Inspiration - Butterflies

I am sure a lot of you have seen the butterfly bouquet that has been posted on Martha Stewart's wedding website. It was made by a bride and has received a lot of press. It is very beautiful (see picture below).

Picture from Martha Stewart Weddings (Laura Normandin wedding)

I love butterflies, and so does my mother, who helps out with RBK Creations. I found some butterflies on clearance a few weeks ago and bought them all. I have been wanting to make the butterfly bouquet since then but didn't have any time to do it. We finally got a break in the orders enough to make our very own version of a butterfly bouquet.

This one was made by my mother, but I also have plans of my own to make one. It involves gold and silver butterflies so make sure to check the shop soon!

Here is the bouquet that is currently available in the shop!

A few detail shots

RBK Creations Giveaway Winner

Thank you all for entering the RBK Creations Giveaway! The winner of the giveaway is Danielle.

Here is what she had to say:

"It is so hard to choose. I really like the Tutti Frutti Polka Dot Button Bouquet, but I think the Pink and White Flower Button Ball is my favorite."

I will be contacting you so we can get your prize shipped your way!

Thank you all for following my blog and entering the giveaways. I will be back next week with another giveaway.

The Week so Far - In Pictures

I have been able to finish a lot of orders this week and get them shipped out! Here is a look at some of the recent custom work.

Aspen Leaf Yellow, Red, Black and White. A 40 Stem, 25 Stem Flower Girl Bouquet and a Ring Bearer Boutonnière. 

An additional Bridesmaid Bouquet and Groomsmen Boutonnière to add on to an order from a few months ago

The Full order of Pink, Yellow and Brown Bouquets for a wedding in Austin

A very pretty Pink and Ivory Bouquet

It has been a busy week! But definitely a good one. I am taking a break from the shop on Friday for an interview! But, before then make sure you enter my giveaway. It ends tonight!

Banana Split Bouquets

I am really liking how these turned out! It is for a vintage themed wedding. The bride will be wearing a vintage PINK wedding dress. How much fun is that!!

Check them out!

Bride's Bouquet in Pink, Brown, Yellow and Cream. It reminds me of a banana split! I love it

The bride's bouquet next to one of the bridesmaid bouquets. They will be wearing brown so their bouquets have brown as more of an accent color.

This is for the Jr. Bridesmaid. They will be wearing yellow so they have more yellow in theirs.

You can see more pictures of these bouquets on Flickr.

Giveaway from RBK Creations

Thank you to both Nicki and Sonja for the great giveaways! I thought I would show my appreciation to everyone by doing a giveaway of my very own! Take a minute and read the interview. Many chances to win so make sure to check it out!

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Introduce yourself
My name is Ariela and I run RBK Creations with my mother, Brenda. I have three dogs, Rascal, Roxanne and Remy. I am originally from South Dakota but moved down to Texas a little over a year ago after I graduated college. I have always been the crafty type and I have finally found a way to express my creativity on a consistent basis.

Tell us a little bit about your shop
I opened up shop on Etsy in the early part of August 2008. The store has gone through a lot of change but I am very happy with how it is today. I sell button bouquets and a few felt items here and there. A few different button creations (button trees) and supplies slip into the shop on occassion as well!

How did you get started on Etsy?
My mother actually introduced me to Etsy. She found a link on a blog she read. We decided to open up a shop just for fun. Who knew that it would ever turn into something more!

Where on the internet can you be found?
Main Shop: http://reallybadkitty.etsy.com
Supply Shop: http://aabdesigns.etsy.com
Blog (where you are now!): http://abonen.blogspot.com
Flickr (Online Photo Portfolio): http://www.flickr.com/photos/abonen/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rbkcreations
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/RBK-Creations/206196785286?ref=sgm

What is your favorite product in your shop? Or what is the best seller?
I love the bridal bouquets and the button trees. My favorite bouquet to create was a Periwinkle and Daisy bouquet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abonen/3763519281/in/set-72157621743796573/

When you are not being crafty, what can you be found doing?
I spend a lot of time being crafty! It always seems I am working on something new or finishing up an order. I can be found spending time with the pups, catching up with friends and working on North Dallas Etsy! What a great group of ladies!

What are your short-term and long-term goals for your shop?
Short-Term: Launching a new website (the blog will be transferred over there as well), getting a few new items up in the shop and getting more organized! As far as Long-Term goals I would love to have an online store on the website and get my items in a few boutiques.

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Up for Grabs: $15.00 Store Credit to be used in my shop, RBK Creations

How to Enter: Go to RBK Creations, take a look around, come back and let me know what your favorite item is! Also, leave your email address in the message so I can contact you, if you win.

Earn Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each extra entry)

1. Follow my blog. Or let me know if you already do

2. Blog about this giveaway

3. Post a message on Twitter about the giveaway

4. Become a Fan on Facebook

5. Buy something from my shop and get 3 additional entries!!!

The winner will be picked on August 26th, 10pm CST. The winner will be notified by email. It will also be posted on this blog. Please make sure your email address is accurate. If no email address is provided, I will draw another name. The winner will have 48 hours to provide me with their choice of item and shipping information or another name will be picked.

Justwrightboutique Giveaway WINNER!

Thank you all for entering the JustWrightBoutique Giveaway! The winner of the giveaway is Kathleen W.

Here is what she had to say about Sonja's shop:

"This is gorgeous, and since my brother is getting married in December, I'd choose the Wedding Guest Book Box"

I will be contacting you Kathleen so we can get your prize shipped your way!

Thank you all for following my blog and entering the giveaways. I will be posting a new one tomorrow! So make sure you check back!

Justwrightboutique Giveaway

It is a new week and a new giveaway! I have a great giveaway from another fellow North Dallas Etsy Team Member. She has some great wedding items in her shop but can be used for just about anything! The item up for grabs has so many uses, not just for a wedding! Take a minute and read her story and check out her shop.

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Introduce yourself

I, Sonja, own Just Wright Designs®, LLC with my amazing husband, Jeff. We have six animals, two yellow labs, one dachshund and three cats. I was raised in Florida but now live in Texas. I love beaches and all things tropical. I love to entertain, decorate and paint anything. I love weddings and parties and would get married over and over (to the same man of course) if I had the money.

Tell us a little bit about your shop

My Just Wright Boutique Etsy shop is a work in progress. I’ve been buying Etsy items for years but just opened my shop in 2008. Just Wright Boutique offers Personally Stylish Keepsakes for any occasion. Currently you will find mostly wedding items, but stay tuned, we have more to come.

How did you get started on Etsy?

Back in 2006 one of my employees started selling her artwork on Etsy. She encouraged me to open a shop but I hesitated because we had three websites already. I did however start purchasing cool things on Etsy right away. Finally I took the plunge and opened a shop in 2008.

Where on the internet can you be found?

http://justwrightboutique.etsy.com

www.justwrightboutique.com

http://justwrightdesigns.typepad.com/

www.celebrationplates.com

www.jwdpaperie.com

What is your favorite product in your shop? Or what is the best seller?

WOW, I have lots of favorites but right now I think this item is my favorite because I’ve really been liking this color combination lately:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29059248

When you are not being crafty, what can you be found doing?

Basically I’m a workaholic. If I’m not working I can be found cleaning the house, washing the dishes or doing the laundry. When I do take a break I enjoy bike riding, boating and pretty much anything outside. When I vacation I love the tropics and nice cool drink under sun as the waves hit the shore.

What are your short-term and long-term goals for your shop?

Short term I would like to get more products added and develop a process for listing items and keeping things consistent. Long term I would like to open two more Etsy shops for JWD Paperie and Celebration Plates.

Anything else you want to share

I’m so happy to be a part of the North Dallas Etsy Team and I’m excited as this Team starts a new journey. As a team I think we can all help one another and really promote our hand made goods. I love hand made products and encourage everyone to consider purchasing something made by a talented artist.

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Up for Grabs: Any $35.00 Wedding Guest Book (Or every day Address Book!) in her shop, Justwrightboutique

How to Enter: Go to Justwrightboutique, take a look around, come back and let us know your favorite item (and color of item) from her shop! Also, leave your email address in the message so we can contact you if you win.

Earn Extra Entries. (Leave a comment for each extra entry)

1. Follow this blog.

2. Follow Justwrightboutique's blog

3. Blog about the giveaway

4. Tweeting about the giveaway

That is 5 chances to win this great handmade box!!!

The winner will be picked on August 19th, 10pm CST. The winner will be notified by email. It will also be posted on this blog. Please make sure your email address is accurate. If no email address is provided I will draw another name. The winner will have 48 hours to provide us with their choice of item and shipping information or another name will be pulled

WhereWaterComesDown Giveaway Winner

Thank you all for entering my first giveaway on my blog! There are many more in the works (including one that starts tomorrow) so make sure to check back often.

The winner of the soap giveaway (sponsored by WhereWaterComesDown) is Janetfaye! Congrats!!

Make sure to stop by Nicki's shop and get yourself some soap!!

RBK Creations to create a full line of Button Trees

Last Christmas, I designed the first button tree for my shop. I loved how it turned out. I had two sizes, 7 inches and 12 inches. They went really well in the store. I think I sold nine last season. After the Christmas trees went so well I decided to do one for each holiday. I create Valentine's Day trees, Easter trees and now a Halloween Button Tree.

I know I missed some holidays in there but I have decided to do a full line of the trees as well as a few special editions.

Here is the list:

January - New Year's Tree
February - Valentine's Day Tree
March - St. Patrick's Day Tree
April - Easter Tree
May - May Day (A Spring Flower Theme) Tree
June - *
July - 4th of July Button Tree
August - *
September - *
October - Halloween Tree
November - Fall/Thanksgiving Day Tree
December - Christmas Trees (2 sizes, small and large)

* (a few of the months I am still working on a design. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them! Leave a comment and let me know what you think)

Special Editions:

Winter Wonderland/Snowflake Tree
Mardi Gras Tree
A set of mini Trees (Theme to be decided, I think I will do a set of 3 mini Christmas Trees and then maybe a set of 12 month mini trees as well).
Wedding Trees

Example of a Wedding Button and Flower Tree

The final Halloween Button Tree. Currently available in my shop!

Christmas Button Tree

Valentine's Button Tree

Entries on Martha Stewart Weddings

Hello all!

Martha Stewart and Etsy are currently sponsoring a DIY Wedding craft contest! The winning craft will be featured on "The Martha Stewart Show".

I have entered a few different bouquets and boutonnieres as I have created numerous designs over the past year. I would really appreciate your votes, views and comments!

Here are my entries:

1. Periwinkle and Daisy Button Bouquet (this is my favorite piece I have created)

2. Ivory Bride Button Bouquet (A piece that coordinated with Ivory and Lilac Bridesmaid Bouquets)

3. Boutonnieres and Corsages (Pieces from a mixed silk and button order)

4. Tracy and Paul's Wedding (Photos by Otto Schultze)

This would be an amazing opportunity and I really appreciate your support!

**To vote, you need to complete a short registration. Then under my photos there are stars to give a rating! Comments would also be great. Thank you so much!

WhereWaterComesDown Soap Giveaway!

You are all in luck! Nicki from WhereWaterComesDown has offered some of her amazing soap to giveaway to one lucky reader! I have the Orange Peel and Cranberry soap, and it is awesome! Continue reading to find out how she got her shop name! It is so cute!

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Interview with Nicki:

Hi, My name is Nicki. I have been a self proclaimed DIY-er since I can remember.

When I was a child my family built two different homes. Now that I am older I realize just how much that influenced my desire/need to create. I remember scavenging for the snipped wires the phone man let behind to make my own jewelry and was recently reminded by my father that "you were the one who wanted me to build you a wooden purse when you were little".

The moment he said that I knew without a doubt what that purse was intended to look like. I still don't have my wooden purse but I'm sure that will come with time.

As one of 8 children my parents raised us to be self sufficient and inventive. I don't remember learning to sew or cook, I think I was born with those natural instincts. I guess that makes sense why I studied Apparel Design & Production in college.

I love to create. My "real life" job is working for a major craft retailer developing product. I'm grateful for this job because it allows me the means to pursue my soap making. Being self sufficient I like taking a step back from where we are to see "how it's made". I don't just knit or crochet, I spin and dye my own yarn. I don't just use soap... I make it myself!

Back to being one of 8 kids. Yes, I loved it... I always have a best friend around. Being from such a large family it was common to have the little kids take their evening bath together. Mom would send us off and shortly after you would most likely hear "I get the end where the water comes down" ...our version of "shot gun" to claim the warm end of the tub.

Those fond memories are what Where Water Comes Down is based on. Memories of Mr. Bubble bubble bath, strawberry shampoo and Irish Spring soap....feel good memories.

Right now I would have to say that my favorite scent of soap is Eucalyptus Ginger because it is so refreshing and really wakes me up in the morning.

When I am not making soap I am most likely working on the North Dallas Etsy Team, dyeing wool, spinning fiber, serving in church, watching Disney Channel or doing other crafts. I hope to some day have my soaps in local boutiques and spas.

Where I can be found online:

soap shop-

www.WhereWaterComesDown.etsy.com

www.WhereWaterComesDown.blogspot.com

fiber shop-

www.nikobee.etsy.com

www.nikobee.blogspot.com

www.northdallasetsy.com

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Up for Grabs: 2 bars of soap (your choice of scents listed in shop)

How to Enter: Go to WhereWaterComesDown take a look around, come back and let us know your favorite scent from her shop! Also leave your email address in the message so we can contact you if you win!

Earn Extra Entries:

1.Follow this blog (Enter another comment once you have done so)

2. Follow Nicki's blogs, Both Nikobee and WhereWaterComesDown (Another comment)

3. Blog about this giveaway (Another comment with a link to the blog write up)

4. Tweeting about the giveaway (Another comment)

That is 5 chances to win some great soap!

The winner will be picked on August 12th, 10pm CST. The winner will be notified by email. It will also be posted on this blog. Please make sure your email address is accurate. If no email address is provided I will draw another name. The winner will have 48 hours to provide us with their choice of item and shipping information or another name will be pulled.