It's Baaaack! SWAG SWAP WEEK!

Whats up loves! I'm not sure how many of you guys remember but Amy and I Hosted a "Swag Swap Week" back in May. What was swag swap week? Well, the cliff notes version is for one week participating handmade shops were able to trade their loot for other loot in other shops! It was a lot of fun & Amy and I made new bloggie friends from it. Best part? No one was assigned partners, you were able to swap with any of the participating shops!

I really really REALLY wanted to host another swag swap week before the holidays so people could squeeze in some holiday shopping. But being a handmade shop owner I realized it would be too much to try to keep up with inventory in my shop for my holiday customers as well as anyone who wanted to swap with me.

Alternative? Amy and I are going to host an "After Holidays Swag Swap Week". The pros? As a shop owner, you won't be stressed out making sure you meet the holiday deadlines with your customers *and* your swappers. Also? it's a great way to network and make more friends since we encourage everyone who is participating in the swap to blog about their loot!

Can we be real for a second? Who wants to stop giving/getting presents right after the holidays anyway?? And also, it'll give you a chance to nab some swag that you *really* wanted to get for the holidays but didn't get (I guess emailing the links to your hubs of what you wanted, and printing them out,  highlighting them and leaving said print outs on the kitchen table wasn't as big of a hint as you thought it would be…)

Last time Swag Swap Week was only for handmade shop owners. A lot of people who didn't have a handmade biz wanted to know how to get in on the swap, so the lovely Lindsay had a genius idea. Now even if you don't have a handmade shop you too can participate! We are allowing people with popular blogs to swap "ad space" with handmade shop owners in return for their goods. We are encouraging that just people who DO NOT have a handmade biz to swap ad space, we know a lot of handmade biz owners also have popular blogs and do offer ad space as well so we really don't want this to turn into a "Swap-an-ad" week. So please let's leave the ad-space swapping to those with out shops :)

(ok, here is the pseudo sucky part) read ALL the Rules & Regulations below to see if you qualify!

That sounds pretty rad, how do I participate?!
You want in?! STOKED! This makes me squeal like a little school girl. Simply send an email to SwagSwapWeek {at} gmail.com with the subject line "Holiday Swag Swap Week". If you are a handmade shop owner please include your name, a link to your shop and a link to your blog. You may also include any other links such as your facebook and twitter accounts. If you are a popular blog author who wants to swap ad space please send us your name, your blog, and a SCREEN SHOT of your stats. We also need to know the number of followers on your blog, facebook and twitter accounts. Also please include your rates (ex: 1 month of ad space pricing, 3 months of ad space pricing, if it comes with a shop feature blog post and a giveaway etc) and what size buttons you would need from your partner.  Please read rules and regulations below before emailing us, we want everyone to play nice on the Swag Swap Week playground! We want this to be as fun as possible.

Ok, I definitely want in, what rules are there for the Swag Swap Week playground?
First off there is no pushing and shoving on the monkey bars and no jumping off the swings (might break your neck) Ok, I'm getting to the point...I really dig bullet points (what? they're convenient, I know you dig em too!) so here they are in no particular order.

• Swag Swap Week will be going on from Sunday, January 15th 2012 and ending on Saturday, January 21st 2012. We are making it a week long so no one feels pressure to swap right away and it gives owners enough time to get their swappage on. Also we figured this was enough time to replenish your shops with new inventory after the holiday rush.

• You need to register with us by November 30th (you can do so by emailing either Amy or Myself at SwagSwapWeek {at} gmail.com) The registration ends early so I have enough time to create graphics for my blog of all the participating shops/blogs.

• All participating shops and blogs are asked to please blog and spread the news about all the new items they received in the swap. Please also include links to your swappers shop, blog, twitter, facebook and any other places to get in touch with them in your post :)

• Etsy, Big Cartel shop and Blog owners can participate (Sorry guys only U.S. shops and blogs for now)

• If you have an Etsy Shop you must have at least 20 positive ratings and 20 items for sale. (and no we don't mean 20 positive ratings out of 100--we ask this so that we don't have any "bad egg" shops who won't play nice! :) )

• Big Cartel shop owners: since there is no "rating system" on your shop you must supply us a link to your blog that has at least 50 followers. This is the only way we can tell that your items are "A-O-K". You also must have at least 20 items in your shop.

• It is not mandatory but we are highly encouraging shop owners to supply our readers with coupon codes to your shops. This will help gain traffic to your shop if someone not participating in the swap sees this blog post and digs your loot.

• It is also not mandatory to participate in a "swag swap week giveaway" but if anyone is expressing interest in giving away any items or store credit from their shops or if any blog owners want to giveaway ad space, then please let me know and we'll set up a blog post for a group giveaway.

• If you are a blog author you must email us a SCREEN SHOT of your blog stats as well as how many followers you have. Please also include your facebook and twitter following. Only certain blogs will be considered for swapping ads, we want our shop owners to get the best exposure out there. Also include your rates (ex: 1 month of ad space, 3 months of ad space, if it comes with a shop featured blog post and an optional giveaway)

There is a limit to the number of shops/blogs allowed to participate. We will have no more than 10 shops per category:

Art, Jewelry, Accessories, Home Decor, Bags & Purses, Baby & Kids,  and Ad Space

Unsure if your shop fits one of those categories? No worries, here is what we are looking for.

ART: Graphic Design, Fine Art, Photography, Painting, Letterpress, Posters, Stationary, Cards

JEWELRY: Necklaces, earrings, broaches, bracelets, watches & rings. Since this is a popular category we will be putting "hair items" with accessories not jewelry.

ACCESSORIES: Scarves, Hair Accessories, Shoe Clips,  Fashionable Clothing Items, Camera Strap Covers, Key Chains, Belts

HOME DECOR: Pillows, Towels, Linens, Coasters, Gadgets, Kitchen Accessories, 3-D Wall Art, Wreaths

BAGS & PURSES: Clutches, Totes, Wallets, Evening Bags, Camera Bags, Back Packs, Lunch Bags

Baby & Kids: Any of the categories above but geared towards children..although I don't know what baby will need a purse, but hey ya never know.

AD SPACE: Popular Blog Owners can Swap Ad Space with Handmade Shops, If you are a handmade shop owner who also supplies ad space on your blog we ask that you try to just trade your goods-we don't want this to turn into a "Swag swap ad week" haha <3

**if we can not fill up one category with at least 10 shops then we will consider adding more shops to the other categories to even it out**

• We want this to be an even playing field so there will be a screening process of your goods. We also do not want too many "similar" shops. For example: If you sell jewelry and make fabric rosettes and another shop contacts us who makes virtually the same item we will only pick one of the 2 stores to participate to keep it diverse. Sorry guys! We want to have a plethora of items but don't worry we'll do more swap weeks so just try again then :)

• We will periodically post on our blogs the participating shops/blogs for Swag Swap Week. We will keep updating the list when we get more entries. We will also supply you a button to add to your blog so you can let others know your are participating in the Swap. This will help get the word out and help have people out there who are not shop owners to see your stuff and potentially get new sales.

• Right before January 15th we will post a final list of all participating shops. If you are participating in the swap you are NOT ALLOWED to contact the shop/blog owners before hand. You must wait till the week the swap is taking place. We also ask that you supply us with an email address so we can include it on the list. This is how you will be communicating with other stores/blog owners participating in the swap.

• Once January 15th rolls around you are allowed to go shopping around and contacting shop owners/blog owners to work out a barter. THIS IS IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Unfortunately if you really dig someone's shop/blog they might not feel the same way back. Both shop/blog owners must agree to the swap so if someone contacts you and you are not interested in their items/ad space you are not obligated to swap with them. Let's keep things nice though and please tell them gently that at this time you do not need their items/ad space.

• When you find a shop/blog that you want to swap with and you are BOTH in agreement then its up to the 2 of you to come to some sort of agreement. Amy and I ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS TRANSACTION. Whatever is said between you and other swappers stays between you and other swappers. We are not responsible for any items that may get lost or stolen. We are also not responsible for the actions of others participating in this swap. If you run into a problem with you and your swapper you must deal with it with them directly.

• In order to prevent one person from getting more out of the swap than the other we are setting a "difference limit". If the difference of the items in the swap is OVER  $5 then the shop/blog owner who will be eating this cost has THE OPTION to send a bill to the other swapper via paypal to pay the difference. YOU MUST LET THE PERSON KNOW AHEAD OF TIME IF YOU ARE BILLING THEM THE DIFFERENCE. If it is under $5 this action can not be done. You also can NOT charge your swapper for shipping fees (which works out anyway because you are both paying shipping fees for your own items that you are shipping) Please also note we are NOT RESPONSIBLE for whatever transaction happens between you and your swapper. Any problems or questions must be dealt directly with the person you are swapping with.

• The 2 swappers must make an agreement upon when each other should be expecting their goods. Someone like me who prints out graphic prints can get items out sooner than someone who has to make 10 hand bags. So be understanding of one another guys :) Also people who are trading ad space for goods must let their swapper know when their ad will run.

• There is no limit to how many shops/blogs you want to swap with-go crazy and have fun! But please be respectful of other shop owners who do not want to swap back, they might just be getting too many requests and unfortunately can not accept all of them :)
   
• After you are registered we will look over your shop/blog to make sure you meet the criteria. You will hear back from either Amy or I in 5-7 business days after we received your email to let you know if you are a candidate for Swag Swap Week. If you are not chosen it does not mean we don't like your stuff! There might already by a participating shop/blog that has similar items to you or we have already met our quota.

Here are some Benefits!
• We are asking everyone who decides to participate in the swap to blog about the products that they received. This helps to get exposure to your store. Also any bloggers who are giving away ad space we would love for them to please blog about the products they received!

• Great opportunity to test out other store's products before you commit to an ever bigger purchase from them

 • An opportunity to meet other "handmade" folks and grow a network with people.

• The items being swapped don't necessarily have to be for you! You can even swap items that you can see giving away as gifts!

• We will also include on our blogs links to your shop, blog, twitter and facebook accounts--giving you free exposure!


so now, whose in??

Swag Swap Week Participants!

The final word is in! We have a lovely collection of shops for Swag Swap Week!

Swag Swap Week is where for one week participating indie shops get to swap their swag for other swag in participating shops!

I had a lot of people contacting me who were not shop owners but still wanted in on the swag swap week festivities. Now, I don't want grumpy blog readers (grumpy blog readers = a grumpy Leonora. And grumpy Leonora is not as ballin' as quirky Leonora. Grumpy Leonora also goes on unnecessary sugar binges...and sugar binges make me break out like whoa)

So, you wanted it, you got it! The participating shops were kind enough to give you guys (yes YOU) some coupon codes! The codes vary from 10% off, 15% off, 20% off and FREE SHIPPING!

The codes are only valid from May 15th - 21st, but check out some shops now, add them to your book marks, and check back for when the codes are active!

((click the shop banners below to be redirected))

And our lovely shops are:

 

Participating Swag Swappers!

Here are some participating shops for Swag Swap Week! List is updated often, registration ends on April 23rd, for more deets click here.

But here is a cliff notes version:

• For one week (May 15th - 21st) all participating shops have an opportunity to swap their goods for goods in other shops!

• Swappers are encouraged to blog about their swap items (can you say shop exposure?)

• A great way to meet other indie shop owners AND score some free swag! Me personally I'm hoping to bang out all my christmas shopping.

See if you qualify by clicking here!

ART:

Leonora from Yellow Heart Art

Lindsay from Paint Me A Picture
Kori from Paper and Pigtails

BAGS & PURSES:

Alison from Apearantly Sew

Ashley from Ashley Carter Designs

HOME DECOR:

Amy from Come & Knock

ACCESSORIES:

Laura from Lillypie Accessories

This is just a sneak peek! If you're swooning over any of the shop items listed above then come and sign up for a chance to swap with these lovelies!

awww yeaaaah

not a shop owner? no worries! see our current giveaway for some swag of your own here! (ends April 14th!)

A Few of my Favorite Things! (Minus #6, my bad)

 

I'm really crushin' on this grouping of Friday Faves this week! 

1 - Snip Snip Fabric Frame Necklace - by Oh, Sweet Joy!

2 - Gray & Mustard Tote - by Apearantly Sew

3 - Arboretum Picnic Dress - by ModCloth

4 - Darling Harbour Button Down - by Gilly Hicks

5 - Walking in the Rain Gray Poppy Headband - by Much Love Illy

6 - (Wow guys this is embarrassing, I didn't save this grouping on my computer, so ummm, 6 is MIA. Actually there never was a 6 I just got super excited and went from 5 to 7. Hey, it happens...nothing against the #6 I just had a real bad mental brain lapse. Let's move on to some more faves and forget this even happened...)

7 - Large Ivory Sailor Knot Headband - by Marcelacamargo

8 - This is Love, Vintage Kids Necklace - by Oh Hello Friend

9 - Linen & Lace Cuff in Natural - by Peggy Ann Design

Ok so with the exception that I apparently missed some vital sesame street episodes as a kid in regards to how to count to 10 I still think this grouping is pretty baller. The Oh, Sweet Joy! necklace is perfect gift for a seamstress or even a hairdresser, and the best part is you can run around while sporting this necklace and not have to worry about the scissors poking your eye out (take that mom!). The Mustard and Gray tote would be perfect for schlepping around some of your picnic goodies while sporting that wicked gorgeous ModCloth dress and the Much Love Illy head band. I have a soft place in my heart for anything nautical (which is odd because I get sea sick like whoa) so I have to say sayonara to any boat outings but I can still say "why helloooOoO" to that super awesome Sailor knot head band, the Gilly Hicks red and white button down as well as that navy blue and red cuff by Peggy Ann Designs (side note: the designers name is actually Hannah--I know she fooled me too)

Happy Friday! Oh, and HELLO WEEKEND! (I missed you, did you miss me? Yeah, thought so too)

oh hey! are you an indie shop ownah? Check out swag swap week! It's pretty neat, swap your swag for otha swag, deets here!

Come and Knock with some Joy

So as some of you may or may not know I went full throttle into the handmade biz in January of this year. Little did I know opening up my own little corner of art on Etsy would be so rewarding.

I had no idea that when I opened up Yellow Heart Art I would meet such incredible other lovelies who were also indie biz owners. To me Yellow Heart Art was a way for me to finally be creative and sell things from the heart. Yeah I work full time as a graphic designer but its all corporate designs and layouts (they don't let me use mustard yellow you guys, I know its sucha tragedy)

The network of people I have met is mind blowing. I have been swapping my prints for some of Alison's clutches. Lindsay sent me a painting of a wicked awesome camera. My entire paycheck basically goes to Kim and Amy was one of my first sales from my shop. Little did I know Amy's purchase would be more than just a "print and ship" deal. Amy and I chat regularly and I really truly do consider her as one of my genuine friends.

Amy & Kim are so baller that they even created some swag in their shops (really awesome shops by the way) that were Yellow Heart Art inspired (I know guys, total swoon worthy right there) Amy's shop on Etsy started out as fun wreaths and quickly warped into more than just home decor. She took the style of her wreaths and turned it into wearable art (I know my mind is blown too) This little lovely will be in my home ASAP (ya know, when I actually GET a home. Don't judge me guys I live in NY where everything is so stinkin expensive. I should move somewhere more awesome like paris. OooOO Paris…)

Yellow Heart Wreath by Come and Knock

True Story (And I'm not just saying this cause Kim and I are tighter than Kim Kardashian's pants on her butt) but I'm constantly browsing over Kim's shop and trying everything in my will power to not go all postal and add everything to my lil virtual cart. This epic creation will be wrapped around my Starbucks Caramel Frapuccinos (hold the whip) STAT.

Wear Your Heart (on your coffee cuff) By Oh, Sweet Joy!

are ya'll swooning yet? If not I now commence SWOONAGE.

psstt--didja hear bout swag swap week?

Indie Biz Owners LISTEN UP!

Attention Indie Shop Owners!

Yellow Heart Art wants to host an "Indie Biz Swag Swap Week" with co-host Amy from Buggie and Jellybean and Come and Knock.

((CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME PARTICIPATING SHOPS! WOWZAS!))

The 2 of us are indie shop owners and we definitely appreciate all things handmade. Some of the stuff I see out there on Etsy and Big Cartel just blows my little mind (It's little because I don't utilize the left side of my brain at all, my creativity is hogging all my brain power…and I'm ok with this)

I see so many shops out there that I want to go all "CLICK ADD TO CART!" postal on but unfortunately my wallet (and that little inner voice) tends to stop me. This is a huge let down every single time.

So Amy and I decided to host a "Swag Swap Week"

So hey, what exactly is Swag Swap Week?
Swag Swap Week is where for one week all participating indie businesses have an opportunity to barter with other shops on Etsy and Big Cartel and swap their items for items in other participating shops. Mine and Amy's shops are 2 stores that are participating in this swap! I have already participated in some swag swapping with Alison from Apearantly Sew. I give her some stellar prints, she gives me some faboosh clutches, and we go gallivanting all over town showing off our new swag. It's a win win for everyone.

That sounds pretty rad, how do I participate?!
You want in?! STOKED! This makes me squeal like a little school girl. Simply send an email to SwagSwapWeek {at} gmail.com with the subject line "Swag Swap Week". Include your name, a link to your shop and a link to your blog. Please read rules and regulations below before emailing us, we want everyone to play nice on the Swag Swap Week playground! We want this to be as fun as possible.

Ok, I definitely want in, what rules are there for the Swag Swap Week playground?
First off there is no pushing and shoving on the monkey bars and no jumping off the swings (might break your neck) Ok, I'm getting to the point...I really dig bullet points (what? they're convenient, I know you dig em too!) so here they are in no particular order.

• Swag Swap Week will be going on from Sunday, May 15th and ending on Saturday, May 21st. We are making it a week long so no one feels pressure to swap right away and it gives owners enough time to get their swappage on.

• You need to register with us by April 23rd (you can do so by emailing either Amy or Myself at SwagSwapWeek {at} gmail.com)

• Etsy & Big Cartel shop owners can participate only (Sorry guys only U.S. shops for now)

• If you have an Etsy Shop you must have at least 10 positive ratings and 20 items for sale. (and no we don't mean 10 positive ratings out of 100)

• Big Cartel shop owners: since there is no "rating system" on your shop you must supply us a link to your blog that has at least 50 followers. This is the only way we can tell that your items are "A-O-K". You also must have at least 20 items in your shop.

• There is a limit to the number of shops allowed to participate. We will have no more than 10 shops per category: Art, Jewelry, Home Decor, Bags & Purses & Accessories.


Unsure if your shop fits one of those categories? No worries, here is what we are looking for.
    ART: Graphic Design, Fine Art, Photography, Painting, Letterpress, Posters, Stationary
    JEWELRY: Necklaces, earrings, broaches, bracelets, watches & rings. Since this is a popular category we will be putting "hair items" with accessories not jewelry.
ACCESSORIES: Scarves, Hair Accessories, Shoe Clips,  Fashionable Clothing Items, Camera Strap Covers, Key Chains, Belts
    HOME DECOR: Pillows, Towels, Linens, Coasters, Gadgets, Kitchen Accessories, 3-D Wall Art
    BAGS & PURSES: Clutches, Totes, Wallets, Evening Bags, Camera Bags, Back Packs, Lunch Bags

**if we can not fill up one category with at least 10 shops then we will consider adding more shops to the other categories to even it out**

• We want this to be an even playing field so there will be a screening process of your goods. We also do not want too many "similar" shops. For example: If you sell jewelry and make fabric rosettes and another shop contacts us who makes virtually the same item we will only pick one of the 2 stores to participate to keep it diverse. Sorry guys! We want to have a plethora of items but don't worry we'll do more swap weeks so just try again then :)

• We will periodically post on our blogs the participating shops for Swag Swap Week. We will keep updating the list when we get more entries. We will also supply you a button to add to your blog so you can let others know your are participating in the Swap. This will help get the word out and help have people out there who are not shop owners to see your stuff and potentially get new sales.

• Right before May 15th we will post a final list of all participating shops. If you are participating in the swap you are NOT ALLOWED to contact the shop owners before hand. You must wait till the week the swap is taking place. We also ask that you supply us with an email address so we can include it on the list. This is how you will be communicating with other stores participating in the swap.

• Once May 15th rolls around you are allowed to go shopping around and contacting shop owners to work out a barter. THIS IS IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Unfortunately if you really dig someone's shop they might not feel the same way back. Both shop owners must agree to the swap so if someone contacts you and you are not interested in their items you are not obligated to swap with them. Let's keep things nice though and please tell them gently that at this time you do not need their items.

• When you find a shop that you want to swap with and you are BOTH in agreement then its up to the 2 of you to come to some sort of agreement. Amy and I ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS TRANSACTION. Whatever is said between you and other swappers stays between you and other swappers. We are not responsible for any items that may get lost or stolen. We are also not responsible for the actions of others participating in this swap. If you run into a problem with you and your swapper you must deal with it with them directly.

• In order to prevent one person from getting more out of the swap than the other we are setting a "difference limit". If the difference of the items in the swap is OVER  $5 then the shop owner who will be eating this cost has THE OPTION to send a bill to the other swapper via paypal to pay the difference. YOU MUST LET THE PERSON KNOW AHEAD OF TIME IF YOU ARE BILLING THEM THE DIFFERENCE. If it is under $5 this action can not be done. You also can NOT charge your swapper for shipping fees (which works out anyway because you are both paying shipping fees for your own items that you are shipping) Please also note we are NOT RESPONSIBLE for whatever transaction happens between you and your swapper. Any problems or questions must be dealt directly with the person you are swapping with.

• The 2 swappers must make an agreement upon when each other should be expecting their goods. Someone like me who prints out graphic prints can get items out sooner than someone who has to make 10 hand bags. So be understanding of one another guys :)

• There is no limit to how many shops you want to swap with-go crazy and have fun! But please be respectful of other shop owners who do not want to swap back, they might just be getting too many requests and unfortunately can not accept all of them :)
   
• After you are registered we will look over your shop to make sure you meet the criteria. You will hear back from either Amy or I in 5-7 business days after we received your email to let you know if you are a candidate for Swag Swap Week. If you are not chosen it does not mean we don't like your stuff! There might already by a participating shop that has similar items to you.

Here are some Benefits!

• It is not mandatory but we are asking everyone who decides to participate in the swap to blog about the products that they recieved in the swap. This helps to get exposure to your store.

• Great opportunity to test out other store's products before you commit to an ever bigger purchase from them

 • An opportunity to meet other "handmade" folks and grow a network with people.

• The items being swapped don't necessarily have to be for you! You can even swap items that you can see given away as gifts (Mother's day IS around the corner guys...so is my birthday, so I mean I wouldn't hate it if you guys got a lil swappage action goin on for me ;) )

so now, whose in??