BlogMania Sponsor Spotlight ~FlutterBaby Gifts

BlogMania is right around the corner September 15th and 16th, and I am getting really excited about it! I have partnered with some wonderful and generous sponsors that are all offering fabulous giveaways! On the days of the Event there will only be one main giveaway. From that giveaway I will be selecting *SEVERAL* winners. On the actual day of the event, in order to win, you will have to come by and enter the contest, at which time I would like you to specify which prize package you would prefer if you win. (I, however, can not guarantee that you will win that particular prize.)

I have personal attachment to our fourth BlogMania sponsor! FlutterBaby Gifts! I came across Shana’s work through the recommendation of another mom. I knew instantly when I saw her designs that I HAD to have one for my Squishapillar! Her hats are so beautiful, the colors are so vibrant, and they are wonderfully made. You can really tell these items are made with love. I was also excited to see her shop was more than just hats; she has beautiful hats, cute crocheted shoes, handmade toys for little one, and more! I had Squishy photographed in his buggy hat, and caterpillar rattler and they are some of my favorite pictures of my little man, not to mention the ones we used for his birthday invitations! I absolutely love my little man’s buggy hat, and he adores his rattle! I asked Shana to tell us a little bit about her company, and was delighted to receive such a beautiful story in return.

"Learning to crochet had been on my to-do list since I was a little girl. My most prized possession is a very colorful rippled afghan that was crocheted by my Granny. Unfortunately I never had a chance to learn from Granny, and I didn't know anyone else who could crochet. My mother says the art and talent must skip a generation because she could never do more than make the foundation chain stitch! I tried (and FAILED) to teach myself using books....I just couldn’t get the concept from photos. I had just about given up when I spotted a basket of yarn and a half made blanket at a friend's house. I was SO excited to learn that she knew how to crochet! My friend graciously taught me how to do a basic stitch, and I was on my way to making my very first crochet afghan. I started small (and thank goodness) with a blanket for my oldest son, who was about 2 at the time. Did I mention that my friend was left handed...and I learned completely backwards?? That poor blanket was so crooked and hideous...but it was a start and my son LOVED it....which was all that mattered to me. That first backwards basic stitch and the smile on my son's face, as he hugged his new blanket, was all I needed. I taught myself everything else (including the right-right handed way) using online videos and books. I started crocheting gifts for everyone and every occasion!

I have always loved the art of gift giving, picking just the right gift, wrapping it perfectly with a hand made bow and most importantly seeing the smile on the recipients face when they get something they love. My most favorite gift to give has always been a baby gift, something about the joy of new life and all of the little things that come with it. When I learned to crochet it took the joy of gift giving to a new level for me. I had so much fun creating blankets and hats and little baby booties for all of my friends, it was so exciting to ooh and ahh over all the little goodies. To be able to give someone a gift that they loved....that I made with my own two hands was so rewarding. I especially love seeing my creations on a sweet adorable little new baby, it is priceless.

Upon the encouragement of my family and friends I started thinking about taking my crochet gifts to the next level. In August 2008 I opened my Etsy shop and FlutterBaby Gifts was born. My crochet skills continue to evolve and I am now designing my own patterns. I have a great local network of customers and have made some awesome friends through this endeavor. I am so thankful to have found something that brings me so much joy and adds a small sense of self accomplishment to my stay at home mommy status. Thankfully I have the sweetest customers who share photos of their little ones with their FlutterBaby Gifts.....because seeing those sweet little buggies all snugglied up with something I made with my two hands is still my most favorite part!!" - Shana owner and designer of FlutterBaby Gifts

FlutterBabyGifts has generously offered a $30 gift certificate to her etsy shop. All her items are custom made to order, so you will be able to pick out something that is just perfect for your little (or big) baby! For more fantastic pictures you can check out her etsy shop, like her facebook page, check out her Flickr album, or follow her blog!

Don't forget to come back September 15th and 16th for the BlogMania Event to enter for your chance to win this fantastic giveaway!