It's a Southern Thang

Southern Traditions Boutique's Blog
has a free sample on her blog, get on over and check our her southern hospitality and get your free sample too!
AND...she's also just listed some lovely new items
in her

Etsy Shop

Designer Y's Eye On Trends

Designer Y's Eye On Trends

What is steampunk?
Steampunk is a funky style all it's own, it's a little bit retro, a little bit goth, a little bit DIY.

Click to search steampunk on Ebay:

Steampunk Ebay Offerings

Steampunk fashion:
Think Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory..Funky hats, wild suits, stripes, and a touch of military inklings...


Now, envision steampunk jewelry...think brass, gears, victoriana...



altered*designs

Time flies dragonfly necklace

Steampunk is a look that's all gears and brass and turn-of-the-century clockworking - with a bit of fantasy on the side.


Search Etsy Steampunk Offerings

CPSIA: Do not become complacent

Yes, the micro-businesses found in the handmade and boutique world dodged a bullet, but it's only a matter of time before the shooter has time to re-load.
Do not become complacent!

Cpsia updated info

Educate yourself as to what the current requirements are, and keep writing your representatives.
The battle is *NOT* over, designers!

The beast is just napping...

So Sweet!

Ivylane is having a sweet launch on ebay right now! If you haven't searched them lately,
click on the gingerbread house and take a peek!
They've got some very talented new members and are still home to many of your favorites.

This sweet shop twirl set is being offered by Lula*Bee*Boutique, a newer member that specializes
in amazing twirl skirts chock full of yummy details



Oli*Beli, leader of Ivylane is offering this fun and funky set as part of the sweet shop launch!
Click on the picture to take a peek!

Flower Pop

Flower Pop blouse & skirt by MamaPatrice
click on the pictures to go to each of the ebay auctions

Since When????

WisteriaLane has so many cute listings up right now!

When was the last time YOU
searched them?

How about today?

Click below:
WisteriaLane's Auctions

Easter parade

2the9's has this adorable easter custom listed
as part of Bijou's easter egg-stravaganza easter party
Designer Y thinks this one is precious,
and did you see the darling bunny bows
by theladybugbowtique?


Search BijouCo and take a peek,
or click on the pictures to go there now

Let's get this party started

Designer X, Y, & The Designing Minds
blog want to help you
promote your handmade items!
There are several ways to get
noticed and share the limelight.

We're sharing TEN ways we
want to partner with you
to help promote and otherwise
spread the news!

1. Send Designer Y an email with the
*links* to your
ebay auction & picture

2. Send Designer Y an email with the
link to your
newest etsy shop listings

3. Come and befriend Designer Y
on Facebook
(name: Iam DesignerY)

Clever, aren't I? ;)

4. Come and join the Designing Minds
Facebook group & post your new items
on the facebook wall
upload some photos in a photo album,
network on the discussion
board and find out what other
handmade designers and
artisans are up to.

5. Place an advertisement on the Blog
(we reach THOUSANDS of readers
every month)

6. Advertisers on the blog get extra
promotion on Y's facebook page
and in the facebook group too.

7. Send Designer Y a convo on Etsy
(etsy name: DesignerY)
& ask to be added to her
favorite seller's list.
Fave sellers get picked more
often for Designer Y's
A-Z showcases on the blog.

8. If you have a new product, & want
a product review & blurb written up
for the blog, send Designer Y an email &
we'll arrange lots of shameless promotion!

9. Share a designing minds banner on
your blog, website, or facebook album,
we'll make it
worth your while!

10. Or...you can just shout about your
business into a safety cone,
like this guy...


and hope someone hears you....



Email:
DesignerY@live.com

Shhh...Baby is Sleeping!

Is this not the most precious thing you've ever seen?
Cricket Creations has a whole
buncha fantastic things in her etsy shop
Click on the picture to get a closer look,
but SHHHHH....Don't wake the baby!

Bargain Boutique

Get your RESELL Selves together
and get your bids on!

$.99 and No Reserve? Has she lost her mind?

This is just THE sweetest set!
And she's offering it at $.99 with
NO (zero, zilch, nada) RESERVE!



Click on the picture and check it out...
it's a TOTALLY Custom, any way you want it listing!
SAWEEET!

Knock Knock

Who's There?
Emerald
Emerald Who?
Emerald Door with these super cute overalls!



Click on the picture to go to the Ebay auction now

never to soon to think about Spring

Nothing says Carrot like this set
"LOVE IT!"
Only at The
Gumdrop*shop

Grabit Grabit

Grab it before this charming set is gone!
It's being offered by Baby*threadz on ebay


Click on the frogs to hop on over

Zesty Zinnia

Come with me down the Zinnia Path and find this gorgeous bag by
SweetPeaTotes!

(Click on the picture to check it)

Are you a designer that has character?

There has been much discussion lately on this blog about designers who "do" characters.

Let's unpack this a little bit...
Designers X & Y want to hear what our readers think!

Many designers do character appliques and paint characters on their custom clothing for children in the boutique world and there are two schools of thought on this, we've been told.



The arguments for doing character wear:
a. it's what people search on ebay, internet, etsy etc.
b. it's popular among kids and parents
c. it brings da coin!



The arguments against copyrighted characters:
It just isn't ethical
It's not right to do your own "Interpretation" of a copyrighted character, it's still infringing
It's unfair to the original artist of the character (i.e., disney, spongebob, etc)
It's illegal to steal someone's ideas or artwork and copy them




If you are a designer that does characters,
we want to hear from you too,
What are your reasons for "doing" them?
Have you ever been busted?
Do you think it's unfair and you should be allowed to create whatever you want?
Do you make more money on character items than your non-character items.

Why do some designers get trolled out and some don't?

whole lotta..........

SUNSHINE! How cuuute is this one from Olibeli?



Click HERE to see it!