New Website!

I now have a second website for my digitized embroidery designs, Trendy Tykes Designs. You will find quality designs for infants, toddlers and children. Some of the artwork is exclusively created for Trendy Tykes Designs. Please check out the new site at: http://www.ttykesdesigns.com

Please share the link with all your friends and family. I will be offering a 2 day only Grand Opening sale starting Sat., Dec. 3rd at 12:00 a.m. EST and ending Mon., Dec. 5th at 12:00 a.m. EST. You will save 20% on all purchased sets and 10% on all purchased single designs. Use the following coupon codes: "Sets" & "Singles" at check out.

http://www.embroidables.com/store.php?page=affiliateprogram&commission=cashcommission&commissionemail=lori@ttykes.com&popup=1&cid=31321

Do you have a lot of friends or family that love machine embroidery? In case you are not aware of Embroidables affiliate & commission program here is there link. Their embroidery designs stitch out beautifully and I have never had any problems with their down loads.

http://www.embroidables.com/store.php?page=affiliateprogram&commission=cashcommission&commissionemail=lori@ttykes.com&popup=1&cid=31321

New Website

I knew it was a long time since my last post, but I was quite shocked to see it was as far back as Aug. I'm sure there are many of you that are in the same situation being a "one man band" with only so many hours in the day to do it all.  I do however have a few good excuses for my absence. I have a brand new redesigned website as of today. I am so proud of the work that I and others have done on this and I can't wait for you to see it. Please check it out at:  http://www.ttykes.com

If you liked my digitized embroidery designs along with the "freebies" and don't see them on the new site...NO WORRIES! I am working on a second website for just the designs. It will simply be called Trendy Tykes Designs. Hopefully I will be announcing that new website in a couple of weeks.

I hope you will share Trendy Tykes website with all your friends and family. Just for checking out my post I want to welcome you back with a coupon to use on my new site. If you make a purchase, just enter the coupon code WELCOME in the appropriate box in your shopping cart. I have some new items and more to come soon. I will be adding items soon to my new Made to Match category. Here you will find items to match for Moms and Daughters and Fathers and Sons. They can also be a great gift for grandparents!

I've been working overtime to get items made and into a couple of stores. One is Oggi's, here in Michigan and the other is American Artwork Gallery in Forrest Park, IL. If you live around either area I hope you will visit these stores and see not only my unique quality items, but all the other fabulous artists wares.

Thanks for visiting today. I'll be back soon!

Lori

The Best FREE Craft Articles: Applique Embroidery Designs by Serena Smith of Emb...

The Best FREE Craft Articles: Applique Embroidery Designs by Serena Smith of Emb...: Stitching applique designs on your sewing machine is a neat technique to combine many of your favorite fabrics. Combine applique fabrics ...

Princess Playwear Jacket

I just sold my 1st "personalized" Princess Playwear Jacket and wanted to post pictures. Although this jacket is very labor intensive, I just love making it! It was great personalizing this one. To see more information please stop by my online stores at:
http://www.ttykes.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttykes

Social Media

I want to open up a discussion about Social Media. How many hours per week do you spend on it? What works and what doesn't for you?

So far I personally have not found a connection between Social Media and Sales. That however doesn't mean that I will abandon my efforts. We get bombarded by the self proclaimed social media experts that it is a crucial part of your business. There are constantly new campaigns online or webinars, downloads or presentations on how to stay on top of the game.

Is it true that these experts are helping you grow your business or are they profiting from selling the idea that it will? I guess we each have to decide how much valuable time we can take away from productivity and not get hooked every new Social Media fad.


So I've decided to keep this short and get onto what makes money for my business! Your comments would be appreciated.

Making Your Content Go Viral - Marketing & Sales

Making Your Content Go Viral - Marketing & Sales

EtsyKids Treasury Team: Gear Up Your Princess Even On a Pauper's Budget!

EtsyKids Treasury Team: Gear Up Your Princess Even On a Pauper's Budget!: "The last week of EtsyKids Christmas in July Sales is here--get in on these prices before time runs out! Most EtsyKids sales end on July 31!..."

American Artworks Gallery, Ltd.

I am very excited to announce that I now have some of my items for sale at American Artworks Gallery, Ltd. Owned and operated by Lisa Dodge who supports over 40 artists and artisans by making their pieces available to buy in a welcoming space located at 7314 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130.  

You'll love shopping at American Artworks Gallery because it is such a friendly atmosphere. Lisa is wonderful and will help you find just the right item for your needs. You will find a wide variety of exquisite handmade goods including clothes, hand blown glass, pottery, paintings, jewelry and other pieces to tempt even the most discriminating shopper.

If you live in the Chicago area stop by and see Trendy Tykes items along all the other very unique items created by very talented artists. Or you can find more info at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Artworks-Gallery

A very valuable article worth sharing.

Determining Your True Worth as a Business and a Creator

by Andrea Mansfield / Jun 29.11

I find the one word no one in a small business enjoys saying, let alone being inspired by is, “money”. I was the same way! I knew it was going to be crucial when I launched my business to get money savvy so I spent a little time every day getting comfortable with my value and true worth.

Many creative businesses want to see their hard work pay off, want to revel in their customers taking their creations home, and eventually they get around to thinking about their craft as a business. Moving from creative hobbyist to creative business owner is a shift only you can make and when you do you will be quick to judge your own worth.

Today I want to encourage you to determine your worth by evaluating what it is you are offering your customers-your expertise. Using low cost as a “unique” selling point will only devalue your hard work. You will be creating more for less and your process can be compromised. And there are plenty of inexpensive, cheap, on sale products similar to yours no matter what you create. You should want your customers to only have the BEST of what you can do.  And your best is not cheap.

Yes, you can still promote your products with discounts or sales, participating in programs such as Meylah’s Exclusive Deals, Heartsy, or Quite Unique.  The key is to find the right balance in the frequency of your promotions, being careful not to devalue your work.  You should be getting paid the full value of your work the majority of the time!

Let your expertise in your craft guide your true worth. Narrow your scope and learn all you can--that is a specialty!

When you declare your true worth I promise there will be the ideal customers waiting to buy from you-these ideal customers allow you to take your time honing your craft, give you time to burrow deep into your industry, while being able to be a one-person business! What do these ideal customers do? They pay you.

Would you rather 100 customers who pay you $1 each, or 1 customer who pay you $100?

Think about what it is you want to accomplish with your craft-Why you create it and why you sell it may be two different reasons, what are they? Are you comfortable producing and selling your work or should you reserve some mediums for yourself?

There is no value in trade. There is no value in free. And there is no value in cheap. Make your worth real--how much do you want to earn? Make it happen!

Etsy Kids

I am a proud new member of Etsy Kids. If you haven't checked out Etsy Kids http://etsykids.com now it's time to see what all of the talented artists on this site have to offer. I look forward to build my page and connect with everyone associated with Etsy Kids.

Etsy Kids is a great site to showcase your work if you make handmade items for kids. There are so many wonderful items. Not an artist of kids wares? It's a fantastic place to shop for very unique items for your children or special gift items.

Sewing an Invisible Zipper with Regular Zipper Foot - Fabric.com Blog

Sewing an Invisible Zipper with Regular Zipper Foot - Fabric.com Blog

Trendy Tykes 1 year Anniversary

It's hard to believe it's been a year since I started my Trendy Tykes business. If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. Fortunately I am blessed to be able to do what I love.

However, selling only online does have it's challenges. The social media work involved in an online business can be a full time job in its self. So for those of you who strictly sell online as I do you know that it takes more than a 40 hr. work week to make a go of it. It can be hard if you have a HANDMADE business juggling your production and social media. I am still trying to figure out the perfect balance.

To celebrate Trendy Tykes Anniversary I am having a big SALE starting April 29 through May 2. Please stop by my website or my Etsy store to take advantage of the big discounts!

http://www.ttykes.com 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttykes 

All items except for Embroidery Designs will be on sale. If an item is sold you can request it custom made by contacting me at: lori@ttykes.com  (this does not apply to "one of a kind" items)

I'm Back!!!

Hello to all my blogging friends. I've missed you!

I was out of town for awhile to take care of our 24 yr. old son Jake who was in the hospital for a week and then needed 24 hour care after his discharge. We are very blessed to still have him with us. It was an experience I hope to never go through with a child again. All the moms out there can certainly appreciate how it feels to be caring for a sick child. I would sincerely like to thank all of you who sent well wishes our way during our son's recovery.

I am so glad to be back doing what I love. If you haven't visited my blog or website in awhile you might not know about my new Monster Jammerz™ line. They are simple adorable and so soft that any toddler would love to have them. I sell matching pajamas too! You can check them out on my website or my Etsy storefront here:

http://www.ttykes.com 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttykes


Also please mark your calendars for Trendy Tykes 1 yr. Anniversary Sale starting April 29 thru May 2. All items will be 20% off!

Monster Jammerz™

It's been awhile since my last blog. That's because I have spent the last several weeks creating my new product line Monster Jammerz™.

It's no secret that your little one can get uptight from things that go BUMP in the night. So is it any wonder they may need a special friend and protector at bedtime?

Meet Raz, Umphf, and Gurt. Soft, cuddly, cute little Monster Jammerz™ these three brave and fearless monster fighters keep ghosts and goblins away. Loved by kids, feared by monsters, Monster Jammerz™ are just the thing for a happy bedtime.

All three Monster Jammerz™ are lovable plush toys, full of magic and soon to become your child's best friend and protector.

Available as individual stuffed toys, pajamas or as part of a toy and pajama set. Monster Jammerz™ toys and clothing will make your little one happier and feel more secure at bedtime, or anytime.

These adorable Monster Jammerz™ are unique. They come with a very detailed embroidered monster on both the top and bottoms of the pajamas. The Monster Jammerz™ plush toy have embroidered applique faces for a unique look.

Monster Jammerz™ can be purchased as a set or single. The pajamas are available in sizes 3T, 4T & 5 and are made to order.

Order one or all here: http://www.ttykes.com

Monster Jammerz(TM) RAZ

It won't be long now before Raz will be joined by 2 other Monster Jammerz (TM), Umphf & Gurt along with the rest of my new product line. I want to give a BIG shout out to Mary from Everafterfabrics who supplies my little Monsters with their comfy outerwear. http://www.etsy.com/shop/everafterfabrics?page=5#


She has very fun fabric and I would highly recommend visiting her Etsy shop.

Don't forget to keep checking my blog each week for the next clue to have a chance to win an item from this new product line. The fun thing is you get to pick which item you want!

Have a great day!

Handmade Costs vs. Bargain Prices

Ok, I'm sure I'm not the first person to blog on this subject, but I have to get my frustrations out somehow and unfortunately my blog readers get to hear them if they decide to read this blog.

My intention here is not to offend all the bargain hunters out there, but for you to take pause and consider the importance of those of us trying to sell our unique goods and make it our livelihood doing so.

I love a bargain just as much as the next person, but I also really appreciate good quality handmade goods. By good quality I mean that the materials used are not cheap or poorly made. That however increases the price of the item along with the time it takes to make it. If it's handmade and not massed produce it will cost more even though your labor per hour is minimal. Personally I love what I do so much that I don't think about what I make per hour. If that was my concern I wouldn't be doing it. It's not about the money. It's about wanting to share what you create with those that appreciate unique quality goods.

We get upset that so many jobs are lost to other countries, but we don't want to pay what it cost to make things here in the USA. It's a huge problem, I know. I don't have all the answers, but I hope you will appreciate all the small businesses trying to make a living with quality handmade goods.

Ahhhh......now that I got that off my chest I can get back to work! Have a great day and buy Handmade in the USA!!!

Congratulations! We have a winner of the contest.

Congratulations to Kristinia LeAnna Reynolds! She has just won "Raz" one of 3 Monster Jammerz (TM). These are adorable plush toys made of quality materials. BUT WAIT!!! Don't stop entering the contest because this is only part of the new line! Watch for more clues next week! I would like to thank the artist, Christy Beckwith at: http://cbeckwith.com/ for my exclusive artwork.

Guess the New Product Line Week 2

Ok, I have 1537 friends on FB (YAY), 109 replies, with 1395 waiting for a reply to this contest! Don't miss out on this fun contest because even adults will like the prize and if you don't you can give it away or donate it to a special cause.

NEXT CLUE:  Furry


 

Guess the New Product Line Contest!

Can you guess Trendy Tykes NEW product line? Watch here for weekly clues or go to my FB Event page:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=190707024289472

The first lucky person to guess will win one (1) item from my new product line. Of course friends and family who already know about the line are prohibited. (Yes, I do know who you are)!

The contest will run from now until March 17th, 2:00 p.m. EST.

You may guess as many times as you wish by leaving a comment here or on my FB page at the link above.

FIRST CLUE:  SOMETHING THAT GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT?

A story from Hawthorne Threads

Here is a wonderful story I read which brought back so many memories of all the days I spent sewing with my mother.  I want to share this in hopes that some young people out there will have the chance to be inspired like I was. What a special way to spend precious moments with your children. Thanks Hawthorne Threads for sharing your story.  http://www.hawthornethreadsblog.com/2011/01/another-year-over-and-a-new-one-just-begun.html

New Free Machine Embroidery Design

Please follow this link: http://ttykes.com/detail/?id=207 to download my Free Design Dancer 1