It's Show Season!

(Oh, look! We still have a blog!)

It's that time of year again, when the weather starts moving away from stupid-hot and people start thinking about the holidays. It's...show season!

We took part in our first show of the season - Aim High, at the Wigwam Resort - about a week and a half ago. It was great to get out and have the chance to visit with people, and we met some really great new friends, too!

For the Aim High show we were limited to a six foot table and a few other vendors had arrived with kid's clothing, so we limited our offerings to primarily non-kids things. I was surprised by how many people we ended up talking to about our kid's stuff, though.

We debuted Benah's new coaster sets at the show, along with some new bag designs and newly redesigned packaging on our soaps. They were yummy before, but now they're extra-super-cute, too.

We had some fun new aprons, and debuted our new pillow covers, too. (Mom did some seriously gorgeous work on those pillows in the front basket. Photographs do *not* do them justice.)

We also had some new wall signs and all of our new tote bags in attendance.

We're putting a few new listings into place, but pretty much everything is available in our main shop or home shop.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It feels like it's been ages since I've posted... I'd feel like a wretched blogger, if it wasn't because I'd just been so busy. Some personal stuff, lots of shop stuff, but busy, no matter how you look at it.

A few pretty pictures of new stuff:

Mom and I have been working on some cute little zippered pouches, and they're all listed in the shop. Mom took special care with the rooster bag. Isn't he fabulous?

And I stitched up some aprons out of the owl fabric (and it's friends), and got those listed, as well. The owl apron sold within minutes of listing. WOW! I've never had something go so quickly! It was really flattering. :)

Given the response to that fabric every time I use it, I should hunt down some more. I only have a little bit left...

AND! Big news!

We've split the shop in two. All of the clothing, accessories, baby care and personal items are still listed in the original frog loves monkey Etsy shop. But, since it seemed to be getting a bit cluttered, decorative items like pillow covers, pot holders, bunting and wall art have been moved over to the new frog loves monkey HOME shop. We're working to flesh it out and fill it up, and there should be all kinds of neat new items over there soon. :)

Friday Feature - Ratcha, from DooDesign

This week, I'm very excited to introduce Ratcha, from DooDesign. Ratcha makes some of the most adorable items I've come across on Etsy, and I'm thrilled that she's sharing a bit of her story with us. :)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mom with two children. I am 40 years old. I grew up with an average family in a small town in northern Thailand. My mother is a seamstress and she has a sewing shop and native fabric store and it grew up, respectively. So, I learned many things from my mother about sewing in my childhood. After graduated a degree in fine arts, I had the opportunity to work in clothing design at Department of Export Promotion and Design Institute of Lanna in Chiangmai. Currently, I am working helping my brother in his Buddha factory as the export assistance.

When did you first begin creating?

As I can remember, I have started to build lots of things when I was young, I remember that I love to do a floating basket "Krathong" is made from banana leaves, and I do it sale in the festival as well. But, if it is to create products to sell in my store. I started creating it around 6-7 months ago.

What led you to open a shop for your art/craft?

Because have time for family and spending time at home enough. I use materials I have and bought some to produce as the product that I feel is valuable because it is a craft that anyone may be looking for. It is a great way to make money without having to go out. And it is the inspiration to lead me open the shop.

What is a typical work day like for you?

Part is that my responsibility as an employee in my brother’s factory. Another part is work that I am responsible for my children and parents as a daughter and a mom.

How do you juggle the many tasks of running a creative business?

My job is not that big and too much busy. So it is not difficult to manage or plan. I just think of what I will need to do tomorrow, supply of materials and creating when I have time. That is simple of care and manages to create my product each and every day.

What is your favorite item that you’ve created, ever?

It is the handbag that I have sold out. I created 2 handbags with wooden handles different color. One I placed in my shop. And the other one I gave to my mother a birthday present to her.

What is your favorite item in your shop, now?

My favorite item is the pink handbags with 2 fabric flowers that I have left 1 in my shop. It took time to create and I do like the silk flowers as well.

Is there anything that you would like to learn or do to expand on or improve what you create now?

No… ^_^

What advice would you share with other artists/crafters who sell their items?

Try to find time to learn and view the results of your friend seller and communication, exchange of ideas, talk or share links or blocks. And especially is community. Social network is another way to communicate news to the people in our world to let them know your shop.

Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy cooking, sporting, and taking a photograph everywhere I go.

If you could do anything at all, what would it be? Why?

Hahaa…ok. I wanted to create a new world of freedom, with the smile of the people. I believe this makes our planet livable. The problem with people in society came from "people" as the cause. The selfishness of the people caused by the violence. At the same time I do not want the flood, storm, earthquake or other natural disasters that cause the loss, fear it means the suffering of the people.

Where would you travel if time and money were no object? Why?

I would like to go to the beach or find beautiful island somewhere in the world. I will need to feel relax, no need to be worried for anything. Just lay down and do what ever I want to do.

Where can we find you online? (Etsy shop, blog, etc)

Etsy: http://www.doodesign.etsy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/DooDesign/337006332976116
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/doodesignshop
Blog: http://ratchaleonard.blogspot.com
Blog: http://doodesignshop.worldpress.com

Thank you, Ratcha, for taking the time to share a bit about yourself and your process!

Friday Feature - Kendra, from Copper Tree Art

This week, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kendra, from Copper Tree Art.

If you're a fan of the bohemian, you'll love her jewelry. If you love earthy jewelry, you'll love the pieces that she makes. From rings to bracelets to necklaces to earrings, the items that she hand crafts are both unique and lovely.

And she's been kind enough to answer some questions. :)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I currently live in Southern California. I am a dolphin trainer and have a huge heart for animals!

When did you first begin creating?

I have always had a creative side to me. From a young age I enjoyed arts and crafts and often made my own clothes and jewelry so that I could tailor it to my style.

What led you to open a shop for your art/craft?

I started taking metalsmith jewelry classes a few years ago and fell in love with it. I began making jewelry for myself, but often got asked if I sold my jewelry by friends and family. That led me to start selling my jewelry at a local farmers market and then open my etsy page.

What is a typical work day like for you?

I've very fortunate to train dolphins for a living. It is a dream job for me that allows me to swim with these animals everyday!

How do you juggle the many tasks of running a creative business?

My jewelry making has become a passion of mine. When I have free time, I love to go down stairs to my studio and create new pieces. Some weeks I get a lot of jewelry made, and other weeks I don't have time to work on it at all.

What is your favorite item that you’ve created, ever?

I love patinas, they are unpredictable and result in beautiful and colorful pieces. My favorite pieces to wear are my patina necklaces.

What is your favorite item in your shop, now?

Currently, my blue moonstone ring is my favorite item in my shop!

Is there anything that you would like to learn or do to expand on or improve what you create now?

I take a metalsmith class every week which helps me constantly learn new techniques and have a group of women to bounce design ideas off of.

What advice would you share with other artists/crafters who sell their items?

Promote your work, and create what you love! I wear all of my jewelry which helps me promote it!

Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?

I'm an avid animal lover and enjoy listening to music and going to concerts.

If you could do anything at all, what would it be? Why?

I would love to travel more. I recently got the opportunity to travel to India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. It was an incredible experience and has given me the itch to travel more!

Where would you travel if time and money were no object? Why?

Australia, I want to dive on the great barrier reef.

Where can we find you online?

My Etsy shop is www.coppertreeart.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Copper-Tree-art-jewelry/232523256821023

Thank you for sharing your art and your time, Kendra!

Friday Feature - Marnie, from ReWoolables

For our very first Friday Feature, I'd like to introduce...Marnie, from ReWoolables!

Marnie creates items that are both beautiful and extremely useful (eyeglass cases or wallets, anyone?) out of wool that she's reclaimed and felted herself. She's answered some questions to give us an in depth look at who she is and what she does.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m currently a SAHM, but used to teach mathematics at the local high school. I met my husband on an archaeological field school (aka – ‘learn how to dig’) while at college. He is an archaeologist. Yes, I live in Indiana and thus, I’m married to Indiana Jones.

When did you first begin creating? 

I’ve always been ‘crafty’. For my bedroom as a kid, my dorm room at college, at home, for my classroom...

What led you to open a shop for your art/craft?

Long story short – holding a load of wool sweaters, struggling to keep my 1st felted wool purse I made on my arm, and wearing a sweater I made from 4 other discarded sweaters while standing in line at Goodwill, a woman figured out that I must be purchasing these things to make stuff. (What tipped her off, I wonder? Ha-ha) She asked if I would be willing to sell some items in her shop. And I was off and sewing!

What is a typical work day like for you?

Get the kid to school, come back to the house and tidy up the least I can without still being disgusted, check email / do the social media thing, run errands, sew. Or…now that weather is nice, I try to get out and tend to my gardens. Some days I have more time to sew than others.

How do you juggle the many tasks of running a creative business?

Fortunately, hubby likes to do the website stuff. I can’t stand it. Second, I’m not looking to make a million dollars, so I just do what I can when I can and have to be happy with that. I feel that I could do better and more…but at what cost? Something would suffer. The house already does! (Ha!)

What is your favorite item that you’ve created, ever?

A funky scrap patchwork pillow from wool sweaters.

What is your favorite item in your shop, now?

Honestly, I think my polka dotted book mark because it is so simple and an excellent way to use up my scraps.

Is there anything that you would like to learn or do to expand on or improve what you create now?

I just purchased a serge or over lock machine. I haven’t a clue how to use it. Egad.

What advice would you share with other artists/crafters who sell their items?

When the thread keeps breaking, you snap a needle, you sewed it the wrong way…all in the same day…take a break. The universe is trying to tell you to recharge.

Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?

Gardening. Reading. Playing with herbs for home remedies.

If you could do anything at all, what would it be? Why?

This is going to sound so mundane. I would hire a personal chef and maid. I detest grocery shopping, planning meals, and cleaning the house.

Where would you travel if time and money were no object? Why?

Ireland. Germany. Scotland. Britain. I am fascinated with the Medieval Ages. I would like to visit old castles, ruins, and villages that are standing after 700 years. The lush green of Ireland with all the stone walls, little cottages just soothes my soul when I look at the pictures. I love folklore and mystique. I want to see a fairy! So, I better go to Ireland.

Where can we find you online?

On Twitter: @ReWoolables
On Facebook: facebook.com/ReWoolables
My website which is just a “here I am” kinda thing right now…ReWoolables.com
I am soon to launch a blog on that site!
And on Etsy – Etsy.com/ReWoolables.

Thank you, Marnie, for being our very first featured artist!

Featured at Kindred Images and Creations!

Lookie! Another feature! (I'm starting to feel super flattered by all of the attention!)

We were given the Friday Feature spot over at Kindred Images and Creations today.

I love her blog. Not only does she do beautiful work (go check out her shop!), but she also puts a lot of focus on other artists, which is really awesome both because it's terribly kind and because it's great to stumble across awesome things that I might not find via my normal routes.

Featured at Simply Cherise!

Oops! Somehow I forgot to post this yesterday, but we were featured over at Simply Cherise this week!

She's got a really nice blog (as well as her own Etsy shop).

If you're in business for herself, I recommend checking out the post she wrote just prior to our feature. She talks about putting together a manual for keeping her business running while she's out of commission. Not at all kidding when I say this is something that's weighed heavily on my mind at times. Makes for a thought-provoking read.

Oh! And to end on a light note, we have a coupon code running with the feature. Just type in FEATURE15 at checkout, and you'll receive 15% off of your purchase. The code's only good through April 19th, though! Don't miss out!

Etsy Treasuries

Thanks to Craft Cult, it's possible to do a search and get these cool widgets if you've been featured in an Etsy treasury. Which is kind of a neat way to remember the collections.

Some of our stuff has been featured since the last treasury post. :)


(Featuring our Lemon Sea Salt Scrub.)


(Featuring our Orange Sugar Scrub.)


(Featuring our Orange Sugar Scrub.)

I'm kind of sensing a theme with the sugar scrubs here...

Soap Giveaway

What? Another giveaway? Already?

I know, we just did one. Well, two, actually. And now we're offering another giveaway.

I haven't gone nuts, really, but I did want to try out the Facebook-approved giveaway app, since they've put some guidelines into place. (I don't *think* I was breaking the rules before...) It's...interesting.

I will admit right up front that I don't like the look of it, and I'm not fond of the interface. It looks...cheap and kind of spammy to me. I entered the giveaway that an Etsy cohort is running and it doesn't seem to actually BE spammy, but if this app were a person, I would probably describe them as "smarmy". Does that even make any sense?

Anyway. The point was to talk about the giveaway, not bash an app. ;) So.

We're doing a giveaway! This time it's for three full-sized soap cakes (approx 3 oz each), flavor chosen by the winner from the list found at the Etsy shop. (Available flavors can he found in this listing, here.)

If you'd like to enter, visit here and follow the directions.

Contest runs through April 15, and supposedly the app will randomly choose a winner. As a bonus, if you refer your friends to the contest and one of them happens to win - you get a set of soaps, too!

Good luck and we'll announce a winner on the 16th!

Giveaway Goodies

I'd wanted to post about the giveaway winner as soon as Kari made the announcement, but since Lisa requested a specially made item, I didn't want to give away the surprise until she'd received hers. If you've been following our facebook page at all, you've likely already seen the pictures, but for everyone else...

Lisa requested a skirt for her four year old, who likes pink and purple and who she described as very girly. The skirt got such a good response from our resident four year olds, that I decided to go ahead and list it in the Etsy shop, too.

The bad news? I've made an identical skirt for another four year old who fell in love with it...and can't get any more of the fabric. Gah! I'll keep my eyes open, but it looks like this one was a limited run. ;)

Stuff for boys!!

As a mom, it's been frustrating for me that most of the super duper "ohmygoshthat'sSOcute" kids clothes that I've seen have been for girls. I mean, it rocks for my daughter, but not so much for my son. And he's got some fashion sense so, even at four, he's kind of noticed.

When he was a tiny little thing, I didn't trust my pattern-making skills quite as much as I do now. And store bought boys patterns...blah. The pattern books were pretty much filled with exactly the same vest and pajama pants patterns that had been there when I was growing up. Nothing terribly exciting, and nothing that my son was much interested in asking me to make for him.

Enter lounge pants.

At four, my son still wants "soft pants" - cotton or knit pants that are comfortable and allow him plenty of room to move around and run and climb without hindrance. His fashion sense wants them to be cute.

These puppies fit the bill:

They're made from 100% cotton with contrast pocket and cuffs. The pockets are perfectly sized for die-cast metal cars, which turned out to be a huge bonus. they're also lined and reinforced, so they're strong enough to tote around a handful of rocks when that need seizes him. The cuffs are stitched, so they won't get floppy or gather dirt, and are also lined, so the pants still look finished if they need to be rolled to allow for growth. A wide, elastic waistband keeps the pants in place without rolling or biting into his skin. He says they're "really, really comfortable". (And, while it's not so much a concern for us, the roomy seat makes them great for wear with cloth diapers on littler ones.)

After talking him into slowing down long enough to take some pictures, he refused to take them off, so I'm calling these a success!

At the moment, there are two styles available in the Etsy shop.

According to my daughter, the green lounge pants are also awesome for girls. ;)

More Treasuries!

It looks like frog loves monkey has been included in ELEVEN treasuries over on Etsy.  That's actually really flattering. :)

Here are a few that I missed posting on the blog.















Thanks for the inclusion, everyone!

Body Scrubs

Thanks to the success of our soaps (and, let's be honest, all the great pictures on Pintrest), I decided awhile ago to dabble in body scrubs.  This is one of those areas where R&D ended up being a whole lot of fun.  I did a lot of reading up on the subject, looked at a ton of really pretty pictures, took a whole bunch of notes, gathered some supplies and spent an afternoon with my mom and sister, mixing things up and testing them out.  It was a blast.  We discovered some ingredients that should *never* be mixed together, but also found some combinations that we really liked.

Here are the best, currently available in the Etsy store:

(The low down: All of these scrubs are made from 100% all natural ingredients, no chemicals or yucky preservatives.  They include skin-safe essential oils and, in some instances, plant-based colorants. They wouldn't taste good, but are safe enough to eat.  Full ingredient lists are included on the packaging or are available upon request.  Packaged in 4 oz shower-safe jars.)

Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub 

This one is my personal favorite.  It smells so good and leaves my skin SO soft and smooth!

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

This one's a great wake-me-up, for your senses and your skin.  Especially nice for use on legs and feet.

Orange Sugar Scrub

This is another that's going to wake up your senses - a nice splash of citrus to start off your day.

Lemon Sea Salt Scrub

Sugar scrubs are great, but sometimes a good salt scrub is really what you need.

And, just in case none of these flavors grab you, we have several other flavors in the works - including a really interesting coffee combination.

Dedicated Site On Hold

Just a head's up that, for the time being, froglovesmonkey.com has been put on hold.

I haven't been able to flesh it out quite the way I wanted, and I'd rather not have a subpar website out there. ;) You can still find all the goodies over at the Etsy store, and for folks near Phoenix, at Henny & Ev in Glendale! Also, be sure to "like" our Facebook page for information on items before they're listed elsewhere.

Check us out on The Elephant Nest

frog loves monkey is getting it's very first blog feature today! Yay!



Check us out on The Elephant Nest, and make sure to take advantage of our celebratory coupon code. Check out with "elephant15" at either the Etsy shop or froglovesmonkey.com and you'll get 15% off of your entire purchase - including those sale prices amber necklaces! The coupon code is valid through Saturday, July 16th.

And, while visiting The Elephant Nest, make sure to check out some of Casey's tutorials - the cupcakes she put together for Valentine's Day are particularly lovely!

Two Treasuries!

Check this out...widgets for Etsy treasuries! And there are TWO currently up with frog loves monkey items. Sweet. :)


(That's the Meow Skirt up there.)


(And the yummy hemp soap.)

A Very Quick Update

I wish I had some pictures to show of things that are in the works...but I'm afraid that it would just look like a bunch of clutter!

It's been a busy, busy day here. Giveaway goodies went to the post office, I did a whole bunch of research into some possible new items, made two batches of soap, have some supplies ordered, some on-hold projects gathered together again, and a whole load of new items ready to be listed in the store tomorrow (or as quickly as time allows - there's a lot!).

I've been looking over and loving all of the comments from the Giveaway Day entries. And moving forward on some really great ideas! I'm so very excited about taking these next steps with frog loves monkey, and hope you all will be, too. :)

And the Winners are...

Thank you all SO much to everyone who visited the blog (and the shops and the facebook page!) and entered to win the giveaway! 116 entries! Wow!

I especially appreciate the feedback on both the Etsy store and the dedicated webpage. There were some fantastic suggestions made, and some of them will be acted on immediately. ;) It's going to take me a little while to work through all of the comments that were made, but I'll be spending some time blogging and emailing today. :)

Now, on the part you've been waiting for... Winners!

I used Random.org to choose the winners, but I can't figure out how to post the screen shot. So I hope that you can all trust me on this.

Our first winner is #34...Cass, who will be receiving the hippo skirt of her choice. Cass, I'll be email you for specifics. :)

Our second winner is #57...Mama Gone Green, who will be receiving a selection of soaps. I'll email a listing of all available soap flavors and to get your address.

Congratulations to both of you and, again, thank you to everyone who entered the drawing!

It's Giveaway Day!

If you're here as part of the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day - welcome!

Please have a look around, and sign up for the giveaway!

frog loves monkey is drawing for TWO winners. That's right, two winners!

Item #1 up for grabs: one of our popular hippo skirts, made to your size specifications. You can choose between green or red hippo fabric, and the skirt can be made for either a child or an adult.

Item #2: a selection of handmade soaps from the frog loves monkey shop. Pick three in your favorite flavors - you won't be disappointed!

So, what do you have to do to enter the drawing?

#1 - Be a follower of the frog loves monkey blog. Just post saying that you're a follower, and if you're hoping to win the skirt or the soaps.

Want more than one entry? You've got it! For additional entries, one more per extra thing you've done (please post for each letting me know what you've done, so there's an extra entry logged), you can...

#2 - Check out our brand new dedicated website at froglovesmonkey.com and poke around. Tell me your favorite item or what you'd hope to see in a store of this type.

#3 - "Like" the frog loves monkey facebook page.

#4, 5 and 6 - Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway.

Bonus #7 entry - Check out the frog loves monkey Etsy page (sad though it is at the moment) and comment on it here.

Please make sure that I have some way of contacting you! It's no good to win if I can't find you!

The legal bits... This giveaway is open from right now on May 23rd through May 25th. (I'll post here to shut it down in the wee hours of May 26th.) Two winners will be selected randomly from all entries and the winners announced on the blog. Winnings will be in the mail on or before May 30th so that you can start enjoying your goodies.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck! (And be sure to check out the giveaway at Searching for the Good, too!)

Another Treasury!

frog loves monkey has been included in another Etsy treasury - yay!

Thanks to StacyLeighDesigns for including our Meow Skirt in your "A Cat and Mouse Game"!