#HandmadeFavorites

If you follow my Facebook, you will notice that I share lots of Link-Ups where amazing artist (and most of them Friends) shared their awesome work. Well, here are my favorites for the week:

#CJLINKUP by The Craft Junkies: 

As stated in their website: "#CJLinkUp are a collection of handmade products from around the world! These link-ups are designed to promote your business, along with the opportunity to be discovered by other makers and customers. Let’s work together and spread the word of handmade!" 

My favorites from #CJLinkUp Week 9 are:

Peace Love Happiness Stamped Aluminum Tag by NerdTastic

Monster Napkin Rings for Baby Shower or Birthday Party by Adore by Nat

#EarthLinkUp by Pinecone Grove

It's a biweekly link-up, that feature earth conscious brands on each edition of the  Earth Friendly Link-Up . This week our Pretty Tassels were featured... Yay!

My favorites from #EarthLinkUp No. 16 are: 

Reality is Inaccurate Tote by NerdFelt

Crimson Round Magnets by Wilde Moon

#HandmadeLove by Kiser Kraft Handmade

This is one of my favourite blogs. Kelly is such a good friend that always is there to support all my craziness. #HandmadeLove is an awesome link up where handmade makers can share and show their fabulous items. This week our Agate Slice made it to the Krazy Views.

My favorite from #HandmadeLove Week 31 are:


Kawaii bunny and bear necklace by You Deserve Cute

Acorn Hunter Adult Organic Cotton Tee by Pinecone Grove

#PenguinLuv by The Craft Penguin

This is a weekly linkup for handmade products from online shop. Its goal is to help promote handmade biz and get items seen by new groups of people. Isn't that awesome? 

My favorites from Penguin Luv Week 33 are:

Morning Caffeine Mug by NerdFelt

Primitive STAR Light Switch Plate by LilLouises 

Well, there you have it... All awesome items... All my favorites!

We are back in business...

After a year of experimenting in running my website, doing homeschool to my Girl, babysitting my now Toddler Baby Boy, and taking care of all the SAHM issues that comes in the way... I decided to close most of Pelhuaz presence, and just gave up. 

Yeah shit happens!

Well, after further consideration, I decided to try again. I re-opened my Storenvy Shop (which is the best way to proceed right now, as they incorporated Paypal again into the Marketplace... Let me hear an AMEN!). 

Little by little, I'll be more visible but all in my own pace. I'm not looking to be famous, nor rich... If that happen, I won't complain :D... I just want to be useful to others, and just use my time in the way I like it! 

So, now you can find me at my Storenvy Shop , at Facebook, at Instagram and at Twitter. I'll be updating this blog shortly, as all the links are outdated or will not take you anywhere. Sorry for that. 

Also, it's probably that I change the name of it, but that we'll see. 

Well, this was a quick note that I made while the kids were playing, actually screaming for the governance of the TV control.  

Hope your week is full of great moments that you treasure with the family. This is a very important week for lots of us that believe in Love. Wishing you the best, and write to you later! :D  

February of big changes!

I'm a true believer that changes are good and you need to embrace them. Always knowing that everything will work in your benefit. 

As you all know, I opened the Pelhuaz Store at a free platform called Storenvy in 2013. Storenvy was a community where you can either get items, open your own store, or create your brand - for free. 

For those of you active in the Handmade Community, had heard of the recent changes made by Storenvy, hitting Pelhuaz business hard. From a new payment processor partner that doesn't have the infrastructure to manage an US Territory - such as Puerto Rico, to removing stores that aren't using such partner from the marketplace - meaning that the store/product are not searchable. 

Every business needs to growth and follow their own path to success, and I'm sure that Storenvy had taken the path they considered the best. I'm truly graceful with all I have been able to achieve using their platform. My best regards and hope this venture bring them the success and rewards they are looking for.   

After a long consideration, research, asking for advise, and countless nightmares, I decided that it's time to take my business to the next level, following my own path, as well. I realized the importance of taking care of Pelhuaz and considering working for me and my community. It's gonna be lots of work... But will be very rewarding... 


It's being a bumpy ride, but I had managed to achieve most of my goals, and now Pelhuaz by Red will soon to be Pelhuaz with my own domain. (YAY!)
The main idea is to centralized all the efforts, to a single place, creating a functional website just for you. 
Blog, Store, Friends, Features will be all in one place. "

I shared my concerns with my community and received the support needed to start. Thanks to my Exquisite Friend Tessa (owner of KRMBAL), I was able to have an updated logo that will cover all of Pelhuaz' needs. Our new brand image will be modern and clean with an easy to navigate site. No issues, no down time, no complications... Only a great experience!

What's next?

• Creation of a new website
• Complete make-over of Pelhuaz Blog
• New friends to be featured
• and an AWESOME new look...

Ready for your first sneak peek? Here it is!

Hope you are as excited as I am to see the final results!

Enjoy your week. 

Besitos,
Zei

Pelhuaz Exquisite Friend: The Plush Plum

I met Lani and her amazing store The Plush Plum, when I was looking for stores to be featured in January. I really liked her from the start due to her happy personality and her fabulous creative talent.

This week we'll be featuring her at the blog. We encourage you to support the Small Business. Keep in mind that when you do, you become part of a Mom/Dad's supporting group!

Here's my new Exquisite Friend Lani!

Pelhuaz: What's your name?

Lani: Lani Almaguer                

Pelhuaz: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

Lani: A huge container full of my craft supplies. A mattress. And Henry Cavil (actor who plays superman). 
  

Pelhuaz: If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?  

Lani: Pizza. I'm not a very good chef.            

Pelhuaz: What's your superpower?         

Lani: My keen ability to do many things at the same time.    

   

Pelhuaz: Who do you consider your sidekick?     

Lani: Brittany and Bertha. Brittany is my #1 Fan, who is also my cheerleader when I', in a rut and Bertha is my wonderful, never fails me, brother sewing machine.

  
Pelhuaz: What do you do when you are alone in your car?           

Lani: Sing and dance of course!     

Pelhuaz: What motivates/inspires you?  

Lani: Fabric inspires me.  My love of sewing dolls and animals also inspires me. My children motivate me. I want them to see me succeed and learn what it's like to start from the bottom and still be successful.

Pelhuaz: If you were a Star Trek® [or Star Wars®] character, which one would it be?

Lani: Captain Jean Luc Picard. Make it so!                     

Pelhuaz: What's the name of your Small Business?          

Lani: The Plush Plum

Pelhuaz: When did you open your Store (anniversary)?  

Lani: 9/10/2013

Pelhuaz: Why did you decide to open it?

Lani: The initial reason for opening was to attempt to help bring in some money to pay bills. After about 6 months, it became more of something I'm doing because. I absolutely love it. And now I do it because it's my passion I love what I do. Love to see the happy faces of my customers after they receive their huggable doll or animal.  I would love to grow my business as well. But overall, i do it for the love.         

Pelhuaz: What is your favorite item available at your store? Provide a pic link. 
Lani:   I love the Allison doll. I think she's so cute.   

        

Pelhuaz: What do you wish you had known before you started? 

Lani: How to manage my time better. It's a constant struggle i deal with.        

Pelhuaz: Imagine that I’m planning to open Pelhuaz, and I don’t know a thing about managing a Small Business, what will be your best advice?

Lani: Don't give up when times seem bad. Always be positive and communicate frequently with your customers. Take time off for yourself. To recharge. And always have fun!           

            

Hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. Thanks to Lani, I'm looking for a name to me Brother Sewing Machine. :D If you want to know more about Lani and her amazing store, you can find her in Facebook and on the Etsy store. 

The Plush Plum will grant a lucky winner a Special Discount. You just need to visit her Facebook page and give her a "like". Document your visit here so we'll be able to include your name at the drawing. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway





Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoy your day!

Besitos,
Zei    

Gift ideas from my favorite handmade stores

It's being almost 3 months since my baby boy arrived and I feel happier than ever. My schedule is all upside down. Most of the time I feel tired, my house is a complete mess, dinner preparation is reduced to whatever I can cook in less than 30 minutes, and need to think twice before I decide to leave the house with him by myself. But you know what? I love it! I can't imagine my live without my Little Tiny Human! 

If you are as busy as I am, here are some great gift ideas from my favorite shop that will help you save time, money, and you will be supporting a Small Business. Us - the Small Business Community - really appreciate your orders, as this is our only way to support our family! 

Let's do this!

Store: móhu
Description: Specialized in crocheted soft toys, dainty jewelry, stationery, and art.
Featured as Exquisite Friend of the Week: July 2014 

I'm a big fan of her work. I'm obsess with the Llamas. At her interview, Lauren explained that Móhu, started off as a side project, just for fun. She enjoyed it so much that after a while she turned into a proper business.

Store: Little Green Guy

Description: Specialized in fun illustrations, plush toys, sculptures and children's books all featuring the Little Green Guy and his friends.
Featured as Exquisite Friend of the Week: May 2014

The Little Green Guy is so cute. He's always looking for ways to have fun. Brittany is a talented artist that creates beautiful art. And who is this Little Green Guy? As Brittany explained in her interview, the Little Green Guy is an adorable mischievous little green monster with one big eye and a cute little green butt!

Store: A Slice of Delight

Description: Handcrafted soap
Featured as Exquisite Friend of the Week:   Coming Soon

The best soaps I had ever smell. I wish I win the lotto to have my house filled with their magnificent fragrance. I met Hillary thru another friend and being obsess with her soaps since then!

Store: Plum Papaya

Description: Handmade creatures, critters, and quilts.
Featured as Exquisite Friend of the Week:   August 2014

I met Tessa thru one of the crafty groups that I participate in, and felt in love with her creations. As a new mom of a boy, I can see my darling boy playing with her adorable toys.




At Pelhuaz, we also have great findings that will serve as great stocking stuffers. 

 

 

 

Visit us and if you want a custom piece, just let me know (email). Remember, lets make this a Happy Holiday to everyone, support the Small Business and shop handmade!

Love & Besitos,

Zei

  

Pelhuaz Exquisite Friend of the Week: Plum Papaya

This is a very important Exquisite Friend of the Week, as will be the last giveaway for this period prior my Maternity Leave. Even I'll be around, I won't be posting that often - for obvious reasons... :D

I met Tessa thru one of the crafty groups that I participate in, and felt in love with her creations. She made fabulous toys and cuddle critters - which are my favorites. All of them looks super adorable. 

Let's see what Tessa has to share with us.

Pelhuaz: What's your name?         
Tessa: Tessa                  

Pelhuaz: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?             

Tessa: Fresh water, family picture album, never ending supply of matches.        

Pelhuaz: If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?  

Tessa: Steak, asparagus, & potatoes    


Pelhuaz: If you were a Star Trek® [or Star Wars®] character, which one would it be?             
Tessa: Beverly Crusher or McCoy                        

Pelhuaz: What's your superpower?         

Tessa: I can jump to conclusions in a single bound okay seriously...hmm I'm a DIY wanna be          

Pelhuaz: Who do you consider your sidekick?     

Tessa: My Daughter                  

Pelhuaz: What do you do when you are alone in your car?

Tessa: Roll the windows down, open the sunroof all the way, and crank up the music.     

Pelhuaz: What's the name of your Small Business?          

Tessa: Plum Papaya  

Pelhuaz: Why did you decide to open it?
Tessa: Being a stay at home mom I wasn't bring in an income in any more.  How was I going to support my fabric addition? The plan was to bring in extra money so I could buy handmade for my daughter and buy fabric.  I have a goal to start adding to my daughters college fund this holiday season. 

Pelhuaz: What is your favorite item available at your store?      

Tessa: I can't decide between Sherman and Storm.  I love the minute mice they are my favorite to create but Sherman is pretty adorable. Who doesn't love all those colors?

Sherman

Pelhuaz: What motivates/inspires you?
Tessa: My daughter is my main motivation, she loves soft and snuggly. Now I see creatures and critters I think to myself, I can make that. Hmm how can I make it my way? Colors inspire me too.  Gorgeous sunsets, color palettes, photography of trees, landscapes, sea life.        

Pelhuaz: What do you wish you had known before you started? 

Tessa: Go big or go home.  Social media is your friend, while very time consuming it is your best hope of getting your name out there.  
         

Pelhuaz: When did you open your Store (anniversary)?  

Tessa: 3/1/2013           

Pelhuaz: Imagine that I’m planning to open Pelhuaz, and I don’t know a thing about managing a Small Business, what will be your best advice?         

Tessa: Create a name for yourself. A business name with meaning, a logo, look & be professional.  Photographs are everything, don't fake it it doesn't look good.  Go big or go home.         

I really love everything about Tessa Store but here's my favorite. As I'm having a baby boy, I'm sure he'll love this blankie buddy! 

Tessa has grant us with a prize for one winner for a store credit. If you win you can use such credit to score one of her fabulous items! Isn't that great?

Enter the giveaway here:




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: Giveaway ends August 31 at 12:00 AM EST. Open to Residents of the US only. Winners will be notified on August 1 at Pelhuaz’ Blog. One winner will receive a Store Credit. The Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. For details read the complete Terms and Conditions.

If want to know more about Tessa and Plum Papaya you can reach her at FB, Pinterest, IG, and Twitter.
 
Good Luck and thank you so much for reading about my friend Tessa and her fabulous store! 

Tomorrow, I'll have our last Exquisite Friend of the Week with a very talented Crafty Friend, don't missed it! 


Besos,