting my prices. <br />
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I have been told by several people that they were surprised at how low I have some of my items priced. I have also been told that I am undervaluing myself. I rolled my eyes at them at first, but then I sat down and actually did the math, and after figuring in the fees that Etsy and PayPal charged me, I realized that I ended up <i>losing </i>money on my Etsy sales! Obviously, this is no way to run a business (unless I'm trying to run it into the ground), so I needed to make some changes. <br />
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I enlisted the assistance of my fabulously helpful sister, and she directed me to what I will be referring to as the "Magic Pricing Worksheet", or MPW. Some brilliant person out there came up with an Excel worksheet (complete with formulas! No need for fingers and toes!) for dummies like me to help price their items. Prior to this, I was doing a lot of estimating, and basically pulling prices out of my tushy. Sure, I was looking around at similar items and what they were selling for, but basically my prices were guesstimates. (Side note, I find it interesting that Firefox does not recognize "tushy" as being a word, but it does "guesstimate").<br />
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Basically, what the MPW does is calculate different prices based on cost of materials, overhead (which for the purposes of my business, includes the cost of packaging, printing, materials that I cannot really estimate for, like glue and thread, etc.), and labor. It gives you four price figures: your total cost, wholesale price, retail price, and a "Safe Price Range" . I <i>love</i> that it does this, because these three different prices are perfect for the various places that I could sell my products: craft fairs/personal sales, online venues like Etsy, or a "brick and mortar" storefront that sells items from local artisans. <br />
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I don't know about other people who sell their crafts, but personally, I plan to have different prices for each venue. This may not sound fair, or the ideal way to conduct a business, but let me break down the reasons why. If I am selling my items at a local craft fair, then I need to be aware of who my customer is going to be, and most importantly, my location. Someone who is shopping around a craft fair in the boonies of Upstate New York is most likely going to spend <b>less </b>money on items than someone in New York City. Right? The <i>typical </i>craft fair visitor in my area is not going to be shelling out $30 for a felt flower headband, regardless of how well it is made or how much time has been put into it, (there are always some exceptions though). So ideally, my prices should reflect that if I want to make any sales and try to establish my business with "the locals", which I feel is an important thing to do when just starting out. As long as my prices are fair, and I'm still making money rather than losing money from these sales, then I see no reason why I can't sell them for less, using the <i>wholesale</i> price from the MPW.<br />
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Now let's take a look at selling on Etsy, or other online venues. In case you were unaware of this, <i>listing </i>items on these sites is not free, nor is it free to <i>sell</i> them. Etsy charges a fee for each item that you list. After a certain period of time, (a few months), if your item has not sold, then you can relist the item, paying the fee again. Etsy also charges a fee for each sale that you make. They will charge you a (very small) % of the purchase price of the item, (<i>does not</i> include tax or shipping). Unfortunately, the fees do not end there. If your customer is using PayPal to pay for their order, which they most likely are, then PayPal will charge a fee based on the full amount of money received (<i>including</i> tax and shipping). This is a small %, <i>plus</i> $.30 for each transaction. So, with all of that in mind, items that I list on Etsy <i>should</i> be priced higher to help cover those charges.<br />
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Another thing to consider when pricing these items is that Etsy has an <i>International</i> customer-base, which means a higher chance of reaching customers who <i>will</i> pay $30 for a felt flower headband (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_904118326">which they </a><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HushBlush">do</a>). </i>It would really be stupid of any seller not to take advantage of this, and this is where the middle "<i>Safe Price</i>" figure comes in handy. <br />
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The <i>retail</i> price would most likely apply to items being sold in stores. Although I currently don't do this, there are several local stores/venues that sell items for local artisans, kind of like a consignment shop. My sister does this, and if I remember correctly, she has to pay a fee each year for her space in the store, and they also collect a 30%-40% commission from the items that she sells there. Obviously, this means that she has to price accordingly if she wants to make any money at all, hence a higher <i>retail </i>price. <br />
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So with all of this in mind, last night I sat down with my receipts, (or at least the ones I had the foresight to save), and the MPW and got to work figuring out what I <i>should</i> be charging for my items. I calculated what it cost me to make each item, figured out how much time it took me to make each item, and plugged them into the MPW. Holy moly! What a difference in prices! I realized that the biggest difference in pricing my items was that I wasn't figuring in <i>my time</i>, the <i>labor</i> that it takes to make each item. Although, for some random reason I <i>was</i> doing this with my necklaces, but not my other items. Apparently I must think that 15 or 30 minutes of my time is worth less than one hour of it. In other cases, I underestimated how much it actually cost for the supplies to make certain items.<br />
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One of the tips that I see over and over again regarding pricing, is that pricing your items low (thinking that they will sell better) will actually <i>hurt</i> your sales. Apparently when people see a product that is priced low, they assume that it is cheaply made; they are more likely to buy a similar item at a higher price. This makes absolutely <b>no </b>sense to me because I always shop around and compare prices for the biggest bargain. I am all about finding the best way to <i>save</i> money, not spend more of it. But speaking of comparing prices, I also learned that it's best <i>not</i> to price your items based on what others are selling similar items for. The main reason for this is because you really have no way of knowing how those people are figuring out their prices. They may not have as much time invested, or as many material costs.<br />
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Overall, I think the biggest issue that I have to overcome is being able to appropriately value myself and my items. I often think, "Why would anyone pay that price for one of <i>my </i>items?". I guess I don't think that people actually consider the amount of time and work that I have invested in an item when looking at the price. They compare my products to similar items that they can find in the store, and think that I am overcharging for them. (I must assume that <i>everyone</i> is a bargain shopper like myself). But here's the thing, yes, items in a store are going to be cheaper, there's no getting around that one. But in most cases, they are also cheaply made using cheaper products. I don't use prefabricated items for my products, (with the exception of the "hardware" like headbands and hair clips, but I challenge you to try to make <i>those </i>from scratch). I don't take a plastic or silk flower and simply glue it to a headband and resell it. I don't buy cabochons in bulk, glue them to a ring base that I have bought in bulk, and resell them. Each one of my flowers, each one of my poms, is unique. Each has been hand-cut, hand-sealed, and hand-assembled. I take my time with each piece, and put my best effort into making them look "perfect", and that extra care <i>is</i> worth something.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-17298445571480634932012-01-08T15:45:00.003-05:002012-01-09T00:57:51.574-05:00The Purple DahliaI have so many new ideas to try out on my To-Do list right now, and I finally made the time to try one out today. Months ago I came across <a href="http://www.news.holidash.com//2010/04/23/mothers-day-corsage/">this tutorial</a> on <a href="http://www.news.holidash.com/">Holidash</a>. It's a tutorial for making a felt Dahlia brooch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.holidash.com/media/2010/04/dahliaonsweater4-19-10slw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.holidash.com/media/2010/04/dahliaonsweater4-19-10slw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Megan Reardon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I really don't mind this flower as a brooch, but I also like the idea of it as a hair accessory and have seen many of these on Etsy. I wasn't making mine today with the intent of adding it to my Etsy shop; I was just experimenting with it and wanted to see if I could do it, (not to mention that I have many sheets of felt hanging around, left over from a project I lost interest in). <br />
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I picked out some purple felt for my flower, mainly because purple is my favorite color, but also because it was one of the few whole sheets of felt I have left over. I am not about to recreate my step-by-step process, as I basically followed the above tutorial to a tee, but I did make a few changes. For one, I did not include the cardboard base because I wanted my flower to be more flexible since it will be sitting on a round surface (unless someone out there has a flat head?). If I were to use this as just a brooch, I would probably include the base.<br />
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Secondly, I used a hot glue gun. This crazy woman used tacky glue and sat around waiting for her 37 petals to dry, twice! I did not have the patience for that. If I can use my glue gun in place of another method, then I will. Here is how mine looked starting out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_w61jtQldE/Twn74nrnE0I/AAAAAAAAAmg/GON3w0NIFk8/s1600/103_5073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_w61jtQldE/Twn74nrnE0I/AAAAAAAAAmg/GON3w0NIFk8/s320/103_5073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was a very tedious process of cutting and gluing. It ended up taking me over an hour to finish, and technically it's not even finished yet. If I were to make any more of these, which I'm pretty sure I will, I plan to cut out everything ahead of time (in multiple colors for multiple flowers) and then glue them at another time. I have found that doing things in steps like that makes it seem less tedious. (I usually spend one night cutting out all of my fabric circles/petals for my headbands, then another night gluing them, and finally a third to complete finishing touches, like adding the clips, chains, etc.) Here is how my (nearly) finished flower looks:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzDluRWMYqw/Twn8wIjK6dI/AAAAAAAAAmo/1vDtHnfopO8/s1600/103_5074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzDluRWMYqw/Twn8wIjK6dI/AAAAAAAAAmo/1vDtHnfopO8/s320/103_5074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have not finished the center yet because I have not decided how I want it to look. In the brooch tutorial, the woman, (her name is Megan), used the same red felt for the middle.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.holidash.com/media/2010/04/dahliacenter4-19-10slw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.holidash.com/media/2010/04/dahliacenter4-19-10slw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Megan Reardon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I can't decide if I want to do that with mine, or add a little extra color instead. I was thinking about a yellow center? Though suppose, technically, it may not be considered a dahlia anymore... <span style="color: red;">Decision update: I have decided, for this particular one, since I am keeping it for myself, to keep the center purple. I am contemplating attaching it to my fleece scarf (it's concord purple) because I really like how to two purples look together.</span> We will see. <br />
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Overall, I enjoyed making this flower. The tutorial was really easy to follow, but I did find myself trying to keep my perfectionism at bay. (I really wanted to make a cardboard petal template so all of my petals were uniform shapes and sizes, but I held off and ended up winging them). I think I might make a few more of these, their purpose as of yet undetermined. I have some navy blue, pale pink, and turquoise felt that I might use. I think this would also look great in a cream, tan, gray or dare I say, black? :-) (Did you catch that one? A black dahlia? Ha ha ha. Nevermind. You can say it, I'm a dork). <span style="color: red;">It has been brought to my attention that some people may not have understood my vague allusion to the Black Dahlia. So in brief, (Google or Wiki it for more details), the Black Dahlia was the nickname of a woman who was a victim of a brutal murder during the late 40s. Well-known case then, but perhaps no longer now? Unless, of course, you watch American Horror Story, but I knew about it before that and had assumed others knew as well....)</span> <br />
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What do you think of this flower? As a headband? Hair clip? Brooch? Suggestions for the center of my purple dahlia?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-35132438660750353122012-01-06T14:24:00.000-05:002012-01-06T14:24:12.379-05:00Attempting to be ProfessionalI have been told that one needs a photo box, or light box, to take great professional photos. I have read various advice blogs and articles that claim that photos taken in one these boxes are a must when listing on Etsy. I totally believed them. And I believed that the method for making one was as easy as the directions implied. Here is the one that I made:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uy6XpFYL-Y/TwdFrqrCBCI/AAAAAAAAAmA/7GIQR-XRktU/s1600/103_5064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uy6XpFYL-Y/TwdFrqrCBCI/AAAAAAAAAmA/7GIQR-XRktU/s320/103_5064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The box is lit from the top, or sides, with the intent of providing enough direct light to minimize shadows and eliminate the need for flash, which I'm told washes out the colors. It took me over an hour to make my attempt at a photo box, (I blame it on the box cutters I was using). What is more frustrating is that using this box hasn't seemed to change my photos for the better at all. Well, I suppose a couple of them look better, but none of the other ones do.<br />
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I'm probably using the wrong light bulb, and I'm sure that it would help if I had more than just one inadequate desk lamp. I tried taking some photos last night (because one woman swears that taking photos in one of these at night will still look as though it was taken during the day- they didn't). They came out really blue looking and dark. So I decided I needed more daylight to make it work, and packed everything away until today.<br />
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I was so hopeful about this that I sat down to re-take my photos today, in the early afternoon because I also read somewhere that photos look best when taken in morning or afternoon light. I took 90 photos (multiple shots of some items) to ensure that at least one photo of each item would look decent. Then my lamp broke before I had even put a dent in photographing my entire inventory, (in its defense, it is old). I gave up trying to fix it and uploaded my photos instead. I am not happy with any of them. They all still look rather dark with too many shadows. And I'm still have a difficult time getting the colors to come through correctly. They are looking washed-out and dull, and for the most part, purples are still appearing more blue. I'm blaming my camera for this one because they look exactly the same on my computer as they do when I review them on me camera. Take a look at how they are turning out (after some slight editing):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpjvGy8JEIo/TwdH52Jc8ZI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ZHrmM9rn1NE/s1600/103_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpjvGy8JEIo/TwdH52Jc8ZI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ZHrmM9rn1NE/s320/103_5005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These colors should be hot pink and lime green, but they are rather dull. And the background is not white at all.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JJV67E6KLU/TwdINMh53HI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/HbaIZ5UmqtI/s1600/103_5017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JJV67E6KLU/TwdINMh53HI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/HbaIZ5UmqtI/s320/103_5017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is SUPPOSED to be a bold, almost fire engine, red!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3khN6ELiZUA/TwdIskF5F-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/50mgiOL5-K8/s1600/103_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3khN6ELiZUA/TwdIskF5F-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/50mgiOL5-K8/s320/103_4897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does this look like a deep royal purple to you?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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What am I doing wrong?! Anyone know how to fix this? Tips? Tricks? Anything?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-79053319756502137892012-01-01T22:15:00.001-05:002012-01-01T23:12:59.620-05:00Future items to make?I have been tossing around the idea of including rings, earrings, and bracelets to my inventory. One of the reasons is because they will use up my pieces of scrap fabrics that are too small for the regular poms and flowers, but also because I want to add a bigger variety of items to the ones that I already make. These three items also seem to be ones that most women wear more of.<br />
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The rings that I would like to make would be smaller versions of the poms, (think 1" or less), attached to a <a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.177273363.jpg">metal adjustable ring base</a>. I don't have a photo of what they would look like, so you will have to use your imagination to picture it. I have received some positive feedback from some women I spoke with this weekend. One specifially told me that she would DEFINITELY buy a ring if I made those (I am holding her to it!). These would probably be the easiest of the three to make.<br />
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The earrings that I would like to make would look similar to these post earrings made by Jessica over at <a href="http://www.happytogethercreates.com/">Happy Together</a>:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3827259766_6a884f8c78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3827259766_6a884f8c78.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These look easy enough to make, but the fabric circles used for this are only the size of a dime, so they may prove tricky for my clumsy fingers. But I think they are really cute, great for women or girls, and would be an excellent way to use up the tiny fabric scraps I have collected. <br />
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The last project idea is to make fabric button bracelets. I fell in love with the one that is featured in the tutorial over at <a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/">The Mother Huddle</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/on-wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/on-wood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Unfortunately, this would be the most expensive of the pieces to make. The bracelet bases average about $3.00 apiece, and the button kits are also about $3.00, which only includes 10 buttons and the bracelet requires 9. So unless I could ensure that these bracelets would be a popular item and a great seller, then it probably would not even be doable (read: affordable) for me right now. Perhaps if I was working several days a week.... But I do really like them, so they are staying on the top of the possibilities list. <br />
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Opinions? Would you buy any of these items? Do you think one would be a better seller than the others? Which should I attempt first? (Leave a comment or participate in my new polls on the right margin).Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-11976332543699374652011-12-31T20:34:00.000-05:002011-12-31T20:34:36.230-05:00Full Inventory!I now have ALL of my inventory on hand! I picked up the rest of my inventory while I was out at my mom's after Christmas. The main reasons for doing this was because the packaging information and prices were out-of-date, and also because I wanted to list some of the items in my Etsy shop.<br />
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I am also excited to start making some new items, including adjustable pom rings, fabric flower earrings, and fabric button bracelets. But first I need to track down the supplies, which are pretty limited in this area. Looks like I'll be headed online for them.I also plan to make a photo box, now that I have an adjustable desk lamp, so I can improve the photos of my items; the light and color on them are not right at all.<br />
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I will be posting some new listings on Esty soon, so keep an eye on it!<br />
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Happy New Year, everyone!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-87248756255785833072011-12-11T09:06:00.000-05:002011-12-11T09:06:25.919-05:00Etsy shop open!My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlue">Etsy shop</a> is officially up and running! It's still kind of in the construction phase, and I would really like to take better photos of my items, but feel free to visit.<br />
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/BettyBowBlueKristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-43262027815670403912011-12-08T23:01:00.000-05:002011-12-08T23:01:56.927-05:00Etsy Shop UpdateSetting up my Etsy shop is turning out to be more work/stress than I had imagined! Between getting my photos to come out the right color, getting my items to be positioned they way I want them to, and writing the descriptions, I'll be lucky if it's ready by Christmas! Why do I have to be such a perfectionist? :-) Hoping to have some of it up after this weekend. Until then, email me for orders!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-78696425964778174062011-12-03T19:02:00.000-05:002011-12-03T19:02:19.246-05:00Many ThanksThank you to all for the successful day at the Book, Bake, and Craft sale at the Canton Library today! I really appreciate the business from past and future customers. I hope to be able to get my Etsy shop up and running this week, so keep an eye out!<br />
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Thanks again!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-2041219151618233002011-12-01T12:24:00.001-05:002011-12-01T12:26:47.429-05:00Coming Soon: Betty Bow Blue on Etsy!I have decided that after my last craft fair of the holiday season this weekend, I will be posting some, if not the majority, of my items on Etsy. I am hoping to reach a broader "clientele" that way and see how things sell. I will still be accepting custom orders through email or personal correspondence, but most of my ready-made items will only be available to purchase through Etsy, (unless you know where I live and stop by my house). <br />
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I am excited about a few new designs that I have been working on, including headband "sliders". These are hand-stitched, felt headband pieces that are removable, interchangeable, and hopefully collectible! They will be making their debut at a craft fair that I am attending this weekend. I also kept getting annoyed after attaching a bow or pom on a headband, only to realize that when I tried it on, I had placed it in the wrong spot. I also noticed that the right position for my head is not necessarily the correct placement for smaller heads (I totally tested this on my sons). So from here on out, all of the bows and poms that I create for headbands will be sliders so they are positionable. And don't worry, they will not fall off the headband on their own.<br />
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Wish me luck for the craft fair this weekend and for the "Opening-Soon" Etsy shop!<br />
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P.S. If you take a look at the above tabs, you will notice that I now have a "Sold Items" tabs. This will help me keep the galleries of my on-hand inventory shorter, but also allow folks to see other items that can be made. Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-83678432208546116432011-11-09T08:36:00.000-05:002011-11-09T08:36:25.026-05:00New Headband Design: BowsI spent three days, off and on, finishing this newest headband design:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVq7wWs4GWs/Trp_opSOwKI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SEpYlNGps58/s1600/103_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVq7wWs4GWs/Trp_opSOwKI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SEpYlNGps58/s320/103_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the poor photo quality; I took this at 11:30 last night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I started by hand-stitching two pieces of fabric together to create each of the five bows. Then each bow was hand-sewn together and attached to a bright pink headband. Ribbon and a little bling are the finishing touches. I certainly will not be creating many of these, nor will they be custom orders, since they take a lot of time to make. <br />
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I would be lying if I said that this design was an original idea of mine. I was inspired by this headband from Ruche:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/316518204_NBKfNBre_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/316518204_NBKfNBre_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopruche.com/sabrina-fabric-bow-headband-by-petit-plume-p-9345.html">Found here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm still working on the pricing of mine, but it will be <i>nowhere</i> near the $32.99 price tag on the Ruche headband.<br />
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So, how do you think it turned out?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-57392514297895898612011-11-05T09:52:00.000-04:002011-11-05T09:52:13.103-04:00Christmas is Coming!It's time to start your Christmas shopping, and Betty Bow Blue items will make great gifts for the ladies in your family. I have already received a few gift requests for both custom orders and in-stock items, so if you are interested in purchasing items for Christmas, now is the time to start ordering! I will be heading back to work (part-time) on Monday, so the sooner I receive your custom orders, the better the chance that they will be shipped in time for Christmas.<br />
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A few points about placing orders (as described in the "<a href="http://betty1940.blogspot.com/p/policies-fine-print.html">Policies</a>" tab above):<br />
<ul><li>To place an order, please email me. If you are requesting a custom order, then include all details in your email. </li>
<li>I do require payment <i>before</i> shipping orders. Please read the <a href="http://betty1940.blogspot.com/p/policies-fine-print.html">Policies</a> tab for further details.</li>
<li>On most orders, please add $1.50 for shipping. If you are receiving several items, then I will let you know if the cost will be different. </li>
</ul>Not sure if a Betty Bow Blue item will work for anyone on your list? Here are a few things to consider:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAIwAVMrGcE/To-0luCRrvI/AAAAAAAAAVM/8NOByDRaVYM/s1600/103_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAIwAVMrGcE/To-0luCRrvI/AAAAAAAAAVM/8NOByDRaVYM/s200/103_4053.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://betty1940.blogspot.com/p/hair-clips.html">Hair clips</a> are the right size for a stocking stuffer.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSF1zqqizo/Tq1aP5Y3E1I/AAAAAAAAAgY/SQ9jDK-4K1Y/s1600/103_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fSF1zqqizo/Tq1aP5Y3E1I/AAAAAAAAAgY/SQ9jDK-4K1Y/s200/103_4229.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://betty1940.blogspot.com/p/headbands.html">Headbands</a> are a great idea as a last-minute gift for your daughter's best friends.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42poSS2CsV0/Tq1D-pyCiGI/AAAAAAAAAco/YYRnUFgXzCM/s1600/103_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42poSS2CsV0/Tq1D-pyCiGI/AAAAAAAAAco/YYRnUFgXzCM/s200/103_4175.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Order a custom-made <a href="http://betty1940.blogspot.com/p/pins.html">pin</a> for your child's teacher this year.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pswvGWlwGY/Tq1ZGrClFrI/AAAAAAAAAfw/opMjthgGmEo/s1600/103_4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pswvGWlwGY/Tq1ZGrClFrI/AAAAAAAAAfw/opMjthgGmEo/s200/103_4223.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holiday headbands and <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWva39pnOf8/Tq1EDOn8NDI/AAAAAAAAAc4/GfP8uHzKXJo/s1600/103_4178.JPG">pins</a> are ideal for family Christmas photos or parties.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xY2-MLFzGg/ToR00rG9SZI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/teArVBrM4tw/s1600/103_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xY2-MLFzGg/ToR00rG9SZI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/teArVBrM4tw/s200/103_3834.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ditch the holiday sweaters this year. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiJG3DTmVfM/TpsYk1CjQ0I/AAAAAAAAAP4/jXuJd9BP22g/s1600/103_4148.JPG">Poinsettia pins</a> and Christmas-themed <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvzKnHhqmGQ/Tq1TB_P9BDI/AAAAAAAAAeo/oFmHDpmKJfM/s1600/103_4160.JPG">pom necklaces</a> add a subtle touch of the Christmas spirit, perfect for the office or workplace.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Don't forget anyone on your Christmas list this year. Betty Bow Blue items are perfect for your:<br />
<ul><li> daughter/granddaughter</li>
<li>mother/mother-in-law</li>
<li>grandmother</li>
<li>sister/sister-in-law</li>
<li>wife/girlfriend</li>
<li>aunt</li>
<li>cousin</li>
<li>niece</li>
<li>teacher</li>
<li>friend</li>
<li>roommate </li>
<li>co-worker</li>
</ul>Check out the items that I currently have in-stock, or the fabrics available for custom items, and place your orders today!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8288933959233306122.post-69464618672278137842011-11-01T09:49:00.001-04:002011-11-01T12:09:06.629-04:00New Headband DesignIn my mad dash to build up a stock for my bomb of a craft fair this past weekend, I came up with this new design for a headband and whipped up four of them:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTNBRNJe6Fs/Tq1lvDvYTuI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/iq9IQVTx-Ho/s1600/103_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTNBRNJe6Fs/Tq1lvDvYTuI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/iq9IQVTx-Ho/s320/103_4237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JXupiqJoMs/Tq1lxRkBS6I/AAAAAAAAAhY/dXCYWfUXYeI/s1600/103_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JXupiqJoMs/Tq1lxRkBS6I/AAAAAAAAAhY/dXCYWfUXYeI/s320/103_4238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVfp0ehnFbc/Tq1lzPhTElI/AAAAAAAAAhg/8tg8DydNh5w/s1600/103_4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVfp0ehnFbc/Tq1lzPhTElI/AAAAAAAAAhg/8tg8DydNh5w/s320/103_4239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtcMqwVjS7Y/Tq1l53jLzgI/AAAAAAAAAho/LrgSWdkvzsk/s1600/103_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtcMqwVjS7Y/Tq1l53jLzgI/AAAAAAAAAho/LrgSWdkvzsk/s320/103_4236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
They are made using fabric, felt, ribbon, and embroidery thread. This design takes a little more time than my others because the fabric is hand-stitched together. It didn't turn out <i>exactly</i> as I had envisioned it to (do they ever?), but the headbands did receive some good "reviews" at the craft fair. Many women and girls commented on how cute they were, and how they haven't seen headbands like these before. Would you believe that one woman, after looking at these headbands, turned to the other one next to her and said, "These are so cute. I need to figure out how to make these myself. So and so would love this." Right in front of me. <i>Seriously?!</i><br />
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Unfortunately, I had no sales with these items and I'm questioning whether I have them priced too high. I priced them at $12, mainly because they require different supplies than the others, and more time. What do you think? Is the pricing off?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00839608540960354112noreply@blogger.com4