You know it's always sad when I think about the time that I want to spend writing and blogging and I realize that I am slack. So incredibly slack!
Life seems to take the reigns and I am left with a full calender and a whirlwind of activities.
It is hard to believe that we are in the beginning stages of Fall, and that Nest Of Many Colors will soon be 2.
So much has changed, and I am so happy for the place that I am with my business. Of course I still have high hopes, dreams, and aspirations...but for right now I am happily chugging along and doing something that I love.
Since the last time I posted, I have exponentially expanded my product line. I am now offering not only a huge array of headbands, bow holders, and Halos; I am now offering newborn stretch wrap sets, Butterfly wing sets, and adorable ruffled Cloche hats.
Since I assume you can keep a secret...I am also going to be bringing back my tutus! I have toyed with this idea for quite some time, but ultimately deiced that it is what is best for the company.
I look forward to catching up, getting back into the blogging scene, and sharing the tail end of this year with you!

And The Winners Are......

First of all I want to say thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for making NOMC have an amazing first year! I am so thankful for each and everyone of you, and I am excited to see what the following years have in store for us! :D

And a big thank you to my husband for designing me my own randomizer that I used to chose the winners. He's awesome!

Now on to the good part...winners are in order of the prizes. Remember to contact your sponsor via FB to make sure that you claim your prize. All prizes not claimed in 48 hours will be forfeited, and there will be a re-draw.

1. Apple Cozy Trio from Sam's Crochet

Annie Bleur

2. 20.00 GC to BDD

Alia

3. Pinback Button Set ftom SoloCosmo

Carmen Dempsey

4. 10.00 GC to Bonita Bellita

Kristy

5. Two Headbands from Lil Hiccups Boutique

Melanie Flett

6. Headband from Karrington's Kreations

Elyse De Jong

7. Crochet Hat from All That In A Hat

Sarah

8. Sheep Softie from Dunlap Love

Kim Herman

9. Autumn Bliss Hat from Sassy Yarn Barn

Erica E

10. 15.00 Goodie Bag from Neisha's Blue

Cori

11. Earrings from JulyLaMoon

Andrea Couts

12. Organic Bloom Frame from Christina Evans Photography

Cassi Curry

13. 25.00 GC to NOMC

Ashley Nelson

Nest of Many Colors is ONE!

Happy Birthday! Feliz Cumpleaños! Gelukkige Verjaardag! Joyeux Anniversaire! Днем Рождения!

It is so hard for me to believe that I started Nest of Many Colors an entire YEAR ago today! What started as a fun hobby to create for my own girls has led to such a fun, thriving, exciting business venture. I have made quite a few amazing customers turned friends who have been so supportive of NOMC. I have the greatest customers, fans, friends, and family.

I hope that each and every one of you know how wonderful this first year of NOMC has been. I feel so blessed that I am able to create so many things for people all over the world. I am able to spend every day with my beautiful children doing my number one job because of all of my amazing customers, and supporters. NOMC is around because of YOU. We thrive because of YOU. And this give away is especially for YOU.

I am so excited to have 13 incredible prizes, which will go to 13 lucky winners. 

Fans, enjoy! I know that you're going to love what we have in store for you!

Vendors, thank you again for being such generous, supportive, and amazing folks. This give away wouldn't be possible without you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. Trio of Apple Cozies from Sam's Crochet, valued at 18.00. These Apple Cozies make great gifts for your favorite teacher, student, or anyone else who wants a happy reason in their day to eat fruit! There are many Apple Cozies and sweaters out there, but these cover your fruit 100% around, and there is a little extra cushioning at the base for those "just-in-case" moments.

2.  A 20.00 Gift Certificate to Beautiful Dreamer's Design. Michelle from BDD is a wonderfully talented lady. She makes lovely, custom, hand painted piggy banks, wall plaques, and room decor. Her products are well made, creative, and would make a welcome addition to any room!

Non-transferable.  Cannot be used in conjunction with any other BDD offer, promo or credit.  No cash value.  Expires December 31, 2011. 

3.  Pinback Button Set "Circus Dreams" Set of 5 from SoloCosmo: Artwork by Jessica Grundy; valued at 10.00. SoloCosmo's artwork is extremely unique and creative. Her pieces truly are one of a kind.

4. A 10.00 Gift Certificate to Bonita Bellita. Bonita Bellita specializes in pretty accessories for all of the worlds beauties. Stephanie is talented, and creates really lovely pieces.

5. Two beautiful headbands from Lil Hiccups Boutique. Daisy creates some of the most beautiful headbands and hair clips, I am a proud owner of a few of her bows; and they do not disappoint!

6. Pretty Green Rosette Headband from Karrington's Kreations, valued at 10.95. Karrington's Kreations have unique, and one of a kind accessories. They are trendy and fun.

7. Red Crochet Hat from All That In A Hat, valued at 16.00. The crochet goodies from All That In A Hat are adorable, and fun. They would make the perfect addition to any one's closet.

8. Sheep Softie Doll from Dunlap Love. Kaylyn's adorable softie dolls are snugly and sweet...any little guy or gal would be lucky to have one of these!

9. Autumn Bliss Hat by Sassy Yarn Barn, valued at 32.00. Talk about some adorable hats and colorful creations! Sassy Yarn Barn has beautiful colorways, and hats. Her work is amazing, and all of her hats just look so soft!

10. A goodie bag valued at 15.00 from Neisha's Blue Baby Boutique! When it comes to lovely accessories, and pretty little things; Neisha's Blue has it all! Her pieces are original and timeless.

11. Vintage Madeira Topaz Earrings from JulyLaMoon,  valued at 21.95. The jewellery from JulyLaMoon is stunning, colorful, and fun. I own several pieces from her shop, and I wear them often.

12. Teal Blue 5" by 7" Organic Bloom frame from Christina Evans Photography. This stunning frame can be hung horizontally, or vertically; or placed on a stand (like shown). These frames add the perfect texture and color to any photograph.

13. A 25.00 Gift Certificate to Nest of Many Colors! Have fun shopping on us!

Not to be combined with any other offers, promotions, or coupon codes. Offer expires on December 31, 2011. Not valid on shipping charges.

**********************************************

Details & Rules

This give-away starts today, October 21, 2011 and ends on Friday, October 28th at 10PM EST. The winners will be selected by a random number generator from the blog comments. Winners will be verified that they are fans before they will be announced on NOMC blog and FB. The winners have 48 hours to contact the sponsor of their winning prize. If the sponsors have not been contacted in that time frame an alternate winner will be chosen.

This give away is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise affliated with Facebook. By entering this contest you are submitting information to Nest of Many Colors. 

Winners may be required to pay for shipping outside of the US.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

To enter the contest, please leave a blog comment below stating that you have completed all of the activities in step 1.

1. Head on over to each sponsors Facebook page and "Like" it. Posting on each sponsors wall is NOT required, but it is a nice gesture to let them know that you appreciate the give away. If you do post on their wall, let them know that NOMC sent you. Links to each sponsors give away can be found below.

2. If you would like the chance for a second entry, tag NOMC on your personal FB page letting all of your friends know that we are having a give away.

Please leave a second comment letting me know that you have tagged us in your status.

**Any additional comments besides those two will be deleted at my own discretion.**

FACEBOOK LINKS

Sam's Crochet

Beautiful Dreamer's Design

Solocosmo

Bonita Bellita

Lil Hiccups Boutique

Karrington's Kreations

All That In A Hat

Dunlap Love

Sassy Yarn Barn

Neisha's Blue

JulyLaMoon

Christina Evans Photography

Nest of Many Colors

A Simple Update

It has been a while since I updated, and I just wanted to drop in and let you know that I plan on resuming regular posting soon! We have had a busy start to Fall with a lot of play dates, and activities.

We actually finished up our "Get To Know" series last week with the Feature on yours truly...and I know that I have been slacking...but I am hoping to resume Friday favorites soon!

What are some other things that you would like to see?

Tutorials?
Recipes?

We do have a pretty AMAAAZING give away coming up soon, so you do not want to miss that!

Well, I wanted to keep this short and simple...but I promise to be back soon!

Blog Feature - Get to know Susan @ Nest of Many Colors

Click HERE to enter Nest of Many Colors!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

-I am Susan! I am a SAHM to Evie (3.5 going on 15), JG (2.5), and Anastasia (1 year old). I have been married for almost 4 years, and my husband Jon is seriously one amazing man. I enjoy reading, singing, writing, spending time with my kids, movies, and being around/in water!



Name three words to describe yourself.


-Talkative, Fun, Passionate


Name three words to describe your shop.


-Colorful, Trendy, Affordable


How long have you been creating? How long have you been selling your product, and what made you take the plunge to sell to others?


-I would like to think that I have ALWAYS been crafty! When I was younger I was constantly creating..I remember having a Pottery Wheel and making bowls for my Mom; making friendship bracelets for ALL of my friends; stamping and card making; and then later in high school I began sewing.

Hair accessories came much later, and I didn't open up shop on Etsy until October 2010. It started with Bow Holders that I made for my own girls, and has just progressed from there! I decided to take the step to sell to others when friends and family enocuraged me after seeing what I was creating. I owe it all to my friends and family. <3


Tell me a little bit about your creative process?


-It is all over the place, kind of like me! I get random ideas in my head all the time, and then when the time comes for me to sit down I just choose a few fabrics, colors, etc and see where it takes me! There is no rhyme or reason to HOW I create, all I know is that I LOVE doing it.

Can we see your work space?


-Yikes! Sure, I can let you see my "work space", it consists basically of my dining room! I tend to over take the house with my craft stuff. Usually I sew and package in my dining room, and I craft in front of the tv! LOL

What are your other passions?


-Animals! They have a huge chunk of my heart. It is my dream to one day open up a Non Profit Animal Rescue. But for now, I donate ONE can of dog/cat food to a local shelter for each order that I get. It is the one way that I can definitely give back right now.

I am also passionate about decisions regarding my children, party planning, and family. I am pretty opinionated, so I am sticking to my short list! :P


What are your two favorite items from your shop, and why?

Pom Flower Headbands

 I love these flowers because they are SO life-like! They actually look like they have been freshly picked and put in your hair. :)

Hydrangea Hair Clips

I also love the clips! They are small, classy, and perfect for gals of ANY age!


What are some of your favorite shops?

-Seriously, I see how hard it is on this end!! Here are just a few:


LivJewellery - Her pieces are amazing, and her pictures are just facinating.


Olivia Clare Designs - My husband bought me some earrings from this shop last Christmas, and they are one of my very favorite pairs. Her shop is so my style.



Just Liv - I adore her flower crown headbands, they are so intricate.


ZoBo's - I love all of her dresses. The Nursery Rhyme dress that A wore for her first birthday party came from this amazing shop.


Lastly, what is some advice that you would offer to those interested in starting their own shop?

- Don't ever give up! There will be slow days..weeks, maybe even slow months! But just keep doing what you love, that is what is important. Never stop trying to better your business/brand, that is what makes companies successful; because they continually want to better their products for their customers.

Thanks so much for letting me share! :)

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Denise @ Momma Fix

Click HERE to enter Momma Fix's shop!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a wife of 14 years and mother of two boys and grew up in Alaska. I love traveling, the beach, shopping, party planning and spending time with friends and family.


Name three words to describe yourself.
Loyal, Passionate, Balanced

Name three words to describe your shop.
Savvy, Fair trade, Fresh

I would agree with all of those words! I love how different your shop is!


How long have you been creating? How long have you been selling your product, and what made you take the plunge to sell to others? 

I have been creating my entire life~ I don't feel balanced unless I am creating on a weekly basis. I started sewing my slings 7 years ago. I found that people were drawn to my fabric choices and were looking for a well made functional products.


Tell me a little bit about your creative process?

It really starts with getting inspiration from my surroundings and through magazines. I love pulling ideas from decorating magazines. I either star by looking at fabrics I already own and getting ideas on what I want to create or start with the product that I will create and move to the fabrics. It depends on my mood. Then I make a sample and tweak it until I love it and end up making tons of them in the same week.

What are your other passions?

My kids, exercising, reading, socializing, and eating yummy food.

What are your two favorite items from your shop, and why?

My new shrugs because they the fabrics are stunning and they are so versatile being reversible. I also love our pocket tunics. The pockets are functional and the fabrics funky.

What are some of your favorite shops? Tom Kat Studio, Baronyka, The Little Fox, Color bee, noahandlilah.

Lastly, what is some advice that you would offer to those interested in starting their own shop? Have fun and you have to love what you do. It is hard work and you have to do a little bit everyday otherwise your shop will lack interest or attention.

Now onto one of my favorite parts of the interview...let's take a look at some of the items from Denise's shop that are on MY wishlist!

I think that this Green Top is SO adorable! What a pretty color of Green, too!

I love the classic lines and simple print of this dress.

And just in case you don't have sweet girls to rock Denise's clothes, she also makes awesome, OOAK toys!! Take a look here!

Denise, we so appreciate you taking your valuable time to spend with us today! I have loved getting to know more about you and Momma Fix!


Thanks for your generous donation to our give away!

Friday Favorites ... Maybe this will be a habit?!

So last week I promised that doing the Favorites on Saturday wouldn't become the norm..and then look what happens?! I do them on Saturday TWO weeks in a row!!

My apologies. We had a fun filled, busy week! Friday was spent playing with some good friends and doing chores around the house...and I had no time to get on here and blog. Oh well, there is always next week..right?!

Without further ado, I present this week's favorites...


My new, VERY favorite fabric...CHIFFON!
It is lovely. Seamless. Somewhat sheer. Soft. Flowy. Easy to work with.

Expect a LOT of new Chiffon items in the shop soon. Squeeeeeal!

I love this Chiffon dress, if only I could pull off that color.

Pretty Chiffon trim...this stuff has SO many uses.

I love trees..expecially those that yield Acorns! (I just checked with Jon, that would be an Oak tree, LOL.) 

Acorns are so fun. My kids were collecting them outside the other day and Evie (my 3.5 year old) asked for a bowl. She said that she wanted a bowl to put acorns in for the squirrels...such a considerate little lady!

While I was searching for an acorn shot, I came across this...adorable!

Seriously, who wants to crochet these for me?! I will trade ya a headband.

I have mentioned before that I LOVE my baby Keurig, but I feel like you should also know that I LOVE Dunkin Donuts coffee.
Imagine my surprise/excitement/PURE JOY when I saw a commercial for this:

This Mama is going to DD TODAY for some new K-Cups.

This one is pretty self explanatory, but I really enjoy going to our Dollar Tree. They have SO much stuff and it's so reasonably priced....hehehe.

Jon and I didn't have a big wedding, by any means. We were actually married by the JOP at the local courthouse. It was lovely, and fine...but I really wish sometimes that we would have had a big wedding.

In lieu of my (sometimes) wedding fever, I am obsessed with wedding veils as of late. I often wonder what type of dress and veil I would have ended up with...

This is a liiiittle too poufy for my taste, but I love the style.

 vTech toys are awesome. We don't have this actual one..but every product that we have from them is amazing.

This is cute, maybe we need to get this for a Christmas present...

 And last, but certainly NOT least...is this lovely Ruffle Cake. I have to thank my friend, Angela, for turning me onto these awesome things.
Now, I am considering doing a mini Ruffle cake for A's party, as well as making the cupcakes "Ruffled", too!

This would be SO cute for a little girls baby shower.

Well, I am off! Stay tuned, because I have a REALLY exciting 30 day blog challenge starting this weekend!