Tutor Time Show

A week or so ago now, we were able to do another small show. Different kind of set-up this time and we weren't quite sure what we were going to be faced with once we got there, so prep was a little nerve-wracking, but I think it turned out nicely.

We were able to take our full line with us this time, so we had all kinds of goodies.

We had all of the aprons and bags and wall plaques from last time, plus we were able to take the bunting. I wish there had been some way to hang the banners, but they still looked neat.

The show was held inside a Tutor Time in Gilbert, and we were able to use the space as needed, so there were different size and shape tables to choose from. The big round table made a great spot for our dress form! (I think she needs a name. Suggestions?)

And we were able to take ALL of the kid and baby stuff this time!

It's Show Season!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busy, Busy, Busy

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

A few pretty pictures of new stuff:

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

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

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

AND! Big news!

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

Friday Feature - Ratcha, from DooDesign

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

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

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

When did you first begin creating?

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

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

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

What is a typical work day like for you?

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite item in your shop, now?

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

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

No… ^_^

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

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

Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ChicoBag Original

When it comes to reusable bags, it's hard to beat the original ChicoBag.



These bags are amazing. They're made from a really lightweight (a mere 1.5 ounces), really durable woven polyester. They take a LOT of abuse. (Trust me on that one. Our son and our cats think they're toys. Ours have been put through their paces and still look amazing!) They easily hold up to 25 pounds of groceries, toys, laundry or whatever else you can think of to stuff into them. They're washable and the colors don't bleed on the rest of your laundry. (ChicoBeg recommends washing in cold and hanging to dry. Ours go in the dryer and have suffered no ill effects, though treating them kindly will obviously lengthen their lifespan.) They're big enough to hold a LOT of stuff, but stuff into a small, attached pocket quickly so that you can tuck them into a purse or the glove box of your car for when you need them.

When open, the bags are roughly 18"x14.5" and they close up to a neat little 3"x4". There's even a little carabiner attached so you can clip the pouch to whatever else you're carrying.

Amazing, I tell you.

And if you're worried about the recent news of lead in reusable shopping bags, worry no more. ChicoBag bags were NOT affected. To quote ChicoBag directly:

"ChicoBag is a leader in upholding rigorous lead testing standards, exceeding government regulations, to ensure consumer safety. ChicoBag™ utilizes third party testing on every single order. In fact, our products are lead tested three different times before they ever enter your home or business. We adhere to testing standards even more stringent than those set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for children's toys. In addition to the CPSIA standards, we go one step further to ensure our products also adhere to the more stringent lead standards for children's toys set forth in ASTM F963-07. "

These bags come in some really great colors. Unfortunately, frog loves monkey doesn't carry the entire range of colors - they've added some since we got ours - but we have a nice selection to choose from!

Green



Pale green



Red



Purple



Pink



Mango



Brown



Blue



Black



These bags are $5 each, and currently available via email or our Facebook page.