NEW LOCATION for Seasons Of Wool Blog!  

Vistit RosyToesDesigns.com for blog and future home of my bags, blankets and luxury fashion accessories!

Custom hats and mittens will remain at SeasonsOfWool.etsy.com!

Come take a look, and let me know what you think! The shop is not up and running yet, but my first blog post is - A PASSION FOR FIBER!

Expected opening date of Rosy Toes Designs is June 1/2012

Visit Rosy Toes Designs!

Another Article For Seasons Of Wool! I Love Local Press!

Lots of happenings for Seasons Of Wool lately: Golden Globe press gifting, business cards in the swag bags at the Academy Awards, gifting to Cari Cucksey, making the top ten of Perry Entertainments best clothing brands, and a feature on beglamorous.com . Some days my head is spinning so much I don't know where to go next!

Along the way, I've been working on marketing and getting my name out there. I've met some wonderful people. Those contacts that you really need to put your name out in the community.  Joyell Nevins, a reporter at the Weekly Record Herald was my first interviewer, and has since written another lovely little article about Seasons Of Wool. I absolutely love local press! CLICK TO READ THE ARTICLE

Coming Soon...

New Direction for Seasons Of Wool... Can't write much now - sick child at home, but you'll see some big changes for Seasons Of Wool in the next few months! I'm excited about the changes and a bit nervous. I'll be sure to keep you updated.

PERRY ENTERTAINMENT: Top 10 Best Clothing Brands

So excited! I made Joshua Perry's (of Perry Entertainment) top 10 Best Clothing Brands! I'm right up there with Tommy Hilfiger, Maui Jim Eyewear and Rock and Republic Clothing! I guess I must be doing something right!

And here is what Josh received to review. He loved it and said he could tell it was beautiful and very well made.

Constructed from Cascade Eco Wool and Eco+, this bag is built to last. It is knit and then felted to create a sturdy, eco-friendly messenger bag, sure to become part of your everyday gear. You can see the attention to detail in every bit of it - from the heavyweight metal strap pieces, to the upholstery remnant lining. There are even outside pockets felted into the bag where you can easily store your laptop accessories, phone, or other smaller items. You will love this bag!



Rugged Wool Messenger Bag

PERRY ENTERTAINMENT: Top 10 Best Clothing Brands

Giveaway on Caroline G.'s blog - Win a $25 gift certificate for my shop!

Interested in winning a $25 store credit for SEASONS OF WOOL? How about some custom jewelry from CATHERINE's JEWELRY DESIGN ? Or $20 store credit for CATCOPHONY wearable art? Or an awesome package from WICKED WENCH SOAPWORKS ? Or a cool leather cuff from So.Me ?

Go to CAROLINE G'S BLOG AND CHANCE TO WIN!

For the next few weeks, you'll find her highlighting some very talented artisans from The Artisan Group. You won't be disappointed! From soap makers, to jewelry makers, to fiber artists, and print makers.

UPDATE: HERE IS WHAT THE LUCKY WINNER PURCHASED! I HOPE SHE LOVES THEM! FELTED MITTS ARE WARM, TOASTY, ECO-FRIENDLY, WATER RESISTANT AND EVEN ODOR RESISTANT! PERFECT FOR A DAY OF OUTDOOR PLAY.

 The lucky winner purchased them in a mottled light and dark blue. Child's Custom Felted Wool Mittens

Valentines Day Sale!

In celebration of love, I'm having a sale in my shop. Use the code ILOVEWOOL for 14% off entire purchase. Free shipping as always. So get that felt or alpaca hat or mitten set. Treat yourself to a soft and cuddly repurposed cashmere sweater blanket! Exp Feb 28CLICK IF YOU LOVE WOOL

I'm Going to the Oscars!

I'm not going to the 84th Academy Awards (otherwise known as The Oscars), but my business cards are! 100 of my business cards will be included in the swag bags that will be given to celebrities at the GBK Luxury Gift Lounge. Never in my wildest, craziest dreams, did I imagine that my product would be going first to the Golden Globes, and then my contact info to the Academy Awards. It's amazing how joining one little organization can make all the difference!

                                                   

CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ARTISAN GROUP

That organization is The Artisan Group. The Group is an exclusive group of talented artisans that provides handcrafted products to celebrities and the press at Gift Lounges leading up to major hollywood events - The Academy Awards, Primetime Emmy's Golden Globes, MTV Awards, etc. This wonderfully supportive and knowledgeable group spans all sorts of fields - handcrafted jewelry, spa and bath products, children's tutus, apparel, toys, ceramics, purses, hand-poured candles, hand-bound journals, photographs, hand dyed scarves, fine art, handturned wooden pens, and more. It's an amazing source of information on sales, social media, marketing, and public relations.

I've gained a confidence in my craft and learned loads about marketing my work, myself and my business. What we get out of these events is really up to us and the buzz we create surrounding our involvement. I am super excited to see where this road leads!

Want to read my press release regarding the Academy Awards? CLICK TO READ MY PRESS RELEASE!

Another Day of GGFUN!

Are you ready for another code and clue?

Today is the big one! 40% off your total order! Wow! That's a big chunk!

Where can you find it?  On a very welcoming page.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HUNTING!

And remember, you have to tell me where you found the coupon code to be able to redeem it!

Cari Cucksey Loves Her RePurposed Sweater Pouch!

I got word today that Cari Cucksey of HGTV's Cash and Cari absolutely loves her new re-purposed sweater pouch! In her words:  "Great color & SO functional. I will definitely use it. Thank you Thank you! Xo". I absolutely loved making this pouch for her, and couldn't be happier!


I will keep you updated on any developments!

In the meantime, I'll be developing a line of smaller pouches based on the design used for Cari's. The colors will be different, but the basic shape and design the same. 

The thing is, I need a name for the line!  

Leave a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear what you think! 

Golden Glob Fun Hunt, Day?

So I've lost track of how many days the fun hunt has been going on. Oh well, that doesn't stop the fun though! Today's coupon code is for 35% off! That's a big chunk!

Clue: Think floral.

HAPPY HUNTING!

CLICK TO SHOP

30% off CODE HIDDEN IN GOLDEN GLOBE HUNT

The coupon in today's hunt is worth a full 30% off your total purchase! A great time to buy that hat, purse or blanket you've been eyeing! A special Valentines gift that's not all hearts and cupids? I've got that too!

GGFUN30 is the code

CLICK FOR SHOP

Clue: YOU'LL FIND TODAY'S CODE IN A LISTING FOR SOMETHING THAT WENT TO HOLLYWOOD .

Golden Globe Fun Hunt, Day #2

Did you find it? Did you find the code? Yesterday's code was hidden in the listing for the adult custom earflap hat and was for 25% off your entire purchase.

I know some of you were looking, because traffic jumped. The fun's not over! You can go back and try to find today's coupon for 20% off your purchase (GGFUN20)

Would you like a hint? 

Hint #1 - Come find out more about me as an artist and a person. 

Really, you shouldn't need any more help than this. I made it pretty easy for you. 

Today's code is now hidden (sorry about the lateness, I was having trouble kicking my kids off the computer). 

LINK TO SHOP

COUPON CODE FOR GOLDEN GLOBE HUNT

DO NOT PUT THE % SIGN IN WITH THE CODE AT CHECKOUT - JUST THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS! IT WON'T WORK WITH IT!

Need another clue for the Golden Globe Hunt?

Clue 1: it's in a listing of something used to keep you warm.
Clue 2: a fashionable ski slope accessory
Clue 3 (and last clue for the night): toasty ears are happy ears.

link to shop

Find the Hidden Golden Globe Sale!

The Golden Globe Awards are over for this year, but the fun is not! Somewhere in my shop you will find a special code for 15% - 40% off your entire purchase! That could be $60 off a repurposed lambswool and cashmere sweater blanket, $21 off a custom made felted wool hat, $75 off a handcrafted messenger bag, or $25 off a pair of felted alpaca cuffs like were gifted at the GBK Luxury Gift Lounge at the Golden Globes!

How does it work? Every day at 7:15 am EST, I will hide a code somewhere in my shop. It could be in a listing, it could be in my policies, or my profile. The code will read: GGFUN15 , or GGFUN 20, etc. Basically, GGFUN followed by the percentage off for the day.

Use the code when checking out to get the percentage off. Also put in the notes to seller where you found the coupon, so I know you did indeed find it.

You may use and find a new coupon every day, but a coupon available one day will not be available the next. You can not add the amounts up over the course of the week. Each coupon is good for that day only.

The coupon can be used on any item - custom, in stock and made to order.

And as always FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING ON EVERY ORDER! Unless you state otherwise, I will be shipping no earlier than the 28th (just in case you play on multiple days). Some custom and made to order items will take longer than a week. If you need a piece by a specific date, please state so when placing your order.

This sale will end Jan 28.

HERE'S A CLUE TO HELP GET YOU STARTED - you'll find today's code within a listing for something designed to help keep you warm.

CLICK HERE TO LOOK FOR THE HIDDEN GOLDEN GLOBE

After the Globes, What's Next?

The hoopla of the Golden Globes is over. Ho hum. And my felted cuffs are in the hands of certain members of the press. I have no idea which ones, but it's exciting to know that they are out there somewhere in the hands of a potentially great source of advertisement or business lead.

I received a partial list of those it could be, ranging from The Huffington Post to Hollywood TV to The Today Show Australia to Momz in the Mix. Obviously, certain venues are more of a fit than others, and to be honest, I really don't know where I hope they end up!

So, I've sent out my follow up e-mails to those I know were there and who might have gotten my gifts. Whoever it is, I hope they love them (or at least know someone who would)! I can't wait to hear what they think! For now, it's a waiting game. I'll be sure to let you know what comes of it.

On other fronts, I am continuing to update the shop  - working on pictures, descriptions, key words, etc. I'm continuing to put my name out there and setting goals for the new year. I'm thinking about new product lines (lined picnic blankets, small recycled sweater pouches similar to Cari Cucksey's gift, and possibly a line of trigger/photography mittens).

And, I've got 100 business cards going to a major Hollywood event in the near future! Any ideas where?

Off to the Golden Globes!

On Jan 13-14 the 2012 Golden Globe Awards extravaganza will take place. And during that time, my lovely little felted alpaca cuffs will be gifted to ten lucky members of the press at the GBK Productions Luxury Gift Lounge. I am beyond excited! And beyond thankful for The Artisan Group for all they do to make opportunities like this possible for artisans around the world. They are simply amazing! It doesn't seem real at this point, and it's been quite the journey. I have no idea what will happen, but my hope is that I'll get increased coverage on my business and make some sales. This really is a wonderful way for me to get my name out there! I've learned a lot. Not the least of which has been to have pride in myself and my talent as an artist.

Here is a little taste of what the press will be getting. And if you ever have the joy of coming up with cute little packaging, my word of advice. Plan it all out before purchasing anything if you can. I spent loads of time an energy and money buying the perfect things. Some I used, some I didn't. I learned along the way, but had I been more efficient, I could have saved some money!

Handmade envelopes from handmade, seeded paper. I didn't make the paper. 

Labels for the envelopes ready to go. They'll help seal the whole thing up. 

My hangtags. It includes material, care and benefits of felt. Usually these get pinned to my product, but I felt it would be better in this case to put them in the envelope. A fellow artist prints the tags. 

uniquefavors on Etsy.

Front and back view of my Bio Card. They'll go in the envelope too.  Thanks Zazzle for some lovely cards!

Front and back of my business cards. I use Zazzle to print off all my cards, except for the hangtags. 

Envelopes folded and partially glued. I used rubber cement on the labels and delphinium flowers only. You only need to tear the labels to open the envelope. 

The back of the envelopes contain info on the product and its special name. Each  cuff type has a different name. 

My lovely collection (from left): Cherry Blossom, Pink Carnation, Swirling Snow, Bittersweet,  Fire and Ice, Bluebells. 

I rolled each pair of cuffs and pinned them so the shape would hold. 

My bags are made from sinamay, an all natural fiber. The "ribbon" is paper.  I love how you can see the pattern of the cuff through the bag. 

10 bags almost ready to go! 

Re-purposed Treasure

I am super excited about an opportunity I've been given through The Artisan Group! Cari Cucksey from Cash and Cari will be receiving a pouch made especially for her by me! It was created from a recycled Italian wool sweater that I shrunk and felted. The lining is from an upholstery fabric remnant. It was designed so it would lie flat against the body.

I just love the colors in this! And apparently Cari likes green and orange too! I tweeted her about her favorite colors and she responded super fast. I may have to make one of these for myself!

What do you think?

Inside of the pouch before sewing

outside of the pouch before sewing

long enough to be worn across the body

love the strap!

fabric covered button - I heard somewhere that she loves buttons!

flap up

back of the purse