Want to win the next tutorial?

I'm working on a new, simple felt flower tutorial to debut this week! I know that many of you like to purchase the newest tutorials, so I thought I'd give you a chance to win it!

To enter to win, you must do two (2) of the following:

*Pin one of my tutorials from my Etsy store to your Pinterest board!

*Give my Facebook page a shout-out on your page!

*Post your favorite picture of a tutorial made with a Birdsong pattern on my Facebook page wall.

*Purchase a tutorial or bundle collection from the Birdsong Etsy shop or the Birdsong website between now and noon Eastern on Wednesday, Feb. 29!

*If you purchased a tutorial from me on YouCanMakeThis.com, write a positive review of one of my products there! (You can only post a review if you purchased there).

THEN: (And this is important!!) Be sure to send me a note to deanna {at} birdsongbows.com so I know you've completed your two entries and want to be part of the contest. The contest will close at noon Eastern time on Wednesday, Feb. 29, and I'll do the drawing via Random.org shortly after! TWO (2) people will be selected to win the brand-new tutorial.

Thank you to Christi Nelson of Rawsii for the cute photo!

And the winner is.....

Today's winner from our Facebook question game, chosen via Random.org, is Trisha Ashley! Trisha, please contact me at birdsongbows (at) gmail (dot) com and tell me which tutorial you would like for free!

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Photography Month! Photography makes the listing, Part 3

This month I'm continuing to feature the work of some of the great photographers I've had a chance to work with, and give some tips about making photography work with your listings. One of those great photographers is Kate of Peekaboo Photography. I worked with her last year, and specifically wanted her to take some photos that could be the "face" of my brand.

I love the fanciful backgrounds that Kate uses, and she captures her little models in poses that look girly, cute, and natural. Kate and her husband, also a photographer, have three girls, and she certainly knows how to take photos with a fanciful quality that drips "girl!" When hiring a photographer, think both about the look you want for your product, but also the look you want for your shop. I knew Kate's photos would create the mood I was looking for when people entered the Birdsong Etsy store.

Below are beautiful photos Kate took of the Hannah flower and of two of my best-selling bow tutorials:

Take some time to browse Kates's work on her website!

Congratulations to the winners of the accessories challenge!

Congratulations to the winners of the hair bow challenge this month!!!

The Voter's Choice award goes to Evelyn, with her fascinator (above)!! She wins a tutorial of her choice OR two de-stash ribbon mixes from Birdsong Bows and Patterns!

And the winner of of the random drawing, completed through Random.org, is Ginger, with a Valentine-inspired funky loopy bow (above)! Ginger wins a $15 gift certificate generously donated by The Ribbon Retreat.

Thanks so much to everyone for entering! Both winners can contact me at birdsongbows [at] gmail [dot] com. I'll host another contest next month! :)

Photography Month! Photography makes the listing, Part 2

This month I'm continuing to feature the work of some of the great photographers I've had a chance to work with, and give some tips about making photography work with your listings. One of those great photographers is Christa of a Hope and a Wish Photography. I've worked with her since 2007, and she does some amazing work. She started in photography when her first daughter was born, then began taking photos for boutique designers. She opened her studio to clients two years ago.





Christa often uses a studio to shoot many of her photos. This has been a plus for me, because I know that even if I send her a hair accessory in January, she'll be able to take the photo regardless of the weather. I love natural-light photography as well, but there's a time and a place for studio work. And with the new backgrounds that have become popular, it's fun to work with the photographer to get the exact look you're trying to achieve. When looking for a photographer to capture your work, be sure to ask if she primarily shoots in natural light or in the studio, and discuss how you want your photos presented.
I like shots of my most "formal" looks to be done in the studio. Below is one Christa took of the Elizabeth ribbon rose/ruffle flower headband:


Take some time to browse Christa's work on her website!