Collaboration: A Good Business Practice

So I've been busy caring for my little one, make new items & posting them in my shop, completing some custom orders, & just trying to keep up with every day life.  I've had to cut back in some areas for awhile, such as in the blogging world.  My mom had 7 children, cared for the home, made all the meals, did all the laundry & cleaning, carted us all around, & helped out my dad as she is a minister's wife.  I have no idea how she did it!  Well, here's something I had to blog about.  Pictured below is my little guy in a custom made apple hat from Powers of Love, a shop I have featured previously here on my blog.  We're collaborating, helping each other out business to business.  It's such a good feeling to know that we can support each other in the business world, not just compete!  Powers of Love's owner, Lisa, makes absolutely fantastic crocheted items.  Check her out today!  

NEW NEW NEW!

I've been working away on some great custom orders but have managed to also come up with some new magnets, bookmarks, and stemware charms.   Here's a few peeks.  Be sure to check the shop for the full details!

Fun for the Modern Bride

Today I listed some great items for the modern bride looking for alternatives to fresh flowers and who wants to add a little something to the traditional place cards.  Check out these ideas and be sure to visit my store for the full details.

Vacation Recap

Well, I was on vacation last week and it was wonderful to get away with my family.   My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this month, so we planned a trip in their honor.  4 out of 7 of our siblings along with 5 grandchildren, spouses, and my parents met up at a beautiful historical home on Lake Champlain in Rouse Point, NY, just 1 mile from the Canadian border.  It was a great week of games, fishing, shared meals and much much more.  Here's a few photos from the trip:

Blog Hop

I entered this blog hop on Crafty Creations

Wedding Trends 2011

My shop has a variety of items with many great gifts for everyone.  However, a good portion of my work is dedicated to weddings with bouquets, boutonnieres, jewelry, and hair accessories.  Weddings are a so much fun, such an amazing celebration of love and life, and a great place to add individualization and personality.  Taking the advice one of my fellow bloggers, I've started to think about the importance of knowing my target clientele and also the purpose of my blog.  So, today I've decided to share some wedding trends for 2011.   Here's 5 trends  I found at the BeautyBridal.com

Vintage touches

Eco-friendly weddings

Modern choices

DIY weddings

Social media influence

I'll be sure to try to keep these ideas in mind as I develop new products for my shop.  Here's a few items I currently have for sale in my shop that fit in with some of these themes:

Fun Wedding Photo Props and a Princess Party Pack

Check out these great new wedding photo props and a princess party pack that are new in my shop: