Saturday, July 23, 2011

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.

85 comments:

Erin said...

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3572628

Gorgeous! enlehman86@ gmail.com

Erin said...

I follow you with GFC (Erin Lehman).

Erin said...

Added S&S to my Etsy favorites!

Erin said...

I commented here

http://whatsoeveryedo.blogspot.com/2011/07/if-i-had-100.html

Anonymous said...

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2168259

Love this! Could see turning the idea into a tattoo!

backpackin_dannielle@yahoo.com

Thank you<3

Anonymous said...

I added S&S to my favorites on Etsy :)

Anonymous said...

I posted about this giveaway on Facebook :)

Anonymous said...

Google Friend Connect- done!

Anonymous said...

Posted this giveaway to Twitter just now :) Username: bowlofzombies

Anonymous said...

Commented on a non-giveaway blog

http://whatsoeveryedo.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-yummy-groupon-deal.html

And I'm glad I did! I had never heard of this company before. Christmas gifts are done for the year!

Farrah Shumway said...

I like the Robot Birthday Invitations Best :)

farrah_jo@yahoo.com

Briana said...

the Silhouette birthday invitation is my favorite!
brianaduda at gmail dot com

Briana said...

following on GFC (briana)
brianaduda at gmail dot com

Briana said...

added to etsy shop favorites
SimplyBriana
brianaduda at gmail dot com

Briana said...

tweeted!
@brianabjerke
http://twitter.com/#!/brianabjerke/status/96778876046426112

Angie Bailey said...

I like the Southwestern Thank you card - hand stamped leaf. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/theladya/status/96878360889802752 abailey_crace@yahoo.com

luvncrafts said...

I LOVE her cards!! It's REEAAALLY Hard to pick a favorite, because they are all so pretty!!

I like these two birthday ones:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514

uhmewzing1@yahoo.com

Sarah said...

What beautiful work! I love the Owl Birthday Invitations - in pink. gert003@aol.com

Brandi said...

Sorry, forgot my email in that post. My email is makysmama @ yahoo . com and I like the fall greeting card best

AndreaH said...

They are all such creative cards! I think my favorite (after a long decision) is the Christmas Greeting Cards - Christmas tree, happy holidays. The one with the Happy Holidays on the front and a tree in place of the 'a' in Happy. Email is davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com

AndreaH said...

Following you on GFC. davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Tweeted about this giveaway today!

Sewnfromtheheart said...

I love butterflies!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514

Elsie said...

The stunning design and simplicity, and beauty, is why I chose:
New Mom card - silhouette for Mother's day!

How original and heartfelt!
I love the hedgehogs too!!

pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

Sabrina said...

I love these...Thank you card - bird, sweet, country look

Sabrina.Vaccaro at hotmail dot com

Sabrina said...

Follow on gfc
Sabrina.Vaccaro at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like the Birthday party - Monkey or circus, thank you cards, set of 12

Samantha
Dull2000 at cox dot com

www.mygc.com/samd

jhitomi said...

Can I say I love all the cards? OK, well I especially like the Circus birthday cards cuz it could be sent to anyone I know.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

jhitomi said...

Added your lovely shop to my favorites (etsy name jhbalvin)
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I really like the Halloween Greeting Card - Little Witch Silhouette.

tmhewson at tidewater dot net

Danielle said...

I would get the owl birthday cards for my daughters birthday coming up
dani_megan@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Greeting card - Thank you, floral, pink and purple
very great cards!!!
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

gfc follow Kendra22
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

Emillie Rose said...

I love the Birthday Greeting Card - Butterflies, pink and green, bright.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com

Emillie Rose said...

I follow - gfc -emillie.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com

Emillie Rose said...

I Added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy - emilliep.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com

Emillie Rose said...

I shared on twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/HisPrincess886/status/98769411195944960.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com

Emillie Rose said...

I shared on fb - http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=146612885420444&id=100001891505536.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I am a fan of Stitches and Scraps!! I can't help add her cards when I do up my EtsyGreetings treasuries...Love all of them! But of course, my favorites are her owl cards...:D
hollyernst430 at hotmail dot com

Candie L said...

I like the circus birthday card. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

MamaHen said...

Too cute! The baby bottle shower invitation is so cute. My best friend is having a little boy this winter and these would be so darling. I am going to bookmark this page!
clarksrfun at gmail dot com

littleangel_mw said...

My favorite card : Christmas Gift Tags - Cheery Snowman with gift, set of 6

(littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com)

littleangel_mw said...

I heart the shop on Etsy.
(SweetPeaAngel
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com)

littleangel_mw said...

I follow you publicly on GFC.
littleangel_mw
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com

littleangel_mw said...

Shared on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/michelle.s.dippel/posts/146666782082423

michelle.s.dippel
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com

Sunnie said...

I like the cowboy birthday cards.
sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com

Michelle H said...

I really like the orange and brown floral greeting cards!
michelle.wanderingstill@gmail.com

Diana said...

I love the baby shower invitation with the umbrellas
hrddiana556@gmail.com

Jana said...

So hard to pick a favorite... beautiful work!! I love the vintage mothers day card!!

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I Follow me on Google Friend Connect

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

vwestermeyer said...

the baby bottle invitations are perfect for a shower I'll be hosting soon!

Unknown said...

I love the stamped frog greeting cards.

The Loopy Librarian said...

I follow on GFC as The Loopy Librarian.

allisonmoyer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Twingle Mommy said...

I like the butterfly birthday card.
allythompson1 at yahoo dot com

Twingle Mommy said...

tweeted the giveaway @twinglemommmy
allythompson1 at yahoo dot com

ashleynichole said...

I like the spring bird :)
ashleydangit at gmail dot com

Gina said...

I love the Valentines Day Greeting Card - Love, Red and white, formal design

ginahamm@yahoo.com

Gina said...

I Follow on Google Friend Connect

ginahamm@yahoo.com

Gina said...

I Added Stitches and Scraps to your favorites on Etsy

ginahamm@yahoo.com

andisueks said...

I love, love, love the Black-eyed Susan cards! They are beautiful!

andisue@hotmail.com

andisueks said...

I am following you on GFC, andisueks.

andisue@hotmail.com

andisueks said...

I heart Stitches and Scraps on etsy.

andisue@hotmail.com

AvroraD said...

My favorite is the Christmas Gift Tags - Red mittens with scallop, so cute and classy!

avroradavidovna at gmail dot com

AvroraD said...

I added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy.

avroradavidovna at gmail dot com

AndreaH said...

I have tweeted about this giveaway (andreacouponz).

http://twitter.com/#!/andreacouponz/status/99569990281330688

davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com

Multi-talented Mama said...

I like this card: Handstamped greeting card - owls, thinking of you, fun and bright.
dawntaka at gmail dot com

Multi-talented Mama said...

Added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy.
dawntaka at gmail dot com

Multi-talented Mama said...

following you on GFC.
Dawn takagi
dawntaka at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love the Teddy Bear birthday cards.
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

Added stitches and Scraps to Etsy favorites
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

I'm a new google friend connect follower
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Baby Mama said...

I like the babyshower invite in airplanes
sarahlovesvegas@hotmail

Baby Mama said...

gfc sarah_roxy_21
sarahlovesvegas@hotmail

Unknown said...

I actually really like the Christmas Gift Tags - Red mittens with scallop, country theme

my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am a GFC follower
My 2 Cents

my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I added it to the favorites on Etsy
STAYTONSIX

my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am a GFC follower
My 2 Cents

my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

Stitches and scraps said...

I love hearing from my fans ( both old and new.). Thank you for taking the time to browse my shop and enter the giveaway. For those of you who have parties coming up I would love to work with you on some custom invitations. Good luck to everyone!!

lmurley2000 said...

i loved the birthday wishes card

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

follow on GFC

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

lmurley2000 said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/lmurley2000/status/99675428536582144

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

beckee said...

This is my favorite card: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/StitchesandScraps/3572616

Thanks
beckeesdeals at gmail dot com

beckee said...

GFC follower
beckeesdeals at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Christmas card Snowman

trustjesus7771 at yahoo dot com