CONTEST IS CLOSED! Super Sweet Creations Review & Giveaway!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 Posted by Jolly Mom
If you have a son, you know how difficult it can be to find really cute clothes for boys! Stores usually reserve a few square feet for the boys and the rest of the store is brimming with the cutest girl clothes. Ok, so a few square feet may be a stretch, but moms of boys know exactly what I am talking about. So, when I stumbled on Super Sweet Creations on Etsy, I was so excited to see the most adorable handmade appliqued tie shirts for boys! From the pictures alone, I knew that I would love these shirts for Lucas. They look like "little man" shirts and the appliqued ties are so handsome and reminiscent of real men's ties. Monica from Super Sweet Creations gave me the opportunity to try out one her shirts. I was so excited to receive the shirt and when the package came, I hurriedly tore into it. Let me just say, that I was not disappointed! The shirt is so adorable and extremely well made. Monica goes the extra mile to add the sweetest touches. For example, on the back of the shirt, you will see a tag that reads, "You are the one I love". How sweet is that?Lucas wore his brand new "little man" shirt on Thanksgiving. We had 23 people over for Thanksgiving and EVERY single person that walked through the door complimented his shirt! He looked so handsome wearing it and it is such a great way to "dress up" a little boy without making him uncomfortable!
Moms of girls, don't be discouraged! You can find adorable items at Super Sweet Creations for your little girls as well. Also, don't be afraid to buy a tie shirt for your little girls. If you let Monica know that you are ordering for a girl, she will embellish it with rhinestones. Below, you can see Monica's daughter looking totally gorgeous in a tie shirt! Monica also makes the most beautiful, luxurious baby blankets, which can be found at her other shop YATOIL(You Are The One I Love). And, finally, her 11 year old son, Nathan is also super talented. Believe it or not, he also has an Etsy shop called Zero 4 Ever where he sells his own paintings!
Get To Know Monica Sweet!
Please tell me a little bit about you and your family.
I'm the oldest of 3 and the only girl in my family, my parents migrated to the US from Guatemala when I was 13. I've lived in Southern California since 1991, this is where I met my husband Andrew from Vermont- small world! We used to watch the same shows when we were kids. The only difference is I would watch them in Spanish and he in English.
I now have 3 children of my own- 2 boys and 1 girl: Nathan 12, Sarah 7, and my exclusive private model Lucas 4.
Have you always been crafty?
One of the first memories I have of my crafty talent is when I was about 8 years old I would find plastic shopping bags that had a cartoon design such as the Smurfs or the Flinstones on them and I would iron them onto my T-shirts and charge my fellow classmates to do it for them as well, so the answer would be yes!
What motivated you to open an Etsy shop?
I have an Electronics engineering degree, but when my kids were born I decided to stay home with them. During the past 10 years, I did a lot of part time jobs to help out my husband. Last year after working for 2 years as a nanny while my 2 eldest where in school and my youngest would be my companion, I decided that it was time to stay home again.
After 6 months of staying home I realized that everyday I had a couple of hours of nothing to do and I wanted to help my husband (we're trying to get into a house) so one night it just came to me. I can make baby blankets! I tried to make one the very next morning but I wasn't successful on the first try. I signed up for sewing classes. While I was looking for binding instructions on the net, I came across the best thing that has happened to me (after husband and kids of course) Etsy!!
Blankets have now evolved into other very cool items
How does being a mom influence you creatively?
As a mother of 3 I have tried several outfits that I liked but my kids were not having it so that has given me the hands on experience to know what is comfortable for them as well as the look that I'm going for. Who doesn't like a boy with a tie? Ever body except for the little one who feels like he's being choked, so moms do really know best!
How do you balance motherhood with the demands of your shop.
It's a really tough challenge but I have to prioritize. I work in the morning until 2 when Lucas comes home and then I get "cleaned up" before it's time to get the other 2 from the bus stop at 3:30pm. Then I put in some over time after they go to bed. Friday I try my best to put everything away so there is some sort of order while we're running around from soccer games to art classes to church on the weekend
When you are not creating things, what are you doing?
Cleaning, organizing, online, volunteering for soccer games, daydreaming.
What handmade item do you cherish the most?
When my mom was pregnant she made me a small crochet red pillow case with yellow flowers on it.
I noticed that your 11 year old son, Nathan, also has an Etsy shop called Zero 4 Ever! You have a family of artists! His paintings are really beautiful and I am still stunned that he is only 11 years old. Can you tell us a little bit about him and how he began painting?
Nathan is my first born, he was my wake up call at 19 years old. He is a really good kid. He has been making his bed since he was about 3 and putting his own clean laundry away as well. At that same age his drawing capabilities were amazing However, he didn't start talking until he was about 4. We thought that because our household is bilingual he was having a hard time, but his Pre-K teacher advised us to get him checked out. Through LAUSD, he had a hearing test, vision test, and a psychological assessment. They were very impressed at how smart he was when it came to puzzles and his ability to see images 3d on paper. We were told that it's very common especially for boys to be very good with their hands. That they do not care about talking-a big piece of mind for us! By the time he entered 1st grade, he was talking perfectly and now he's bilingual and mastering in back talk.
As his mom I knew he could draw exceptionally well, but it gave my confidence a big boost when his 1st grade teacher pulled me aside and told me that I should look into art classes for him. I walked into an art studio and inquired about tuition. Sadly, I realized that I wasn't able to afford it, but after asking a few questions- they offered me a cleaning exchange(I cleaned the art studio for the length of his weekly class) and he's been taking classes for about 5 years now.
What advice would you give moms who want to turn their craft into a business?
Love what you do!! Do what makes you happy!! Every night I go to bed exhausted but every morning I'm thrilled to get up and start working. Find ways to make your craft unique and stand out from the rest. Go the extra mile in making it perfect. The best compliment you can get from a customer is their referral.
Ok, now for the giveaway! Monica has graciously offered to giveaway one of her handmade shirts to one lucky Jolly Mom reader! Contest will end December 14th and the winner (chosen via random.org) will be announced December 15th. US entries only.
How to enter:
1. Visit Super Sweet Creations or YATOIL and leave me a comment telling me which item from either shop you love the most.
Once you have completed the first entry, you have earned additional ways to win!
Additional Entries:
2. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and include a link to both Jolly Mom and Super Sweet Creations. Leave a comment with the URL.
3. Add Jolly Mom to your Twitter and "tweet" about the giveaway. Leave me a comment with your Twitter name.
4. Add my button to your sidebar AND Follow Jolly Mom. Leave a comment telling me you did so.
5. Subscribe to Jolly Mom. Leave a comment telling me you did so.
6. Stumble or Digg this post and leave me a comment with the URL telling me you did so.
That's SIX chances for you to win!
Also, don't miss out on my other great giveaways! Click on the links below to enter. Make sure to check back every day for the next couple of weeks for many more giveaways!
- Plan Toys Huge Giveaway! Over $100 in AWESOME toys!
- Win The Munchie Mug-Spill Resistant Snack Cup
- KABOOST Giveaway
- Precious Girls Club Giveaway
- Pak Nak Giveaway-The Perfect Stocking Stuffer
- Super Sweet Creations
December 2, 2008 12:25 AM
I like the chocolate brown long sleeve with the blue stripe neck tie! They are all so stinkin' cute! The camo truck is also very adorable!
December 2, 2008 5:56 AM
I think this is absolutely adorable the MELTING ICE CREAM applique -short sleeve ONESIE...Pink Wallpaper fabric in a size 12mo would be perfect! Thank you very much for your giveaway!
December 2, 2008 6:03 AM
I love the pattern on the "Celebrate fall" necktie shirt...what a great idea this is!
December 2, 2008 6:28 AM
i love the tie shirt for girls...my little hannah would look wonderful in it...thanks for offering a wonderful prize
December 2, 2008 6:40 AM
Everything is very cute. My favorite is the Navy long sleeve rib tee with brown/blue stripes neck tie applique.
December 2, 2008 8:29 AM
I CANT DECIDE! I think my fave is the CELEBRATE FALL TIE applique-LONG SLEEVE LAP TEE.
speak2erin (at) gmail (dot) com
December 2, 2008 8:30 AM
Twittered!
speak2erin (at) gmail (dot) com
December 2, 2008 8:43 AM
I like the NAVY LONG sleeve-Rib Tee with RED BLUE STRIPES neck tie applique. Too cute!
December 2, 2008 8:59 AM
i love this! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18082933
my son would look so handsome in it!
hiccupapparel@yahoo.com
December 2, 2008 9:02 AM
i twitted you! http://twitter.com/hiccupapparel
December 2, 2008 11:24 AM
My favorite is the WHITE LONG SLEEVE ONESIE with a RED AND GREEN STRIPES NECKTIE!
December 2, 2008 12:01 PM
love the red plaid christmas tie :) Lots of cute stuff!
December 2, 2008 12:02 PM
added to twitter and tweeted :)
valerie2350
December 2, 2008 12:03 PM
following you :)
December 2, 2008 1:04 PM
Love the Sunday's best onesie (white with the blue tie i think)
December 2, 2008 1:19 PM
I like the VINTAGE GIRLY CHOCOLATE BROWN RIB TEE ALMOND AVIARY BIB with CREAM TRIM 2t.
December 2, 2008 1:20 PM
I love the seahorse onesie.
rebbi511 at peoplepc.com
December 2, 2008 1:23 PM
I subscribe.
rebbi511 at peoplepc.com
December 2, 2008 2:07 PM
Oh my goodness, that is BEYOND adorable! I LOVE IT!!! I love Chocolate Brown LONG SLEEVE tie appliqued onesie for sure. SOOO Cute!!!
shannipooh@gmail.com
December 2, 2008 2:08 PM
I tweeted this contest. I am finleypotamus there.
December 2, 2008 2:09 PM
I subscribed!
December 2, 2008 2:31 PM
I love the hot pink giraffe blanket. Very cute!
Lisa
lisaheath1@hotmail.com
December 2, 2008 3:47 PM
I love the CUTE ONESIE....... CHOCOLATE BROWN tie applique-LONG sleeve onesie...BLUE Stripes 3-6 months.
So cute!!
December 2, 2008 3:54 PM
I like the Navy Long sleeve-Rib Tee with Red Blue Stripes neck tie applique in size 2t.
December 2, 2008 3:59 PM
I just tweeted about this and added you!
I'm @princesshaley
December 2, 2008 4:11 PM
I like the chocolate brown long sleeve with the blue stripe neck tie! I love this etsy shop.... they have been in my faves for AGES!!
December 2, 2008 4:28 PM
I love the white long sleeve shirt with pink christmas tree- so cute!
thanks!
yellyjohnsen@yahoo.com
December 2, 2008 4:35 PM
CAMO TRUCK appliqued LONG SLEEVE BLACK RIB TEE..... ....size 2t -- adorable!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
December 2, 2008 4:41 PM
I love this! When I found out I was having a boy (my first and so far only child), I cried (just a little!) because it meant I wouldn't be able to buy adorable clothes. How silly was I? I'm over it now, but I still search for truly CUTE boy outfits! These are adorable. My fav is the Cute Onesie in Choclate Brown with the tie applique in blue stripes.
December 2, 2008 6:09 PM
I think the "Celebrate fall" necktie shirt is adorable. Thanks!
December 2, 2008 7:20 PM
Too cute....love the chocolate
December 2, 2008 7:49 PM
I really like the Christmas red onesie with Classic and dressy vintage style bib.
livlifelov at yahoo dot com
December 2, 2008 9:03 PM
I absolutely adore the red plaid christmas tie! Thank you for a great giveaway :)
December 2, 2008 9:22 PM
I love the CHRISTMAS NECKTIE appliqued LONG sleeve-Rib Tee size 4 Very Trendy. I especially love that the model is a girl!
urchiken at gmail dot com
December 2, 2008 10:33 PM
I have your button and I follow!! Did I win?
December 2, 2008 11:17 PM
I love the Celebrate fall shirt...so cute! I would love to have one of these shirts for Kenyon. He'd like having his own "tie" like daddy has. Thanks for a great giveaway!
December 2, 2008 11:43 PM
I like the Navy Long sleeve-Rib Tee with Red Blue Stripes
December 3, 2008 1:03 AM
I love the almond avairy bib tee!
December 3, 2008 7:50 AM
I love the chocolate brown tie applique cute onesie for 6-12 months- such cute stuff!
December 3, 2008 8:38 AM
I twittered it up!
December 3, 2008 8:42 AM
How cute!
December 3, 2008 8:44 AM
I have a grand daughter that would look so adorable in the Pink Christmas Tree tee. Thanks so much for your giveaway.
December 3, 2008 10:20 AM
I love the camo truck applique shirt.
She does some really cute stuff, and yes, it's so hard to find really cute boy clothes!
Thanks for finding some for us!
December 3, 2008 1:34 PM
I like the black long sleeve rib tee with the Christmas necktie! Adorable!
cookiert at yahoo.com
December 3, 2008 1:49 PM
I love all the neck tie appliqué shirts best!!!
jennifer.lleras@gmail.com
December 3, 2008 2:50 PM
I hear ya about finding cute boys clothes. The Super Sweet Creation site is great. I love her stuff. My fave is the chocolate brown shirt with the tie on it.
a peak AT hotmail .com
December 3, 2008 7:13 PM
love this site
December 3, 2008 7:23 PM
I love the CELEBRATE FALL TIE applique-LONG SLEEVE RIB TEE...Rich Fall Colors in size 4t.
samsakara@twcny.rr.com
December 4, 2008 12:08 AM
i love the sea horse and the christmas tie!
December 4, 2008 3:24 AM
Everything is so cute, I like the NAVY LONG sleeve-Rib Tee with ORANGE PLAID NEKCTIE.
December 4, 2008 12:04 PM
Following you on twitter!
December 4, 2008 12:05 PM
I *puffy heart* all the tie t-s. But my fav is the chocolate brown long sleeve tee with blue & brown striped tie.
You are so right - it's totally unfair the impossibility of finding cute boys clothes. (That don't feature monster trucks or animals!)
December 4, 2008 1:44 PM
I like the MINI LOVEY BLANKIE .....MINKY SWIRLS WITH SILKY SATIN PRINT...COMFORT FOR BOYS. All the blankets are wonderful and they look so soft and warm.
December 4, 2008 4:32 PM
The ADORABLE SEA HORSE short sleeve onesie...Orange Sunburst cotton fabric 6-12 months is so cute. Thanks.
Heidi
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
December 4, 2008 7:39 PM
The long-sleeved brown with red and yellow stripes, but they are all so adorable!!!
December 4, 2008 11:23 PM
I stumbled it!
December 5, 2008 12:26 PM
I like the SEA HORSE short sleeve onesie
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
December 5, 2008 1:49 PM
I love the CUDDLE FLEECE TODDLER BLANKET- very cute!
December 5, 2008 3:43 PM
I love the yoga pants and onesie set!
Really cute with the horse!
December 5, 2008 10:28 PM
I think CELEBRATE FALL!
December 5, 2008 11:38 PM
I blogged about this at http://sarahspeakssavvysahmreviews.blogspot.com/2008/12/fantastic-friday.html
December 6, 2008 4:54 AM
I love- SET OF THREE VERY ABSORBENT BURPIES.... COORDINATING MORNING GLORY COTTON PRINT
from (super sweet creations)
ashlomb at yahoo dot com
December 6, 2008 4:58 PM
CHOCOLATE BROWN LONG SLEEVE RIB TEE with a NECKTIE
I love this one!
December 6, 2008 5:50 PM
MELTING ICE CREAM applique -short sleeve ONESIE...Pink Wallpaper fabric
December 6, 2008 9:41 PM
i like the seahorse onesie.
December 7, 2008 1:31 AM
I like the NAVY LONG SLEEVE tie appliqued- onesie BLUE ORANGE PLAID...Rich Winter Colors, so cute!
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
December 7, 2008 8:50 PM
I think the Mini Sophie Lavender Paisley with Rosebud Swirls blankie is adorable!
My favorite shirt is the Melting Ice Cream applique shirt.
December 8, 2008 2:22 PM
I like the chocolate brown long sleeve with the blue stripe neck tie the best. Thank you!
December 8, 2008 2:22 PM
I subscribed via email.
December 8, 2008 2:22 PM
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted. *andreashops*
December 8, 2008 3:35 PM
I love the fighter jet onesie! My son would look adorablein this!
December 8, 2008 3:45 PM
I subscribe to your feed!
December 8, 2008 8:51 PM
I blogged about it!
December 8, 2008 10:21 PM
VINTAGE GIRLY CHOCOLATE BROWN RIB TEE ........ALMOND AVIARY BIB with CREAM TRIM
December 8, 2008 10:57 PM
VINTAGE GIRLY CHOCOLATE BROWN RIB TEE ........ALMOND AVIARY BIB with CREAM TRIM ............. 6 Very Trendy
Love this!
December 8, 2008 11:00 PM
http://bloggysweeps.blogspot.com/2008/12/jolly-mom-super-sweet-creations-review.html
blogged!
December 8, 2008 11:00 PM
subscribed via reader
December 8, 2008 11:02 PM
added your button and follow!
December 9, 2008 12:31 AM
BABY GIFT SET ..............FIGHTER JET and TIE applique-LONG SLEEVE onesie .........12-18months is adorable
rosans4@comcast.net
December 9, 2008 12:33 AM
I just subscribed
rosans4@comcast.net
December 9, 2008 8:38 AM
how adorable would my scruffy skater boy look in a tie
i love CHOCOLATE BROWN LONG SLEEVE RIB TEE with a NECKTIE appliqued......Blue and Brown stripes Rich Fall Colors size 8
December 9, 2008 8:41 AM
I tweeted
MelindaMB
December 9, 2008 8:42 AM
I added your button and follow!!!
http://lookwhatmomfound.blogspot.com/
December 9, 2008 2:15 PM
I love the navy long sleeve shirt with the tie. My little man would look adorable in it!
December 10, 2008 9:51 PM
Beverly
So many adorable items! I liked the navy long sleeve tee with brown blue stripes neck tie applique. I liked everything. Great website!
Thank you for the giveaway.
wofat1@lycos.com
December 11, 2008 4:54 PM
cdrury@gmail.com
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18082933 would be perfect for my grandson
December 11, 2008 10:37 PM
Would like to win
December 12, 2008 2:57 AM
I like the RETRO BABY BLANKET with two toned Rosebud Swirls and Chocolate Brown Trim
donna444444@yahoo.com
December 12, 2008 2:57 AM
I put your button on my blog, and I am following.
donna444444@yahoo.com
December 12, 2008 2:58 AM
I subscribed to your feed.
donna444444@yahoo.com
December 12, 2008 2:00 PM
my favorite is the NAVY LONG sleeve-Rib Tee with BROWN BLUE STRIPES neck tie applique
December 12, 2008 2:22 PM
These are so cute! I like the CHOCOLATE BROWN tie applique-LONG sleeve onesie...BLUE Stripes !
December 12, 2008 4:20 PM
Just added your button and I'm a follower!
December 12, 2008 6:44 PM
I like the Celebrate Fall Tie-Long sleeve Rib tee...so cute!
December 12, 2008 8:46 PM
My favorite is the Navy long sleeve rib tee with brown/blue stripes neck tie applique.
Stampnsark@aol.com
December 13, 2008 4:36 AM
I like the PINK CHRISTMAS TREE Applique Long Sleeve Combed Cotton Rib Tee size 2t, very cute.
December 13, 2008 10:25 AM
I love the CHOCOLATE BROWN LONG SLEEVE RIB TEE...BLUE STRIPES NECKTIE
December 13, 2008 11:57 AM
I like the VINTAGE GIRLY CHOCOLATE BROWN RIB TEE ........ALMOND AVIARY BIB with CREAM TRIM ............. 6 Very Trendy at SuperSweetCreations's shop.
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com
December 13, 2008 3:19 PM
I like the navy long sleeve onesie with red and blue striped tie.
thanks
yellyjohnsen@yahoo.com
December 13, 2008 5:52 PM
I like the christmas mistletoe with stripes.
December 13, 2008 6:47 PM
BABY GIFT SET ..............FIGHTER JET and TIE applique-LONG SLEEVE onesie .........12-18months
luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net
December 13, 2008 10:04 PM
I love the BLACK LONG sleeve Rib Tee with CAMO TRUCK applique- .. size 2t! Perfect for my little boy! Thanks for the great giveaway!
countrygirl1823@aol.com
December 13, 2008 10:16 PM
The VINTAGE GIRLY CHOCOLATE BROWN RIB TEE is super cute and would loook fantastic on my daughter!
December 14, 2008 12:11 AM
I like the Vintage Girl Chocolate brownn Rib Tee with the Almond Aviary Bib with Cream Trim
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 12:12 AM
I'm a subscriber
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 12:12 AM
Your site Button is on my sidebar here
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 12:15 AM
I tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/nanja46/status/1056387011
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 12:19 AM
I tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/nanja46/status/1056387011
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 12:21 AM
I blogged this giveaway
http://nanja-nansplace.blogspot.com/2008/12/jolly-mom-giveaways_13.html
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
December 14, 2008 1:21 AM
Everything is just SO cute, but I love the celebrate fall tie long sleeve tee in 4t!
decadent87(at)yahoo(dot)com
December 14, 2008 1:26 AM
Dugg!
http://digg.com/arts_culture/Super_Sweet_Creations_Review_Giveaway
decadent87(at)yahoo(dot)com
December 14, 2008 1:28 AM
The seahorse shirt is my favorite.
December 14, 2008 12:11 PM
from yatoil i love the BLACK AND YELLOW FLORAL SILKY SATIN WITH GORGEOUS TWO TONED ROSEBUD SWIRLS.....MINKY BABY GIRL MINI BLANKET
December 14, 2008 12:12 PM
i subscribed :)
December 14, 2008 4:27 PM
You are so right about cute boy clothes! I dream of having a girl just to buy her all the cute dresses I see in the stores.
I love the blue navy shirt with the orange plaid necktie. Orange is my favorite color!
December 14, 2008 4:48 PM
I subscribe to your feed.
December 14, 2008 5:55 PM
I adore the NAVY LONG sleeve-Rib Tee with RED BLUE STRIPES.
December 14, 2008 6:57 PM
The brown with red and yellow stripes!
December 14, 2008 7:00 PM
My favorite is the SUNDAYS BEST ONESIE!
jnkrim (at) qwestoffice (dot) net
December 14, 2008 7:54 PM
Now this IS super cute. As the mom of a little boy, I LOVE the Christmas tie shirt.
December 14, 2008 8:55 PM
How cute! thanks!
December 14, 2008 10:37 PM
I heart the Sunday's best onesie :)
December 14, 2008 11:10 PM
I love the baby tie shirts, but I could only find one in the right size: Adorable TIE applique-CHOCOLATE BROWN ...Long sleeve onesie 12-18months. They are all darling. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
December 14, 2008 11:20 PM
RED PLAID NECKTIE appliqued LONG sleeve-BLACK Rib Tee size is perfect for the Holiday's for my 4 year old.
December 14, 2008 11:52 PM
The Chocolate Brown Longsleeve would be great! Thanks for the giveaway!