Christmas in July Sale!

The annual Etsy Christmas in July sale has begun! Woohoo!! 

Now through July 22nd (some shops run their sales through July 31st) there are some fantastic deals to be had in thousands of Etsy shops. This is a great time to stock up on some early gifts, stocking stuffers or just treat yourself to something special from your Favorites!

A few quick tips for finding the best deals:

• Include the terms "cij" or "christmasinjuly" in your Etsy search to find shops that are participating in the sale. So if you are looking for a mushroom pendant, try searching for "cij mushroom pendant" and see what comes up
• Check Shop Announcements for sale information. Most shops will be posting the details of their sale (coupon codes, free shipping, etc) in their Shop Announcements, so if you find an item you like click through to the main shop page and read the announcement before you buy
• Search the Treasuries. Treasuries are collections of items put together by folks in the Etsy community. It is a great visual way to shop for related items (some are curated by color, topic, category and some are just for fun) Lots and lots of CIJ Sale related treasuries will be created over the course of the next 2 weeks featuring shops that are participating in the sale. So head over to the Etsy treasuries and search for CIJ
• Check out the Etsy Christmas in July Team. Etsy teams are open to anyone in the Etsy community - sellers and shoppers alike. There is a team set up just for the Christmas in July sale where sellers regularly post details about their sales. (You will find this team here.) This is a great way to get a quick overview of shops that are participation along with their sale details in one place.

Both of my shops will be participating in the Christmas in July sale this year.  Sales end Sunday, July 22, 2012. Here are the details...

At Snuggly Monkey, over 70 items from throughout my shop are 20% off including badge reels, Ouchie Pouches, Eye Pillows, Coasters and mirrors.

Stop by the CIJ SALE section, to view the already discounted items.
{No coupons necessary, prices on sale items have already been reduced}

BONUS COUPON: Free Shipping on orders over $35 with coupon code OVER35 (Valid on US shipping only)

At Snuggly's DIY Supplies, I am offering Free Shipping on orders over $50 with coupon code OVER50 (valid for US shipping only).


Happy Shopping!

Summer Sewing School Challenge

There is something so wonderful about summertime. I love the slower pace of summer days. No rushing to get kiddos to school on time (or rushing to pick them up at the end of the day). Catching fireflies in the yard before bedtime. Mornings in the berry patch picking blueberries and blackberries and the yummy pies that get baked afterwards...

Summer is also a slower time for my shops, which is actually a nice little break. This little breather before the holiday shopping season begins is a great time to catch up on things that have been neglected during busier times. As I recovered from the car accident that I had back in January, my computer time became somewhat limited because being at the computer added to the pain in my back caused by the accident. So over the past 6 months, my blog has been neglected. I am hoping to fix that this summer.

I've decided to use my summer to finish up some personal projects that I've been working on for far too long (like my t-shirt quilt that has been in the works for over 2 years now!) and to challenge myself to learn at least 1 new sewing technique/project each week. I started last week, and I had forgotten how much I like making something new. So, over the next few weeks I am planning on sharing my personal summer sewing school challenge with all of you.

First up was Fabric Coasters. I love wooden furniture, so I love coasters. I have them all over the place. One of my favorites was this interwoven one that my mother-in-law gave to me a few years ago so that I could try to recreate it. Well it has sat on my desk holding many a glass for quite awhile, until I finally got around to deconstructing it last week.

I made a few changes to the original - made it a bit bigger to accomodate some of my bigger mugs, added some top stitching, changed the batting and in the end I was quite happy with the final result.

That first set was so much fun to make that I decided to make my mom a set too, but I wanted to make something for her to store them in. So, I made a small coil basket for her to match her coaster set.

The coil basket was cute, but it wasn't a great fit. Back to the drawing board ... I started playing around with a Japanese fabric tray design, made some adjustments and voila! I came up with something I really liked.

I am the kind of person that when I find something I like I tend to do it over and over and over again. (Like when I first discovered Dave Matthews my sophomore year of college, I think my roommate was about ready to throw my CD player out the window!) So, I went on a bit of a coaster making frenzy last week and made about 16 different sets of coasters! I decided to put them up for sale in my handmade shop here. It is always fun to try out new items in my shop & if they don't end up selling very well, you can guess what everyone on my Christmas list will be getting in their stocking this year!

Up next .... Pincushions!

Where in the World is Snuggly Monkey?

Traveling was my first passion, love, obsession... I was on my first airplane before I was 6 months old. The travel bug bit me hard, and I jump at any chance to check out a new place whether it is 15 minutes away or 15 hours.  I have lived in 3 different countries, 5 different states within the US, and traveled to over 18 different countries.

My travels have slowed down considerably since having children and I miss it. I have been fortunate to meet lots of amazing people on my journeys around the world, so I get to live vicariously through the travel blogs and facebook posts of my friends for now until I can get back to getting on a plane with a simple carry-on instead of 5 bags, a stroller, a car seat etc...

With these thoughts of travel floating around in my head today, I thought it would be kind of fun to tally up where I have shipped items to since starting Snuggly Monkey back up again in earnest last March. I put together a couple of maps and I am going to post them on a tab here on my blog and add to them as I ship to new and exciting destinations. I was excited to realize that Snuggly Monkey items have shipped out to 45 states in the US and 19 countries!

I only need 5 more states to go to have shipped to all 50 US states!

Do you know anyone in Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, West Virginia or Vermont that you can refer to my shop?

{snugglymonkeyco.etsy.com}

If you live there or know anyone that does and they make a purchase that ships to one of those 5 states you can earn yourself a $5 Gift Certificate to Snuggly Monkey just for sending them over. {To earn your gift certificate, just ask your friend to write your name and email address and "Referred by:" in the "Notes to Sender" at check out}

Thanks for helping to keep Snuggly Monkey traveling :)

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! 
May 2012 be filled with love, laughter, good health and happiness for you and your family! 

The holidays were a very busy time for Snuggly Monkey and for me personally. It was a joy to work with so many lovely customers and to be a part of so many people's holidays by helping prepare gifts for folks around the world. I am grateful to all of my wonderful customers for helping to make my first year on Etsy a great success that far exceeded my expectations. So, I would like to start off the new year by saying thank you very much for all of your support!

After taking a bit of down time to enjoy the holidays with my family, I am back to work in the wonderful world of Snuggly Monkey - full of energy and new ideas for my shop! But before I get to that, I thought I'd share a bit about my holidays...

Aside from keeping busy filling orders, I managed to squeeze in A LOT of baking during the holidays, which made me very happy. If I could do it all over again, I think I would have gone to culinary arts school and become a pastry chef. I baked 5 loaves of bread, over 30 dozen cookies and a cheesecake! Yum. 

I managed to snap a shot of a late night visitor to our house in the wee morning hours on December 25th :)

But best of all, I got to spend lots of time playing with my girls and the many monkeys that live in our house. 

I have been busy tinkering around in my "studio" (aka the playroom) and experimenting with some new materials and techniques.  I am really excited to be adding some new product lines to my shop in the near future. But, in order to make room and time for new items and designs, I have decided to discontinue some items as well. I will be selling off the ready-made inventory of these discontinued items in the clearance section of my shop.

In addition to new designs and new items, some changes will be coming to snugglymonkey.com as well in the next few months.  My focus this year will be to share more tutorials and recipes with you all this year as well as more in depth information on the items I make.

I'm off to get started on some of the improvements. As always, I welcome you comments, thoughts, ideas and feedback!

Holiday Shopping Rush!

Sorry for the radio silence lately - folks weren't kidding when they said that Etsy gets really busy around the holidays! I have been/am pretty busy filling orders and playing holiday elf around my house these days, so I haven't had much time to post but I am hoping to get a tutorial for a cute Holiday Card Wreath posted soon, so stay tuned!

In addition to filling orders, I have also been busy adding some new items to my shop. Here are a few of my favorites...

The Super Hero Badge Reel ($6, click here to purchase)

Floral Eye Pillow (filled with organic Lavender and Flax Seed, $10)

Cupcake Ouchie Pouch ($8, click here to purchase)

The First-Class (standard) shipping deadline for orders is this Sunday, December 18th for delivery before Christmas. You can always upgrade to Priority Shipping if you prefer, just send me a message for a shipping quote.

Okay, back to work!

Black Friday / Small Business Saturday SALE

All Badge Reels are 20% off (No Coupon Necessary). Stock up on these great stocking stuffers for co-workers, friends and family!! 

PLUS 15% off purchases of $25 or more with coupon code BLKFRIDAY plus get a FREE set of gift tags with your order! 

Happy Shopping: www.etsy.com/shop/snugglymonkeyco

{GIft Guide} Handmade Of the Month Clubs

What do you get the cousin who has everything? That hard to please uncle? How about the gift that keeps giving all year long - a subscription to an "of-the-month" club! Branch out of the ordinary and try a unique handmade monthly subscription.

The Badge Reel of the Month club is perfect for that nurse, teacher, co-worker or student in your life that likes to change up their look and style on a regular basis. Three different subscription options are available - the 4 month, 6 month or 12 month plan. Allowing you to change out your badge reels with each holiday, season or month! Each plan is fully customizable and monthly, quarterly, annual shipping is included* with the price of your subscription! (*US shipping is included. International club members are always welcome, however there is a nominal shipping fee added to the cost of the subscription)

There are all sorts of unique and creative subscription clubs available in the handmade world of Etsy, such as a Marshmallow of the Month club or an Earring of the Month Club or a Baby Octopus of the Month club! Here are a few of my favorites...

Happy Shopping! Join me in taking the 

Handmade Holiday Pledge!

Handmade Holiday Pledge

With Christmas less than 48 days away and Hanukkah only 43 days away (12/20-12/28/2011), the holiday shopping season is officially upon us! As you start putting together your holiday gift list, I would like to encourage you to think about taking the Handmade Holiday Pledge this year. 

The Pledge: 

I pledge to support a handmade holiday this year by making gifts myself or by buying from handmade artists and crafters.

This is not meant to be an all or nothing sort of thing. Even if you just purchase one handmade gift or make a batch of cookies for your neighbor - you are upholding the pledge! The handmade holiday pledge is meant to encourage your creativity and to support small businesses that are striving to create beautiful, unique, and high-quality items for the special people on your list. 

Some benefits of buying handmade...

• Give the gift of uniqueness! Handmade = unique, custom, one of a kind, different, special.
• Economical Gift Giving - in these difficult financial times we are all looking for ways to save some money. When you buy handmade you are often times buying directly from the creator/maker/designer, so you are saving on traditional retail costs! Many crafters also offer quantity discounts if you by many of the same/similar items. So if you find something you would like to give to your co-workers, ask about quantity discounts to save more!
• Avoid the long lines and hassle of shopping malls during the holiday season
• Excellent customer service! Many handmade vendors truly appreciate YOUR business and tend to show that appreciation with a variety of "little gestures" that make your shopping experience with them pleasant and memorable
• Custom items - many handmade businesses are more than happy to work with you to create a one of a kind piece in the colors/theme you are looking for. Just ask!
• Support small businesses. Many handmade artists and crafters are folks just like you that are trying to either bring in some extra income for their families or make a living doing what they love. In buy buying from a handmade artisan you are helping to support these individuals. 

Where to buy handmade...

Handmade is all around you! Here are a few ideas on where to start looking.

• Etsy
• Artfire
• Local Craft Shows and Fairs
• Local galleries and shops

To help you out with the Handmade Holiday Pledge, I will be posting regular Holiday Gift Guides over the course of the next few weeks with handmade gift ideas for all the people on your list. I will also be posting links to DIY gift projects for quick and easy gifts you can make too. 

So join me and take the Handmade Holiday Pledge! Leave a comment below saying that you are in! Grab the Pledge button (in the sidebar) & post it on your blog/website, or post it on Facebook or Twitter to get your friends involved too.

Do you have a great holiday gift idea or tutorial? Email me or leave a comment below, and I might post it in my next gift guide!

Happy Crafting!

{Giveaway} Show Stopper Bow from Love in Bloom Boutique

Yesterday we learned about Kristin and Love in Bloom Boutique. Kristin has generously agreed to sponsor a giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers!

Prize: Extra Large Show Stopper Bow 

Start Date: Saturday, October 30, 2011

End Date: Friday, November 11, 2011

{How to Enter to Win}

The winner of this Giveaway will be chosen at random, so the more times you enter the higher your chances of winning! I like having options, so there are SEVERAL ways to enter.  Feel free to do as many or as few as you like. Don't have time to do them all now? No problem! Come back later and add a few more entries (this giveaway will be open for TWO whole weeks).  

Entering is EASY with Rafflecopter. When you have completed one of the tasks below, just click the green "I DID THIS" button, enter the requested information and move on to the next task! No need to leave a separate comment for each entry (unless the instructions for that particular task ask you to that is!). Good Luck!

{Featured Artist} Kristin from Love In Bloom Boutique

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Kristin from Love in Bloom Boutique. 

Kristin designs and creates a wide variety of gorgeous bows, headbands, fascinators and hair clips. Her shop is filled with rich colors and beautiful designs that are sure to add beauty to any wardrobe! Let's jump right and and learn more about Kristin and her designs. 

How did you come up with your shop name?  
My shop name is the result of a year’s worth of feeling like God was trying to get me to take my faith to the next level.  I saw a great outpouring of His love in a variety of ways and I started to ‘Bloom’.

How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you sell/make/do?”  
I make accessories for girls and girls at heart.


How did you first become interested in designing hair bows and accessories? 
I wanted to do something to help my daughter feel pretty in her school uniforms.  I didn’t want to pay Etsy prices… Now that I make them, I understand completely why prices may seem high to some people.  Handmade goods are time consuming to make and it isn’t fair to ask a crafter to work for a pittance that won’t pay her for her labor. 

I started learning by watching a ton of videos on YouTube and experimenting with my own techniques.  I feel that I have come up with methods that now exceed what I have learned and I use them to make really well constructed accessories that are meant to last.

What is your favorite item to create?   
This changes often, but my favorite item right now is my ShowStopper Bow (the one I’m giving away) because of it’s simple yet high impact design.

What do you like about being a part of the Etsy community?  
The best part of being an Etsian is that I have connected with many different artists and artisans who are very kind.  I enjoy their camaraderie.  I also really love being able to see so many beautiful items in one place and there is a sense of spurring each other on to keep on creating new and wonderful things.


What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging? 
Getting noticed and winning sales has been a big challenge for me.  I think I did it to myself though, by not relisting as often as I should and not adding items that often.  I am trying to catch up and am also working on my SEO at the same time.  Hopefully, this will be a big help.

Are there any Etsy Apps that you  use and would recommend?
CraftCult {!}, and Craftopolis… but I need to spend some time looking around in the apps section because it’s been a while and I know there are new things to check out.

Do you know of any cool Etsy tips you’d like to share? 
One time I included the featured seller in a treasury… The views went through the roof… doesn’t always work though.

Are there any non-Etsy sites you use regularly to help in your Etsy work? 
I just started playing around with Sneaky Momma Blog Design.  I am such a novice blogger and she has great design tips that are written for the non-coder {like me!}  


Are you a member of any teams? 
I am a member of quite a few teams, but the one I have been most involved with is EtsyKids.  They really seem to have things together over there and I have learned SO much from my fellow teammates.  Teams are a great place to get to know people, learn from each other and market together.

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Kristin.

What is your favorite word?  Love
What is your least favorite word? Pick an expletive… I hate them all.
What sound or noise do you love? My children laughing
What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on a chalkboard
If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? A Dolphin
Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines? Anne of Green Gables, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Heidi, Charlotte and Charly (of the Chocolate Factory)  I love children’s lit and still re-read my favorite classics on occasion.  My copy of Farmer Boy (Little House series) is so well loved that it finally split into about 5 parts this year.
Who are your favorite heroines/heros in real life? Jesus, Moses, Esther, and Job
What natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to feel at ease in awkward social situations.
What would you like to be when you grow up? An artist
What makes you smile? When someone enjoys {a meal, craft, or whatever} that I have made

Thank you so much Kristin for sharing with us! Please be sure to keep in touch with Kristin and Love in Bloom Boutique!

Etsy shop: http://www.loveinbloomboutique.etsy.com

Blog: http://www.loveinbloomboutique.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/loveinbloomboutique

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/loveinbloomshop

Kristin has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for Snuggly Monkey Readers! Be sure to check back tomorrow for details on how to enter to win one of her gorgeous Show Stopper Bows!

{Giveaway} Autumn Recycled Bakelite Pin from Very Creative Creations

Yesterday we learned about Ann Marie and her recycled art business, Very Creative Creations. Ann Marie has created a unique, one of a kind item to sponsor as a giveaway from Snuggly Monkey readers!

Prize: Autumn Recycled Bakelite Pin 

Start Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011

End Date: Friday, October 28, 2011

{How to Enter to Win}

The winner of this Giveaway will be chosen at random, so the more times you enter the higher your chances of winning! I like having options, so there are SEVERAL ways to enter.  Feel free to do as many or as few as you like. Don't have time to do them all now? No problem! Come back later and add a few more entries (this giveaway will be open for TWO whole weeks).  

Entering is EASY with Rafflecopter. When you have completed one of the tasks below, just click the green "I DID THIS" button, enter the requested information and move on to the next task! No need to leave a separate comment for each entry (unless the instructions for that particular task ask you to that is!). Good Luck!

{Featured Artist} Ann Marie from Very Creative Creations

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Ann Marie from Very Creative Creations. 

Ann Marie is a  a recycle artist who specializes in jewelry, textiles, accessories and garden art. Her shop is filled with her unique, one of a kind creations. Let's find out a bit more about her art and her shop.

How did you come up with your shop name? 
It is a variation of what many people have said about the items I create.

When did you start creating your pieces? Over 15 years ago when I met my husband as a way to update vintage pieces.

How did you first become interested in recycled art?
I guess I have been learning all my life since I grew up with grandparents who survived the Great Depression and impressed on my mom and us how important it was not to waste things but to save them to us again as something else.


What is your favorite item to create? 
Lately it has been the garden art and the jewelry Christmas  trees.

What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging?
Marketing is the hardest thing for me since I was raised to be humble and not boast about what you do.  I have been working on blogging about other artists, how tos and other things to draw people into my shop.

How do you advertise or promote your shop? 
Social media (Twitter and Facebook), coupons for percentage off for customers to create return business, offering custom services.


What is your marketing “philosophy”?  
I have tried to create a brand that emphasizes recycling and reuse of vintage items.

Any other marketing tips you would like to share?  
I like to be featured on blogs and offer giveaways for readers of the blogs I am featured on.


What do you use for packaging materials?
All of my packaging is recycled – second hand.  I get them where ever I can- mostly locally via estate, garage sales, thrift shops, etc

How did you come up with your banner and avatar?

I created my banner and avatar myself based on my business card patterns.  I had help defining my brand by Baby Swank on Etsy.

As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Ann Marie.

What sound or noise do you love? running water
What sound or noise do you hate? cardboard being cutting by a knife
If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be? one of my dogs – we spoil them
Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines? GI Jane – she is one strong woman.
What would you like to be when you grow up? Do I have to grow up?
What makes you smile? My husband, my kids, sales

Thank you so much Ann Marie for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Ann Marie & Very Creative Creations!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/verycreativecreation?ref=seller_info

Blog: http://www.verycreative-verycreativecreations.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Very-Creative-Creations/105113499562957?ref=ts

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/vcconesty

Ann Marie has created a unique piece just for Snuggly Monkey readers! Be sure to check back tomorrow for a chance to enter to win one of Ann Marie's Very Creative Creations!

{Giveaway} Custom Bowtie and Suspender Set from j.marie designs

Yesterday we chatted with Jana from j.marie designs and learned about her business and unique children's clothing designs. j.marie designs is graciously sponsoring a Giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers!

Prize: Custom Boys Bow Tie & Suspender set (value $30)

Start Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011

End Date: Friday, October 21, 2011

{How to Enter to Win}

The winner of this Giveaway will be chosen at random, so the more times you enter the higher your chances of winning! I like having options, so there are SEVERAL ways to enter.  Feel free to do as many or as few as you like. Don't have time to do them all now? No problem! Come back later and add a few more entries (this giveaway will be open for TWO whole weeks).  

Entering is EASY with Rafflecopter. When you have completed one of the tasks below, just click the green "I DID THIS" button, enter the requested information and move on to the next task! No need to leave a separate comment for each entry (unless the instructions for that particular task ask you to that is!). Good Luck!

{Featured Artist} Jana from j. marie designs

Welcome to Featured Fridays on Snuggly Monkey! Each Friday we chat with a different Etsy artist and take a peek inside their Etsy world. This week we are talking with Jana from j.marie designs.

 Jana is an amazing children's clothes designer. Her designs are meant to be unique and are filled with special personal touches, such as embroidery, applique and monograms. She offers Skirt-of-the-Month and Dress-of-the-Month clubs (a great idea for a unique holiday gift for that little fashionista in your life!). And she does this all from her home on a small island in Alaska! Jana runs across some unique challenges in her business life - read on to find out more about this great lady and her business. 

Your shop is called "j.marie designs" but your Etsy shop name is actually onetallmama.etsy.com. Why is that? 
I had my Etsy username before I started selling custom items, so it just stuck.  The onetallmama comes from the fact that I am 6’2” tall.

How would you describe your work to someone who asked you “What do you do?”  

I love designing unique custom children’s clothing.  Hair bows, embroidery, applique and monograms just add that little special personal touch.  I love polka dots and I think I usually try to find a way to work them into almost every outfit!

How did you get into sewing?   

I started sewing as a young girl.  I started making clothes about 7 years ago.My mom and grandma were a big influence.  I remember my mom was always working on some sort of sewing project.  She made a lot of our clothes when we were young.  Mom taught me to sew.

What is your favorite item to create?  

I think the dresses with layers of ruffles with matching ruffle pants (or as we call them Maddie pants).  It is really hard to pick a favorite.  I also really enjoy baby gift sets and doing custom embroidery as well.

What aspects of your Etsy business do you find challenging? 

I haven’t really had many challenges.  Sometimes shipping times can get out line when we don’t have mail coming or going on the island due to bad weather.  But that is just part of the adventure of living and running a business on a small island in Alaska. 

Any ideas for how you might overcome these challenges? 

LOL  I can’t change the weather.

How do you advertise or promote your shop?  

My blog/website recently got a facelift and it has made a huge difference in the perception of my business.  It gave my business a polished and cohesive look.  I worked with a great designer from Media Mom Creative.  I think that having a cohesive look and feel is really important.

I also use both facebook and twitter.  I have also found that Pinterest has been a great resource – not just for inspiration, but also for showcasing or getting my name out there as well.

What is your marketing “philosophy”? 

‘Branding’ is really important, I believe.  There was an article that I came across on the Etsy blog right when I was struggling with the decision to redo my website and my look.  It discussed the importance of having a unique look.  (Article:  http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/shop-makeover-creating-a-brand-identity-for-your-shop/).  Courtney took the vision in my head and it evolved into the design of my website.  

Your website looks fantastic! How did you set up your banner and avatar on your Etsy shop?   

My shop appearance is all tied to my new website.  The design of my website also included my Facebook ‘landing page’ and my Etsy page as well.

Do you photograph your own items? 

I have been incredibly blessed to have a great photographer friend.  Amy, from Simply B Photos, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I have sewn outfits for her daughter for over a year now.  Amy’s photography style really meshes well with the style of my designs. 

You have so many fantastic photos in your shop! Any photography tips to share?   

I think good photographs are important.  And a variety of different angles or shots that shows off your product will help the customer get a better idea of what they are purchasing.  Good lighting is key to great photographs of your products.

 As a fan of Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, I've always enjoyed his final 10 questions that he asks all his guests. So, inspired by the questionaries of Mr. Lipton, Bernard Pivo (Lipton's inspiration) and Marcel Proust here are a few final questions for Jana.

What is your favorite word? Coolbeans (it covers a wide range of emotions when a ‘that’s great’ just doesn’t fit).  I use it a lot!  

What is your least favorite word? CAN’T

What sound or noise do you love? My favorite sound, which could be noise to others, is the laughter from my 3 kids.

What sound or noise do you hate?  whining

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?  Dandelion.  To bloom, blossom and float away on the breeze…

Who are your favorite fictional heroes/heroines?  I love Dr. Seuss characters and books.  There is always a moral hidden away.

Who are your favorite heroines/heros in real life?  My mom.

What natural gift would you most like to possess?  Healing. 

What would you like to be when you grow up?  I’m still not sure.  J  I’m pretty happy with my life.

What makes you smile?  Life make me smile.

Thank you so much Jana for giving us a peek into your shop world today! Be sure to keep in touch with Jana & j.marie designs!

Etsy shop:  www.onetallmama.etsy.com

Website:  www.jmarie-designs.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/designsbyjmarie

Twitter:  JMarieDesigns

Pinterest: Jana Mays

Jana has graciously offered to sponsor a fantastic giveaway for Snuggly Monkey readers! Tune in tomorrow for details on how to win a Custom Bow Tie and Suspender Set from j.marie designs!! Thanks Jana!