Featured Artist!

I am being featured on www.bretttorrium.com ! This is a really cool site from NYC that markets handmade artisans from all over the country. I don't know how they found me but I am sure glad they did. I am hoping this will bring me some exposure in the big apple which would be great!

Please check it out today and let me know what you think.

For the Boys....

I can't tell you how many times friends will say to me "don't you make any boy things?" Having three girls, I have always just gravitated to the dresses, the purses, and the feminine accessories. Finally, I was asked by my favorite shop owner Patti Cilenti of Simply SOTA in New Hope to make something for younger boys because there is nothing out there for them.If you don't believe me, take a look through a pattern book one of these days. 700 pages of women's and girls, 2-4 pages for men and boys and 90% are PJ'S!

So, after some thought, I decided to branch out a bit and make some cute drawstring bags with different themed pockets. The first one is shown above. They are perfect for carrying toys, handheld games, clothes, books, or just about anything. An overnight bag, pool bag, gym bag, beach bag, or small laundry bag even.

I also have planned and in construction some pj bottoms, fun boxers, and some outfits for little boys.I have so much to make I better stop blogging and get back to work!

What would you like to see me make more of? Have any ideas of handmade sewn items that boys would like? Let me know, I read all comments!

Growing

In the past few weeks business has started to really take off which I am so excited about. More people are hearing about B Stauff Designs and word of mouth has been really instrumental in helping me to make a brand for my work.

In addition to my custom orders and selling at Etsy, the consignment shop down in New Hope, Simply SOTA is now going to be running a weekly feature in the Bucks County Herald. Each week a different artist will be featured and this will bring lots of exposure not only to the store, but to the individual artists as well. The artist will also be at the store demonstrating their craft, answering questions and letting people see how things are made. I will be down there one of these weekend so when I get the date, I will let you know!

I have been working on some new original designs which I will be showing this summer. They will be part of my Fall line so stay tuned for that too!

New Look for a New Season

Recently on http://handmadeinpa.net/ , we were given a challenge to redesign our blogs in order to help with our brand, and connect more to our businesses. I took this challenge and the results can be seen with my new look.

I changed the background colors to coordinate with my business logo and changed the heading of my blog to my business name. This helps my followers connect my brand name to my blog and makes my logo get stuck in their brain for future use!

I also added a section on side called "About Me" which explains what B Stauff Designs does and why I love doing what I do.

My goal is to have a cohesive package so that customers, bloggers, and those just browsing will be able to get a complete package from their visit.

I have been so busy the past two weeks with tons of custom orders and sales! My poor Etsy shop is getting low, but I will not be able to re-stock until the middle of next week when I should be caught up. B Stauff Designs is growing and I want to thank all my family and friends for their love and support. Thanks you also to all my customers! You are the best!

News Update!

FYI, I wrote an article for http://handmadeinpa.net on what to do with old fabrics. It is the first of a series I will be writing for the site and it is up today! It's weird seeing my name as a byline!
Swing by and check it out for some great repurposing ideas.

Also on the site is the giveaway for my Olive Green clutch. The deadline is Friday so don't forget to comment and enter for a chance to win!

Handmade Holidays

I know its early, but I wanted to let everyone know that I will be having a handmade holiday season this year. I did so last year also making the women in my life handbags, and the men, fleece pullovers and PJ bottoms. My girls received nightgowns and American girl doll clothes and coats in addition to other gifts.

I have added some of my favorites from Etsy in a photo mini to the left. These Etsy artists are my favorites because their shops are unique and their products are original and beautifully made. I will change the list every Saturday to showcase a new crop.

This holiday season, check out Etsy for your gifts. Think of all the people you buy for, friends, family, teachers, bus drivers, coaches etc. Etsy has thousands of gift ideas in all price ranges and these are unique gifts that will be treasured more than the standard token gift.

Have a great weekend!