How cute are these handmade coupon organizers from Austin Artisian? Austin Artisian offers two choices of the felt organizers: British Wool felt, the finest wool felt imported from the UK or Recycled ECO-felt, made with 100% recycled plastic bottles.
These would make great gifts for all the ladies you know with birthdays this summer. It would also be a great way to help someone get started couponing by including a small coupon stash inside!
What prompted you to start your shop? What’s the background, the inspiration?
I love crafting and have always been involved with one art form or another. My mother actually prompted me to open a shop. She is my #1 fan and had been encouraging me to sell on Etsy for awhile. I fell in love with wool felt awhile back and started out making small bags for family and friends. Then one day I took a good look at my coupon organizer and it was ugly to say the least. I made myself a new one and covered it in my wool felt. I thought, I might have something here. I get my inspiration from everywhere. I can walk into a bakery and think of something I would like to make. I walk outside and get inspired by new flowers blooming. Inspiration is all around us, you just have to stop and take notice.
What was your very first project?
My very first project was a simple little purse I made with my mother’s sewing machine back in middle school. *giggle* I have tried a lot of different art projects, from stained glass to jewelry design, soap making and pottery. I need to have an outlet and art works for me.
Is there something unique about your products vs. your competitors that you’d like readers to know?
My organizers are the perfect fit for your purse so you will always have it with you. That is the biggest challenge with clipping coupons, you can’t use them if you don’t have them. My organizers are a perfect fit for your purse, tote bag, or stashed in the glove compartment. They are super cute, fun to show off and very durable! As one of my customers said, “Perfectly compact, adorable, well-made, and totally necessary.” Everything is hand embroidered & hand cut by me in my studio. I try to make lots of styles so whether you like flowers, birds or tattoos, I will have something just for you! I embroider and hand stitch all my appliqués directly on the covering so they hold up very well. I don’t take short cuts and I don’t sell anything mama wouldn’t be proud of.
What is the hardest thing about what you do?
There are times when I second guess myself on color combinations or the way something is placed on the organizer. I just try to go with the feeling of the piece and it usually comes out great.
Would you like readers to know anything about you personally?
I am a happy mommy of two small children living in Austin, Texas. Hook ‘em horns! I love treasure hunting at thrift stores, getting the Sunday paper for coupons, COFFEE, gourmet cooking, traveling, gardening and sewing. I have always had a passion for creating art. I love to cook, travel and take care of my wonderful family. I also spend some time blogging and would love to have a few more followers. Read more about the woman behind the craft at:
http://www.thelifeandtimesofladyjane.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/tabitha1467
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-TX/Austin-Artisan/77822653513
http://www.austinartisan.etsy.com
The Austin Artisian is offering a lucky Shake The Salt reader their choice of any coupon organizer on the site.
Open to US, Canada, and International! Woot!!
Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2009 @ 11:59 PM EST.
Winner must contact me with full name & mailing address (no P.O. Boxes) within 72 hours of announcement.
WAYS TO ENTER:
Visit Austin Artisian, then come back & leave a comment with a link to your favorite design. (1 entry)
Add Austin Artisian to your Etsy Favorites (link on sidebar of shop) (2 entries)
Subscribe to Austin Artisian’s RSS feed (2 entries)
Bookmark & Share the Austin Artisian (link on sidebar of shop) (1 entry for each: Stumble, Facebook, etc)
Visit The Life & Times of Lady Jane, the person blog of the Austin Artisian. Follow the blog via Google Friend Connest and/or subscribe to the RSS feed (2 entries each).
Fan the Austin Artisian on Facebook. (2 entries)
Follow the Austin Artisian on Twitter. (2 entries)
Take the Shake The Salt button (left sidebar) & place it on your sidebar (3 entries)
Twitter this giveaway (ex: Win a handmade by @tabitha1467 coupon organizer at @shakethesalt http://bit.ly/13sJy6 ) (1 entry per day)
Stumble, Buzz Up, Share on Facebook, etc (1 entry for each)
Write a blog post about this giveaway (3 entries)
Follow Shake The Salt on Twitter (1 entry)
Subscribe to Shake The Salt’s RSS feed using the Feedburner button or this link (you can get the feed through a reader or by email) (2 entries)
Follow Shake The Salt (“join this site”) using Google Friend Connect (see footer of blog) (2 entries)
Blog about this giveaway, including a link (5 entries)
Comment on any other non-giveaway posts on Shake The Salt, and then comment here with the link or name of the post you left a comment on. (1 entry per other post commented on)
Your entries will ONLY be counted if left individual in comments. One comment = one entry. If you are getting 2 entries for one thing, leave 2 comments about it (ex: Placed button on sidebar #1, place button on sidebar #2, etc).
Psssst…
Have you checked out the latest freebies,
coupons, deal
alerts, and Frugal
Deals Roundup?
1 June 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Okay. So, I like the Treehugger one (blue with a tree) the best. (Ladybug one is second place!)
2 June 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I added the store as a favorite on Etsy (mrsjennahatfield is my etsy name).
3 June 8th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Submitted to StumbleUpon. http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/austinartisan.etsy.com/
4 June 8th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Following your site via the Google Follow option.
5 June 8th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24642065
double star flower on lilac is my favorite.
6 June 8th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
email subscriber 1
7 June 8th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
email subscriber 2
8 June 8th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I like the cherry blossoms on royal blue.
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com
9 June 8th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I follow on twitter as luannkay.
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com
10 June 8th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
email subscriber #1
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com
11 June 8th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
email subscriber #2
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com
12 June 8th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I love the owl one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23915313
Thanks for the great giveaway!
13 June 8th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I added the store to my etsy favorites: my etsy username is gunzie entry#1
14 June 8th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I added the store to my etsy favorites: my etsy username is gunzie entry#2
15 June 8th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I’m a new follower of The life and times of lady Jane: entry#1
16 June 8th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I’m a new follower of The life and times of lady Jane: entry#2
17 June 8th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I follow Austin Artisian on twitter: username gunzie73, entry#1
18 June 8th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I follow Austin Artisian on twitter: username gunzie73, entry#2
19 June 8th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I added the Shake the Salt button on my sidebar: http://alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#1
20 June 8th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I added the Shake the Salt button on my sidebar: http://alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#2
21 June 8th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I added the Shake the Salt button on my sidebar: http://alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#3
22 June 8th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I follow Shake the Salt on twitter: username gunzie73
23 June 8th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I added your button to my sidebar: alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#1
24 June 8th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I added your button to my sidebar: alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#2
25 June 8th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I added your button to my sidebar: alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com
entry#3
26 June 8th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I’m an email subscriber to Shake the Salt.
ann dot guns at mac dot com
27 June 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I’m an email subscriber to Shake the Salt: entry#2
ann dot guns at mac dot com
28 June 8th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I joined the Shake the Salt site: entry#1
29 June 8th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I joined the shake the salt site: gunzie, entry#2
30 June 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23706706 the pansy on the bubblegum pink
31 June 9th, 2009 at 10:16 am
# 1 added to my esty favorites
32 June 9th, 2009 at 10:16 am
#2 added to my esty favorites
33 June 9th, 2009 at 10:17 am
# 1 subsriber through email
34 June 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
# 2 subsriber through email
35 June 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
# 1 follow through google friend
36 June 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
# 2 follow through google friend
37 June 9th, 2009 at 10:19 am
# 3 follow through google friend
38 June 9th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Love the granny smith apple or the coffee on green.
39 June 9th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Like the one with the cohttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25842508ffee cup on it.
40 June 9th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Sooo cute! I like the royal blue with the cherry blossom!
41 June 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am
since i am a cat lover i’ll pick the Baby Kitten on Java
42 June 10th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I like the Cool Watermelon slice - very cute.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21993429
43 June 10th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I like the Heirloom Tomato on Navy.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26023744
44 June 11th, 2009 at 1:44 am
I like the Blue Trucker Flap Girl!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21290816
45 June 11th, 2009 at 6:42 am
My favorite is the Scarlet Tattooed Heart design.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24176198
46 June 11th, 2009 at 6:42 am
I’m an e-mail subscriber. #1
47 June 11th, 2009 at 6:43 am
I’m an e-mail subscriber. #2
48 June 11th, 2009 at 6:43 am
I follow your blog. #1
49 June 11th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I follow your blog. #2
50 June 12th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I love the choc cupcake on bubblegum pink coupon organizer. Such cute stuff. I could really use something cute for my coupons. They’re in a boring old envelope right now. dramaqueensmum@gmail.com
51 June 12th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I’m following you on twitter.
52 June 12th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I’m following you on google reader.
53 June 12th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
This one is my favorite:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26335701
54 June 12th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
added to my favorites on etsy. I’m JennTRC
55 June 13th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I love the Austin Artisan- Coupon Organizer- Poppies on Saffron!
56 June 13th, 2009 at 10:33 am
added to my favorites on etsy - bowsnbuttons
57 June 13th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Following lady jane’s blog
#1
58 June 13th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Following lady jane’s blog
#2
59 June 13th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24953712
The Love Owl is adorable!
60 June 14th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I love the Daisy (orange) on the navy folder its really pretty
61 June 14th, 2009 at 12:11 am
I am an RSS subscriber
62 June 14th, 2009 at 12:12 am
I am an RSS subscriber #1
63 June 14th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Rss feeder subscriber #2
64 June 14th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Became of a fan of Artisian
65 June 14th, 2009 at 12:17 am
became a Facebook fan of Artisian #2
66 June 14th, 2009 at 12:18 am
A Peek at my Coupon Organizers
67 June 14th, 2009 at 12:19 am
I am an email subscriber
68 June 15th, 2009 at 2:44 am
I love the Cherries on Midnight
69 June 15th, 2009 at 2:48 am
I follow you.
Are we there yet???
70 June 15th, 2009 at 2:49 am
I follow you #2
71 June 15th, 2009 at 2:49 am
I have your button
72 June 15th, 2009 at 2:49 am
I have your button #2
73 June 15th, 2009 at 2:50 am
I have your button #3
74 June 15th, 2009 at 3:33 am
[...] Coupon Organizer [...]
75 June 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I like the cute Cherries on Blueberry design!
76 June 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I’m a subscriber #1
77 June 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I’m a subscriber #2
78 June 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I’m a follower #1
79 June 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I’m a follower #2
80 June 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I like the blackbird on cranberry:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23542698
81 June 15th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I added Austin Artisan to my etsy favs (canadianbeadaholic)
82 June 15th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I added Austin Artisan to my etsy favs (canadianbeadaholic) 2
83 June 15th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Your button is in my links sidebar
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com
84 June 15th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Your button is in my links sidebar
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com 2
85 June 15th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Your button is in my links sidebar
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com 3
86 June 15th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
i’m following
87 June 15th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
i’m following 2 (& I’m not sure why my 3 comments about having your button didn’t show up but I couldn’t submit them again b/c it says they are duplicates??)
88 June 15th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I blogged about this here #1:
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/shake-salt-coupon-organizer-giveaway.html
89 June 15th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
blogged #2:
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/shake-salt-coupon-organizer-giveaway.html
90 June 15th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
blogged #3:
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/shake-salt-coupon-organizer-giveaway.html
91 June 15th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
blogged with link #4:
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/shake-salt-coupon-organizer-giveaway.html
92 June 15th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
blogged with link #5:
http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/shake-salt-coupon-organizer-giveaway.html
93 June 15th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
follow on twitter (canadagiveaways)
94 June 15th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
My favorite design is Austin Artisan- Coupon Organizer- Cherries on Midnight!
95 June 15th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I follow your blog!