Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Unforseen Circumstances
Due to some unforseen family circumstances, we are done to the last few months of Little Venice Designs. We will be open till all the items on Etsy expire, which will be a few months yet, and we will still sell and ship till that time. However, once the items expire in the next few months, that's it. Thanks for your patience, and for your patronage.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Avie Designs Winner!
Congrats, goode garcia! You won the giveaway of a pack of calling cards from Avie Designs. Shoot me an email at littlevenicedesigns at gmail dot com and I'll forward your info on to Avie Designs.
Also, the featured artist will be up later this afternoon, so get excited about that!
Also, the featured artist will be up later this afternoon, so get excited about that!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Blog Feature - Avie
I'm really excited about this week's feature, because I'm featuring one of my favorite Etsy shops of all time and one that I order from over and over again. Avie Designs specializes in probably the cutest paper products I've ever seen. From address labels to calling cards to wedding announcements to calendars, if you want it, she's got it, and she'll personalize it to make you feel like a million bucks. And not only will Avie Designs make you feel like a million bucks when you buy her amazing stuff... but... she's going to do a GIVEAWAY with this feature, which I know you are dying to find out about. But I'm going to make you read this whole post before I tell you about it.
Enough from me, though. Let's here from Avie!
1. What is your favorite product to make?
Oh, I can't really choose a favorite product, it's like choosing your favorite kid. But if I have to, I would say the calendar since I only make them for about 4 months out of the year.
2. Where do you get your inspiration?
Blogs, magazines, art, family, friends, gazing into nothingness.
3. How did you get started making your products?
I have always made things and I originally thought I would have a handbag company and started designing and making them while I had my day job. I realized that as much as I love sewing & fabric, I would need to become a much better seamstress before I could be successful in the arena. So I decided to get started with paper which I have a lot of experience with and just love. I quit my day job in August of 2006 and started Avie Designs full time. I just went cold turkey and have never looked back.
4. It’s Tuesday night and it’s raining. What are you doing?
My husband and I have cooked dinner and we are either cuddled up on the couch watching a movie or we are both working in the office.
5. What else do you want to tell us about you/your product?
It's a new year and that always get's me inspired to do new products and try new avenues. Keep a look out for new designs and new products in the first half of the year.
Alright, so I'm sure you're wondering about that giveaway I mentioned, huh? Well, let's get to that, shall we? Let's just say that Avie Designs was giving away a set of calling cards to the winner of the giveaway. And let's just say that the winner got to choose which cards he/she wanted. Well, that's actually what's going down, my friends. Here's how you enter:
Entry 1: leave your name and a way to contact you
Entry 2: visit Avie's shop and then leave another comment on here telling me what is your favorite of all her super amazing products.
Entry 3: follow my blog and then leave a comment telling me about it
Entry 4: follow Avie's blog (click here to get there) and then come back here and tell me about it
You can enter until midnight on Sunday the 7th and the winner will be announced on Monday the 8th. Good luck, and I hope you love Avie Designs as much as I do!
Not only is this calendar super cute and fabulously functional, but all proceeds form this calendar go to help Haiti earthquake victims. How cool is that?!?
I wish this cute wedding invite had been in circulation when I got married!
I love having these cute calling cards - no more napkin phone numbers for me!
Enough from me, though. Let's here from Avie!
1. What is your favorite product to make?
Oh, I can't really choose a favorite product, it's like choosing your favorite kid. But if I have to, I would say the calendar since I only make them for about 4 months out of the year.
2. Where do you get your inspiration?
Blogs, magazines, art, family, friends, gazing into nothingness.
3. How did you get started making your products?
I have always made things and I originally thought I would have a handbag company and started designing and making them while I had my day job. I realized that as much as I love sewing & fabric, I would need to become a much better seamstress before I could be successful in the arena. So I decided to get started with paper which I have a lot of experience with and just love. I quit my day job in August of 2006 and started Avie Designs full time. I just went cold turkey and have never looked back.
4. It’s Tuesday night and it’s raining. What are you doing?
My husband and I have cooked dinner and we are either cuddled up on the couch watching a movie or we are both working in the office.
5. What else do you want to tell us about you/your product?
It's a new year and that always get's me inspired to do new products and try new avenues. Keep a look out for new designs and new products in the first half of the year.
Alright, so I'm sure you're wondering about that giveaway I mentioned, huh? Well, let's get to that, shall we? Let's just say that Avie Designs was giving away a set of calling cards to the winner of the giveaway. And let's just say that the winner got to choose which cards he/she wanted. Well, that's actually what's going down, my friends. Here's how you enter:
Entry 1: leave your name and a way to contact you
Entry 2: visit Avie's shop and then leave another comment on here telling me what is your favorite of all her super amazing products.
Entry 3: follow my blog and then leave a comment telling me about it
Entry 4: follow Avie's blog (click here to get there) and then come back here and tell me about it
You can enter until midnight on Sunday the 7th and the winner will be announced on Monday the 8th. Good luck, and I hope you love Avie Designs as much as I do!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Blog Feature - Not So Shabby Chic
Some people are talented. I mean really talented. The kind of talented that makes the rest of us go, "Hey! No fair! Share the wealth!" Well, today's feature, Not So Shabby Chic is an example of one of those really talented people. And Rebecca, Not So Shabby Chic's really talented gal, is sharing the wealth in her shop on Etsy. Besides being insanely talented, she's also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Let's find out some stuff about her!
Are you sick of hearing from me yet? Well, on to Rebecca's responses to our five questions!
Don't you just think this decoupaged Victorian roses heart key chain is to die for cute?
Being constantly cold, I feel as if this green merino/acrylic sarflette neckwarmer and I need to be BFF.
Isn't Snowie the Needle Felted Snowman just the cutest little man you've ever seen?
1) My favorite product to make... hmm that's a tough one... I guess I'll have to go with my needle felted critters, especially when I'm coming up with a new one!
2) I get my inspiration from various sources: I get a lot from nature, I get some from my buyer's requests, and sometimes I get them from other people like family and friends!
3) I have always been a crafter ever since I was a little girl; my mom is very crafty and she always had me involved in making things with her. She taught me how to knit, crochet, and sew when I was around 8 years old, and she also taught me various other crafts. I love making things for other people, but sometimes they don't always appreciate it... but I found I couldn't stop crafting! So, my little shop was born! I figured if people were willing to pay money for my crafts then they would definitely appreciate them. I also found it very cool to think that my crafts would end up all around the world. Needle felting was something I discovered once I came on Etsy, and I loved the look of it so much I decided to teach myself -- and I'm so glad I did!
4) On a rainy Tuesday night you can find me sitting on my couch with my cats, my laptop, and my crafts -- I'm usually busy chatting away in Etsy's chat rooms while simultaneously working on orders or a new item.
5) I have had my hands in various crafts that I don't even have featured in my shop (yet) -- crafts such as quilling and flower-arranging and calligraphy and quilting -- almost nothing is off-limits! I enjoy it all! Through crafting I find a sense of relaxation and I also feel rewarded. I urge anyone who doesn't craft to try and find one to their liking -- there are so many different kinds out there! :)
2) I get my inspiration from various sources: I get a lot from nature, I get some from my buyer's requests, and sometimes I get them from other people like family and friends!
3) I have always been a crafter ever since I was a little girl; my mom is very crafty and she always had me involved in making things with her. She taught me how to knit, crochet, and sew when I was around 8 years old, and she also taught me various other crafts. I love making things for other people, but sometimes they don't always appreciate it... but I found I couldn't stop crafting! So, my little shop was born! I figured if people were willing to pay money for my crafts then they would definitely appreciate them. I also found it very cool to think that my crafts would end up all around the world. Needle felting was something I discovered once I came on Etsy, and I loved the look of it so much I decided to teach myself -- and I'm so glad I did!
4) On a rainy Tuesday night you can find me sitting on my couch with my cats, my laptop, and my crafts -- I'm usually busy chatting away in Etsy's chat rooms while simultaneously working on orders or a new item.
5) I have had my hands in various crafts that I don't even have featured in my shop (yet) -- crafts such as quilling and flower-arranging and calligraphy and quilting -- almost nothing is off-limits! I enjoy it all! Through crafting I find a sense of relaxation and I also feel rewarded. I urge anyone who doesn't craft to try and find one to their liking -- there are so many different kinds out there! :)
Okay, if you're not totally in love with Not So Shabby Chic by now, well, you must not be human. Go check it out and enjoy!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mygiveawaytoday discount
Know what's awesome? The amazing discount that mygiveawaytoday readers get at my etsy store. Know what else is awesome? That you can get both that discount AND use the promotion that's on the etsy store. Yeah. You should probably go check it out.
http://www.mygiveawaytoday.com
http://littlevenicedesigns.etsy.com
http://www.mygiveawaytoday.com
http://littlevenicedesigns.etsy.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Welcome, welcome!
Welcome to Give Away Today folks! So glad to have you here! Look around, see what's going on, and enjoy your shopping! Let us know if there's anything you need - we'll be happy to oblige.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ending ahead of schedule
The Ideas giveaway is going to end now rather than in two days. Don't worry, there's a really good reason, which you will WANT to tune in for tomorrow. Trust me, it's going to be AMAZING! In the meantime, I need a winner, don't I? Well, that winner is Lynette for the following idea: "I would love to see a cute red and white watch band so it is Valentines day looking but not too cheesy." Girl, I like the way you think. In fact, I liked it so much that I chose you as the winner AND made a preview of this lovely. Tell me what you think, all! Lynette, let's be in contact about how I can get this lil' cutie to you.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Valentine's Day Ideas (aka heartfelt featurettes)
Valentine's Day is coming up. This is an important holiday. Well, I think it is anyway. And those of you who know me in person will know why. Not only am I a girl and not only do I love pink things, but Valentine may just be my last name. Sigh. How cute. And I have a ton of stuff on the Etsy site you can get/give for Valentine's Day, but I'll be the first to admit that for some, jewelry just doesn't work or is too cliche. What ever shall I do, you ask? Well, you keep reading this post, because I have 10 superb ideas from my Etsy friends out there, and these are dang good ideas if I do say so myself.
Option 1: Gift for the nerd in your life.
Who has nerds in their lives? Um, I do. The mister is a big nerd. He is glued to his computer for work, school, and play, so something computer-y works best for him. I, however, am a hopeless romantic, so this really fun and cute personalized keyboard is perfect for both of us. Good job, andyabel!
Option 2: Gift for the pet lover in your life.
I live in an apartment complex that won't let me have pets, and this makes me sad. I want a puppy SO badly! I have friends that have puppies and they love their little cuties so much. So, while I can't have a puppy of my own, I can help my friends celebrate the puppies (or kitties) in their lives with these cute Valentine's Day scarves for pets. Aren't they just so cute? Kidsandpetsboutique, you did an amazing job with these.
Option 3: Gift for the writer in your life.
I love to write. And doodle. And scribble. Basically, I love paper. I bet if I sat down and counted, I would find 3 gazillion notebooks in my house, and I am constantly buying more. This beautiful leather journal with key is the paper person's perfect pad (did you notice the alliteration). The embossed leather makes it look so classic and inviting that you can't but help to put all your ideas in it. TeoStudios, great work!
Option 4: Gift for the spa-a-holic
I love baths. Who doesn't? I love trips to the spa where I can be treated to wonderful smelling, high quality products that make me look and feel like a million bucks. I don't always have the time or the money to make it to the spa, but I can do a spa at home experience. That's why these cute soaps are so great. Not only can I use them to relax and pamper myself, but every time I look at them I can remember how much the giver of the soaps loves me. Innerearthsoaps gets the credit for this beauty.
Option 5: Gift for the vintage fan
I love vintage, antique things. New things are great, too, but knowing that something is so beautiful and so meaningful that it passes the test of time just adds to the experience of the item. Plus, old fashioned art work just looks so classic and clean - you can't help but just love it. That's why this vintage Valentine postcard is perfect. It can be so meaningful for you and your loved one, and it's so neat to know it meant something just as special to someone else, too. Good find, abbysrelics!
Option 6: Gift for the cuddlebug in your life
Who doesn't love a good cuddle? While I'll admit that there are people who enjoy the cuddle more than others, everyone likes a good snuggle that says, "Hey! I love you and I'll always be here to protect you." That's why I love this cute little love bird. When you're not there to snuggle your cuddlebug, this cute little love bird can do the job for you. Plus, who doesn't just want to stare at this cutie for hours? DogDaemona did a beautiful job with this cutie, don't you think?
Option 7: Gift for the pack rat
I keep everything, and I do mean everything. You never know when you're going to need that one random thing! And truth be told, everything I keep has some sort of meaning for me. The problem is that I run out of places to put these lovely things. So that's why I love this beautifully crafted wooden box. Not only will I be sure to use it, but I can keep my special treasures in the heart you've given me. Awww, great job, dikruck!
Option 8: Gift for the chocolate lover
I don't know how anyone can dislike chocolate, and I don't know how anyone can go a day without any chocolate. So gourmet chocolate is sounding great to me. But it get's better: stick caramel in the middle and you've got a deal - I'll do whatever you want me to do! I am putty in your hands! So not only was I a sucker to love these chocolate caramel truffles, but they are beautiful as well. What could be better? Oh wait, I know - eating them. Nikid, you'll be hearing from me - and soon!
Option 9: Gift for the picture lover
Okay, this might be my favorite idea. We did this for my mom for Mother's Day a few years ago, and she was in tears for a few days. What's better than a picture (after all, they are worth 1000 words)? The only thing is a personalized portrait. Not only does it say, "Hey, I know you like this picture, so I got it for you," but it says, "Hey, not only did I get you something I know you'd like, but look how personal this is." EmmaVasquez is so talented, you'll want to keep her on the list of people you need to know.
Option 10: Gift for the practical and straitforward:
A few years ago, for my Valentine's Day cards, I drew an anatomical heart and wrote "I heart you" on the inside. I thought I was so funny and creative, and everyone laughed SO much when they received them. The only thing that would have been better would be this pill box. Not only is it kind of cute and super funny, but it has a practical use and you can literally keep your heart with them. Good one, nataliesnest!
I hope this gift guide will help you find your perfect gift! Happy shopping for gifts, and happy Valentine's Day!
Option 1: Gift for the nerd in your life.
Who has nerds in their lives? Um, I do. The mister is a big nerd. He is glued to his computer for work, school, and play, so something computer-y works best for him. I, however, am a hopeless romantic, so this really fun and cute personalized keyboard is perfect for both of us. Good job, andyabel!
I live in an apartment complex that won't let me have pets, and this makes me sad. I want a puppy SO badly! I have friends that have puppies and they love their little cuties so much. So, while I can't have a puppy of my own, I can help my friends celebrate the puppies (or kitties) in their lives with these cute Valentine's Day scarves for pets. Aren't they just so cute? Kidsandpetsboutique, you did an amazing job with these.
I love to write. And doodle. And scribble. Basically, I love paper. I bet if I sat down and counted, I would find 3 gazillion notebooks in my house, and I am constantly buying more. This beautiful leather journal with key is the paper person's perfect pad (did you notice the alliteration). The embossed leather makes it look so classic and inviting that you can't but help to put all your ideas in it. TeoStudios, great work!
I love baths. Who doesn't? I love trips to the spa where I can be treated to wonderful smelling, high quality products that make me look and feel like a million bucks. I don't always have the time or the money to make it to the spa, but I can do a spa at home experience. That's why these cute soaps are so great. Not only can I use them to relax and pamper myself, but every time I look at them I can remember how much the giver of the soaps loves me. Innerearthsoaps gets the credit for this beauty.
I love vintage, antique things. New things are great, too, but knowing that something is so beautiful and so meaningful that it passes the test of time just adds to the experience of the item. Plus, old fashioned art work just looks so classic and clean - you can't help but just love it. That's why this vintage Valentine postcard is perfect. It can be so meaningful for you and your loved one, and it's so neat to know it meant something just as special to someone else, too. Good find, abbysrelics!
Who doesn't love a good cuddle? While I'll admit that there are people who enjoy the cuddle more than others, everyone likes a good snuggle that says, "Hey! I love you and I'll always be here to protect you." That's why I love this cute little love bird. When you're not there to snuggle your cuddlebug, this cute little love bird can do the job for you. Plus, who doesn't just want to stare at this cutie for hours? DogDaemona did a beautiful job with this cutie, don't you think?
I keep everything, and I do mean everything. You never know when you're going to need that one random thing! And truth be told, everything I keep has some sort of meaning for me. The problem is that I run out of places to put these lovely things. So that's why I love this beautifully crafted wooden box. Not only will I be sure to use it, but I can keep my special treasures in the heart you've given me. Awww, great job, dikruck!
I don't know how anyone can dislike chocolate, and I don't know how anyone can go a day without any chocolate. So gourmet chocolate is sounding great to me. But it get's better: stick caramel in the middle and you've got a deal - I'll do whatever you want me to do! I am putty in your hands! So not only was I a sucker to love these chocolate caramel truffles, but they are beautiful as well. What could be better? Oh wait, I know - eating them. Nikid, you'll be hearing from me - and soon!
Okay, this might be my favorite idea. We did this for my mom for Mother's Day a few years ago, and she was in tears for a few days. What's better than a picture (after all, they are worth 1000 words)? The only thing is a personalized portrait. Not only does it say, "Hey, I know you like this picture, so I got it for you," but it says, "Hey, not only did I get you something I know you'd like, but look how personal this is." EmmaVasquez is so talented, you'll want to keep her on the list of people you need to know.
A few years ago, for my Valentine's Day cards, I drew an anatomical heart and wrote "I heart you" on the inside. I thought I was so funny and creative, and everyone laughed SO much when they received them. The only thing that would have been better would be this pill box. Not only is it kind of cute and super funny, but it has a practical use and you can literally keep your heart with them. Good one, nataliesnest!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Don't Forget the Giveaway!
Once upon a time, I was doing a giveaway. That giveaway is set to end in 5 days. That being the case, you may want to enter. http://littlevenicedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/ideas-ideas-ideas.html
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Insomnia makes me...
1. adjust pricing for products and shipping to better suit you all
2. make sure the names of the products are clear
3. clean up the side bar of the blog
4. eat my new favorite treat, bagelfuls
and all from Scouty, my laptop, whilst sitting up in bed
What does insomnia make you do?
2. make sure the names of the products are clear
3. clean up the side bar of the blog
4. eat my new favorite treat, bagelfuls
and all from Scouty, my laptop, whilst sitting up in bed
What does insomnia make you do?
Monday, January 11, 2010
My blog feature
I love doing blog features for other artists. And I suppose karma loves that I do those features as well, because someone featured me! Small Dog was nice enough to not only be one of my wonderful friends, but to brag about me as well. Plus she is hilarious. So go check it out!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Blog Feature - Gilliauna’s Bits and Beads
Another week, another blog feature. And I’m so excited to introduce you to Gilliauna’s Bits and Beads store. This shoppe is actually run by two friends, Zoie and Leal, and they are so creative.
Let's look at some of their really REALLY cute stuff, shall we?
This cute earring is so fun and versatile and I probably want it.
This tranquility stone choker matches everything and it's so dang cute!
I love reading, so this dragonfly's kiss bookmark is right up my alley.
1. What is your favorite product to make?
Zoie - I adore working with earrings. I like how delicate they feel to the touch while I'm working on them and I have a hard time not keeping each creation for myself!
Leal - My favorite product to make varries depending on what I'm making at the time. Usually whatever I'm working on becomes my favorite for the duration of a project. At the moment, I'm working on rosaries, which is very exacting and time consuming work, but also very rewarding. They're a new project I'm just starting out with and am enjoying a great deal.
2. Where do you get your inspiration?
Zoie - I'm very drawn to color, all color. So a great deal of my inspiration comes from that. Visually, I can't resist certain combinations of hues and shades and I try and share that enjoyment with others through my craft.
Leal - Primarily nature. I'm a big fan of the outdoors and spend as much time there as possible when weather permits. I bring back with me from those experiences new ideas to incorporate into my work.
3. How did you get started making your products?
Zoie - I've been crafting for my entire life... *Smile* I come from a long line of women crafters. Each generation of women in my family has had certain talents. My mother sews, embroiders and makes wonderful candy and candles... my grandmother was a potter and sculptor as well as made beautiful hand-crafted porcelain dishes. My great-grandmother made lace and did breathtaking embroidery. My mother started me out early looking for what crafts I would take to... and things just progressed from there.
Leal - Zoie got me into crafting when I was young, which I've been doing since soon after I met her. She was a family/spiritual advisor for my family and it wasn't uncommon for her to come over and sit my sister and I down around our coffee table and spend time with us crafting while we talked about our day, beliefs, ideas for holiday celebrations, parents, life, etc. Much to my father's dismay, I stuck with it growing up.
4. It’s Tuesday night and it’s raining. What are you doing?
Zoie - It's been chilly here lately and I like to snuggle myself under a nice soft blanket with a tray in my lap and work on my craft or spend some time reading. Most of my evenings are spent that way. I'm not much of a tv watcher so there's music playing in the background and the quiet hum of the clothes dryer coming from the other room. Sometimes I'll spend that time of day working on pics to load into Etsy as product photos.
Leal - Fitting question since we live wedged between rainforests and mountain terrain. I've usually got the TV on. I might help my twin sister with her homework if she needs it or work on my own if I have anything to finish up. Probably sit at the table and craft for a bit or log on with the laptop and spend it talking to my boyfriend in IMs while promoting and exploring advertising ideas.
5. What else do you want to tell us about you/your product?
We'd love to have more custom orders. We offer them in our shop and both of us are happy to work with customers who are looking for something unique and special that's created just for them or to their specifications to be given as a gift to another.
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