Pumpkin Pye Boutique

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time!

2011-08-30T19:02:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have seen my shop might remember it as the shop that has the peanut butter and jelly best friend necklaces. You're right, I definitely have those and in all different variations and necklaces for a group of 6 best friends! I've now taken my peanut butter and jelly necklaces up a notch. There is a new version I've created (finally, its been in my head for nearly a year to create this!) the glow in the dark peanut butter and jelly best friend necklace set! Yup! You saw it right, "GLOW IN THE DARK"! Anything that glows in the dark is pretty awesome, especially a best friend necklace! So, I figured I would share this fun set with some friends to see what they think! It just so happens that with Halloween right around the corner, these best friend necklaces will light up your Halloween night! :D Grab your set now! http://pumpkinpyeboutique.com/pbj_jewelry

Pyrex Fever

2011-06-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am loving the pyrex pattern called, "Spring Blosson", or some refer to it as "Crazy Daisy". My collection (which is still small) started off with two small casserole dishes that were given to me by my mother in law. Then, I took a trip to Sanibel Island Labor Day weekend last year and went to this cute antique shop and came across the spring blossom butter dish. I had to have it. I could not leave the store without it, even if it was $12. I was obsessed. I've looked on ebay... lightly went to some thrift stores, but never found anything or cared to pay shipping, since shipping can be so costly. Again, I went back to Sanibel for another trip for Memorial Day weekend and stumbled upon two more great finds- my lovely strawberry mug as shown in my last blog and a BEAUTIFUL
Friendship pattern lasagna dish! I dug it out of a corner on a bottom shelf, petted it..admired it.. and saw the old worn tag that said $25.00. Crap. Really? $25 bucks for this pan? So I left, just with my strawberry mug with thoughts of this pan for the next few hours still floating in my head. I went back to our little place we were staying at and couldn't help but search this lasagna dish on ebay.. and wow, it was going for $45 bucks not including shipping! Heck, I found 3 in total and they were all more than $25 bucks before shipping costs. I showed my husband and he said, go back and get it! It's right up the road, you might as well. So, sure enough, I did just that! I dragged him back to the store for this beauty and I am glad I did. I was now the proud owner of a friendship pyrex lasagna dish. The pattern is in the most perfect condition! I even wonder if it has ever been used! This now only feed my addiction. Great, just what I needed.. a bulky collection of pyrex in my shoebox sized house. Perfect! Now, I have a small pyrex addiction flowing through my veins and i constantly check etsy and ebay for some yummy pyrex deals. The thrift stores too. I wake up and think of pyrex! This is bad! Real bad. But just look how pretty it all is! WOW! I recently went around thrifting with a true pyrex addict, and it was FUN! She told me what I have is called "pyrexia" and that she warned me. Bringing my 3 year old daughter along and trying to make sure she doesnt break anything was pretty challenging too. Was this ok to expose her to lovely pyrex and thrift stores? I have to teach her the ropes since she will own my pyrex collection one day. Thanks to Sherry's good eyeballs, she smelled the pyrex and picked it right on out. There it was, a beautiful spring blossom casserole dish! It even had my name on it.. really... ok, it didn't, but I felt like it was there for me. It found me! My dish found me! Just like the butter dish found me in Sanibel! It was like meeting a long lost friend for the first time. I smiled from ear to ear, ignored my child, and Sherry snapped a picture of me loving my pyrex. It didn't stop there, oh no it didnt. I went online and came across two spring blossom mixing bowls! Found them shipped for a great price! And yes, these two bowls now belong in my small home in my small collection.
Sherry even was so thoughtful and gave me a juice pitcher for my collection! Look how cute this is! I am now on a hunt for the lid that goes with this! I even just ordered a different type of glass pitcher in spring blossom design that is still on its way. I am super excited! At this point, my collection is small but still underway so check back to see some other great finds! <3

Sanibel Island Vacation

2011-06-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend hubby and I kicked it off with a lovely vacation in Sanibel Island, Florida and had a wonderful time! A mini vacation just 2-1/2 hours from home on the west coast of Florida. We stayed in the cutest little cottage on the beach and enjoyed every second we spent there! It was a little efficiency, small but oh so cozy! I wanted to live here! Look at this VIEW!!!

Ours was the top right!

Hubby Bruno found such a pretty shell! And somebody was home! We threw him back safely :)

The beach was so pretty..

On our beach adventure, we went to an adorable antique store and I bought this mug!It was like love at first sight! I HAD to have it!
It was such a peaceful and restful time that it was hard to go home and get back to the daily grind, but before we left, we booked another vacation there for September! At least now I have something to look forward to in a few more months!

HOLY CANNOLI!

2011-01-07T18:13:00.001-08:00

The holiday season has finally started to slow down, geeze! It was definitely extremely challenging but I'm glad I made it through! Busted my butt doing 80-100 hours each week for the month of December was insane, but I had a partner in crime! Thanks Amanda for all of your help! I was lucky enough to treat my daughter and I to plane tickets to go and see family in Long Island, NY. I hadn't been back in over 3 years and Ava, my daughter, has never been and only met most of the family once in the 2-1/2 years of her existence. We had such a wonderful time! Everyone ate Ava up and she loved it! She even got to see snow for the first time! Like an old lady, Ava begged to come inside after playing in the snow for only 5 minutes. If any of you know my daughter, this is not shocking that she would not want to play in the snow. She would rather be crocheting with a cup of tea. :D Well, here are some pics of our trip and I hope to go back and visit next Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and a happy new year! 2011 here we come!

Pumpkin Pye Boutique Hit 1000 Sales on Etsy! Hooray!

2010-11-17T21:10:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty excited to say that my shop hit 1000 sales on Nov. 17th! It might seem like "no big deal" for some people, however for me, it's pretty huge! Ill reminisce back to June 2008, so you all have an idea as to how Pumpkin Pye Boutique came about and some of the hardships I went through. A bit of a personal story, but here it goes.

June 11, 2008... I was scheduled to have my csection for the birth of my daughter, Ava Sky, on June 12th at 7am. I was a nervous ninny that night before especially and decided to distract myself from the scary thoughts of a surgery and dabbled onto etsy. "What's etsy?" I thought. I searched and searched for such cool things! Everything from photography to paintings, to felted items and polymer clay. I stopped at the polymer clay and thought, "oh, I have polymer clay!" I created a login id right away. After the etsy id was created at a record speed, I popped my laptop down and waddled toward the kitchen cabinets (where i store my art supplies) and dug my freezer bag sized bag out of old polymer clay that I've stored (or hoarded) away for oh about 16 years. It was still usable. HOLY MOLY! I used to make charms with my best friend (and neighbor) when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Immediately this bag brought back so many memories of my clay days with Teresa! I started sculpting away at 10pm at night in my rocking chair. I made some silly little things and that was that. Next morning came rather quickly. After only about 4-5 hours of sleep, Ava Sky was born at 8:20am on June 12, 2008.

Flash forward- August 2008. Time has passed and Ava was now a few months old. I was preparing to go back to my job the following week and was all nervous to go back after my maternity leave. I wanted to go back, after all, I figured it would make me feel whole again and not just a mother. The people I worked with were awesome and I truly loved my job. Well, that Friday, I called up my job and found out that they could no longer have me work for them due to the economy being so rough- especially taking a toll on the art/music industry of sales. I was very upset, but I understood that maybe this would be best for Ava and I.

PANIC MODE- Yep, panic mode set in just a few hours later after that phone call. Questions popped up in my head.. "how am I going to afford everything?".. "my baby is colic and needs expensive formula.. and how am I supposed to pay for this?" "What am I going to do?" "Where can I work now?" and so on. I never thought that my answer would have been "my etsy shop". Sure, at first, I got the unemployment benefits. Knowing that this would eventually run out, I needed to work fast. I had to put everything into my polymer clay and get inventory built up to open up shop.

October 2008- I started Pumpkin Pye Boutique out with $20 bucks. Yep, just $20. I didn't have much to spend. I bought new clay at michael's arts and crafts at 50% off and bought some silver necklace chains. I started to construct little peanut butter and jelly friendship necklaces. This was an easy one, since I craved pbj during my pregnancy which was still very familiar. I took pictures of my completed charms and posted them onto etsy and bonanzle.com. I opened up 2 shops at once. I was desperate and in panic mode. I waited for my first sale. I posted on forums and promoted on myspace. A few weeks into this.. I got my FIRST SALE! Oh my goodness! I was SO happy! I thought, wow, someone likes my stuff! I didn't really think my charms would sell. I knew they were cute, but did anyone else think they were cute too?? Apparently so! I got maybe one sale every other week. All in between, I started listing more items. I discovered etsy chat as well and chatted it up and played those silly 5 min featured seller games just to get noticed. Bonanzle started doing pretty good! I was up to 6 sales for the month! My money went straight to supplies of course. So now my crafty habit paid for itself! Perfect!

Flash Forward October 2009- October 2009, I was having quite a bit of sales come through. I would say it snuck up on me and I wasn't ready for it. At this time I had 4 shops open! Etsy, Bonanzle, Artfire and Ecrater. What a "go-getter"! Etsy was ranking the best in sales by far. I had about 45-60 sales for October. Not bad at all!

November 2009- Unemployment ran out by then after all of those extensions I got too. I would say that the sales I got on etsy totally smacked me upside the head. My emails are forwarded to my phone and all day long, "ding ding"... "Etsy Transaction"... 3 hours later.. "ding ding" Etsy Transaction".. 10 minutes later, "ding ding" .. "Etsy Transaction". I was super stoked but didn't realize how hard this would be when you get 10 sales each day! This was CRAZY! Sticky notes were everywhere, my organization sucked for someone who is SO organized and OCD. Custom order requests too were flying in.

December 2009. - Sales doubled November sales with a total of 75 orders. Still working hard as ever, I felt so successful. I built this from the ground up. Bruno, my husband, was shocked. I bought everyone Christmas presents this year! It felt good. Real good.

Flash Forward for the last time- November 2010.
My etsy shop now at this point has been up and running for just over 2 years... and 1008 sales. All I can think about this is how lucky I am. Maybe it's not luck, who knows. I just know that I busted my ass building this up to what it is today so I can be at home and raise my daughter and not have to leave the house to work. I know other moms do this, but this just wasn't me. I loved my job I had before etsy, but I'm glad it happened this way. I always knew that when one door closed another door opened and it did just that. Currently at 80+ sales on November 18th, and the month is not yet over. Seems like it's going to double November 2009 sales. I'm pretty excited and am very thankful for my friends and fans who have helped me build up my shop to what it is today. I hope that I will be doing this for as long as I can. When I was little, people used to ask me, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" and I always replied, "an artist." As I got older and was asked this same question in high school, I replied, "I professional colorer." haha! So, I guess this is really what I became.. a mother and a polymer clay artist. To wrap this up, you really can do anything if you put your mind to it, just don't let anything stop you. As Woody in Toy Story says, "Reach for the stars!"

What goes into "handmade" crafts?

2010-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself wandering around on etsy searching just about anything and everything? Maybe a cute cuff, coffee cozy,handpainted necklace, clay earrings, or a piece of wheel thrown pottery? You might even glance at the price of the item and think, "that's a bit expensive for a coffee cozy". But, is it really? I for one, like to bargain shop. I live on a budget like most people, but you can't really look at a handmade item at being too costly when you are comparing it to Target/Walmart prices.

As an artist of handmade polymer clay jewelry, I want to explain what actually goes into "handmade". It's alot of love, patience and time. Time for me, is really of the essence when my two year old is at my feet. Here are the steps that I go through to create my best selling peanut butter and jelly friendship necklaces. I mold out the inside of each bread... roll out a thin brown log, flatten it, smooth it and place it around each bread. Then, I cut the end with a clay tool, smooth it out and make sure the end is smoothed out and mended so you can not see where the end has been cut. And yes, there is an easier way of doing this. If i made a cane, which would be like a loaf of bread, and then slice each slice, could possibly cut my time down significantly and also it would change the appearance tremendously. However, I do not cut corners like this and I hope that shows. Each hook is carefully placed in and then a tiny piece of clay is placed in that loop and smoothed over with a very tiny tool. Again, everything is smoothed out so no blemishes appear around the edging. Do I have to do it this way? No, but I choose to for durability. Each topping of choice is sculpted out and pressed onto the clay and centered. Now, for the face, it is not painted on. Each pupil is rolled out with just the right amount of clay and very carefully placed on, making sure the eyes are placed apart with a right distance and that each shape is as round as it can be. Then, the cute little smiley is rolled out in my hand and placed on with a needle, or sometimes my fingers. Once the construction is complete, it doesn't stop there. They are baked for 15 minutes at 275 degrees, pulled out to cool and then each little imperfection on the toast are scratched out and sanded out with a needle and a special tool that i scrape into the clay. Sometimes little dark pieces of clay get into the lighter clay and need to be removed. This too is time consuming and may cause blindness!! After each little imperfection is taken out and removed from the clay, it is then glazed by painting on a layer of glaze for each side, one side at a time. This too takes about 20 minutes including drying time in between glazing each side. While waiting for the final coat to dry, i begin cutting and measuring each necklace chain for each charm made. After it is dry, the charm is attached by a jump ring onto a silver chain. Now, imagine doing this on a daily basis, and having lots and lots of orders and only yourself to create them! It's alot of love into these!

This is just an example of my handmade creations. There's lots of other crafts that also take alot of time that are tedious and have high attention to detail. I hope after reading this, some of you might realize how time consuming and how much love really goes into each and every piece that I ship out. If I'm not happy with the piece, it doesn't get shipped- it's that simple. So, next time you think about purchasing an item at walmart that appears to be handmade for $5 you might just want to head out onto etsy an support a real handmade artist that works hard and shows pride in their artwork. Support handmade artists :)

On a personal note..

2010-11-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is just something that I thought is necessary to share in support of my cousin and his wife who really need some help.

http://endo-free-me-of-this.blogspot.com

July's Winner is...

2010-08-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

ALLISON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You Won the Cherry Snow Cone Necklace!

Thank you all for participating and sharing your summer memories :)

An Interview with Allison Kapner

2010-07-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today's Feature is a wonderful woman named Allison Kapner and boy, she is SO creative and even eco-friendly! She hand sews wonderful items and comes up with some new and hip ideas using recycled/upcycled fabrics! Take a look at her interview!

1. What is the name of your business?
Allison Kapner Originals

2. What has been your inspiration behind your business and/or products?
Seeing potential in items that other people have found no longer useful.

3. How long have you been doing your art/craft? I have sewing and quilting for 10 years, but the past 3 years I have spent focusing on creating my items for others.

4. What is your most favorite piece of art/craft that you constructed?
A suede purse that I made from a suede skirt that I had that I haven't fit in since high school.

5. What is something that keeps you going forward with your art/crafts? The ability to come up with new ideas, or work with new materials seems endless. The ideas seem to always be out there, it just might take me awhile to turn the idea into a project.

6. What are your hopes and dreams for your business in 2010? That I'll get more collaborative projects with customers, and that I'll have more ideas to share with people through my blog - The Sewing Lawyer: http://kappysews.wordpress.com/

7. If you can learn another craft, what craft would you like to learn?
I would love to learn how to create my own fabric designs.

8. What would you like to tell other artists/crafters who are just starting out their business?
Make what you love, not what you think others might like. Have a passion for what you do, and make sure it is enjoyable (even though it might be a lot of work).

Check out Allison Kapner's Facebook page below!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lake-Worth-FL/Allison-Kapner-Originals/348972263960?ref=ts&__a=8&ajaxpipe=1

Allison Kapner's etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kappy6

Interview with Veezie of "The Dirty Peaches Clothing Co."

2010-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

This person I chose to interview is Veezie of the "Dirty Peaches Clothing Co." I met Veezie at a craft fair and she is a great inspiration to keep on recycling and sewing! Read more up on Veezie and what she does!

Interview Questions

1. What is the name of your business?
the dirty peaches clothing, co.

2. What has been your inspiration behind your business and/or products?
at first it was just to sew, deconstruct, sew. but now its to (a) make really beautiful clothing from 100% recycled material (b) help mamas stay at home with their children and (c) save the world and make everyone in it pretty. :)

3. How long have you been doing your art/craft?
i graduated fashion school in 2002. i officially started dirty peaches in 2004 (as pretty in punk, and changed the name later), and only really started the ball rolling when my partners, heather & may joined up with me this year. BUT i've been making my own clothing and jewelry from "garbage" since forever. i was a poor kid.
4. What is your most favorite piece of art/craft that you constructed?
my fav thing is always the last thing.

5. What is something that keeps you going forward with your art/crafts?
money. lmao. no, jk. i like the idea that if i can make fashion this way, then other people can do this, and maybe, just maybe, one cute dress at a time, we can somehow change the way we make fashion.

6. What are your hopes and dreams for your business in 2010?
to just keep truckin' through. we are just barely making it and i hope that with all the hard work we've been putting in it'll pay off soon.

7. If you can learn another craft, what craft would you like to learn?
metal working. welding... but christian says that you can never have a ct scan once you're a welder because of the metal bits in your eyeballs.... so we'll see how that goes........

8. What would you like to tell other artists/crafters who are just starting out their business?
no matter what happens, keep truckin' and keep having fun with what you do. it will show. and that will be the winning ticket. the pieces we make that are just... made, don't sell. but the stuff we make that we are just in love with making every step of the way are always the first to go. its cheesy, but there's something to be said about making your items with love. its what kept crafting alive for the last billion years (or however long its been. lol).

Be sure to check out The Dirty Peaches Clothing Co. HERE! and catch up on their latest fairs and items!

Another Giveaway! Come and enter!!

2010-07-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

Enter in this giveaway! I have constructed something totally different! A cute little piece from my childhood summer memories- A SNOW CONE!
All you have to do is comment below and tell me one of your favorite childhood summer memories! Simple!

THE WINNER WILL BE REVEALED ON AUG 1st!!!!! (I will use a virtual hat to draw a name out of!)

An Interview with The Hemp Butterfly

2010-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

After doing some craft fairs and meeting other amazing crafters/artists, I had a few questions for each of them. Below are some questions for Jennifer Robison of "The Hemp Butterfly".

1. What is the name of your business?
The Hemp Butterfly

2. What has been your inspiration behind your business and/or products?

I grew up in the very beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I try to bring the colors of the rain forest, beaches and the skies of my childhood to life.

3. How long have you been doing your art/craft?

I have been knotting away since 1993. A very good friend gifted me a necklace and I was in love.
4. What is your most favorite piece of art/craft that you constructed?

I love my Vee Cuffs. They are full of intense color which is so me.

5. What is something that keeps you going forward with your art/crafts?

I do this for my children. I do this so I can show them that if you have a dream you aim for it and work very hard to get it. You never give up. If you don't know how to do something you look it up and you try and try until you succeed. I'm not in it for the money to me the greatest satisfaction is to see someones face light up when they find that perfect piece.

6. What are your hopes and dreams for your business in 2010?

2010 has been a great year so far. I plan to be involved in some local fashion magazine fashion spreads, I also have a few very exciting events I am taking part in as well. I have some charity events coming up as well that I am a part of. You must give back to the community that has supported you for so long you know.
7. If you can learn another craft, what craft would you like to learn?

I would love to learn how to paint.
8. What would you like to tell other artists/crafters who are just starting out their business?
Don't be afraid to follow your dream. Work very hard at your craft and just don't give up. There are many groups and collectives out there that are willing to help out struggling artists like ourselves. Don't be afraid to reach out to them.

You can find her work on Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflyMoon

Get your Stache on!!

2010-07-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like being someone else on a day other than Halloween? Perhaps even for a moment? I have found the greatest incognito solution- a "Finga Stache"!!! Created by Venessa Santiago-Mejia of Busy Vee Creative Pursuits. Stick your finga through the elastic band and place your finger right up under your nose and you have become someone else! Choose from different colors and patterns! Check out the fan photos below wearing their finga stache!

And you can even eat a chocolate peanut butter sandwich WITH a finga stache!!!!

Ahoy Mateys!

2010-05-08T12:06:00.001-07:00

Ahoy Mateys! Summer is approaching and boats are sailing! I just adore anything with boats, anchors, fish, water etc.. so I wanted to show a bunch of great finds with these theme! Here they are! Check them out!

SilverBeyondOrdinary on Etsy has this really awesome bracelet..

TheCozyNest- Anchor's Away Pillow will really add a cute accent to your boating decor!

ButterCookies has these adorable nautical shoes..handpainted! CUTE!

KarenMiller has beautiful pictures all made from wood. This particular piece is called, "Crossing Paths" and it is made from an old door panel and chair rungs. Very cool!

Ponderandstitch has beautiful handmade bracelet cuffs! This particular one is a pretty charcoal greyish/blue color that would be so cute with a little nautical outfit!

A Toasty Adventure Photo Series!

2010-04-29T19:34:00.001-07:00

I'd like to rewind to about 2005. It was this time where I really fell in love with photography. My boyfriend got me the best birthday gift of all- a digital camera! It was a point and shoot, but at the time, it was a great point and shoot! Great mega pixels, great memory capacity and a creative eye behind the lens if I might say... lol. I started shooting the usual things like trees, flowers, the ocean etc. I shot lots of neat things which can be seen on my flickr. Fast forward now to April 2010. It's been a few years and after having two sony digital point and shoots, my hubby (which was my bf who bought me my first digital back in 2005) surprised me with a Nikon D5000 slr! HOLY MOLY! I am a lucky girl! I took a different twist now with my photos and decided to shoot pictures of my hand sewn toasts! You are probably thinking, "huh"? I have 3 so far in my series and will have more to come in the future so have a look and share your thoughts! I'd love to hear them!! These 3 prints are framed and up for purchase in my etsy shop at just $5 each. :)

GIVE AWAY!

2010-03-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Win Jacques the French Baguette Charm!!

Who doesn't love something for FREE? Yep, FREE! You can win a FREE charm from Pumpkin Pye Boutique! All you have to do, is follow this blog and answer these 2 simple questions:

* What is your favorite item at Pumpkin Pye Boutique?

* What would you like to see more of?

AND... your name will be entered and drawn at random! (Please be sure to leave a contact e-mail address) The name will be drawn on April 1st and this is not an April Fool's Joke! :D

Goodluck!

A New Look!

2010-03-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

After doing a few craft fairs, I had come to a realization that my craft fair table just wasn't up to par. So, after discussing this with a good crafting friend of mine, Venessa (of Busy Vee's Creative Pursuits) we decided, it's time to shop thrifty! And that is just what we did! Here is the outcome of our great (and cheap!) finds from our lovely day of thrifting!

The Yellow Ornate Frame has been painted with clearance paint ($1 from Lowes). Picture Frame itself- $1 at Faith Farm :). Train Case -$5 ; Yellow Rimmed Plate- Goodwill - 50 cents! (i bought 4!) Ring Display Box- $2.. made with a thick car washing sponge which I had cut slots into and then covered with left over fabric.

These are just some ideas! :) Enjoy!

A New Look...

2010-02-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Pye Boutique is going for a new look! Being that my last craft fair table was a disaster in my opinion.. I went to Joanns with a new frame of mind. After posting a thread on etsy forums, I have received great feedback and useful suggestions. Take a look at my newest project.

Operation Table Cloth!

Keep in mind.. I am truly just a beginner and have been teaching myself to sew on my new singer simple sewing machine. (Just 100 bucks at Walmart! What a deal!)

So what do you think of the polka dotted table cloth?!

Pictures from The Indie Craft Bazaar!

2010-02-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

I've decided to post some pictures from the Indie Craft Bazaar from 2/13/2010 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida which I was a vendor at. My table needs improvement and I will be working on this for the upcoming craft events!

Me and my daughter, Ava Sky... my inspiration and the love of my life :)

Pumpkin Pye Boutique's Line Up!

2010-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Pye Boutique is out and about and crafting all around!
Come check out the products at these local South Florida events
if you are in the area!

Come join us on March 14th from 12pm-6pm at
Old School Square
Cultural Art Center Amphitheater
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach, FL. 33444

March 27, 2010
@ Old Davie School Museum
6650 Griffin Rd. Davie, FL 33314

12:00 pm - Open Doors for Odd Duck Patrons. First 100 guests get a handmade gift bag full of goodies from our vendors!

Throughout the Day....

Raffles
Silent Auctions
Crafting Table
Tasty Treats
Live DJ

6:00 pm - Odd Duck shuts it's doors.

Earth Day Festival

Saturday, April 10, 2010


	Featuring performances by Randy Kaplan NPR named “Loquat Rooftop” one of the Top 10 Children’s CDs of 2008

Sawgrass Sanctuary - 237 North New River Circle, Sunrise, FL 33326

Celebrate green living at Sunrise’s second-annual Earth Day Festival.

This all-ages day of outdoor fun will feature:

Free admission
Live music, including performances by Randy Kaplan, PALO!,
Ruffhouse and Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England
Children’s rides and activities
A farmers’ market
Festival foods and ethnic specialties
Unique, handcrafted goods
An eco-chic fashion show
Non-profit organizations
Giveaways

The first 500 people through the gates will receive a BPA-free water bottle that
can be refilled throughout the day at the Festival’s complimentary Water Station.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Click HERE for a 10% off Coupon at Pumpkin Pye Boutique specifically for these events!
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Welcome to the Crochet Loft!

2010-02-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE crocheted things! I tried to teach it to myself with youtube videos and books and failed miserably. I wish I knew how to do this stuff! The Crochet Loft does a wonderful job at it and has been doing this since she was 8 years old! (WOW!!!) Take a look at her beautiful designs and if you have any questions, contact TheCrochetLoft!

For your Ipod Nano! A case!!!

Check out Beadle-E-Dee!

2010-02-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Mhaynes2009 is a kindergarten teacher who likes to flex her creative muscles during the summer. In her shop you will find scrapbooks, jewelry, home decor and craft supples. She enjoys trying all different types of crafts. Please feel free to contact Mhaynes2009 if you have any questions. Enjoy looking around her shop! Please check back frequently to see what she has added. Thanks!

Fabulous beads that need YOU to string them! Dazzle them up with adorable charms too!

Welcome to MegansMenagerie's Etsy Shop!

2010-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

I was sitting on etsy chat (when I should REALLY be sewing..but whatever!) and I decided to offer some fabulous artists a feature on my lonely blog. Megan is a 26 year old mother, wife and full time nursing student- WOAH! How do you do it? She explains, "After a full day of seeing the husband off to work, chasing around my 5 year old, and having my head between medical books, I sit down and unwind by creating anything I can with my hands. I started making jewelry a few years ago for myself and my family. I always wished there was a way to share my jewelry and other handmade items with people outside of friends and family. Not long ago I was introduced to Etsy and am so happy that there is a site like this that exists and that I can be part of it! I am amazed by all the talent on this site and excited to be able to bring you all the creative things I have made."

Take a look at Megan's beautiful work! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MegansMenagerie
Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Megans-Menagerie/186637476189?ref=ts
Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MegansMenagerie

Warm and Cozy Cowl in Seafoam

Warm and Cozy Cowl in Tangerine Mist

Warm and Cozy Cowl in Painted Desert

Pumpkin Pye Boutique Puts a New Spin on Things!

2010-02-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Pye Boutique has ventured on out of the box, yet again! Steering away from polymer clay and into some metal, pearls and other great finding, Pumpkin Pye Boutique strikes again with some great pieces of jewelry! (Not to pat myself on the back by any means, but working outside of polymer clay has been very challenging!) Come see these fabulous pieces I am talking about! www.pumpkinpyeboutique.com

Fall is FINALLY here!!

2009-10-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fall is my most favorite season of the year although in Florida, it seems to be that Summer lurks here all year long. Time to light up those pumpkin spice candles, get baking, and decorating!! If you are thinking of celebrating fall with some great friends and some apple cider, enjoy these recipes and other great ideas here! Enjoy!

Hot Apple Cider

1/2 gallon apple cider
12 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 c. orange juice
1/2 c. lemon juice

Heat apple cider. Add all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for half hour or more. Serve this in mugs on a chilly night.

Makes 12 servings.

Double Layered Pumpkin Pie

4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

1 TBSP milk

1TBSP sugar

1 1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip

1 graham pie crust

1 cup cold milk

1 can (16 oz) pumpkin

2 packages Jello-vanilla flavored instant pudding & pie filling

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

MIX: Cream cheese, 1 TBSP milk, and sugar/Gently stir in the whipped topping. Spread on bottom of crust.

POUR: 1 cup cold milk into bowl and add pumpkin, pudding mixes, and spices. Beat (mixture will be thick). Spread over the cream cheese layer.

REFRIGERATE: 4 hours

Dazzle up your wine glasses with these wine charms!

Exquisite Dining Wine Glass Charms (6) with Free Shipping
Get excited to entertain with these beautiful wine glass charms, pick a color to remember whose glass is whose. These Nature inspired, wine glass charms are 3 and a half inches long, and they will slip onto any wine glass stem. You will receive 6 wine glass charms in the colors of your choice, or the ones already shown in the picture. These colors are: beige, cream, burgundy, orange crush, chocolate, and hunter green.

So, you have your party ready and you need a piece of jewelry to wear... come see these Fall Exclusives from Pumpkin Pye Boutique!

A dainty piece of pumpkin pye...

Just $10 and FREE US/CANADA shipping!

Pumpkin Pye anyone?! This is a signature pumpkin pye necklace exclusive to "Pumpkin Pye Boutique". The charm includes a 16" necklace chain. If you need another size, please specify at checkout!

Caramel Apple Surprise Button Bracelet
Just $16 and of course, FREE US/CANADA shipping! Doesn't get any better than that!!

Caramel Apple Surprise Button Bracelet is a beautiful bracelet to wear in the fall season. It completes an outfit and is a great conversation piece! The caramel, red apple, and deep purple buttons are complimented by 2 key charms, 1 lock and 3 swarovski crystals. At the clasp, there is a charm that says "live". Live your fall season with this gorgeous bracelet! This bracelet measures 7". If you need a different size, please specify at checkout and I will make the adjustment at no extra charge for you. :)

Fabulous Vintage Passage Key Jewelry by Sojourcuriosities

2009-08-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sojourncuriosities specializes in mixed media jewelry using vintage keys, wire wrapping, beads and whatever she can get her hands on into making such beautiful and unique jewelry. Her jewelry is one of a kind and you can easily find something in her shop for yourself or for someone else! If for some reason, you can't find something, no worries! She accepts custom orders as well as wholesale! Check her out at www.sojourncuriosities.etsy.com

She also has done some beautiful collaborations as well! Pumpkin Pye Boutique has had the opportunity to do a Coraline Inspired piece with her! A black clay button bowed skeleton key, faceted & starry blue and purple glass beads, and vivid dusky purple & blue wire.

Measures 2.5" long, with bail, and 1" across at widest point.
Presented on black organza ribbon necklace with lobster clasp. Other colors available upon request

Another gorgeous collaboration was done by Jupita, also an etsy member. Vintage silver hued
key and a cluster of iridescent glass beads accent this lovely upcycled gift card necklace by Jupita.Etsy.Com.
Handcut starbucks gift cards merge with this adorned key to create this amazing upcycled necklace. The upcycled starbucks card pieces are different from front to back of the piece. (Meaning, you can flip it over for a different look!!)

Chain portion is 18", drop is 3"

A perfect gift for Mom, your favorite barista, or even better.. yourself!

If you are interested in seeing some more beautiful work from Jupita.Etsy.Com go check out her shop!

Add Us On Facebook!

2009-08-21T06:05:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Pye Boutique on Facebook

Hair Clips and More!

2009-08-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

Jenn of Design My Boutique has the most adorable hair clips for kids and mini ones for babies! Handmade with love and the
assistance of her 2 kids (just to watch lol) Jenn has made the "oh so fashionable" clips to match any outfit! Great prices and fast service! Go and check her shop out and show Design Mine Boutique some love!
www.bonanzle.com/booths/designmineboutique

Which Business Card?

2009-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to reorder some business cards! Hard to think that I went through 150 in such a short amount of time! I suppose it's a good thing! Now I need some help. I'm thinking of redoing my business cards with a different design. The original one, which I have been using is the brown card, and I am thinking of changing to the owl one. Please take a look and vote on which one best suits my shop! Thanks so much!

I was featured on NBC4 Los Angeles TV website!

2009-07-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was sewing last night on my new singer machine and I got a text message (my email is automatically sent to my phone so I never miss a beat!) and I start reading.. "Hi, I saw your peanut butter and jelly necklaces on NBC4's website Los Angeles, I thought you would like to know." WOAH!!! Okay, so maybe its just an online website.. but it's NBC4! IN LOS ANGELES! How awesome! So, I am now totally stoked at 12am...just knowing that my shop has been featured on the news channel! Anyway, come see what they had to say! All I need now, is for Paris Hilton to get ahold of my necklaces and I'm in!

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/shopping/Want-This-PBJ-Best-Friend-Necklaces.html

Looking for Handmade Stamps?

2009-06-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

My search started for a handmade pumpkin pie stamp once I had opened my shop and realized how cute it would be to stamp my packages with a perfect pumpkin pie stamp. I searched and searched for this stamp and couldnt find anything and just gave up. While chatting in an etsy chat, (I can always be found in there!) I saw people posting from xneoncanvas' shop! (www.xneoncanvas.etsy.com) Stamps!! and she accepts custom orders too! I couldn't resist and had shown her my pumpkin pie polymer clay charm and she was able to construct the perfect stamp from a picture of my polymer clay item! How awesome is that!!! The price was soooooo reasonable, I was shocked! I received my order so fast too! Felicia is a fabulous person to work with and very kind too! I highly recommend xneoncanvas for your much needed stamps!! Go visit her shop! go!! go!! www.neoncanvas.etsy.com

Objects Of Affection: Wish List Wednesday - They're Stuffed!

2009-06-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Objects Of Affection: Wish List Wednesday - They're Stuffed!

Yay! im included in a blog!!!

Marketing YOUR Products

2009-06-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Lots of crafters out there have fabulous hand-made products. We set up shop, load our inventory, and then it sits. No traffic... few sales...and then the frustration begins. I look back into my shop and wonder, "what is it that I'm doing wrong? I know I have a great product but my shop is collecting dust on a weekly basis." With this all being said, I've come to see that writing a business plan is a must.

Products and/or Services and your Unique Selling Proposition
Pricing Strategy
Sales/Distribution Plan
Advertising and Promotions Plan

Products/Services need to be unique. Make it different from everyone else! What makes your product different from your competitors? You need a unique selling proposition. What is the message that you want to get across to your buyers? The marketing plan is all about communicating this central message to your customers.

Pricing: What is the cost for your product/services?? What is the cost of materials and labor? Include the cost of mailing, selling fees and other administrative costs as well.

How does the pricing of your product or service compare to the market price of similar products or services?

If your price is lower than competitors how are you able to do this? If you charge higher, how does this benefit your customer? These are things that come into play while planning your pricing.

Sales/Distribution Plan: What costs are associated with distributing your item? How long will it take until your customer receives their item?

If your business involves selling a product, you should also include information about inventory levels and packaging in this part of your marketing plan. Explain how your products will be packed and shipped. What methods of payment do you accept? What is your return policy? What type of product warranties does your company hold? Is there an area on your site for customer feedback?

Advertising and Promotions Plan: When advertising your product, which media outlets are you going to use? ie: internet, radio television, billboards, flyers etc.. Sales promotions are a good way to lure your customers in. Offer coupons, free gifts, product demonstrations etc. Marketing materials are always a huge plus- business cards, pamphlets, brochures etc.

How do you get publicity?

product launches
special events, including community involvement
writing articles
getting and using testimonials

Craft fairs are a good place to start! Find out about local craft fairs in your city. Check city websites for this information or visit www.eventlister.com to sign up (for free) and get a list of upcoming events in your area.

Start up a business website! Godaddy.com has some great offers to get you signed up. Microsoft Office Live has a free hosting/website too. There are other paid sites to use, however when starting out, sometimes its just not in your budget at the time.

No business is too small to have a marketing plan!

Felt, Felt and more Felt!

2009-05-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Felting has become a more recent hobby of mine and I really love it! I hand sew little felt pins, hair clips, coasters and mini plushy stuffed animals/objects. I would love to take custom orders for felting too! All of my felt items are completely hand sewn by me with great attention to detail and made with lots of love! Come check out some of my felt crafts on my etsy!

www.pumpkinpye517.etsy.com

Coral Springs High School's Art Club Shows Support for Autism Awareness!

2009-03-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Ms. Horniker and her art club students for participating and donating their time to make Autism Awareness Puzzle Pins. The students did such a wonderful job and I can't thank them enough for helping me!

Now show YOUR support, by ordering a puzzle pin for just $5.00 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to www.AutismSpeaks.org.

Thank You Coral Springs High School Art Club!!!

My Etsy Shop!

2009-02-18T08:52:00.001-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Pumpkinpye517

New Items!!

2009-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

I just added some new items this week! New necklaces, new pottery and a new painting! Finally! So much work and so little time. Go and check it all out in my shop at www.pumpkinpye517.etsy.com I'd love to hear some thoughts on my items!

Puzzle Pieces for Autism

2009-02-01T14:09:00.001-08:00

I used to work with autistic students for a few years as well as students with other handicaps. I love those children so much and they have always inspired me with their creativity. I have raised awareness a few years ago at Tradewinds Elementary by making Puzzle Pins for the teachers to wear and show their support. I would like to continue doing this for April 2009. I will be working on these pins and getting pictures up of them as soon as possible to have them all ready for Autism Awareness Month in April 2009. I am donating 100% of the proceeds from these pins to Autism Speaks. (www.autismspeaks.org) Show your support by ordering one of these adorable handmade pins today. I will make a list of the people who have bought and post the links to your shop/business if applicable.

Here is a great article that you all might be interested in:

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-parenting/2009/01/21/autism-screening-tops-obamas-medical-to-do-list.html

We have donations!! WOOHOO! Thank you all for your support!!
- Selnise (www.selnise.etsy.com)
-ScentfulIndulgence (ScentfulIndulgence.etsy.com)

Party Favors!

2009-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have recently been thinking about doing party favors! I can make something very unique for that special celebration! Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties for any age! Whatever type of party favor your heart desires! Contact me if you are interested and together we can come up with something fabulous! www.pumpkinpyeboutique.com E-mail: Pumpkinpyeboutique@gmail.com

Valentine's Day Gifts!!

2009-01-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've added some new necklaces specifically for Valentine's Day! Come on and meet these special little animals with a big heart!

Meet my friend, Midnight the Valentine Night Owl! Midnight the Valentine Night Owl is just an adorable fun loving guy! He sleeps all day and comes out to party at night, but only on Valentine's Day! Don't let this little guy get lost into the night! Midnight is made with love out of polymer clay and comes on a 16" silver necklace. The bottom is stamped with my initials, "tb"

This is Ava the Valentine Bird and she loves to sing! Her beautiful voice is music to everyone's ears! Wear her around your neck and you are sure to hear beautiful sounds! Ava is made with love out of polymer clay and comes on a 16" silver chain. The bottom is stamped with my initials, "tb"

On the left here we have "Peekaboo the Valentine Turtle"! He is a shy little guy and wears his heart on his shell. His adorable little face and vibrant colors are sure to melt anyone's heart! Peekaboo is made with love out of polymer clay and comes on a 16" silver chain. The bottom is stamped with my initials, "tb"

These are all handmade by me with much time and perfection into each individual piece. Each necklace is tucked away safely in a jewelry box and shipped out in a bubble wrap. Come on in my shop and order these now before these little love bugs get away! www.pumpkinpyeboutique.com

Raku Art!

2008-11-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

I started making pottery back in 2004 and I just became more and more interested in it the better I got at it. Almost 5 years later, I still am trying to perfect my pottery each section at a time! I have taken a liking to Raku clay and the whole firing process with this type of clay. Raku clay is a greyish type of clay that tends to be a little gritty to the touch. When it is in the "greenware" stage, meaning dried out after its been molded and free of moisture, it dries light grey oppose to a regular clay drying more brown. At this stage of the clay, it then goes into a kiln to bake. Once it is baked and cooled, it is ready for glaze. There are so many different recipes for glazes, ones with matte finish, glossy, turquoise, copper etc.. Once I've chosen a glaze, I paint about 3 layers on, or dip it 3 times in a bucket of glaze.. depending on the size of the piece. Then, it must dry out again for another few days. After the drying is complete, it then goes into a kiln again. Once the pottery is glowing red and the glaze looks smooth and not bubbled it is ready to be removed from the kiln. It then can be removed and left to dry in open air, a water bath or in a metal trash can lined in newspapers. Its all up to the artist which approach they want to take. I personally like to put the raku pottery into a trash can filled with newspaper. After the piece is sitting inside of this trash can and the smoke is escaping from under the lid I then take the lid off of the trash can to let oxygen into the can to then ignite the newspapers again and then imediately cover the can again. This allows for the process to start over again so more chemical reactions take place and the smoldering starts again. I then let the piece sit in the trash can until the flames and smoke have disapated. The best part is taking out of the trash can and leaving in the air to cool and look at all of the different color on the piece. After the piece is totally cooled, its ready to go to the sink to be scrubbed of the suit and ashes to really get a closer look of all the beautiful colors in the pottery. Wallah! The process is now complete! Alot of sweat goes into the firing process, believe me.. standing in front of burning trash cans and kilns at thousands of degrees gets VERY hot! So maybe next time you see that pretty, handmade, colorful piece of pottery, you might stop and think about all of that hard work that really goes into each piece. :) Glad I can share my passion and experience!