Giveaway from Maddie and Alex (this giveaway is now closed)

I would like to introduce you to a very fun shop named Maddie and Alex. I love when you can add a little of your child's personality to their bedroom. I really love when you can add that personality for around $10.

When I found the shop Maddie and Alex I knew I wanted them in the spotlight here. They were kind enough to make me a special order switchplate (pictured below) in my daughters choice design.

I love that just a simple switchplate can add so much personality to a room.

I asked Maddie and Alex about their shop and this is what they had to say:

When did you open your Etsy shop? Opened my Etsy shop last March, 2009. Dabbled with it a bit but didn't really start using it effectively until this past fall. I quit my job last summer, and once my kids were both in school all day, I had more time to concentrate on creating new, fun items and to become more fluent with Etsy.

How did you start making these beautiful switchplates? I started making the light switch covers when I became bored with the covers in our home.
At the same time I had discovered how much I loved the prints, patters and colors of scrapbook paper. However, I didn't know what to do with the paper because I wasn't interested in scrapbooking.

The a "light bulb" went off and I started embellishing our light switch covers with the fun paper that I had found and then finished the covers off with coordinating trim for a fun and whimsical touch.

I started having so much fun with this, that I kept buying the covers and more and more paper, and even fabric (found that paper was easier to use), and pretty soon I had a full tote of embellished light switch covers.

At this time I didn't have any real direction of what I wanted to do with my new found passion, so I began attending local craft shows.

I sold a few items, got a great response from people, however I heard repeatedly from customers, "oh, what a clever idea, I should do that", and then they wouldn't really buy anything.

So craft shows ended up being rather disappointing and disheartening. Then a friend of mine told me about Etsy. I checked etsy out and later that day, I heard a local talk show talking about Etsy, too.

So I "ran with it". Since I'm slightly competitive, I wanted to get myself on etsy before someone stole my light switch cover idea.

However, I then discovered that my new found passion wasn't a new idea at all, and in fact their were many fellow "Etsians" who embellish light switch covers.

No worries, I soon realized that my light switch covers were different and unique from the others and there was plenty of room for me, and my product, in the Etsy marketplace.

At first I was concentrating on almost any theme that might interest any particular customer. For example, I was doing covers that would be perfect for cabins or anyone who loves the north woods, or I'd make covers for anyone who might like tropical themed items.

When I really started getting attention, was when I began putting together items for children's rooms. Since I, too, am partial to color and whimsy, I really had fun doing crazy kids themed covers, like the ones I had created for my girls.


And over the past few months, Ive learned that my "niche" has really become colorful, whimsical, fun items that I'm finding most of my customers are trying to coordinate with their Pottery Barn kids bedding.

What are some custom things you can do for customers? As for custom made items, really the sky is the limit! At home, for myself, I've created mirrors, chalkbored frames, tissue boxes, a doll cradle (never really finished it), picture frames and I've had may customer requests for coordinating outlet covers which I've happily put together.

Sometimes I'm overly ambitious, but I'd like to start doing small pieces of furniture, like kids book shelves, maybe an old wooden high chair or crib for a real boutique style item.

I just love working with my hands using, paint, paper, glue and scissors. I like to get messy and become physically involved with my work just like any other crafty or artistic person does.

What is your favorite item in your shop? As for a favorite item in my shop?? Can't say that I have one. I always like my new items because I get quickly bored with the old. I just love crazy combinations of color and whimsy!

I make my items just for fun!! And I'd like my customers to have my items in their homes just for fun! Nothing to take too seriously, just a simple household item made fun!!

Buy It - Mattie and Alex have a huge selection of switchplates to choose from but if you need a switchplate that is different than what they have or you need a different pattern just convo them and ask. Make sure to tell her I sent you.

Win It - Maddie and Alex is offering one of my readers your choice of switchplate from her shop in single or double switch. They are offering this to my US readers only due to differences in outlets in other countries.


Mandatory Entry (this must be done before you can gain any extra entries) - Go visit Maddie and Alex and come back leaving me the name of your favorite switchplate in their shop.


**YOU MUST LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOUR THE WINNER.


Extra Entries (must have mandatory entry completed before you can gain extra entries) -
If it say (3) comments you must leave 3 separate comments.

1. Follow my blog - (3) entries

2. Grab my button and leave a link of where I can find it - (5) entries

3. Blog about this giveaway - (5) entries

4. Heart Maddie and Alex on Etsy (add as favorite) - (1) entry

5. Enter any of my other giveaway - (1) entry for each giveaway

6. Email 3 friends or co-workers and tell them about this giveaway making sure to give them the link (I'm trusting you to be honest with this one) - (3) entries

7. Purchase anything from Maddie and Alex and come back letting me know what you purchased - (10) entries


This giveaway will end on March 27, 2010 and is open to US readers only. I will select a winner using a random number generator and I will email the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before I select a new winner.