the queen bee market

We want to hear from you!

2010-11-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

2010-11-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

We can hardly believe it's over. Really!
But this weekend was fantastic.
2 days.
1 fabulous location.
55 super terrific, wonderful, amazing vendors.
Hundreds, if not thousands (?) of shoppers.
Vendors and shoppers alike came from near and far to
take in the handmade goodness-
THANK YOU!!!!

We are tired. Excited. Grateful.
More recaps to come.
Including some with pics from our lovely photog,
Heather Starr.
(You can read my take here)
In the mean time, if you post about the Market
we'd love to have you link up in the comments on this post.
Thanks!!
xoxoxo,
Mique & Jess

A few posts we've seen so far:
the Pleated Poppy
Creme de la Gems
Flawed Perfection
Olive Blue
Life Rearranged
Crystal B
Funky Vintage Kitchen

2010-11-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

Bee there. Or bee square.
-today 4pm to 9pm
-tomorrow 9am to 4 pm
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd Del Mar

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

2010-11-11T14:43:00.001-08:00

Jess and I are running around with last minute details but had to let you know that we are SOOOOOOO excited for tomorrow. We know it's going to be so.much.fun! Great location, amazing vendors and some additional incentives.....
-First 25 people to spend $100+ on Friday and Saturday will receive swag bags
-Raffles:
Signed craft books
Lime Ricki swim suit gift certificate
The Twinery baskets of yummy twine
L Letterpress and set from Lifestyle Crafts
Mabel's Labels gift certificate
Jo Totes camera bag

Last minute notes:

Del Mar Hilton 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd Del Mar
Tomorrow 4pm to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm

You can't miss it- but we'll have some signs to follow too.
There is a parking fee. We negotiated a lower rate- $4/hr or $7/day. Carpool!- fill your car up with friends and head on over. :)
We take cash and credit cards/debit cards only. No checks pretty please.

If you want to follow along, we will be posting on Facebook and Twitter. On Twitter we'll be using the hashtag #queenbeemarket.

WE CAN'T WAIT!

p.s. In all of our busy-ness we failed to announce winners of the giveaways from the past week or so. We're sooooooo sorry about that. We will announce them all soon.

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

San Diego is one of my most favorite cities. I tell everyone that I
will someday live here, even if it is only for a one month rental on
the beach. I almost feel like a local, almost.

My husband recently suprised me for a weekend in San Diego and while I
was there I went to some pretty cool spots, let me share a fun-filled
day.

--For a delicious breakfast on both of our mornings, we had Broken Yolk
Cafe:

All I have to say is, "Delish"!!! They had the best service! Go
there, quick! We went to the one in the Gaslamp District.

--We took a took a drive to Del Mar and stopped in Pangaea Outpost :

Wow, what a super cool, eclectic store. It is big and you can find
the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. I love that the store is
filled with alot of different items and from alot of different
designers. Amazing!

-- On the way back to our hotel we stopped by the tide pools at Point
Loma. I know this is a huge tourist thing to do, but we love it. We
walked around the cliffs and discussed our love for the ocean, nature,
and our little boys.

--Since our hotel was in the Gaslamp District, we walked all around
the shops there too! Haven boutique (amazing, dark, and super cool),
Heavenly Cupcakes (yum), and Urban Outfitters were amongst my faves.

As I type this, I miss San Diego... Good thing I will be in Del Mar
for the Queen Bee Market Nov. 12th-13th! I will get my ocean breeze,
cool air fix! Please everyone stop by my booth and say "Hi"! I can't
wait to meet you all! :)

Guest Post: Stacey Winters of Stacey Winters Photography

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

salty sweet

For my guest post I am sharing something sweet.
In a recent BUST magazine I found this recipe for peanut-butter carmel apples. They were easy to make and very very delicious!

Ingredients:
6 apples
1/2 cup no-stir, smooth, natural peanut butter
1/2 cup brown rice syrup, at room temperature
1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
6 bamboo skewers
parchment paper

Cover a tray with parchment paper and stick a skewer through the bottom of each apple and set them on the tray. Make room in your fridge for the tray, they'll be chilling in the fridge pretty soon. Combine peanut butter and brown rice syrup in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly with a fork until smooth and heated all the way through. It is ready when the caramel is falling from your fork in ribbons. If it gets stiff, turn off the heat and add a little more brown rice syrup until it is fluid.

Use a spoon to spread peanut butter caramel over the entire apple, then sprinkle with bits of peanuts, pressing them into the caramel. Place your apple back onto the parchment and repeat with the rest of the apples. Once all apples are decorated in caramel and peanuts put the tray into the fridge for at least three hours. (I found that the peanuts were sliding a little initially, so when I make these again I will cover the apples with caramel, put them in the fridge for 15 minutes and then press on the peanuts or just chop my peanuts smaller next time.)

Just writing about these salty sweet apples and looking at the photographs makes me hungry for them again. Looks like I'll probably be making more this week when I'm taking a break from preparing for the Queen Bee Market. See you this weekend!

spotlight on: Ashley Baldridge of Babies in Green

2010-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Congrats Corinne- you win!
Let's welcome Ashley Baldridge of Babies in Green:

1. Tell us a little about you:

Above all I am a wife to my wonderful husband and a mom to two beautiful little girls, Ava and Marley, and one more on the way! My two passions, other than kids, are creating and books. I always have to have a project going (typically about 5!) and a book to read. I love being outside, the ocean, and a good cup of coffee.

2. How did you get started with your shop?

When I was pregnant with Marley (my second) I was taken off work, and since teaching and Ava had pretty much consumed my life, I had a lot more time on my hands. That combined with the pregnancy-induced nesting sent me into a flurry of a need to create! I have always been obsessed with all-natural and eco-friendly products, and so combined that with my sewing and started my cloth diaper line. From there I just fell in love with different projects and added the Little Bird accessory line, which has grown exponentially over the last year!

3. What is your inspiration for your art?

My girls, for sure!

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?

That’s a tough one! I have always wanted to visit India and Paris. They are at the top of my list, but I would have to say number one is the Galapagos Islands… if we are talking “ideal!”

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?

I get excited when I add something new to my line, so I would have to say the Ruffled Bloomers are my favorite item right now. Marley LOVES hers, and I can’t get over how excited she gets to put them on and prance around. Plus I always love a good excuse to use a pair of baby legs, and they are the perfect accessory for the bloomers!

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)

Aqua and bright pink is my new favorite. Amy Butler has some great fabrics in this color combo, and I have a dream bedroom designing itself in my head for my girls! In my shop I’m trying to gear a little more towards fall and winter colors, and I love the different shades of browns, creams and whites.

7. What is your favorite dessert?

Tiramisu. Definitely. Especially the ones made with really strong espresso!

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?

My instant reaction would be Anthropologie, or Free People, but realistically I could probably get a lot further and end up with more unique items shopping on Etsy! Plus I could buy stuff for my girls and I! I love unique items, with a whimsical or vintage flair.

9. What was your proudest moment?

When my daughter Ava was born. Just knowing that God gave me this incredible little person who depended solely on me. It’s such an amazing experience.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?

At night when the kids are asleep and I get to sit down and unwind with my husband.

I am giving away a custom tutu, any size and the winner's choice of colors!
Thanks!
Ashley

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Babies in Green and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Babies in Green giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, November 11th.

spotlight on: Stacey Winters of Stacey Winters Photography

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Stacey Winters of Stacey Winters Photography

1. Hello! I'm Stacey and I take photographs--of anything from vintage toys, to families on the beach. I also create fanciful and decorative things, from paper, glitter, string and, lately, lots of acorns!

2. My Etsy shop started with a 25¢ vintage deer figurine. I photographed him for cards and prints and three years later that sweet little deer is still getting lots of love.

3. My art is inspired by bits of nature I find on walks, vintage items, and my childhood.

4. My ideal vacation would be Italy. Everyone who has been says it is the most beautiful place to go, so now I want to see for myself.

5. One of my favorite items from my Etsy shop right now is the Dot holiday card series, followed closely by the golden acorns!

6. Any color combined with gray, is pretty much my favorite combination! I've never been able to resist snugly gray sweaters, and lately find myself working with the "gravel" colored papers from Paper Source.

7. I am a big dessert lover so it is tough to only choose one favorite--perhaps lemon meringue pie, followed by all sorts of lemon or chocolate or coconut or peanut butter desserts.

8. If I had $1000 dollars to spend in one store, I would take it to either Calumet or B&H Photo--two photography stores. A tilt lens would be the first and only thing on my list, as the one I have my eye on is a little over $1000.

9. One of my proudest moments was taking the leap to start my own business. Leaving my previous career was bittersweet. I feel incredibly proud when I see how my business is growing these days!

10. Morning. It is the time of day when I am full of energy, I drink green tea and genuinely believe I will accomplish an endless list of things I want to do.

...........
Giveaway: 3 sets of golden acorn ornaments

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Stacey Winters and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Stacey Winters on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Stacey Winters giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Wednesday, November 10th.

FYI

2010-11-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

While we are very proud of the fact that our show is open admission and free to the public, we wanted to be sure all of our customers are aware that (unfortunately) parking is not free at the Del Mar Hilton. The good news is we were able to get a very reduced Queen Bee Market rate for all of our lovely shoppers. Self- parking is $4 an hour or $7 a day for Queen Bee Market patrons. Please carpool and make sure the to let the parking attendant know you have come to shop! We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you soon!
xo, Mique and Jess

spotlight on: Liz Nicks of Tiny Pumpkins

2010-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Ali- you win!
Meet Liz Nicks of Tiny Pumpkins

Perfectly Personalized Creations

1. Tell us a little about you:

I have a confession to make. 'Little' is not a familiar word to me. I have a BIG family, where I am the BIG (but not oldest) sister of 4. I am a single mom to my 3 year old 'baby' girl, Connor, who's personality is too BIG for her own good! I tend to over-commit myself in a BIG way, but love to reap the BIG rewards when I get things accomplished. I work full time for my family business, which is crazy in a BIG way. I am a BIG time user of the phrase "I am my mother's daughter!" and am becoming more

and more like her every day...but I'm her BIGgest fan, so it's ok. I could keep going...but this answer is already too BIG!

2. How did you get started with your shop:

My older sister introduced me to Etsy 2 years ago, suggesting I post one of my piggies on it. I did. and it sold. fast. like crazy fast. and they keep selling. and the more banks i do, the better my art becomes. I never considered myself to be an artist, and still don't really. but i love to challenge myself with a new design and see just how far I can push myself.

3. What is your inspiration for art?

Life. From family to friends, from the fabric store to target. I love to wander and look. I'll snap a picture or 2 of something random and try to re-create it. Whether it's painted on the side of a pig or made into a onesie...I find inspiration in every day life.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?

vacation? What's that?

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?

My Pink polka dot piggy with the bow!

6. What is your favorite color combo?

Yellow, Green, Pink and Blue.

7. What is your favotire dessert?

Bread Pudding. YUMMO!

8. If you could spend $1,000 in one store, where would you spend it?

Target, now ask me something hard?

9. What was your proudest moment?

Ok, this is too hard! BUT to list one. like now. I would say my proudest moment isn't a 'moment' really. I am proud of my family. My parents and siblings. My daughter. My friends. They have been a blessing in my life and I am proud of their love.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?

The evenings, when it's time to tuck my daughter in bed. She always begs me to 'snuggle' first...it makes my heart sooo happy!

Liz is giving away 1 personalized piggy of your choice!

Either pick from one in her shop, or create something NEW!

To be entered to win:

Mandatory: Visit Tiny Pumpkin and let us know your favorite item in her shop.

Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).

Follow Queen Bee Market and tweet about this giveaway.

For example: I'm so excited about the Tiny Pumpkin giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Saturday, November 6th.

spotlight on: Courtney Toney of Joyful Joyful

2010-11-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Congrats Kathy- you win!
Welcome to Courtney Toney of Joyful Joyful!

1. Tell us a little about you:
I am the wife of my high school sweetheart, the mom of Isaiah, who is 3, and baby boy #2 who will be joining us in February. I am a wedding planner (Joyful Weddings and Events) and a crafter, and am an Orange County native who is slowly becoming a San Diegan after living here for 3 years. I am a 10-year cancer survivor and that has influenced everything from my outlook on life to my shop name. I love music and did musical theater through college. I can still be found dancing around my house or singing in the car on any given day. My husband is a worship pastor and I sing on the team every so often. This also makes me a pastor's wife- something I never thought I would be, but love. I also pretend I know how to play the xylophone so that I feel like I am part of the band. I love pretty much anything having to do with food or dessert- I love baking and am trying to became half as good a cook as my husband.

2. How did you get started with your shop?
Through my job as a wedding planner, I started crafting fun touches for my clients to use on their wedding days, such as banners and signs. The more I made them, the more I loved it so I decided to branch out beyond my own clients and open an etsy shop.

3. What is your inspiration for your art?
I have always been a paper lover. I don't scrapbook though, so I have just kept accumulating more and more pretty paper. I see a cute print and just have to make something with it. I also get inspiration from home decor and weddings. Most of all, though, I love encouraging words. My products incorporate words and phrases and sometimes I will hear someone say something and think, "that needs to be on a banner".

For my flags, I was inspired by my son. He was modeling for a wedding photo shoot and I knew that he would have nothing to do with holding a ring pillow. I knew that he would be stoked about running around with a flag though. Thus, the idea was born and I have heard rave reviews from brides who said that their ring bearers and flower girls loved carrying the flags and waving them around all day.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
Right now? Anywhere. Seriously. Get me to an island or New York.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I am so excited about my holiday banners that I will be unveiling over the next week (and will have plenty of at the boutique!). I am also loving my holiday flags- great for photoshoots and holiday card photos as well as for decor.

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
If you looked in my closet, you would think, "this girl likes black and white". And it is true. Some people call me boring. I like to think it's classic. However, I'm almost equally in love with turquoise.

7. What is your favorite dessert?
Peppermint ice cream. I am a happy girl from October-January. All other months, I happily settle for almost any other dessert.

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Like almost everyone has said before, probably Anthropology. Although, Pottery Barn would be fun too.

9. What was your proudest moment?
After I battled cancer as a teenager, so many seemingly normal events became my proudest moments. Returning to school for my senior year, graduating, moving away to my dream college (Go Bruins!) and marrying my high school sweetheart are definitely at the top of my list. However, I think that holding my son for the first time tops the list, since I thought that I would not be able to have kids. It was the most humbling, joyous and gratitude-filled moment of my life.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?
Seeing my son jump up and down when my husband comes home from work. Not only does it signal that my hubby is home, but seeing the love that my son has for him melts my heart daily.

I am giving away one of my blessed banners.

**All photos by Drew B Photography (www.drewbphotography.com)

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Joyful Joyful and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Courtney on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the @joyfulweddings giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Saturday, November 6th.

Guest Post: Emily Sparks of Emily Sparks Handmade

2010-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

hey party people!

i had a bit of a hard time coming up with a suitable "guest post" for this awesome blog. after a little deliberation and some procrastination i decided that i would share with me a "to-do list" for this wonderful month.

here we go.

#1 crafty tutorials i would like to try:

these pumpkins are high on the list. i just need to find the right fabrics.

i am for sure doing these cloth napkins for our thanksgiving table.

i would like to try my hand at a felt leaf garland like the one on elsie's blog.

maybe i'll even make a wreath like this one.

#2 san diego events

week 1- i plan to take my little girl to the adventures of the gingerbread man at the marie hitchcock puppet theater in balboa park. they always put on a good show.

week 2- i will kick off my holiday shopping at the queen bee market.

week 3- i think we'll hit up the del mar cliffs. we like to walk along the coast in del mar, the cliffs are beautiful and so is the view... one of the perks of living by the ocean. this is on the list this month, because we haven't gotten there in a while and i would like to go back.

week 4- holiday arts festival at the del mar fair grounds.

#3 recipes

these potted pies look like they would be so so fun.

these smashed potatoes look so yummy.

carmel dipped apples

i am going to make my first turkey, yikes! i think i will try this recipe from relish

#4 projects to finish

i have a list of things i need to finish before december... an advent calendar, my tree skirt, but most importantly my daughter's quilt that i've been making. i am loving the way it's taking shape.

#5 lastly we need to take pictures for our family christmas card.

i think we may try to do a photo booth photo strip on a card and post them in the same skinny envelopes we used for our wedding announcements. yes, i still have bunches of envelopes from our invites, because i never threw anything out. it would be quite frugal if i could use what i already have. it seams like every card i find with a photo booth strip is a wedding announcement. we will have fun turning the idea into a christmas card.

these wedding invites are found in readymade (the love issue)

i love these save the dates!

this sweet wedding invite is right along the lines of what i've been thinking. found on black eiffel

thanks for visiting and i hope to see you at the market!

xoxo_emily sparks

spotlight on: Jodi of the Lovely Letter

2010-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Jodi of the Lovely Letter:

1. Tell us a little about you:
Hi! My name is Jodi, I am a wife to a pretty fantastic guy and a mother to 2 equally fantastic little dudes! I love Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, frozen preferrably. I love my flip flops and wear them everywhere! I am not a natural blonde. I am a recovering nail biter. I love to walk on the beach and dream about what my beach home would look like. No dark woods here, all whites and gray blues in my beach home fantasy! I am mildly obsessed with watching Modern Family, I
love it! I love the smell of vanilla and sugar cookies..speaking of, I make a mean sugar cookie! Watch out Martha!...OK fine don't watch out, you have a pretty sweet gig Martha and I heart you! I love meeting new people and feed off positive, creative energy. At bedtime, I love reading "Love You Forever" to my sons, I just wish I could finish it without tear filled eyes. I love the gals closest to me and enjoy shopping and going to lunch. I have a really great family and I find so much joy in sharing my life with each of them.

2. How did you get started with your shop?
Well, I have always loved letters and I always admired lettered jewelry, unique different ones. About 2 years ago, I saw a wax seal piece of jewelry that was made out of polymer clay, I loved it, and I was hooked! I bought a boat load of polymer clay and since I already had a small wax seal collection, I started stamping and baking. I would end of burning half of them and the other half would be too bendy. So, I thought, what about metal? I had seen sterling silver wax seals in the past but knew I wasn't a silver smith. So, I researched until I found the perfect metal to work with. I perfected my imperfect wax seals and started my Etsy shop, TheLovelyLetter. Now I am making glitter pendants, I love them. They are so fun! Your
favorite letter(s) surrounded by sparkly glitter! What could be better?! Soon, fine silver jewelry...I can't wait!

3. What is your inspiration for your art?
Oh my, I find inspiration everywhere I go. To the font on the side of a delivery truck, to a beautiful wax seal at my favorite antique store. I love reading wedding magazines, going to scrapbook stores. I feel inspired by the colors of the ocean or the pines in northern AZ. My mind never stops looking for something to spark my creativity!

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
Ooohhhh, that is a tough one. I would say anywhere in the Caribbean. I feel a special bond to St. John or Roatan. I love those two spots. Although, I do love my Mother's cabin as well. The pines are beautiful in Arizona and when it rains it is pure bliss.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Well, they are like my children, I love them all! But, if I had to pick a favorite, I sure do like the glitter "LOVE" pendant. It speaks to me.

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just
in general)
turquoise and yellow. They are my business colors and they make me smile.

7. What is your favorite dessert?
I am an equal opportunity dessert lover!! I love them all, really! But hmmm...maybe a frosted brownie with vanilla ice cream....or um...fudge..or wait a second...chocolate chip walnut cookies...err......wait evermind, I can't pick just one, I LOVE them all!! :)

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Well as boring as this may be, it would have to be Target! I spend half of my life in the good ol' Targay and to get a free thousand dollars, I may just go crazy and buy something for myself and stay out of the diaper and detergent aisles! :)

9. What was your proudest moment?
Birth of my sons, hands down!! It took along time to have my first, so when he came into the world he took my breath away and I couldn't have been prouder..more elated..giddy...etc.etc.!!

10. What is your favorite part of the day?
Morning, we are all refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Second favorite, 10:35 pm, when Jay Leno is on in the background, my kids are tidy in their beds, and I know sleep is just seconds away! My husbands favorite, 10:38, everyones asleep and he can watch TV in peace and quiet! :)

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit the Lovely Letter and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Lovely Letter giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, November 5th.

spotlight on: Emily Sparks of Emily Sparks Handmade

2010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Cupcake Carrie- you win!
Welcome to Emily of Emily Sparks Handmade!

Tell us a little about you:
I am the wife of a handsome industrial designer, the mother of one beautiful 2 year old and a lover of handmade and vintage. When i see something i am ALWAYS trying to figure our how it was made, so I love creating, making, trying new things and learning about how things are made. i am always up for a crafting challenge. i graduated with a BFA in studio arts in 2007 from brigham young university. we’ve lived in san diego for one year and we are loving living in CA. when i’m not playing with my little girl or making something, then i’m blogging at emilysparks.blogspot.com or catching up on my favorite tv shows.

How did you get started with your shop?
i started making scarves and people were always asking where i got it...or if i had a shop. i decided that crochet was something i enjoyed and i could really enjoy selling my creations.

What is your inspiration for your art?
i would like to think a lot of my inspiration comes from vintage finds. a lot of the time i let the material or yarn i am using guide my design. i love a variety of fibers and experimenting with them to see how they react to certain treatments.

What is your ideal vacation spot?
i would love to go to italy

What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
i wear my bow-tie hair clips all the time. so, that is my favorite, but when it’s chilly i like my puff cap best.

What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
i love yellow and grey right now.

What is your favorite dessert?
right now my fave is chocolate lava cakes with homemade ice cream. mouth is watering.

If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
anthropologie. i know this is what everyone says, but it’s my soul store.

What was your proudest moment?
with my business my proudest moment was when i was able to quit my part time jobs and be a full-time mom/indie business owner.

What is your favorite part of the day?
for my crafting, my daughter’s nap time if my favorite. i am able to focus and recharge my energy.

i will be giving away one 3 strand blooming headband:

this is a stunning headband with a layered flower measuring 5 1/2 in around, placed on a 3 stranded headband that ties in the back. it is crocheted in a 100% wool. you can pick which color you would like: pomegranate (in photograph,) light coral pink, turquoise, cream, red, peacock, yellow-orange,lemon drop, dusty purple, brown & eggplant.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Emily Sparks Handmade and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Emily Sparks on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the @emilymaysparks giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, November 4th.

spotlight on: Ahn from Eyvind's Alchemy

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats shop PopKo- you win!
Introducing Ahn from Eyvind's Alchemy!

Tell us a little about you:
I'm currently a student at San Diego State. I am very busy studying this time of the year, but I always leave time for my metal art work. That's what I love to do. I also enjoy reading, photography, hiking and traveling when ever I can. This semester, I am learning to do casting in my metal art class, so it very fun and exciting. Hopefully, I'll cast something really cool.

How did you get started with your shop?
I learned metal smithig last year and made several pieces for fun and I found in love with creating things from scratch. My friend told me about Etsy, I thought I should give it a tried. So here I am on etsy.

What is your inspiration for your art?
I love hiking through a beautiful scenery so I received a lot of inspiration from nature. Nature has so much interesting shapes and forms that give me different levels of creativity. I also take inspiration from many different sources from friends or family. I always looking forward to creating something new and interesting.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
My ideal vacation spot would be at the edge of the Caribbean ocean somewhere in the Central of America; lying on my hammock and listening to the ocean sings.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
That is difficult to judge, I love every single piece that I made in my shop for different reasons because each of them represent different ideas and meanings. For example, the gingko leaf represents memories because it has a medicinal property that stimulate the brain and improves memories; to me memory is important because it helps me remembering the time I spent with my love ones or a wonderful moment that I had in life. Another example, is my butterfly wings, they represent adventure and freedom because butterflies travel in very long distance through harsh environment and they are free to go anywhere they want; there is no boundary or restriction.

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
I love all colors, but green is my favorite. A lot of my pieces would have floral theme represent the green colors of the forest.

7.What is your favorite dessert?
I love lots of desserts. One of them is hazel nuts gelato (an Italian icecream).
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
That would be at a rock show. I love shopping for cool rocks. I would have ton of rocks laying around the house to look at and for my new inspirations to put them into new jewelry pieces.
What was your proudest moment?
I am not sure. If there is one it would be when someone enjoy my work, it makes me very happy and make my work meaningful.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day is in the morning taking my time drinking tea and eating pastries with my boyfriend and getting inspired with new idea for my art work. I usually have my sketch book out, and while drinking tea I would sketch new ideas and discuss with my boyfriend on making new things.

My give away item is the Monarch butterfly wing necklace.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Eyvind's Alchemy and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Eyvind's Alchemy giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Wednesday, November 3rd.

guest post: Margot Jones of Slightly Askew

2010-10-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when my obsession for leather started but it's been a long time. I remember purchasing my first leather skirt about 12 years ago (that I still have and will never fit into again). I remember my first tall, black, leather boots and when I worked at the shoe department at Dillard's and got to try on all the wonderful leather shoes I wanted. It's been too easy to become obsessed over the years.

There are so many wonderful things about leather--textures, colors, smell. There's nothing better than opening a package and smelling the leather I just purchased (I wish I could add a scratch-n-sniff to this post). I've been buying leather from all over the world--embossed, patent, and lambskin from Italy, snake skins from Indonesia, sting ray from England, and lots more. As I look it over, smelling it, feeling it, I try to decide what it should become.

I am always asking myself what else I can make out of leather or snake skin. I have a few new leather collections ready for the market. Leather and lace, chains, metallics, ostrich, and more. It's been so much fun to expand my use of leather and I can't wait to share all my new creations with the Queen Bee-ers. I just wish I had more time to do even more!

guest post: Shelley Schott of the Paisley Mill

2010-10-31T17:30:00.001-07:00

For my guest post, I thought I would share a little thing that I do to inspire creativity. Ever since I was a kid, I keep a collection of pictures/articles that I have stumbled upon and love. I save clippings from magazines, MANY printouts from the Internet, pictures I have taken and I keep them all organized in a BIG binder, mostly glued to sheets of white paper and popped inside some 8x10 plastic sheet protectors. Whenever I need some good ol’ inspiration, I look through the binder and suddenly my head is spinning with ideas.

Sometimes, I don’t even like the exact pieces in the images that I save; rather I am drawn to the color scheme or the placement of pieces together. There are many reasons to be inspired by something and inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere so I am always looking. I think artists view the world in such a way that anything is potentially beautiful, it’s all in how/when you look at it and how much of a chance you give it.

One of the things I love most about keeping this binder is being able to look back at how much my tastes have evolved over the years. Things that I used to be drawn to were so simple and now I have this much more complex, eclectic style. Pretty much the only thing that is still the same is that I love the 1960’s and all the patterns that people wore at Woodstock :o)

spotlight on Shelley Schott of Paisley Mill

2010-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Keilah- you win!!
Welcome to Shelley Schott of Paisley Mill!

Q: Tell us a little about you:
A: I just turned 30 on October 21st! I have 2 kids, Liam is 4 and Paisley is 9 months. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we just bought our first home about a month ago. I don’t sleep much, for a couple of reasons. One, my kids (and I) haven’t figured out that sleeping is kind of awesome. Two, how can I sleep when there are so many things to do in this life? I love rainstorms. I am terrified of earthquakes. I am 3rd Generation Scottish and 4th Generation Irish, hence the paleness, freckles and reddish hair. My favorite color is purple, made with more red than blue. I am a dedicated Libra. I love bean and cheese burritos. I love doing some black and white photography, especially of my kids. My favorite music is folk rock and I love the sound of the mandolin. I love ridiculously stupid movies like “Dumb and Dumber” and “Hot Rod”. My favorite game is Memory. I wish I had time to read books because I think I would really enjoy it. My life would be complete if my little brother would move back home from Kodiak, Alaska (where he is stationed in the Coast Guard) with his amazing wife and my 2 beautiful nieces.

Q: How did you get started with your shop?
A: I was searching the Internet for a jewelry holder that I could hang on my wall. I wasn’t satisfied with anything that I found, so I made my own. I really liked what I came up with and so I posted one for sale at Etsy.com. It took about a year and a lot of determination for my shop to evolve and now I have around 140 products and design more every week.

Q: What is your inspiration for your art?
A: I love nature and am especially drawn to trees and things made of wood. All my favorite things that I own are wooden or really colorful. I am very inspired by the 1960’s and use a lot of “retro” papers for my pieces. I love organic, rather than geometric shapes.

Q: What is your ideal vacation spot?
A: I am in love with the quiet mountain town of Idyllwild, California. We have gone there and rented a cabin almost every year since my 18th birthday. One year, at the local studio called “Earth 'N Fire Gallery”, we painted pottery next to Cheech Marin!

Q: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
A: I can hardly ever pick just one favorite anything :o) So, it’s a tie between the new “Sophie Earrings” and the “Elements Blocks”.

Q: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
A: I love a combination of turquoise, green, purple and mustard yellow.

Q: What is your favorite dessert?
A: My own version of Dirt Pudding. I take vanilla pudding and replace about half of the milk with cool whip. Then I layer the pudding between layers of crushed Double Stuffed Oreos. Mmmm….

Q: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
A: Well, I think I would definitely start at Anthropologie but I love supporting the handmade community and finding really unique treasures as well so I might have to spread the wealth to Etsy.com, local antique shops and some local art shows, like THE QUEEN BEE MARKET :o)

Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: Once again, how can I choose just one moment when life is made up of so many amazing moments :o) The ones that stand out the most so far, walking down the aisle to marry my high school sweetheart (after dating for 8 years), telling my mom she was going to be a grandma, and looking into the beautiful, innocent little eyes of my babies for the first time.

Q: What is your favorite part of the day?
A: The evening time, when I get to rock my baby girl to sleep, then cuddle with my son and read books before he goes to bed, and then lounge on the couch with my husband and watch too much TV, maybe while designing new pieces for my shop. And to top it off, if it’s raining outside, I am in heaven ♥ Ahhh, the simple things.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Paisley Mill and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Paisley Mill giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, October 29th.

spotlight on: Julie Carson of Joy's Hope + giveaway

2010-10-24T21:17:00.001-07:00

Yay Jessica Johnson- you win!!

Do you know Julie of Joy's Hope? Of course you do.
She's a rockstar.

Tell us a little about you:
I’m a nerdy, Jesus loving, recovering Diet Pepsi addict. I am all about flip flops on rainy days, English literature, going to the movies alone and anything turquoise. I can’t be in the same room as someone eating a popsicle and the smell of ketchup or bananas makes me gag. I used to hate the color pink, but now have a houseful of girls. I am married to a youth pastor, wish I was still a teenager and would go back to high school in minute. I am not ashamed to admit my love for Star Wars or the fact that I pretend that Dave Matthews is my boyfriend. I am a horrible sleeper, have a compulsive need to sew or bake something every day and fight with my A.D.D. on a continual basis. I hate talking on the phone, or talking in general, but hold a PhD. in listening, fiercely loyal and way too sensitive for my own good. I don’t remember the last time I was bored and having a day with nothing to do is on the top of my bucket list. I may or may not need to enter a twelve step program for spray paint addiction.
How did you get started with your shop?
I originally started selling on Etsy, just so I could shop on Etsy. It's a bit too easy to buy fun things when your Paypal account has a balance. I'm not too disciplined...
What is your inspiration for your art?
My brain never, ever stops. It is the by product of A.D.D., which means any random little thing can inspire and often distract me. More times than I can count, one project twists and turns into multiple, totally different projects. If only I could actually finish them instead of getting bored and ditching them for something new that I want to try.
What is your ideal vacation spot?
My best childhood memories all involve camping trips to Bass Lake. I love that I get to share it with my husband and girls. But then again, laying on the beach in Kauai isn't too bad either.
What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Turquoise plus anything. Anything but purple that is. Purple and I are sworn enemies, with no plans of ever reaching a peace accord.
What is your favorite dessert?
Preferably anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Or chocolate and salt. But lately I have been crushing on Haagen Daz's Creme Brulee ice cream. It has all of the magic without the pesky torch. Now if only I could find it in gallon sizes. Although that would be really, really dangerous.
If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Anthropologie. I would buy so many beautiful, extravagant, frivolous things... a happy, happy day that would be.
What was your proudest moment?
Last winter my friends and I had a dream to build a well through Charity:Water. We asked all of our favorite bloggers and Etsy sellers to help. Seeing everyone come together for something so much bigger than ourselves was the most humbling, exciting thing that I have ever been a part of. Together we ended up building not one, but two wells. I still get a little teary eyed when I think about it. We are in the midst of planning and launching another campaign and I simply cannot wait! Visit Project 320 to get involved- such a fabulous project to participate in!
What is your favorite part of the day?
I am a disaster in the morning. I need silence and solitude to get my days going as a "happy mom" instead of a "psycho mom". I sneak downstairs before the littles awake, make coffee, and toast an everything bagel, and then just sit. Quietly, slowly. The same every day. It's weird. But it's me.

Julie has offered one winner two fabulous JOY signs.
Here's the deal- the winner keeps one and gives one away
(to a friend, family, whoever...not necessarily on your blog).
It is perfect for her "Do something good. every day" motto.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Joy's Hope and let us know how much you love Julie. That should be really easy. :)
We need you to leave your email address on each comment. Comments without email won't be counted. (Sorry about that- we just need a way to get a hold of you)

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

*Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
*Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and Joys Hope on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
-For example: So excited about the @joyshope giveaway on @queenbeemarket! http://bit.ly/cD11wt

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Wednesday, October 27th.

spotlight on: Margot Jones of Slightly Askew

2010-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Erin- you win!
Let us introduce you to Margot Jones of Slightly Askew:

1. Tell us a little about you:

I'm just another stay-at-home mom doing artsy-craftsy during my free time. I like the warm sun, cool breezes, and the beach. I love change, pretty shoes, and my two crazy boys. I like trees and grass and dream of a cabin in the mountains (or a little cottage on the beach). I enjoy photography, shooting guns, and being outdoors. I've lived in Southern California, Las Vegas, and Indiana. And I actually like Indiana.

2. How did you get started with your shop?

It started with several, "Hey, I can do that/You can do that" conversations. I just wanted to try new things and there's only so many items you can make for yourself. I wanted to share with others. I enjoy taking the unusable and giving them new life, but there's nothing that compares to the smell of fresh, new leather.

3. What is your inspiration for your art?

I find inspiration everywhere. While I'm shopping, playing with my kids, or laying in bed at night, I start thinking of new things I want to try and how I can twist an item I've seen to fit my style.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot?

Anywhere quiet and sunny. I love the beach. I could spend forever laying in the sun and building sand castles with my kids at Huntington Beach.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?

I love the spotted lizard cuff (of course, I have one for myself). But I've been making so many new items for the market that picking just one is hard. I like trying new things so I don't make many duplicates.

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)

My favorite color is yellow and yellow goes with just about everything. I also love neutrals and earth tones, anything monochromatic or just basic black. An undyed, natural snakeskin is so perfect for anything.

7. What is your favorite dessert?
I could eat at least a dozen oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. (Did I just say that out loud?)

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?

Anthropologie, no doubt. It would be gone in minutes.
9. What was your proudest moment?

I don't know that I have one proud moment. I have proud moments almost daily. Everytime my 2 year old learns a new word, or my 7 year old masters a new song on the piano, when my husband comes home and I remember that he chose me, or everytime I sell another item from my store. I was super stoked when I was chosen for the Queen Bee Market, too. (I mean, seriously, me?)

10. What is your favorite part of the day?

I love night time after my kids are in bed. Everything is quiet, simple, and cooling off and I can finally relax for a few minutes. I can work or watch my shows or zone out on the computer with no one yelling, pulling, kicking, or hounding me for something.

Margot is giving away a silver lined python snake skin cuff. Gorgeous!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Slightly Askew and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Slightly Askew giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Saturday, October 23rd.

spotlight on: Jess Cummins of Mere Creativity

2010-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Lyssa- you win!

Meet Jess of Mere Creativity:

1. Tell us a little about you: I'm Jess; wife to Dave, mommy to Ava and Benjamin and lover of all things funky and handmade. I'm SO blessed to be able to stay-at-home and raise my two little "chickens." No doubt about it, they keep me on my toes. When I'm not chasing after my kiddos, you can find me cleaning up after my kiddos :), listening to a little punk rock, sippin' on a cup of coffee and crafting. I am mildly obsessed with all things paper and am currently discovering a long lost passion of mine, calligraphy. I am constantly teaching myself new techniques and hope to one day teach classes here in San Diego. When I'm not working on shop items, you can find me blogging at www.brixtonlife.blogspot.com and www.4thirteendesignco.blogspot.com. I'm also VERY involved in our local MOPS {Mothers Of Preschoolers} group; serving as the craft coordinator and service coordinator over the past few years.
2. How did you get started with your shop? A dream of mine has always been to have my own brick and mortar scrapbook store called "A Scrapper's Delight" {yes, based on Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight"} Anyhow, I knew the amount of work to keep a brick and mortar going was not going to work for this young mom. So, I opted for opening a shop on Etsy. I've had a blast reinventing my work and sharing it with others. It's been a challenge for me to create and balance motherhood, but I LOVE a good challenge.
3. What is your inspiration for your art? I'm inspired by my faith. And, in being true and authentic to who I am; I've launched some new designs which will be available at the QBM holiday show.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot? Hawaii. I love the weather {especially sun showers} and snorkeling in the warm ocean.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now? My current favorites are the coffee stained hangtags and blank scripture cards. I have framed some of my cards and they can be seen throughout my home.
6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general) Favorite color combos are; white, gray and yellow, as well as black and white.
7. What is your favorite dessert? When I was pregnant with my second child, I discovered a love for chocolate creme pie.
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it? Target, for sure!!!
9. What was your proudest moment? Three of the proudest moments in my life include; holding each of my children when they were born, as well as, giving my personal testimony of faith in front of 80 women-a huge feat.
10. What is your favorite part of the day? I wish I could say naptime, but we don't do that anymore :( So, it would have to be when my husband comes home from work. Our home is filled with such joy and excitement when our Dave returns from a long day at work. It's vital for our our family to reconnect after such a long day. Dinner is served, kids are bathed and prayers are said-all is well.

I'll be giving away a set of my "rest a minute" cards. Comes in a pack of six.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Mere Creativity and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Mere Creativity giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, October 22nd.

spotlight on: Taryn Reynolds of Studio 16 Designs

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Alicia- you win!!
Introducing Taryn Reynolds of Studio 16 Designs:

1. Tell us a little about you: Jewelry and art are my true passions in life. Well, those and my beautiful, precocious, daughter. This awesome venture started out as a hobby more than 25 years ago and has become a dream come true. Acting on my passion, I started Studio 16 Designs in 1997 to create feminine, classic and natural jewelry pieces influenced by the true beauty and grace of a woman. I am devoted to discovering fine materials and creating original, feminine, pieces intended to enhance the natural beauty of the wearer.
2. How did you get started with your shop? In 1997 I was tired of "working for the man," so I took a leap of faith and started Studio 16 Designs.
3. What is your inspiration for your art? Anything and everything organic and nature inspired. I was a studio art major in college and a student at the Gemological Institute of America, so I think my unique and varied experience has allowed me to create inspiring "wearable art" that women of all ages and any ethnicity can treasure.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot? Since I don't get the opportunity to travel very often, anywhere is an ideal vacation spot! I would love to get to France someday and use all the French I studied in school, so I would know I didn't study in vain.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now? Definitely the pyrite and black spinel earrings that I am giving away. They are the perfect compliment to all fall and winter wardrobes.
6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general) BROWN! I love brown with everything!
7. What is your favorite dessert? Anything with dark chocolate!
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it? The Gem Faire! I am OBSESSED with gemstones!
9. What was your proudest moment? December 13, 2002, when I gave birth to my beautiful daughter.
10. What is your favorite part of the day? Dusk. I love, love, love, sitting on my deck watching the sunset, but right after the sunset, the sky fills with such brilliant colors! Such a peaceful and inspiring time for me.

Taryn is giving away a pair of 14 kt gold fill pyrite and black spinel earrings! Gorgeous!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Studio 16 Designs on Facebook and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Studio 16 on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Studio 16 Designs giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, October 21st.

spotlight on: Kelley Dake of Pumpkin Pie Originals

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Karla- you win!
Welcome to Kelley of Pumpkin Pie Originals!

1. Tell us a little about you:
Hello there everybody, my name is Kelley Dake. I moved out to California 10 years ago from Michigan to pursue a career in Ornamental Horticulture, but as life would have it, fell in love, had two beautiful baby boys, and started an Eco-friendly line of clothing for children....go figure.

2. How did you get started with your shop?
Kind of on accident. Went up to L.A. for a day to look for fabric for a crib set, ended up stopping in Costa Mesa for lunch, and meeting a shop owner who was looking for new vendors for Eco-friendly children's wear. Pumpkin Pie Originals was born.

3. What is your inspiration for your art?
I think my love of fabric, patterns, and color. I really enjoy going to great fabric shops and browsing through bolts, just imagining all the great designs and things I can make with it.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
Northern Michigan in the summer, hands down. Sitting on beautiful lake with trees and blue sky as far as you can see.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
It's actually not in my shop yet, I just started making them for the Market! They are these great button down cardigans embellished with the same type of fabric I use in my children's shirts. I'm really looking forward to showing them off!!

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Blues,Greens,and Browns. I love the earthiness of them.

7. What is your favorite dessert?
Sweets are not really my thing....but cheese definitely is. So my favorite desert would be anything in that category.

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Anthropology. No question about it.

9. What was your proudest moment?
There are two. My sons Zachary and Samuel.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?
The morning (a sunny one makes it ideal), with a hot cup of coffee watching Sesame Street with my boys.

Kelley is giving away 1 Whale shirt in any size from 3-6m up to a size 6T!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Pumpkin Pie Originals and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Pumpkin Pie Originals giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Saturday, October 16th.

Introducing: Sharlie's Angels Medical Fund

2010-10-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

We are very humbled and honored to be able to give back to our community through the Queen Bee Market and are so thankful for vendors who are willing to share part of their proceeds with local charities.
This go around we have thought long and hard about how to make a difference in the life of a local family and we are so excited to introduce you to a family that is very near and dear to us. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to them in a way we would not be able to without the Queen Bee Market.

Sharlie Kaltenbach and her husband, Ryan

Sharlie Kaltenbach was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just 14 months. Her younger sister, Lexi was also born with CF and their mother was told early on that the girls would be lucky to make it to age 10. Though CF is a chronic lung disease that can severely impact quality of life and complicate the simplest of physical tasks, Sharlie has spent much of her life amazing doctors with her resilience and optimism. Though Lexi passed away 15 years ago after complications from a double lung transplant, Sharlie has continued the fight here on earth and at 31, lives her life to the fullest. She knows her sister Lexi is her angel, and she is constantly beating the odds and is an incredible example of truly living. She loves fully, she laughs a lot, and she inspires everyone she meets. Together with her husband Ryan, and 3 year old son, Harrison, the battle against CF rages on.
Sharlie lives the day to day life of a wife and mother with 18% lung function. You would never know from looking at her that every breath is a struggle and that she has walked through the lowest of lows. She radiates love and light and we feel blessed to call her a friend.
Sharlie and her family face the inevitable fact that a lung transplant is in their future. Having been through it once with her sister, she is brave enough to take that step when her body and her family are ready for it. We are so grateful to be able to donate to the Sharlie's Angels Medical Fund knowing that we can contribute to help pay for months and months of medical expenses and physical therapy. Though we have been long time donors to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, it is an honor to be able to so directly help a true angel in our lives. We hope you will get a chance to meet Sharlie at the Queen Bee Market and feel of her beautiful spirit.
To find out more about Sharlie and read her inspiring stories, visit her blog, Sharlie's Angels. (bring your tissues!)

5% of all sales at the November Queen Bee Market will go directly to Sharlie's Angels Medical Fund.

Heather Starr Photography

2010-10-17T16:38:00.001-07:00

We have the awesome opportunity of working with Heather Starr, a San Diego photographer that specializes in baby, child, senior and family photography. Heather will be at the Market to capture the feel of our event. We can't wait!! We asked her a few questions so that everyone could get to know her a bit before the Queen Bee.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a perfectionist who oddly appreciates the beauty of the imperfect when it comes to capturing families and people on "film".

How long have you been a photographer?
I officially opened for business in 2006.

How did you get your start?

I have always loved photography. I used to make my friends and family model for me and do pretend photoshoots! I just couldn't understand why the prints never quite turned out exactly as I envisioned them. It wasn't until I started scrapbooking that I became obsessed with learning the technical aspects of photography. Once I took my first indoor natural light picture--I was HOOKED!

How would you describe your style?

I am a naturalist at heart--I love capturing natural, real, beautiful moments.

Where do you find inspiration?

I think inspiration always comes from the people being photographed. Each session takes on a life of it's own. Every family has their own special dynamic.

What do you love most about your job?

Creating something meaningful for families that they can look back upon and treasure more and more with each passing year.

How long have you been in the SD area?

Since childhood--do I *have* to say how long that has been? ;)
No you don't Heather!

Some of your favorite go to's or things about San Diego?

I'm so bad about exploring all that San Diego has to offer but that is probably because the beach is enough for us. We love it.

Describe your proudest moment.

I don't have a particular moment that I can define, but I do love it when a client tells me their pictures moved them to tears--that is the most rewarding thing someone can say. :)

..........................

Isn't she great?
To get in touch with Heather,
here's her contact info:

www.heatherstarrphotography.com
starrphotography@sbcglobal.net
Blog Facebook

Guest Post: Mallory Devlin of Wendy Miracle

2010-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Mallory from Wendy Miracle!
I'm so excited for Queen Bee, and can't wait to share my creations with you all. :) Lately I've been busy at work creating childrens whimsical clothing to bring to Queen Bee, and lately I have been inspired by the costumes I design and make for San Diego Junior Theatre!

Speaking of costumes, with the resurgence of the handmade movement, I think it's so important to create your own original Halloween costumes for yourself, and your children! Whether its visting your local fabric store to choose that favorite fabric you've had your eye on all year, or hunting down something spontaneous and eye-catching at your nearest thrift store, there are treasures to be found everywhere this time of year!

When we were little, my mom always made sure my sister and I had adorable homemade costumes each Halloween. I do, however, remember one year which we ended up borrowing my dads clothes for our costumes (maybe my mom ran out of time that year, but either way, this was a very resourceful and awesome idea!) and we ended up being "old, fat men." To many of you, this may not sound like such an exquisite costume, but I assure you, it's one of my favorites to this day! We had pillows stuffed in our shirts, lopping over our belted oversized pants, complete with a hat and mustache. It was a-maz-ing! :).... Now that I'm reminiscing, maybe I should trade in my Beauty and the Beast dress for a fat man this year...?!

And if you just haven't found a Halloween treasure that speaks to you yet, come by the San Diego Junior Theatre's Costume sale the weekend of October 23rd! It is located at the Casa del Prado theatre down in beautiful Balboa Park, and inside sits a magical old stage that, I'm sure if it could talk, would tell fabulously fun stories from all the plays it's produced over the years. Annually, the "costume loft" gets full of costumes that have been made throughout the year that we can no longer store, and we purge the extra to put into a sale right before Halloween. Come see us! You might find the perfect handmade costume treasure you never even knew you were looking for! :)

Can't wait to see you all at the Queen Bee Market!! :)

<3 Mallory at Wendy Miracle

SDJT Annual Costume Sale

Our Auxiliary has been busy cleaning out the costume loft! We have lots of gently used costumes and costume pieces from previous shows available for sale. The Auxiliary's costume sale is being held Saturday, October 23 from 8am - 3pm and Sunday, October 24 from 10am - 3pm in front of the Casa Del Prado Theatre.

Guest Post: Heather Funk of Natty Bratty

2010-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's happening again...

Here, in year-round sunny Southern California, we've had a quick snap of cool, grey days that have gotten my East-coast blood all stirred up and longing for more. I've pulled out my sweaters, my tall leather boots and oh yes, the HUGE box of scarves and tights that I like to wear 24-7 when I think the temperatures may drop below 65 degrees.

I love, love, L-O-V-E the Fall season. My Etsy shop allows me to express that - and I'm so grateful to have the Etsy community as a newly integrated part of my business for nattybratty.

At nattybratty.com (my online store), my accessory designs are geared toward the customer seeking fun, hip and happy toppers for their little ones. I love that. However, with my Esty shop, I'm able to channel my more sophisticated creative impulses (I use "sophisticated" very loosely here...). I'll craft something that I wouldn't necessarily feature on my regular store site but still feel the need to express and put out there. On Etsy, I design not only for my clients, but I design for myself. Would I wear this? Yes, I would!

Having a keen interest in both music and fashion, I can be inspired so easily...for example, this season I really took to the military trends that were marching out of every September issue. I wanted to create something unique for kids to wear that reflected that "look" and of course, I wanted something that I could sport as well. For the young ones, I created the Camo Clip:

..and for myself, I designed a cargo-twill studded bow:

Both designs conveyed the trend I was excited about, and I was able to offer my own take on that to both kids and adults alike. Etsy is so great for this kind of expression - one of a kind creations and "hey! I just made this, isn't it cool?" moments are what it's all about!

Thanks, Etsy - for pushing me toward creative balance. And as fall progresses, I'm moving away from my beloved twills and studs and delving into tweeds, tartans and layers upon layers of wool felt. I've got blossoms, bows and brooches on the brain - and I can't wait to get to work on creating new goodies; some for the young, some for the not-as-young...

Now, if only we can have a few more days of chilly weather...if only for inspiration...

Cheers - Heather F.

Guest Post: Megan Reynolds from Flawed Perfection

2010-10-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

U is for Unique!

When I started to think about what to write for this guest post, one of the first thoughts that came to me was “why do I love shopping handmade?” As I thought about this, I realized that I choose handmade because of the fact that each company/designer creates something completely unique and different!

I’ve learned over the past several months about how important it can be to have a distinct and recognizable product if you’re going to succeed in selling handmade. How awesome is it that you can walk through a conference or show and easily identify who’s wearing what?! Admit it, how many of you could spot a Gussy ruffle, a Pleated Poppy pin, or an Allora Handmade rosette from across a room? I bet many of you just said yes. You want to know why--because they have an identifiable signature design that makes their products completely unique! In the last six months, I’ve really started to tailor my brand because I want people to be wearing a cluster or Molecule design of mine and people to be able to know that its a piece of Flawed Perfection Jewelry!

For us as buyers, it is a wonderful feeling to know that we are supporting someone’s passion and business! But, we also know that our new purchases will not be exactly the same as anyone else’s, even if the girl next to me also has the same headband, bag, or bracelet. Let’s be honest, who wants to wear something that was manufactured by the thousands and you know a person on every block owns? Not me, and I’m guessing not you if you’re reading this blog. Shoppers and readers like you see the value in something unique and different! Searched on Etsy lately? Not only will you find plenty of jewelry, accessories, and baby items, but you will find unique, specialty things that you may never find anywhere else. It seems like the people who are most successful there are the ones with the unique, sometimes kookie products or ideas.

This is what gets me so excited about the Queen Bee Market--the idea that I’m going to be able to see so many amazing, creative, talented, unique handmade businesses all in one place. Each and every vendor brings something different to the table. After the Market, I can’t wait to show off and share the new designers that I find!

spotlight on: Mallory Devlin of Wendy Miracle & giveaway

2010-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Annelies! You win. :)

We would like to welcome the third Devlin to join the Queen Bee Market, Mallory of Wendy Miracle!

1. Tell us a little about you: My name is Mallory, and I'm the girl behind the shop, Wendy Miracle! :) I'm a local artist and costume designer, and I absolutely love sewing one-of-a-kind, exquisitely colorful and fun clothing!

2. How did you get started with your shop? I didn't start making childrens clothes until I started designing and creating costumes for a theater in San Diego. I had no idea I would end up loving it so much! I think childrens clothes, and costumes, always have the potential to be infused with a lot more color, imagination and whimsy than adult clothing. Kids don't get excited to get dressed in things that are dull and boring... and I find I am much more "popular" when I can create a costume for a child that is something they thought could only be dreamt up! :) After I was done with the play Pippi Longstocking, I was really into the idea of starting an etsy shop that was somewhat inspired by the childrens theater, with one-of-a-kind handmade clothes made from vintage patterns, or created from upcycled vintage clothing for boys and girls. :)

3. What is your inspiration for your art? I get inspiration from color, adorable prints, and fabric stores in general. Quilt shops are always really inspiring to me, and I usually will come home with a new project!

4. What is your ideal vacation spot? My IDEAL vacation spot would be a toss up between somewhere really tropical with a warm beach... and New York! There's something about New York that is magical, and I love that!

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now? Right now, my shop is full of cute and *summery* clothing for baby girls... which I love! However my favorite items are ones that are not necessarily in my etsy shop. They are items I'm working on to bring to Queen Bee, which will include clothing for boys as well! :)

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general) I've always been into warm colors, as opposed to cool. My favorite color is melon, especially because I think it goes with ANY other color... It's practically a neutral! :)

7. What is your favorite dessert? Anything chocolate, I love!

8. If you could spend $1000 in on e store, where would you spend it? Hands down, Anthropologie. Does it get any cuter???

9. What was your proudest moment? My proudest moment might be graduating from college, and then getting my first costume designing job. :)

10. What is your favorite part of the day? My favorite part of the day might be in the mornings when my mom, sister and I have coffee together. We jokingly started calling it our "coffee klatsch" but I think the name stuck! We always sit and chat about things we are up to, which lately, has been the Queen Bee Market! :)

Mallory is offering this adorable gathered tiered mini that is made from soft printed cotton, and 100% machine washable! :)

Childrens size 12 months, fitting any waist from 18"-22". Waist to hem measures 8".

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Wendy Miracle and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Wendy Miracle giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Saturday, October 16th.

Guest Post: Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy

2010-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

i often get asked, "where do you get your inspiration?". in fact, i think mique and jess asked me that just a couple days ago!

my answer is almost always the same: from fabric.

when i see some beautiful fabric, i start envisioning what i want to do with it, make it into, use it for, pair it with other fabrics, etc.

i get positively giddy when i walk into a fabric store, especially since i do most of my shopping online. there is something amazing about the touch and feel aspect of fabric shopping. and to see those bolts pile higher and higher with my "still looking" sign on top just thrills me!

yes, i'm a dork. but i think scrapbookers can relate, right?

even though i just nearly professed my undying love for fabric shops, i have been cheating on them. i just had to.

as a stay at home mom, homeschooling part time, and running a business full time, every minute is precious and needs to be taken full advantage of. so would i like to do all my fabric shopping locally? for sure. but can i find it quicker (and sorry, MUCH cheaper) online? definitely! i do almost all of my shopping online at hawthornethreads.com. they have a huge selection, easy to navigate site, some of the best prices around, and my orders usually arrive in 2 days!

my favorite part of my job is pairing fabrics together. i know fabric is designed in coordinating sets by designers, which are so fun, but i love mixing designers too.

my husband built me this great cutting table with shelves above it that hold all my fabric and notions. i could never tuck it away in a closet or behind cabinet doors! i love grabbing stacks of fabric and making random pairings until i get it just right.

now tell me, after seeing all this fabric, doesn't it make you want to get your hands on some, start cutting it up, and make something beautiful? mmhmm, me too!

xoxo

lindsey

spotlight on: Heather Funk of Natty Bratty & giveaway!

2010-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats Jacky! You win.

WELL, HELLO THERE!

Hi everyone - my name is Heather and I’m very excited to be a returning vendor to the Queen Bee Market with my shop, nattybratty. I know Mique and Jessica have been working so hard to make this venue bigger and better than ever, so a big THANK YOU to the ladies and welcome to all who are supporting this awesome event!

My shop's giveaway is your choice: for the big gals, I have a gorgeous hand-woven tweed bow clip in bright autumn colors. It's nubby, soft and easy to pop onto almost anything you might dash out of the house in. For the little gals, I have my signature Power Poof clips in Midnight and Pumpkin for Halloween tricks and treats...so cute on ponytails!

Power Poofs Set of 2

Autumn Tweed Bow

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOUR SHOP?

My home-business is the end-result of my need to create. I love expressing myself through small bursts of fun, wearable fashion statements, and hair accessories came naturally to me when my daughter (who is now 6) finally had enough hair to sport a bow and NOT pull it out. That was all the encouragement I needed! And since we all have our fancy days (natty) AND our sassy days (bratty) when we outfit ourselves, I decided to call my company "nattybratty" for the posh & punk in all of us.

WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR ART?

In creating my pieces, I am heavily influenced by music and fashion - I pull my inspirations from my own personal experiences (I was a teen of the 80’s after all...) and from current trends that I find whimsical, romantic and edgy. Right now, I’m heading full-tilt into a John Hughes film vibe, with lace, trims, velvets and geometric patterns coming into play. We’ll see where that goes...

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT?

That all depends on who I’m vacationing with...girls’ trip is definitely Waikiki Beach: cold beers at Duke’s and lazy beach-bumming. Hubby-only vacay would be Paris: nights on the town and days in the museums. Family vacation might be a cruise: I’ve never been but it sure does sound like fun!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP?

Currently, I’m featuring some fun Halloween goodies for girls. I really love the the Zombie barrettes in green. The sparkly red eyes are killer!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATION?

If you look at either my website or my Etsy shop, you’ll see a lot of black and pink...those are my signature colors for nattybratty. The little girls love the rock-n-roll vibe and I just like them for a balance of color personalities.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT?

Home-made chocolate cake with fudge icing. Hands-down. Oh, and a cold glass of milk...

IF YOU COULD SPEND $1000 IN ONE STORE, WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND IT?

Well, I guess a flea market isn’t really a store...but if I had to choose an actual venue, it would probably be Anthropologie. I can never escape that place without buying at least a candle or a funky top.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?

Personally, it was seeing my two kids off to school for the first time together. I have a first grader and a second grader, and now that they’re on their own for much of the day, I’m pretty darn proud of them and their successes. On a professional level, I was super-impressed with myself for securing my first wholesale boutique client.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?

Twilight. It always seems so peaceful. Homework is usually done, dinner is cooking and I’m enjoying a nice glass of wine to relax! What's more to love?

Cheers everyone - and I'll see you in November! - xxoo - Heather Funk

Sorry - this is as good as it gets for self-portraits!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Natty Bratty and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the NattyBratty giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, October 15th.

ONE MONTH!!!

2010-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on!
are you ready for this San Diego?!!?

The Queen Bee Market

November 12th (4-9pm)

and 13th (9am-4pm)

The Del Mar Hilton, Grand Ballroom

15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Del Mar, California

spotlight on: Megan Reynolds of Flawed Perfection Jewelry

2010-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lucky #11, Randi wins! Congrats!

Join us in welcoming Megan Reynolds of Flawed Perfection Jewelry:

Megan with her mom and brother

1. Tell us a little about you: I'm Megan Reynolds and have lived in gorgeous San Diego my entire life! I am a college student at Cal State San Marcos and my major is entrepreneurship. I'm really close with my family and spend a lot of time talking, playing games, and traveling with them.
2. How did you get started with your shop? I've always had a love for accessories and began beading when I was 10 years-old. it wasn't until I was about 16 that I really started getting into gemstone and sterling jewelry though. I officially opened my business in the summer of 2009 and have continued to work on defining my brand for the last year.
3. What is your inspiration for your art? I'm inspired by pretty much anything, but particularly love drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature all around me. I work at a retreat center, so I am surrounded by pretty flowers and plants that constantly inspire me. Nature is the perfect muse for my designs, since I focus on bringing out the natural beauty of real gemstones.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot? I'd have to say New York City. I've been twice, and would love to go again! However, I have yet to visit London or the English Countryside and would love to do so!
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now? Right now, my favorite item is my brand new Clearly Mini Necklace. It comes is an array of colors and is so perfect right at your necklace! However, asking me to choose a favorite piece is like asking me to choose a favorite child--it's nearly impossible!
6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general) Well, I love pretty much any color of the rainbow, so narrowing down one combination is difficult. A few of my favorites include the popular yellow and gray, purple and gray, and turquoise and orange.
7. What is your favorite dessert? My favorite dessert is probably apple pie or chocolate cookies.
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it? Ahhh, so hard to pick one store! Honestly, probably Target! I would be able to get almost anything my heart desires there!
9. What was your proudest moment? In regards to my business, my proudest moment is just looking back and seeing all that I was able to accomplish in my first year of being a real business. I would never have guessed a year ago that my designs would be in stores or that I would have actual collections! I still think I'm going to wake up from this dream!
10. What is your favorite part of the day? My favorite part of the day is at dusk. I love seeing the sun set and everything start to wind down at the end of the day.

Megan is offering up one of her Bridal Molecule Bracelets for a lucky reader.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Flawed Perfection and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Flawed Perfection on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Flawed Perfection giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, October 14th.

spotlight & giveaway from Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy

2010-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats #44- Tasha, you win! :)

Help us welcome the sweet Lindsey Cheney of the Pleated Poppy!

1. Tell us a little about you:
i've been married to my college sweetheart for 10 years and we have 3 kiddos, 7,5, and 3. when i'm not playing referee, wiping sticky fingers, or homeschooling i'm probably at my sewing machine or using my glue gun! being creative is in my nature, as all the women in my family have artisitic tendencies. i have been blessed to have this creativity nurtured and to have a supportive husband.
2. How did you get started with your shop? about 3 years ago i was featuring gifts i had made for christmas on my blog, and my readers expressed interest in my items. i decided to host a home boutique and then branched out to selling items on my blog. now i have my own shop. i do most of my work when my kids are napping or playing happily, but most often late at night.
3. What is your inspiration for your art? i get most of my inspiration from the fabric i use. i love to look at fabrics and dream up what i could make with them. my absolute favorite part of my job is mixing and matching fabrics and coming up with new combinations.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot? last summer my husband and i were able to sneak away to the mediterranean. i'd love to go back and spend more time in cinque terra, italy.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now? oh, that's a hard one! i generally lean towards whatever is newest, which right now are my tiny pouches with the sweetest teensy ruffle. but i also wear my petal pushers a ton, and my petal drop necklaces, and i use multiple zippered pouches every day. so you can see i have a hard time choosing!

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general) hmm, another tough one... i love turquoise and just about any combo with it - mustard, red, grey, hot pink.
7. What is your favorite dessert? a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream on top and a little caramel sauce, mmmmm...
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it? uh, anthropologie of course!
9. What was your proudest moment? when i see my kids being kind to each other, without being told to - that makes me pretty proud!
10. What is your favorite part of the day? naptime ;)

Lindsey is giving away a $25 gift certificate to her shop!!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit The Pleated Poppy and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom). Thank you! If you do already, just let us know.
Follow Queen Bee Market and The Pleated Poppy on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: Woohoo! @queenbeemarket is hosting a giveaway from @thepleatedpoppy! http://bit.ly/9j0ZjG

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)
We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Wednesday, October 13th.

Guest Post: Terri Longley of All Things for Baby

2010-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Along with "going green" and "shopping local" the latest trend is "buying handcrafted". I for one am thrilled! I love the idea of handcrafted and as we now head into the holiday purchasing season I'm hoping to either craft most of my gifts or buy handcrafted. In the past my family has made the rule that all our gifts to each other had to be handmade by us. What fun and unique gifts we had! It was so much fun to see the talent among us. Who knew?!
Thanks to websites like Etsy and markets like Queen Bee, those of us who are on the creating side, have a place to sell our pieces of art that we feel so passionate about making. There's even a website online devoted to handcrafted where anyone can take a pledge to buy handmade. We artists and crafters put so much of ourselves into each of our creations, and there's no greater compliment than to have you support our passion and dream. Most craftspeople are also more than happy to customize at your request.
This holiday season give handcrafted a try, whether it's something you make yourself or something you buy. Grab yourself a cup of ________(insert your favorite beverage) and take a browse on Etsy. You'll find something for the hard to buy people on your list and will most likely buy just as much for yourself! A hand knit sweater is always warmer and hand baked cookies always taste better. Am I right? Check your local paper for markets like Queen Bee, or better yet stop in at Queen Bee! Grab a girl friend or two and make a day of it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. You will find an amazing array of talent and much to ohh and ahh over. There will be countless one of a kind gifts, and who knows, you may even be inspired to create something yourself.

Whether you choose to craft something yourself or buy already made, you can bet that none of your recipients will be standing in line the day after Christmas to return the gift that you gave them. Handcrafted gifts are always wrapped in love, and it doesn't get better than that for your family and friends this holiday season.

Guest Post: Nicole from Olive Blue

2010-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Cold and flu season are just around the corner and to be prepared I found this easy, takes-no-time-at-all, way to beautify those little to-go tissues.

Tissue Caddies

What you need:

1 rectangle of favorite fabric 6 1/4 by 5 1/4
sewing machine or embroidery thread and needle
1 to-go purse size tissues

****note: if you do not have any of these items, you are in luck. The supplies will cost you less then $10 (minus the sewing machine), and with that you can probably make 4 or 5 of these cuties. Go to your local fabric store and purchase one fat quarter of fabric, embroidery needles, and embroidery thread.
Step 1:
Cut out your rectangle

Step 2: iron down short ends of rectangle and sew with a 1/4 inch inseam.

Step 3: Put the right side of fabric facing up. Now fold each end to the middle without overlapping

Step 4: Sew long ends together to seal holder.

Step 5: Turn right side out and insert tissues!

Step 6: Enjoy using your cute tissue holder everywhere you go, or give it as a gift to your most favorite person!

For an even easier method check out Martha Stewart’s version here!

Spotlight on: Terri Longley of all Things For Baby {giveaway}

2010-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Terri from All Things for Baby!

QBM: Tell us a little about you.
Terri: I'm a crafter from way back and have done just about everything from knitting to card making with lots of sewing in between. I never tire of the mountains and ocean and I'm certain the sky directly above my house is bluer there than anywhere else. My guilty pleasure is reality TV and I love anything baby. My husband and I live in South Orange County. I have 2 adult children and since we don't live in the same state, I don't get to see them nearly often enough.QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
Terri: It's in my blood. My grandparents owned a children's store when I was young and I've always wanted to follow in their footsteps. Discovering Etsy and the Queen Bee Market has given me the opportunity to sell without having to have a brick and mortar store. I started selling shoes thinking I could use up leftover fabric from quilting projects. Instead, I've purchased tons more and have more fabric that when I started my shop 7 months ago. How does the saying go? "The one with the most fabric wins"...Well, I think I won!
QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
Terri: Everything is cuter in miniature! I find inspiration from women's clothing designers and I listen to what young moms want when looking for baby clothing.
QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
Terri: I enjoy traveling and fell in love with Martha's Vineyard on our honeymoon, but New Zealand is the closest to paradise that I've ever seen. There are so many wonderful places to visit right outside our back door, and I always look forward to our next destination.
QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Terri? I SHOULD say anything zebra as that's what sells the best, but I really have a soft spot for my Pink n' Pinstripe Mary Jane with the rhinestone buckle. I love the feminine twist to a menswear stripe.
QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Terri: My favorite color combination is pink and green. My craft room is decorated in those colors and it always feels happy and fresh.
QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
Terri: Hands down, my ultimate favorite dessert is cheesecake! Or is it pumpkin pie? Or is it ice cream? You get the idea...
QBM: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Terri: Oh, that's a tough one. If it was spring or summer, I'd say a garden store so I could fill my yard with beautiful flowers. If it was fall or winter, I'd say J. Crew. How can you not be in love with their sweaters?
QBM: What was your proudest moment?
Terri: Seeing my kids graduate from college. My son graduated first and I still remember beaming with so much pride! In May of next year, I will watch my daughter graduate for the 2nd time and 2 months later I will be at her wedding. Those milestones in our children's lives are so memorable, and make every moment of raising them worth it.
QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
Terri: I'm definately a morning person. When my kids were young, I cherished the early morning when it was quiet and I could relax before the chaos of the day started. My kids are long gone, but I still enjoy mornings. I love swimming as the sun comes up. It's a great way to start the day.

Terri is giving away a set of these ADORABLE shoes:

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit All Things for Baby and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom). Thank you! If you do already, just let us know.
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I entered All Things for Baby giveaway on @queenbeemarket. http://bit.ly/bgT1Pc

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)
We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, October 8th.

Guest Post: Sarah from Simply Pretty Prints

2010-10-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

I recently conjured up this little wine tasting game and it turned out to be a real hit! Don't worry if your knowledge of wine is limited -- mine certainly is and I had a blast anyway. The point is really to get your guests involved in something fun. Of course, if you can actually teach them a few things about the subject, that is a bonus, but not a requirement!

What You'll Need:

5 bottles of the same type of wine from 5 different regions of the world (i.e. Cabernet Sauvingon from California, Chile, France, etc.) Make sure they are all in the same price range to make it fair, though I threw my guests a curve ball by including 1 bottle of very inexpensive wine (2 Buck Chuck). This game can get expensive, so you can always reduce the number of bottles to 3 or 4.
A cloth or bag that will allow you to cover the label, but still pour the wine (for each bottle). You can use a rubber band or ribbon to keep them from sliding down the bottle.
Pencils or pens for all you participants
Prizes. I bought a 1st place prize as well as a booby prize for the person who earned the lowest number of points (again a bottle of 2 Buck Chuck).
My Game Template. Download now.
Crackers and/or Water for in between tastings if desired.

To Prepare:
1. Randomly order your wines, and number them 1 through 5. Mark them with a pen on the bottom of each bottle.
2. Record each country of origin in random order in the top section of the template.
3. Choose 4 key characteristics that describe each wine. Try to use descriptions that are unique to each wine if possible. If you are no wine expert (like me), you can get the characteristics from the descriptions on the labels or get them from wine reviews online. Google is your friend :) Some examples are : Medium body, Long Finish, Cassis Aroma, Oaky Nose, etc.
4. Record each key word or charactersitic in compltely random order in the second section of template. All 20 descriptions must be randomized, and not grouped by bottle. You want to make this challenging!
5. Now that you have recorded all the information on the template, make photocopies for all your participants.
6. Uncork and Cover up your bottles of wine so the labels are completely hidden. Then clearly number each bag or cloth 1-5.
To Play:
1. Pass out the photocopied game templates and pen or pencil to each participant.
2. Let the tasting begin! Allow the participants to taste each wine and make their guesses for the Country of Origin and 4 Characteristics per wine.
3. After everyone has finished, Read the answers aloud. Each participant should mark themselves 1 point for each correct Country of Origin and characteristic.
4. Hand out the prizes for the highest and lowest number of points.
When I played, it was especially fun because our "connoisseur" received the lowest number of points and received the booby prize, a nice bottle of 2 Buck Chuck! He was a good sport :)
Have Fun and See you all at the next QBM!
-Sarah

Spotlight on: Nicole Milkie of Olive Blue

2010-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to #6: Ashley. You won!

Meet Nicole of Olive Blue:

1. Tell us a little about you:
I'm Nicole, and first and foremost, I am a wife to an amazing and supportive man, a new mom to a sweet little girl and I love Jesus Christ with all of my heart and strive to live for him everyday. I was a first grade teacher for two years and worked at my church for two years before I became a stay at home mom. I love pink toe nails, breezy walks, colorful fabric, and spicy food. Sewing is so much fun for me. My dining room table is usually covered in fabric, notions and a cutting board.

2. How did you get started with your shop?
My husband got me a sewing machine for Christmas a couple of years ago and I learned how to sew simple things. While I was learning that, I had opened a shop on Etsy to sell vintage items, and some how my sewing projects started to make their way into my Etsy shop, and now, no more vintage.

3. What is your inspiration for your art?
Fabric, color, my little baby girl, lots of things inspire me. I really enjoy making things for people and not just selling them, so my friend's and family's needs inspire me to try new things with my sewing machine.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
Easy. My man, my baby and the beaches of Kauai! It is by far the prettiest place i have ever been. Just thinking about it makes me relax and smile.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Baby Leg Warmers, they are so handy and versatile. I love putting them on my baby girl!

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
I am on the turquoise band wagon! But I am a big fan of greens

7. What is your favorite dessert?
Tiramisu and my Grandma in law's German Chocolate Cake!

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
What a dream to spend a $1000 anywhere! Probably Target, I'm a simple girl!

9. What was your proudest moment?
Giving birth this past June. The most amazing experience I have ever had or shared with my husband. Now, Pregnancy was another issue, probably the hardest experience I have ever been through!

10. What is your favorite part of the day?
When my baby wakes up with smiles and sleep all over her face and when my husband gets home from work!

Nicole is giving away a $20 gift certificate from her shop!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Olive Blue and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Olive Blue on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Olive Blue giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, October 7th.

Spotlight on: Sarah Reymond of Simply Pretty Prints

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats #3 Dixon Family- you win!

Say hi to Sarah from Simply Pretty Prints!

1. Tell us a little about you:
I'm Sarah, and for me, creating is a must! I also love to do things outdoors, eat good food, watch shows or movies that make me think or laugh, hang out with good friends and family, and learn new things.

2. How did you get started with your shop?
Working as a design engineer for about 9 years nurtured my scientific side, but not so much my creative and artistic side. After feeling a little burnt out, I had to find creative outlet, nourish my hobbies, and find some balance. Always wanting to learn something new, I took guitar lessons, painting, dancing, and worked on little craft projects on my own. Eventually it evolved into starting my own etsy shop.
3. What is your inspiration for your art?
All over the place! Especially when in nature. I take lots of pictures when I am out walking and hiking.
4. What is your ideal vacation spot?
Although I've been to many wonderful places, there's something magical about discovering all the little details you find when you go somewhere new.
5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
My hand Painted "You Rock" Talking Mug. I think it would be a fun message to receive from someone!
6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general).
Teal and yellow are two colors that really hit it off!
7. What is your favorite dessert?
Some sort of homemade fruity pie or pastry. Mmm...
8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
I could easily spend $1000 buying up handmade goods on etsy. I buy a lot of gifts for people on etsy, but I could definitely find a few more nice things for myself :)
9. What was your proudest moment?
Anytime someone spends their hard earned dollars on something I created to perhaps give as a gift or use in their wedding, it feels pretty darn good.
10. What is your favorite part of the day?
My days are pretty busy so anytime I can unwind a little is nice. A nice cup of tea on a Saturday morning or an evening walk on the beach are a few of my favorites.
Giveaway Item:
A Personalized Hand Painted Ice Cream Dish.

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Simply Pretty Prints and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Simply Pretty Prints on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Simply Pretty Prints giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Wednesday, October 6th.

Guest Post, Leah from Little Shredder

2010-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Recently my husband gave me a personal day. Yes, that's right a personal day, meaning one day ALL to myself. Morning to night. Curious how I spent it? Well, I spent it with my mom. If someone would have told me 10 years ago or even 5 years ago that I would choose to spend my own "personal day" with my mom I would have laughed and said, 'Yeah right!' Well, things have changed or I guess I should say I've changed. I am now a mom myself and with that said I see the whole picture. I no longer live for the day or the week. I am living for the future and my kids future.

Life is bigger and grander than I once believed. In my younger years I took for granted so many things. I now have a different view of the world and of life it's self.

These days I enjoy and appreciate the small things... reading a good book, fresh deli's, the sunset, clean sheets.....the list goes on. And on that list is my mom's company. I thoroughly enjoy her company. We are more alike than I once believed. I am finding so much joy in a friendship with her. She is smart, funny, happy, and has incredible strength. She looks amazing! She has 18 grandchildren! All I can say is I hope to look that good when I am where she is.

A recent discovery of mine is that I find so much beauty in a life lived, a life lived well. And that is my mom through and through. She is a life lived well.

Guest Post from Mommy Holly

2010-09-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love paper.
I use paper whenever possible.
Gift tags, handmade greeting cards, scrapbooking, the usual.

However, paper is also an inexpensive and effective way to decorate & set a fun dinner table! Whether it is for a party, wedding, or an everyday weeknight dinner with your family, making the extra effort to make your table special will go such a long way with your guests and family! :)

Using bright colored paper with unusual edges is perfect to use as an alternative to a place mat. You can pick fabulous papers up at any scrapbook store {Cool Scrapbook Stuff is a favorite of mine in Poway!} or even Michael's, JoAnn's and big stores like Target and Walmart. Scrapbooking has become an obsession with so many people, but I like to think outside the box when it comes to the supplies. The papers are just too cute to cut up, in my opinion. Why not use them under your plate to add a little cheer to your meal? :)

Add a sweet little tag to a favor- something as simple as a few cute pencils for your kids after a long week at school is a wonderful way to end the week. Share a yummy dinner, and encourage their studies with a little treat! :) Owl tags can be found here! Remember that favors aren't just for parties- they can be used for the everyday dinner as well.

Another fun way to jazz up your table is to scatter small paper cutouts. For this place setting, I used bright yellow paper flowers, but be creative! You can color coordinate the cutouts to your table and accessories, or you can use another color to add a little interest! :) Lots of paper cutouts can be found here in my shop!

Here is a happy tea-party setting! Using a funky map cardstock paper, I added in a few pops of color with the paper I used. The pink owl tags have a sweet little message written on them, and I used my vintage dictionary bird cutouts to scatter across the table.

Use your pieces in interesting ways. Who says the teacup and silverware have to be next to the plate? They are much cuter sitting atop a dessert plate and awaiting your guests! :)

And since Halloween is just around the corner {and is one of my favorite times of year!} I just had to set up a spooky table setting as well! :) Use a graphic piece of scrapbooking paper like the flocked spider paper I used here. Add a little interest by arranging your silverware in a "cross-bones" sort of manner. Large circles cut out of vintage dictionary pages serve as coasters for my glasses!

And of course, a spooked looking little owl and a poof of black netting makes for the perfect addition to the rolled up paper napkin.

Remember, all of these table settings use the same white plates from Ikea, a white paper napkin that you can pick up anywhere, and simple silverware and glassware. All of the interest is added in the paper you can swap in and out to create different moods. Simple and fun, and so very much appreciated by anyone who is a guest at your dinner table. :)

Can't wait to meet you all at the Queen Bee Market this November! A big thanks to the fab sister duo for heading this amazing event up- we appreciate ALL you do, Mique and Jess!!! :) See you in six weeks, eek!
xo!

spotlight on: Leah Humberstone of Little Shredder

2010-09-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

Congrats #11: Jessica!! (jessicacotten@gmail.com) You win!

We get to introduce you to our long time friend, Leah Humberstone of Little Shredder, a perfect line of children's clothing for beach loving San Diegans.

QBM: Tell us a little about you:
L: I'm 31 years old. I am married to the best guy on earth. We just celebrated our 6th anniversary. Together we have two boys (ages 4 1/2 years and 23 months) and there are definite plans to have more! We live in North County, San Diego and have no plans to move. Ever. Without the beach nearby we feel lost, almost like we can't breath. It's strange. I run almost daily. Either on my own or pushing my boys in the double jogger. Since having my first I discovered the world of racing. I love the energy I feel from the other runners at the races, especially the women and mothers. It's a powerful thing. It's the best therapy out there.

QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
L: Little Shredder started in 2006 by my husband and I along with my sister and brother-in-law. When my first was about six months old I began to shop for bigger sizes. I couldn't find anything that I really liked. To be honest I was turned off by all the choo choo trains and dinosaur t-shirts. I had the thought, "How cool and fun would it be to make our own?" My husband is an avid surfer (he would go everyday if he could) and my brother-in-law is an avid skateboarder so together we thought up Little Shredder - Surf and Skate apparel for babies and kids. Currently we are redesigning our website, www.littleshredder.com. In the meantime you can "like" our group on Facebook to keep up with our new stuff.

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
L: Our boys, the beach, the street, the sunset, the weather, and people who get it. We screen print all our shirts by hand in our garage and believe it or not feel inspiration during that process. New ideas will pop in our heads while we see the wet ink on the shirts.

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
L: Hawaii or Oregon. I love warm and green. However, I would like to have an adventure in Australia on the Gold Coast someday.

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
L: Newborn anything. Newborn sizes are my favorite and have been since the beginning. If we had to drop all sizes but one I would keep NB for sure. You just can't find anything surf or skate on a such a teeny tiny shirt or onesie. I dare you to try.

Photo via Blue Lily

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)

L: For our product, red shirt w/ black ink - very punk for our skate line. Baby blue or kelly green shirt - very oceany and earthy for our surf line.

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
L: Thrifty Mint n' Chip Ice Cream. I wish I could say fresh fruit here.......but I can't.

QBM: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
L: Good question. Probably Nordstrom Rack. I can always find something in that store.

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
L: Becoming a mom for the first time and second time.

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
L: Evening before the sun sets. I love seeing the day wind down, people on their way home from work, and the colors in the sky. It's serene to me.

Leah is offering up both of these 12-18 month t-shirts

soooo adorable, right?

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Little Shredder and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Little Shredder giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Friday, October 1st.

spotlight on: Erica from Erica Leilani Designs

2010-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats #18: Kristen! (mclanek@gmail.com) You Win!

Meet Erica from Erica Leilani Designs. Love vintage? Love upcycling? Love jewelry? She's your girl:

1. Tell us a little about you:

At heart I am really an educator. My experiences and “qualifications” are all over the map, so I guess you could say I am a “Jill of all trades” who is currently looking for her niche in the adult world. I have a bachelors degree in Chemistry, and am credentialed to teach high school science. I’ve also spent a number of my working years teaching ballet in a few exotic and not so exotic locations. Currently, I spend my days bouncing between doing research in a chemistry lab at a local university, subbing at high schools around San Diego county, designing jewelry, running my Etsy store, working on expanding Erica Leilani Designs, experimenting with new recipes, and enjoying being a newlywed.

2. How did you get started with your shop?

Since I was about 15, I’ve been designing beaded jewelry as a hobby – you know, as gifts for aunties and friends. For a stint I worked at a local bead store and gained some valuable knowledge and craftsmanship. Years later, upon briefly moving back to my small home-town in Easter Washington, I had the “Eureka” moment that ultimately led to the creation of Erica Leilani Designs It was during some of my numerous visits to the awesome, reasonably priced antique stores in the area that I stumbled upon some pretty darn incredible vintage jewelry items that were just calling out to be given a new life. After creating my first few designs incorporating “upcycled” vintage pieces, I began pouring through antique stores, accumulating a collection of fun, funky vintage jewelry and incorporating all of those fantastic items into new designs. Loving my new designs, and feeling fairly confident that I had perhaps discovered a niche in the artisan jewelry market, I opened up shop and decided to try my hand as an Etsy artisan.

3. What is your inspiration for your art?

Basically I love all things vintage! Vintage linens, glassware, attire and accessories are all just so much fun! My designs are inspired by the fabulous vintage pieces that I find – from rhinestone brooches – you know, straight from your grandmother’s jewelry box, floral chokers from the 40’s and 50’s, and of course all of the stunning floral and rhinestone screw-back and clip on earrings that most of us don’t want to wear no matter how much we LOVE that vintage look.

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?

There are two. Ideal Vacation #1 would be somewhere in Central America, the Carribean, or Southeast Asia where the plane ticket is expensive, everything else is darn cheap, and the scuba diving is readily available and to-die-for. This vacation includes street food, backpacking, meeting the locals, and staying a bit off the beaten track. In stark contrast, Ideal Vacation #2 involves staying in any city, splurging on a fancy hotel, a spa treatment, and indulging in local culinary highlights.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?

Definitely my Yellow Sophie Earrings . Maybe it is because I just don’t want summer to end. But recently I’ve been borderline obsessed with yellow and these earrings really just add a great pop of color!

6. What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)

My go-to accent colors are mustard yellow, robin’s egg blue, smoky brown, and creamy white. My absolute favorite gemstones are yellow jade, amazonite, and smoky quarts – these three stones alone compliment so many color palates! And who can go wrong with classic white – whether it is pearls or vintage flowers?

7. What is your favorite dessert?

Ooh that’s a tough one – I love most desserts so picking a favorite seems a bit unfair to all the others. Let’s go with Angel Food Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Homemade Whipped Cream – I had this for my birthday every year as a kid, and it still takes the cake!

8. If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?

Definite three-way tie: Williams Sonoma, Anthropologie, or a really awesome and diverse Antique Mall.

9. What was your proudest moment?

Performing Balanchine’s Valse Fantasie back (way-back) during my years as a ballerina. Performing a Balanchine ballet, requires being approved by the Balanchine Trust and was a pretty huge deal for a pre-professional company. I got to work with one of Balanchine’s muses who now stages his ballets. The whole experience was surreal and certainly the peak of my performing years.

10. What is your favorite part of the day?

The morning. The air is crisp and the day is fresh. All of the stress of the previous days have been slept off and I feel ready and motivated to do anything. The best mornings involve a porch, a nice cup of Earl Grey tea and an English Muffin, as I plan and prepare for my day.

And she's just as sweet in real life as she seems. Erica is offering up this gorgeous pair of earrings to one lucky reader:

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Erica Leilani and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Erica Leilani on Twitter tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Erica Leilani giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, September 30th.

spotlight on Holly from {Mommy Holly} + giveaway

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats #17, Candice- you win!!

Say hello to the adorable Holly, owner of Mommy Holly!

Tell us a little about you:
First and most importantly, I am the lucky momma to my sweet little six-year old son, Andrew. He makes me smile & makes me proud each and every day. :) I am an art history graduate, working towards another degree in nursing. Opposite spectrums of the job industry, for sure!! While I am waiting for nursing school, I am lucky enough to be working at something I love, paper crafting and creating like a crazy person! I adore thrifting and hunting for vintage treasures, and love to spend as much time as possible with Andrew, whether that is spending time in his classroom, strolling around the museums at Balboa Park, or walking to the local park and tossing a baseball around! :)

How did you get started with your shop?
I have always loved scrapbooking and paper crafting, but when I discovered Etsy, it became a reality to actually do something lucrative with paper! It took me a while to get my footing with my shop- I dabbled a little bit here and there at the beginning and didn't take it very seriously, but this past year have treated my shop like a "real" job and it really has taken off. I feel very fortunate to be able to do something that allows me to stay home with Andrew and be able to volunteer in his class when I can! :)

What is your inspiration for your art?
Any vintage paper- books, dictionaries, maps, magazines, children's stories. I walk through thrift stores imagining what I could cut up the books into- although I have to say, I think the ladies who work at my local thrift store think I'm nuts for needing so many dictionaries! ;)
What is your ideal vacation spot?
I adore New York City. I could spend all day strolling around the city, coffee in hand, checking out all the fabulous little shops and locales. Although I would like to check out London one of these days....!

What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I am so partial to the dictionary birds, which have always been a popular item with me. But I am thinking that the vintage map & atlas birds have reached the top of my list of faves at the moment! I love how unique each pack is- no two birds are exactly alike! :)

What is your favorite color combination?
When it comes to myself and my own style, I never stray too far from white, black and grey. But I like to use bright accessories and hair flair! My favorite colors for everything else lately have been bright yellow and grey. SO cute. :)

What is your favorite dessert?
What isn't my favorite dessert??? I love anything sweet!!!

If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it? Anthropologie, hands down!! I'd blow through that $1000 like nobody's business! :)

What was your proudest moment?
I have had a lot of proud moments when it comes to my son. However, one of my favorite moments was during the Queen Bee "rush" this past spring, when I was busy busy busy making things for the show. My son was making a Mother's Day gift for me at school, and when his teacher asked what his mom did for a job, he answered with.. "She's a Queen Bee worker!!" :) I felt justified- this little shop I had established made him proud as well.

What is your favorite part of the day?
I love when I am tucking my son into bed at night. We snuggle up, read stories, and chat about the day. It's usually the time when he divulges every bit of gossip to me, and I relish each and every moment of that. :)

Holly put together a fun package for her giveaway today:

Isn't it adorable? (Just like Holly)

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Mommy Holly and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Mommy Holly on Twitter tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Mommy Holly giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We also have a Facebook page and would love to connect with you there! ;)

We will pick a winner and announce it on this post on Thursday, September 30th.

Maisonnette

2010-09-26T16:23:00.001-07:00

For our holiday show, we have the honor to work with sponsors who are amazing companies with creative visions. One such shop is Maisonnette. Located in downtown Oceanside, it's the cutest store of it's kind.

We asked the ladies of Maisonnette to answer a few questions for us. Here's what they had to say:

Tell us a bit about Maisonnette.
Maisonnette is boutique located downtown Oceanside, owned by Ava Warr and her daughters Natalie and Madeline. Natalie is a photographer and has a studio at Maisonnette, Madeline is a seamstress and in charge of the fabric selection. Maisonnette features fabric, photography, local art, jewelry and handmade gifts.
What can customers expect when they visit your cute store?
The latest fabrics from all the hot designers, a full service photography studio and amazing art work, jewelry and handmade goodies!
Favorites found at Maisonnette:
One on one sewing classes with Madeline at the amazing bargain price of $25 for two hours. You pick the project!

-Fabric designers?Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Valori Wells, Joel Dewberry, Jennifer Paganelli, Heather Bailey, Patty Young, Michael Miller, Etsuko Furfuya for Echino, Heather Ross, Erin McMorris, Dena Fishbein, Tina Givens
-Books? Handmade Beginnings, Seams to Me, Sewn Spaces, One Yard Wonders, Simple Sewing, Style Stitches, Little Stitches for Little Ones, In Stitches, Embroidered Effects, Ottobre and Stitch Magazine
-Classes?Born Dottie (Quilt Class), Twice as Nice (Quilt Class), Teddy Bear Class, Applique Class, Wristlet Class
-Patterns?Oliver and S Patterns, Amy Butler Patterns, Anna Maria Horner Patterns, Collette Patterns, Echino Patterns, Various Quilt Patterns, Portabello Pixie Patterns, Jamie Christina Patterns,
Any other favorites?
Our fabulous, local artwork and handmade jewelry

Where do you ladies find inspiration?
Well...we love Anthropologie, but who doesn't! We love sewing and craft blogs, and we are always inspired by our amazing customers!
What are you most proud of (personally or about Maisonnette :)?
The selection of fabrics you can't get anywhere else locally. Providing our customers with ability to see,touch and feel the fabric...something you can't do online. However we do have an awesome online shop!

Outside of work-
We LOVE to travel...some of our favorite spots are Mexico and Brazil. We love exploring the different areas of San Diego County, finding art, culture and yummy food, within this amazing community! We feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

Where do you like to go locally? (ie- the beach, a favorite restaurant, etc)
The beach is #1 for us...hey our shop is only a couple blocks from the beach! Our favorite restaurants are Siamese Basil in Encinitas, The Fish Joint in Oceanside (best sushi ever), Burger House in Oceanside, Saigon on Fifth in San Diego and Indigo Grill in San Diego.
How long have you been in the San Diego area?30 years

What do you love most about it? The ocean, weather and the great sense of community.

Maisonnette
523 N. Freeman Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-730-5447
To keep up to date:
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If you are local, please stop by and tell them we sent you. ;)

Maisonnette also has a great ad on Yelp...20% off your purchase of 3 yards or more of fabric. The ad does not apply to sale fabric and is for one time use only.

Guest Post, Canela from Cinnamon*Sticks

2010-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mandy from Mandy's Yellow Corner.
You won Canela's giveaway!

Super Mom

"Wow! You must be super mom." I hear this all the time just after people find out that I'm a mom of 6 and a small business owner. I tend to have the same reaction every time. I giggle uncomfortably, and say, "no not really". Shuffling my feet and trying to steer the conversation away from me. In my head I'm thinking..."OH you haven't seen me when I loose my temper with the kids, and become the ugly mommy monster. You haven't seen the pile of dust bunnies in the corner of my living room that seems to multiply, well, like bunnies" I AM NO SUPER MOM!

How often do we beat ourselves down? As a mom and as a woman.

There was a clip on the news the other night, that said a typical stay at home mom works the equivalent of 16 or more jobs. Oprah once shared how much a stay at home mom would earn if she received a paycheck. I don't remember the exact dollar amount but it was huge!

As moms we keep our house in order and make it a home.
We take the kids to and from school, and the doctors, and play dates, and... We fix 3 healthy (most of the time) meals a day. Do the grocery shopping, with baby in tow. Clean the dirty butts. Stay up late with the hot glue gun in hand helping to finish that project that is , due tomorrow at school. And on and on it goes.
But beyond the super genius running of our house hold, we have super powers. We have the power to chase away bad dreams at midnight. We have the power to kiss away boo boos. We have the power to dry away tears and heal hearts with a hug. We have the power to LOVE. And that makes any mom super mom.

So yes sometimes I get overwhelmed, I lock myself in the bathroom and pretend I don't hear the ruckus on the other side of the door, and I have a good cry. Then I stand up and put on my big girl pants, or my mommy cape, step out and I return order to my home. Cause I'm super mom and I rock!

So let's stop beating our selves down, thinking we are just not up to par.
It doesn't matter if you are a mom of 1 or a mom of 10, dust off your capes and wear 'em proudly! Cause you're super Mom too, and you so ROCK!

xoxo
Canela

Keep up to date with Canela on her Cinnamon*Sticks blog!
We're dusting off our capes Canela!! ;)

spotlight on: Gina Sample of The Verde Bag {giveaway!}

2010-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

#21 Ashlee wins! Congrats.

another great vendor, another great giveaway! Meet Gina:

My name is Gina Sample. I’m a graphic designer, triathlete and environmentalist. I started The Verde Bag in 2008 as a stylish alternative to the plastic and paper grocery bag. After years of using my own reusable bags, I couldn’t find a cloth bag that was big enough and stylish at the same time. With the help of my mother, a professional seamstress, I began designing my own bags. I love bold, striking patterns so I try to incorporate that into the designs. I wanted people to know that “bring your own bag” can be fun and fashionable. I expanded the Verde Bag’s product line to include reusable lunch bags, gift wrapping cloths, fabric gift bags and wine bags. For fun, I’ve been making drawstring backpacks and zippered pouches.

Environmental Commitment
The Verde Bag is a member of the Surfrider Foundation and Green America. Since 2006, my studio has been powered by solar energy. I’ve reduced my paper usage by using electronic methods for communication as much as possible. I always reuse paper, shipping boxes and stuffing materials. I recycle everything I can and participate in my local curbside and electronic recycling programs.

What is your ideal vacation spot?
Kayaking and camping on Bahia Concepcion on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur.

What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I like my drawstring backpack. I use it all the time. It’s so handy and practical.

What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
I gravitate towards blue but I love all colors.

What is your favorite dessert?
Anything chocolate!

If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
REI or Lucy

What was your proudest moment?
Launching The Verde Bag. I’ve never done anything like this before.

What is your favorite part of the day?
Twilight

Gina has offered up a French Tapestry bag to one of our lucky readers

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit The Verde Bag and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Verde Bags giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Thursday, September 23rd.
Thank you Gina!!

spotlight on Canela from {Cinnamon*Sticks Designs} & giveaway

2010-09-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Image via Blue Lilly
We really are SO lucky to have such talented,
generous vendors at the Queen Bee.
Canela from Cinnamon*Sticks Designs is so kind
and such a genuine person.
I can't say enough about her.

Get to know her a little more:

QBM: Tell us a little about you:
C: I'm Canela. Howdy! I'm the owner/designer behind Cinnamon*Sticks Designs. Wife to an amazing man who supports and inspires me daily. Mom to 6 adorable, lively, some days crazy kiddies. Overall creative happy soul.

QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
C: I've been selling my jewelry since the 90's. My hubby started selling vintage toys back in early 2000 on ebay. He helped me set up an ebay shop, where I started creating girls boutique jewelry and it all snowballed from there to an etsy shop and online store.

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
C:What isn't? I might find inspiration in a story one of my kiddies reads to me, or in a peaceful moment on my morning walk, or driving on a busy highway rocking out to my favorite tunes.

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
C:A realistic vaca spot would be camping with my honey, but my daydream would be to travel all over Europe, someday!

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
C: It would have to be my new bloom necklace.

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
C: Turquoise! Turquoise and hot pink, turquoise and apple green, turquoise and brown.... need I go on?

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
C: Chocolate! Anything with chocolate!

QBM: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
C: Target! I big pink puffy heart Target!!!

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
C: My proudest business moment was by far when I made my first entirely hand fabricated sterling ring set with a gem stone. I haven't had the opportunity to take classes so I had to just jump in and figure it out all on my own. It's a slower process when you don't have a mentor, but the sense of accomplishment looking at a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry that I made with my two hands was amazing.

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
C: I have two, one is my morning walk with Mr. N our 2 year old. He rides on my back in his carrier and we walk through the trails in one of our city parks. It's peaceful, and lets me start each day renewed.
My second is late at night when everyone is in bed. I turn on my music, pull out my torch, and my raw supplies and create something beautiful and sentimental from simple strips of silver!

Today Canela is giving away a $40 gift certificate to her shop!!

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Cinnamon*Sticks Designs and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the Cinnamon Sticks giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Wednesday, September 22nd.
Thank you Canela!!

Guest Post: Tracy from Creme de la Gems

2010-09-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I thought about what to share with Queen Bee Market fans, I have to admit, I had a hard time deciding what to write.

I thought about a polymer clay tutorial. Something simple, like a Christmas Ornament, or buttons. But something sent inspiration right through me today. Has that every happened to you? That light bulb goes off, and you just know "it was meant to be?"

There I was, folding the laundry, between my repetitive sniffs of fresh, clean and oh so warm fabrics, scented with Arm and Hammer Fresh Scent with Oxy Clean...ahhh...heaven!

I held up my t-shirt (to give it a sniff), which reads inspiring words of wisdom, by a fellow dancer. This t-shirt happens to be made for dancers, but I got to thinking...as artists, crafter's and mothers, these inspirational words may speak to all of us. They are real. They are true. They especially are good for tweens, teens and moms. We are often so hard on ourselves.

So enjoy and share these words:

Be You.
But be the very best version of yourself.
There is no need to be a
COOKIE-CUTTER
version of what you "think" everyone
wants you to be.
There is a place for you. SOMEWHERE.

If you get a correction - SAY Thank-You.
Do not talk back.
Don't fight it.
Just fix it,
or do your best to try.
Anyone who is successful in life
knows that GREAT accomplishments
require great
SACRIFICE.

Do not fabricate
or place expectations
on anyone but yourself.
It will only lead to disappointment.
You can only expect the very best from YOURSELF
-because you are
the only thing you can control.
Everyone else is a gamble.

Give people love,
but do not empty your bank
- you have to keep enough love in your own heart
to stay full. The people who are worth it
will stick around - the people who don't stick
will stick somewhere else...
AND that is JUST THE WAY IT GOES.

CHOOSE LOVE.
CHOOSE PEACE.
Choose to see the things you might not like,
and try to understand them
Be compassionate towards others.
The less you open your HEART to others,
the more your heart suffers.

BE PREPARED
TO LOSE IT ALL.
We cannot control anything in this life
but what we do with what we have.
you will always be able to stand in the middle of the street
and give a fierce 5, 6, 7, 8.
No one can take that away.

you might wake up one day
& everything will be the same
& everything will be different
& everything & nothing will make sense.
You will be happy & sad.
You will be hopeful & hopeless.
AND THAT IS JUST THE WAY IT IS.

-Tracy
Creme de la Gems Blog
Creme de la Gems Website

Guest Post: Connie Sedach of MEG Original

2010-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

work: (wûrk) n. 1. Physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or
accomplishment of something.

Often times, the biggest challenge in starting a business in the handmade scene has nothing to do with your actual product, but more to do with turning something you love into work. I, however, have recently had a refreshing reminder of just how joyful it is to remember that our work is truly a gift.
In April of this year, my husband Alex, was diagnosed with cancer. While our family went through a whirlwind of emotions & experiences in the months that followed, something came out of this time that I never would have found if I simply had chosen to focus on a “regular” career. At first, any creativity I previously had was completely numbed. My goal for work quickly became to just keep the business as strong as I could because our financial future was now obviously quite uncertain and I had 3 little mouths to keep fed.
Along the journey of recapturing my husband’s health, I discovered a gift that was so far out of
my focus at the time, that it didn’t hit me until just recently. The road to recovery took us from San Diego to New England. In Boston, while Alex received the treatment he need to successfully remove this difficult-to-treat tumor, I for the first time, found myself suddenly with a month away from home, kids,work, and normal responsibilities in general. I’ve never had so much time to just sit & think! Obviously, my thoughts went first to Alex & then to our brave little ones back home. But in those waiting room moments (which seemed to be quite plentiful) & when I was alone in my hotel room at night, I surprisingly found myself still working-- Working on the website, making lists of new ideas, hunting for new fabrics, tearing out color-combos and inspirations from magazines. Once we returned home in July and I began to get back to work filling orders, I came to a new realization about just what it is I call “work”. As a business owner, designer, crafter, whatever you want to call what it is that we do in the handmade world, our work is our talent. For me, this work was my peace and my escape.

Your talent is so much more than a means of income, a
way to work from home, or something you do for others.
Your talent is really a God- given gift that we all receive in
some way, but whether it’s by chance or choice, few actually
develop it. I will always find such deep gratitude in having
the privilege of finding joy in my work, the appreciation I feel
for others’ handmade creations, & the secret gifts that come
along with it.
♥~Connie
www.MEGoriginal.com

Guest Post: Heidi Devlin of Heidi Devlin Designs

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

With Autumn right around the bend,..... I am finding myself waking each morning with a renewed "sense of happiness"! For me, there is nothing more invigorating than crisp, cool temperatures & the changing of the season to get my creative thoughts flowing!.....My mind is being flooded with ideas for all areas of our home!....In the garden,... I would love to get Fall crops planted!...You know,.... with a variety of cool-weather lettuces & lots of French radishes!.....I want too,... to pot lots of mums in deep autumn colors,... & hang a wreath of Fall leaves on our door!

In the house, it is all about adding "coziness & charm" to every room!.... Soft rugs, extra pillows & lots of flickering candles,... all come together to create that wonderful feeling of "home"!
And I am also starting to think about the sewing & craft projects that will be turned into decorations for the upcoming holidays, as well as wrapping up a few as Christmas gifts! I find the possibilities endless & so very exciting to consider!

Then of course too is the "Autumn Kitchen", .....not a place in summer that I spend too much time in,.... but now, in this month of September, I am being called back.....encouraged by "apples & pears & pumpkins" to revisit my kitchen once again! I am so enjoying trying new recipes & having the aromas of fresh baking drifting through the house!

Oh My! What a glorious time of year this is! So many possibilities for being creative!...gardening, decorating & baking being just a few!....I encourage you all to let these "Days of Fall" fill you too with inspiration!

Here's to Autumn!......

Your friend,

Heidi xo
Foxgloves, Fabric & Folly

P.S. Cake shown is from Country Living - "Stacked Applesauce Cake!"......I have plans to try it later this week! Find the recipe here if you'd like to join me and make it yourself!

Spotlight on: Tracy Rogers of Creme de la Gems

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats #8, Shelley- you win!!

We're excited to introduce Tracy from Creme de la Gems.
Tracy's shop is full of beautiful hand stamped jewelry.
She also makes unbelievable clay creations.
She will be back at Queen Bee selling her clay.
You can expect to see items like this:

To learn more about Tracy-

QBM: Tell us a little about you:
Tracy: I am what you would call a creative, messy, optimistic, melancholy, perfectionist. I love learning new art, and am always in my opinion, evolving.
My husband and I live in southern California with our 8 year old son, Aidan. We are passionate about Theatre Arts and just this past summer, started a Children's Theatre Arts Program.

QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
Tracy: I started working with children's boutique designers on ebay, primarily working with polymer clay jewelry to match elaborate boutique customs. Polymer clay is still a medium I enjoy working with, but recently I started creating hand stamped sterling silver jewelry.

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
Tracy: Inspiration is in everything! Mostly in everyday life. Relationships, moods, books, challenges, or a pretty dress.

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
Tracy: As a family, we love to go camping! But if I could vacation anywhere, it would be Greece.

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Tracy: The "Love You Forever." I wear mine everyday.

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Tracy: I'm really into yellow, charcoal and black right now, but ask me again in a couple months and my answer WILL change ;)

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
Tracy: Crème Brûlée (part inspiration for my business name)

QBM: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Tracy: I don't even need to think about this one...Anthropologie!

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
Tracy: My proudest moment was just two weeks ago, at an Art Gallery where Aidan's art work was featured. {Congrats Tracy & Aidan!}

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
Tracy: Mornings. First, because my hubby makes the best coffee :) Second, because each morning, I get to watch Aidan walk groggily downstairs with the cutest messy, yet stylin' bed head, and cuddles next to me on the couch. At that time, my news channel gets switched over to cartoons, and it's okay with me.

Tracy is giving away an "I love you Forever" necklace along with the book, Love You Forever. How sweet is that?
Tracy is also offering a 15% discount in her shop during the giveaway! Use the code: QUEENBEEMARKET
To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Creme de la Gems and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Creme de la Gems on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: I'm so excited about the @cremedelagems giveaway on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Saturday, September 18th.
Thanks so much Tracy!

spotlight on Connie from MEG Original {giveaway}

2010-09-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Congrats to #20, Meghan! Thank you Connie for a wonderful giveaway.

Help us welcome Connie from MEG Original!

QBM: Tell us a little about you:
Connie: My name is Connie Sedach & I'm a 32 year old native San Diegan, married to just the best guy around. We live on a ranch in North County where we work & raise our 3 little girls. I wake up every morning feeling just so, so grateful to be living the life I dreamed about as a young girl.

QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
Connie: I first began selling our changing pads to other parents in the NICU where our daughter, who was a preemie, spent a good deal of time. Then, when I realized we might be on to something, we created a website. I actually saw a news piece about Etsy on Good Morning America one morning and when I checked it out, just naturally fell in love. So, now we have the Etsy shop and the website.

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
Connie: Well, first & foremost I'm a mommy which is what I truly feel makes our products so great! Every item we carry was inspired by an actual need or desire I had as a mom for my own babies & then they were tested by us first. I started creating baby items out of frustration that I could find very little in stores that was both stylish & functional. That combination of style & functionality is the absolute goal of every product we put out there and what better inspiration than sharing what you would actually want to use with others!

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
Connie: Anywhere my husband is. He manages to make everything fun. We have so many places we'd like to go. It seems that every time we've had the opportunity to take a trip to somewhere new, we end up with a new favorite vacation spot.

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Connie: I'm in love with the gray minky. Whether you're shopping for a girl or a boy, when it's paired with the pink or blue, it's just so classy-- especially with winter coming. We have a few more "wintery" colors coming soon, but for now, I definitely love the gray.

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Connie: Just in general, my favorite color pairing is a bright, electric blue & espresso brown.

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
Connie: My family's pumpkin pie. I'm not typically a person who likes real pumpkiny flavored foods, but our homemade pumpkin pie is a double whammy. First, we mostly abide by the William Sonoma recipe that has a custard on top which is just silly yummy, but to make it even better we use puree that we have made from the pumpkins we grow in our garden. They're New York cheese pumpkins which actually look like the fake peach ones you buy for decoration, but they are the best for baking! I look forward to it all year!

QBM:If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
Connie: Oh goodness, that's a toughy. Honestly, I'd love to spend it at the Queen Bee. It's so hard to be surrounded by so much talent and then not shop for yourself some. I know it's not technically a single store, but to me, that would really be so much fun. (Good answer Connie. :)

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
Connie: If I started with the family moments, I'm not sure where I'd stop, so I'll go with a proud work moment. Just this past Friday we learned we will have a featured item in the October Issue of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine. They had asked for samples to test back in June, but the confirmation just came this past week that we made it into the magazine. When I found out they have 800,000 subscribers/month, I felt like it was a pretty proud moment to be included in such a publication. Congrats Connie!! That's amazing.

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
Connie: The early morning. I wake up at 5 before the rest of the house. I make my coffee, start the sprinklers in the garden, check e-mail, plan my day, & count my blessings. The calm ( & the coffee) really start my day off happy. :)

With fall on the horizon, Connie is giving away this beautiful orange minky blanket:

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit MEG Original and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: MEG Original is giving away the softest,prettiest blanket on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Thursday, September 16th.
Thanks so much Connie!

spotlight on: Heidi Devlin Design {giveaway}

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to #2 Ashley- you win!
You will hear from us soon. ;)

Holly (from Mommy Holly) & Heidi

Next up is Heidi Devlin from Heidi Devlin Design. We are so happy to have her returning to the Market. We absolutely love her beautiful pillows and we're excited for a few extras that will be at her booth in November!

(We can't wait to get our hands on that Queen Bee pillow!!)

QBM: Tell us a little about you:

Heidi: Hello Everyone! So very nice to meet you!..My name is Heidi and my business is Heidi Devlin Design. I love being an interior decorator, but have also found a new passion, that being a "pillow designer" for my Etsy shop of the same name!...Our family has lived in many areas throughout the San Diego area, but now call Poway our home,.... which I love since it has that "small town" feel!....I am definitely a "country girl" at heart!.....& carry that feeling into most everything I do!

QBM: How did you get started with your shop?
Heidi: I have been designing & sewing for years, so carrying it over to pillows seemed a very natural thing. I happen to love the mix of stark, "colonial country", with a bit of "urban" thrown in,..... so my first collection was just that. Very traditional words & phrases, hand-stenciled in the Old English font,.... yet all done in neutrals & black, which for me always lends a very graphic feel!...It has only been a little over a year that I began creating pillows, & yet it is such an important part of my design business!

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
Heidi: I find inspiration from Colonial America,.... plain & simple, & uncluttered in design!...However, I have to add a sense of warmth & coziness to everything I do as well, through textural fabrics & overly-stuffing my pillows!

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
Heidi: New York City in Autumn has to be one of my very favorite places!....I like to walk the city when the weather is very chilly & brisk!.... & maybe even threatening a few snow flurries!!....Then stopping for lunch in SoHo at the Broome Street Bar,... for hot pastrami sandwiches, steak fries & dark beer!!...Simply the best!

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Heidi: My very favorite pillow in my shop is the "Family" pillow!....This pillow was inspired by the words on an charming antique sampler. As soon as I posted it in my shop it has been a best seller, both among couples just starting their life together, as well as those who are celebrating many years of marriage. I love that!

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
Heidi: For my pillows,...Always neutrals!...Lovely tans, deep beiges, pure whites & of course black!...

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
Heidi: My favorite dessert is strawberry-rhubarb pie, with ice cream of course!

QBM: If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?

Heidi: I would never spend $1000 in any one store!...Instead, I would tuck it away till I had a day to take in a fabulous flea market & then I would have no problem spending it! (smart lady)

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
Heidi: My "proudest moments" are very easy!... Most of them involve my children.... & now my grandson too!

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
Heidi: Either early morning in the garden,... or evening, when our family comes together to spend some time watching a favorite show on T.V.!...yes, we love our shows!!

Today Heidi is giving away this fabulous pillow:

To be entered to win:
Mandatory: Visit Heidi Devlin Design and let us know your favorite item in her shop.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and Heidi Devlin Design on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: @HeidiDevlin is giving away the cutest pillow on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Wednesday, September 15th.
Thanks Heidi!

Guest Post: Marcie Hicks of REDSTAR ink

2010-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

We all know that a hand written envelope is more personal than one with a typed out label. But who has time for that when you have a stack of 50 envelopes to address?

One solution is to use a handwritten font and print the mailing address directly on your envelopes.

There are several websites that can generate a font from your very own handwriting. I chose www.handfont.com to create mine...and it cost less than $10!

With four easy steps, a scanned sample of your handwriting is turned into a true type font that you can use in any application.

1.Download and complete your font form.

2. Scan and save your form.

3. Upload your form

4. Buy and download your font

Once you have your font, you can set up your document in whatever program you choose to use. (I created a document in InDesign and exported the multi-page document to a pdf file.) You can even add hand drawn elements to personalize it even more.
Finally, I sent my document to print and minutes later, my envelopes were done.

Special thanks to Indie Handmade, who inspired this blog.

Thanks for the great tip, Marcie! We'll be back later to announce the winner of Marcie's calendar.

spotlight on: Marcie Hicks of REDSTAR ink {giveaway!}

2010-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to #9, Katie- you win!

We can't wait to introduce you to some of our returning vendors and their products!

Meet Marcie Hicks of REDSTAR ink. She has been kind enough to tell us a bit about her life and about the fabulousness that is REDSTAR ink.

QBM: Tell us a little bit about you:
M: I am Marcie; a graphic designer, mother and artist.
I moved to San Diego after college eleven years ago and can't imagine living anywhere else.
I am obsessive about being organized.
I love red fingernails, laying on the beach, lomography, interior design, and typography.

QBM: How did you get started with Redstar Ink?
M: After I had my son Bryton three years ago, I decided to go back to work part time so I could spend more time with him.
A paper goods company was something that I had conceptualized for a long time. Now that I was home in the afternoons, I was able to spend more time in my home studio and began creating organizational notebooks and cards and opened a shop on Etsy.

QBM: What is your inspiration for your art?
M: I am really interested in typography. The first time I traveled to Japan, I was overwhelmed by the signs and symbols everywhere, especially in the train stations. I think this is where my obsession began.
I also am inspired by the coast and the beauty of California.

QBM: What is your ideal vacation spot?
M:I love Hawaii. Love. Love. Love.

QBM: What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
M: I use my Twenty 10 calendar every single day. Although it is no longer available, there are a few different versions of this calendar in my shop now; the academic calendar and the DIY calendar. The list notebook is really great too. And I will be adding a lot of new products this month.

QBM: What is your favorite color combination? (for your product or just in general)
M: Red, black and white, of course.

QBM: What is your favorite dessert?
M: Chocolate chip cookies

QBM:If you could spend $1000 in one store, where would you spend it?
M:Free People...or Paper Source

QBM: What was your proudest moment?
M: I am so proud of my son. He is amazing.

QBM: What is your favorite part of the day?
M: Early mornings. In a quiet house. Sipping a cup of coffee.

Today Marcie is giving away this DIY calendar (that we love!):

Off to a late start? This DIY calendar is perfect for you because you can fill in the dates yourself. Great for the list maker who likes to check things off.
* Now available in red/black and blue/brown
* 12 month pages followed by a page for notes
* 52 week spreads
* 5.5" x 8.5"
* Inside pages 50% recycled 28lb. paper
* Cover made from 100% recycled chipboard
* Wire binding
* Handmade in San Diego, CA

To be entered to win:

Mandatory: Visit REDSTAR ink and let us know what product you are dying to have (and will be sure to pick up at the Market:)
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do.

Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and REDSTAR ink on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: @redstarink is giving away the coolest calendar on @queenbeemarket.

We will pick a winner this Friday, September 1oth.

Thanks Marcie for this giveaway!

Giveaway: UPrinting

2010-09-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for playing along! Mr. Random picked #20- Susan. Your email is on the way!

We're happy to have the opportunity to work with UPrinting for the holiday show. With so many big events coming up, I (Mique) need some business cards to capture everything. UPrinting let me test out their business cards. Here's what I ended up designing:

My thoughts:
I was able to download a template to make sure that my design was the right measurements (not that I've ever messed that up before.......). I then sent my design over and got a proof quickly with no additional charge. Two fool proof ways to make sure I was getting what I wanted.
My order was shipped quickly and when it arrived, I was so happy with the results. I like the weight and feel of the cards I ordered. In case you're wondering- I ordered 2x3.5, 14 pt matte cardstock.

Today UPrinting is offering a giveaway. You'll get the chance to test out their business cards. They are offering 500 premium business cards. The specifics:
You get to choose between- 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
and includes full color on both sides.
This giveaway is limited to US residents only, 18 years and older.

How do you win?
Leave one mandatory comment on this post telling me why you need the business cards.
Please leave your email address on your comment so we have a way to get a hold of you.

Additional entries:
Follow Queen Bee Market (down there on the bottom).
Follow Queen Bee Market and UPrinting on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway.
For example: @UPrinting is giving away 1 set of 500 business cards on @queenbeemarket http://bit.ly/aSYCEh.

We will pick a winner this Thursday, September 9th.
Thanks UPrinting for this giveaway!

2010-08-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

So..... we realize that this site has been pretty much informational up to this point. BUT there are some big changes on the horizon for the Queen Bee Market. Exciting stuff in the works.
Not only will the actual event {the Queen Bee Market} be bigger this time around, but this spot will soon be jam packed as well.

Just think:
guest posts
giveaways
tutorials
handmade business tips
+ more

With that in mind,
would you mind helping us spread the word?
Copy and paste the following code:

And since no post is complete without a picture:

Hello Wall Street Journal. Thank you for featuring the Kook. :)

Applications for the November 12th-13th show

2010-07-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update you all on our status! We are excited about the response and interest in our Fall Market! It is sure to be an amazing show.
A little more information about the Market:
Now through August 15th, we are accepting applications from our first time vendors (our vendors that were with us at our first show in May in Carlsbad). The application process for any new vendors interested in being in our Fall show will be from August 15th until September 15th. If you would like to receive the application and vendor agreements (via email), please fill out the "Interested in Being a Vendor?" form here. If you have already done this, just look for your application on August 15th in your inbox. Shortly after the application period is closed, we will announce who will be participating in the November show.
In order to hold another successful Market, we need to have a wide range of vendors. Having too many of the same type of products would mean a decrease in sales for all involved. Because of this, each vendor is carefully considered.
We are so excited about the Fall Market!! We read all the feedback from our first QBM and are confident that we can make improvements and make The Queen Bee Market the place to be.
Please feel free to email us with any other questions you might have!

It's Official

2010-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jess and I are THRILLED to announce
the spot for the next Queen Bee Market.

Everyone mark your calendars for:
Friday, November 12th 4pm to 9pm
Saturday, November 13th 9am to 4pm
at the Del Mar Hilton in the Ballroom
We will have 6,000 sq feet to fill!!

Click here for directions

More info coming soon!
If you're interested in being a vendor, click here.

Winner.Winner.Winner

2010-05-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you were at the Market and spent more than $10 (1 ticket for every $10 you spent), you were given a chance to win a photography session with Blue Lily.

We picked the winner and the lucky lady is:

DEBBIE HALVERSON
Debbie has been notified.

We want to thank Wendy + Tyler from Blue Lily for hosting our mini session giveaway. Not only did they donate a mini session, rock star Wendy came out to support us at the Market. We can't say enough about Blue Lily- they are kind, generous, super fun and beyond talented photogs. We continue to be blown away by the Blue Lillies.

We'd encourage you if you didn't win the mini session to book with Blue Lily.
They photograph babies, seniors, families & weddings.....just about anything.

To follow along in their fun
(and believe me, it is F-U-N), you can:
read their blog
like them on facebook
tweet them- wendy + tyler

{Thank you Wendy & Tyler- we love you!}

You've already made your voice heard!

2010-05-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to say- thanks for those that have given us feedback already-and we hear you loud and clear-we need a bigger space!!! Keep the feedback coming (especially the nice feedback ;).

Since it was our first show, we didn't know what to expect. We were hoping big and luckily we got big- the only unfortunate side effect was the large crowds and lines. We're sorry about that but grateful for everyone being so patient with us.
We're already working on the specifics (date & place) for the fall. But we will make sure to get adequate space to accommodate even more people. We will also have more checkouts and people helping.

A few more wrap ups:
vendors:

REDSTAR ink

Emily Sparks Handmade
A Stone's Throw
shoppers:

Ahsha Basha

Sew Blessed

Keep the posts & pics coming!

From the sidelines....

2010-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Wanting to see how the Market

went from some other people?
Here's my (Mique) take over at 30days.

Check out these fun posts:
from some of our vendors-

Lindsey, the Pleated Poppy

Heidi,Heidi Devlin Designs

Rachel, No 17 Cherry Tree Lane

Jessica, Brixton Lane

Sarah, Simply Pretty Prints

from some shoppers-
bink & boo

Candace Edwards

Maisonette

Needles 'n' Notions

If you have a post, link it up in the comments or email us.

And if you were there, we'd love to get your feedback!
To be put on our mailing list (email), fill out this form.
Or if you're interested in being a vendor, you can fill this one out.

THANK YOU!!!

2010-05-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say thank you to everyone for coming out to the Queen Bee Market yesterday. When Jess and I first started talking about hosting a one day boutique, we had big dreams. It was so amazing to see it all come together! We loved everything- the vendors, the shoppers, the feel of it. We hope that if you were there, you did too!
Thanks to everyone who helped us get the word out- we couldn't have pulled it off if we didn't have so much support. The posts, tweets, facebooking- it really paid off in a big way.
If you were there yesterday and have pictures you want to share, please do! Send them our way- thequeenbeemarket (at) gmail.com

Here are some of the inside vendors:

Sadly didn't get ANY of the outside vendors!
(so if you have some, pretty please share?)
Night before the show, eating some Taco Surf:

Kim, Lindsey :Pleated Poppy, Rachel: Cherry Tree Lane, Julie: Joy's Hope

We will be posting info here about our fall Market soon!
We will be updating on vendors, more info, etc
about the Market until the next one.

You can also check us out here:
Mique- 30days blog
Jessica- Allora Handmade

{thank you.thank you. thank you. thank you.}
xoxo
Mique & Jessica

just to be clear...

2010-04-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

We have had a few questions asking about how much it costs to get in to the Queen Bee Market to shop. The answer? NOTHING!!! Admission is free! So, come, come, come... and shop till your little heart's content!

Do you have plans for this weekend?

2010-04-28T07:07:00.001-07:00

We do!!! The Queen Bee Market is just 3 days away- 3 days!

As Jess and I finish the final details, we want to make sure that
we've done our best to spread the word.
Please, pretty please, tweet, facebook, blog, email, etc...
to remind everyone that the big day is THIS SATURDAY!
10am to 6pm- all.day.long.
2226 Faraday Ave Carlsbad

Here are just a handful of items from some of our vendors:

And remember Taco Surf will be there during lunch time hours.

Thanks everyone for your support!