…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

You will find wonderful handmade items from these indie shops which for a limited time offer free shipping from December 16-31 with COUPON CODE FREESMILES2!

Charm Boutique: unique handmade jewelry and gifts

A collection of jewelry artists and their designs from around the country. Perfect for gifts and presents!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Blueberry Junkie: Crafting for babies and toddlers

Unique handmade gift items for babies and toddlers. Blueberry Junkie is a hit with moms and babies alike. Creating for stylish and modern kids.

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Corn Husk Dolls: Unique Corn Husk Dolls

Unique, high quality, colorful corn husk dolls from traditional family Appalachian folk art styles to fantasy creations.

Check out the Corn Husk Dolls’ Feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Bitsy Creations: Graphic Design & Greeting Cards

BitsyCreations offers graphic design services for small businesses as well as beautiful handmade greeting cards & invitations.

Check out Bitsy Creation’s Showboat feature!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

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 16-31 with code “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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Charm Boutique: unique handmade jewelry and gifts

A collection of jewelry artists and their designs from around the country. Perfect for gifts and presents!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

LoopsDesigns: Simple Modern Handmade Jewelry

LoopsDesigns offers jewelry that’s simple modern and handmade by artist Sarah Dible. She also designs an entire line of “one of a kind” EcoLoops jewelry made from recycled materials!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “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 16-31 with code “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 16-31 with code “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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

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 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Remember Wynn: custom laser engraved items and services

Professional quality clothing labels and jewelry markers that everyone can afford and a great selection of custom gifts for anyone!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

TackyBackinTime . . . the fun way to go vintage!

Check out TackyBackinTime’s Showboat feature!

Fun vintage and non-vintage craft supplies and gifts!

FREE SHIPPING from December 16-31 with code “FREESMILES2″!

Surprising how some shops come into your life and they create a place in your heart. You see a beautiful handmade item and you heart or favorite them plus you continue to admire them whenever you see their wares throughout the Indie community; I’m sure you’ll agree that Mudhutt is one of those shops! Her items make perfect holiday gifts for teachers, grandmoms, friends, coworkers, etc. Perfect treats for yourself too! One idea for using her small dishes is that they would make great business card holders, what a great gift! Such cute, whimsical and touching sayings on her plates!

Look at this adorable ornament, perfect for the holiday tree for household with a brand new baby!

Her designs are beautiful and delightful, you can just tell that each and every one of them is filled-with hard work and love. Lovely ornaments and dishes painted with whimsical figures, such as birdies, snowmen, and flowers as examples. If you have not seen her work, give her shop a visit!

You will adore what Mudhutt has to say in her shop profile, here is an excerpt:

“I am a true believer that God blesses each of us with at least one special talent. Some people spend their entire life trying to figure out what their talent is. When you discover your special gift, use it to spread joy to others.”

Be sure to visit Mudhutt, so many of her items are a tweet!

IndieSmiles favs are unsolicited reviews of Sue and El’s favorite indie shops and are not compensated for these reviews. If you would like Sue and El to notice your shop, please send them an email at info@indiesmiles.com