Have you ever had the pleasure of owning an original, handcrafted bag by Julie Clark Art? Well if not, then you're in luck!
We love Julie's handcrafted items so much that we're giving away this beautiful aqua-green mini-tote bag and matching coin purse to one of our lucky readers! It's our Holiday Giveaway Gift to one of our very lucky readers!
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Giveaway Spotlight: Julie Clark Art, from Etsy
Can you tell us about your Etsy store, Julie Clark Art?
Sure, thanks for asking! Julie Clark Art is an eco-friendly business. My most popular items are what I refer to as "practical art pieces". An example would be my handmade totes and mini bags made using sustainable cotton materials, which tend to have more of an art quilt or funky feel to them than the practical canvas ones you can find just about everywhere. I also make coordinating zip pouches, and never use plastic or vinyl lining, which allows most of these to easily go in the wash. Aside from bags, I also create art quilts and fiber art pieces, referred to as thread paintings.
I just love your tote bags! It must be really rewarding to be so creative, but how is it being a small business owner?
Thanks, Denine! I love running my own business, though I will confess learning the ropes has been intense. Although both my major (Communications), as well as my Studio Art minor, do help, there is so much to learn about the business world. I'm self taught, and have done more reading in a year than I probably ever did in school. Aside from the learning curve and keeping up with all sorts of regulations and changes, I really like the freedom to design and create unique products that make others happy. I've always been one to think out of the box, and running a small business allows me to do that on an ongoing basis.
Do you have any advice for people just starting out?
Be flexible, and be open to the possibility that what you set out to do may change over time, and that’s ok! Practically speaking, it is essential to understand what the rules are in your community, as they vary not only from state to state, but town to town. If you are creating and selling handmade pieces, there are all sorts of regulations you need to understand, from labeling laws to selling overseas, to what kinds of materials you can and cannot use. Don't use your personal email, but set up one solely for business. Set up a separate bank account, as well. Pour an enormous cup of coffee and read the fine print. Take time to do it right the first time, and by choosing to keep up with all of the changes, you will save yourself many headaches down the road. It's called "work" for a reason.
Is there anything you don't do?
Dye my hair. Who has the time? 🙂
Ha! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks so much for this opportunity to meet and speak with your awesome readers!
Want a beautiful handcrafted Julie Clark bag of your own?
You can purchase these lovely pieces directly from Julie Clark Art, (use the code "WEKNOWSTUFF11" and receive 10% off for the month of December), or you can enter our contest below to win this beautiful aqua-green mini-tote bag and matching coin purse!
Here’s how the Giveaway Contest works – to win the aqua-green mini-tote bag and matching coin purse, you need to:
1.) Follow Julie's blog: http://oneclevercottage.blogspot.com/
2.) Post a comment on one of our previous posts.
3.) Leave us a comment below to let us know that you've done both of them.
The winner will be selected on December 16th at noon EST – we’ll use Research Randomizer to pick the winner. Please let your friends and family know about this incredible giveaway contest!
Good luck,
Denine & Daniele
Following and posted on the potato pancakes.
I posted a comment about a baby bird photo I saw on your site 🙂 Wow…it was such a great photo!!! Here’s a link to the post: https://www.weknowstuff.us.com/we-know-stuff/2011/06/photo-fridays-2.html.
I am following Julie’s Blog on GFC as Sexy Coupons.
I follow on GFC and I commented on the ladybug rocks post.
I’m following her blog – what adorable bags! I also commented on the cute milk carton bird feeders!
Following your blog and hers. Commented on pinecone bird feeders. Need to do this with my kiddos. Good luck to all.
Following Julies Blog~
Commented on your Holiday Get Togethers Post!
I follow One Clever Cottage on GFC
I follow Julie’s blog via GFC.
I posted a comment on the sock/babydoll dress post.
I am following her blog and I left a comment on the “A Ghostly Terrarium”
serenap95(at)hotmail(dot)com
posted a comment on your blog about home made hamburger buns.
following your blog.
liked you on FB
Linda Steelman Jarraf on FB
following your bloh
Done and done! Followed through blogspot and commented on the Holiday Get Togethers Dessert post!
I followed her blog on GFC and I comment on the post entitled “Logging December Memories”.
Following on GFC and posted a comment about the Simple Handmade Coasters.
christianandjulia@me.com
following her blog as lilium cavaliers.
Commented on the doll sock dress craft.
jamieadkins@mail.com
2.) Post a comment on one of our previous posts.
https://www.weknowstuff.us.com/we-know-stuff/2011/12/salt-dough-holiday-penguin-tutorial.html
🙂 Done!!
1.) Follow Julie’s blog: http://oneclevercottage.blogspot.com/
🙂 Trista Zollars
I am now following her blog and I also left a few comments on other posts of yours! 🙂
Would love to win these! Thanks so much!
done and done (the one about Monkey’s on a stick)
Following Julies blog via GFC as Mechele Johnson.
I also posted on your Homade Flour Tortilla’s recipe post.
Awesome giveaway!
I did both!!!
tanyas.junk1(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you via GFC and commented on your Friday Photo 12/9 Awesome giveaway!
I am a follower of their blog on gfc as jhb. I love being one of the first ten to follow a blog.
Commented on upside down cookie mix jars post.
What beautiful bags, especially love the patchwork one.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com
I did both! Thanks for the great giveaway 🙂
Hello…I followed and posted a comment here:
https://www.weknowstuff.us.com/we-know-stuff/2011/06/photo-fridays.html
Thanks for sharing this giveaway at suchfuntogive.blogspot.com!
The handmade quilts are so beautiful. The recipes sound scrumptious!!! Such a wonderful variety!
Debbie Spake
Great stuff always! You know I am the biggest fan and have followed the instructions to enter! 🙂
Now following Julie’s blog and commented on chocolate biscotti.. sounds yummy- planning to try it out!
Following Julie’s blog! Such cute stuff!!! Left a comment on your Snake Dog toy! What a cool idea!!!
Great giveaway……GREAT product! I am following Julie’s blog and I commented on one of your dessert posts (yum). Thanks!
Done and done (on your dress pillow post–love that idea!)! Great giveaway. I’m so proud of Julie for all that she’s been accomplishing (I’m family)!
done & done! love the bag!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I am now following Julie’s blog and commented on your Zucchini bread post.
krileong at gmail dot com