Y3W Friday: Holiday Gift Guide

See that new fancy button over there to the side?? The one with the presents?? The one that looks like this??



Well...the official Holiday Gift Guide from The Artisan Group has been pinned! In it, you'll find a crazy amount of holiday gift suggestions for every one on your list, be they young or old, from amazingly talented artisans.

Have you started your Christmas or holiday shopping yet? I did just the other day...a few stocking stuffers for my son. He'll only be 1 (and a half!) this year at Christmas, so I'm thinking bath toys, balls, things like that. I guess similar to last year, but a little more grown up. I also got some great little notebooks (Toy story themed) in the clearance bin at Michael's the other day, I figured that they'd be good with a box of crayons for when we travel.

What's on your Christmas list this year??

Don't forget to link up with Jenni!

Y3W Friday: Blog Revision {Almost} Complete!

So by now, you have probably noticed that there have been a variety of changes to the blog here.

• New header...I adore the sorbet stripes! So summery and fresh and wonderful!
• New button...to match the header of course!
• About Me tab...up, running and complete thanks to Melissa at Never a Dull Moment!
• The Artisan Group...written and lovely! My Display Stack for the Emmy's is even featured there!
• Shop Sweet Stella's...a few of my favourite products, with links to Etsy!
• Contact...brand new contact form that customers and sponsors can fill out!
• Search button...added to the side bar!
  
• Sponsorship...hello, SlideRocket Media Kit!!
  

I think my favourite tab is the sponsorship tab, primarily because I am so darn proud that I designed the slides on my own! Here's a peek at one of them!



So...my nights have been all about working with Melissa on the blog, and I have to say...I would be completely lost without her help and encouragement! What a wonderful Mama friend...and one that I'll be meeting up with at BlogHer'12, along with so many other wonderful ladies (ahem...Shan, Jenni, Steph, Kristin, Melissa, Stephanie, Ashley, Katie, Libby, Censie...and the list grows!)

What has your week been like? Can you sum it up in 3 words? Link up with Jenni!!

Y3W Friday: {Paper} Faces on Parade

Masquerade!
Every face a different shade.
Masquerade!
Look around -
there's another
mask behind you!

That's right! This week, I was asked by a lovely photographer to create a mask for an upcoming wedding shoot that she has in the fall.

An amazing opportunity for some really awesome, hand painted designs! I've created them out of a satin mask form, painted with high quality and non toxic artist acrylics, them embellished with a variety of powdered glitters, metallic paint, feathers, gems, ribbons and pearls.

Here's a sneak peek of what I've been creating!


~Snow Princess~


~Bubblegum Cutie~


~Black Widow~


~Autumn Goddess~ this is the mask that will be going to the wedding shoot


~Ice Queen~

So...what do you think?! I've got to say, I'm absolutely in love with them!

Masks will come in two styles; Couture and Basic. The Couture masks will be embellished with feathers, gems, glitter, handpainted designs and ribbons. The Basic masks will be handpainted with optional glitter and gems.

They're all so different and wonderful, and I definitely will be doing a GIVEAWAY for a custom Couture Magnificent Mask in a few weeks!

What was your week like? Can you sum it up in three(ish) words?? Link up with my girl Jenni!

Y3W Friday: All About Candy

Happy Friday! You made it, and I have a sweet treat for you for hanging in there!

My week has been All About Candy







I've recently teamed up with Candy Couture Events, and our first event together (the Sunshine Foundation Golf Tournament). It was an absolute blast from set up to running the CCEvents girls back to the proshop, to getting people's feedback and networking!

Looking forward to many more shows and events together!

Y3W Friday: TAG Twitter Party!

It's nearing the date for the Nomination Twitter Party for The Artisan Group!!



July 14th, 8pm EST marks our second Twitter Party, where tonnes of handmade goodies from incredibly talented artisans!

Remember...

- Follow @sweetstellas, @atutudes, @ajsweetsoap
- Follow#artisangroup
- Answer trivia questions asked by @atutudes. Correct answers will go into a draw for prizes (drawn by random.org)
- Engage in fun chat with @ajsweetsoap about your favourite shows, actors and moments!
- Stay up to date on the latest happenings by following @theartisangroup
- Winners will be announced on Twitter, and reposted here on July 15th!

The prizes have grown since our first twitter party, and we are incredibly excited to announce our line-up for next week!

Sweet Stella's, photo memory box
Beez Kneez, stationary
Tina Dean Designs, wristlet purse
13 Black Cat Designs, handpainted necklace
Studio827 KC, journal
LCVintage, vintage jewellery
Ilene Price Design, notecards
Aromatic Health Shop, choice of one product from her shop
Nathalie Girard, Open Pinch Hoop earrings

And back by popular demand....bonus questions at the end!! 3 awesome prizes will be up for grabs from Beez Kneez, Sweet Stella's, and Helena Pion Photograhy!

See you on Twitter!

Y3W Friday: Featured on EtsyLush!

I have no words...only pictures!



That's right!! Right there on the front page of EtsyLush was my I'm Blue - handpainted journal! Amazing, until I refreshed the page...



And my monogrammed cake topper was there as well!

I think this calls for champagne!

Cheers!

Don't forget to stroll over to Jenni From The Blog and take part in the Y3W bloghop!

Y3W Friday: New Cake Toppers

I have had an absolutely blast creating new products over the past two weeks, some that I haven't even shared with you yet!!

These just hit Etsy yesterday, and I have a fabulous time making them and taking awesome photographs with these beautiful cakes from Whimsical Bakery


So simple, and yet unique and whimsical!


Each cake topper comes attached to a 4" food safe lollipop stick, making it easy to anchor into your cake!


Toppers measure approx 5.5", and are available in a wide variety of ink and paper colours (and patterns!)


All toppers are backed with coordinating cardstock, to give a polished and finished look.

Monogrammed cardstock cake toppers are available by special order, and on Etsy, for only $14.99 (plus shipping!)

Don't forget to head over to Jenni from the Blog for the y3W bloghop!

Y3W Friday: New Product Preview

Just taking a few minutes while all is still relatively quiet this morning, before the chaos of creating begins here on the homefront...

Your Three Words

do you participate in the bloghop? No? You really should! You find out all of these interesting ways that others sum up their busy week in just three simple words.

For me...it's been all about the New Product Preview

You've already seen the Birthday Wishes Box and the super cute Handcut Thank You Rounds and Handcut Party Tags...

What you haven't seen are the Hand Painted Journals.







Now, these aren't the same journals that are going to be in the Emmy press bags, but they are the ones that are inspiring the colours and textures to be featured on the Emmy journals.

These journals are made of recycled paper, contain about 40 recycled sheets, and are bound with recycled twine. The paint is non-toxic artist acrylic, and they are all one-of-a-kind works of art!

Oh...and I love them! I love creating them, feeling free with my paintbrush and knowing that the results will be nothing short of amazing.

Y3W Friday: Silent Auction Donations (needed!)

Happy Friday everyone!

Onto a post that I've been planning for the whole week!

Some of you who are personal contact already know that I'm one of the Co-Chairs for the Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope in London, Ontario this year.

It is a cause that I am incredibly proud to be a part of, and one that I am hoping some of you will come out of the woodwork to donate to and promote your fabulous businesses.

We've added a Silent Auction to this years event, and we've gotten some really awesome swag that people can bid on from Foxy Originals, Forrat's Chocolatier, and Channer's Mens Clothiers. We would absolutely LOVE to add an item from you, your group, do up a gift basket of various donations (ie: an artist or handmade basket or two would be fabulous!) to our silent auction table!

If you are interested in donating to this amazing cause, leave me a comment, send me an email at shanmoyer@yahoo.ca or send me a message on facebook or twitter.

Did you know that Ovarian Cancer claims the life of 1750 women in Canada alone, every year?

Look at the woman next to you. Picture your mom, sister, wife, best friend. Picture your daughter.

Get my point?

10km, 5km, 1 hope.

Y3W Friday: Flat Note Cards

Happy Friday!

This week, I had the pleasure of working with one of my absolute most favourite customers, Shan. She is the mom to an adorable little boy named Jack, and is throwing the cutest birthday party for him very soon!!

I recently sent her a new and fun product that I'll be releasing next month, for her to review and give away on her blog (stay tuned for details!!) and included a little note of thanks, as I do with all of my orders (because, truly, I am incredibly thankful for all of you!)

We got to talking, and she mentioned that she needed notecards to say thanks to the lovely friends and family that will be at the party.

Well!! I may, or may not (okay...may), have gone a little crazy designing everything for her. I am IN LOVE with the results!







So fun!! The giraffes are on 3dimensional pop dots, so they jump off the paper, and I love the way the sentiment turned out with the Moonlight ink.

They'll be on their way to Shannon and Mr. Jack soon!

Have a great weekend, and to all you Mom's out there...Happy Mother's Day - you're awesome!

Y3W Friday: On Cloud 9

There I sit...right there amongst the clouds!



It's been nearly a week since I was invited to participate in The Artisan Group , and I'm still a bit dreamy. I'm still a bit in shock...in awe...and very thankful.

This entire week I've been getting to know the amazing artisans in the group (Thank God for facebook!) and I am so proud to be a part of this great group! Everyone is enthusiastic and wonderful, and I think what I appreciate most is their honesty. I know that I can go to them with a problem or a thought, and they will help me has it out and, always, encourage me to go with my gut.

In the Emmy Given Wednesday series, I'll introduce you to these artisans and you'll be able to discover what I already know; they are amazing.

Have a great LONG weekend!

Y3W Friday: Candy, Candy, Candy

It's been a while, but I have a very sweet excuse as to why blogging has taken a backseat this week

My husband and I have a good friend who is running for one of the political parties in our local riding, and this week was his big campaign party where he was acclaimed to have won the nomination for the riding.

Now, I'm not one for politics and I won't get into any personal views here...but I am one for parties as you all know, and I am definitely one for candy buffet's!

White chocolate drizzled marshmallows

Juicy blue sharks

Blueberry jelly beans

Grape Tootsie Pops

Sour blue raspberries

Sour blue Big Feet

Yogurt raisins

Nibs (red is the accent colour)

Sour blue raspberry rings

Y-U-M!

Have a sweet weekend!

Y3W Friday: Really..It's Friday?

Hello friends!

I was so confused yesterday when I was looking on Twitter, and say @MomItForward had posted asking what tweeps were thankful for that day.

Thursday? Really?

I could have sworn that I had only missed one day of blogging, but apparently not!

So, really? It's Friday?

Who knew!

Apparently, this is what happens when you're up late at night editing images and posting items to Etsy, tweeting about said items and linking them to facebook to try for maximum exposure!

Stay tuned for next week...a new MOMpreneur, some yummy baking, a new product and (with any luck) a few new hearts on Etsy!

Thank you all for your continued support of Sweet Stella's!

Y3W Friday: It's Giveaway Day!

That's right!

Head on over to Jenni From the Blog for a very special Giveaway! She is hosting 5 of them, and Sweet Stella's is providing the prize for the second one!

Good luck!!

Y3W Friday: Happy Super Bowl!

Happy Friday everyone!

What's on tap for you this weekend?

Like many years in the past, we're hosting lots of friends for Superbowl Sunday!

What does this mean for me? Well...baking! Tomorrow, I will be in the kitchen with the best 8 year old sous-chef a girl could ask for, whipping up...

Mint Chip cupcakes

Cotton Candy cupcakes

And Vanilla Bean cupcakes

Fun!

Stay tuned for upcoming How-To Tuesday's when I share the recipes, and finished results!

Until then, have a fabulous weekend!

Y3W Friday: Customize Your Package

Happy Friday everyone!

I've been busily reviewing everyone's entries to the Whimsical Wednesday Giveaway, and am noticing a theme...

Customization

I have three words for you...

Announcing our new Party Packages! They are fully customizable with our selection of papers and stamps; if you don't see a paper that you like, let me know what you're looking for and I'd be happy to find it for you! As always, paper selections will be sent to you via email for your approval before any project is started.

What does a Party Package include?

1 Beautiful Banner

12 Treat Flags

and your CHOICE of 24 Favour Pouches or 20 Sweet Treat Bags

All of that, for only $65.99!

Now, many of you have wondered about things such as water bottle labels, candy bar wrappers, and other specialty items that I won't give away just yet, like the amazing project that I'm working on for Jenni over at Jenni from the Blog.

To answer you all at once, YES! If you have an idea for the party that you are planning, let me know and I will make a sample, email it to you for your approval, negotiate a price with you, and then get to work on your special project!

I love it when a customer wants to customize their order, and can't wait to update our gallery with a Custom Creations album.

Remember, if you can have an idea...I can create it!

Y3W #2: Stylish Blogger Award

Wow...I'm so incredibly flattered! My good friend over at Baby Shmizz nominated Sweet Stella's for a Stylish Blogger Award, and now it's my turn to return the favour.

The rules?

1) link back and thank the fabulous person who bestowed said amazing award on you

2) share 7 things about yourself

3) award 15 other deserving and great bloggers

4) contact said bloggers to let them know of their award!

First and foremost, THANK YOU, lovely Shizz, for giving me this award. I have been so blessed by your friendship and encouragement, words cannot thank you enough!

Now...7 things about myself? Oh gees.

1) You all know my obsession with paper, but did you know that I also have an obsession with soothers? Yes..that's right. Soothers. My dear little one will only take a certain kind, so when they are on sale, or I can find them in the right size (what 7month old still prefers newborn soothers?! mine!) I scoop them up!

2) I feel as though you can never have enough Bath & Body Works foaming soaps in your home. I adopted this from my best friend.

3) In highschool, I was into punk music and would have my best friend put my hair into knots (think Gwen Stefani in Return of Saturn)

4) I am a reality show junkie. I blame this on my father, who got me hooked on Survivor and Big Brother, and my husband, who got me hooked on American Idol. (and yes, we are watching Season 10 intently!)

5) I cannot draw people to save my life. I've tried and tried and tried, but I just can't do it. They always seem to look like cartoons.

6) I was a tomboy growing up, but I still loved my Barbies. I loved to paly in the forrest across from our house, play in the mud with my brother and his friends, and always wanted to be in with the guys. However...give me a Barbie...and I was in heaven!

7) I absolutely love making baby food. I know that I post it in the how-to's every few weeks, but seriously...I love it. It was always more important to me to make my son's food than even to breastfeed (which didn't turn out so well.) I'm starting to experiment with my own combinations and recipes, and having such a blast doing it. I know what's going in him, I know how it's preparred, and I know that it's healthy. Yes, I even make his cereal!

Now to the nominations! Check out these bloggers!

1) Jenni at Jenni from the Blog

2) Rosnia at Roses and Teal

3) Andrea at Cup of Tea Photo Cards

4) Andrea at Expecting Baby K

5) Melania at Transatlantic Blonde

6) Cat at My Eggs and Ham

7) Mel at Never a Dull Moment

8) Em at Em & M: Plain or Peanut

9) Censie at Building our Story

10) Andrea at My Attempt at Motherhood

11) Melissa at Our Journey

12) MSC at What's Left? There's Life

13) Mrs.M at Mama Plain and Tall

14) Jenn at The Adventures of Super Cooper

15) Rachel at Organic Colours

Y3W Friday: New Product Announcement

Happy Friday! Another week of the new year done!

As I mentioned the other day, we will be announcing a new product every Friday for the next few weeks to kick off our new party line. Today is one of those days!

We are now featuring Beautiful Banners!

What makes our banners unique? Each banner is hand stamped in your choice of archival ink, on acid free card stock and strung on beautiful ribbons. And the shape itself is unique as well; our banners are square!

Banners are listed at $35.99, and include up to 20 characters. Additional characters may be purchased for $1.50 each.

Enjoy!

Y3W Friday: New Product Announcement!

Happy Friday!! You've made it to the end of the very long first week back to work after the holidays. Congratulations!

We have a special announcement today for Y3W!

That's right! We have a new product to introduce you to today!

Meet our cleverly folded and beautifully whimsical Favour Pouches! They're perfect for birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, weddings and even as customer thank-you's! Just fill with your choice of treat, and hand out to your guests!

Favour Pouches are sold in sets of 4, and are fully customizable with our selection of beautiful papers and spectacular stamps. Don't see a paper that works for your event? Let us know and we'd be happy to find it for you at no extra charge! Not sure whether to go with a monogram or whimsical stamp? Let us pull together a sample and email it to you so that you know what you're getting and are confident that it will fit with your event!

Order today! We hope you love them as much as we do!