This week's new item is The Great Pumpkin Hat, which is listed for $18.99 + $3.50 shipping/tracking.
I found the original pattern at Fave Crafts, but it is only designed for a newborn. So in keeping with my regular order of business, I have altered the pattern and added a cute leaf, so that it will fit ALL sizes: newborn to adult! The hat is stitched in such a cute way that it gives the appearance of the actual lines on a pumpkin.
The original pattern had a vine, but didn't have a leaf. I can make them either way.
Celebrate Fall in style, no matter how young you are!
If you're not a fan of That Crazy Lewis House, you're missing out! Sarah, the blogger, has really great giveaways all the time! As a happy follower, I can say that I have won THREE prizes from her blog!
The first time I ever won from her was so awesome! I actually won a Wii game! It is the Disney: Sing it Family Hits game with the microphone and everything! My family has spent lots of fun and silly moments playing this game.
The next prize I won was just as awesome! I won a Thomas & Friends: The Birthday Express DVD, which includes a train whistle that sounds just like the movie!
And finally, I just recently won a giveaway from Ore Originals! The giveaway was for a lunch sack OF MY CHOICE! This website has amazing and adorable products that anyone can love! Here's the yellow "Buzz" lunch sack that I picked out for my little lady. Isn't it ADORABLE?
Please check out her blog, and I know you'll be happy with what you find!
I'm getting close to 3,000 fans, and I want to celebrate by giving away THREE fabulous prizes!
The first prize is a Custom pair of Posh House Slippers! The winner may choose any size and color combination they like!
EXAMPLE:
The second prize is a $25 Hair Accessory Prize Pack! The winner may choose any combination of hair accessories from our collection, worth a maximum of $25! (The Brooke Headband is not included in these options).
EXAMPLE:
The third prize is a YEAR of FREE advertising space on this blog!
When I feel like crocheting is taking over my life, I like to dream about all the other crafty things I love to do. Today I was reminiscing about some paintings I've done. One of my favorite paintings is the piece I made for my mother.
She handed me an unfinished wooden cabinet door, and asked me to paint a bird, a nest, and the name she gave to her property.
First, I crackle painted it. Then I took a mouse sander to it in different spots, to give it a more aged look. After I was completely finished, I put 20 coats of clear spray coating, so that it would keep from getting scratched for as long as possible.
I had so much fun creating that one! Here are a couple more shots of the board sign.
I've also painted some artwork on antique windows taken from old homes. I clean up the glass really well, and brush off dirt and mud from the frame. I don't wipe off any grimy spots, since this adds to the aged look of the piece.
I made two paintings for my mother and grandmother, respectively. Each were done in a Halloween theme. I'm proud to say they are used in my family's homes each year for Halloween decorations.
It's tough to choose my favorite of the two,
since I love them both so much!
I have made other paintings, but I always end up giving them away. :(
Now I just need to make time to paint one for myself to keep!
I know this post has nothing to do with crocheting, reviews, or my shop in general, but I wanted to share with you my favorite recipe for a chicken casserole. It sounds so weird, but it tastes so good! I found it years ago on the Kraft Recipes website.
The first time I made it, I was reluctant after reading the name and ingredients that it would be anything but yucky. Boy, am I glad I tried it out anyway! It has been a favorite with my family for years, now! And it is SO EASY to make!
In my attempt at being a better blogger, I'm going to strive to keep you posted each week with a new item in my store. The only thing that may hold me back will be whether time permits new items to be created, while I'm working on current orders.
This week's new item is the Brooke Headwrap, which is listed for $16.99 + $3.50 shipping/tracking.
The pattern is from Mamachee, and sports a very unique basket weave design. A lighter color than this will show the pattern better, but the picture below will give you some idea of the beautiful stitching.
This beautiful headwrap closes with a button at the back. Stay toasty warm AND look fabulous in any colors you choose!
It is available in 2 sizes: Infant/Child & Teen/Adult
That quick giveaway was fun! I plan to do another one soon. Hopefully with better participation next time. :)
The lucky winner is:
#6: Roxie jones said...
Roxie jones 6-12 mon watermelon
Congratulations, Roxie! Please email me at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com with your mailing address, and specific colors you would like for the headband. You can have up to three colors for the (1) band, (2) flower and (3) flower center.
You have 48 hours to claim your prize, or I will redraw. :)
Anyone interested in WINNING a FREE Custom Sunshine Headband? I haven't posted on here since FEBRUARY!! ARGH! And the reason is that I've been so completely busy with my company, my family, a two-week vacation, my daughter's 1st birthday, and a little housework here and there. ;)
So to make up for my non-blog-existence, AND to THANK my amazing customers at Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique, I'm giving away a FREE Custom Sunshine Headband to a lucky winner!
The disclaimer explains how long the giveaway runs, and how to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner, announced on this blog!
All you have to do to enter is:
* "LIKE" Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique on Facebook - JUST CLICK HERE ("LIKING" under your Business Page DOES NOT COUNT).
* AND Comment ONCE under this post with your FULL Facebook name. Please include the size and colors you will choose if you win. Size options are HERE. Color options are HERE.
1st EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRY:
* Follow this blog PUBLICLY via GFC (Google Friend Connect). It is located under "Sweet Peeps" on the right column of this blog.
* AND Comment ONCE under this post with your blog-follower name.
2nd EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRY:
* SHARE this post on your Facebook page, making sure to TAG Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique in the post. Just type the @ sign, then type Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique WITHOUT spacing after the @ sign.
(If you see your post on Sugar Mama's Facebook page, you'll know it worked).
* AND Comment ONCE under this post that you shared.
3rd EXTRA OPTIONAL ENTRY:
* Send an email to SugarMamaShop@gmail.com with your FAVORITE Spaghetti Sauce/Pasta Sauce Recipe.
* AND Comment ONCE under this post that you sent the email.
WHY? I'm going to do some canning soon, and I'm tired of my old recipe. The only specification is that it has to be meatless, so that it can be canned in a simple water bath. I don't have a pressure canner. The meat can be added later when it is used for a meal. THANKS!
GOOD LUCK! <3 Sugar Mama
DISCLAIMER: *Shipping is FREE within the US, Canada & overseas US military installations. *Please allow 2-4 weeks to recieve your prize. *The giveaway will run from Thursday, August 11th @ 1:30 pm CST to Saturday, August 13th @ 12pm CST. No entries after this time will be accepted.
*Winner(s) will be chosen my Random.org and will be posted on this blog. *Winner(s) will have 48 hours to contact me at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com to claim prize. *By agreeing you are giving a complete release of Facebook in relation to this celebration.
"By agreeing you are giving an acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
*The promotion is NOT open or marketed to individuals who are under the age of 18.
*The promotion is NOT open to individuals who reside in a country embargoed by the United States.
*The promotion is NOT open to individuals residing in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India.
*The promotion's objective is DOES NOT promote any of the following product categories: gambling, tobacco, firearms, prescription drugs, or gasoline.
*The prize or any part of the prize DOES NOT include alcohol, tobacco, dairy, firearms, or prescription drugs.
*The promotion is NOTa sweepstakes that conditions entry upon the purchase of a product, completion of a lengthy task, or other form of consideration.
After just over six months, I'm so excited and proud of reaching my latest milestone of 2,500 fans on Facebook! I couldn't have done it without the love and support from my friends and family. A little hard work never hurt, either! :-P
So to celebrate, I held a giveaway for a FREE pair of CUSTOM shoes! And the winner will be able to choose from Mary Janes for girls or Scalawag Slip-ons for boys! This option has made all parents happy, not just those who have girls. :)
Without further ado, the winner of the giveaway is......drumroll.....Sarah Silvers Cox!
IN ORDER TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE:
You MUST comment on MY wall by 9pm May 3rd, to verify that you are a current fan.
I will then email you to go forward with the prize.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample a product from Dolce Dreams.
Dolce Dreams is a place where you can find handmade, personalized baby gifts and lavender goods. Their Etsy store offers such great products as Heirloom Baby Quilts, Lovey Clutches, Lavender Sachets, Lavender Eye Pillows, Hand Embroidered Pillows and more.
I was ecstatic when the owner of Dolce Dreams reached out to me for a product review! I had already been following her blog, all the while admiring her products and her eye for fashion. She asked me what style of lovey I would be interested in. After telling her my favorite colors and themes, and my daughter's initial, she made me a gift that my daughter and I will treasure for many, many years.
The item sent to me is one of Dolce Dreams' Hand Embroidered Patchwork Lovey Clutches. Here is the stock photo of my personalized clutch. As you can see in the photo, the clutch is basically a mini patchwork quilt. It is made of designer cotton fabrics and is prewashed and shrunk. The size of the lovey measures to be 12" x 12" inches, and is composed of nine 3" x 3" squares.
All four sides of the lovey have ribbon circle knotties, made of satin and grosgrain ribbon. The differences in texture add to a baby's development, along with colors, shapes, etc. I gave the circle knotties a good tug, and am satisfied that they are very well reinforced for safety. Babies absolutely LOVE tugging and chewing on anything that is similar to a tag, so safety is a necessity here.
The lovey clutch came to me wrapped in gold cherub tissue paper, making it perfect for gift-giving purposes. The paper also had a Dolce Dreams sticker across the front. Can't you just imagine this placed in a lovely gift bag, waiting for a mother-to-be to open and be amazed by it's beauty?
After I slid the lovey out of its angel paper wrapper, I found the lovey wrapped like a little present, and topped off with a handmade tag. On the back of the tag read the care instructions for washing. It just kept getting better and better! It felt like I was opening presents within presents! :)
I took a picture of the back of the lovey to show the fabric used on the opposite side. This striped, white on white Versailles minky fabric is the real deal! It is not the generic brand of fabric. It is literally the softest fabric I have ever touched.
A closer picture of the back shows not only the sewn-on tag, but the utter fluffiness (for loss of a better word) of the minky fabric. Look at how plush this material is!
And finally, here is a close up of the embroidered "O." Every stitch is lovingly handworked. No machines, here. The embroidery is impeccable! I've never seen such beautiful work. How did she make this boring letter look so elegant?!?
Since this review, I have purchased other items from Dolce Dreams as gifts. The recipients are in for a real treat, since the items I bought are not only gorgeous, but personalized just for them! If you're in the market for beautiful, handmade gifts, I suggest you check out Dolce Dreams. Their products are perfect for any woman who enjoys a touch of luxury in her everyday life.
To see my full video review of the products mentioned from Dolce Dreams, just click PLAY :)
NOTE: I do not receive payment for reviewing products. I give my honest opinion and am not a spokesperson for the companys I review.
I'm really loving my new, ever-developing line of crocheted shoes! And the latest, greatest addition will be these Jute Sunshine Sandals, courtesy of Mamachee's amazing pattern! These baby and toddler flip flops are just the cutest things I've seen in a LONG time!
The soles of the sandals are made with jute, a hemp-like natural fiber. They are double-layered for durability. This prevents them from being too floppy. It should also provide more cushion for baby's feet. They can be made with yarn instead of jute, if you so choose. The straps and flowers can be made in any color combination. Just check out my gorgeous yarn color options!
Once ready for sale, they will be available in the following sizes:
0-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
12-18 months
18-24+ months
I hope you enjoy these sweet little shoes as much as I do. How could you not?!?
(P.S. - Order them without the flower, and they're great for BOYS, too!)
<3
Sugar Mama
LAST MINUTE ADDITION: A conversation with a customer about removable flowers gave me a great idea! For those wishing to order sandals, and wanting them to match several outfits, I'll offer the shoes with removable flowers on alligator clips. Each additional set of flowers will be a small extra charge. The only concern I have is making sure the clips don't bother baby's feet. This will be up to the customer to decide. :)
Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample a product from Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts.
Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts offers a wide selection of products to choose from. There, you may find Singed Fabric Flower Clips, Sports-Themed Bows, Pacifier Clips, Homemade Crayons, Tutus, Doll Tutus, Assorted Clippies, Bow Holders, Diaper Cakes and Cupcakes, Towel Cakes, Baby Sock Bouquets, Shower Favors, Gifts Baskets and more!
Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts can customize just about any of their items to suit anyone's taste. Their prices are some of the best I've seen around. I know this to be true, speaking as someone who owns a boutique and keeps up with competitors' pricing.
Kate, the owner of the company, sent two items for a review. The first item is a blue singed fabric flower clip. She sent a note in the package, assigning it as specially for me! The flower is attached to a partially-lined alligator clip. The clip is reinforced with another piece of fabric, for durability. The color of the flower is absolutely gorgeous! It has such lovely shimmer and shine. And I love the filigree button center.
I wore my flower clip to breakfast yesterday, and I could tell that everyone liked what they saw. :) Here I am, proudly showing off my clip in my latest Sugar Mama photo:
The second item she sent was a singed flower headband for my daughter. This flower, just like the blue clip, is made of several individual, handcut fabric pieces. They are arranged beautifully, and are finished off with a fabulous pink blingy button! The band is elastic, so it will stretch to fit my daughter's head as she grows up. This flower is attached to the band, and is also reinforced with another piece of fabric for durability.
The funny thing about this item is that I had planned to purchase it in an auction. I recently held a multi-vendor March Madness sale and auction at Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique, where Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts was a vendor. If I had bid on the item and won, I would own two of them. I received the same headband I had wanted in the mail the very next day!
My daughter looks so cute in it! She doesn't know this, but I plan to share it with her. She'll never know. haha
Since the review, I have purchased several other items from Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts. I consider myself to be a new addict. :) Kate has great taste and style. Her prices are tough to beat. She is very lovely and kind. How can you go wrong?
Lastly, I will note that Kate is a very busy woman. She is not only a mother of two and owner of Kate's Custom Handmade Gifts, but she also writes two blogs and runs a total of three Facebook pages! And the cherry to top it all off is that she is a charity warrior. The way I was introduced to Kate was through her request for my help in crocheting a hat for a children's pediatric cancer ward in St. Louis, MO. You can read all about her trip and donation to the hospital in her blog post.
I've been working hard on custom orders, and now I've added a new feature to my craft: Needlepainting! Check out these adorable shoes, needlepainted by hand with 100% wool. The possibilities are endless!
OU Team "Game Day Shoes" $10.99 + shipping
"Penny Loafers" $7.99 + shipping
I am really enjoying this great new addition to my favorite craft. Needlepainting allows me to turn any crocheted item into a work of art! If you're interested in ordering a pair of custom shoes, check out my Facebook page. You can also order by sending me an email to SugarMamaShop@gmail.com.
