Giveaway Closed.
It's finally Friday...and a Freebie one at that. I'd love for you all to meet Heidi, the creator of all the wonderful items you can find over at Little Tadpole Designs Etsy shop. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Heidi and I'm wife to a wonderful husband and mommy to two adorable children. Our son is 2.5 and our daughter is almost a year. I'm also the creative hands, mind, and heart behind Little Tadpole Designs items for babies and youngsters. We live in cottage country of Eastern Ontario, Canada.
What made you want to become an artist?
I'm not sure I really think of myself as an artist... not in a traditional sense at least. In fact, I even have a hard time considering myself a "small business owner"... as I just love making stuff and really do it because it gives me a chance to do something creative that doesn't involve crayons or playdoh. I like making things for myself to meet a need, and I like making them well enough to share them with others too.
What is your favorite item to create?
Ooo. that's a tough one! I love my crocheted dolls and toys! Because I make them without a pattern, there is so much freedom when I start one! In fact, they almost seem to create themselves in a way. I also love making my Cuddle Blankies! I made the first one for my son and he loves it so much! The fabric is just so soft and I can imagine while making each one how much another baby would love it. My Cuddle Blankie and Binky Leash Gift Sets have been so well received as baby shower gifts it just makes my heart glow!
What advice would you give to new artists on Etsy?
Don't be afraid to try things and take as much advice as you can get! As a relatively new shop owner myself, I can't express how grateful I am for the support of fellow Etsians! My shop has grown and changed so much since I first started based on the support and suggestions of others... and I've made connections to some amazing, wonderful people through the process!
How do you promote your work?
I love to work with other shop owners to promote each other and "share the love". I have a Facebook page that I use to communicate with and ask for input from my fans, as well as share new items. My items have also been available in local mom & baby stores and events.
Do you have any websites connected to your shop?
What is the inspiration for your work?
My children, every single day! Every item I made was inspired by a need or interest of theirs... and I'm glad of it because they have shown me things that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. All of the unique features of my designs have come from their influence... and I'm always asking myself what they are going to get me to make for them next!
Where do you create?
Wherever I can! Haha! Most of the time, I do my creating in front of the TV in the evenings or on the kitchen table. I'm working on getting my "craft center" set up and organized and am really looking forward to having somewhere that I can leave my unfinished projects out all the time!
What are your goals for your shop?
My goal is a steady flow of business and hopefully lots of return or referred customers. I'm not aiming for financial freedom, just a balance so that when I find something new I want to create, I can afford to get what I need to do it... and maybe have a teensy bit of spending money to get something extra just for me!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Really just a "thank you" to everyone for supporting handmade crafters and artists! Etsy has really opened my eyes to some amazing items and gifts and as a buyer as well as a shop owner it is awesome to see the creativity that is out there!
And to say thanks... I'd love to offer 5% off any orders this week for having featured me here on Tutus & Tea Parties! Use coupon code BLOGLUV5 in my Etsy Shop.
Mandatory Entry:
{please do this first before any other entries}
your favorite item in her shop.
Extra Entries:
5} Become a follower of this blog {or let me know if you already are}
6} Enter in another giveaway on this blog and let me know which you entered.
7} Blog (with a link to this giveaway), tweet (please tag using @tutusandteaparties), or post on Facebook (please tag using @Tutus & Tea Parties & @LittleTadpoleDesigns) and leave a link where we can see it.
Be sure to leave your email address with each entry.
Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011. Sunday, October 16, 2011 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. If no email is listed I will choose another winner. Winner has one week to respond to my email to claim his/her prize after initial contact. I am not responsible for the shipping of this prize.
Contest open to US & Canada.
