Embroidered Bird Nest Onesie + Monogrammed Makeup Bag

I made this little onesie for a friend's baby that's on the way!

This Bird Nest Alpha is from Planet Applique (click HERE for 20% off your first Planet Applique order).

I hand stitched a little bow onto the birdie's head.

The customer supplied the bag and picked the embroidery font.

The embroidery monogram is the Diamond font from Herrington Designs on etsy (order through ebates for 1% cash back).

I like the look of this monogram, but be aware that the design has a lot of stitches-- meaning it will cost customers more for this monogram font than for other fonts I generally use.

Free Etsy Shipping

I am offering free shipping in my etsy shop.

This isn't a limited time offer.  While there may be items that one day need to have shipping costs tacked on (or they would otherwise look overpriced), for now there is no shipping fee.

I didn't go in and raise prices on the photography.  There were $10 before.  They're $10 now.

This is just my way of streamlining things and saying thank you to customers.

Sure, I'll lose a bit of money doing this, but I'd rather someone enjoy the photo.

So, say hello to free shipping!

~Marla

Click here to visit:

Marla, Plain & Small etsy shop

Small Business Saturday AND Free Etsy Shipping

Well, we all know that Black Friday is almost here.

But did you know that Saturday is Small Business Saturday?

So, after you hit all the big retail stores on Friday, be sure to visit locally owned stores in your area.

In celebration of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING in my etsy store!

When you make a purchase, enter coupon code FREESHIP to get just that-- free shipping!
You'll be saving $5 per purchase!  You can use the code through Monday, November 28.

Marla, Plain & Small etsy shop

Romanian Inspiration

I'll be going to Romania in a few weeks and can't wait!
I started shopping last night for a few new travel clothes (most of what I had no longer fits or is worn out!).

I started searching Etsy for what items had a Romanian flair, and I thought I'd share!

(Click to view larger)

Romania Vintage Resin Stamp Necklace-1960s Romina Stamp with Metal Shovel Charm from Love Las Muertas

Country Road from Simona Barbu

Romania Map Magnets, Vintage 1920s Atlas, set of 4 from Historically Inspired Designs

Gypsy Wagon Necklace from featherhead

World Traveler Pendant - Eastern Europe from The Green Daisy

Red ruffle long skirt from taitee

A Reminder for Today

Open Soul

Mini Cards Tutorial

After I sent off my scraps for the Scrap Swap, I got a package of scraps in return :).

Inside was this homemade card from Mamma Tortilla that was adorable!

I was inspired and decided to use my scraps from the swap to make cards as well!

First I got out some card stock and folded it in half.  Then I picked coordinating fabric and cut strips.

I also used some ribbon.

Using a zig-zag stitch, I sewed the fabric onto the front of the card stock.

I stamped the back.

And you write you message inside!

You can leave sweet little notes on people's desks at work or for your significant other :)

Want some cards but don't want to make your own?  Pick some up at my etsy shop!

Boys Are Cute Mini Cards

Girl Talk Mini Cards

Summertime Mini Cards

May Giveaway Winner & BOGO at My Shop!

The winner of the Cottage Charm May Giveaway is:

Congrats Mary Ellen!
I need your email address to contact you about the prizes.  Please leave it in a comment on this post or email me at marlashep(at)aol(dot)com within a week.

Thanks to everyone who entered!
AND...
Today everyone can be a winner, because I'm offering Buy One Get One Free at my etsy shop for a week! (Sale ends Friday, June 4)  Buy one photo, and then in the buyer's comments, let me know which photo you want to receive for free.  That easy!

Marla, Plain & Small etsy shop

A Reminder for Today

****The May Giveaway is ending soon!  A winner will be announced tomorrow!  Click HERE to enter!****

_____________________

"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Neither Height Nor Depth digital photo

May Giveaway Begins (A Cottage Charm Giveaway)

Marla, Plain & Small is participating in The Twice Remembered Cottage May Giveaway.  You can check out all the Cottage Charm participants here.

So what's to WIN on this blog?!

1) Set of 4 fabric coasters

2) Digital print of your choice from my etsy

3) 50% off an additional digital print for you or a friend from my etsy

3) Handbag (it's really more of a clutch wallet)

4) 2 Large Buttons

5) Purple marble necklace charm (chain not included)

ALL made by ME :)

(click image to enlarge...digital photos not pictured because you pick what you want!)

How to Enter

1) You MUST follow this blog.  Just click the "Follow" button to the right

2) You MUST leave ONE comment on this post and include your email address

*If you forget either of these steps, you will be disqualified...sorry :(

Bonus Entries:

3) Tweet about this giveaway and include the link marlagrace.blogspot.com in the tweet.  Come back and leave a comment with the link to your tweet.

4) Facebook about this giveaway and include the link marlagrace.blogspot.com.  Come back and leave a comment with the link to your post.

5) Blog about this giveaway and include the link marlagrace.blogspot.com.  Come back and leave a comment with the link to your blog post.

*Please leave a separate comment for each bonus entry.  That's the only way you'll get extra entries!

*If you do not follow the steps exactly, I reserve the right to delete your comment.  Let's play fair and not just post "extra" comments to win!

Who Can Enter?

Anyone who lives in the continental United States and Canada.  I will be shipping the winning items to you at my cost!

How Will a Winner Be Picked?  And When?

I'll use a random generator to pick the winner.  The more entries you have, the better chance of winning!

The drawing will end May 29!

Good Luck!

Prizes pictured one by one:

AND digital pictures from here!

Office Inspirations

Who says offices have to be boring?  Not me!
I'm moving into a different office at work and am in the process of packing/unpacking/decorating/rearranging/pondering/rearranging again.  I'll post before and after pictures of both offices when it's all said and done!

In the theme of offices, I've picked a few things from etsy that will jazz up any workspace.
I work for an international non-profit organization, so the theme will have a global flair.

Now, unlike my situation, these items will be picked as though we have no budget and we can have whatever we want!

Clean slate to start an office- American Rustic

A Pop of color- American Retro

Chaise Lounge to keep your guests comfy- Made in Berlin

Throw pillow for couch- Made in India

Illuminated Globe to sit on your desk- Our adorable planet

Art to draw all the colors together (yes, a shameless plug :)- Picture from China

Laptop bag- Made in Guatemala

My Shop Featured on Julie's Silk 'n' Style Shop!

I got a message today that Julie's Silk 'n' Style featured some of my etsy photos on her Facebook page!


Go check it out!

Mum's Day

Looking for a present for Mother's Day?

Maybe a piece of art would do the trick!


Or how about some handmade coasters?

Check out more at my etsy shop-- marla, plain & small!

A Reminder for Today

"Use what talents you possess..."

Talents digital photo

Have a great creative day everyone!

*Featuring* Handmade Custom Frames

Looking for a custom frame for your house?  Check out Hilabeans Frames etsy shop.  These would make a great wedding present!  Or baby shower present or anniversary present or birthday present or housewarming gift or...lots of possibilities!

You can also check out the frames on Hilabeans Facebook page and Hilary's blog.

Happy Shopping!

*Featuring* Hand-Stamped Jewelry

Looking for some personalized jewelry?  Check out Becca Winslow's etsy shop for hand-stamped jewelry that can be customized for you!

You can also follow Becca on her Facebook page to get shop updates.

I think this necklace is adorable and very "springy"!

Saffron Leaf with Tree Pendant

Etsy Spring Finds *Featuring CAST

I don't know about you, but I have been wishing for spring for months now!  I need the sunshine and warm breeze!  To transition us from winter to spring, here are a few items that will add a pop of color to our spring wardrobe.  All of these items are from CAST members' etsy shops.

*CAST- Christian Artists Street Team

1) Upcycled Denim and Tulle Flower from Teri Daughter of the King
2) Upcycled Easter Eggs from Chocolate Dog Studio
3) Love as He loves you necklace from Teapots and Robots
4) Sophisticated Blue Sterling Silver and Glass necklace from ck silver
5) Little Girl's Poncho in Mint Green from Joyful Handknits
6) Knit Baby Earflap hat from Baruch's Lullaby
7) Vintage Linen Apron from sammysgrammy
8) Sea Spray Silk Scarf from Julie's Silk N Style Shop
9) Celebrating You bookmark from Crochet by Anastasia

Go check out these shops for more spring ideas!


Marla, Plain & Small- etsy shop

St. Patty's Day Is Around the Corner

This weekend I started getting out my spring decorations.  I went ahead and put out my Easter decor, because it's all just so cute and never gets to sit out for long!

If you're like me, St. Patrick's day decorating snuck up on you.  I have a wooden four leaf clover hanging on a plant on my front porch, but that's all I have!  Better luck decorating next year (get it, luck, four leaf clover...lame, I know).

So if you are decorating and need a few ideas, here are some things I found on etsy that are all adorable!

1) Irish Moss Hand Painted Wine Glasses from MarysWorkshop

2) Peridot Vintage Earrings from Dalim

3) St. Patty's Day Gift Tags from FreshLemonBlossoms

4) St. Patricks Day Irish Elf Hat from RagamuffinDesign

5) Apple Green Bag from BayanHippo

6) St. Patrick's Day Vintage Bingo Card Holder from WeeLittlePapers

I love spring!

Let me know how you like to decorate for St. Patrick's Day!

Winner of Giveaway & FREE Download & Etsy Discount!!!

It's so beautiful outside today that I just have to share the sunshine!

First up, the winner of this week's giveaway! (drumroll, please)  The free digital photo goes to Julie, Silk N Style!  Julie, you can go to my etsy and pick out your favorite picture.  Leave me a comment letting me know which photo you want and how you want it customized.  I'll also need your email address, and I'll get that sent your way!

Today everyone is a winner!  Here is a free download for all:

It's not available on my etsy-- It was made just for you guys!  To download click on the picture to enlarge it; then, right click, and click "save as".  You can use it as a desktop wallpaper or print it off as much as you like!  Please just don't sale it in any way.

This picture was taken in Honduras on the small Garifuna island of Miami.  I ate one of the best meals of my life sitting on this beach.  I also LOVE Emily Dickinson; she warms my heart.
I hope this photo brightens your day in some way. :)

Want more (I told you I was soaking up this sunshine!)?!?  Go to my etsy shop and buy any digital photo for HALF OFF!  Convo me with which picture you want, and I'll make the price adjustment before you purchase it.  This offer goes through Monday.

Have a great weekend!

www.marlagraces.etsy.com

GIVEAWAY MONDAY!

It's Monday.  The first day of the week.  The first day of March.  Spring is almost here!  Today feels like a fresh start and the chance for new beginnings (it's hard to think otherwise when the daffodils are starting to bloom!).  So let's celebrate all things fresh and new and budding with a giveaway!

The prize: A digital photo in my etsy shop-- even the collages count!
Bonus: The winner receives a digital copy of a photo, and I'll customize it with your favorite scripture verse, quote, saying, or no text at all!  You get to pick which photo too!

How to enter: (1) Follow this blog (2) Go to my etsy shop and pick out your favorite picture (3) Leave a comment on my blog and list your favorite picture


So head on over to marlagraces.etsy.com and get to lookin'!  There are 24 photos to choose from!

The contest will end Friday, March 5 (in celebration of Alice in Wonderland being in theaters!).  All entries must be submitted by 12:00 noon central time.  I'll announce the winner Friday afternoon!

Feature Attraction

baruchslullaby featured me in her sea themed etsy treasury!  my picture "neither height nor depth" was with other items that make us dream of summer.  a big thanks to baurchslullaby!

while we're talking about etsy, you've got to go check out pacokeco's shop.  she makes adorable paper crafts.  she made some personalized tags for me.  i got them in the mail yesterday and love them!

i also bought an assortment pack that had lots of fun tags!