Sunday, February 8, 2015

Hello blog readers!
 
Yes, I'm still here :) but have been busy painting and creating new products!
 
Please keep in touch by visiting my facebook page here & follow me on instagram here!
 
I'm posting there more often these days but I promise the blog will be back!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Jill and Jack Kids - Portraits of Home Made - October 2014



Welcome to the October edition of Portraits of Home Made! I met this month's entrepreneur at the recent Etsy: Made in Canada show and knew right away that she would be a perfect fit!

Once your baby enters the world, he or she will be introduced to gender stereotypes in the most subtle way, through the sleepers they wear and swaddling blankets they are wrapped in where pink and blue still dominate! Whether it is in the clothes they wear or the toys they play with - did you ever wonder why EVERYTHING for girls has to be pink or why there isn't a cool dollhouse out there for boys to play with? 

This is an important and hot topic among parents and there is so much to discuss, more than I could even put into this introduction. But there have been some great additions to the world of toys and clothing that do not play into gender stereotypes which we should celebrate as a step in the right direction. 

This month's Portrait of Home Made feature is working to make a difference and offer a welcome alternative within the sea of pink and blue that dominates the closets of our little ones. I am proud to introduce you to Jenn Neilson of Jill and Jack Kids!



Jenn Neilson is the founder of Jill and Jack Kids, a new social enterprise focused on helping kids and families to overcome gender stereotypes by making kids' clothes that go beyond pink and blue. She lives in Toronto and has an 18 month old daughter. 

Jill and Jack Kids clothing promotes gender equality and helps to prevent bullying by eliminating harmful gender stereotypes. Their designs encourage a variety of interests including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), nature and the outdoors. The shirts are made in Canada and free from harmful chemicals so safe for your family and easy on your conscience! 




Q: In 3 words, describe your business.

A: Fighting gender stereotypes.


Q: Did you start your business before or after becoming a Mom? 

A: The inspiration for Jill and Jack Kids came from the frustration that I felt when I was pregnant and shopping for baby clothes. I couldn't believe how extreme the options were - blue, sports and trucks for boys; frills and sparkles for girls; or boring pale yellow or pale green for those who, like me, didn't know whether they were having a boy or a girl. 

I really wasn't expecting to find gender stereotypes being introduced so early, before kids are even old enough to have developed interests of their own. This was also around the time of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, so it was really important to me that our clothing be produced ethically, and I am so proud that our beyond the pink and blue designs are made in Canada. 

The other challenge that I was keen on addressing is the problem of sizing, so I went back to the drawing board and designed the fit of our shirts from scratch based on the measurements of actual kids!



Q: Mixing business and motherhood can be a balancing act! What is your approach to making it through the day accomplishing growth in your business alongside nurturing your little one?

A: This is an ongoing challenge for me, as I'm sure it is for all parents who run small businesses. It's only possible because I have a supportive spouse, and because of fantastic partnerships with other small businesses who are interested in cross-promotion. As we grow I hope to partner with more groups, and focus on business activities like school fundraisers that offer a real benefit to everyone. Making sure that I get enough sleep (even though sometimes it feels that it's more important to get just a few more things done) is also essential to staying grounded and focused. 



Q: What do you consider the biggest perk to having your business at home? What is the biggest challenge?

A: The two biggest perks are getting to have lunch with my family, and getting two extra hours a day to spend with them or work on the business because I'm not commuting. 


Q: What is your favourite social media platform to share and connect with your customers and why?

A: So far Facebook and Twitter have been great for us, but I'm interested in spending more time on Pinterest, and Triberr, and curious to see what happens with the new social network called Ello.



Q: If you were able to add another element/extension to your business, what would it be?

A: I would love to offer a bigger range of sizes, as well as more designs and styles, but since that would require stocking more inventory, it's not really an option right now. 



Q: Please name an inspirational artisan you would like to collaborate with on a product/project if anything was possible!

A: I love Elise Gravel's books and illustrations!



Q: If you had an unexpected afternoon of free time, how would you spend it?

A: I would probably take a hot bath, or call my grandmother! She is a big supporter of Jill and Jack Kids!



Q: Is there a creative skill you wish you had?

A: I wish I knew how to screen print, and had the space and money to do my own screen printing at home. 




Quick 3:


1. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

2. Music, Movies or Podcasts while you work?

Music

3. Name a book that has inspired/informed your business?

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries



What's new with Jill and Jack Kids?

We have just released 2 brand new tees in time for the holidays! Our first long sleeved kids' tee with a fractal snowflake design, and a standard adult crew neck version of our T Rex shirt in black with white that we're sure Dads will love!  



Thank you Jenn for sharing a glimpse into Jill and Jack Kids and congratulations on your successfully funded Kickstarter campaign! If you are passionate about this topic, check out this great article written by Jenn and this article to learn more about Jill and Jack Kids. Keep in touch with her online:




If you are looking for Fundraising ideas for your child's school - consider working with Jill and Jack Kids to help fight gender stereotypes with these cool t-shirts! Find out about their Fundraising program here!

Thanks again to all the creative, entrepreneurial Moms that I get to feature through the blog and to all the readers! Stay tuned for the next month's Portrait and don't forget to sign up to follow the blog by email  - just enter your email address in the follow by email box at the top right of the page.

Are you or someone you know a work from home Mom creating an amazing product or offering an awesome service? I want to meet you - contact me and you just might be featured! wendy [at] tinybrushstrokes [dot] ca





Monday, October 6, 2014

Etsy: Made in Canada


A much overdue post and recap of the recent Etsy: Made in Canada show from a couple weekends ago! I was happy to be chosen as one of the vendors to sell at the Toronto show held in the MaRS building and to see the line that formed outside before the doors officially opened! 

Overall the show was well organized, attended and enjoyed by both vendors and customers alike from all the feedback I experienced and later saw through social media. I think I am not alone in saying that another Etsy show in Toronto next year would be quite welcome! 


I only had time at the beginning of the show once I set up to snap some pics of my table set up - the rest of the day was non-stop traffic - busy with Etsy-loving shoppers!! 


My set up is always a work in progress...but I think I'm getting close!



I was set up in a room surrounded by large windows which made it nice and bright!




Was super happy to see one of my newest items so well loved by the shoppers! My Tiny Treat Bags were a hit - here is a look at the stock at the beginning of the show. I should have taken a shot at the end of the show of the remaining few :) Just wait for the Holiday collection...



A perfect fit with this cute little creature!

Thanks to all who came by to see me that day - and if you were lucky enough to receive one of the swag bags, enjoy the nostalgic pin and shipping offer in my Etsy shop :)



Thursday, August 21, 2014

Mushybooks - August 2014 - Portraits of Home Made


Welcome to the 15th Portraits of Home Made feature - Thank you for following along each month to meet and celebrate creative, entrepreneurial Canadian Moms!

This month I am happy to share with you another social media-inspired Portraits of Home Made feature. I came across this creative Mom's modern take on memory keeping that is as stylish as any newborns wardrobe through Instagram and knew that she would be a perfect feature. 

So Stop the spread of ugly baby books! & meet Lesley and her creative business, Mushybooks. Oh and if you are currently expecting a little one of your own, I'm certain you will want to add a Mushybook to your Things For Baby Mom shopping list! Enjoy!


Lesley Hobbs is the owner of Mushybooks, a collection of modern baby books. Mushybooks designs modern baby books with today's parents in mind. A perfect mix of style and cuteness, Mushybooks are the perfect way to record your awesome baby's first year. Lesley is Mom to 6 year old Georgia, 4 year old Walker and 3 year old Mack and she lives in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Hi Lesley!


Q: In 3 words, describe your business.

A: Simple, modern, cute.


Q:Did you start your business before or after becoming a Mom? If after, did having children inspire the birth of your business?

A:After and Absolutely! I had 3 kids in 3 years and had 3 ugly baby books. I couldn't believe how cheesy and (dare I say) tacky they were. One day it hit me, that there weren't many options out there and that I could fill a need in the market. 

Lesley & her family

Q: Mixing business & motherhood can be a balancing act! What is your approach to making it through the day accomplishing growth in your business alongside nurturing your little ones?

A: Wow - this is a constant struggle. I'm learning to take advantage of quiet moments during the day or leave work until bedtime. There are days where I get lots done and days when I get nothing done. My kids dictate how much time I can spend on Mushybooks. I think it's a constant juggle that can sometimes be challenging but when I get flustered, I try to remind myself that the kids needs come first. 


Q:What do you consider to be the biggest perk to having your business at home? What is the biggest challenge?

A:The biggest perk is having the privilege to stay home with my kids. I never imagined that I would be a stay-at-home Mom but now that I'm doing it, I wouldn't want it any other way. The biggest challenge is managing my time online. I'm drawn to social media and LOVE the connection it gives me to adults but it can be addicting. I'll be the first one to admit that I should put my phone away more. 


Lesley's personalized home office


Q:What is your favourite social media platform to share and connect with your customers and why?

A: Instagram is my favourite because I'm very visual and I love photography. I am constantly inspired by other businesses and Moms who share their lives with the world. From a business perspective, I think that my target audience uses Instagram and when Moms find a product they love, its easy to share. 


The Dreamcatcher baby book features hand drawn feather, arrows, and geometric goodness 
in a palette of black + white illustrated by Toronto artist Brenny Giovis of Paperfelt.

Q: If you were able to add another element/extension to your business, what would it be?

A:I'm fairly new (launched January 2014) but I can see pregnancy journals, school years books, toddler pages etc. all being in my shop. I'd also like to design free printables for baby showers and nurseries that people can download from my website

Simple and beautiful baby book cover

A peek at a 3-6 months page inside

Q: Please name an inspirational artisan you would like to collaborate with on a product/project if anything was possible!

A:Hmm, there are so many! I'd love to connect with newborn photographers to create album/baby books that are custom for their business and customers. They would include prints from their photo shoot and baby book pages. 

An easy chart to fill in as baby grows

A page from the Cosmic Love baby book

Q: If you had an unexpected afternoon of free time, how would you spend it?

A:This NEVER happens and I'm not sure I'd be able to relax but I'd love to go out for lunch and go get a massage. 

Cover of the Wild Child baby book

Natural colour scheme and cute characters are perfectly gender neutral

Q: Is there a creative skill you wish you had?

A: I'm obsessed with photography and would love to improve this skill. 

Cover of the cute Little Miss baby book 

Quick 3:

1. Coffee or tea?

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

2. Music, Movies or Podcasts while you work?

Silence. 

3. Name a book that has inspired/informed your business?

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. This was a game changer for me and helped me push through the nerves and uncomfortable feelings of being vulnerable. 

Cover of the Cosmic Love baby book

What's new for Mushybooks?

My new baby book themes are: A Star is Born & Wish on a Star which is an Adoption Book. Wish on a Star is the perfect place to document your unique adoption experience, whether it be domestic or international adoption.

Cover of A Star is Born baby book

Both A Star is Born and Wish on a Star baby books feature beautifully hand drawn stars and script by the talented Brenny Giovis of Paperfelt, a small paper goods company in Toronto specializing in illustrated designs and hand lettering. 

Expressive hand lettering by Paperfelt

Thank you Lesley for creating a Canadian made, modern baby book option and for sharing a little behind the scenes peek at MushybooksI love the crisp and clean layout, stylish colours and cute character designs of these gender neutral baby books and only wished they were around 3.5 years ago ;)

Keep in touch with Lesley and Mushybooks online:



See you again in September for the next Portrait of Home Made

Don't forget to sign up to follow the blog by email  - just enter your email address in the follow by email box at the top right of the page.

Are you or someone you know a work from home Mom creating an amazing product or offering an awesome service? I want to meet you - contact me and you just might be featured! wendy [at] tinybrushstrokes [dot] ca



Sunday, August 17, 2014

Etsy: Made In Canada

 
I am happy to join this talented group of Etsy sellers who will come together on September 27th in Toronto for a fun, pop-up marketplace!
 
Check out this treasury to see which shops will be there: https://www.etsy.com/pages/test/etsy-made-in-Canada
 
 
I have started to re-stock my most popular selling items and will be bringing along 2 of my newest Tiny Brushstrokes items. I am also including a little cute something and special shop promo code in their swag bags for the 1st 50 lucky shoppers! Looking forward to it...

Friday, August 1, 2014

August

July was a month of designing 2 new products which has been great. I am excited about these new additions and I think they will fit in nicely with my paintings at my upcoming shows this fall/winter. It was fun to paint these little bags and gather all the props for documenting.

tiny treat bags

set up against white

a grouping of the 1st bunch

just some of the props I collected around the house + a trip to bulk barn for the treats

The 1st of the 2 new products are my Tiny Treat bags. They are little 3" x 5" 100% cotton drawstring bags designed to hold little treats for little ones. They are perfect for collecting, gifting & playing! There are a bunch of designs to choose from including Happy Birthday & Thank You and they fit gift cards perfectly. 

some of the various designs in a rainbow of colours

They can also be personalized which would be fun for loot bags at a child's birthday party. Fill each one will little treasures, including a Party Animal Pin ;) - a cute keepsake. 

I will be listing holiday designs later on in the fall and I think these will be great to add onto bottles of wine for Christmas get together's, to hold a small special gift or the added touch on a beautifully wrapped gift. You can find all the other details on the bags in my Etsy shop

The 2nd product has yet to be documented, but it has turned out so cute! I'm looking forward to making more and debuting them at my next show...

hello little squirrel

Which is in September in Toronto! Its exciting news for Tiny Brushstrokes -  I was chosen to be one of the vendors to participate in the big Etsy: Made in Canada Day show this September 27th! I'm really looking forward to taking part in my first Etsy show - will be an awesome day! Here is the facebook page for the show with details and to rsvp. 

yes!!

So now to enjoy the last month of summer...Welcome August & let production start for the fall!!