It’s Small Business Saturday! Just in case there weren’t enough shopping “holidays” this weekend! This is one to embrace, however, as it’s goal is to stimulate small business and local economies.

If you are in the San Antonio or South Texas area, and would like to shop local, please visit my Freee Rose Studio Etsy Shop and peruse the goods, or email me at Susie@FreeRoseStudio.com to inquire about or place a custom order. I am so grateful and thankful for all the support I have received this year.  I am looking forward to 2013 and the new experiences and opportunities it will bring.

Still not sure what Free Rose Studio has to offer? Besides costume design and wardrobe consultations, I enjoy creating durable, unique accessories to add a little handmade to your everyday life.  Messenger bags, totes, backpacks, iPad and tablet cases, wet bags, kids backpacks, and personalized embroidered and appliqued items are just the beginning!

Earlier this year I decided to enter the world of home embroidery, so that I could be more creative when personalizing bags, and to add a new element to my other design projects.  While getting to know my machine, I started experimenting with making the appliqued and embroidered kids shirt that seem to be everywhere right now. It’s become a fun hobby, and my toddler is really into and likes to take charge of the designs of his shirts.  How lucky am I that my 2 year old wants to design with me?!

I’ve been hesitant to put too much focus on this in regards to my Etsy, because this is SUCH a saturated market…but I really like doing these! So, I’ve decided to add a few of my designs that my son and I have created, because there doesn’t seem to be many unique options when it comes to personalized shirts for boys.  I hope to start adding these during the next two weeks.

In the meantime, I’m happy to present my first offering: personalized sibling shirts!

My first design features two appliqued birdies, singing a joyful tune to each other. They are stitched with red thread and black detailing; while modern in style, the raw jersey edges add texture and give it a little bit of grit.  The Big and Lil’ sister phrasing can be traded out for brothers, and your child’s name will carefully be incorporated into the design.

Check it out in my Etsy shop, and order early for the holidays! While you are there, take a look at my new “Toddler Tote”, with a personalized patch featuring your child’s name and a tag line of your choice. Thanks for browsing, see you again soon! 

I know-it’s itchy.

But it’s also durable, affordable, and has a great texture perfect for home decor gifts!  Don’t you want to run out and get some right now? Once you do, here are 3 themes for projects with burlap, with examples for each one.  I hope you’ll share what you create on my Facebook wall.

-Idea # 1: Table Linens
Easy No-Sew Monogrammed Table Runner from Emmaline Bride

DIY Inspired has some great No-Sew Stenciled Placemats