Q: How did you come up with your shop name?

A: I’m a geek at heart. My shop was going to include little geeky details for a home and so the name “Geek Details” was born.

Q: What inspires you to create?

A: Just about everything inspires me to create. A color combo will lead to a button and one button phrase leads me to another. Necessity plays a huge part too. Living on a military budget has taught me how to craft the items I want for my home. I keep various notebooks around me so I can write things down when inspiration strikes because I never know when I’ll get a great idea for something. I have a notebook in my purse, by my bed, in my glove box of the car, in the living room and several in the studio area.

Q: How do you juggle time between family and friends, being a military spouse and running your shops?

A: I waited to start my business until my kids were both in school. I had tried to do it when my youngest was still home, but it didn’t work out well so I put it on the back burner for a while. I wake up with the kids in the morning to get them off to school, check my email for orders, package orders for shipping, eat breakfast at some point, have lunch with my husband, mail off orders, clean the house, and then the kids get home and I don’t do geek details stuff as much.

I’m lucky in that my husband *gets* this. He loves what I do and showing off my products to people. People in his building (of all ranks) now have my magnets hanging out on their desks. Our friends *get* this too and are willing to put things on the back burner so I can get my geek details stuff finished. When it’s time to work, I work hard, I get it done quickly but accurately. I developed systems for doing my various projects efficiently. When I play? I play hard too.

Q: Tell us what one of your products we shouldn’t be without and why.

A: One of my favorite products is my
optimist/pessimist glass set. I love the photos for this product (they were taken by my husband) and I love the idea behind the product as well. They’re fun and yet functional.

Q: What is unique/sets you apart from the rest about your products, materials, process?

A: I’m a perfectionist and a bit anal retentive. I do not put out a product that I am not happy with and would use in my own home. I make sure to use professional grade materials in my designs and that the designs are sound before I list an item. My buttons are made using professional grade supplies and machines which allows me to sell a professional grade product. I have my own professional laser printer at home that I use to print off my packaging and my button images. This allows me to offer custom button designs with a fast turnaround time. My dishware is hand painted by me using food safe paint that is cured and fired so that it is scratch resistant.

Most of my products are geeky in some way or another. Sometimes they’re subtly geek and other times they’re loudly geeky. They make me smile though and they’re all things I’m proud of and would put in my own home.

Q: What is your favorite handmade possession?

A: That would be my clarinet lamp I made using the clarinet that I played in junior high and high school. My husband and I were both band geeks (it’s how we met) and I turned my clarinet in to a lamp for our room. His saxophone is also going to be a lamp for his side of the bed. I love the rush of memories I get when I look at them, that the instruments are no longer packed away in boxes, and they serve a function.

Q: Where can we find your products?

A: You can find my products on both artfire.com and etsy.com. My url
Geek Details goes to one or the other depending on the month. The direct url for my etsy store is
Geek Details on Etsy and for my Artfire store is
Geek Details on Artfire.

If you live in Missouri, you can find my products at the “Rustic Bell” located in downtown Knob Noster. My products will also soon be found at “Those Were the Days” located in Warrensburg.

Q: What new items should we be on the look out for from your shop?

A: I’ll be updating with my new one inch button products soon. This will include buttons, magnets, zipper pulls, and rings in the one inch size. My 1 inch magnet calendars are listing later this month as soon as the packaging arrives for them. I’m also listing new dishware soon as well. There are 5 new designs just waiting to be photographed and listed. I have a couple more things in the works as well and I update my shop on a weekly basis.

Are you looking for party favors? Easter basket goodies? A little something to slip into your child’s lunchbox as a pick me up? These shaped crayons are perfect! They are generously sized for little hands, made with non toxic crayons that are true to color, vibrant, and they don’t break easily. They also work well for travel and restaurants because they won’t roll off the table.
I can also make these in bulk for samples to give out with orders, they will come in a little bag with a label that has a thank you and your business website. Contact me at Love Abounds for bigger orders.

Christie of Stitch N Love is a military spouse and mother to 6. Her sewn creations are a cut above the rest with fantastic play time items, day care essentials, clothing and more.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?

A: I knew that I wanted my business to express that I truly put love into everything that I make. If I don’t love doing it, it’s not done. I tossed names around with my husband and a few friends online. At first, the thought was that I was going to be doing quilts and long arm quilting with some purses mixed it, so it couldn’t be just about quilting. People often think it means Stitch In Love or Stitch And Love, but it really means Stitching Love.

Q: What inspires you to create?

A: A lot of times, it’s my family and friends. I started this business after making a few baby blankets for some babies that were due the same month as my youngest son. Often people will ask me if I can make something and I will try it. If it comes out great, I add it to my mix. I started my clothing line because I can’t find stuff for my youngest kids that I really like. My youngest daughter loves for me to make her stuff and that makes me happy.

Q: How do you juggle time between family and friends, being a military spouse and running your shops?

A: To be honest, I have no idea! Between my husband and I, we have six kids. When we got married in October 2005, we had four. Two lived with us and two came to visit almost every weekend. Juggling four kids wasn’t much harder than the two that I was used to. The family, and I, got used to the “chaos” of having that many people around. Then in December of that year, we added another child. Then twenty-two months later, the sixth child was born. I started the business when he was nearly six months old.

I guess, when you add a little at a time, you really don’t notice it! Now when hubby deploys this summer, that is going to be the big test for me. But we have always managed when he has been away at school or AT, or even his weekend drills.

I have just learned to take things a day at a time and to have plenty of patience! Some days are good, some are not so good and we look to the next day to be better.

Q: Tell us what one of your products we shouldn’t be without and why.

A: I would have to say that if you have a child in a daycare setting, it would be my nap mat. It’s an all-in-one nap mat: pillow, blanket and mat. Totally machine washable. Even though my daughter doesn’t attend a daycare, she has one! She loves it and will fight her older siblings and even her little brother for it. The blanket is usually a flannel so it doesn’t get too hot during nap time. I even embroider your child’s name on it so everyone knows that it’s his or hers. I custom make these so the material choices are pretty endless.

Q: What is unique/sets you apart from the rest about your products, materials, process?

A: I do a lot of custom work, or at least some part of the work is custom, so that it’s more personal to the customer. I want the customer to be happy, so if they want to change something that I do, I will try my best to accommodate them! Whether it’s tracking down the perfect fabric, or adding a little more batting, I will do everything in my power to make the customer happy. If I would not use it, put it on my child, or want to be seen in public with it, it’s not leaving me until it’s that way. But, I also have a motto that my grandma said to me many times. Only God is perfect. There is always at least one flaw that no one but I will notice. If someone else can see it, it’s fixed.

Q: What is your favorite handmade possession?

A: I can’t think of just one, but I can think of one kind of possession. My grandma has been making blankets for many, many years. In fact, she is why I got into making quilts and kept on sewing after my mom taught me when I was a teen. I have kept and cherished every quilt that she has done and allowed me to take home. She tries to be so perfect and I just found out recently that she doesn’t use pre-done patterns, she makes them up as she goes along! She has followed the basic rules of quilting and that is it!

Q: Besides here on America’s Handmade Homefront, where can we find your products?

A:

Stitch N Love on Etsy

Stitch N Love on Artfire

Stitch N Love on 1000 Markets

Stitch N Love website

Right now, I offer the same thing on all my sites until I find out what sells best on what site.

Q: What new items should we be on the look out for from your shop?

A: I am planning on adding some play capes and play vests for little boys and then some fairy and princess themed play clothes for the little girls!

Stitch N Love has recently joined the America’s Handmade Homefront team and has brought her great line of children’s items with her!

My favorite item that Stitch N Love is stocking with AHH is this great children’s chef hat. Perfect for the aspiring chef, baking with mommy or in their own little play kitchen. Each hat is personalized in either script for girls or block lettering for boys with your color choice. Any size is available so be sure to send in your custom request!

Spring is coming fast and I think most are thankful for that! After a long winter we’re left craving sunshine, greenery and warmer days. Start the season early with these fun finds from the gals at
America’s Handmade Homefront.

Dress your little one’s bum in style with this adorable fatty cakes fitted dipe from Fishsticks.
Covered in adorable pink flowers it’s perfect for wearing under a new spring jumper or skirt.

Perhaps that cute fattycakes would go perfect with one of Maddie and Me’s adorable spring skirts. With several different patterns and sizes to choose from you’re sure to find the perfect spring outfit for your little princess at Maddie and Me.

This beautiful wool soaker from Tulip Tree Baby is another great option for wearing under that cute new spring dress. Perfect for cloth diapering moms or for adorable bloomers to pair with a spring swing top.

Anyone still do egg trees at Easter? I know I do and what more perfect addition could you find for your tree than Teri’s Treasure’s Lady Bug Tags. They would make adorable spring ornaments or will look perfect attached to your Easter gifts.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?

A: I absolutley love my childrens feet! I kiss them when they are clean,
dirty, muddy, and even a little stinky sometimes. They are just the most
adorable thing to me. So I used that along with the fact that I have done
my best to incorporate healthy and organic items into our lives. This has
probably been the easiest aspect of my business, naming it.

Q: What inspires you to create?

A: Well when I first got married I tried so hard to sew, crochet, and
scrapbook. I just never found that niche no matter how hard I tried. I
tried making my own cloth diapers which were barely usable for my son at
the time. The crocheting and scrapbooking is a whole other story. So I
decided that since I had people asking me where to start with healthy
living and raising children in a less toxic environment, I would start a
website. My husband and children are my #1 inspiration. They are the ones
that have started me on this quest of living healthy, it is because of
them that I am always looking for new ways to keep them healthy. So
Organic Little Feet was born out of a love for my family and friends. It
has been my way of having a place to start sharing what I know and use
personally for parenting and healthy living. I totally love the business
aspect of creating my site. I love taking pictures of my sweet children in
my products . It has been so much fun adding them to my site.

Q: How do you juggle time between family and friends, being a military
spouse and running your shops?

A: Right now I am still figuring this out. My children definately come first.
I will have new challenges when my husband arrives home from his
deployment though. I just recently started my business beofre he left so I
am still feeling the waters of how this all works. I am home alot now
since he is gone and I have 3 small children so I actually feel like I
have alot more free time. I usually put my children to bed at around 8 pm,
I then do all of my work after that. That carrier pick-up through the Post
Office is a life saver!

Q: Tell us what one of your products we whouldn’t be without and why.

A: Our Organic Kusikuy Alpaca Longies.
Alpaca is even softer than our organic lambswool. I wish all fabrics were
this heavenly soft. These do not need to lanolized because Alpaca has a
natural resin in it that doesn’t wear or wash off like the lanolin in
lambswool. Also the longies are knitted by knitters in Peru who are paid a
living wage.

Q: What is unqiue or sets you apart from the rest about your products,
materials, process.

A: Most of our items are made in the USA or from companies that pay their
employees a living wage. I am always on the look out for Wahms like myself
that wholesale a unique product and has a great story behind their
business. Some of our brands are just that like Orgnic Caboose, Wahmies,
BumGenius, and many more. Also Organic is not all we carry but definately
our main focus. With the new CPSIA laws coming in to effect, most of our
product willn ot be affected. This is because of the rigourous testing
standards of organic items.

Q: What is your favorite handmade possession?

A: I have a crocheted dress that my daughter wore at about 1 year old. I
still have it waiting for a new daughter to someday wear it! Since being
on Hyena cart a whole new world has opened to me that I never new existed.
It is absolutley lovely all of the quality handmade items in one place!

Q: Where can we find your products?

A:
Organic Little Feet Website

Q: What items should we be on the lookout from your shop?

A: In the very near future I will be carrying handmade, One-Size, Organic
Pocket Diapers by Happy Baby Cloth. They will feature different prints, an
organic bamboo velour inner, with a hemp fleece insert.

Shipping can sometimes be a hassle to figure out. When first starting out you may find yourself either under charging or over charging for shipping.

Determining Shipping Prices:

The best way to determine how much it is to ship your item is to purchase a postal scale.
Postal scales can be purchased for fairly inexpensive through www.ebay.com, at your local shipping supply store or through http://stamps.com/welcome/ they offer $100 in shipping supplies to include $45 in postage. You will also receive a free scale which will weigh items up to 5 lbs.
You simply have to click the link in the upper right hand corner labeled “Heard about us on the radio: click here”. The code is “Savage”.
The only hitch is that the first month is free but after that you pay $10 a month, every month until you reach $45. However after the first free month you can downgrade to pay $8 a month so you will get $2 a month in shipping. This may be worth the extra bit of work to some people for the free scale and $2 of free shipping each month. One of the ladies in Homefront was able to do this through them and offer free shipping in her shop without cutting into any of her profits.

After purchasing a scale, weigh your item inside the packaging you would use to ship your product. This is what USPS will use to determine the pricing of your shipment. From there you can look at USPS shipping rates at http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatepostage/welcome.htm?from=global&page=0061calculatepostage
Which includes pricing for domestic and international postage.
After calculating what shipping would cost you can add in the cost of insurance, tracking, your packing supplies and/or S/H to determine what to charge your customers.
Also, for some reason it seems to be less expensive to purchase your USPS shipping labels through PayPal. Through PayPal you simply print pay for and print the postage. You can even set up pick up from your home so you don’t even have to make a trip to the post office.

Shipping to APOs:

Shipping to APO/FPO using USPS costs the same as shipping to anywhere else in the United States because it is a U.S. address. First class mail for anything weighing less than 14 ounces will take 7 to 21 days to deliver. Anything over a pound we recommend shipping Priority mail which will take anywhere from 4 - 7 days to deliver. If an item weights more than a pound and you choose to ship Parcel post, it can take up to 6 weeks to arrive at APO/FPO’s.
All APO/FPO addresses required a customs form to be filled out. They only require your address, the buyers address and the contents of the package. Your local postal workers can assist in this process of getting the proper customs forms and filling them out.

Packaging:

Packing supplies can be purchased and found in many different places. You can purchase directly through USPS either online or at your post office. You can purchase supplies at discount packaging online stores like http://dpackaging.shoppkg.com/default.aspx where you purchase in bulk or you can re use packing supplies. With costs and being more aware of your affect on this planet a lot of people are choosing to re use packaging supplies. Saving bubble wrap and packing paper from online purchases and using them to ship your own products is always an option. Shipping envelopes can be used several times before they start to show wear. You can also use poly-mailers as “stuffers” in your packaging. If you stop by local merchants in your area and ask for any used packing peanuts and re-pack boxes most are willing to give you their items for free. We recommend never reusing packaging to ship food products as plastics can hold remnants of prior items that were in them.
Also you cannot get the free priority mail envelops and boxes and turn them inside out to use them for regular Parcel Post. This is not allowed. You can however reused old plain boxes, fed ex boxes etc and cover them with packing tape for re using.
You can also use newspaper for stuffing. If you choose this route we recommend you make sure your product is protected from the paper as the ink tends to rub off on the surfaces around them.
If you choose to reuse shipping products it’s always a good idea to mention that in your shop policies as some customers may not prefer that.

For those that want to donate items to troops over seas or through adopt a soldier you can get free shipping supplies from the USPS. They will deliver, straight to your door, a special kit with the most used items to ship to troops over seas. To order the special kit, call (800)610-8734 and request Care Kit 4. I have personally used these items to ship to my husband while he was deployed and it was very helpful. The USPS also offers great tips and resources on keeping in touch through mail with troops over seas. You can review all their information about addressing tips, mailing restrictions, packing tips etc through this link http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm

Figuring out the best way to package your item can sometimes be difficult.
Choose the right box. You want to choose a box that is strong enough to protect the contains and large enough to leave space for cushioning. If you choose a box that has been previously used you need to make sure it is in good shape with no weak spots or cracks. Thinner boxes like gift boxes etc are not strong enough for shipping and should be avoided.
Protect your product by cushioning it properly. Use old newspaper, bubble wrap, packaging peanuts etc to pack items tightly to avoid shifting and make sure the cushioning materials covers all sides of the object including the bottom.
If you are shipping more than one item make sure that each item is wrapped individually with cushioning around each one to help prevent movement.
Stuff hallow items with material to avoid damage from shock.
Glass and ceramics benefit from double boxing. Pack the item as previously stated then place that box in a larger box with more cushioning material in between the boxes to help absorb shock to protect your items.
For framed artwork make sure you remove the glass from the frame and wrap it separately.
After packing your product up, shake the box. If nothing moves around it’s ready for sealing.
For sealing only ever use packing tape. Make sure you do not put your shipping label over your seam of the packaging tape. This can sometimes cause your shipping label to wear and be unreadable.
To prevent ink from smudging you can place strips of clear packaging tape over the entire shipping label for protection.

Shipping Overseas:

Shipping overseas can sometimes be confusing for sellers. This USPS link will give you all the guidelines you need for the requirements of shipping overseas. http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/welcome.htm
You can also use the link provided earlier to determine the international shipping rate for the weight of your item and the destination it is headed to. You can get tracking and insurance on international items but depending on what type of mail you send it by will determine how much insurance your product may qualify for as some insurance is limited. First Class Mail International does not offer tracking or insurance. We recommend upgrading your shipping to ensure that your package gets their safely not only to satisfy your customer but to protect you, as the seller, in the long run as well.
Also if you want to offer free shipping your shop but do not want to offer it for anywhere but domestic shipping, make sure that you state that. Not only in your shop announcement but in each listing as this can be confusing for an international buyer.

Don’t forget to double check your shipping label before mailing. Make sure everything is spelled correctly and written legibly to ensure proper delivery without complications.

Unbelievable was the first thing that crossed my mind when I first opened my latest package from Smokey Mountain Scents.
Her “Honeysuckle Shea & Mango Butter Soap” sounded and looked amazing when I first saw it online but the description and photos did not do it justice.

This soap is HUGE. And I do mean huge, weighing in at about 7 ounces it is definitely more bang for your buck.
It is beautiful handcrafted with a gorgeous yellow and white coloration with pretty little swirls on top. Excellent for your guest bath or in your kitchen, which is where my bar is currently residing.
The smell is fantastic with the perfect blend of honeysuckle and mango. The scent is not only strong enough to leave your hands smelling fresh and clean but also to make the entire room smell divine!
It lathers perfectly, leaves skin moisturized and doesn’t leave a filmy soap residue on your skin.

“Honeysuckle Shea & Mango Butter Soap” is by far my favorite handmade soap I have purchased yet!

Camilla of bears and more is a marine wife, working at home mother of 4, soon to be 5, fantastic children, and the creator of Bears and More. Bears and More is the most amazing teddy bear shop that I have ever personally found both handmade or commercial. Camilla’s attention to detail compiled with her amazing sewing skills and her amazing customer service makes her bears a step ahead of the rest. Each bear is lovingly handcrafted with creativity and the highest quality materials giving you a long lasting and beautiful product that anyone, no matter their age, will be proud to own.

Q: How did you come up with your shop name?

A: I primarily love to make bears of any preference. Since they are my focus, but not ONLY creative outlet, the BEARS lead the way and anything MORE follows.

Q: What inspires you to create?

A: I see a piece of fabric that I like and give it a try. I am also appreciative of those who ask me to try something and we see where it goes together! More often than not, good ideas become great bears.

Q: How do you juggle time between family and friends, being a military spouse and running your shops?

A: If ever I feel like my family is slipping as a priority, then I take a break from creating. Bears and fabric sit without changing, but my children grow and change daily. I find that the best times for me to sew are when it is quiet time (which means I have put on a favorite movie) or in the evenings after bedtime. I snag an hour here and there randomly to sew, but I mostly like to spend my days available to the children. I also find myself very busy keeping up the house with laundry, meals, and general cleaning. Can I multitask a bit? Sure! I don’t mind talking on the phone with a good friend or family member while tackling some of the chores, or even sewing a bear. I love my Marine husband and am so thankful for him and his support of me. He is good about keeping an eye on the kids while I snag some sewing time, especially when I was getting ready for a craft fair last fall! I also love to spend a quiet evening with him. Whether we are reading our own books or playing a game, it is nice to be together. I am proud to be a Marine wife and will always have a special place in my heart for the Marine Corps. Once a Marine Wife, always a Marine Wife.

Q: Tell us what one of your products we shouldn’t be without and why.

A: I think that every home needs to have at least one bear. Bears are perfect for comforting, from the youngest to the oldest member of the family. Even my husband has a bear that he begged from me. The beauty of this need is that it can be personalized to any individual!

Q: What is unique/sets you apart from the rest about your products, materials, process?

A: The special thing about these bears is that they are not mass produced, but created by my hands with each recipient in mind. Most are one of a kind with as much personality as the ones who will love them. I have 14 years of experience sewing these bears, having made a couple hundred, and enjoy every single one of them!

Q: What is your favorite handmade possession?

A: My heart fills with joy to get handmade cards from my children. I often use them as bookmarks in whatever book I am reading at the time. I also cherish the crocheted afghan my mom made for me when I was a teen, getting ready for college. It is bright orange, yellow, greens and red. It is also large enough for an adult, so any time I want a little extra layer on the bed or couch, I enjoy grabbing it and curling up.

Q: Where can we find your products?

A: The place you can find my creations is at:
Bears and More on Etsy.

Q: What new items should we be on the look out for from your shop?

A: I will be back in full swing about the beginning of March, after having our daughter, and will to be adding some more teen friendly items to the shop. I can’t wait to get the ideas I have in my head created and into the shop! Some items to look forward to are Dress Up Bears and Petal Pillows!

After careful thought and consideration Kristina has decided to close Mommy’s Little Helper’s virtual doors. Her products will be missed. Thankfully she has chosen to keep her most popular Mommy’s Little Helper products in Maddie and Me. So you will still be able to buy your favorite items like lip balms and summer soap. Here is a short note from Kristina reguarding her closing.

Yes, Mommy’s Little Helper is getting rather empty. I am planning on closing up shop and transferring some of the most popular items over to Maddie & ME. I have labored over this decision and in the end it is what I have to do for my family and to keep my sanity. Running two shops last year taught me many things and ultimately it taught me that I over extended. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or bulk orders before I close up for good. Thank you and remember that I am still here with the children’s clothing.

–
Kristina Roland
Please visit my blog:

Maddie and Mommy Blog