What's the deal with the meerkat?

Many of you have asked why there is a meerkat in my logo? Meerkats are so random, right?

The question that I have is "Why WOULDN'T there be a meerkat?" They are so cute and awesome!

But that's not the reason why I have it as a signature screen print or why it is a part of my logo.  So, here we go... The Meerkat Meaning.

Many years ago, my sister (aka, The Diva) fell in love with the show "Meerkat Manor" on Animal Planet.  She decided from that point on to refer to everyone she loved as a "Merr Cat".  I don't remember at what point she realized she had been mispronouncing it and switched over to saying "Meerkat", but it didn't matter.  The affectionate term spread like wildfire and pretty soon, I was hearing random people refer to their friends as "Merr Cats".

If you ever have the chance to meet my sister, you will immediately fall in love with her and her "merr cat" daughter, E.  She has a wonderfully infectious personality that 1) makes you feel cool to hang out with her, and 2) secretly want to be her.  If you ever do meet her, I guarantee you will want to call everyone in your love circle.... a Meerkat (or Merr Cat...whichever:)

So, in honor of my best friend and sister, I have included a Meerkat as my signature design. This one animal brings so much joy to my heart because of what it means to my sister and my family.  Love.

Much love to all my meerkats!

Making burp cloths while being sick? I must be crazy!

It started Friday afternoon when my voice went down two octaves. My mother-in-law called and thought I was her son because my voice was so low.  I woke up Saturday and felt awful...but the weekends are really my only days to work on building up OneTwentyOne, so I powered through. I must be crazy, right? Building a business when you feel like you got run over by a MACK truck? Well, I was determined.

And I succeeded. :) I'm still not well, but I completed my task.

As I am continuing to learn, I decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to have some items already made and ready to ship.  It took me a little longer than usual this weekend, but I was able to finish ten ready-made burp cloths to sell on Etsy.

AND... I even added a little extra to the sewing design.  I top-stitched in a coordinating or complimenting color in both a straight stitch and a zig-zag.  I also just put one zig-zag stitch down the center instead of diving the burp cloth into thirds.  However, because I am such a perfectionist, I see flaws in the design... probably only stuff that I can see... but it bothers me and I need to find a way to fix them.  And thus begins more research with trials and errors.  But that's life, am I right?

Thank you for allowing me to share this awesome journey with you.  I'm loving this! I hope you are too! And, I would love for advice and feedback...so hit me up when you get the chance. Here are a few photos from my weekend.

 Here is my sweet Q holding a burp cloth... isn't he just awesome?! And he was about to fall out of the chair...so I had to do a quick snap-and-catch. 

 A portion of my weekend project.

I love this one.  The fabric is a fantastic butter yellow and top-stitched in teal.  "Sweet Baby" is what I always say to my kiddos, so this phrase is sentimental to me. 

Hope everyone has a healthy and productive week! 

Thanksgiving Host/Hostess Gift Ideas

How many of you are going away for Thanksgiving? Whether you are visiting with family out of town, or hanging out with them in town, you were probably asked to bring your best dish to share.  How nice would it be if you brought an additional something for your host/hostess?...you know?...as a "Thank-you-for-cleaning-your-house-for-a-week-and-setting-up-the-tables-and-shining-the-silver" gift?

I've looked around and found some great DIY gifts that would be great for your host &/or hostess. I'm all about functional gift giving, and these three ideas are cute AND functional! =)

1. Painted Utensil Handle from Collect & Carry

2. Handmade Coasters from 33 Shades of Green

3. Stenciled Coasters from Little Blue Boo

Happy Creating!! and Happy Weekend!

Wednesday TIP: How to Run an Etsy Shop-GREAT DOWNLOAD!

Man! Starting a business is tricky!! I knew there would be some work, but I had no idea SO much would be involved. The social networking alone...oh my!

However, I'm willing to learn and make changes and update, update, update.  It has been a long time since I have been this excited about something, about working.  I just have to keep reminding myself that there is a reason its called "BUILDING a business" and not "BOOM! Insta-business!" It takes work and perseverance.

Recently, I have been stalking Pinterest and pinning like crazy! Its all about the research.  As I was sifting through the millions of pins, I came across this wonderful download off of Etsy.  So far, it has helped me tremendously.  It has organized my thoughts and helped me create a plan of action to grow my business.

I highly recommend this kit and, as a bonus, it's an instant download.  You don't have to wait around for it to come in the mail!

By the way, I'm not getting any sort of compensation for this review. I just want to help you by sharing what I have discovered.

So, what are you waiting for? www.handmadesuccess.com

If you have been running a handmade business for awhile and would like to share tips and tricks, please leave a comment below! =)

Happy Wednesday!
Jessica

Behind OneTwentyOne and Monday Encouragement

Good morning!!! Well, I don't know about you guys, but this Monday started off pretty rough. Here's just a little bit of what happened.  I overslept, then woke up to both my sons crying to get out of their rooms. As I was tending to the boys, changing diapers, etc., I had to get dressed myself.  Thank goodness its "no make-up November" because I did not have time for that.  As I was trying to get my oldest dressed...he re-discovered the word "No"... "No, I don't wanna wear pants." "No, mama, I don't like that shirt." "NO SHOES!"... Then, my husband comes back in the house because his car wouldn't start.

Have any of you had this kind of morning? Please tell me you have! If not, I need to live where you live because apparently blue birds chirp and sing all the time and little mice talk to you and mend your clothes at night :)

This morning brought me back to my favorite scripture passage, and it just happens to be the meaning behind the name "OneTwentyOne Designs".  This passage has helped me through many dark and gloomy days, uncertain circumstances, and much more. I hope it will also encourage you! Happy Monday!

Psalm 121 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

New Designs and New Fabric now available

I've just posted new fabric and new designs on Etsy! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for a Free Shipping coupon code.

NEW FABRIC (limited quantity)

NEW DESIGNS

Grand Opening - Discount Code!

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for special coupon codes! There is one available now until November 15th.  A Grand Opening Special!

Twitter (https://twitter.com/121Designs)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onetwentyonedesigns)
Instagram (http://instagram.com/one21designs)

GRAND OPENING! My Etsy shop is officially open!!

Yay!! I feel like I've been working on this forever, but in reality, it was probably just a couple of months.

I am super excited to announce that my Etsy shop for OneTwentyOne Designs is officially open.  At the moment, I only have a few items available, but new fabric is coming in, and new designs are already in the making.

Hop on over and visit www.etsy.com/shop/One21Designs ... I know you will love it!!

You can follow me on Twitter (@121designs), Instagram (@one21designs), and Facebook (Onetwentyone Designs).  Click on over to the About page for direct links.

Here are a few pics of the special order that I had from the previous post.

First Order!! GIRL Bundle Set 1 - Pink and Green

Yay! I received my first order this week and so very excited to be able to work on it.  After a screen printing catastrophe, I finally got it up and going.  Because I am not quite ready to open up my Etsy shop, this was a custom order for a baby girl. The images chosen were the {whale}, {meerkat}, and the words {sweet baby} on pink and green fabric.

Each image was hand screen printed and heat set on designer fabric made of 100% Cotton.  It is sewn onto 100% Polyester Chenille fabric that was chosen to be super soft and withstand many washes because...let's get real... babies spit up A LOT! Am I right? =)

Here is the result. (Photos of completed product to come later.)

 Meerkat - Close-up

Sweet Baby - Close-up

Pink Whale - Close-up

Available Designs

*Please note that because each burp cloth, bib, etc. is screen printed by hand and not by machine, the images above may vary slightly. The quality will still be excellent, but each print will be unique.