Winter Break

I have to not-so-secretly admit that I am enjoying my Bootsie Marie downtime. I have enjoyed my kids, after Christmas shopping, and even dinner and a musical downtown with my husband. (If you were thinking The Addams Family sounds like a stupid show, much like myself, you are SOOOOO WRONG! IT IS FANTASTIC!!!)

I am also enjoying the break because my 1st trimester fatigue is in full swing and I got a nice Christmas gift of morning sickness from our unborn child. If you call our house after 7:30 p.m., I will most likely be sleeping, if you call before 7:30 a.m., I am most likely barfing. :o)

Thank you all for your encouragement and especially your support during a very difficult 2009. Here is to better days in 2010!

My next show will be in March at Minooka High School. More details to follow as the show gets closer.

A new addition to Bootsie Marie Boutique.

Nope, it is not a bow or a clip. It is a BABY! Yes, I will "officially" be insane next July as we add to our family yet again.

I am sad to say that my website is once again on hold, but for a pretty darn good reason this time. :o)

I am due in the middle of July, perfect for me as I always take this time off from shows to gear up for my big August event!

For once, some good news. :o)

Desperately seeking...

...the customer who paid for her 3 cupcake bows but still hasn't emailed me her address to send them! :o)

Please email me at bootsiemarie@ymail.com

Thanks!
Jill

P.S. Come see me in Elwood this weekend! Last show of 2009!

It is official, I AM the kiss of death!

Not long after I had mentioned one of my goals was to be one of Oprah's favorite things, she decides to retire AND discontinue her favorite things THIS YEAR.

Really people, stay away!

OK, not really because I will be at:

12/5
Gingerbread Junction
Hill Middle School
1836 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
9AM - 3PM

12/12
Elwood PTO
409 N. Chicago Avenue
Elwood, IL
9AM - 3PM

In Memory of Roeni Tice, 11/1996-11/2009

Yeah, I'm the kiss of death. Yesterday, we had to say good-bye to the greatest Golden Retriever and friend a family could ever want. He was my hubby's bestie for 13 years and I had the privilege of being his Momma for the past 8. In honor of his memory, I present:

Roeni (Pronounced Row-knee) the Reindeer!

My crazy life.

Will my life ever get back to "normal?" Whatever "normal" was. :o(

I have had to cancel this weekend in Oswego because I am just not ready. Not ready, product wise, not ready mentally. Pretty pathetic, huh? :o)

I tried to get into the Minooka High School show on the 14th but it is full. BAH!

So, my next show is December 5th in Naperville.

Gingerbread Junction
Hill Middle School
1836 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
9AM - 3PM

Showing off Bootsie...um, I mean a Fab Fall Feltie!

OK, so I think our daughter happens to be the cutest little girl on the planet...I am biased. :o) Here she is at a local Pumpkin Farm showing off her Fab Fall Feltie on a baby snap. P.S. Click the pictures to enlarge.

Divine Intervention?

Just as a teaser, WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT IS UP MY SLEEVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Thank you Dad, for sending me some creative juju.

I have recruited my mom to help me, hopefully I don't have to fire her again. :o)

New headbands and felt clippies coming up!

Getting out of the "funk."

I decided I have done enough feeling sorry for myself and my family (for now!) and need to get some of the "funk" out by creating. Let me tell ya, bows have been a good distraction and I hope my Dad sends me some serious creative mojo from Heaven. Dang, I just realized when I made my wish list to him in the hospital, I forgot to add that!

I have placed my ribbon orders and will be swinging into full gear (aka, REALLY BEHIND for my next show!) early next week for my next show on November 7th. Here are the details!

Oswego High School Craft Show
4250 Route 71
Oswego, IL
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $3

I am still not taking any custom orders as of now as I don't want to get overwhelmed and go backwards with my spirit and attitude. :o) BUT, I have decided that I am going to get a site up and running during my downtime in late December-January. So much for "downtime", huh? :o)

Thank you all, AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN, for all of your support, understanding, emails, cards and prayers during this EXTREMELY difficult time in my life. I had the World's Greatest Dad, which makes it all even harder. :o(

On hiatus.

As many of you know, and as I mentioned in a previous post, my Dad has been very ill for the past 3 months. Unfortunately he passed away today surrounded by his family. :o( My Dad was one of my biggest supporters and would tell me not to take any time off, but I am exhausted and beyond filled with sadness so I am taking a bit of time off until my next show in November.

I am sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but I need time to be with my family.

Thank you for understanding,
Jill

Back to Reality...

I think we are finally settled back into our old routine since returning from Disney World last week. It was a much needed, OUTSTANDING, vacation. So much that we actually considered booking another Disney vacation for next year before we left but we reminded that Josie still wouldn't be old enough for all of us to enjoy it.

I am busy busting my rump for Saturday's show in Coal City. Octoberfest is located in their downtown area and my booth is by the post office and Boy Scout sponsored activities. Please come see me anytime between 9-5. :o)

On another show note, I am super excited to let you know that I was chosen to be part of the 28th Annual Juried Gingerbread Junction Craft Fair in Naperville on December, 5th. The show will be held at the Hill Middle School, 1836 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., admission is $2.

On a personal note, I am no longer accepting custom orders for the remainder of the year, unless we have already talked. As many of you know, my Dad has been very ill since my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary in early July and I really need to have some Family/Work balance. (Thank you, Scott for making me do this!) It is all suffering right now. I could literally spend 24 hours a day on custom orders, but simply don't have the time. I continue to add new inventory each month so hopefully you will find something that you like. :o) Thank you all for understanding. I only have one Dad and I don't ever want to look back with any regret. :o)

If you don't follow me on Facebook, here are the Fab Fall Felties that will debut this weekend! Hope to see you there!

Next Show

I have been asked to post my next show information so here you go! Actually, I think I was asked to post it on Facebook, but I will post it here too! :o)

October 3, 2009
Coal City Octoberfest
Downtown Coal City
Sponsored by the Coal City Junior Women's Club
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (LONG DAY!)

Coming up this weekend, FAB FALL FELTIES! I have been working on them this week in between filling orders and answering emails. PHEW!

Become a Fan on Facebook!

I have been meaning to let everyone know of Bootsie Marie Boutique's Facebook page for ummmmmm, MONTHS now! So here I am, asking (begging) you to become a fan. :o)

Simply search for Bootsie Marie Boutique like you would a friend (or enemy!) on Facebook and Bootsie Marie Boutique (and myself!) will pop up in the results. Friend me, also, if you would like!

First Day of School

I normally don't post personal items on my business blog, but many customers have become friends and have asked about Tanner so I thought I would share his first day of Pre-School picture. :o)

We have been blessed to be able to send him to Lutheran school this year and we (meaning ME!) survived his first day with a gold star. It is hard to believe he is in school. :o(



P.S. Dug, the dog from Up, didn't attend but was waiting for him in the car when we picked him up. :o)

P.P.S. Click on the picture to make it bigger.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

I think I have finally recovered from the weekend festivities at the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival and all I can say is THANK YOU!

Everyone who stopped by was so much fun and all of the compliments were fabulous. You are what keeps me going and I appreciate you buying handmade.

I think my favorite part was when people would ask me if I had a store and when I told them no and they said I should. I also loved the comments on how everything is so cute you don’t know what to pick. Seriously, you all made my weekend!!!

I cannot wait until next year and I promise to have kittens, frogs and monkey items along with dog bows. :o)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU again, and again!

P.S. Please don't forget to become a fan on Facebook!

On Being Spaz-tastic!

OK, so the whole "You Are Doing a 2 Day, 8 Hours Each Day" show has officially hit me. I feel ill. Please, Lord, let this weekend be successful!

What if no one buys anything? What if I don't have enough? What if it rains? What if I am so swamped I can't keep up? What if we can't get the new display looking good. What if, what if, what if! WAAAA!

I am a weenie, but human.

I have soooo many new items rolling out at this show and so many more in my head! I am a mental mess. :o)

The new items that will be featured this weekend are:
New felt clippies
Bitty Bows
Boutique Bows
Zebra Beanies
Curly Ostrich Feathers
Braided Headbands
Badge Reels
New korker color combinations such as zebra!

If you are attending the festival and would like to say hello and see me spaz in person, my tent will be located right near the kid's entertainment tent (WOOT!) on the corner of Glenwood and Morse. (DOUBLE WOOT!)

Need Custom Invitations???

If you saw Josie’s Birthday BBQ invite, you will know how cute it was! If not, go to tentinytoes prints to check it out!

My wonderful, talented, friend, Alison, (who happens to be from Nebraska) is offering SUPER CUTE, custom, invites, cards, notepads, stationary etc. at a fantastic price!

Please check her out and think about buying handmade before ordering from a big name supplier. :o)

Coincidence??? I used to think so, but now I don't know what to think!

Lots of strange (good) things have been happening to me this last week. Things that have just been freaking me out. Yesterday was no exception.

I figured out that I messed up my show schedule yesterday. You would think having 2 electronic calendars and one paper calendar, I would have my act together...not quite! I discovered that I had myself scheduled for a show on the weekend of my 15th class reunion, which with the help of our whole class, I have been trying to get planned. DOH! Scott and I both have reunions this year, two weekends in a row, to add to the craziness!

SOOOOOO, unfortunately I had to cancel my appearance at the Conant High School show. :o(

I found another show that I thought would be fun and called for information yesterday. Last night I had a message that the coordinator of the show had just found my business card (she saw me at another show) and WAS GOING TO CALL ME!!! CREEPY!!!!

Sooooooo, my October show will be:

October 3, 2009
Coal City Junior Women's Club Octoberfest
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Downtown area of Coal City

I love when it all works out!

Woven Headbands

PHEW! Just when I think I have enough going on, I take on a new product.

I had been admiring the works of the talented ladies in my bow group and decided I needed to give woven headbands a shot. Here is what I produced on my first try:





At the suggestion of my peers the flower on all future headbands will be detachable and the set (the woven headband and flower clip) will sell for $8.

Coming up soon (I swear my brain NEVER STOPS!), a new line of felt flower button clippies thanks to my hubby winning some $$$ in a raffle. WOOT!

Momma Needs a Vaca!

Let me tell ya, Disney in September CAN'T.COME.FAST.ENOUGH! I have finally (officially) stopped taking orders. Yeah, yeah, I have said it before, but it is true, so don't tempt me by emailing me. :o)

This week's focus has been my new stretchy headbands, next week...who knows! I am already fried. :o)

Here is a small sampling of my efforts. Please ignore my lousy set-up, I am lame lately...well, always!

Show Schedule

I have been asked to post my show schedule so away we go! (With as much information I can give.)

August 22-23, 2009
Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival
The Fest is held along Glenwood Ave at Morse Ave in Rogers Park on Chicago's north side.
Are you tired of hearing of this one yet??? :o)

September
OFF, due to our Disney World trip. YAY!!!

October 17, 2009
30th Annual Conant High School Arts and Craft Fair
700 East Cougar Trail, Hoffman Estates, IL
(This is the same day as my hubby's 20th reunion, he graduated from Conant, and the weekend after my 15th reunion, so I will be POOPED the next day!)

November 7, 2009
Oswego High School, 4250 Route 71, Oswego, IL
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Price: $3

I haven't chosen a December show yet so if you know of any you think I would like, drop me an email at bootsiemarie@ymail.com

If you are one of my "anonymous" readers, stop and say "hello!"

Best Wishes,
Jill

Ask and you shall receive.

You asked for them, here they are, simple bows!



Attached to a double prong, partially lined, non-slip grip clip, they measure approximately 4" and sell for $3 each.

Another Sneaky Peek

August is a big month for Bootsie Marie Boutique. I am participating in my first outdoor show and it is a whopper! Two 8 hour days on August 22-23, 2009 at the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival in Chicago. (Northside...HOLLA!) Eh-hmmmm, back to business.

So, I have been busy thinking, researching, making...trying to come up with some fresh ideas because who wants to see the same old stuff every show???

I came across a SUPER cute puppy embellishment and the Ruthie Puppy was born! Named after our Golden Retriever, Ruthie, of course!



Ruthie Puppy will officially debut at my August show, although Josie has already been sporting her and I do have some orders in my book. She will be available in a variety of flower colors, attached to a lined clippie with a non-slip grip, and will be priced at $3.00.

Debuting in August...

Skinny Headbands! The price has not been decided upon yet, but will either be $3 or $4.

Not only will I be offering stretchy skinny headbands, but also traditional plastic headbands too! Many color combinations as well as custom will be offered. SO CUTE!

Josie modeled the latest in Bootsie Marie hair pretties at a friend's baby shower and I had orders before the shower even began. :o) (If you click on the photos you can see an enlarged view.)

Chicago Cubs Flip Flops

WOW! These have TAKEN OFF (Much to my hubby's dismay. GO WHITE SOX!) and are the cause of my late nights and need for caffeine!




Flip flops are the ONLY ITEMS I am going to take orders for at this time. They are $15 and colors may vary based on ribbon availability but I can guarentee you they will be CUTE CUTE CUTE! Any team, college, MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL can be made!

Please email me with any questions. bootsiemarie@ymail.com

Many Thanks!
Jill

It's that time...

I should have posted this last week but I have been swamped with flip flops. (THANK YOU, TAHNK YOU!)

The time has come where Bootsie Marie Boutique is no longer accepting any orders or doing any sales until after the Glenwood Avenue Fest in Chicago, August 22-23, 2009.

I am in MAKE MAKE MAKE mode!

Come see myself, Jordan and Mary! Jordan pressured me into it and I, being a lovely friend to Mary, pressured and guilted her into it! :o) We have become quite the trio at craft shows. :o) Mary, by the way, makes GORGEOUS usable glass art...think margarita glasses, pitchers, plates...AND sells super yummy Tastefully Simple! We became fast friends over Beer Bread. :o)

Please visit www.glenwoodave.org to see where we will be!

Thank you all for your understanding!

Say It With A Sign

I think by now everyone has figured out that I love to support those who sell handmade items and I like to feature local talent.

My latest purchase is from Say It With A Sign.

How cute is this?!?!?! Please ignore any little finger prints or Golden Retriver nose prints. :o)




If you are looking for any "word" art (especially anything custom), please consider placing an order with Say It With A Sign, instead of a large retailer or home party company. :o)

Northside vs. Southside

Even though it breaks my hubby's heart, I not only made White Sox bows, but also their Northside Rivals, the Cubs. In addition to Chicago's beloved teams, I can do any team you request.

Here 2 examples of what I am offering for $3.50 each, although I should charge 3x more for a Cubs bow. :o) I have other designs that I will also be offering and have finally started listing some items on Etsy. :o)

My how you have grown!

Last Saturday was another fun and successful show. Thank you, again and again, to my current customers who have become friends for visiting (and buying!) and thank you to all of my new customers.

As much as it is great to make money, I think even Scott was as impressed as I was with how many compliments I got on my products and designs. Especially considering the night before each and every show I panic that my bows aren't cute enough to sell and I wonder what the heck I am doing in this business. I wonder if this will ever go away? I guess it is good to be grounded.

I always get a good laugh with those who first became intoduced to Bootsie Marie Boutique at my very first show in Bolingbrook. We laugh about my small little table with korkers, 2 set of clippies and some tuxedo bows. Even with my sad amount of items, I did GREAT at the show. Korkers have been, and I predict will always be, my biggest seller. Of course, because they are a pain in the butt to make. :o)

I need to find an old picture of my sad booth from back in the day. While I don't have a set up that I love yet, (I REALLY want a wire stand up booth.), I have come a long way.

Here are pics of Saturday's booth. I need to come up with something cute for my flip-flops...and everything else. :o) Please ignore any hanging material, I was pooped!

Because I am too excited to wait until Saturday's show...

Toddler Flip Flops are here and will be followed with bigger girl designs this week!

The flip flops will sell for $10 at the show and $12 regularly.

Without further ado...

Thank you and Next Show Information

First and foremost thank you to everyone who came to visit me at the Bolingbrook Kid's Expo. I had a great time meeting new customers and seeing some of my current customers. Josie "Bootsie Marie" was excited to see you all too! Tanner was more excited about the trucks and bouncy-houses, but what do you expect from a boy? :o)

I was so happy that my new products were as popular as I hoped. I sold out of my White Sox and Cubs bows. YAY!

My next show is this Saturday, where I will be introducing the FLIP FLOPS! YAY!

Please come see me and other fine crafters at:
Marklund
1 South 450 Wyatt Drive
Geneva, IL 60134

Show hours are from 9-4.

Something new!

It isn't a product...it is my new logo! See above!

2009 Price List

I hate when prices go up, but as a business owner, I get it now. Thankfully I haven't had to adjust much.

The new Bootsie Marie Boutique price list is as follows:

Clippie Set: $3.00

Snap Clip: $2.00

Bitty Korker: $3.00

Medium Korker: $4.00

Large Korker: $5.00

Firecrackers: $5.00

Pony Streamers: $4.00 (Plain)
$5.00 (Fancy)

Adjustable Toggle Headbands: $2.00

Interchangable Headbands: $2.00

*NEW!* Ribbon Flip Flops: $12.00

***Special Orders: Double regular price. I hate to do that but it is becoming a necessity as I cannot buy in bulk for these orders. If I have your colors/prints in stock, you will be charged 1½ times the regular price.

You will notice that I am no longer selling beanies or toddler hats. These will be replaced with two specialty headbands that I am currently working on and will be priced at $4.00. More details to follow!

Thank you for your understanding.

Next Show: April 26, 2009- Bolingbrook Park District Expo (I am honored to have been asked to participate in their special event!)

Custom Order Update

I cannot believe I am typing this but unless we have already talked, I will not be accepting any customer orders until further notice.

You are more than welcome to come view what I have in stock in person at my residence but I have too many shows in too short of a period coming up to be able to stay sane. :o)

Upcoming Show Schedule:

March 28th: Peru Catholic Schools, Peru, Illinois
April 26th: Bolingbrook Kid's Expo, Bolingbrook, Illinois
May 2nd: Marklund, Geneva, Illinois
June-August: OFF due to huge show in August and Vacation
August 22-23: Glenview Avenue Fest, Chicago, Illinois

Thank you for your understanding!

Adjustable Headbands!

$2 each or 3 for $5. These were one of my biggest sellers at my last show.

Great for ALL ages! Here is my college age niece modeling for me. (I will get hate email for posting these pics of her!) She loved this one so much the next weekend she came home and took about 20 back with her. :o)

Snap Clips! Even Bootsie Can Wear Them!

The lastest in the $2 each or 3 for $5 category. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs and even stay in the itty-bittiest hair!

Josie admiring her new bow. :o)

Minooka Craft Show Update!

I am finally fully recovered. :o) I had the best time at this show! I was placed next to a FABULOUS booth and met another wonderful bow maker. Scotty even helped me the whole day and has a new respect for not only what I think up in my mind, but make and SELL!

Before I introduce the lovely ladies I mentioned in the first paragraph, I have to thank my Minooka Mom's Club ladies for coming to visit (and buying!) too!

Although Scott was not thrilled that I was sitting next to a booth that had the most adorable dresses...I WAS!!! He saw my profits going right down the tubes. BUT when he realized that people were buying her dresses then coming over to my booth to match a bow, he changed his mind. :o)

I was able to sneak these two beauties past my hubby.






Are these NOT THE CUTEST?!?!?!?! $15 gets you the dress AND embroidered name. She is making me 3 more. :o)

The "she" I keep referring to is Jordan. Click her name and contact her. You will NOT be disappointed!

The second lovely lady I met was another bow lady, Kathy. Click on her name too! I know you are probably thinking, "why would you want to promote your competition?" Well, the nice thing is, we do different bows and what I like to make, she doesn't have the patience for, and what she makes, I don't have the patience (or talent) for! And her tutus...ADORABLE!

Pics of new products coming up this week!

Thank you all for another successful show. I still cannot believe I am making this happen!!!

Cheer Bows!

So, my sister conned me into coming up with and sending some samples to her local high school.

Along with a korker and firecracker went these...





Keeping my fingers crossed for an order.

Standardizing

I am in desperate need of getting my inventory in check. I lots of this, a little of that, and too much "Oh crap! I forgot to order that!".

Thankfully I have very good financial connections and a game plan set up for me. I don't like to think "numbers", I just like to think "making." BUT, I am in this business to make money so I am making some changes. WAAAAAAA!

I will be standardizing. I hate that. I like to fly by the seat of my pants. I will have some OOAK (one of a kind) items but if I plan on making this work, I will be offering specific colors and color combinations at my shows and (finally!) online.

I have touched on this in a past entry but it makes sense. For my sanity and for my budget.

I will continue to pick up some cute OOAK ribbon when I see it but in the mean time start looking for my standard "recipes" to come out soon.

REMINDER!!! Come see me this Saturday at the Minooka High School craft show. :o)

Busy "Makin"

I am finally (almost) done with my special orders and can now concentrate (sorta) on my show which is in two weeks. YIKES!!!

I am going to be unveiling some fun new accesories for the older girls and adults. Also, some super cutey-cute new lines. Think princess, strawberry, and lady bugs!

In the mean time, Josie finally got a new bow. Here is our little cutey-cute showing off her Valentine's Day korker which I took some close ups of as I added in some 1/4" korked ribbon to spice it up a bit.

I am a "the bigger the better" kinda girl when it comes to her bows.