Good Morning!

  Whew! Have I been busy...like always. After the craft fair I had to get ready for our family vacation to Austin, TX. We spent a week visiting my brother-in-law and his girlfriend. It was a wonderful visit. I also was able to see one of my dear friends as well. So...I'm behind on taking pictures, posting, and editing my Etsy shop. It's still up and running and has many things listed...just need to list more. I'll catch up. Making some of my Christmas gifts that are for the ladies! Having fun doing some little projects.
  Oh! I got a pattern to make car caddy organizers...and of course I found an already made one on Amazon for $10! I'm still going to try and make them...just bums me out when I can find an already made one for so much cheaper. It would cost me way more then $10 just to buy all the fabric and supplies for it. Guess we can take our good old factories for that. Anywho...gotta get cracking on household things. Just wanted to give an update.
  Until next time...remember to always "Snuggle With Love!"

Getting Excited!

As you may remember...I'm going to be an attendee at the Beat The Rush 2011 Craft Fair! It's this Saturday, November 12th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rancho Mirage from 11-4! Whoot Whoot! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself. This is a huge first step for me in trying to promote my business. I have been so busy with creating all I can for the show...and my efforts paid off. I have plenty of items (although I could always have more) and I met my personal sewing deadline. Wednesday, my mom and I did a wonderful mock-up! It was so much fun! We both kept re-arranging, adding, and bouncing ideas back and forth until we came up with an awesome display! I took numerous pictures so I can re-create the display at the show. I'm hoping, praying, and believing that I will do great! When the craft fair is all said and done...I will start my new creations...wedding dress quilts, car caddys, travel changing pads, and nursery organizers! I can't wait! My goal is to have a little of all by January! I will keep everyone posted on how the fair goes. Until then...Remember to always, "Snuggle With Love!" 

What's New?

Well...I ordered new business cards with all the correct information and shopping bags yesterday! I can't wait! Things are coming along. I made seven tooth fairy pillows and seven pet beds...they just need those final finishing touches. I'm also waiting for my lavender is come in that I ordered from Sue's Health Foods, so I can make tons more sachets. And tomorrow, I plan on getting more display buckets from the dollar store! I already have two but need a few more colors. I have several ideas for the booth set-up and am planning on doing a mock run through closer to date. I'll keep everyone posted along the way! 

Busy Lady

Well...I've been one busy lady! In about a two week time period I made a baby quilt bundle, tooth fairy pillow, and eight pet beds! I also took pictures of everything and posted them on Etsy! Whew! Now, I'm creating another baby quilt bundle, tooth fairy pillow, and two pet beds. Making sure I have enough items for the craft fair is really testing my limits on how much I can create without losing the detail and quality of them. I'm so excited! I hope and pray I am successful at the fair. I also have made several strawberry sachets but I ran out of some supplies, so I haven't been able to post them yet. Within the next week or two they will be posted.

For now, I have postponed the wedding dress quilt process. I do however have several ideas on how I want to accomplish it. I'm still deciding which other fabrics I want to incorporate in the quilt...was thinking soft cottons and flannels. I don't want to add any more satin or stretchy material because they move so much during sewing and I want to maintain those straight and clean lines. I do know I want the wedding dress quilt to be beautiful yet still functional without fear of ruining it. I'll keep you posted on what I decide.

Until next time my friends..."Snuggle With Love!"

Recently Been Featured!

Just a reminder...THicksCNHP Etsy shop will be closing the end of October! So far, my new shop, SnuggleWithLove has had one sale and a treasury feature! Whoot Whoot! I'm so excited! I don't know why I didn't make the change sooner. I personally feel the past name was confusing many people and slowing the business down...now that's all going to change! Below is the link to the Etsy treasury that my sachet has been featured in. Well...other then that...just sewing my heart out to get ready for this craft fair! 


"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi 


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0NTk2NjB8Nzc0MzM0NjY0/red-red-hot


Enjoy the little things in life that make you happy! Until next time...

Hang-in-There!

Everyone, please hang-in-there with me! I'm slowly moving my current Etsy shop, THicksCNHP to SnuggleWithLove! Within the next few months both shops will be under-construction! I had made the other account a year or so ago before I realized I wanted to sell. That name made it very difficult for people to find me. Now, I'm hoping with the new and correct shop things will move along more smoothly. Thank you so much for all your patience and support! Below will be all the new and current locations you can find Snuggle With Love.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/snugglewithlove
http://snugglewithlove.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Snuggle-With-Love/140924942651129

Updates!

Going to give you a few updates with the shop. For starters, I'm now offering Custom Pet Throw Beds for $11.50! I've had several already made ones sell, and then realized that I didn't offer custom ones. Well...now I do! I'm also offering FREE shipping within the US and LOW rates everywhere else..in hope to continue to get my name out there in this vast world of great artisans. I am also selling an antique crazy quilt and two antique crazy quilt pillows. I love crazy quilts! They are so complex, tell a story, and show how much love and time someone spent on them. The quilt and pillows are all hand-made...age and origin are unknown. I'm guessing that they are from the 1930s or 1940s from the fabric used. There are some minor stains, fading, and flaws due to aging. The previous owners may not have taken good care of it. I would love to keep them but don't have to time to give them the TLC it needs. They would look wonderful displayed on a chair, couch, shelf, or bed! They are great collector's items. Check them out in my shop! I hope they go to a good home soon! Well...until next time...Snuggle With Love! 


TIANI (owner/creator)    

Man's Best friend!

Well...had some time this morning to do another fun treasury on Etsy. The theme was based on Dogs! I have a male boxer mix, Dudley. He's so sweet, loving, and truly loyal. Even though he can be stubborn, eat my shoes, chase the cat, and sometimes eat things he shouldn't...I can't stay made at him for too long. He just has to look at me with those big pouting eyes...and I melt. I've watched videos and read many articles stating that dogs can read our emotions...I believe it! Dudley knows the difference in my moods, tone of voice...and even know when my son's upset. It's so cute. I hope that you enjoy all these cute finds!

http://thickscnhp.blogspot.com/

Until next time...Snuggle With Love!

New Shop Items!

Well...I've finally finished posting my new shop items! Lavender filled strawberry sachets! They are so cute, functional, fun, and smell wonderful! How doesn't love lavender? What's great about these adorable sachets is that they are small in size (2 1/2 inches), which makes them perfect to place into a purse, diaper bag, gym bag, linen closet, car, or even lingerie drawer. The options are endless! I even have several of them in my home! I have mine in my linens, quilts, and lingerie. I hope that you will enjoy these new creations as much as I do. Enjoy! 


Here's a few links:


www.etsy.com/shop/thickscnhp
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79957820/lavender-filled-strawberry-sachet-bundle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79947238/lavender-filled-strawberry-sachet


Have a blessed day! Remember to always, "Snuggle With Love!"

Another Featured Treasury!

I'm so excited that more and more people are featuring my items in their Etsy treasuries! It's a good morale boost. Below is the link to the treasury. I'm still working on my sachets and two quilts. I'm behind on my creations because my poor baby boy became ill. He's been sick for several days...he's now starting to look and feel better. Thank you, Lord! I hope that everyone stays well and has a blessed day.
Remember to always, "Snuggle With Love."

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQwNDMyOTR8NTgyNDkyNzI5/baby-mine

Tea Time!

Crafting, tea, good food, and great friends! What a wonderful combo! Today, my best friend, Jen is coming over to do all these things. I'm so excited! I'm also going to have her help me put together a few portfolio that I will be placing at a few local shops. It's going to be so much fun! I love following my passion and sharing it with others. It's such a wonderful feeling! I'm really hoping that more people that I met along this journey will also see my passion in my writing, creations, and everything I do. Below, I've posted a new treasury in honor of this day! Hope you enjoy!


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTU1Nzg1MHw1NTA3MjUxNDg/any-time-is-a-great-time-for-tea


Tiani Hicks
Snuggle With Love

Good Morning!

It's another beautiful yet very warm summer day here in the high desert! Today, I'm going to my best friend and her grandmother's house to craft! Ever since she moved back in town, we've been crafting together every week! It's so inspiring and absolutely wonderful! I'm learning so much from my sewing ladies. Some projects I'm making are venturing me deeper into the sewing world. It's so refreshing! 


On another note...I've been featured in two more treasuries! I'm so happy that people are featuring my items. Upon doing so, it helps get more views and hopefully a boost in my sales. Here are the links: 


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQwNDMyOTR8NTI4MDI4MjI2/warm-and-fuzzy?ref=pr_treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQzMzcyOTB8NTI3ODEyMzMz/sweet-dreams?index=1


*One Blanket, One Moment of Love at a Time* 


Until next time...Have a wonderful and blessed day!


Tiani Hicks
Snuggle With Love 

I've been Featured!

It's so exciting to get an email stating..."You've been featured in a treasury on Etsy"! I've had several of my items featured now! And I would like to share my excitements and joys with you. I was featured in a team challenge from Etsian Artist recently! Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTEyNzg5MjF8NDk0NzA4Njcw/art-is-my-passion-etsian-artists-team

 Enjoy and tell me what you think! 

New Treasury!

I'm really enjoying making these treasuries on Etsy! It's so much fun finding new items, shops, themes, creations...and Treasures! Below is the link to my newest treasury. I've also been creating new items myself. Soon, I'll be adding Lavender sachets to my shop inventory! They are so adorable! They are strawberry shaped sachets filled with organic dried lavender flowers...and let me tell you...they smell amazing! You can place them in your lingerie drawer, linen closet, children's dresser, men's dresser drawers, gym bag, purse, or anywhere you want to smell wonderful. Come check out my shop in a few days for them to come!


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTU1Nzg1MHw0NzgyNjk5OTA/wonderful-scents?ref=pr_treasury

My Thoughts!

Well...here we are again world! One task at a time! I'm working on this adorable 1930s scrap quilt. It's been a challenge yet fun at the same time. I'm really excited to see the turn out. When it's completed it will be posted on my Etsy and Facebook. 

Also, I'm still contemplating on the other sewing project that I had mentioned. I did find an easier way yo make them, but unsure how well they will sell. I'm also wondering in separately or as a set would sell better. So many choices...so little time. Oh-I'm also debating whether I want to buy a copyright or trademark for my business name. I'm confused at to which would be better. I do understand the difference, but not sure the long term benefits of doing either. I need to investigate further on that topic. 

Below, I've included an adorable quilt poem that describes me at times. So fun and cute! Enjoy! Have a wonderful day! Remember to always..."Snuggle With Love!" 

DIFFICULT PATTERNS

There are so many quilt patterns to choose from,
Some are easy, but many are not:
Bias edges, sharp points and set-in seams
Can put you squarely on the spot!
You can avoid these problems, of course,
With blocks made of just strips and squares,
And very pretty they can be too,
Drawing admiring stares.
But do you want to make Log Cabins forever?
Are Nine Patches becoming ho-hum?
Time to branch out to the more complicated --
With practice expertise will come!

Jacquie Scuitto. aka The Muse

My Etsy STATTEAM Weekly Challenge:

Below is my newest weekly challenge for one of my teams on Etsy: STATTEAM! Check it out! Hope that you enjoy all the wonderful finds!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTU1Nzg1MHw0NTU5NzYwNzg/going-back-to-class?ref=pr_treasury

Back From Vacation!

Well...I'm back from vacation! I was a wonderful family getaway. We all needed it very much. I did however take a little longer vacation from the computer world...that was much much needed as well. Now, I feel refreshed and raring to go. I came back with new, fresh, and inspired ideas. What a great feeling!


I did test out one of my potential new items for my shop yesterday with my lovely friend.  However, the project ended up becoming more difficult and very time consuming. I'm trying to figure out a more productive way to make these new items. Hopefully today I can come up with the right solution and put it into production soon. I am not going to disclose the items quite yet to you...you'll just have to keep checking my shop! 


Going to keep this short and sweet...have so much sewing to do! Love it! Until next time...Have a wonderful day and always remember to "Snuggle With Love!" 

Vacation!

My husband took vacation time off from work! I'm so excited! I've put my Facebook, Etsy, and now my blog all on vacation mode. I just wanted to write a quick note to notify everyone. Thank you! And remember to always..."Snuggle With Love!" 

Entering the Computer World!

Well...today is going to be a huge step for me...I'm entering the main internet media! I'm joining Facebook! I'm only doing it strictly for the business. I know I said I wasn't going to, but numerous business owners and fellow Etsy shops said it really boosted their sales. So here I go...I'm jumping in with both feet! It's kind of exciting and nerve wrecking. I haven't been on Facebook for years. I don't want all that past drama to ruin my business. But then again, if I don't try I'll never know what may come of it. What will be really nice is that I can connect my blogs and my shop all together. 
On another note...I have a wonderful friend buying a custom baby quilt bundle for her cousin! I'm so excited! The theme is Mickey Mouse and LA Dodgers. It's going to come out so adorable. It was a very interesting request and surprisingly found the perfect fabric! I also have another specific request...a family member wants me to turn her wedding dress into a quilt! I'm really anxious to start this one. There is going to be so many details in the dress...and turning it into a quilt is going to be a challenge for me. I'm trying to find as many ideas as I can and pick the one I think would work well. I may even do this to my wedding dress. And who knows...maybe I'll do memory wedding dress quilts on the side since they will take much more work. 
Well...I better get off to an early start of creating! I'll keep everyone posted on my Facebook account. Until then...Have a wonderful day!

Journey of an Etsy Shop!: Good Morning World!

www.etsy.com/shop/thickscnhp

Good Morning World!

Well...another week, another day, another moment had passed us by. I'm still creating and trying to boost inventory. I'm now making tooth fairy pillows, lap quilt bundles (includes lap quilt and matching pillow), baby quilt bundles (includes a baby/toddler quilt, 2 burp cloths, and 2 cloth play blocks), and small pet throw beds. I have so many ideas and creations that I want to do...and then I check on Etsy to see if anyone else is doing them...what do you know...of course! There are so many wonderful artisans, creators, and beautiful art work out there. 


It's very hard to be competitive, advertise, and market one's shop. I'm really trying hard to do it the 'old fashion' way by not joining Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, or any other similar avenue. I feel that these venues are making people less sociable in the real world. Yes, it's a great way to reconnect with family and friends that life miles away...but very rarely will a stranger in your own home town will wave, say "hello", or even smile. Some people seem like it's totally forbidden to even talk to a stranger in the supper market..and if you do they get defensive like you're after them or something. 


I mat have mentioned before...but my true goal is to have enough inventory to join a craft fair or the farmer's market. I enjoy talking to people and telling them my story of how my creations all started. And you'd be surprised...many people have a similar story. It really is a small world and we are not that much different from one another...even though we act like it. Well...enough of me babbling...time to get creating! Have a wonderful and inspiring day!

Another Week...

Well...I'm still in the promoting and creating phase of my shop. I'm really trying to find that 'nitch' that separates me from the other sellers. It's very hard....but I'm trying.

I now am selling pet throw beds, baby quilts, lap quilts, and tooth fairy pillows. I am hoping to create items that spark people's childhood memories. Like for instance: I remember always having a tooth fairy pillow! Whenever I lost a tooth my cute pillow would lay beside me as I slept. I would wake up in the morning to find wonderful little treasures of money inside that tiny little pocket! It was something I always looked forward to. As I got older and learned who snuck those little treasures...I would try to stay awake and catch them in the 'act'. I still loved every little joy and excitement that came with opening those little gifts or rolled money. It was a big devastation when I stopped losing teeth...it meant no more treasures and time to grow up. Right? But who says we have to grow up...now as a mother, I'm going to start the tradition again! I can't wait to see Nathaniel's reactions upon receiving those gifts! And as for my quilts...who doesn't love to snuggle with something beautifully made and warm. Women, men, children, young, old, even pets...everyone loves to feel special, loved, and cared for. I hope that my creations will make everyone feel that way each time they use them.

Promote, Promote, Promote!

As of late, all I'm doing is trying to promote my shop to anyone I come across. It's very hard promoting yourself. So far, I've gone around my town and handed out my business cards. I'm debating setting up a booth at the local farmer's market. I think it would be a wonderful way to get myself out there...but at the same time...I have to have quite a bit of inventory. I'm trying my best to do so, but with my son lately, it's been difficult. He's been very vocal and grumpy. I do manage to sew something everyday...even if it's just one closure stitch...it's something. (I have to keep telling myself that) I have to just be patient and take one step at a time.

I did apply for several teams on Etsy (Fun and Friends Promotion Team, QuiltQuiltsQuilts, Crafty Mama's, Boy Oh Boy, and Mummypreneur. I'm hoping to get advice, feedback, promotion, foot-traffic, friends, and ideas. I'm also hoping that by handing out my cards, people will spread the word about my items. It's just taking time. I hope to find my nitch in this selling world.

The Next Step

Well...I made five sales so far! I'm extremely happy! Now, I need to replenish my inventory. With some of the funds I was able to apply for my fictitious business name and order woven labels. I can't wait to see if my business name was approved! After being approved by my county then I need to publish it in my local newspaper. Also, the woven labels will have my business name on them (Snuggle With Love). The base color is going to be white and the lettering is going to be green. I found this really cute font with cursive and hearts for the labels. They are going to be adorable! I wanted something neutral colored that wasn't black. So hopefully the green will work out well.

Going to keep this posting short...Off to sewing! In this up coming week I'll have new listings up on my Etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/thickscnhp Check it out sometime. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

First Sale!

This blog is going to show how I as a mother, wife, family member, friend, and entrepreneur juggle all and life with now having an Etsy shop called, "Snuggle With Love!" (In process of owning my shop name!)

Last night I made my first sell on my Etsy shop! It felt so invigorating! For once, I'm starting to feel proud of myself. Man is it a great feeling!

I have so many ideas, hopes, and dreams that I want for my shop...I just need the time and money to do some of them. Oh how I love fabric! When I look at all the pretty, unique patterns, textures, and endless possibilities use for them...they seem to speak to me. They speak to me so much that I get lost in all their essence. Time seems to pass by as I sit and engulf myself in them. It's funny, interesting, yet so wonderful how fabric can just memorize you in that way. I'm sure I'm not alone in this type of fabric stance. Just the other day, I was given several bags of fabric and supplies from a friend who could no longer sew due to a stroke. She was another fabric lover like me! God Bless her for her generosity! I already have so many ideas for my pet throw beds and snuggly quilts with all that wonderful fabric. Now, I just need to really buckle down and sew! At times it's really hard to 'buckle down'. Having my son is a joy but at times I can't always get done what's on my seemingly never-ending to do list. But, I'll just take one moment at a time and wait for God to led me.