And the winner is...

So the time has come to select a winner for the mega give away!

I used my husbands Randomizer that he made me (because he is awesome!); and had it select a random number between 1-15.

And the winner is:

Comment # 11, AMY CRAFT!!

Congrats, Amy!
Please email me at RobbinsNest102(at)Gmail.com with your mailing address, and what you would like to use your Nesto credit on!
I will then get you in contact with all of the amazing sponsors, you can expect a lot of sweet packages coming your way!

Thanks again to all of the amazing sponsors, I feel so blessed to have such great friends and fellow creators by my side!

Thanks to all who entered!!

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Roz @ Jaydemia

Click HERE to enter Jaydemia!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

-Well, I often describe myself as a "Multi-tasker Extraordinaire" . As a mom of 4 young kids (8, 6, 4 & 2 years), a business owner and a REALTOR, I'm always on the move. Crazy right? But I value every moment and I always try to be the best I can be.

I can't imagine juggling that life, you're inpressive, Roz!

Name three words to describe yourself.
1. Obsessive-Compulsive
2. Foodie
3. Spiritual

Name three words to describe your shop.
Ecochic
Colorful
Helpful (I help support the women who makes the beads for me)


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've been creating jewelry for the past 5 years. Well, I started selling my first jewelry at the age of 9. My mom has a hobby of designing and working with metalsmiths to make her own jewelries. So I grew up around jewelries. Whenever she receives compliments on her pieces, she'll sell it and start designing again. My mom uses the "real" thing though... gold, diamonds and precious stones. Can't afford that now :)

Ooh, some of my favorites made that list! I love diamonds. ;)


Tell me a little bit about your creative process?

-I rarely sketch. If a certain material catches my eyes, I'll start going through my supplies and pick which ones make me excited. I have this portable table (the one used to serve breakfast in bed) and put all the materials I might be using. Then I'll work from there. Since I work around my kids' schedule, work on designs in stages. Depending on the complexity, I can do a piece within minutes or in days.


Can we see your work space?

-I don't have a specific work room. I have my supplies corner, storage space and desk in our bedroom. Then I have my laptop, electronics etc. by the living room. I have a portable work table remember? With the 2 boys with me most of the time, I often do my pieces in the living room while they are playing or late night when I can have my quiet time.


What are your other passions?

-I love to cook and bake. Yes, I love my food to look good too. I'm also a big reader - books, magazines, blogs etc. Fashion, bargain hunting and home staging. I'm a REALTOR remember?

I love to bake, too! So therapeutic. 


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

-The shell bracelets are my all time favorite. They are so pretty, unique and elegant. Since they come in different colors, I just can't pick one. Also the earrings made from decopauge beads. They are so light and comes in so many patterns. There's something for every mood.

One lucky winner is getting one of those pretty Deco Earrings! I love the colors in the ones you have listed!

What are some of your favorite shops?

-SisterBatik, SilkShop, TextileMonster, Almondworks, & SewStacy

Those shops all look amazing, I will have to check them out in more detail soon!


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

Working for yourself is tough. It requires a lot of continued learning, hardwork, and patience. Love what you do and be committed to it. Don't be afraid to try new things and always listen to yourself. If you feel it's not right, it will never be.

Lastly, if it doesn't make you excited when you wake up and make you smile at the end of the day... it's not worth it :) Enjoy life!

Now it is my favorite part, I am going to share a few of my favorite things from Roz's shop! :)

I love the colors in this wood bracelet!

Isn't this headband pretty and unique?!

Roz, thanks so much for letting us feature you on our Blog! I have really enjoyed getting to know more about you. I look forward to seeing what new creations you come up with!


And thank you for your generous Earring donation to the Mega Giveaway!

What do YOU want to know?!

So, I totally plan on doing a feature on me and my shop in the future...but first I want to finish up with all of the Blog Features for all of the other amazing sponsors of the Mega Giveaway!

I am seriously having way too much fun with these interviews! The truth be told, I am super nosy...and I LOVE learning more about what makes people tick, and where they started creating.

In the meantime, what do YOU want to know about me?
Are there any questions that you're just DYING to have answered?

I am interesting, really...I promise! :P

Let me see if I can make a list of random things about myself...I will try to make the list extra riveting with a lot of pictures for your daily read.

This is me as a baby! That is my beautiful Mommy. She is an amazing woman...strong, intelligent, inspiring, sweet, and a perfect Nana to my kids. <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is me and my Lover Jon at the top of the Key West Lighthouse. This was before kids..notice my nice tan, extremely white teeth, and much smaller figure! :P

This is my daughter, Evie; and my son, JG (Bubba, Jonathan). This was taken by one of the best photog's I know. And aren't my kids darling?!

This is baby Anastasia. Isn't she lovely? She has what I like to call "Disney Princess Eyes". (And I happen to think she looks JUST like me.)

This is what I do in my spare time...I bake! This was Evie's 3rd birthday cake, she specifically requested a "Pink Barbie Cake". It was really a lot easier than I thought it would be!

And I bake some more! This is JG's 2nd birthday cake. He requested a "Blue Jeep Cake". This was tougher than the Barbie..but his face when he saw it was SO worth it.

This is my favorite creature. I could watch them all day long. And I am a SUCKER for Giraffe print ANYTHING. Just try me.

So here are just a few more things that I am addicted to really like:

• Posting random pictures on Facebook from my phone. I am a "Mobile Upload" junkie.
• Crime TV..think, "CSI", Law & Order", "48 Hour Mystery", etc.
• Singing and music. I can't go a day without listening to music. And usually I am singing right along.
• "Cupcake Wars"! ...seriously, I LOVE that show.
• Straightening up. I am constantly picking up toys, reorganizing things, wiping things down..I HATE clutter.

I think that is enough for today..I can't give away all of my secrets. :)

So I ask you again, what do YOU want to know?!

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Sarah @ DeMoss Designs!

Click HERE to enter DeMoss Designs!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
-My name is Sarah and I live in Ohio with my husband and my 3 little girls. I am take care of my kiddos during the day and I am a social worker at night. Somewhere in there, I also sew and have a ton of fun on Etsy.

Aww, three little girls, they are so fun, aren't they!? 


Name three words to describe yourself.
-Wow, this is a tough one. Maternal, slightly obsessive, fun-loving

Name three words to describe your Etsy shop.
-Colorful, all ages, and limitless

How long have you been creating? How long have you been selling on Etsy, and what made you take the plunge to sell to others?
-I have been quilting for a little over 10 years. I have been on Etsy for about a year and a half. I made a quilt for myself that was supposed to go great in my living room. When I was finished, the quilt was beautiful but the colors I wanted to highlight were in the background and it really had a totally different look. I did not love it for myself but I still wanted it to find a great home. I decided to try Etsy. From the moment I put it on-line, I became obsessed with making more and more to list.

That is the beauty of creating, I think, we continually yearn to create more!


Tell me a little bit about your creative process?
-My creative process is all over the place. It all started with quilting. Quilting uses so many different fabrics and I often had a ton left over. I was searching for smaller projects I could do to use up my scraps. I love the look of grown-up fabrics used for baby items so I started making bibs and other baby items. I have a long list of different items I would love to make and list for my shop but right now I am so busy making what is already listed that I have not had time to explore my other ideas.

I would LOVE to be able to quilt, I am in constant awe of big beautiful quilts!



Can we see your work space?
-I am hoping to send a picture of my work space before this goes live but I am not confident that will happen. I am currently working in my unfinished basement while my husband attempts to finish it all around me. I also allow my 2 year old to play in my fabric and threads while I am working so they are always a total mess. I have been working like mad to organize myself these last few days so I just may get that photo taken to remind myself of what a functional working space looks like.


What are your other passions?
-I love being outside. I try to find fun outdoor activities for my children as much as I can. My family loves to go Geocaching so this is what we do many weekends in the summer. I also love to travel.

I have never done Geocaching, but I think it sounds fun! Maybe my family will have to try it once this Summer. :)


What are your two favorite items from your shop, and why?
-My first is my brown, teal, and red lap quilt. This looks SO great in person and I love the combination of red and teal. The other is the pale yellow fleur de lis purse. It has such a great feel.

I love the colors in that quilt, I am a sucker for teal and brown together!



What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?
-Wow this is a hard one! I have so many favorites and they are changing all the time. I have become friends with so many people that it would be impossible to list them all. My last 3 purchases were great so I think I will just list those. I got some wonderful hand painted drawer pulls from HobKnobin, some great earrings from JulieEllynDesigns, and some graphic design work from FireDancerDesigns. All were great!


Those are all great shops! I agree that JulieEllyn has awesome jewelry; and I am going to have to look more at HobKnobin, what a creative shop!

Lastly, what is some advice that you would offer to those interested in starting their own Etsy shop?
-The best thing I can say is to get involved. Join teams and meet people. I have learned SO much from reading the forums. There are many levels to Etsy. Opening a shop and listing a couple items is just the tip of the iceberg.


I agree! The people of Etsy really are some of the best that you'll ever meet! :)

Now it is my favorite part, I am going to share a few of my favorite things from Sarah's shop! :)

Isn't this quilt absolutely stunning?!

I LOVE this fabric!! Sarah, I want a girls dress with this fabric!

I love it all, but the colors in this lovey are PERFECT!

Sarah, thanks again for letting us learn more about you and your creations! Your entire shop is lovely, and I love the colors, patterns, and things that you make. I look forward to seeing even more amazing products being added to your shop!

And thank you for your generous Key Fob donation for the Mega Giveaway!

What is New

We have had a busy last few days...by we I mean my family, not Nesto. ;)
My big sister and sweet little nephews are here for the next 1.5 weeks, and we have been spending a lot of time with them. (The Caribbean living sister)

We are going to the Beach with them, and my Mama next week; I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about that.

I took my kids to the Lake this past week (Jon was in Boston on business) with one of my best friends, and we had a BLAST being near the water. It was Baby Goose's first time in the sand, and she LOVED it!

So, my goal for Nesto is to have all of my current orders/orders placed before July 3rd finished and shipped before I leave. ;)

I have been in the process of re vamping the site/s a little bit. Getting rid of item/s that aren't best sellers, or don't get many views; and really creating a lot of new item/s. I am so excited with the direction that Nesto is going, and I really hope and pray that it continues to thrive.

Here are just a few new listings/items that I am working on (all are or will be available on Etsy by tomorrow night):

I love how dainty this chain is and it has just the right amount of sparkle.

Single Rosette Silver Necklace

So perfect with a white tank, or a little black dress.

Romantically Red Blossom Trio Silver Necklace

I am SO in love with this fabric, and I hate that it is limited! Better get these while you can!

Flutter Away Chiffon Fabric Flower - LIMITED EDITION

So, I haven't listed this Lavender Lovely yet, but it is going to be a part of the "Bitty Bloom Starter Collection", which I am SO excited to offer.
You can choose ANY colors. They will come in sets (4, 6, 8), on Bitty Bands, and with your choice of White Pearls or Swarovski Crystals (shown). They are PERFECT for getting your headband collection started. Plus, they are just so cute.

In other news, I also ordered NEW business cards! I cannot wait to receive them! Make sure to place an order so that you will get to see the new design! :)

Well, I need to go clean the house. Stay tuned for "Anastasia Turns ONE" party planning posts in the near future.

For my Blogging fans, this code will get you 20% off today/tomorrow only, "BLOG2029"

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Allison @ Lila's Locker

Click HERE to enter Lila's Locker!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

-I’m a new wife and depending on when this gets put up, new mommy! My
husband and I recently got married in September and started a family right
away. Our baby girl is due at the end of June!
I’ve been working from home for a little over 2 years now. I graduated
from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. At the time I worked
part time at a public aquarium taking care of the Amazon exhibit, so
things like piranha, poison dart frogs, you know the cool animals! But
funding was tight so they couldn’t offer me full-time work and I needed
more money to be able to afford rent. So, I decided to take the plunge and
work on my business full-time. In the mean time I moved back home with my
parents so I could afford the venture. It started off, and still is mainly
my business making and selling pet supplies for chinchillas
(http://www.CamphorChins.com) but with my extra time I decided to give
Etsy a go!
I now enjoy being my own boss because it allows me to stay home with the
baby and I really enjoy seeing others enjoy what I make!


Congratulations on being a new Mommy!! I am patiently stalking your Blog for a "She's here!" post! :) I had no idea that you also headed up the Chinchilla business, they are such darling little creatures.

Name three words to describe yourself.

-Creative, kind, introverted

Name three words to describe your Etsy shop.

-Fun, colorful, reasonably priced (I know that’s more than 3!)


I will let that slide, this time! :P

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

-Well, I’ve been sewing since I was around 8 years old. One summer my mom
showed me how to use her sewing machine and from there I went on to make
clothes for my dolls. Other than that I’ve always been a creative type. I
loved art in school; I actually minored in it, which was totally unrelated
to my Biology major!
I opened my first Etsy shop in August of 2008. That was selling my
Chinchilla things. Then I opened my second Etsy shop
(http://InuInspirations.etsy.com) in October of the same year. I wanted to
sell dog collars there. Finally, in February of 2009 I opened Lila’s
Locker. Originally it started as selling vintage items, but once I found
out we were expecting I switched gears into baby items!
I started selling to others in 2006 when I got my first Chinchilla. That’s
when I started my website, Camphor Chins. I decided to start because I saw
what other people were making and selling and I knew I could do it too. I
definitely have gotten better over the years though! Selling at Lila’s
Locker though, I decided that I really needed an outlet for the things I
was making. Our baby can only have so many clothes!


I can totally vouch for your dog collars, I still have my Owl one hanging up ready for whenever we decide to add another furry kid to our family. It is so cute! I am impressed that you can manage all of your shops! Multi-tasking at it's best. ;)

Tell me a little bit about your creative process?

-I normally just start with an idea in my head and then just have to see it
out. It becomes a bit of an obsession to find the right fabrics for the
project and get the project finished. Of course things don’t always work
out, or don’t turn out exactly how I imagined, but that’s part of learning
your craft! Sometimes I see something I just have to have, but know that I
want my own spin on it. So there are times where I will make myself
something and like it so much that then I decide to sell it.

Can we see your work space?

-I so wish I had a nice space to show you all! Come back in about 6 months
and maybe I will! I actually right now just work in my husband’s childhood
bedroom. We currently live with my MIL while we search for houses. So,
needless to say I’m horribly cramped and not the most organized.
I so look forward to getting a house and having a work room with a wall
covered in fabric storage!


I think that all of us who craft or have a home business wish for MORE space!

What are your other passions?

-I really love photography. I’m looking forward to documenting our little
girl’s childhood with pictures, I treasure my childhood pictures, so I
think photography is an important thing! We also love to spend time
outdoors hiking and camping. But in my free time I honestly sew for fun!


I also love to take pictures! I have more pictures of my three kids than I will EVER have space for.

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

-First would definitely be my personalized pillows. I just love creating
something special for someone! I love searching out just the perfect
fabric combination's for them too!
Otherwise I just really love all my minky stuffies. I love finding new
minky prints and making up the color combination's on them!


I have to say that Allison's name pillows are amazing! I got one for Anastasia, and it is one of the most precious things in her room. We also have a sweet pink Elephant minky stuffie...we are Lila's Locker addicts here!

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

-I’m a real DIY gal, so my favorites are ones that sell patterns.
Ume Crafts has awesome felt food patterns!
Little Lizard King has some adorable girl patterns!

And of course I’ve loved everything that I’ve gotten from Nest of Many
Colors!

Awww, thanks. :) I am going to have to look more at LLK, it looks like an awesome shop!

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

-To really succeed on Etsy, you need to have something to list often.
That’s the key in being found on Etsy. To really sell, I’ve found that I
need to be listing something new, or renewing a sold item at least every 2
to 3 days. Daily is even better, but I know not everyone has enough stock
for that.
And I always hate to be the serious one, but I also highly suggest looking
into your state’s business laws and regulations. Take the time to become
fully legal and pay your state’s sales taxes. It really gives you a sense
of pride to be a true business owner!
Excellent tips, I couldn't agree more with all of your advice!


Now it is my favorite part, I am going to share a few of my favorite things from Allison's shop! :)

These Dolls are absolutely darling! I love that they are totally customizable!

All of your applied onesies are seriously TOO cute!

Squeeeel, I LOVE this Giraffe!

Allison, thank you SO much for spending the time doing the interview with us! I have loved learning more about you and your business!
You have an amazing product, and one of my first stops for new baby gifts! Each little one needs one of your little lovies!


Be sure to enter the Mega Giveaway to enter to win one of Lila's Locker's Crinkle Squares! :)

Mega Give Away and Blog Features

So there are a lot of benefits of selling on Etsy; you learn a lot, you sell your creations, and most importantly, you form relationships!

Seriously, one of the main reasons that I stay on Etsy is because of the friendships that I've found (some are even my friends on FB!), and the relationships with other shops that I love. The friendships in this field are invaluable, and what you can learn from others is amazing.

That being said, some of my VERY favorite shops have come together to present you with a pretty sweet little give away of some of the item/s from their shops. (and of course, Nesto is giving prizes, too!)

There will be ONE winner for all of the loot (118.00 worth of goods!!); the prizes will be listed below, as well as the rules, regulations, and ways to enter. :)

The other part of this Giveaways is also the "Features" that we will be doing. Each of the Shops that are donating an item will also have a spotlight feature on them. They will each be asked the same questions, and it gives us all a peek into the life of these crafting genuises! I am the MOST excited about that part because I LOVE learning about other people, especially those that I admire and love working beside! (Look for a new shop feature EVERY Sunday)


So without further ado, your prizes (listed in no particular order, except that yours truly is listed first):

25.00 Gift Certificate from Nesto (not valid on shipping)

Cassy or Amelia Dress from Momma Fix (Value: 25.00)

10.00 Gift Certificate from My Bella Baby

6" by 6" Decorative Tile from The Crafty Geek (Value: 10.00)

10.00 Gift Certificate to Beautiful Dreamers Design

Your Choice of Party Favor bag from HeartsRWild
(Value 2.00)

Pink Orchid Deco Earrings from Jaydemia

 (Value 20.00)

White Rose Bloomer Onesie w/ Swarovski Crystals from Solcreation's For You (Value: 17.00)

Crinkle Square in Sock Monkeys from Lila's Locker

 (Value: 6.00)

Cotton Facial Scrubbie Set of 4 from MelissaGHollis (Value: 8.00)

Black and White Damask Wristlet Key Fob from DeMoss Designs  (Value: 5.75)

4 oz Lotion Candle from Jazzy Custom Creations (Value: 5.00)

10.00 Gift Certificate to Bella Anela Jewelry (expires July 10, 2012)

So down to the nitty gritty; in order to enter to win the above (amazing) prizes, you must:

* "Like" each sponsors Facebook page

* Follow their Blog (if applicable, some of the sponsors aren't part of the Blogging world....yet!)

* Leave a comment below stating that you have done all of the above.

* Leaving a comment on the sponsors Facebook, and/or Blog is recommended, but NOT required. However fan status, and follower status WILL be verified.

* One entree per person/household.

* This contest is in NO way sponsored, endorsed, or featured by Facebook, or Blogger.

* Winner will be announced on Sunday, July 10th, 2011 on Nesto's Blog/Facebook.

Good luck! I wish that I could enter! :P

(See below for Facebook and Blog Links)

Nest Of Many Colors

Facebook

Blog

Momma Fix
Facebook
Blog

My Bella Baby

Facebook

Blog

The Crafty Geek

Facebook

Beautiful Dreamer's Design

  Facebook

HeartsRWild

Facebook

Jaydemia

Facebook

Blog

Solcreations For You

Facebook

Lila's Locker

Facebook

Blog

MelissaGHollis

Facebook

Blog

DeMoss Designs

Facebook

Jazzy Custom Creations

Facebook

Blog 

Bella Anela Jewelry
Facebook