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!

It's Giveaway Day!

***The Giveaway Day post is now CLOSED. I'll announce the winner soooooon! Thank you and good luck to everyone who stopped by and decided to enter!***

I'm so excited...today kicks of May Giveaway Day, hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew! (If you've come over from there, hello and welcome! If you've just stopped by, I encourage you to check out the rest of the blogs, here. You won't be disappointed!)

Now, on to the good stuff...

For Giveaway Day, I'm offering up one of the popular frog loves monkey medallion pillow covers. The winner will be able to specify their preferences (12, 14, 16, or 18 inch cover, and bird, butterfly or flower medallion) and I'll make a pillow to suit their decorating desires. Some examples:

What do you have to do to enter the giveaway? Not much. Just reply to this post and let me know your favorite color, because I'm curious about that sort of thing. :) If you'd like, you can follow the blog or like our facebook page for extra entries, just leave a new post here for each to let me know which you've done. Just make sure that I have a way to contact you, and that's it!

Entries are open from right now through May 25. (In all honesty, until I can get to the computer on the 26th.) I'll choose a winner at random and make an announcement on May 26 or 27, and get the pillow cover made as soon as the winner and I figure out the design.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by! Now, go enter more giveaways! (And be sure to visit my personal blog and enter the giveaway there, too!)

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!

Craft Hope: Project 17 (Part II)

The first of the aprons is done!

I've made aprons before, but I'm kind of letting the fabrics speak to me on these, so they're each coming along at their own pace and in their own way. I'm pleased with how the first turned out. :)

It's kind of a "craft" style apron, with the bottom owl fabric divided into three deep pockets across the front. I figure that will allow the wearer plenty of room for cooking gear, craft supplies (because those are being carried over, too), or whatever she might need to get out of her hands in a moments notice. Pockets are lined, and the body of the apron is lined, too. Everything is double stitched. I wanted this puppy to be *sturdy*, so it can provide lots of use.

Want to see what other people are sending in? There are even tutorials, to get you inspired. ;)

Jenn at Things That Make...Life Worth Living is going great guns on her aprons. She's even making them reversible!

Kristin posted a great picture of her apron on the Craft Hope facebook page, and linked to the tutorial she used, here.

Amber at Obsessive Compulsive Randomosity made a super cute apron out of a fat quarter (!!) and gives a tutorial on it, too.

Craft Hope is collecting aprons until the end of the month (though Haiti by Hand, who is delivering the aprons, will be collecting through June), so I'm sure there will be more great aprons and tutorials posted!

Craft Hope: Project 17 (Part I)

About a year or so ago (maybe it was closer to two?), I stumbled over Craft Hope. I don't remember how anymore, but I was terribly impressed with the work that they do, and how their movement seems to be growing by leaps and bounds with each new project that they take on.

I haven't been able to take part in every project, but the kids and I did some work on Project 12. (Blogged about that on my personal blog, here and here.)

The best reason that I can give for taking part in outreach projects like this is still how I stated it originally: "There are many days that I'm reminded that, as little as it feels like we have some times, as tight as our budget might be, we are SO SO SO very lucky to have the lives that we have here. And I like the idea of being able to share...something...with someone else who might need it. I can't donate large funds, but I can make stuff with my hands and my heart."

With Project 17: Aprons for Haiti, I felt called to jump in, again. I'm considering this a frog loves monkey outreach opportunity because, when I mentioned it to Mom (somewhat apologetically, because we have so many plans for things we haven't gotten to yet), she was totally, 100% on board.

So, we're making aprons! And lots of them, hopefully.

I picked up two fabric bundles yesterday, specifically for the project.

I LOVE the colors in this bundle. They're so bright and happy!

And this set really called out to me. I think the owls are adorable, and I absolutely adore the plaid. One thing that's interesting about this set is that it's a tiny bit metallic, which I didn't originally notice. The green fabric is printed with slightly metallic butterflies (almost impossible to see in the photo, even though there was great natural light), and the blue feathers in the feather fabric is slightly silver. It's kind of neat. Not glaringly metallic at all.

I've already started cutting fabric and hope to start cranking out aprons pretty much immediately.

Want to get involved? Check out the Craft Hope facebook page (their main site was often-hacked and is being reconstructed at the moment), and look for the info on the Events page. I believe the mailing deadline is the last day of May, so there's still time to get an apron stitched up and in the mail!

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. ;)

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.

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!)

Are you a Facebook friend?

Have you "liked" the frog loves monkey Facebook page? If not, be sure to drop by and click that button. From time-to-time there will be information there that doesn't make it to the blog. ;)

Hemp Oil Soaps

Keeping on the subject of soap, I'd like to talk about the soaps that I make myself for frog loves monkey.

Years ago, on a whim, I tried making soap. The glycerin-based melt-and-pour kind that you can pick up at pretty much any craft store. It was kind of fun and we ended up with a small stash of neat shaped and brightly colored soaps. Eventually, we used them up and went back to buying "regular" soap from the grocery store. I didn't really think much about it again until after our son was born. I'd been researching what was actually IN the soaps we were using and the ingredients lists were pretty horrifying. My husband suggested that I try making soap again. (I had no idea that he'd actually really liked the soaps I'd made that first time. That was a cool discovery!) Off to the craft store I went...and came home empty handed. Turns out the glycerin stuff that you can pick up at the craft store is pretty much garbage and just as full of scary stuff as the mainstream, chemical-laden soaps that we were trying to avoid.

Thus began an exhaustive search for GOOD glycerin-based soap ingredients.

Eventually, I stumbled across what we were looking for. (Yay!) Plant-based glycerin that wasn't stripped of all the good stuff. In fact, the company that I found added MORE glycerin to their soap base. This makes the finished soaps feel fabulous. Really luxurious. (Yay!) Everything was all-natural, vegan (with the exception of honey and goat's milk), hypo-allergenic, biodegradable, non-comedogenic, detergent free, surfactant free, sulfate free, and there was no SLS in sight. (YAY!)

I put in a small order to test out some soap just for us...and fell completely in love. After much testing, I've found a few soaps that I really, really enjoy - and enjoy making.

Across the board, the hemp soaps tend to be my favorite. The hemp oil soaps have a really nice amber color, a very light, naturally clean smell and lather beautifully. And every combination seems to make a finished soap that I (and my skin!) like. Of the hemp-based soaps, the Hemp with White Tea and Lemongrass are my favorite. After some friend and customer feedback, frog loves monkey carries two versions.



The exfoliating version has rather large chunks of dried white tea and lemongrass suspended in it as an exfoliant. I love this, but some people can find it a little off-putting. The dried leaves are somewhat large, so the soap will shed a little bit with use. It can also be a shade rough the first use. I like it. But I understand wanting the benefits of the ingredients without the exfoliants.



The non-exfoliant version tends to be somewhat lighter in color, and offers the same yummy, natural scent and rich lather without being the least bit scratchy.

These soaps are shaped to fit very nicely into the hand and weigh in between 2.6 and 3 ounces each. You can find them in the Etsy store, or order via email or our Facebook page. $3 each, or less if several soaps are ordered at once.

Ingredients: Grade A extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, kosher glycerine of vegetable origin,hemp seed oil, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol (from berries), sorbitan oleate, soybean protein, dried white tea leaves, dried lemongrass, lemon oil. This is a vegan, all natural soap.

Hello, Hello!

It's time, I think, for frog loves monkey to have a blog. I love Etsy and Facebook, but this just seems a little more personal for some of the stuff that seems a little more...chatty?

I'll be writing up some posts as time (and the kids) allow, sharing some stuff that's in the works. Your feedback is always welcome!

If you haven't checked out the shop yet, the dedicated website is down for the time being but the Etsy store is currently open on a limited basis. You can see it here. And for items that aren't appropriate for the Etsy store, there are pictures and descriptions on Facebook. Be sure to "like" the page while you're there!