{sparkle} Flawed Perfection Jewelry

this summer has practically been a blur! crazy!

obviously blogging was not at the top of my list...

but I still have some fun things to share,

so hoping to settle back in to a schedule.

stick with me! :)

>>>>> <<<<<

Megan & I have worked together before on some fun projects

{I really loved the Dinner at Downton post}

and I'm excited to share some of the new things she's been up to!

"Megan Reynolds started Flawed Perfection Jewelry in 2009, right after she graduated from high school and right before she started college. For the past four years, she worked to grow her business while being a full-time student. She just graduated with her business degree in May 2013 & is excited to just into being a full-time entrepreneur. She is based out of San Diego, CA and is always inspired by the gorgeous landscapes of her sunny home. Megan creates playful, and colorful customized Swarovski crystal jewelry designs that work for women of all ages and walks of life. If you are attending a wedding, just running errands with the kids, or anything in between, there is something from Flawed Perfection Jewelry for you!

She uses the finest crystals and high quality sterling silver, silver-filled, and stainless steel to create jewelry that is timeless, yet very modern. Her earrings start at just $10 & can be perfect for any occasion (they're also her best-selling items)! Additionally, Megan believes in giving back with her business. Back in March, she started a commitment to donate a percentage of her sales to the Half the Sky Movement, which helps oppressed women worldwide with several key issues. Read more about her pledge here. So, when you buy from Flawed Perfection Jewelry, you are also doing good at the same time!"

I personally love Megan's {fairly new} section of the shop that offers interchangeable pieces.

You can choose the pieces you like best & then mix-and-match them however you'd like.

I think it's a great way to get the most out of your jewelry without having to spend a ton of money.

Megan sent me this beautiful "Sweet Treat" layered sparkle necklace;

I just love it! The colors are so pretty & I know all those tiny beads were attached with care.

If I ever want to mix it up, I could just order another bead cluster &

add it to the chain I already have for a totally new necklace! So fun!

If you'd like to order your own Flawed Perfection piece,

Megan is offering my readers a discount code for 2 weeks:

just use JACKYROCKS for 10% off anything in the shop!

Keep up with Megan & Flawed Perfection Jewelry: Online Shop | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

{Megan sent me a necklace to review, but all opinions are 100% my own}

The 1500 Tree Project

I really love adoption.

I really love supporting adoptions in any way I can.

So today I'd like to introduce you to Angie,

the mama behind The 1500 Tree Project,

and her cute family. :)

I found out about The 1500 Tree Project through Instagram,

ordered a tree myself, and wanted to help spread the word!

I'm going to let Angie's words tell their story better than I'd be able to. :)

"In 2012, on a warm Saturday morning in November, my husband and I waited anxiously in a bright orphanage. At 9 am, the director arrived, carrying a serious(ly adorable) 6 1/2 month baby boy into the room. I burst into happy tears. Quiet. Happy. Tears. After months of waiting, piles of paperwork, and an indescribable amount anticipation, we were finally in Taiwan, holding our son for the first time.

Now, we spend our days chasing, laughing, gardening, giggling, and dreaming. Life is pretty beautiful. And we are thrilled to share that our son is going to be a big brother! On the surface, the 1500 Tree Project is a way to fund our second adoption. 1500 trees made. 1500 trees sold. One fully funded adoption. But really, it's so much more than that. 

It's cutting leaves out of colorful paper while my son toddles around the living room, babbling away. It's thinking about designs as my husband plucks away at his upright bass guitar, practicing a bluegrass tune. It's piecing together a tree when we chat about our days, with the low hum of the baby monitor buzzing in the background with our toddler's sleeping breaths. The 1500 Tree Project is love and hope, poured into a little 6x6 canvas. Joy really is the heartbeat of our shop and the spirit I pour into every piece I produce. This is our family. That is our big picture. Where will you fall in The 1500 Tree Project?"

It's pretty simple:

If they can sell those 1500 trees, 

their 2nd adoption will be fully funded.

Isn't that fantastic?!

The trees are just lovely, perfect for adding a pop of color to your space.

My pink one will be living in our shared office, which could always use more color. ;)

I love that Angie's created something pretty to share,

and that it's an easy way for others to support their adoption.

Will you help?

Shop for your tree HERE.

Also, Angie's offering a little coupon code just for you;

simply enter PetuniaReader at checkout.

--> follow along with The 1500 Tree Project on

Facebook, Instagram or their blog.

{Angie isn't paying me to share their story,

I just love the idea & wanted to share. :)}

>>>>> <<<<<

Google Reader will be gone pretty soon;

please be sure to follow The Sweetest Petunia on Bloglovin'

so you don't miss anything!

SNAP! 2013 // Queen Bee Market

I've dreamed at shopping the Queen Bee Market for quite a while,

so you can bet I was excited when I heard that QBM would be happening at SNAP!

I just wanted to share some of the goodies I came home with;

I couldn't resist supporting handmade, although I did tell my husband

it might have to be my Christmas present for the year. ;)

 >> gorgeous engraved wood coasters + a diy banner from Alexis Mattox Designs

 >> mint chevron tee from The Printed Palette

 >> an adorable elephant from Kelsey Bang

               {I don't have kids, but I had to get this little guy for me, ha!}

 >> earrings from Hoopla Earrings

 >> pretty heart ring from Cinnamon Sticks

 >> necklace/hair clip from Creme de la Gems

               {these were actually a birthday gift for my baby sister, she loved them!}

 >> lip balm from Kustom Kissers

 >> cute magnets from Livy Love Designs

 >> wristlet from August Blossoms

 >> my favorite button earrings from Made by Jewls

 >> headbands from Vintage Rose Wraps

I would definitely encourage you to check out these wonderful shops!

So glad I got a chance to shop in person, but their online shops are just as great.

handmade holidays @ oh, sweet joy!

i don't know about you, but i love shopping handmade for the holidays!

yes, it can be a little pricier than heading to walmart/target,

but i feel like it's so important to support other handmade artists.

(heather's about handmade vs. store bought is definitely worth the read)

and you can find such sweet & unique handmade gifts!

this year i am honored to be a part of

Oh, Sweet Joy!'s Handmade Holidays gift guide,

along with a bunch of other amazing shops!

it's going on all this week (Nov. 11th-18th)

with seven different categories, lots of great gift ideas

and even discount codes so you can save a little when you shop!

paper

for the littles

cozy up the home

jewelry

accessorize

needle & thread

wear

you'll find Petunia Blooms in the accessorize category,

along with a special discount just for you gift guide readers. ;)

pale aqua & red petals // pearls // aqua drops // pink petals

so please, please, please,

go check out all the gift guide posts

& all the awesome shops!

xoxo!

a wreath for our door

i finally put together a pretty wreath to brighten up our front door...

it's something i've been wanting to do for a while but just had to make the time for it.

several long-ish hours, lots of patience and hot glue,

and there you go!

and my favorite part of this oh-so-pretty wreath?

seeing it hanging there every time i come home.

it just makes me happy. :)

// details //

styrofoam wreath form wrapped in yarn

(all purchased at Michael's w/ coupons)

felt for the flowers from Feltcraftic

tutorials for the flowers found here

clues for my husband

my husband has done a wonderful job picking out gifts for me.

but, i have gift giving on the brain (christmas is 60 days away!),

so i put together a board with ideas for him, just in case. ;)

anthropologie mug // more than coffee print // hebrews 6:19 print

cuppow // embroidered necklace // bamboo heart studs

yarn bowl // turban-style headband // baby giraffe ring

mason jar travel cup // spi belt // crocheted bracelets

what's on your wish list this year?

knit/purl

before we went on vacation,

I got to take a knitting class at our local Michael's.

I'd been wanting to learn how to knit for quite a while,

but I could never figure it out with just books/online stuff.

I need someone to show me how to do something.

the lady who taught the class, Ann, was seriously the sweetest,

and so very helpful. the class was for a washcloth,

but she taught me some other tricks & such along with it.

since then, I've been knitting away!

4 different washcloths, the beginning of a scarf for a niece,

the start of an infinity cowl.

so glad I was able to get started in this

and add yet another hobby to my collection. ;)

have you picked up a new hobby recently?

what do you fill your spare moments with?

let's chat!

autumn inspired

these lovelies + more are now available at Petunia Blooms!

& because I love the Fall season so much, you can use the code

AUTUMNLOVE

for 15% off any purchase from the autumn inspired collection.

(code expires Wednesday night)

what is your favorite thing about Fall?

I love the cooler temperatures, seasonal drinks,

scarves + sweaters, and the pretty colors!

mug swapping!

I have a definite thing for coffee mugs. I have too many already, but when I saw the sign up for CuppaKim's 2nd Annual Mug Swap, I knew I had to join in!

My package from Jaime came in the mail a couple weeks ago, and I was so excited to open it up. I got a great chalkboard mug (I've been wanting one for a while, but haven't had the time to make one!), VIA packets, a Starbucks gift card and the sweetest note ever. Thank you so much, Jaime!

I also ended up doing a 2nd swap with Christa; she missed the sign up, so we just swapped with each other. :) I got her package today, and she spoiled me with goodies. A sweet mug + cozy, earrings and bracelets (find similar ones in her shop!), mini cards, a notebook, even some yummy lip balm. So fun! I feel so blessed!

Thank so much to Kim for hosting, and looking forward to the next time!

new pretties in the shop!

I've been making earrings for a few months; it started because I needed a gift

(my mom/sisters-in-law & I are trying to do all handmade gifts),

and I had so much fun with it, I just kept making them!

Now, I don't need so many pairs of earrings for myself,

and there are only so many birthdays in the year,

so I finally decided to sell the extra pairs I have around.

They're just $5 a pair, so you can afford a little treat for yourself. :)

They would also make a perfect little gift!

shop here!

five favorites :: handmade shops

now, I obviously have WAY MORE than

five favorite handmade shops,

but today I'm sharing some that I have

purchased from, own their products,

and absolutely love them. 

I'm sure I'll share more favorites another time!

knitty bitties

Andrea's items are super cute + extremely well made!

I have one of her little pouches and hoop art that she

made for me, and they make me smile.

livy love designs

I have at least 3 of Diana's prints on my walls,

and one of her chevron necklaces that I always

get compliments on. Love her!

happy days

I think my favorite thing about Hannah's shop

is how she uses color in unexpected combinations.

Her earrings are simple and beautiful, and the

colors always seem just perfect, even though

I would never think to put certain colors together.

pretties by meg

I love every pair of earrings I own from Megan's shop.

my husband says they're trendy, plus they're pretty & lightweight!

little green thread

I mentioned Alison's shop in a post last week,

and I ordered this sweet cell phone case.

It arrived super quickly & is totally adorable;

my new favorite thing in my purse!

seriously, go browse each of these shops;

I know you'll fall in love with all sorts of pretty things!

>>>>><<<<<

would you take a minute to enter this week's giveaway?

there are some pretty earrings up for grabs,

so don't miss the opportunity!

Sand & Starfish + a giveaway!

I've recently connected with Stephanie through twitter + instagram,

and I have to say, she is just the sweetest!

Keep reading to learn more about her story & to win an adorable garland!

>>>>> <<<<<

I am captivated by the beauty of the emerald colored waters that roll in on this beautiful white sand that is 3 blocks from my house. There is this little bundle of love and joy and creativity that runs around my house. She's imagine she's everything wonderful and beautiful that God could have blessed me with in one amazing package. My heart still feels the little fluttering butterfly wings when I hold my husbands hand... and we've been together as a couple for almost 8 years now! I garden, I sew, I cook, and I clean... my name is Stephanie and I am the owner/creative designer for the blog and shop Sand & Starfish. When I first opened my shop back in April, 2010, I didn't really have a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve with the products that I sold. It was a hodge podge of things... fabric covered composition books, appliques, reusable snack bags, appliqued towels... just things I loved to make all put together in one place. I loved what I sold individually but as a whole, there was no connectivity and it was very much a mirror of what was spiritually going on in my life at the time.

   

 After being open for a little over a year, I had a life changing experience that really opened my eyes to the world, my world, and my shop's world, that surrounded me. I was baptized! After that experience, my eyes opened and I started to realize that this shop, this thing that I was trying to pour my heart into and yet feeling no real connection to, was missing the biggest ingredient of all... the Lord! My beliefs and love for the Lord have always played such a big part in my life so it was astounding to think that I didn't carry them over to my shop! So after lots of prayer, I decided to close the shop and reopen with a new vision that was directed from Him. So I took the old, and made something new and it felt wonderful! I was making and creating things that I didn't plan on making, with things I didn't plan on using. The love that I have for the things I do create is is passionate and my heart just overflows with joy for them. And I honestly believe that it's because I do them for His glory.
.
One of the first things I started to sell after I reopened was carefully constructed. After weeks of sketching while at the beach, praying and sketching some more, and then putting together my first ever design... I knew it was meant to be, and the Vintage Dresden Clutch was born! After that, I started to branch out and added purses, totes, pleated pouches, and the vintage fabric garlands. Total connectivity, total love and passion, totally me! Optimistic, gentle-hearted, daydreamer are definitely 3 of the best words that can be used to describe me and I use the most every day as well! I really pull from a lot of different inspiration when I'm creating new things. I think about the beach, the colors that are on beach towels, beach balls, the sky and water mixed. I think about flowers, the different levels and layers that each one has. I think about favorite memories and the colors that stick out in my mind. All those things are such a big part of my life that I really like to tap into those first before I move on to other sources... and normally those do the trick. I'm so in love with the Vintage Dresden Clutches that are in my shop. They're so bright and colorful and are perfect for running those quick errands or for giving your larger purse a little more organization. A seriously close second place would be the Vintage Ruffle Bags. I made one for myself and it completely captured my heart. The ruffles mixed with the vintage fabrics make my heart melt! It's so roomy and has a couple pockets on the inside for my phone and keys... it's been my "go-to" bag and I get compliments on it every single time I go out! Let's connect and be friends!! I blog here, and I'm on twitter and facebook as well! I'd love to connect with you, even if it is just through a screen! Thank you so much Jacky for allowing me to share a little bit of what makes me, and Sand & Starfish, special!

>>>>> <<<<<

Jacky here again!

I got a package covered in washi tape earlier this week {we share a love of that, hehe!}

& found a sweet mini fabric garland. I hung it up in the corner over my piano right away,

and I love the cheerful color it adds to our living room. Even the Mister likes it!

Plus, unlike the DIY garlands I've seen, she actually sews each piece so they're extra sturdy.

And...Stephanie is giving away a mini garland, too! Hurray!

enter using the Rafflecopter widget below;

feel free to email me if you have any problems.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(giveaway opportunity + newsletter signup)

Hello, lovelies!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm helping Lauren

with a giveaway to celebrate 1,000 followers on her blog...

You could win a ruffled headwrap, and you get to choose the one you like best!

Check out the giveaway here.

Also, be sure to sign up for the Petunia Blooms newsletter;

as soon as I get these headwraps listed in the shop,

I'll be sending out a newsletter with a special discount code just for subscribers!

Subscribe to our mailing list

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about a craft fair.

I've been putting this off all week, because I don't really know how

to write about it without rambling like a crazy person...

but I'm just going to jump in. Bear with me, okay?

Last Saturday was the craft fair I've been working towards for a couple months.

I put a LOT of work into this. It kept me busy, & I sewed my heart out.

{I didn't have a real camera with me, but at least I did get a few pictures}

{me with my table. the bunting on the tent was one of my favorite parts!}

My mind works best when I make a list,

so here's a few things I wanted to share.

• make a list. {obviously. ;)} you don't want to get there & realize you forgot something important. make yourself a list, check it twice.

• it doesn't hurt to be over-prepared. I tried to think of anything that could go wrong, anything I might need to make things go smoothly, tons of dollar bills for change-making, extra price signs just in case, pens, sunscreen, water, snacks.
• be prepared for weather-related issues. I was able to borrow my tent from someone at church, and I am so grateful! the sun would have been brutal otherwise. bring sunscreen & plenty of water! we also had a few issues with wind; we actually taped down signs & displays so they wouldn't get blown away {I was very thankful I had brought regular tape + packing tape}.

• get someone to help you. I am SO thankful that my sister agreed to come with me! I couldn't have done it without her. She helped getting the tent & the table set up, talking to customers, staying at the booth so I could walk around, getting lunch, etc, etc. {Thanks, Jessica!}

• add some height to your display. my table was FAR from elaborate, and I actually did enjoy the simplicity of it. but, you don't want everything laid out on the table the same way...I used a plate stand, picture frame clip holder, baskets & a jewelry hanger to add some height & interest. I had one customer comment that she liked how everything had a specific place on the table. I think it made it less overwhelming to look through things.
• model your product. this one ended up being super important! I wore one of my new ruffled headwraps, and I was SO glad I did - the ones being sold were laying out on the table, and a lot of people didn't know what they were. It was so much easier to be able to show them being worn instead of just trying to explain it. {I said, "they just tie on, super easy & comfortable!" about a million times. ;)} my sister wore a bloom pin, so we were each showing off some product.
• don't be shy. smile! this is a big one for me. I am really shy, and I have a hard time talking to strangers. Plus, it can be kind of awkward, especially when an older lady doesn't want to take a business card because "I can make all this stuff myself." Oh. But, the longer I talked to people, the more confident I felt. I even made a new friend!

• remind customers about business cards. this was super hard for me, too, but, if we wouldn't have invited people to take business cards, I don't think anyone would have picked one up! It's also a good idea to share things like newsletter sign-ups {failed at this one} and any special pricing/deals you have for the day.
• don't get discouraged! there were definitely good parts of the craft fair. I got a LOT of compliments on my work, handed out quite a few business cards, got to interact with people, etc. But, as far as making a profit? Honestly, I didn't. And that made me really, really discouraged. As I sewed & prepared for the event, I had visions of selling a ton of my stuff, I made sure I had different price points so people would be likely to buy, & I even had some great deals going on. I just didn't sell that much. And that's hard. It's hard for me to admit it, hard to be positive about it. All that being said, I'm still glad that I was able to participate, if for nothing else than to learn.

I know that I'm not an expert on this,

but I hope that something in this post will be helpful for someone.

Thanks so much for sticking with me & reading through!

shop Petunia Blooms.

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facebook page.

happy weekend, lovelies.


linking up with Alissa today because if we were having coffee,
this is definitely what I'd tell you about. :)

shop the sale!

Yesterday, I shared some photos on Instagram,

selling some really adorable stuff at reduced prices!

I wanted to give my blog readers a chance to shop, too...

everyone loves a good deal, right? ;)

If you see something you just have to have,

leave me a comment with the product

+ the number of the one(s) you'd like

and your PayPal email address.

shipping is $1 each (so you even get a deal on that!),

and if you purchase 3+ items, shipping will just be $3 even.

feel free to email me if you have any questions!

(you can also reach me through twitter.)

pretty little bow hair clips, just $6 a pair

(these are usually $4 each!)

yoyo bobby pins, $5 a pair 

(#2 has already been spoken for)

petal hair clips, $10 each OR 2 for $15

bloom brooches (pins), $10 each

pretty ruffled pouches, $10 each

pretty ruffled wristlets, $12 each

everything is first come, first served,

and I'll update this post when something sells

so you know what is still available.

Thank you so much, lovelies!

& if you'd like to follow me on Instagram,

I'm thesweetpetunia.

I'll be posting more sales there soon! ;)

excited + nervous

The craft fair that I've been getting ready for is tomorrow!!

I feel like I was sewing myself silly. ;)

Here's just a peek at some of the prettiness I'll have at my table...

I'm really excited. But also really, really nervous.

I did a craft fair back in October, but it was small, at my church,

and I knew most of the people who came.

This one has 60+ vendors!!

But, I hope it will go well, and that I'll learn a lot.

And I'm hoping & praying it doesn't rain!

If you live in the area, all the info for the event can be found here.

I'd love it if you stopped by!

Also, I'm working on a post with tips for craft fairs,

and since I don't have a lot of experience,

I want to know what your #1 tip/suggestion is!

Leave me a comment & I'll be sure to link to you. :)

currently loving...

this sweet little tangerine wallet from Peggy Ann Design

{psst! Hannah is closing up shop,

so you can get a 40% discount with the code CLOSEOUT}

this ranunculus print from Mandipidy

these lovely new headband/bracelet combos from Cotton Lane

gorgeous embroidery from Take the Cannoli

the knotted statement necklaces from Marine Parents

{although I don't know how I would choose which color/design!}

and the adorable hair wraps from Little Penelope Lane

what are you really loving right now?