In The Studio: lovingLeigh Yours

11.26.2012


Hi there! My name is Amanda Leigh Sax and I am the founder, owner and designer of lovingLeigh Yours, Inc

I want to give a big thank-you to Ms. Jessica for having me on here today. I LOVE her work and think she is a brilliant small business owner and blogger.


What's created in your studio? I make handmade and custom picture frames and quote plaques

What does a normal day of work look like? I'm up around 7:30am and first have my breakfast and coffee. Then while still in pjs or comfy clothes, I go through emails, etsy, facebook etc to catch up on inquiries. Then it's design time! I work on orders until lunch {which I usually eat in front of the tv with my funny girl Ellen}. I do have a part-time job at which I work closing shifts -but it is not every day- so if I don't have it that day, I'll work on more designs after lunch.

Where do you find inspiration? I go to art fairs; subscribe to cutesy magazines where I find quotes; pinterest and etsy... the list goes on!



How did your business start? I was a graphic designer after college but quickly grew to dislike sitting behind the computer all day. I'm a more hands-on girl! I had made frames as gifts for family, so after Hubby and I married in March 2011, I sat him down and discussed quitting my job and starting my business. He said I could if I agreed to get a part-time job ;)

Any tips for success that have really helped you? Don't be afraid to ask people for help! I'm a one-woman shop so I talk to other small business friends about what works for them; Facebook is really good for me, too. Not only have I received orders from people who have seen my work on Facebook, but I also love connecting with other small businesses on there... I found jessicaNdesigns that way!!




Secret dream/goal for your business? The fact that my work is handmade and customizable is really appealing to people. They like one-of-a-kind. I also like selling my work to local stores. BUT, I think it would also be really neat to have a {small} line of pieces in the mass market so everyone can have something of mine :) I also decided to start my own business before we have kids so when the time comes for little ones, hopefully I can stay at home with them and still contribute to our family financially.

One thing you wish you would have known before you started your business: it.takes.time.to.build I feel like I will always be in the trial and error stage- but I think that's okay. I'm always trying to better my work, and come up with new designs to offer people. Small businesses take time to turn a profit.

Let's Play THIS OR THAT?! With Amanda:



coffee or tea? definitely coffee. I love our Keurig, and yes, Starbucks!
vintage or new? vintage, but sometimes even new things that look vintage
DVD or big screen? i do love date night, but we also love curling up on our comfy couch with a glass of wine {for me} and a microbrew for the hubby watching a rented dvd
big city or small town? i grew up in a suburb of Chicago, so I do love having both. But we live in the suburbs now and stay out here most nights; it is fun to have a date in the city though
Book or movie? love me a good movie AND a good book. But books that are turned into movies are usually better as books
flats or heels? flats for the most part, i guess. My feet always hurt in heels or boots... but I am only 5' 1"
stay in or go out? when we're not curled up on the couch, we love seeing our friends and family. I have a big family with lots of nieces and nephews
hugs or kisses? hmmm that is tough. I do love a sweet hug and kiss from my nieces and nephews - ugh it melts my heart. Hubby is good at both :)
lip gloss or lip stick? can I say chapstick?
silver or gold? when I was younger I would have said silver. i'm loving gold now; even pieces with a mix of the two
jewelry or gadgets? i'm leaning more towards jewelry, but guilty, i love my iPhone

Find Amanda:

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Photography, Jewelry & Shoes: OH MY!

11.01.2012

the wonderful folks who hang out on my sidebar each month and I'm happy to introduce you to 3 lovely shops: Violet d'art, Diva Bling Jewelry & Blowfish Shoes

CAUTION: dreamy photography, pretty jewelry for less & rockin' shoes and boots ahead!


My name is Violet and I am a self-taught photographer from Bulgaria. I love escaping into the world with my camera, not really limiting myself to one style, I always let my inspiration guide me in its own direction.

In my Etsy shop you will find a lot of my original self-portrait and surreal work, but mostly my nature photography- landscapes, sea and sky photos, flowers, etc. Travel and vintage inspired photography. Everyday things. Pretty and dark, whimsical and moody photos for your walls, in whatever size you prefer. As you will find I use a lot of textures in my photography, and that derives from my love for fine art and expressionism, and I love giving my images that painterly, and sometimes faded-old-film-photos type of look.

Find Violet:





Hello, my name is Andy and my wife's name is Brandi. We started this company because my wife works full time and loves to wear jewelry. While she was shopping for jewelry, and looking at the high prices, she decided that she needed to open an online jewelry store so she can save money and also pass the savings along to women around the world. We wanted to make sure that Diva Bling Jewelry was structured like you were shopping at a store, where you still get a personal touch, just without the crowds.  

My wife feels that every woman in the world should be able to look great without spending a fortune. All of our jewelry is hand selected for quality; we would never put any jewelry on the website that will not last. So come shop at divablingjewelry.com and try it for yourself. Remember to like us on Facebook to keep updated on new products we receive and even have a chance to win free jewelry.

Use promo code: BLOGGER at checkout & receive and additional 10% off.
Find Andy & Brandi:
Shopfacebook  


We think personal style is just another form of self-expression...and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originalityBlowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There's something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there's something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

Find Blowfish Shoes:


Interested in being featured on my blog? Check out my sponsorship options, I would love to have you! 


Enter to WIN an adorable crocheted bracelet of your choice from Created!
Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Shop the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide!
Gussy's 31 Days of Handmade business posts are FULL of helpful info
Michelle has a great post with tips for buying on Etsy this Holiday Season.
♥ I will be making these adorable ornaments this year.


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Created: Crocheted Goodness + A Giveaway!

10.25.2012


Yesterday I introduced you to Emma. She shared a little about herself & her fall must haves. Today she is sharing her adorable crocheted collection & giving away a custom bracelet!

Last year, Emma made my kids each an A "Beary" adorable Hat and I can honestly say they are my favorite! They still fit my kids this year & we will be wearing them again this winter! Everyone compliments on how cute they look!

Emma offers all kinds of crocheted goodness in her shop:





Stop By & Say Hi to Emma: 
Shop : Blog : Facebook


Emma is giving away a crocheted bracelet of your choice to one lucky jessicaNdesigns' reader! 

Can't wait for the giveaway to end? Use code "JESS2012' and get free shipping on anything in her shopDiscount code expires November 30th at midnight pacific time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Winner from the Blowfish Shoes Giveaway is Mimi. Congrats! You have 48 hours to email me to claim your prize or a new winner will be selected.

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Fall Favorites with Emma of Created

10.24.2012


Hi! I'm Emma.

You can find my crazy, mostly happy, sometimes weird self on my blog. It's titled Remain Calm, Have A Cupcake... Why? because sometimes life gets crazy, and you just have to stuff your face with a cupcake. Specially if you're a mom... or have a husband.. or friends... LOL no matter what stage of life you're in, sometimes life is hard. And after you pray for patience, strength, or sleep, a cupcake, a small piece of chocolate, a heavenly cookie, or a Wal-Mart cheesecake slice eaten with your bare hands in the parking lot can be that short moment of bliss. A few minutes, at times just seconds, where you just enjoy yourself.

This summer has been fun. Hot, but fun. At times I wasn't sure we'd make it alive. Finally, we're experiencing some fall weather. So I'd thought I'd share a short autumn "must-haves" with you. 

Lets begin with fashion.. booties anyone? I love them! 


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At first, I was a little weary about them. Now I love them. They look super cute with a dress and tights. Babble.com did a great piece on how to wear booties! [here]


Painting pumpkins is a family tradition! It's a blast! Just not sure why my kids insist on making theirs so ugly?

There's a corn maze that I'm taking them to this week down the road. We haven't been before but I think it'll be fun! Flying kites, feeding birds, going for walks and seeing the leaves change... It's all so fun to me.

But my all time favorite fall things are baking....
I love making apple pies [my fave recipe here], sweet potato pies, cakes, cookies... they all make our house smell so lovely! after a hot summer without even wanting to turn on the stove, much less the oven, I actually enjoy baking! [+ eating!]

And last but not least, I love crocheting.

You can find my shop at ShopCreated.etsy.com. Since you're here you can use code "JESS2012' and get free shipping on anything you'd like! 

I'll be adding more bracelets to the shop soon so keep an eye out on that! Discount code expires November 30th at midnight pacific time.

Thank you Jessica for always being so supportive and challenging me to make something huge! 

Jessica here, Emma is my XL Sponsor this month! Interested in taking over the blog? Find out more here!

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Favorite Fall Footwear + Blowfish Shoes Giveaway!

10.16.2012


Boots are by far my favorite fall footwear! And my favorite boots I own are these ones from Blowfish.  So imagine my extreme surprise + delight when Blowfish Shoes wanted to team up and sponsor this little ole blog of mine! 

I am even more thrilled that they are offering one of you a chance to win YOUR choice of shoe for fall! 



At Blowfish, we think personal style is just another form of self-expression...and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There's something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there's something unexpected about every girl who wears them.





Drooling yet?! 

I am! I now have these + these + these on my wishlist! 

A HUGE Thank You to my Sponsor Blowfish for this great fall giveaway! Be sure to stop on their facebook page, show some love from jessicaNdesigns! 


Enter to win your favorite pair of shoes from Blowfish below via Rafflecopter & spread the news!

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DIY - Invites- Photo cards + jewelry. September Sponsor Feature

9.23.2012


Hi! I'm Jennifer

I'm just a midwestern girl who loves all things to do with paper, crafts, and home decor. I'm also the head honcho {and the only honcho} behind Delightfully Noted; a stationery shop full of charming and handmade invites, cards, and other paper goodies. 

You can also find me over at my blog where I share all my DIY shenanigans along with some delightful ramblings in-between! 




Visit Jennifer's shop & enjoy 20% off with code: JESSDESIGNS 




When Shutters Click Gifts offers one-of-a-kind jewelry and other accessories featuring original photography by Natalie Woods. 

Natalie picked up her first camera at the age of 15 and became instantly enthralled with capturing moments. Using both film and digital formats, she enjoys expressing herself and her view of the world through her images. 

From the West Coast of Canada, Natalie mixes her love of photography and crafting to create each piece by hand. 

On top of creating one of a kind pieces with her own work, Natalie also offers custom pendants, featuring your own photographs of kids, pets, family, etc! 


Visit Natalie's Shop & use Discount Code: JESSICA15
*not valid for custom pieces or gift certificates
ShopWeb/BlogFacebookTwitter

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Be sure to check out my featured sponsor Giveaway!

♥ Interested in having your shop or blog featured? Visit my Sponsors page for more info! I would love to have you!

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Exclusive Reveal of Rustic Living's New Fall Line & A Giveaway!

9.19.2012


I am so thrilled to introduce you to my featured sponsor, Ashley from Rustic Living!

Her blog has quickly become one of my favorites! Her style mirrors mine & I simply adore her furniture makeovers! I am pretty sure if I knew where she lived, I would sneak over and snatch them up for my own house! 
Just kidding...that sounded creepy! But seriously, take a look at a few of my favorites from her blog:



Swooning yet? What's even more swoon worthy is her NEW Fall Collection! Ashley is hanging out here today & revealing it exclusively to jessicaNdesigns readers! 

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Hello everyone! My name is Ashley from Rustic Living

I'm a big fan of Jessica and her blog/shop so to stopping by here today is really exciting!

I was blessed to have been raised on a farm in southern Idaho . It was there that I developed an appreciation for all things "rustic", furniture and home decor that has an antique or distressed look to it. 

I love the story of how my grandmother found some old apple crates in a junkyard in the summer of 1949 and proudly turned them into a cupboard for dishes . I have the same passion for taking something plain and ordinary and turning it into treasure. 

On my blog, Rustic Living, you'll see furniture transformations, DIY projects, puppy kisses, handmade treasures, home cookin', and a passion for the country lifestyle.

I opened a shop last April where I sell rustic chic wedding decor, pillows, and table runners.  I'm so excited to share I've begun selling handbags and clutches as well! 

I recently completed a new line that is inspired by both nautical and shabby chic themes. I am excited to reveal it to you today:






Thanks so much Jessica for having me and letting me share a bit about myself and a few of my creations. Feel free to take a gander on over to Rustic Living or check out my shop, I'd love for you stop by!


Find + Follow Ashley:

Ashley is giving away a $20 Shop Credit toward anything in her Shop!
  • You must be a jessicaNdesigns follower to enter though it does NOT count as an entry.
  • Please read entry instructions.
  • Winner will be chosen via random.org + announced on 9/26


HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:
Visit Rustic Living + come back and tell me what you would get if you won!

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave separate comment for each you do)

BE SURE TO TELL HER I SENT YA! 

1. Become a fan of Rustic Living on Facebook
2. Follow the Rustic Living blog via Google Friend Connect
3. Follow Rustic Living on Twitter
4. Follow Rustic Living on Instagram (@rusticliving)

5. TWEET: I want to WIN a $20 Shop Credit to  on  blog! http://jessicandesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/exclusive-reveal-of-rustic-livings-new.html
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Interested in being my Featured Sponsor? All the details can be found on my Sponsors Page!


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