Thursday, March 31, 2011

Addicted to Coupons!

I have always been fond of saving a dollar or two, I mean who isn't?! Now that I am on maternity leave and baby #2 is only 2 weeks away each and every dollar counts even more. A couple of girlfriends have been teaching me the ins and outs of couponing and I have become ADDICTED!

I knew that coupons were big in the United States but I wasn't aware of how many great sites/deals are out there for Canadians too. Two online coupon sites that the girls swear by are http://save.ca/ and http://brandsaver.ca/. I have ordered my coupons and can't wait for them to arrive, especially the diaper ones. I've begun to pay much closer attention to the coupons available for pick up right in the grocery store and now proudly store them in an envelope in my purse awaiting a chance to use them.

The girls and I did a coupon exchange last week, swaping and sharing coupons that we no longer needed or had extras of. With the coupons this week I saved $3 off my little guys haircut, $1.50 off of pullups and I caved to McD's craving and used the One Can Dine coupon for $4.89 (I love the nuggets which I think the combo regularly is a little over $6). I also signed up for the rewards program at Pampers.ca and have my eye on a couple of gifts for my toddler who's birthday is coming up and a Bounce Dryer Bar (I've always wanted to try one). It's not much but it's a start and by golly there is alot to learn! I would love to hear more tips, trick and advise from other coupon mammas out there.

This week I saved approx: $5.50
If I saved that every week that is $286 in savings/year

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I've been included in another Artfire Collection!


Monday, March 28, 2011

♥Baby News♥

I can't believe he's almost here!  My shop will be in a short vacation mode beginning April 11th and running until the end of the month as we prepare for the arrival of our second child. If there is something you've had your eye on now is the time to grab it. Thanks for your understanding!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Check out this beautiful Artfire Collection!


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Looking for ways to stretch your dollars?

I recently submitted a tip on how to stretch your dollars to The Entreprenette Gazette and am thrilled that it was chosen for their article on How to stretch your dollars.  Be sure to check out all of the amazing tips here and I would love to hear your own tips for making every cent count!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Artfire Top Sellers List

It has been awhile since I've had a chance to update this list and I find it super encouraging to see shops growing. This is by no means an official list, it is merely put together by yours truly through browsing the wonderful shops of Artfire and with some starter help from the AF forums. I will try and update it once a week and would love to eventually have the top sellers for each handmade category. If you would like to have your Artfire shop added please contact me through my Artfire Studio. You may have your name removed from the list at any time if you so wish, just let me know.
HANDMADE:
1) mayleesgarden (1727)
2) mysticknotwork (1243)
3)soapsmith (1183)
4) spoiledbratzwear (1039)
5) thyme2dream (594)
6) libertydoll (548)
7) normasbathandbody (480)
8) bakidagain (312)
9) paperstreet (253)
10) kibbles (228)
11) katsallthat (217)
12) canadianrockiesart (148)
13) jscjewelry (120)
14) sandrahealy (128)
15)  LAjewelrydesigns (99)

SUPPLIES:
1) lululalaland (15348)
2) miabellacollection (5904)
3) susansscrapbookshack (5776)
4) cupcakesocial (4575)
5) royalmetals (1549)
6) bobbibeads(1420)
7) tantalizingstitches (1178)
8) bopper (1046)
9) rougeriverbeads (833)
10) beadcomber (769)
11) susansheehan (585)
12) bakidagain2 (446)
13) beadsbytlc (213)
Are you on the Artfire Top Sellers list? I would love to interview you and share your journey. Contact me through my Artfire studio if you are interested.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Front Page Themes/Tags for March 13-18

Been a busy week! Thanks to all who participated in my March Madness Sale, I hope you enjoy your new goodies! Here are some of the themes and tags that made it to the front pages of Etsy and Artfire over the past week:

Etsy:
  • Flight (butterfly, spring, spring trends, nature, natural, monarch, art, handmade, vintage, decore, unique, orange, march, jewelry, accessories)
  • Meet Me at the Ocean (nautical, ocean, navy, red, yellow, anchor, sea, rope)
  • Weapon of Choice (peace, guitar, music, song, sheet music, love, hope, brown, silver, hymn)
  • Happy St. Patricks Day
  • Squares-ville (crochet, colorful, granny, square, blanket, cozy, cottage, farmhouse, bright, handmade, spring colours)
  • A Sacred Place (earthy, forest, green, moss, ivy, gold, mushroom, outdoorsy, natural, wood, rustic, woodland, lavender fields, magical, nature)
  • Spring Arrives in Shades of Blue (spring, flowers, bunnies, cornflower, aqua, women, easter, birds, white, porcelain, soft)
  • hoppity peep (bunny, rabbit, bird, peep, chick, easter, melon, green, sage, pink, yellow, vintage, spring, march trends, decor, housewares, art)
  • rustic geometry (rustic, metal, geometric, square, triangle, rustic home, vintage rustic, wood, natural, brown, warm, earth tones, march trends, geometry, minimalism, simple, midcentury modern)
  • Smells Like Happiness (march trends, woodland, forest, farmhouse, trees, nature, earth tones, neutral palette, brown, wood, birds, animals, leaves, leaf, linen, dragonflies)
Artfire:
  • Sensational Sages
  • Wood Artisan Wedding Fair
  • Natures Canvas
  • Aquamarine for the Month of March
  • Tiffany Blue
  • The Green Irish Hills
  • A Little Bit of Fire for Handmade!
  • The Art of Origami
  • Like a Rainbow
  • Trees declare Springtime
  • Stunning Earthtones
  • Black and Tan

Sunday, March 13, 2011

This Artfire Collection made it to the Front Page!!!!


Friday, March 11, 2011

New Artfire Collection! Gorgeous Greens!


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Deal of the Day for March 10!

Today take advantage of three different DEALS OF THE DAY!

In my Etsy Shop you can pick up this adorable Chef Charm Necklace for 1/2 price! That's just $4!

In my Artfire Studio you can stock up on scalloped circles today! Purchase 30 light blue scallops and get a bonus of 30 WHITE scallops. These beauties are great for making gift tags, price tags, scrapbooking, the possiblities are endless!


Last but not least be sure to stop by my Zibbet Studio where you can add a touch of colour to your spring wardrobe with these sensational purple tulip earrings for just $2!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Deal of the Day for March 9th!

Show off your crafty style with this fun Scissor Charm Necklace! Regular price $8.00 but grab it today only for 1/2 price, just $4.00!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Deal of the Day for March 8th!

Today's Deal of the Day on Etsy is this beautiful Mint Dreams Asymmetrical Necklace, regular price $15. Today only you can snag this beauty for just $8! This is a one of a kind piece so once someone's snatches it up its gone:( Also be sure to stop by the March Madness Section for 10 amazing new deals!

Monday, March 7, 2011

March Madness Event!

It's time to ring in spring with 10 days and 10 great deals! Beginning March 7th and running through until March 17th I will be offering 10 amazing items, never before available, for SUPER low prices while quantities last! In addition each day will have it's own DEAL OF THE DAY, each day different with a deal that will never be repeated again! Stop by my Etsy, Artfire and Zibbet shops and let the madness begin!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Great Gift Ideas for Mother's Day!


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Introducing Designz by Liz!

I am always thrilled to feature fellow artisans and today's featured artist is also a local! Be sure to stop by designzbyliz for a stunning selection of designs for you and your baby. Read on to learn more about this amazing artist...

What would you like people to know about you as a person?
I am truly blessed! I have 2 wonderful or I should 3 boys (including my husband). They bring me a lot of joy and happiness. My mom gave me her old sewing machine just after I was married and ever since then I have had a passion for sewing!

Tell me a bit about your art and your products? What inspires you?
I love to create modern, fashionable accessories for baby! My inspiration and I think what keeps me interested is finding new fabrics. I am continually on the lookout for new, fresh fabrics!

How do you share your creations? Where can we find you?
Word of mouth has been one of my biggest sellers!
Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dezignz-by-Liz/145865585473552

What is your most important lesson since starting your craft/ business?
Try to stay positive and enjoy what you are doing! Focusing on one product at a time!


Some fun tidbits:

-Coffee, tea or hot chocolate? hot chocolate with marshmallows and whip cream!
-Your favourite candy? definately sour keys
-Your favourite colour? yellow
-If I were to catch you grooving it would be to this song….anything classical!