Stitches and Scraps Feature and Giveaway! (US)

Are you ready to discover another talented artist? There are SO many great shops on Artfire and Etsy, and it's so fun not only to discover them myself, but also to share them with you. The shop I'd like to introduce you to today is Stitches and Scraps.

I ran across this shop a little while ago on Artfire, and I was impressed with Sammie's work. Her cards are just adorable! She specializes in Invitations, Cards, and other Paper Crafts, and now I'll let her tell you about herself.

 

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a 5th grade Science teacher, mother, wife, and card maker.  I have three daughters: four year old twins and a two year old.  I started scrapbooking in high school and have carried it on since then.  I don’t have much time to craft while the girls are up, but after bedtime I get to relax and create.

How and when did you become interested in your craft?
I started making cards about a year ago.  They were quick, fun and I was able to use different papers, ribbons, and embellishments on each one.   They were like mini scrapbook pages but much faster.  My favorite part of the process is coordinating the papers, ribbons, stamps, and embellishments.  A scrapbook page took me days to design and I was stuck with the same colors for too long.  A card is much quicker, and I can move on to another design and color palette within a couple hours.

What inspired you to open your shop?
My favorite types of cards to create are invitations.  I only get to plan two birthday parties a year, so I had to find something else to do with all my other invitation ideas.  I decided to try selling them online.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
Sometimes that changes daily.  Right at the moment my favorite item are the duck pull toy shower invitations.  I just love that little duck!

What is the most exciting thing that has happened since you've started?
My shop had been open about 4 months and business hadn’t really picked up yet.  I had made some diaper bag themed invitations for my daughter’s 2nd birthday.  I listed them one morning and that same evening a customer contacted me wanting to order some.  She wanted 60!  This was my first large order.  She had some specific colors and patterns she wanted to match the rest of the décor.  It was my first really “custom” order, and I was thrilled.

Do you take custom orders? If so, how do they work?
Custom orders are my favorite!  If you want something designed to fit your theme just contact me and let me know what you have in mind.  It could be a totally new design or one based on something I’ve already made but with a few changes.  After you answer a few questions about the design and your budget, I’ll get a sample made for you to take a look at.  At that point we can make any changes you want.  Once you are happy with the design, I’ll set up a custom listing.  After payment is made, I’ll buy the materials and get the cards made.  I don’t charge any “design” fees and you don’t pay until you are happy with the sample card.  Some custom themes I’ve created included: Pizza chef, Fish, Puppet show, and Airplanes.  I look forward to doing many more.

What advice would you give someone new to online selling?
Don’t get bogged down in all the technical stuff.  When I first opened my shop I stressed out about keywords, SEO, picture lighting, tags…..  I spent so much time on the computer trying to get those things right I didn’t have much time to create.  Yes those things are important, but don’t take the fun out of your craft.  Read a few articles, take it slow, but take time to enjoy the craft that put you there in the first place.


Aren't they all just adorable! She is so creative in her work and so detailed! I've never really had the kind of creativity needed for card making, but I always love seeing what others can do! There's something so special about a handmade card!



Next time you're planning that special party and need invitations, or just want the perfect card to send to someone special, don't forget to pop on over to Stitches and Scraps and let her provide just the card you need! In fact, now would be a great time to go check out her shop either on Artfire or Etsy! Sammie has graciously offered my readers a 15% off coupon for either of her shops! Just use the code FAN15 to receive your discount! You can also find Stitches and Scraps on Facebook and Twitter.

And speaking of cards, how would you like a chance to win a set of these adorable mini Hedgehog note cards?! Every time I look at these little cards I have to smile! Wouldn't they be just perfect for cheering someone's day! :)

Stitches and Scraps is offering a set of 6 of these 3x3 note cards to one of my readers!

Buy it: If you just can't wait to see if you will win this giveaway and would like to purchase a set of these cards right now, they are available as a set of 12 for just $9.

Win it: Complete the mandatory entry below and any additional entries you want to, and make sure you include your e-mail address!!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Stitches and Scraps, browse around, then come back here and tell me your favorite card or invitation AND leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each one and don't forget to leave me your e-mail address!):
*Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
*Add Stitches and Scraps to your favorites on Etsyt (1 entry)
*Blog about this giveaway (2 entries)
*Tweet this giveaway (can be done once a day - 1 entry each)
*Share this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
*Share this giveaway with friends through e-mail and let me know you did (1 entry)
*Comment on any non giveaway blog posts and tell me which one (1 entry)

This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. The giveaway will close on August 5th, and the winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail. The winner has 48 hours to get back to me with their address or a new winner will be chosen.