And the winner is…. Petula E! Send me an email at info@sweetserendipityphotography.com to claim your prize!

This week’s featured vendor is Jacy from Bit O Whimsy. Her hats always are a client favorite and I am in love with all of her creations! Her shop features adorable hats, headbands, diaper covers and unique one of a kind creations.

Jacy is giving away a $25 credit to her shop.

Tell me four random things about you.
1. I don’t mind eating a gigantic bowl of Golfish crackers for dinner… Who liks cooking every night anyways!?)
2. I would choose shopping at a thrift store over a mall, I love me a treasure hunt!
3. I swam competitively for about 10 years when I was younger and I had some pretty mean muscles because of it.
4. My childhood dream was to be a ballerina… oh how I wanted to dance in the”Nutcracker”

What Got You Started Crafting?
I have been a “crafter” all my life. When I was eight my mom taught me how to crochet. In 2008 I got married and moved away from my day job. One lazy day I was sitting around finishing some random hats for my nieces and a light bulb when off in my head. I had used Etsy before…. I even purchased my son a knit hat there once! I decided to make a few hats and see if they sold. To my surprise I made a sale soon after listing my first hat. Since then I have been hooked!

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
I currently use Etsy to sell my creations

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
ANYTHING and EVERYTHING can be inspiring to me! Books, movies, toys and a never-ending yarn supply keep my mind spinning. For an example, my monster hat was inspired by my son’s pajamas!

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
My mind is focoused on items for the BOY right now. There is a huge need for boy things! I have recently created an Aviator styled hat with felt “goggles” , cabled beanie and lion bonnet.

Why Handmade?
Handmade is the only way to go if you are looking for a unique item that you will treasure forever. I think every handmaker devotes a lot of love and attention to detail in their crafts. I also love handmad because nobody else will have what you have, random people will stop and ask “where did you get that?”

I have a slight addiction to Bit O Whimsy’s hats. Check out this adorable lion!

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have three chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Head over to Bit O Whimsy’s Etsy shop and post back here with your favorite item.

3. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Bit O Whimsy!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 12 . The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Friday, May 13.

And the winner is….. Amanda Bayliss!

Contact me at info@sweetserendipityphotography.com to claim your $25 gift card!

I apologize for the delay in this week’s vendor spotlight feature. A stomach bug has struck our house (well, struck me it seems) and I feel like I am running a few days behind on life right now. I definitely think that this week’s vendor is worth waiting for! Sheri from Oops I Knit It Again not only has the coolest Etsy shop name but also has some of THE most original and fun hats for babies AND adults.

I had Sheri tell me a little bit about herself and her business from Grand Rapids, MI. She is offering one reader a $25 gift certificate to her shop!

Tell me some random facts about you.
1) I’m adopted
2) I’m married to a youth pastor
3) I’m going to Africa this summer
4) I watch an insane amount of Netflix while knitting/crocheting

What Got You Started Crafting?
A friend of mine started knitting and she kept showing me all this stuff she was making and of course then the “I can do that” part of me kicked in and she tried to show me and it was a fail. So the owner of the local yarn shop kept helping me and I got it all figured out. The first time I went in there she said to me…. “what are you doing?” and all I could think of was…”obviously I’m not knitting lol” Then once I figured it all out and conquered my first baby hat it was pretty much what I loved making. I had to start selling them because my kids said they were overtaking the house lol.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
I sell most of my items on etsy and am always willing to do custom pieces because I love making new things. My shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/OopsIKnitItAgain

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I am inspired a lot by color. It doesn’t matter what the object is if I see a color or color combo that catches my eye I automatically think….that would make a cute hat, blanket, etc.

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
I just made a really cute bonnet in some bright spring colors that has some big scallops around the face so it looks like a flower. It’s really cute. I now want to make it in lots of other colors just to see how it will look! So cute!

Why Handmade?
I love handmade items because I love having a unique item that not everyone else has. A lot of times I would end up making stuff for myself because I couldn’t find the exact thing that I wanted someplace else. I would have a specific look or colors in mind and nobody else would have it made. So that it another reason I guess I started making things. I also love to buy stuff off etsy for the same reason. There are so many unique and awesome things on there and it’s a great way to support others who are doing the same thing I am!

Here are some of my favorite items from Sheri. As you can tell I have a slight obsession with her stuff.

This first photo is my niece Delaney.

And these are of my own little guy Nicholas.

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have four chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Become a fan of Oops I Knit It Again on Facebook.

2. Check out Sheri’s Etsy shop- Oops I Knit It Again- and leave a comment with your favorite item.

3. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Oops I Knit It Again!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Friday, April 29. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Saturday, April 30.

I absolutely love working with this vendor! She has some of the most adorable crochet items and always does an amazing job. I was super excited to feature her as this week’s vendor spotlight. Nina from Dragonfly Creations has been selling on Etsy for a few years and recently opened up a second shop full of ready to ship items!

I had Nina tell me a little bit about herself and her business from Corona, CA. She is offering one reader a $20 gift certificate to her shop!

Tell me some random facts about you.
1) I have a bachelor’s degree in animal science and am a licensed vet tech, but chose to stay at home and crochet for a living instead instead
2) I spend way too much money on yarn that I love but will probably never use
3) I think knitting is insanely hard and I just cant get the hang of it
4) I have 2 kids under 2 years old, Mason and Maddie

What Got You Started Crafting?
My grandmother When I was a little girl, she taught me how to crochet. I didnt stick with it at first, but then years later I bought a crochet book and re-taught myself. I started making things for friends and family and fell in love with it!

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
Etsy and Artfire online shops. I’m a very shy person and couldnt sell a product in person if my life depended on it! With an online venue, my work can do all the talking

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
Aside from the usual (God, husband, kids) I would have to say the yarn! I fall in love with the colors, textures, and fibers of a yarn and my brain starts to race thinking of all the things I can make with it.

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
I just started a new shop (maddie and mason) where I have been making diaper covers and baby hats. It’s a completely “ready to ship” shop, which is new for me! It’s great because I can ship the items to the customer quickly. I’m used to taking an order, creating the item in 1-2 weeks, and the customer has to wait to receive it. I love having everything ready to ship. It’s rough getting a new shop off the ground on Etsy because sales and ratings are so important, but I’m really enjoying making new things in this new shop.

Why Handmade?
Handmade makes the world a better place! Creators of handmade items are artists, most often people who do what they love. Handmade gives the maker a sense of accomplishment, something to be proud of. Everyone should have a hobby, and I believe those who can make a living with their hobby are often truely happy workers

Check out some of Nina’s adorable creations!

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have three chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Check out Nina’s new Etsy Shop- Maddie and Mason- and leave a comment with your favorite item.

3. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Maddie and Mason!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 21. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Friday, April 12.

So sorry I am so late in posting this! We have been in party preparation mode here and this is the first time I sat down to work all day! So, the winner is….

Angela! You have won your choice of any 3 items from Persnickity Knits!

Contact me by emailing info@sweetserendipityphotography.com or using the contact form on this page so I can get you in touch with Nicole!

This week’s vendor spotlight feature is about Nicole from Persnickity Knits based out of Seattle. Nicole seriously has some of the most adorable items in her Etsy shop! She has generously offered to give away THREE items from her Etsy Shop- so any the winner gets their choice of any three items. I know I personally would have a hard time choosing! I am drooling over her diaper cover for baby boys- I think my own little man needs one!

Nicole is also offering a code for free shipping! So any items purchased from her shop during this giveaway will have free shipping. Please use code SSPSHIPSFREE for your free shipping!

I had Nicole tell me a little bit about herself and her business. In her words: My moniker is -A delectable collection of photography props for newborns and infants – From the simple and elegant diaper cover to the fashion forward tassel hats, you can be sure to please even the most persnickety parent. In all reality – I knit for every age. I was a mad woman this holiday season knitting Christmas Stockings.

Tell me some random facts about Nicole.
1. I love in no particular order: Gardenia’s, Peonies, Shoes and Coffee.
2. We have four beautiful kids.
3. We support Autism Research and the Food Allergy Network.
4. We love camping.

What Got You Started Crafting?
Managing for a high-end retailer here in the NW, after almost 13 years the stress was mounting. I turned to knitting as a form of relaxation. Fast forward six years I am now a stay at home Mum with our four kiddos, who still loves to knit.

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
Persnickety’s Knits on Etsy

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I have so many to list – but seriously our family, friends and God. Too cliché – my close seconds are kate spade – color schemes, DVF – amazing business women and Chanel nail polish – I love pretty toes in sandals. I am sitting typing with my hair in a bun, sweats and two kids sleeping beside me – and I can dream about the day where I will actually take the time to get a pedi. ☺

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
A gorgeous baby wrap knit from cashmere, bison and bamboo for a client who is due any day. It is simply stunning!

Why Handmade?
Items are unique, thoughtful and more than likely one of a kind. How can you go wrong?

So seriously, the offer for any three of Nicole’s items will be so much fun for the winner! Check out some of her gorgeous knit items! They are all available in Persnickity Knit’s Etsy Shop.

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have three chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Check out Persnickity Knits on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

3. Head on over to Persnickity Knit’s Facebook Page and become a become a fan! She often lists one of a kind items and surprise sales!

4. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Persnickity Knits!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 7. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Friday, April 8.

I am soooo excited to announce another round of giveaways from Sweet Serendipity Photography in association with some awesome vendors! This week I am featuring Lori from Preppy Peach Boutique. Her hats are adorable and my clients love her earflap beanies! You can find Lori on Etsy at Preppy Peach Boutique.

I had Lori tell me a little bit about herself and her business.

Tell me some random facts about Lori.
1. In my original career in the 1980’s, I worked as an Executive Assistant for major companies in Atlanta, Georgia.
2. I consider myself a “crochet artist”
3. I operate my Etsy shop as a professional business
4. The proceeds from my shop help supplement sending my 2 daughters to college
5. My daily orders have kept my workflow at a medium load
6. My Etsy shop has a 100% feedback rating.

What Got You Started Crafting?
I have always been creative and taught myself everything I know which started with knitting in the third grade, then I progressed to sewing and making my own clothing in high school. When I decided to become a full-time mom 20 years ago, I focused on my sewing and machine embroidery to sell in order to payoff the embroidery machine and for some extra “fun money”. My crochet business started on Etsy in 2009. I chose crochet as my full-time business since it is quick and portable, I can watch t..v. with my family and also take it with me to appointments and on road trips to stay on schedule

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
I sell exclusively on Etsy, all online sales. I allows me a steady flow of orders to a worldwide audience and I like the look and feel of the site, quality unique items. I prefer online to local since I do not want to sit at craft shows nor am I interested in asking local shops to carry my items, Etsy provides all that I need to promote and sell my items in a consistent and steady workflow.

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I always admired my paternal grandmother for her sewing, knitting and crochet work. I only met her one time when I was in the fifth grade, but never forgot about her style and talent, and she smelled of Estee Lauder perfume, delicious! During her visit, her hands never stopped from making crochet shawls for upcoming Christmas gifts. In her career, she worked in the dress design department of Best & Company in New York City, NY many years ago….before women really had careers, an independent talented woman!

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
To stay on schedule for a quick turnaround time, I make approximately 3-4 hats per day….I love all of the colors and styles that I offer….the monkey hat is the most popular style and I make one almost every day….the ladies sweater shrug can be worn year-round, so it is nice to make one about every 3 days, the yarn is so soft and comes in many beautiful colors.

Why Handmade?
Handmade fulfills my need for creativity and feeling productive. I love the uniqueness of each item and am so proud to know that my little hats and ladies sweater shrugs are being worn around the world!…..Thank you Etsy for providing this worldwide audience

Lori has some gorgeous hats and crochet items in her shop. Here are a few favorites!

As a part of the vendor spotlight feature, Lori has generously offered to give away one of these adorable bear hats.

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have three chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Check out Preppy Peach Boutique and leave a comment with your favorite item.

3. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Preppy Peach Boutique!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 31. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Friday, April 1.

I am soooo excited to announce another round of giveaways from Sweet Serendipity Photography in association with some awesome vendors! This week I am featuring Rabecca from Becky’s Baby Crochet! Rabecca uses Big Cartel and Etsy to sell her adorable baby items.

I had Rabecca tell me a little bit about herself and her business.

Tell me four random facts about Rabecca.
1. I’m a married, work from home mom, with 3 kiddos, and one on the way!
2. I’m addicted to buying, and spinning yarn! It’s a little ridiculous
3. I haven’t had time to read a book, with paper pages since I opened my Etsy shop… Thank goodness for Audible.com lol!
4. It’s really hard for me to complete a project, unless I absolutely have to… I have craft A.D.D.

What Got You Started Crafting?
I’ve always loved doing crafty things, but when I was pregnant with my daughter my sister crocheted me the CUTEST baby blanket, and it inspired me to learn to crochet. She taught me the basics and then I learned a lot from You tube videos! I guess I was a natural because it wasn’t too long before I opened my Etsy shop!

How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Crafts?
I normally sell the most on Etsy, but I recently opened a Big Cartel store. Also I get some business from Facebook!

What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
My kiddos of course, I love to make things that I think would look adorable on them! Also I get a lot of requests from photographers, for what they’d like to use when they photograph little ones!

Tell Us About Something You’ve Recently Made
I recently started spinning yarn, and with the first full skein of yarn that I finished I made an adorable hat, and matching cocoon!

Why Handmade?
I LOVE making and receiving handmade gifts, the feeling of getting a gift that you know someone took the time to make themselves, just for you, is so amazing!

Rabecca focuses her business on crochet newborn hats and photo props for babies.
Check out her Big Cartel shop and her Facebook page for some of her adorable items.

Rabecca is giving away one of these super cute bunny hats just in time for Easter. The hat will be custom made in any size that you need.

To enter to win this awesome giveaway just do the following and leave a comment on the blog stating which you did. Each comment will get counted as an entry in the giveaway. You have four chances to win!

1. Become a fan of Sweet Serendipity Photography on Facebook.

2. Head over to Becky’s Baby Crochet’s Facebook page and become a fan!

3. Check out Becky’s Baby Crochet’s Big Cartel Shop and Facebook page and leave a comment with your favorite item.

4. Repost this comment on Facebook or Twitter. “Head on over to Sweet Serendipity Photography to check out this awesome giveaway from Becky’s Baby Crochet!”

Remember for each thing that you do to leave a comment below. The contest will run through 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 14. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced on this blog Friday, March 15.

And the winner is…. Aubrey from Aubrey Torrey Photography! Aubrey you have won a $25 credit to Fresh Outta the Oven!

Send me an email at info@sweetserendipityphotography.com or use the contact form on this page to claim your prize!