…brought us a W I N N E R in the Cartoon Caption Contest!

By Susan Rosen, Publisher


The winner GreenCleanShop of Etsy, came up with this winning caption:
“Oh no, my handmade Pig broke! “Can I turn this into handmade bacon and sell it on Etsy?”

Wow, I hope everyone enjoyed the fun cartoon contest as much as the group at Indiesmiles did! As you know, everyone that entered needed to choose a cartoon out of the two cartoons that were provided and then add a cute or funny caption. Two independent judges chose their favorite and then a coin was flipped (using an online randomizer).

I interviewed Jessica of the GreenCleanShop and I thought you would love to hear about her cool shop and her thoughts on Indiesmiles!

Jessica, how did you hear about the cartoon “caption” contest?
I heard about the contest through the Black Friday fan page. I just thought it’d be fun to enter.

Have you been to the Indiesmiles website prior to the contest?
Yes, I advertised on the site and also browsed through the shops.

What are your thoughts on Indiesmiles and the Coupon Directory?
I love it. I’ve told my friends and family to check out the directory look for shops to buy Christmas presents from.

Do you think it’s important for Indie shop owners to advertise their handmade and vintage shops?
It is so important! If people aren’t aware of our shops, they can’t purchase from us. It’s our responsibility to inform people of the benefits to shopping handmade and vintage.

I then asked “GreenClean” to talk about her shop and how she markets (or intend to markets) her shop name to keep it fresh in buyers minds!

I recently was interviewed on for a filler story on the Channel 6 news here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They run that story at least once a week which is great!

I have a lot of word-of-mouth advertising.

I hand out business cards to the cashiers when I’m checking out with my supplies. They always want to know what I’m doing with it.

I also post flyers where I can.

Would you reconmend the coupon directory to other Indie shops, and will you be returning to the coupon directory and other advertising venues on Indiesmiles?

“Indiesmiles Coupon Directory was great for my Black Friday sale. While it’s not in my marketing plan at this current moment, I hope to include it in my revised plan for 2010.”

Congratulations goes to Jessica because she won all these wonderful goodies! Yay!

Handmade Bacon Image courtesy of hmmmbymel

By contributing columnist Megan Eckman aka Studiomme

Many of my friends graduated in May and this will be their first Christmas truly on their own. As such, this means I’ll be sending them all ornaments to decorate their trees or wreaths or the bundle of pipe-cleaners they’re calling trees.

My mother started a tradition when I was little to buy my brother and I an ornament a year so that when we move out, we will have enough to fill our first trees. That’s why I think it’s so important to buy unique, handmade ornaments that will become keepsakes.

When choosing an ornament for a friend, their household, as well as their personality, must be taken into account. Do they have small children? If so, make sure the ornament won’t shatter and has no sharp edges. Do they have pets? If so, shy away from ones made with edible or smelly materials. I had a gingerbread man ornament made from cookies that my cat decided to try and eat last year, so I’m one less decoration now. Are they vegan? If so, what materials went into the ornament? Small considerations like this will negate any incidents that could come up once the tree is decorated.

Etsy can certainly meet any and all of these needs and guarantee you a unique and creative ornament that will bring smiles for years.

You can also check out the Indiesmiles Coupon Directory for some great sales and discounts on many Holiday gifts!

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Pictures courtesy of:

“Live Moss Glass Ornament” by ShaneLilyRain

“Recycled circuit board ornaments” by DebbyAremDesigns

“Red plaid chubbikin ornament” by Erinaellis

ADD A C A P T I O N……

Read more…

By Brandy aka Knittaddiction

Can you believe it is already fall?! Where did the summer go?
Here in Colorado, the Oak brush is alive with wild tones of gold, orange, rust and bronze. Like looking into an old jewelry box full of antique treasures…
The Aspens, with their tall white bodies, are topped off with beautiful shades of gold, yellow, orange and fading green leaves, shimmering in the warn sun and falling around you when the cool wind blows.
Also at this time of year, the Pine, Spruce and Ponderosa trees are so much more noticeable.. Perhaps they stand out more because the other trees are baring all. The landscapes open up to reveal thick, coarse barks, and wild spiky branches. Reminiscent of a funky men’s haircut, and a rugged chunky wool scarf with old jeans.
As you can tell, Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.
So I’ve gathered up some of my favorite items from the world of “internet window shopping” and put them together in 3 collections that remind me of the Landscapes of Colorado and the beautiful leaves and fall schemes that saturate them. I also added a little battle, The Department & Online Retail Stores Vs The World of Handmade. A little comparison of sorts.

Colorado

I also added a little battle, The Department & Online Retail Stores Vs The World of Handmade. A little comparison of sorts.

Oak Leaves by knittaddiction featuring YOANA BARASCHI

Don’t you hate it when you find that perfect Scarf… The best pair of knee high boots… That wool coat that fits just right… And then you see – the price tag, the fabric content, the big nasty stain on the hem or the back, or it doesn’t fit right! Either too big, too small, too long, too boxy…. There’s some aspect of it that ruins it for you completely. And oh how it hurts when it was ON SALE and you can’t justify buying it. Ouch. Or perhaps you looked at it and said, “I can make that, better and less expensive.”
You’ll notice, I slipped the department and online stores right along in there with the lesser priced Handmade and Boutique items. Laying alongside one another they work so well, and you cannot tell the differences between them. Without looking at each item individually on it’s own site, you would never guess one from another. There are so many Handmade gift options and treasures out there waiting to be discovered. And likewise, there are many many wonderful bargain items out there, that rival the price, beauty and quality of handmade.
You can search for your perfect find anywhere. (Even yard sales!) Stores are so obvious. Online clearance, also obvious.

Don’t forget the handmade sites.
Even Etsy.com has promotionals and sales, and IndieSmiles.com is gearing up a coupon directory, where their sellers can offer discounts for you to take advantage of.

These are not just there to generate more business but to give You, the shopper, a chance to get something you might otherwise hold off on.
Utilize these opportunities, it will save you time and money, and prevent last minute teeth grinding, hair pulling, nail biting and nasty looks at the ladies hogging the isles in the stores at Christmas.

So my challenge and question for you today is: Why let yourself be limited to the department or online retail stores?

I mean hey, I love a good sale as much as anybody and I’m a self professed bargain hunter myself. I love comparing my amazing deals with my family and friends to see who got a more awesome sale, or deal, or “practically-for-free-it-was-so-discounted!!” items.
But I am also willing to pay just a little more for something handmade. I am also willing to put my money towards a stay at home Mom or a budding artist.
Perhaps a vintage item preserved for decades in Grandmother’s closet or Grandfather’s study.
Something handed down and lovingly preserved, now collecting dust in the antique shop.
Something sewn with a needle and thread, with little imperfections and well hidden or brazenly visible mending, adding character and charm.
Something knit with 2 needles and loving hands, with fiber collected from their beloved pets or salvaged from Great Grandmother’s sweater.
Something vintage, it fits perfectly, is the perfect color and looks like it came from a high end boutique.
Something 50 years old that looks like it was never worn, or even so worn that you know if it was that good then, it HAS to still be good now.
Retail Stores vs Handmade.
New vs Old.
Purchases vs Treasures.
Thoughtless Shopping vs The Thrill of the Hunt.

I encourage you to search out those items you really love. Compare those high end items to a handmade item or vintage item. Enjoy the hunt, revel in it. Search for that long lost treasure waiting to be found. That handmade item lovingly formed with 2 living hands and old fashioned tools. Or even that bargain that you can’t pass up.
You don’t need me to remind you that Christmas is 2 months away. Perhaps something I’ve put here inspires you to either find, or possibly even create that perfect gift for your loved ones this year.
Special thanks to IndieSmiles for giving me the opportunity to hon my writing skills again, and to the Etsy artists for allowing me to feature their loverly items!
Inspired by Fall, my first set, and my first time guest blogging, I present to you, the Oak Brush..
Enjoy,
Brandy
My Shop: knittaddiction.etsy.com
My Blog: just4knitsandgiggles.blogspot.com/
Or find me on Facebook and say hello!

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Wow! Thanks to El’s hardwork you can now easily sign-up for our advertising programs right here on Indiesmiles! So whether you would like to be listed in our Coupon Program (now only $4.00), or our Showboat Feature (only $20.00) you can click on Advertising and choose the program that fits your needs!

Our next coupon program is “Spring for a Deal” and begins April 16th, so don’t miss out. Get the word out to shoppers about YOUR sale…yes,  choose your own sale program.  All for ONLY $4.0o!!! Receive the users guide with free graphics to advertise your sale in your shop, blog, etc. ! All Indie shops are invited. Where else can you get this type of exposure for such a low cost!

Join the SMILE program NOW!

You will find wonderful handmade items from these indie shops which for a limited time offer free shipping from December 1-15!

SOME GENEROUS SHOPS HAVE offered to run the coupon ALL MONTH LONG!
They are marked in purple below.

Pancakes and Noodles: a little bit of everything

Pancakes and Noodles! is the whimsical work of 2 sisters. Our name speaks of the variety and range of our items which include artwork, accessories, jewelry, figurines, and more.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Tacky Handmade . . . from the past to the present

Check out Tacky Handmade’s Showboat feature!

Unique embellished handbags, along with other accessories, Mom’s lovely crocheted items, plus my new line of Easy-on/Easy-off Jewelry!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Miss Knits: Handmade Accessories For All Your Needs

From knitting, crochet, felt, hand sewn, to jewelry, Miss Knits handmakes accessories that can fit all your needs! From her loving hands to yours!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Jean May Originals: Handcrafted Fashion Accessories & Home Decor

Beautifully handcrafted accessories for you and your home. All are original designs: no two are ever alike. Affordable fashion at its finest!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Purly Girl Knits: Handknit accessories for you, your home and your favorite fur baby

Purlie Girl Knits features lvoing handknit accessories, specializing in scarves, wrist warmers and puppy couture.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

LolaLynn: ACEOs to go!

LolaLynn enjoys working in a variety of media: jewelry design, pottery, photography, and painting. Her specialty is ACEOs, miniature works of art measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, and urban sea glass jewelry.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Veganosaurus: a dash of imagination…a touch of love

Miniature critters, monsters and animals. Hand sculpted with love and care out of clay. These little works of art carry the message of love, compassion and joy.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

C Mikel Designs: creating your vision

C Mikel Designs provides graphic and web site design services and creates logos, business cards and anything else to help your business market itself.

Check out C Mikel Designs Showboat Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Visual Smiles Gallery: Handmade Whimsy!

Find delightful cats, angels, fish, inspirational, cards, prints, magnets and more at the Visual Smiles Gallery!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

EFA Team Store: 100% to the animals

The EFA Team Store offers a variety of handmade items contributed by members of EFA Artists Helping Animals.

Check out the EFA Team Store’s Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Elephant Dance: crochet & greetings

Handmade and unique crochet and greeting cards where 15% of the proceeds go to PAWS-Saipan.org, an animal welfare organization in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Check out Elephant Dance’s Showboat feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Bitsy’s Greetings: Greetings & Gifts from Bitsy Creations

Brought to you by Bitsy Creations, Bitsy’s Greetings offers you beautiful handmade & personalized greetings and gifts including greeting cards, custom invitations, recycled stationery, photo cards, and tees for baby & toddler!
FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

ceejaybags: creative handcrafted accessories

Handbags, totes, wristlets and more in fun graphic prints and bold color combinations.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Bizzie Lizzie Bags: Not Just a Bag – Your Bag

At Bizzie Lizzie, named after her sweet daughter, bags are inspired by Charlotte’s innate personal desire to sew and create for you.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Skin Journey: Indulge in Luxury Skin Care

Indulge in the Skin Journey facial care line that sooths and conditions delicate facial tissue naturally. Travel around the world with the Skin Journey luscious line of body care products that will condition your skin leaving it smooth, hydrated, and youthful.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

All About The Buttons: Buttons make everything better!

To sustain her button addiction, All About the Buttons embellishes clocks, knit and crochet items, barrettes, pins, magnets and more with these little works of art. Custom work is welcomed.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Creative Borders: Handmade Photo Borders

Creative Borders offers photo borders for all of your wonderful memories. Both pre-made borders and custom orders are available.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Beaded Tail: We’re making tails wag one bead at a time!

Beaded Tail creates and offers beautiful beaded jewelry for animal lovers with a portion of ALL sales going to animal awareness causes!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

MY Never Ender: Clothing, Accessories & Art by Emerging Artists

Never Ender features unique handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories by emerging artists. Environmentally aware, these artists are dedicated to providing eco-friendly items and packaging.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Brandi Ann Designs: unique handmade jewelry

Handmade sterling silver jewelry made for you by Brandi Ann.

Check out Brandi Ann Design’s Showboat Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Moon of Glass: Original Fused Glass Jewelry – Artwork – Home Decor

Moon of Glass sells one of a kind fused glass pendants, home decor items, and artwork. All items are handmade from start to finish by artist Elizabeth Chandler.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Frenzy Studios: Beautiful Art Pendants

Frenzy Studios specializes in creating beautiful art pendants made of 2 inch x 2 inch glass squares. Each pendant is then given a protective high gloss resin coating. All pendants have a silver plated bail that will fit any chain or cord.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

LolaLynn: ACEOs to go!

LolaLynn enjoys working in a variety of media: jewelry design, pottery, photography, and painting. Her specialty is ACEOs, miniature works of art measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, and urban sea glass jewelry.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Nyblaque: Designs created with light and love

Nyblaque offers affordable quality handmade hammered , wire wrapped, and eco-friendly jewelry inspired by many medians, cultures and styles. From my hands to your heart..

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Always Amy: Quicky, colorful, handmade jewelry!

Nostalgic handmade jewelry that will tickle your fancy! Colorful & quirky to add a splash of fun to your every day.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

All About The Buttons: Buttons make everything better!

To sustain her button addiction, All About the Buttons embellishes clocks, knit and crochet items, barrettes, pins, magnets and more with these little works of art. Custom work is welcomed.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

EFA Team Store: 100% to the animals

The EFA Team Store offers a variety of handmade items contributed by members of EFA Artists Helping Animals.

Check out the EFA Team Store’s Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Dog-On Wear: Dog Saddlepacks, Fashions and bedding

Dog-On Wear makes and offers handmade custom saddlepacks for all dogs, holiday collars, jester collars, bedding, and other doggie accessories.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Bitsy Creations: graphic design & supplies for your small business

Logo design, business cards, promotional items, fabric labels, hang tags

Check out Bitsy Creations Showboat Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

The Faerie Cupboard: The Faeries Say *VINTAGE* Rocks!

The Faerie Cupboard offers vintage supplies, with special emphasis on sewing buttons, to suit the needs and pocketbooks of everyone, from the most humble elf to the Faerie Queen herself!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

The following stores are offering this coupon for the ENTIRE MONTH of DECEMBER. You may use code FREESMILES or FREESMILE2 on these stores!

Dog-On Wear: Dog Saddlepacks, Fashions and bedding

Dog-On Wear makes and offers handmade custom saddlepacks for all dogs, holiday collars, jester collars, bedding, and other doggie accessories.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.
FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Frenzy Studios: Beautiful Art Pendants

Frenzy Studios specializes in creating beautiful art pendants made of 2 inch x 2 inch glass squares. Each pendant is then given a protective high gloss resin coating. All pendants have a silver plated bail that will fit any chain or cord.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Bizzie Lizzie Bags: Not Just a Bag – Your Bag

At Bizzie Lizzie, named after her sweet daughter, bags are inspired by Charlotte’s innate personal desire to sew and create for you.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Never Ender: Clothing, Accessories & Art by Emerging Artists

Never Ender features unique handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories by emerging artists. Environmentally aware, these artists are dedicated to providing eco-friendly items and packaging.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Nyblaque: Designs created with light and love

Nyblaque offers affordable quality handmade hammered , wire wrapped, and eco-friendly jewelry inspired by many medians, cultures and styles. From my hands to your heart..

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” and “FREESMILES2″!

Our Smiles Program has been such a success that all our Free Smiles are gone! However, to continue to celebrate our Grand Opening we are giving away three two Big Smiles Ad Space and one Showboat Smiles Feature to our Smiles Subscribers.

WIN A FREE UPGRADE!
In celebration of our grand opening, IndieSmiles is giving out three free upgrades – two Big Smiles Ad Space and one Showboat Smiles Feature. All you have to do is sign up for our any of our programs by November 30 and you will automatically be entered to win one of the three upgrades. And yes, even our first ten customers who receive the Smiles program for free are eligible for this free upgrade.

Only Smiles Subscribers have a chance to win a free upgrade so sign up now! Even though all our free smiles have been taken, you can try out our Smiles Subscription at our introductory rate of $4.95 for our half-month campaign (regularly $7.95) or $6.95 for our full month campaign (regularly $9.95). Sign up here.

Add our Big Smiles Ad Space or Showboat Smiles feature to your Smiles Subscription. To increase your smile, we’ve set the introductory price of these programs at $5.00 and $15.00, respectively. You too will be eligible for the free upgrade (we’ll just refund you the difference between the upgraded program and the Smiles program if you win)! Sign up now for our Big Smiles Ad Space or our Showboat Smiles feature!

No problem! Just take a look at what we have to offer here and if you have any questions, either leave a comment or email us at info@indiesmiles.com.

Sign up

The Showboat program allows readers to learn more about you and the products you offer.  Once you join, we will contact you and ask you to provide us with a write-up that best describes you and your shop. Don’t worry if writing is not your forte: we can help you with this aspect to make sure that your feature is a success! So, become part of the Smiles program and become one of our limited number of rotating features on our front page! Please take a look at our past Showboat features.
Read over our various programs that we offer and become part of our coupon registry. Indiesmile’s showboat program will run for 1/2 month and will rotate between all of the featured shops for maximum exposure!

You will find that the showboat feature draws attention due to the rotating feature of our website (front page) a nice low cost way to get featured and accept the coupon…alll in one!

Sign up now and make your customers smile!