A Big Ole Brain Dump (for anyone who cares to read it!)

We love the Indiana State Fair (and elephant ears)
almost as much as we love crocheting!

When Andrea and I started this thing called MotherDaughter Creations nearly 3 1/2 years ago, we didn't really have a plan. Well, ok, we sort of had a plan: let's make cute baby things, sell them on Etsy, make some serious extra cash (college bills!), and give 10 percent of our proceeds to HOPE61. We did make baby things--some incredibly cute, some just so-so--and we sold some on Etsy, but as for the serious extra cash, well, let's just say college bills are still rolling in, even though we no longer have any college students in the family! We even dabbled in a little pattern designing. But, the most important part was the fact that it was a team effort and we enjoyed coming up with new ideas, trying different patterns out, and finding amazing pattern designers online, in addition to giving to HOPE61. 


But in the last several months, we've let things dwindle down in the Etsy shop (it's still open, just no new products recently), and we've been completely quiet on Facebook. I've been working hard to finish a personal project (can't tell what it is in case the person it's for happens to read this!), and we've been working like crazy in recent weeks, gearing up for a couple of craft fairs we're doing this fall. Basically, I think we may have gone through some crochet burnout. Crazy, I know. 

Made this fun apple basket in a crochet
challenge sponsored by The Crochet Crowd.
The challenge is closed now, but be sure
to check them out ... they're
always doing something fun!

So. During these past few months, we've talked off and on about what to do with MDC. If you crochet or knit for fun, if you sell your creations, if you design patterns, if you create beautiful handspun yarn, if you just try to stay current with the online community of knitters and crocheters, then you know what we know ... the premium that we all pay is time! And I have been trying to work through just how do I want to spend my extra time. Andrea and I both work full-time jobs, so MDC is a second job for both of us, but we don't want it to be a burden; we want it to continue to be fun!

And here's what we envision. We would love to expand MotherDaughter Creations to become more of a community rather than just an Etsy shop and a Facebook page and a couple of patterns on Ravelry and Craftsy. Yes, we'll keep those things going ... might even get motivated to add something new once in a while! But mostly, we love all of the sharing that we've seen lately: free patterns, give-aways, encouraging words. Rather than spinning our wheels trying to come up with new ideas, we want to promote others and encourage others, and possibly even get off-topic here on the blog sometimes, sharing whatever might be tumbling around in our minds. We want to share ideas and opportunities and projects. We want to not feel the pressure of trying to run a business, rather, we just want to be encouragers.

I know, I know. Facebook and blogs in all corners of cyberspace have filled up with just such communities. And maybe we've hit a saturation point. But maybe we haven't. Maybe someone needs an encouraging word today, needs to show off their first crochet project, needs to ask a question about what directions in a pattern mean. And maybe, just maybe, this is the first time they've come across the opportunity to ask or to share. 

Another basket for the crochet
challenge. We do love the Colts
around our house!

Okay, this has now become one of those blog posts that I often look at and say, "Uh, toooo long! No time to read it!" But if you've stayed with me this far, I have a fun little announcement to kick off this new community. (Btw, we may talk about a slight name change. Maybe.) We have a grand whopping total of three crochet patterns on Ravelry and Craftsy. One is a freebie, and two are for sale. You, dear reader, are lucky enough to be the first to learn we are slashing the prices on the two "for sale" patterns. And by slashing, I mean offering them for free from here on out. They aren't doing anyone any good if they aren't being used! We'll do something fun (though probably not free!) in the Etsy shop, but that will have to wait, because right now, I'm getting ready to head to Haiti for a week, and Andrea has a big move coming, along with a week at a conference.

Please feel free to share your thoughts here or on our Facebook post. And watch for lots of fun things coming on the FB page; we'll be sharing, sharing, sharing!

Counting Our Blessings!

We're truly thankful for all who support us and encourage us. To show our thanks, we're offering 20% off in our Etsy shop now through Dec. 2. Just use coupon code THANKYOU20 at check out to get your discount!

For our crocheting friends, our patterns in Ravelry and Craftsy are 50% off now through Dec. 2! You don't need a coupon code for these.  And our fingerless glove pattern is free as always! 

Thanks so much to you all!

2nd anniversary celebration is up and running!

Yes, we've had some delays, but here we are...celebrating at last! We promised more details, and here they are...

What: A celebration (a wee bit belated) of our 2nd anniversary of business as MotherDaughter Creations

Why: Because we are so very thankful for all of the support and encouragement that so many have given us over the past two years!

When: August 2-9

All the good stuff: 

1. First of all, the coupon code in our Etsy shop is up and running. Use coupon code 2ANNIVERSARY at check out and you'll get 30% off your order!

2. Our patterns on Ravelry and Craftsy are both 50% off! Yes, you read that correctly...50%! And you don't need a coupon code. :)

3. We have relisted some of our favorites that we had, quite frankly, just been too busy to think about relisting. In addition, we have two brand new items, with one more coming on Saturday, August 3. And this leads us directly to #3, because...

3. We have a special offer for you that we have never done before! One of the new items in our Etsy shop is adorable baby booties. This weekend only, August 2-4, when you buy a pair of the booties (take note of item #1 here ;), you'll get a matching beanie, with a handmade wood button, absolutely free! You don't have to ask for it; it will just appear with your order!

4. And finally, we're giving away two hats, one 0-3 months and one 3-6 months. These are not going to be offered for sale in the shop. So you should try for one while they're around! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2nd Anniversary Celebration ... a little belated!

Due to unforeseen circumstances last month (i.e. life happens!), we had to postpone the celebration for our 2nd anniversary. At last, we've rescheduled and want to let you know what's coming up. 

Dates: August 2-9

Details: 

1. We're going to have a big 'ol sale in our Etsy shop and on the two patterns we have listed on Ravelry and Craftsy. The Etsy sale will be in the form of a coupon code that we'll post next Friday evening. The Ravelry and Craftsy sales won't need a coupon code.

2. We're going to release a few new items. (That number is vague because it depends on how busy this upcoming week is!) 

3. We're going to have a special offer on Etsy with one of our new releases that will be available ONLY next weekend. (Hint: Does the acronym BOGO make you happy??)

4. We're giving away two hats, one 0-3 months and one 3-6 months. (Don't miss them...they're not going to be offered for sale in the shop. And they're fun!) Sneak peek, anyone? 

This 3-6 month size baby hat will go to one lucky winner of our 2nd anniversary celebration give away!

Details will come later in the week about how to enter the give away. Be sure to check back!

Let's give a pattern away!

Giveaway is closed!

That's right, friends, we finally have our new baby sun visor pattern ready and up for sale (4 sizes included) on Etsy, Craftsy and Ravelry! 

Photo by Cindy White Photography

We first published this pattern on Craftsy last year as a free download with only the 0-3 month size. It was so popular--more than 350 have now been downloaded!--that we decided to expand the number of sizes available and publish it as a full pattern. We have it listed for a special intro price on all three sites mentioned, but this week, you have a chance to get it for an even better price...free! Yep, we're going to give a copy of this pattern away to 4 lucky winners! You know we like to keep things simple around here, so here's what you do to enter:

1. Comment on this blog post with how you'll use the pattern if you win it.

2. That's all!!

Photo by Joyce Pinto Photographie

We would, of course, love it if  you would share this post with your friends. :) 

Contest will run now through Friday evening, May 17, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. We'll select the 4 winners via random.com.

1500 Likes on Facebook!

Thanks to three shops that allowed us to be vendors in their giveaways, we just hit 1,500 fans on our Facebook page today! First of all, a huge thank you to Boomer Beanies, Carmen's Crocheted Creations and Heavenly Crochet Photo Props for including us! The Boomer Beanies giveaway has closed, but the other two are still going on, so head on over and check them out before it's too late. 

Now. We are thrilled to have so many new friends, so we're giving two $15 credits to our Etsy shop! Yep, you read that correctly...two people will win a $15 credit to go shopping at MotherDaughter Creations! How to enter? Easy peasy! Just comment on this blog post with how you came across MotherDaughter Creations. Yes, really. That's all there is to it. :) No sharing, no liking, just a quick and easy way for us to say thanks!

Need a little incentive? Here are just a goodies we currently have available in the shop...

Women's slouchy beanie--OOAK

Baby cowboy hat and boots--various sizes available

Newborn owl critter cape set--photo by www.storybookphotographybyshelly.com

OK, here are the nitty gritty details for those who are, indeed, detail people. In 24 hours, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time Friday evening, we'll use random.org to pick two people from all who comment.on this blog post. We'll post those two winners here, on the blog, and they will need to email us. They will each have a $15 credit to spend in our shop. The credit must be used by October 15.

Ready, set, comment!

Celebration, anyone??

On Tuesday, August 28, a member of the MotherDaughter household will celebrate a birthday...a rather significant birthday, in fact! And what's a birthday without a celebration and presents? We're so thankful for all of our friends and fans, and I, the soon-to-be birthday girl (Lori), am so very blessed in my life with a wonderful family, great friends, a day-time job I enjoy, and a little on-the-side business that allows a bit of creativity to emerge...so let's celebrate!

First, we're giving you an opportunity for some great deals in our Etsy shop. We'll mark many of our OOAK items 25% off beginning Monday evening, and that sale will last through Labor Day, the following Monday. 

Second, on Tuesday only (well, we're going to actually make it Monday evening through Wednesday morning jut to hit all the time zones), with any purchase from our Etsy shop, we'll include a FREE cotton beanie! Yes...a free beanie, because it's my birthday and I want to! You can pick whether it's for a boy, for a girl or Christmasy, and you can pick any size from newborn up to 12 months. Beyond that, we get to do the choosing! :)

Third, we regularly give a percentage of our sales to HOPE61, a ministry of One Mission Society, that  is dedicated to promoting awareness of human trafficking and bringing relief to those affected by it. During the birthday celebration (Monday evening through Wednesday morning), for any purchase that you make, up to $50, we'll give a flat $5 to HOPE61. For sales over $50, we'll give 15% of the purchase price rather than our normal 10%. 

Please plan to join us for the celebration...great deals will abound and lots of giving will be happening!

And the winner is...

When we made plans for our give away, we offered the opportunity for each person to gain an extra entry by sharing the give away on her Facebook page. But here’s what we didn’t anticipate…we had fewer people enter than we had prizes! So we just entered everyone’s name in the drawing, doubled up some of the prizes (the patterns and the dishcloths) and everyone’s a winner! Important information for each winner---you are responsible for contacting the vendor from whom you won a prize. I have sent them your names, but you must contact them to make arrangements for receiving your prize.

And here are the winners (as determined on www.random.org):

1 pattern from Busy Mom Designs:

Sherri

2 patterns from Busy Mom Designs:

Jennifer Luhman Ryan

2 patterns from Speckled Frog Crochet:

Jennifer Kessie DeLury

2 patterns from Speckled Frog Crochet:

Kim Dell'Aquila

1 skein of handspun yarn from Lolaz Thyngs:

Sue Anderson

4 hand-sewn baby burp cloths from Graceful Baby Boutique:

Julie

1 hand-crafted necklace from Jillian Raye Designs:

Tiffany

1 upcycled newborn hat from MotherDaughter Creations:

Brittany Ressler

1 newborn beanie (purple) from MotherDaughter Creations:

Teara Watson

1 daisy cloche from MotherDaughter Creations:

Denise McGeary Elliott

1 teddy bear hat from MotherDaughter Creations:

Brook Grayson Jones

1 party hat from MotherDaughter Creations:

Jennifer Kessie DeLury

1 pumpkin beanie from MotherDaughter Creations:

Shelly Dibble

1 brown baby beanie from MotherDaughter Creations:

Terry Webber

2 dishcloths from MotherDaughter Creations:

SweetyHeart Photography

2 dishcloths from MotherDaughter Creations:

Mary Poland Fukuhara

2 dishcloths from MotherDaughter Creations:

Jessica Hollopeter

$20 credit in our Etsy shop from MotherDaughter Creations:

Niicole Luhman

Congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you for participating!

It's time to celebrate!

We are so excited to be celebrating our 1-year anniversary on Etsy this week! We're very grateful to all who have supported, purchased, encouraged...thanks to each and every one! But what's an anniversary without a celebration! So let's get right down to it...here are details:

1. Give away begins Sunday, July 8, and runs through Sunday, July 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern.

2. To enter, you must like our Facebook page. You must also like the Facebook pages of the vendors who are giving away prizes. (A thank you to each one on their Facebook pages would be lovely as well, though it's not necessary to enter the give away.)

3. After liking the Facebook pages, come back to this post and comment that you have done so.

4. Want an extra entry? Share our contest on your personal or business Facebook page, come back and comment separately that you have shared the contest (link to this page) and you'll get your name in again (only one extra entry). 

5. Wait patiently after July 15 to see if you've won! Please give us several days after the contest closes to get the winners all figured out. :)
6. Don't forget the other celebration fun! Get 30% off in our Etsy shop through Thursday with coupon code ETSY1YEAR. We've added several new items, included our brand new upcycled section! The coupon code is good on everything in the shop.
7. Summer clearance sale coming later this evening to Facebook! Everything at least 50% off regular price.

And without further ado, here are the prizes and the AMAZING vendors who are generously sharing in the give away for our celebration:

Busy Mom Designs

Three people will each win one pattern of their choice!

Speckled Frog Crochet

Four people will each win one pattern of their choice!

 

Lolaz Thyngz

One person will win a skein of handspun yarn...a $20 value!

Graceful Baby Boutique

One person will win a set of four hand-sewn baby burp cloths!

Jillian Raye Designs

One person will win a hand-crafted necklace (for the grown-ups!).

MotherDaughter Creations

We're giving away one each of the following pictured items:

Upcycled newborn hat

Newborn beanie

Daisy cloche (pattern by Busy Mom Designs!)--size 1-3 years

Teddy bear hat (pattern by Speckled Frog Crochet!)--size 3-6 months

Party hat--one size fits many

Our new pumpkin beanie (pattern by Busy Mom Designs!)

Our most popular...the brown baby beanie! (newborn size)
(photo by Jenny Modisett Photography)

Six dishcloths...Six winners!

And last, but certainly not least, one person will win...

Thanks for celebrating with us!

The plans are coming together, and we want to share some specifics with you! You'll want to be ready for the anniversary fun! Here's how we're going to celebrate:

**The give away! It will begin on Sunday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. and run through Sunday, July 15, 8:00 p.m. MotherDaughter Creations will be giving away a variety of goodies, plus we have five other vendors who have graciously agreed to participate! We'll have patterns from Busy Mom Designs and Speckled Frog Crochet, credit for yarn from Lolaz Thyngz, burp cloths from Graceful Baby Boutique, and a necklace from Jillian Raye Designs. Whew! It's going to be good!

**30% off in our Etsy shop for four days! We'll give you the coupon code on Sunday.

**We're adding new items (think autumn!) to the shop in time for you to use the 30% coupon code!

** We're adding our brand new upcycled section to the shop this weekend!

**Giant summer clearance sale for Facebook friends...more than 40 items, and everything at least 50% off!

Is anyone looking forward to it yet? Be sure to let your friends know about the fun!

We're getting so excited about celebrating our anniversary with all of our wonderful friends! We invited a few vendors to participate, and you're going to love what they're offering in the give away. Right now, here's a sneak peek at some things we're going to give away. Later this week, we'll post details about all of the fun that begins on July 8!

These two hats that we're giving away, the pumpkin beanie and the party hat, are going to be new listings in our Etsy shop in conjunction with our anniversary. 

And for a little something different...something we haven't offered in our shop, but might consider...we have six crocheted dish cloths to give to six lucky winners!

Check back later this week for more details!

Welcome to our new MotherDaughter Creations blog! It's hard to believe that Andrea and I are coming up on the 1-year anniversary of being in business. When we began MDC, we opened our Etsy shop and started our Facebook page. We didn't really know where we wanted to go from there, other than we love to create and wanted to share those creations! We also made the decision to support HOPE61, a ministry of One Mission Society with a percentage of our profits.

Now, one year later, we have loved every minute of it, but we're always thinking about new things can we try, what do our friends and fans want to see, how can we better serve our customers. The first thing we've decided to do is this blog. We are doing it for several reasons: 

1. We want to share a variety of things...other creators; awesome photographers; amazing yarn vendors; and various ideas, tips, and websites that we've run across over the past year, just to name a few.
2. We are planning a give away to celebrate our 1-year anniversary, and we want to do our best to honor Facebook rules. We felt like the best way to do that is to use the blog to run the give away (and any future ones!). 
3. Honestly, as hard as it may be for some people to believe, not everyone is on Facebook. :) Hopefully, with the blog, we can reach some folks who haven't found us yet simply because they're not Facebook-ites.

What else can you expect from MDC in the days to come? In conjunction with our anniversary and the give away, we are also going to have a huge summer clearance sale! We have quite a few items that we've made as samples or were just playing around with and we need them gone so we have room for more new things!

We're also going to venture into the area of selling patterns. Our creations vary...some are made from patterns that we've purchased (love them all and will share those sellers with you later!), but we've also done some original designs. We've been asked about selling them, and this seems like the time to do it. We'll be looking for testers! ;)

Last thing, for now, is that we're planning (also to celebrate our anniversary!) to add a new section to our Etsy shop: Upcycled! That will definitely be a work in progress.

The anniversary celebration begins on July 8 and will last that entire week. Watch for more information, coming soon to Facebook and this very blog!