Seller who Blogs :: splishsplashdesigns

 Seller who Blogs :: splish splash designs
Blog :: splishsplashdesigns.blogspot.com
Shop :: madeit.com.au/splishsplashdesigns

 Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I’m a busy mum of 2 boys aged 4 & 2. I started sewing for a hobby when I was on maternity leave with my first son and was hooked. Soon, I was sewing things for my son, for my house and for friends until I had no one left to sew for! With a bit of a push from a crafty friend, I booked my first market in 2010 and started sewing in preparation for it. I enjoyed the market so much that I registered my business name and my business was born. I now attend markets and sell online on www.madeit.com.au

I sell superhero capes, plastic bag storage bags, bunting, softies, library bags and hair accessories. I have plans of adding more things to my range throughout the year.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging for just over 2 years. I started blogging to keep a record of my life, my craft and my boys. I enjoy taking part in swaps with other bloggers and try to do some little challenges for example I’m taking part in a photo a day challenge for January 2012.
I find it so interesting looking back over my blog to see what I was up to.

Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
Start writing about the things that are happening around you and the things you are making and soon you’ll have lots to say. Participating in challenges helps to break the ice with other bloggers and is a fun way to get into blogging.

What are some of your favourite blogs and why?
www.fatmumslim.com.au - I find Chantelle’s blog entertaining, funny and inspirational.
www.retromummy.blogspot.com - Corrie’s blog is about family, craft and life.  I enjoy reading it every day and love the way she writes
www.herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com - all about Thrifty things. It always amazes me the things that Sophie finds in her travels
www.mysweetprintsblog.blogspot.com - Jeanette is a wonderful Graphic Designer and her blog is so lovely

When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
I play trivia once a week at the pub with one of my closest girlfriends. It’s our little weekly night out in the middle of the week and we both look forward to it each week. We’ve gone from coming last to being in the top few teams frequently. We must be getting smarter!

I also spend a lot of time with my children and watching them grow. They keep me entertained and they surprise me by all the wonderful things they say and do.

Seller who Blogs :: prettyandprint

Seller who Blogs :: prettyandprint
Blog :: prettyandprint.blogspot.com

Shop :: madeit.com.au/prettyandprint

  
Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I am a graphic designer of more than 15 years and mum of 3 little ones, 7, 5 and 8 months. I have freelanced and worked from home for most of the past 7 years but after baby number 3 I decided that rather than continue designing for corporate and commercial clients (sometimes you don't get the chance to design the prettiest things;). I wanted to venture somewhere a little more pretty and fun. I have loved stationery and paper since I was a little girl and have always been passionate about it. So I have made the move to design my own range of DIY boutique party printables, stationery and invitations.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I starting blogging about 2 years ago as a way to showcase and chat about my design work to current and potential clients. However, Pretty and Print is a new blog that is specifically about pretty and fun stuff, parties, kids and gorgeous paper things.



Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
I always try to blog about what I love and am passionate about whilst including a touch of my personal and home life. I think people feel more connected when they hear about your daily life, your ups and downs, the crazy and fun things that go on always make interesting reads. Of course, any new designs and printables go up there too.

What are some of your favourite blogs and why?
I browse so many blogs through facebook links etc, I tend to go through phases where I am obsessed with specific ones for a while but I am really slack at actually following them long term.
However, one that I always end up going back to is Bloesem Kids.



When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
Well, with 3 under seven there isn't a lot (if any) extra time left over after pretty and print. But I do try and make myself take a break at least once a week in the evenings so my husband and I can actually have a good conversation without my head in my laptop. But if you don't find me with laptop in hand it is probably my camera instead, harassing my kids to look at me and smile.
A glass of red, chocolate and a good movie always go down a treat too;)

Seller who Blogs :: CalicoLane

Seller who Blogs :: CalicoLane
Blog :: calicolane.wordpress.com
Shop :: madeit.com.au/CalicoLane

Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I'm a stay-at-home mum to three boys. I have a background in the paramedical field so it was a lovely change to take up some creative pursuits when I stopped work to be a mummy. I must admit though, I never knew just how busy I would be - the boys are all under school age right now, and I feel like I spend all day getting food, doing washing and cleaning up after them!

I think the fact that I live in an all-male household (even the cat is a boy!) makes me want to play with pretty fabric, so I do enjoy making girly clothes for the store, but I will try to add some boy things every now and then! I so enjoy fabric shopping - I love choosing lovely combinations of colours and patterns for my items, and I tend to avoid pink, giving mums of girls lovely other options for dressing their princesses!

I occasionally add gifts to the store too - fun things to creatively inspire kids, like aprons and bean bags - things I would love my own kids to play with.



How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging on and off for over six years. I've always loved writing but haven't had an opportunity to write for fun since I left high school. I love having my little corner of the internet. Blogging is so self-indulgent in that way - you can write about whatever you like because your blog is all yours! There is also such a fun community out in blog land, especially where craftiness is concerned. Crafty people are so lovely.



Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
Don't worry that you won't have anything interesting to write about! Readers love getting a glimpse of your everyday life - your crafty mess, your crazy kids, a random internet find. Similarly, don't limit yourself to just blogging about your business and what you make. Include other businesses that you love, the places you find inspiration, other bloggers you follow. The blogging world is big and there is room for everyone!

What are some of your favourite blogs and why? I read lots of different blogs and they all give me inspiration in different ways.

onpolkadotlane.blogspot.com : Kell also has three gorgeous kiddies, and has been crafting the most amazing things lately!

nicolefinlayson.typepad.com/just_like_heaven: Nic is so super talented - she is an amazing photographer AND a beautiful Made It store selling funky hair accessories

lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog: Kal makes me wish I could paint!

dearestsomeday.com: Jen's blog is just beautiful and her home decor projects are so super inspiring.

fatmumslim.blogspot.com: I recently discovered Chantelle's blog and it inspired me to revamp and ramp up my blog!

thedesignfiles.net: This Melbourne based design blog features pretty things every day.

When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
There aren't all that many minutes left in the day if I'm not blogging, making or mummy-ing, but I do love to read a good book, look at pretty things on Pinterest and chill out with my girlfriends having a good laugh. I also love to cook, and dinner at our house can be quite a gourmet affair!