WooHoo!

I've found it pretty challenging to keep myself away from work.

Like I'm making up excuses to go sit at my table and work on a few things here and there :)

Tonight I will be working on getting the etsy page up and running.... and pretty too!

I need to get my fix before we take off on our little vacation!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes!

Okay. Confession time......

I hate change.

Why fix what isn't broken?? Right? PLease tell me I'm not alone.....

Because darn FaceBook is making things difficult. Like I need to make keeping up with this business any more challenging. LOL

When I come back in 2011 (on Jan 1st) all SALES will be handled through Etsy.

I will still keep up with my facebook page. I love being able to get to know my customers, without facebook I'm not sure how I'd do that. All pics posted to my fb page will contain a link, directing you to my Etsy page, where the purchase can be made.

I understand some of my customers may not have an Etsy account, but I promise it's fast and easy to set one up. It also provides some additional buyer/seller protection that facebook doesn't.

So if you find yourself with some down time over the holidays (hahaha) feel free to poke around Etsy. Set up an account. This way you'll be ready as soon as I add some new things to my shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bows2match?ref=pr_shop

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is right around the corner!

I have my orders caught up, gifts wrapped, and baking done.

It feels so nice to take a little break from orders to spend time with my family. Rest assured though, I'm still a busy bee. I have a few new things in the works!

I feel it's important to give credit where due, and I try my best to always do so! I want my customers to know I work hard to keep my items original, and most often things I sell are things I've dreamed up in my head, sketched out, pondered, changed, improved on, tested out, and eventually decided to sell. Every so often though, someone comes to me with an idea.

The Bella Tee came about when my sweetie model Bella Mae modeled her posies on a neckline. Her mom and I were both hounded about where people could get the shirts. Same with the Marie necklace. My dear friend has a Shabby Posy obsession.... addiction.... LOL! She was dying to see if I could get them on a necklace. That's how the Marie Necklace was born :)

My newest obsession.... The Mia headband, was something I saw my oldest neice wearing. She had made the cutest fabric headband in sewing class. It's been a few months and I can't get that headband out of my mind. I figure it's time to do something about that!

New Vintage Posies are also coming, I have posted pics of 2 of them on my facebook page. Check them out ;)

Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving From Bows To Match!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

I love to share other great boutiques, so here is Miss Jacey Bella in her cute as can be dress from OneTwoThreeShop.com







Can you believe we won this??? In a raffle! How awesome is that? I can't wait for the next one! Everyone should definately go check them out on facebook!

BusyBusyBusy

Well it's no secret that I've been swamped... lol

It's a good thing, but oh so overwhelming too!

I know I keep saying I am working on a new system, and it's almost done. I'm sure I will still have a few kinks to work out once I start it... but for now I thought I'd atleast share it with you. I figure I can't start it until I have everything caught up and current.

Here's my plan:

Sundays.... no work. Maybe some time on facebook and email to answer questions... but that's it.

Mondays.... print/write out (don't want to soley rely on technology-lol) all current PAID orders. Begin, in order, one at a time. Work until 3pm. Facebook/email time in the evening after dinner.

Tuesday... work on custom orders and ready to ship items. Work until 3.

Wednesday... package and ship. Update order list (note in fb so customers can see where their order stands) Update paypal with tracking info. Post new items in ready to ship. This will also be house cleaning day.

Thursday... print new orders. Work on them until 3.

Friday... finish orders. Work on ready to ship. Friday night FUN! A sale, game, etc.

Saturday.... package and ship. Update List, Paypal. House work, family time. <3

So there it is. I will be happy to answer any questions you have about this. I hope that by only printing out orders to work on, I can focus better on each order and start getting things out in a timely manner again. I'm so thankful to everyone who's stuck with me through these growing pains. It really is a learning experience for me, and I hope to iron out all the details and provide the best customer service possible!
Never hesitate to shoot me an email or message asking about orders. I am human, and learning, and I do miss thigns, forget things, ya know? But I'm always honest, and never mind chatting with you :) Infact, that is why I prefer fb over etsy.

BTM Gives Back Winner

Our first winner was chosen today :)

Miss A is so super cute and we can't wait to get her Happy Box to her!

If you know a sweet girl that could use some cheering up while in the hospital please enter her! There's no cost to enter.

Check out the BTM facebook page for more info
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001353563263#!/profile.php?id=100001353563263

Bows To Match Gives Back

Last month I was contacted by a dear friend of mine. Her young son is very ill and has spent the last few months in and out of the hospital. While there, she's made friends with many other parents of sick children. As a parent of a child with a chronic genetic disease, I understand the hospital blues.

My friend was heading up to the hospital with her son for an appointment and wanted to stop by and visit her new friends. She'd asked if I could make this sweet baby girl a posy and hat combo. I couldn't stop there.



After hearing she'd enjoy anything pink, I began to find items to mix and match. This is what I ended up with.

As I was sitting here tonight I thought it would be so awesome to be able to provide a smile to more little girls in need of cheering up. So I'm starting the bows To Match Gives Back Program.

Here's how it will work:

Every month I will take entries. On the 15th of each month a winner will be chosen. The person who entered the child will be responsible to pay a $10 fee via paypal. This is to keep it honest mostly but also to help with shipping, etc. There is NO COST TO ENTER.To enter, email or message me your story. Tell me about the child you're entering for. I don't need last names, and won't publish names anywhere.... just a first initial and the story (unless you specifically state you don't mind the name being used) Pictures are welcome and encouraged, but not required. If you aren't chosen in the month, you will automatically be entered into the following months drawing. You may only win once.

Please feel free to share this with your friends. I know there is no way to send boxes to everyone who deserves one.... but I look forward to this becoming a monthly tradition at Bows To Match <3

So I was thinking.... that since Ft Lewis didn't want to include me in their holiday bazaar I'd just open my home that day to local customers!

I have a show the following weekend, and will need to do a mock up anyway.

So from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm I will have my "booth" set up at home. This will be the best time to come get a sneak peek of Christmas and other goodies.

Let me know what you think!

I've been getting a big response to the Spikies too. I've also had a few people ask for red and cheetah together, thus the above picture. :)

Catch Up

Who knew that 100 items on sale would be such a huge event!! I'm still finishing up packing orders... lol.

It was so much fun though. I am hoping to get the last few out this afternoon so I can head out and get a few more things to work on Christmas Items.
(and btw: this is the place for sneak peaks)

I'm so thankful to my great customers and their patience with me during this sale!!

1000

Yes... it's official.

I've reached One Thousand friends on my facebook page.

It's kinda not sinking in yet. I used to browse other peoples pages and marvel at how many friends they had, and how busy they were... and the length of their turn around time!

I still am not quite sure I belong in this new category. A category I made up myself.

I have been pretty consistently busy though, and that is rewarding!

To celebrate I am having a BIG sale on my facebook page tomorrow afternoon! Should be lots of fun!

Custom Orders

I *heart* custom orders and M2M requests. I really and honestly do! They are actually my favorite things to make.

However, for some reason they take me a bit longer to complete (sometimes) and I'm trying to mass produce to get ready for a show. So to help make things easier on me I will be stopping custom orders on October 20th. I will resume them probably the second week in November, once I've gotten Christmas going!

If you know me though, you know I'm a big softy.... and usually say something about "If you're in a bow needing crisis contact me and I'll see what I can do".... not this time.

So... get your orders in if you're needing something special or specific. If not, keep an eye on the ready to ship album. I will be refilling it weekly.

Fall Posies 1

Here is the first line of Shabby Posies~ Fall

They're so pretty! I love them <3







And a few more pics...





I couldn't resist sharing one of Miss Jacey Bella!

Happy Customers

I am getting really bad at updating my blog. In fact I think most of my customers are unaware I even have one.

I enjoy doing the majority of my sales on Facebook. It gives me a chance to follow up, and get to know my customers. I love love love seeing pictures of their cuties in their BTM accessories! So I started an album to keep all the cute pictures. Go check it out.

I do have permission to share a couple of them.... so here's a peek!




I'm also going to try my best to keep the blog up to date a little better. So here is some important info:

I will temporarily put custom orders on hold from Oct 20th until Nov 20th. I will however still have some ready to ship options available. I need this time to gear up for two big Holiday Bazaars.

I'm close to reaching 1000 friends on my Facebook Page, which btw is not the one at the top of this page... I like to keep things confusing! You can still get to it from there though ;) at 1,000 friends we will have some BIG fun! Be on the look out!

Mystery Boxes

So I had a big mystery box sale. It was a hit! I'm so excited I can't wait to post some pictures of the goods! If anyone is clever enough they might be able to figure out which one is theirs :)

Delays

Of course when I'm at my busiest.... I have to get knocked back down.

I *hope* this doesn't really set me back more than a day or so. I promise to keep everyone who ordered up to date on what's getting done! I try to have a quick turn around time...

What's Going On:
I have food allergies.... and I guess Soy is now forever out!

Last time I wound up in the ER with severe swelling and respiratory problems.
Wanna see?



Imagine this.... all over your body. From the top of your head, to the bottoms of your feet... and every where in between.

It's just barely starting... I loaded up on benedryl and have my steroids and epi pen handy. Here's hoping the benedryl does the trick!

MYSTERY BOX SALE!!!

To celebrate reaching 550 friends on my facebook page I'm having another SALE!

I have to give credit to my cute hubby who came up with the idea.

I will sell:

3- $15 packages

3-$20 packages

3- $30 packages

There will be NO SHIPPING COST.

The amount you receive will be well over the amount you pay. Example: a $15 box may have a few posies, a hat, and a bow or 2. A $30 package just *might* have a hat and a Bella Tee... if you include size in your message.

Here's how it will go. Send me an email @ bows2match@hotmail.com or hop on over to the fb page and send me a message there.

In your message please include- the price of package you want, who it is for(mom,baby,child,age), tell me your favorite colors, tell me you favorite BTM items.

Can't wait!! Everyone loves a good surprise!

The Bella Tee

Here it is!



After my cute model Bella Mae wore her posy filled neckline, her mom and I began getting many requests for a posy shirt.

After a day or so of thinking it over, I came up with a great idea.




So Here Are The Juicy Details!

The Bella Tee sells for:
0-2T is $25 and includes shirt or onesie and 4 posies.
3T- and up is $30 and includes a shirt and 5 posies.
Just Shirt- $10
Posy Replacement Set- $23 for 5 posies!
(reg shipping rates apply)




The posies are interchangeable!! And should be removed prior to washing to ensure they always look their best.



Interchangeable posies means once the shirts are out grown, you can just replace the shirt. Or you can have different colors of Tee, and switch posies between them! When not wearing the Bella Tee, posies can be worn in hair, on hats, or clipped just about anywhere!

Catalog Time

Catalog, brochure, fliers, called it what you like. I need one.

I got a request today to leave one with some one but didn't have one to leave.

So, now a new project. I'm thinking of starting very simple. A small binder, with color photos, prices, and info in page protectors.

Of course I'll make it nice. Beautiful pictures, nice paper. Ya know.

So that is this weeks project.... along with one other project. It's going to be another busy week! I'm thinking of having a give away too. How to enter? Send in a picture of your daughter or self wearing BTM merchandise for me to use in my catalog. <3

A SALE!!

On ........
(drum roll please)

MARIE NECKLACES!!



Yep that's right!

The new favorite for mommies. They will also make great gifts for Christmas.




There is a catch.... only the first 5 people will get this deal!



So act quickly.

Claim yours for only $20!! Shipped!



And you choose what colors you want!

Delays

I hate being held up. For a week it was buttons. Finally when the buttons arrived, I tried to get some work done, but found myself super busy and really not feeliong well. Later that night came chills and fevers and aches. I tried to tough through it but ended up in the ER sunday night.

I had to have a few proceedures, some IV antibiotics, and was sent home on major antibiotics and pain pills. My left arm (I'm left handed) is out of commission. I have to keep going back to the ER daily until things are healing better. I do however PROMISE to have everything done and delivered by tomorrow. So if you were expecting a package to be mailed on Saturday it will now be tuesday. I apologize for the delay. I really am trying!

Open House

This is just a friendly reminder! :)

Fall Open House will be this friday.

Friday, the 3rd of September.

From 6:00 to 9:30 (and any time in between)

Children are always welcome! (and really if they wish even the hubbies)

I will have some yummy treats too.

Please email for directions bows2match@hotmail.com

I do live on Fort Lewis so if you aren't military you will need a pass but it's easy I promise! Or find a military friend to bring you :)

BRING FRIENDS!!!! lol I love meeting new people. Also, don't feel pressured to spend money. I'm not all about making the sale. I'd much rather you get to come and have fun. On that note though I do take checks, cash, and credit card(via paypal).

I will have lots of things ready to take home, but will also be taking custom orders too.

If you have any questions or would like to suggest a certain color you're looking for- let me know! I will try to have options for ya.

New Things

I've thought about doing some flower necklaces, and need some advice on which direction to take them.

So.... I headed to a favorite accessory store (who shall remain nameless).

I think if I posted the prices under these it would give away the store... so we'll just say *assume these are all $50-$150*

#1


#2


#3



Does one of these jump out at you and scream "TAKE ME HOME TODAY"? If so leave me a comment so I know which one to start working on!

The Skirt

Okay. I've made it known before... I am sewing machine challenged.

It drives me crazy. I really want to be able to sew cute things. I have the ideas, and it feels like I should be able to do it.... but that dang machine!

Today it was the top thread getting stuck in the bobbin case. But never less I still produced a wearable skirt for my daughter.

Here it is



I love it! I used only materials I had on hand, which is impressive because I only have small scraps. The denim was a pair of jeans my daughter had outgrown. The waist still fit fine, but she'd outgrown the length. So I chopped it off.



The next step was to distress the denim. This is when I realised I must not be a real girly girl... I don't own a nail file. So... Sand paper ladies! That I have.

The linen is an old sample swatch from a designer friend. I have been loving finding uses for them. I cut a piece the same length as the skirt. I wanted the frayed edge. So I stitched them together that way.



The challenge was using fabric scraps I had on hand. This was hard because most all of my fabric is little tiny scraps from my sweet MIL so I can make flowers with them. (she has the best fabric stash)

I pieced together two of the ones I had the most of. Still no measuring... I just layed them together and cut. I stitched the crazy uneven pieces together end to end. I gave my first try at gathering... LOL



Wanting to keep the frayed look going I kept the ends unhemmed and just stitched around the bottom to keep it from completely unravelling on me.

All in all I am pleased with it. And it was free. I even started and finished it in one day. For me that's impressive.

I think I've decided I want a new sewing machine for my birthday.

Ditz of the Day!

The award would go to me.... who left a comment directing people to my blog to see pictures of my craftroom.... only to come and check and realize THEY AREN'T HERE!

So.... here ya go!

Rain gutters. They are theeee best ever for storing my ribbon. I need more though. You will notice at least 3 colors are missing because I'm out of room, also all my ruffle ribbon is not here.



there is a total of 10 feet of rain gutter here. It comes in 10' sections, wich hubby easily cut with a small saw into 4 2.5' sections. The end caps were the biggest expense. All this cost me about $15.00!!



My Table.... it's big. Probably way too big for this tiny space. But I need it. I'm a spreader-outter when I work. I need to have it all right infront of my in a big mess in order to get anything done. It was a craigslist find at only $20, delivered to me, with a chair. It's only flaw.... it was U-G-L-Y. It is solid wood though, so it had potential.



Can you see all the nastiness we had to sand off? I wish I had a good before picture. I'm sure I do somewhere....



More nastiness...



My cute hubby.... he spent 2 nights after work finnishing it for me.



The measuring tape is varnished into the table top. I love it! No more searching for it!



And my cute green chair!! I *heart* my cute green chair!

Fall Thinking

My vacation in california is begining to wind down now. It's time to start thinking about packing everything back up for the long drive home. I've had a nice break from life in general.

I'm ready now to get home and get busy on this years Fall pretties! I have a few ideas... still need to work out a few kinks though. I will begin planning for a Fall Open House once I get home. But here's the thing.... I want to be able to include my fellow etsy customers as well.

It won't be as special as coming to my cute house and eating yummy treats while trying out bows and flowers while the kids play. It will also lack the fun adult conversation and tour of my craftro.... closet.
----BUT----
Here's what I'm thinking..... How about a SALE? I will list my summer things along with a few new fall things at a great price on etsy or maybe play a facebook game with it. Haven't decided yet. Just because you're far away doesn't mean you're forgotten!

Just for teasers I've got some plans for cute mommy things too!

Lots of Info

Okay! It is finally vacation time! YAY!

I've decided to have another give away on my facebook page! If you're not a fan get on that so you can be included in all the fun!

Whom ever sends the most fans my way will win- but only if I make it past 75. It's simple to do:
Go "like" my fan page
Suggest the page to your friends with a little note telling them to leave a comment with who sent them my way.

That's it! You have two weeks!

Also, my Etsy store is now accessible from my facebook page. However, my store is closed until I return.

I will be re-opening on the 5th of July with some fun new things! So stay tuned!

California friends..... I will be bringing a limited number of posies to sell while I'm there. Once they are gone they're gone. Trying to clear out inventory for new stuff. I'm only bringing posies, and one special someone a couple other things.... because I'm a sucker for babies!

Fort Lewis Friends.... be looking for info on my fall kick off open house. It will be sometime in August. EEeek! I'm so excited!

Yay for Vacations!

I'm so super excited to go on my vacation!

Ofcourse, in my life, that means that this last week before I leave is jam packed full of majorly important things.

Like my son having surgery, the dog too, hubby getting sick, new carpet installed downstairs, the car registration disappearing in the mail.... the list goes on.

Also on that list- TONS of orders for bows!!

I'm working hard today to get them all done. And in the mail. Today.

Today is also the last day to place any orders for 4th of July or other. I will be closing my etsy shop and not checking emails or blog until I get back from california.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer <3

Sets

It's been a while since I've been very busy with bows. Not to say that I'm "busy" right now.... but... I had lots of fun making this darling custom set and wanted to share!





I'm thinking it would be fun to do a few in different colors to keep on etsy.

The hubby is working all night on a gaurd shift. I'm going to play!